Pardon the Mess with Courtney DeFeo - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:14–15)Throughout scripture, Jesus is referred to not just as a good shepherd, but as the good shepherd. On top of all the things mentioned above, Jesus would and will lay down his life for his sheep. Not only that, but the good shepherd cares so deeply for every single sheep that he will leave the 99 to chase down one. In Luke 15, a shepherd leaves his entire flock to find one lost sheep, and when he does, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and calls all his neighbors together to have a party for his lost sheep who is now found (verses 5–6).Jesus laid down his life for your kids. Jesus loves your kids so much that if they stray, he will not forget about them. They may seem lost to you, but they are not lost to Jesus. When they decide to return, he will rejoice over them and there will be a party in heaven! Let’s pray our kids will surrender their lives to Jesus, follow the good shepherd always, and trust his care over their lives.Lord, you are the good shepherd. I pray that ______________ puts their trust in you and decides to follow you. May they always know that they can run to you when they are afraid, overwhelmed, or don’t know what to do. And may they always know that if they stray, you will be waiting for their joyful return! Amen.Get your printed copy of A Life of Faith: Prayer JournalPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This summer, I ran into a Pardon the Mess listener and asked her how I could support her parenting journey on this podcast. She said, “All of my friends talk about health and hormones every day. It’s a real struggle.” I did not disagree. Maybe it’s middle age or the fact that we have TONS of information overwhelming us on social media - but the topic of women’s health is often overwhelming. For many years, I have run on empty and taking care of myself last. Anyone else relate to this approach? Today’s conversation with Dr. Edie Wadsworth won’t solve everything - but will hopefully encourage you as you navigate your health journey. I believe the health of us as parents greatly impacts how we show up with our kids. It’s inevitable to feel exhausted as parents - but imagine if you didn’t. I have never really understood insulin resistance until this conversation. My favorite part is at the end when she reminds ME and all of us - that our value isn’t tied to our weight. I also love how she encouraged us all to not give up and keep taking small steps.In our chat we discuss:Dr. Edie’s journey as a physician battling her own health strugglesHow can we understand our hormones as we ageWhat can we do to make some progress when we feel stuckHolistic and affordable ideas when we don't want another prescription Enjoy!CourtneyThe information provided in this podcast episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare professional regarding your health concerns, medical conditions, or treatment options.(02:55) Family Dynamics and Life in Tennessee(05:51) Health Journey and Transition from Medicine(08:59) Understanding Perimenopause and Hormonal Changes(12:01) The Importance of Holistic Health Practices(14:57) Nutrition and Hormonal Balance(17:55) Building Muscle and Managing Insulin Resistance(21:05) Creating Health vs. Managing Sickness(24:10) Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause(26:04) The Power of Self-Advocacy in Health(29:54) Navigating Hormonal Health and Finding the Right Doctor(31:42) The Role of Supplements and Hormone Replacement Therapy(33:53) Addressing Joint Health and Insulin Resistance(36:50) Overcoming Overwhelm and Building Healthy Habits(41:31) Resources for Health and Wellness(45:48) Embracing Worth Beyond WeightConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:Connect with EdieEdie’s PodcastLife Mentoring SchoolConversation with Ruth Soukup about weight lossThe Body Keeps ScoreYoung Living Why We Get SickThe Obesity CodePardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3–4)We have probably all been hurt by trusting someone or something too much. As believing parents, we know that there is something better for our kids when they put their trust in Jesus. Trusting Jesus means surrendering every part of our stories to him and knowing that his plans are good. Even if he feels far away at times, he cares for us and will provide for our needs because the world may under-deliver, but Jesus never breaks a promise.This means when our kids trust Jesus:They don’t need to be afraid when they are put in an unknown situation or life feels uncertain because Jesus always wins. They can feel confident that Jesus will protect them when they are facing something difficult because God answers his children when they call on him.They are God’s child, no matter how others treat them.They can have hope even in hopeless situations because Jesus has already overcome the world!Their lives will be blessed.This week, let’s pray that our kids fully love God by trusting in Jesus and begin to experience his great promises.God, I pray that ___________ learns to trust in you and your promises. When they are tempted to believe the promises of the world, may their heart be reminded that you will never forsake them. May they consistently see the sweet fruit that comes from trusting in you with their lives and with their stories. Amen.Get your printed copy of A Life of Faith: Prayer JournalPardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Happy New Year!!!I cannot believe it’s 2025. I've been thinking about this year for a long time because it’s the year my first child graduates from high school. Well, that went fast!Today’s episode is a special one for me, but also insanely practical for all of us. We have my brother, Drew McClure, on the show today to talk about “parent burnout.” Is it just the life of a mother to feel utterly exhausted all the days of our lives? Is there a way to have more energy? Better energy? Focused energy? Meaningful energy? He talks us through how to make some traction this year so we don’t burnout early in the year. His thoughts are wise and sustainable and tested. As the Founder of People Profit, his job is to coach companies to eliminate burnout and increase capacity. He has a deep passion for humans and how we work. So, let’s get his take on the performance of a parent!  Drew encourages us to start with one thing. Just one thing. You may want a journal or pad of paper as you listen to this one. It’s FULL of helpful tips to write down.My favorite moment is in the beginning when he tells his story from going to a wild middle schooler to walking with great friends that love Jesus. It’s a powerful example of how God can step in and speak to the heart of our kids. And that even the BEST parents (mine) cannot control outside influences and your children’s decision. But God. He can work it all for good.Enjoy!CourtneyConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy