One of our listeners reached out about her need for resources for her blended family. I am so glad she did! This episode is for all of those navigated blended families and stepfamilies. I learned so much through this chat with Ron Deal and hope we all lean in to gather more understanding of all of God’s beautiful families.

Ron L. Deal is a bestselling author, licensed marriage & family therapist, podcaster, and popular conference speaker who conducts “laugh and learn” marriage and family seminars and professional training around the country and online. He specializes in both marriage enrichment and stepfamily education.

Frequently featured in the national media, Ron has worked full-time in marriage and family ministry since 1988 serving in both local churches and with FamilyLife®. He currently serves as President of Smart Stepfamilies™ and Senior Director of FamilyLife Blended®, a division of FamilyLife®. He is the most widely read and viewed author on blended families in the country.

My favorite part is how Ron shares the complex nature of blended families but also gives hope! He reminds us that God is in this process and for your families. He also encourages parents to have patience for the timing of it all. Don’t give up!

Enjoy!

Courtney

(0:00 - 2:00)Introduction to Ron Deal

(2:01 - 10:00) The Complexity of Blended Families

(10:01 - 18:00) Patience and Time in Family Bonding

(18:01 - 25:00) Resources for Step-Parents

(25:01 - 32:00) Ron’s Personal Journey

(32:01 - 40:00) Mindful Marriage Book Discussion

(40:01 - End) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

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 Ron

Smart Stepfamilies - books and resources

Smart Stepfamilies - find a counselor

Family Life Blended

The Mindful Marriage - new book and conferences

Right Now Media

Rachel & Rod Brown with Ron Deal (Family Life interview)

Clear Focus Bible for Kids

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

Do you have a daughter or son headed off to college or maybe a high school senior? This episode is for you! I gathered three college sophomores and asked them all the questions. What are your dorm tips? Study tips? Rush tips? Now, these are three girls. So, I imagine we need to do another episode with some guys - because their perspective would be different. However, so much of what they shared is universal and helpful to all.

Camryn, Caroline and Lucy offered such amazing encouragement for college kids on how to keep their faith a priority. I loved how they gave very practical tips from finding a mentor, finding a church, getting coffee with new friends and making a choice to spend time with God.

My favorite part is when they share about what they appreciate about their moms. It’s so fun to hear from the mouths of grown kids what mattered in their lives. I pray that it will encourage you to keep loving God and loving your kids well.

(00:00) Introduction and Dorm Essentials

(05:40) Study Tips for College Success

(11:28) Navigating Rush: Tips and Insights

(17:02) Maintaining Faith in College

(22:49) Appreciating Parents and Their Influence

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW

Resources Mentioned

School Simplified

Overwhelmed Mom

Brave Books

We made it to the end of the Empty Nester Wisdom series! If you missed any of these episodes, I encourage you to go back and be sure you have a notebook. Each guest brought such wisdom and godly encouragement for all seasons of parenting, but especially the empty nest season.

I’m so grateful for these women and the timing of this series. God knew I needed these chats just before I send Ella off to college.

Today’s guest is a dear friend and a trusted pastor of mine - Heidi Miller. She has been in ministry over 20 years and is currently serving as the Next Steps Pastor at my church, Compass Church. In this week’s episode, she shares about her journey with anxiety and what God has taught her through it all.

Whether your child is headed to pre-K or college or their first job, it is so easy to lay awake at night and just marinate in the worry. Heidi gives us such practical ways we can power through anxiety with God by our side. He has met her in anxiety through worship, prayer and community.

My favorite part is when she circles back to remind us all - that the thing she worried about most with Carlee was the very thing God used to transform her life. Praying you find deep encouragement and practical support today with this episode.

Enjoy

Courtney

(00:00) Navigating Empty Nesting and Friendship

(02:42) Understanding Anxiety in Parenting

(05:31) The Journey of Acknowledging Anxiety

(08:31) Finding God's Voice Amidst Anxiety

(11:27) Practical Steps to Combat Anxiety

(14:14) The Power of Community and Prayer

(15:31) Navigating Parenting Challenges

(19:08) The Importance of Prayer and Community

(21:54) Surrendering to God at Night

(24:49) Building Faith Through Everyday Moments

(28:40) Creating a Welcoming Home for Others

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 Heidi

Compass Church

Sisterhood/Mentor Event at Compass

Christy Nockels - King Who Never Sleeps

Worship Playlist by Heidi and Courtney

Lectio 365

Adventure Bible

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