Happy Summer friends!

We are continuing our series, Empty Nester Wisdom, with my friend Amy Fenton. Amy is a mom to three grown kids and she’s been serving in children’s ministry for over 30 years. She has a passion for equipping the local church and the young children that come into those doors.

Amy talks about raising three kids (two boys) as a single mom and how the local church supported them along the way. She had a desire for her boys to be influenced by strong Christian men - and she can look back now and see God’s faithfulness. I pray through this episode that many feel called to step into volunteering for kids and students at your local church. It matters!

I loved her encouragement about finding a church that your kids actually enjoy. It may take sacrifice on your part, but consider prioritizing their needs in a church community when they are so young. I loved this practical yet profound advice for us all!

In this episode, we chat about:

• Asking for help as a single mom
• How to find a local church
• Importance of role models our kids’ lives
• How to support your children’s ministries

Enjoy!

Courtney

Chapters:

(01:24) Journey in Children's Ministry

(02:46) The Importance of Volunteer Engagement

(05:22) The Role of Community in Child Development

(08:34) Finding the Right Church Environment

(11:24) Balancing Parental Guidance and Faith

(15:35) Reflections on Parenting and Counseling

(17:07) Starting the Journey: Finding Support for Mental Health

(19:01) Building a Supportive Community for Children

(21:42) The Myth of the Parenting Checklist

(22:54) The Role of Parents in Church Involvement

(26:00) Rediscovering Self in the Empty Nest

(29:07) Encouragement for Single Moms

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Amy (amy@thinkorange.com)

Curriculum at Think Orange

Amazing Life Foundation

Cross Point Church

Raising Boys and Girl

Amy’s episode on Raising Boys and Girls

How to find a counselor for my child

Christian Parenting Products

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

We have a rock star mom on the podcast today! Susan Peterson is a mom I have looked up to for years. She’s the co-founder of Relish, board member for Young Life and longtime volunteer serving Passion City Church and Illuminations. And fun little fact, she is the reason my little “ABC Scripture Cards” hit the market over 13 years ago.

There are many parts of this I want every mom to hear, but make sure you hear her approach to the emotions of the empty nest stage. She didn’t think she would be sad when her kids left the home and was surprised by the mourning. She gives us permission to stop and feel it. Don't miss her advice to take the time to ask God what is next and take the time to mourn the season that you loved so much. I also loved her challenge to stop and thank God for the gift of being a mom and having kids in your home.

Susan’s family has always traveled the globe serving God. As you will hear towards the end, she said that getting her kids out of their country was one of the best decisions they made. They were able to see God at work in the world. It changed each of them. So inspiring!

I know you will absolutely enjoy this jewel of a human. Susan is a treasure and I’m delighted to share her words with you today. Praying you feel Jesus pour right through every minute.

Enjoy,

Courtney

(00:55) The State of Bible Translation

(03:09) Navigating the Empty Nest

(06:12) Finding Identity After Parenting

(08:56) The Balance of Parenting and Faith

(14:03) Lessons Learned from Parenting

(18:02) Encouragement for Younger Moms

(22:04) Final Thoughts and Resources

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 Susan

Relish

Dottie Collection

Young Life

Illuminations

12 Verse Challenge

First episode with Jennifer on PTM

Support Christian Parenting

NIV Application Bible

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

We have Sharon Mankin back on the podcast! You all loved her wisdom and practical help the last time she was on the podcast. From the first minute to the end, you can see why Sharon is a coach to many women. She has empathy, understanding and practical tools to help us navigate challenging seasons.

This conversation is helpful to all moms in all seasons who want to “let go” of their kids in a healthy way. I am a lifelong learner and I crave wisdom from women that are ahead of me in their journey. If you are heading into the empty nester season, you will be extra encouraged by her insight, stories and tips. She reminds us that we can discover purpose beyond our parenting role. She reminds us that God is not done with us!

My favorite part is towards the end when she shares about how to know when to step in and when to stay calm and let our adult kids walk through their struggles. I will treasure this advice ahead of Ella’s college years.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Navigating empty nest stage
• Emotional journey of letting go
• How to recalibrate our expectations
• How to discover purpose beyond parenting

Enjoy!

Courtney

(03:06) Navigating the Empty Nest Stage

(05:56) Emotional Journey of Letting Go

(08:57) Recalibrating Expectations with Independence

(12:00) Understanding Codependency and Communication

(15:01) Finding Joy in the Transition

(17:56) Personal Growth and Rediscovering Identity

(21:38) Discovering Purpose Beyond Parenting

(24:51) The Importance of Disruption for Growth

(25:35) Balancing Support and Independence in Parenting

(28:40) Emotional Strength and Empathy in Parenting

(30:39) Creative Ways to Love Your Kids from a Distance

(37:50) Encouragement and Connection in Parenting

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 Sharon

First episode with Sharon on PTM

Who Matters Most - relationship exercise

Touch Note - Post Cards

Support Christian Parenting

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