Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

There once was a jailer who was ordered to guard Paul and Silas securely. Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God when an earthquake shook the prison, flinging open the doors and loosening everyone’s chains. The jailer woke up and saw the doors open. Thinking the prisoners had escaped, he was about to kill himself, but Paul shouted and saved him. He fell to the ground and asked Paul and Silas what he had to do to be saved. In that moment, the word of the Lord spoke to the jailer and his entire household.

The jailer was transformed: He took Paul and Silas and cleaned all their wounds, he and his entire house were baptized immediately, and then he brought Paul and Silas back to his house and served them a meal and was filled with joy. He went from imprisoning Jesus’s messengers to joyfully sharing a meal after a baptism!

Faith is meant to transform us, and baptism is meant to tell the whole world of that transformation! Baptism does not save us; it is an outward display of an inward decision. When we are baptized, we are publicly telling people that we are no longer who we were before we followed Jesus. We should desire that type of faith for our kids—a faith that means being not ashamed but proud of how Jesus changed their lives.

This week, let’s pray that our kids tell people when Jesus changes their lives. When baptism is right for them, let’s pray they make that choice confidently and joyfully and let’s celebrate them big!

Jesus, I pray that you change __________’s life. May they have the type of faith that immediately takes action because they know life with you is too good. May they publicly declare their faith, so everyone knows they follow you. Amen.

It’s easy to focus so much on caring for our families that we neglect our own personal faith.

In this episode, Shelley Giglio, co-founder of Passion Conferences and Passion City Church, shares wisdom on what it looks like for women to cultivate a strong, personal relationship with God. The conversation explores how our faith shapes our homes, why it matters for our kids to see it lived out, and how to keep Jesus at the center in everyday life.

We talk about practical ways to grow spiritually, the influence of a parent’s faith on the next generation, and the lasting impact of consistently showing up with intention.

This episode is a meaningful reminder that investing in your own faith is one of the most powerful ways to impact your family.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Early Impressions

02:59 Seasons of Life and Ministry

05:56 The Importance of Letting Go

09:00 Faith and Parenting Dynamics

11:58 Encouragement for Moms

14:55 Everyday Discipleship and Spiritual Growth

16:00 Building Consistency in Scripture Reading

20:09 Navigating Faith Amidst Illness and Disappointment

24:01 The Impact of Family on Faith Development

30:00 Embracing Unique Paths in Motherhood

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Shelley

Passion City Church

Passion Conferences

Six Steps Records

The Grove

Open a LearningRX center

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

Sign up for Morning Minute

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

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11–13)

In his efforts to spread the gospel all over the world, the apostle Paul endured trials that would break most people. He was beaten, imprisoned, hungry, and persecuted. He experienced dangerous travels, a shipwreck, and even a snake bite! But through all of that, Paul continued to praise Jesus. He even sang hymns while in prison!

Of all people, Paul understood that our situations and our lives are temporary. He knew what it was like to have more than enough and also knew what it was like to struggle and fear. Through faith, Paul learned to be content in Christ, not his circumstances.

Our lives can change in a second, and our emotions are fleeting. True contentment is learned, and it doesn’t come naturally, especially for kids. It’s so normal for our kids to want the next best thing. Of course they want the latest toys, electronics, shoes, or clothes, or a place on the best sports team. But when they base their happiness on these things, they are chasing a status and a high that will always leave them wanting more. Even though we know this as parents, we fall into that trap too!

We will only feel truly content by trusting in God’s provision for us no matter what. Our contentment in Christ grows as we trust God more and more. This life is not about the latest and greatest, it’s about being in a relationship with God.

This week, let’s pray that our kids shift their minds to Jesus and learn to be content in him no matter what.

Lord, teach _______ to be content in you. Help them trust in your provision, rejoice in every season (good and bad), and find their peace not in circumstances or what they have but in you. May they, like Paul, decide that through Christ, they have all they need. Amen.

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

Parenting was never meant to be done alone, but building meaningful community can feel challenging in the middle of full and busy lives.

In this episode, Tammie Floyd shares wisdom from years of parenting and ministry, with a focus on friendship and the importance of community for moms. The conversation explores what it looks like to cultivate life-giving relationships, why support matters in every season, and how God often provides the right people at the right time.

We also talk about the role of the local church in a child’s faith journey and why consistent involvement can have a lasting impact.

This episode is a gentle reminder that we need each other—and that intentional community can make all the difference.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Family Background

04:59 Challenges of Parenting in a New City

10:03 Navigating Adult Friendships

14:59 Building Community Through Church

19:58 Raising Kids in Faith

20:51 Engaging Kids with Faith-Based Content

23:09 Navigating the Transition to Young Adulthood

27:02 The Importance of Community in Parenting

29:06 Prioritizing Church in Family Life

31:18 Three Key Themes in Parenting

35:59 Finding Joy and Humor in Parenting

39:39 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Tammie

Gateway Church

Parenting on Purpose curriculum

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

Sign up for Morning Minute

Open a LearningRX center

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

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:29–31)

Peter is known for being a leader among the disciples, for his job as a fisherman, for denying Jesus three times, and for his passionate and eager faith. Peter was ready to follow Jesus anywhere. In fact, when Jesus called Peter to follow him as his disciple, Peter immediately dropped what he was doing and followed him. And when the disciples saw Jesus walking on water, Peter asked Jesus to call him out onto the water too.

Peter stepped out of the boat, trusting that if Jesus called him, he could do the impossible. For a minute, he walked on water. But then he took his eyes off Jesus, just for a second, and started to sink. When Jesus rescued him, he asked, “Why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31).

Here is the thing: However imperfectly, Peter got out of the boat. This story reminds us that faith isn’t about never failing; it’s about always coming back to Jesus. Peter’s willingness to step out in faith grew his relationship with the Lord; it allowed him to experience miracles and do great things for God’s people and church. We can do those things too, but only if we are brave enough to get out of the boat.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. A life of faith has ups and downs, and we will all have moments of doubt. But a passion for Jesus means that when we fail, we always know who to reach for, knowing that he will reach back and help us.

This week, let’s pray that our kids take a risk for their faith. Let’s pray that they boldly and passionately follow where Jesus asks them to, knowing that with him they can do the impossible.

Jesus, give __________ a bold and passionate faith in you. Help them to hear your call for their life and give them the courage to follow you in that calling. When they face dear or doubt, remind them to call on you and trust in your goodness. Amen.

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

Procrastination is something every family faces. It shows up in our own lives and in our kids, often leaving us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure where to start.

In this episode, Jon Acuff returns to share practical insight from his latest book, Procrastination Proof. The conversation explores why we procrastinate, the common traps that keep us stuck, and how to take small, meaningful steps toward progress.

We also talk about how these patterns show up in our kids and what it looks like to guide them with understanding and encouragement instead of frustration.

This episode is a helpful reminder that getting unstuck doesn’t require perfection—just a willingness to take the next step.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Procrastination and Its Universality

02:57 Jon Acuff's Journey to Writing 11 Books

05:56 Understanding Procrastination as a Solution

09:02 The Satisfaction of Completing Tasks

11:53 Four Permissions to Overcome Procrastination

15:05 Navigating New Seasons of Life

18:10 Encouragement for Moms Facing Identity Changes

19:14 Emotional Transitions of Parenting

20:04 Understanding Different Parenting Styles

25:45 Identifying Parenting Traps

30:30 Encouragement for Personal Growth

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Jon Acuff

Procrastination Proof - Jon’s new book

Four Traps Quiz

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

Sign up for Morning Minute

Open a LearningRX center

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

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Zacchaeus was a very rich and corrupt tax collector who was disliked by the Jewish people. One day, Jesus was passing through town and Zacchaeus decided he wanted to see him! But as you may know, Zacchaeus was a “wee little man,” so he had to climb a tree to get a good view. Much to everyone’s surprise and dismay, Jesus pointed him out, spoke to him, and invited himself over.

At that moment, Zacchaeus’s heart changed. He felt guilty, but he also acted on his guilt and repented. He vowed to give half his possessions to the poor and to pay back four times the amount to anyone he had cheated. This wasn’t just a small apology—it was a complete turnaround; salvation came to his house and his faith was real because it moved him to action.

We all have a barrier to genuinely meeting and following Jesus. For Zacchaeus, it was his corrupt values and his size. But Jesus broke through those barriers, and when he did, Zacchaeus repented. For our kids, those barriers might be life situations, friends, or even distractions. But no barrier is too big for Christ to reach us. Jesus sees each of us and knows us personally. He invited himself into Zacchaeus’s life, though Zacchaeus was a known sinner, and he invites himself into our kids’ hearts too.

But responding to Jesus isn’t just about hearing his call; it’s about repentance. Zacchaeus didn’t just listen, he changed. As parents, we want our kids to truly follow Jesus, and that means turning away from sin and choosing a new way of life with him.

This week, let’s pray that our kids recognize the sin in their lives and repent of that sin, feeling confident that Jesus forgives them.

Jesus, thank you for forgiving our sins. Help __________ to see the sin in their life and to feel convicted. Take away all their guilt and shame in a way that only you can as they experience your perfect forgiveness. And may they live their life in a way that reflects your grace. Amen.

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

Loving your family well isn’t always as simple as it sounds. There are seasons when connection feels easy, and others when you feel unseen, unheard, or like your efforts just aren’t landing.

In this episode, Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages, shares insights from decades of helping couples and families better understand how to give and receive love. With the release of his latest book, the conversation goes deeper into how love languages can shape stronger, more meaningful relationships at home.

We talk about what to do when you don’t feel loved, how to better understand your spouse and children, and why taking the first step in showing love can shift the entire dynamic of a relationship. There’s also practical wisdom on how to approach hard conversations with care and intentionality.

This episode is a powerful reminder that small, consistent choices in how we love can make a lasting impact on our families.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Gary Chapman

01:43 The Importance of Feeling Loved

03:43 Gary Chapman's Life and Work

04:58 Understanding Love Languages

08:42 The New Book: The Love Language That Matters Most

12:39 Communicating Love Effectively

16:46 Identifying Love Languages in Children

17:49 Understanding Love Languages in Early Childhood

20:55 Practical Parenting Tips Using Love Languages

24:38 Engaging with Teenagers: Navigating Independence

29:32 Adapting Love Languages for Teenagers

32:23 Legacy of Love: Reflections on Parenting and Faith

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Dr. Gary Chapman

5 Love Languages

5 Love Languages free test

5 Love Languages Premium Assessment

The Love Language That Matters Most - new book

5 Love Languages of Children

5 Love Languages of Teenagers

Open a LearningRX center

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