I need EVERYONE to listen to this episode! It’s the kickoff episode for this upcoming school season and you will hear about an exciting new mentor program. I feel more excited than ever to be hosting Pardon The Mess this year. I feel expectant at what God is about to do IN and THROUGH our listeners. I believe it will be a multiplying year for all of us.

I prayed for God to give me direction, discernment and a fresh wind for these upcoming episodes. I do not take it lightly that you trust me with your time and heart and I want to steward that well. Pray with me that God moves through these episodes to reach people for Jesus and that we glorify Him through our families.

In today’s episode, you will have just me! I will share my journey with “mentorship” and invite you to join me all year. Maybe God is calling you to disciple or mentor a younger woman or maybe God is nudging you to reach out to a mentor. Either way, this episode will set you up for success and remind you why it matters.

At the end of this week’s episode, I will answer some of your parenting questions. From parenting new drivers to teen girls to young adults - parenting is so hard and we all need practical help. I share some resources and encouragement around a few topics. Let me know what other questions you have. Simply DM me over at Pardon The Mess Podcast on Instagram and I will make a note for our next Q&A episode.

Enjoy!

Courtney

(00:00) Welcome to Part of the Mess

(01:22) The Power of Prayer and Community

(02:38) Embracing Mentorship

(04:52) The Importance of Discipleship

(10:34) Introducing My Virtual Mentor

(15:06) Reframing Your Role as a Mentor

(20:02) Practical Steps for Mentoring

(22:42) Q&A: Addressing Parenting Challenges

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW

Resources from today’s show:

Camp Winshape

Praise God, All Creatures

Subscribe to Christian Parenting’s Friday Favorites

Compass Church - Women’s Fall Kickoff

Compass Church - Mentor Program

Johnson Ferry Baptist - Titus 2 Mentoring

Goals Sheet

Doing Life With Your Adult Children - book by Jim Burns

I’m happy for you, sort of, not really - book by Kay Wyma

The Lion and the Bear - devotional by Caroline Shankle

God Is - devotional by Alena (Pitts) Franklin

The Better Friend - book by Grace Valentine

Girl Mom Podcast by Kari Kampakis

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

It’s time for another school year. I am sure you’ve shopped for backpacks and school supplies and all of the things. Have you made a plan for how you will pray for your kids this year? I would argue it’s one of the most important things you can do for your family.

Today’s guest is prayer warrior, author, TV host, speaker and Bible teacher, Jodie Berdnt. She has authored a series of books entitled Praying Scriptures. She has a book for little kids, teens up to adults. During our chat, she shows us some practical ways we can use God’s word to pray for our kids. Watch this episode on YouTube so you can see the little hands she traces for her kids and grandkids. So cute!

My favorite part is that she talks about the biggest benefit or praying for our kids. Prayer unlocks the door to peace and security as a mom. I loved her encouragement that we can simply let go through the process of prayer. We can acknowledge that God is doing the work and He really cares for our kids. He can accomplish things that we never could as a mom. Wow! It’s just what I needed to hear at the start of another school year.

Love,

Courtney

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and Personal Background

(02:54) The Importance of Local Community

(05:24) Prayer and Its Impact on Parenting

(07:54) The Journey of Praying Scriptures for Children

(11:19) Transformative Power of Prayer

(13:57) Practical Prayer Strategies for Moms

(16:43) Long-Term Prayer for Children

(19:37) Praying for Teens and Young Adults

(22:20) Encouragement for Moms

(24:59) Closing Thoughts and Blessings

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW

Resources from today’s show:

Camp Winshape

Brave Books

Connect with Jodie

Jodie’s Books

MomLife - Jodie’s show

Moms in Prayer

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

We’ve got another great episode here at Pardon The Mess with Jessica Robertson. In this conversation, Jessica shares about her journey of faith, family and the importance of adoption. She reflects on her upbringing in a Christian home, the legacy of her father-in-law Phil Robertson, and the values instilled in her family.

Jessica discusses the emotional journey of adopting her son and the challenges and joys that come with it. I loved hearing her heart for adoption and how that has impacted her own faith.

My favorite part is at the end when she shares about what God is teaching her in motherhood right now. He has been pressing on her to slow down and enjoy the kids at every phase. That is a great challenge for this week. How can we slow down? Can we hug a little longer, stay at the park a little longer or linger at the kitchen table? Let’s not be so rushed that we miss moments with the gifts from above - our children.

Does everyone have their Prayer Journal? I’m excited to pray together through this school year. Join me!

Enjoy!

Courtney

(00:00) Introduction and Family Background

(05:45) The Journey of Adoption

(11:15) Challenges and Joys of Parenting an Adopted Child

(16:31) The Heart of Adoption and Fostering

(21:27) Dear Valor: A Story of Adoption

(26:56) The Power of a Mother's Love and Presence

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Jessica

Jep and Jess Growing the Dynasty

Dear Valor - her newest book

Brave Books

All God’s Children

Foster Village

Camp Winshape

Brave Books

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org