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 struggles
• How can we understand our hormones as we age
• What can we do to make some progress when we feel stuck
• Holistic and affordable ideas when we don't want another prescription

Enjoy!

Courtney

(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 Weight

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Edie

Edie’s Podcast

Life Mentoring School

Conversation with Ruth Soukup about weight loss

The Body Keeps Score

Young Living

Why We Get Sick

The Obesity Code

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

“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.

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

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!

Courtney

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33)

As we inch towards a new year, many of us are considering our goals and priorities. Some of us are coming up with our word of the year. That seemed to be the trend that started a few years back—pick one word to focus on for the entire year. I’ve heard people choose words like love, intentional, joy, courage, prayerful.

But what if our word was simply, God?

What would our year look like if we chose to focus on God before everything else?

This week, let’s pray that our kids will love God with their whole hearts and make seeking him their first priority every day this coming year and every year.

Father God, I pray that ______________ would choose you this year. Give _________ an undivided heart and teach them your ways. I pray they would wake up every day and decide that honoring you and deepening their relationship with you would be their first priority. When it is tempting to choose something else over you, remind them that you are the same yesterday, today, and forever and that you want their whole heart. Amen.

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

Merry Christmas friends!!!!

I wanted to end the year with some heartfelt encouragement to each of you. Try to get away from all the noise and distractions when you listen to this one. Sit with your eyes closed or go on a walk - and pray God would encourage your anxious and weary heart.

It’s so easy to get to the end of a year and only think about the few things you didn’t do right or mistakes that were made. I want to remind you of the MANY things you are doing well for your children. God sees them.

I share a few letters from YOU - words you wrote to your younger self. And then I read my own letter and it was so powerful for me to do that. Try to get some time to write your own letter to the younger version of you. What did you need to hear as a young mom? And then let’s receive that same tenderness and grace and love for the mom that we are right now.

I am so thankful for our community. Let’s keep showing up for these kids and loving God in the new year ahead. You are so very loved and you are such a great mom.

Merry Christmas,

Courtney

Chapters

00:00

Reflecting on Motherhood: A Year-End Pause

06:04

Wisdom from Friends: Insights on Parenting

11:46

Embracing Imperfection in Parenting

18:10

Looking Forward: A Message of Hope

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

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

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)

It’s easy to get caught up in the to-dos and materialism of Christmas. There are so many activities and so many gifts to purchase. And while giving and receiving gifts is exciting, the greatest gift we can ever receive came as a tiny newborn baby in a lowly manger all those years ago. It’s up to us to receive this gift! So we can always be praying that our kids will accept God’s gift, believe in him, and love him all the days of their lives.

The book of Luke tells us that when Jesus was born, shepherds worshiped and spread the word, angels sang, and Mary treasured all those moments up in her heart and pondered them (Luke 2:19). As we approach Christmas day, let’s focus our attention on those same acts. As a family let’s worship the Lord, spread his good news, sing songs of adoration and celebration, and let’s store up the memories and meaning in our hearts so that we can remember God’s great gift to us all year long.

This week, let’s pray that our kids grow to know and love the true meaning of Christmas and that they would focus less on consumerism and sparkle, and more on the good news of Jesus.

Father God, thank you for sending us the greatest gift when you sent your Son to be born. May we all focus on you this season, not on the stress, pressure, or things. May _____________ remember that Christmas should be fun, but the most important part about it is you. Amen.

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

Happy December!!!

I am so very delighted to introduce you to one of my favorite moms on the planet - Dana Sheheane! This episode is a simple, rambling and lighthearted chat with one of my real life mom friends. You will LOVE her! She’s one of us folks.

I feel like we can raise amazing Christian kids - if we are wearing the right bra and our coffee stays warm. Amen? So let’s dive into some practical ideas and a girlfriend chat.

The majority of the episode is just fun ideas and simple tips for your everyday life. However, don’t miss the end. We talk about a few intangible and critical things you need to survive in 2025 - from margin to community. Enjoy her wisdom and her adorable laugh!.

In this episode, we chat about:

• Perimenopause
• Chico’s
• Heating mats
• Stitch guns
• Embarrassing kids
• Best bra per Dana
• Solution for cold coffee
• And much more!

Love,

Courtney

(05:55) Parenting Insights and Challenges

(11:58) Holiday Traditions and Family Dynamics

(18:52) Navigating Hormonal Changes

(29:56) Embracing Embarrassment as Parents

(39:04) Must-Have Gadgets for Everyday Life

(45:14) Finding Joy in Everyday Challenges

(51:16) Building Community and Connection

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Get your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of Faith

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Resources from today’s show:

Wild Interest podcast

Dana’s Story - StoryTellersLive Part 1

Dana’s Story - StoryTellersLive Part 2

Lighthouse Family Retreat

EOS Lotion- not cherry. No scent. We lied

FYY Food Warming Mat

Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray

Coffee Mug Warmer

Stitch Gun

Podcast episode i LOVED lately

Diva Detergent

Best Bra per Dana

Treasures in the Dark by Katherine Wolf

As parents, we know raising kids is the opposite of neat and tidy. Each day brings wins, losses and valuable lessons. Pardon the Mess is a place where we discuss parenting and faith in a biblical, approachable and relatable way. We may cry and laugh while we learn and grow together in our beautiful mess. Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org