Pardon the Mess with Scarlet Hiltibidal &#8211; Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Scarlet Hiltibidal

Connect with Courtney DeFeo

Summer Reading Picks

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

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Week 38: Be sanctified - Jesus May 25, 2026

Show notes

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

All the people we have talked about this year are heroes of faith. Whether they were named or unnamed, their stories hold significance in God’s word, which is always worthy of our attention! As much as we want our kids to take on the characteristics of the people in this great cloud of witnesses, our primary desire is that our kids become like Jesus, our rabbi, friend, perfect king, and our Savior.

We become more and more like Jesus as we spend more time with him. It’s the process of sanctification, or being made holy. We cannot be fully sanctified on this side of heaven, but the Holy Spirit does work within us as we surrender, obey, and return to him when we get it wrong. We are shaped to look more and more like Jesus.

Our kids will make mistakes, struggle with sin, and face challenges. We all do; it’s part of living in a broken world. But as they become more like him, their responses to those things will change because becoming more like Jesus means choosing truth over lies, kindness over gossip, love over selfishness, and obedience over comfort.

As we end this year of praying for our kids, let’s pray that our kids become like Jesus, that they live such a full life of faith that others will say, “They loved like Jesus loved.”

Jesus, sanctify __________ through your Spirit. Shape their heart to reflect you in how they love, serve, follow, and obey. May they go to you every day and learn to talk with you and listen to your voice all day long. May they allow you to help them be more like you every day so that your light shines through them. Amen.

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When decisions are tough with Megan Jones May 21, 2026

Show notes

Big decisions in motherhood often come with uncertainty—especially when it comes to balancing family, work, calling, and the many demands on our time.

In this episode, the tables are turned as Megan Jones interviews Courtney about her decision to step away as host of Pardon the Mess. The conversation explores the tension many moms feel when navigating career decisions, learning when to say yes or no, and discerning God’s direction in changing seasons.

Together, they talk honestly about the twists and turns that can come with work and motherhood, the challenge of trusting God with the unknown, and the importance of following his leading even when the path forward isn’t fully clear.

This episode is a thoughtful encouragement for anyone walking through a season of transition or making difficult decisions for themselves or their family.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:59 The Importance of Mentorship

05:56 Navigating Change and Transitions

12:08 Finding Purpose in Parenting

17:59 Reflections on Priorities and Regrets

18:48 Psst — we may have hidden a little surprise in this episode 🎉 In case you can't wait until May 28th to meet your new host!

23:56 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Encouragement

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Summer Reading Picks

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

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Week 37: Spread God’s word - Epaphroditus May 18, 2026

Show notes

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14–15)

Epaphroditus is not a name that many people know from the Bible, but his story is incredible. He was sent by the Philippians to bring a gift to Paul while he was in prison, but he did more than deliver a package—he ministered, encouraged, and served so faithfully that he became sick and nearly died. Once he recovered, he carried back the Letter to the Philippians, making sure that Paul’s message reached the church.

Paul describes Epaphroditus as a minister, brother, coworker, and soldier. He was totally committed to both Paul and Jesus, and his story is a reminder that God uses all people to spread his word.

Just like Epaphroditus was entrusted with a message, so are we. As soon as our kids accept Jesus, their mission begins. Sharing the gospel doesn’t require a microphone or a mission trip to a different city or country. Our mission to spread God’s truth happens in everyday conversations, acts of kindness, and bold faith. Whether at school, on the playground, or at home, our children carry the light of Jesus wherever they go. We are God’s first plan to spread the gospel, and not one of us is called to be quiet about it.

So this week, let’s pray that our kids grow to know, love, and follow Jesus, and that they are so excited about their faith that they can’t help but share the hope of it all.

Jesus, I pray that _______ will respond to your call to make disciples and share the gospel wherever they go. May they live in a way that reflects you working in their hearts. Give them the courage they need to share with others, and when they do, may they do so lovingly and gracefully. Amen.

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Looking back over the years of parenting with Jeannie Cunnion May 14, 2026

Show notes

Parenting often feels like a journey of wondering whether we’re getting it right—and it can be easy to tie our worth to the outcome of our children’s lives and choices.

In this episode, Jeannie Cunnion joins the conversation to reflect on the highs, challenges, and lessons learned through years of motherhood. Together, we talk about what really matters in parenting, how to release the pressure of trying to control outcomes, and why joy grows when we place our trust in God instead of our performance.

The conversation also explores the role of the Holy Spirit in parenting and the reminder that we were never meant to do this alone. God is at work in our homes in ways we cannot manufacture on our own.

This episode is a meaningful encouragement for moms who want to parent with more grace, freedom, and dependence on God.

00:00 The Exhaustion of Motherhood

04:10 Navigating Food and Family Life

06:04 Reflections on Parenting Through the Years

12:57 Faithfulness in Motherhood

15:48 The Importance of Instilling Faith

17:03 Cultivating Joy in Parenting

18:56 Relying on the Holy Spirit

24:29 The Power of Scripture in Family Life

30:03 Transformative Parenting Practices

33:32 Trusting God with Our Children

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Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Jeannie

Closer to God

Don’t Miss Out

Mom Set Free

Raising Boys and Girls

ABC Scripture Cards

I Can Learn The Bible - scripture memory source

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

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

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Week 36: A legacy of faith - Eunice and Lois May 11, 2026

Show notes

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. (2 Timothy 1:5)

Eunice and Lois are very briefly mentioned as the mother and grandmother of Timothy, but they are known for passing on a legacy of sincere faith. Have you ever thought about your kids being grandparents or parents one day? It’s incredible to think that what you pour into your kids now will influence what they pour into their own kids and impact generations to come.

Sometimes, raising kids can feel mundane and like an unseen role, when the truth is that this important work can actually raise up generations of faith-filled men and women. This feels like a lot of pressure, but faith is so often caught, not taught. If we model a sincere faith to our kids, they are likely to follow the same path.

We don’t know what the future holds for our kids. Whether they become parents and grandparents or not, they will have an influence on the next generation of believers. As they know, love, and follow Jesus, they aren’t just impacting the world directly in front of them. They are also impacting people they don’t even know yet.

This week, let’s pray that our kids see the bigger calling on their lives and that their sincere faith will ripple out to many generations.

Jesus, I pray that __________ is a godly influence on everyone around them, that they live out a sincere faith in a way that influences their family, their friends, and their future family as well. Lord, I pray that you would begin to create a legacy of faith in my children to love God and love others.

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Why discomfort is critical for our kids with Sissy Goff and David Thomas May 07, 2026

Show notes

ATTENTION: I have a pretty big announcement in the introduction of this episode. Don’t miss what’s coming next on Pardon the Mess!

Raising confident, resilient kids starts with helping them believe they are capable.

In this episode, Sissy Goff and David Thomas—therapists and authors of Capable—share insight on how to help children build the confidence and resilience they need to face challenges. Drawing from decades of counseling experience, the conversation explores what it means for kids to develop a deep belief in their ability to do hard things and navigate adversity.

We talk about the importance of allowing kids to experience discomfort, why stepping back can actually help them grow, and how everyday moments can build confidence and emotional strength.

This episode is a helpful reminder that our kids are often more capable than we realize—and that giving them space to struggle can be one of the greatest gifts we offer.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories of Capability

03:02 Understanding Anxiety in Children

05:56 The Role of Parents in Building Capability

08:53 Balancing Support and Challenge in Parenting

11:46 Real-Life Examples of Capability in Children

15:00 Encouraging Capability in Teenagers

17:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Resources from today’s show:

Raising Boys and Girls

Connect on Instagram with Raising Boys and Girls

Connect on Instagram with Sissy Goff

New book - Capable