- Week 5: Find Identity in Christ
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. (James 1:9–11)
This week, let’s pray that our kids:
• Know and embrace their identity in Christ.
• Live humbly because of their faith, not valuing possessions
over people.
This episode continues our series through Christian Parenting's Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation, a 38-week prayer journal to help you pray intentionally for your kids all school year long. Grab your own printed copy here, and join us every Monday through the end of May for guided prayer and reflection.
Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy8m - Oct 12, 2026 - How do I know when protection becomes overprotection?
As moms, we want to protect our kids from pain, disappointment, failure, and suffering. But where is the line between helping our kids and keeping them from learning, growing, and trusting God for themselves?
In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal talks about the tension between stepping in and letting our kids experience hard things.
Special thanks to our guest on today’s Messy Mom Moment, Christine Hoover (more about her and where you can find her books and Bible studies below!)
Scripture Focus:
- Psalm 121
- John 16:33
Learn more about Christine Hoover!
Christine Hoover serves as the women’s ministry associate at The Austin Stone’s Northwes tcongregation. She has written seven books, including Messy Beautiful Friendship, How to Thrive as a Pastor’s Wife, and You Are Not Forgotten, as well as two Bible studies on Matthew and 2 Corinthians. Christine is married to Kyle, a pastor at The Austin Stone, and they have three boys. You can find her at her website.
Connect with Scarlet
If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another mom who's trying to faithfully point her kids to Jesus. You can connect with Scarlet on Instagram and find her books, Bible studies, and more encouragement at scarlethiltibidal.com
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
Resources:
Scarlet’s Favorite Christine Hoover book: You are Not Forgotten
NiRV Question & Answer Bible for Kids
Raising Spiritually Strong Kids
WinShape Camps Carpool Conversations Podcast
Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation (Get your copy of our latest prayer journal and join Scarlet each Monday to listen to guided prayer and reflection that follows the journal.)
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy34m - Oct 8, 2026 - Week 4: Believe Without Doubting
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-
minded and unstable in all they do. (James 1:6–8)
This week, let’s pray that our kids:
• Can keep their minds singularly focused on the Lord and all the good things he does for us.
• Are confident that God will give them what they truly need when they ask in faith.
This episode continues our series through Christian Parenting's Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation, a 38-week prayer journal to help you pray intentionally for your kids all school year long. Grab your own printed copy here, and join us every Monday through the end of May for guided prayer and reflection.
Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy7m - Oct 5, 2026 - When you’re carrying motherhood without a partner
What do you do when motherhood feels like it’s all on you?
In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal offers Scripture-based encouragement for moms who feel alone in the work of raising their kids. Whether you’re a single mom, a military spouse whose husband is deployed, or simply walking through a season where you feel like you’re carrying more than you can handle, you don’t have to carry it by yourself.
Scarlet talks with Rossi Tidwell about her experience navigating motherhood while her husband is deployed, the unique challenges of parenting without your spouse beside you, and the ways God is meeting her in this season. Together, they talk about the importance of building a community, asking for help, praying honestly, and trusting that God is present and providing even when circumstances feel overwhelming.
Thank you, Rossi, for joining the show today! And listeners, please be praying for her family this year!
Scripture Focus:
- The scripture focus for this episode was an encouragement to study God’s Word fully and in context, as well as an encouragement to turn to the psalms
Connect with Scarlet
If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another mom who's trying to faithfully point her kids to Jesus. You can connect with Scarlet on Instagram and find her books, Bible studies, and more encouragement at scarlethiltibidal.com
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
Resources:
All Kinds of Weather by Abbey Wedgeworth
Get your copy of our latest prayer journal and join Scarlet each Monday (beginning September 14th) to listen to guided prayer and reflection that follows the journal: Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy32m - Oct 1, 2026 - Week 3: Ask God for Wisdom
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all
without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)
This week, let’s pray that our kids:
• Learn to seek God’s wisdom in every situation.
• Grow in trust, starting with the little things so that when big decisions come they’re ready to rely on him fully.
This episode continues our series through Christian Parenting's Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation, a 38-week prayer journal to help you pray intentionally for your kids all school year long. Grab your own printed copy here, and join us every Monday through the end of May for guided prayer and reflection.
Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy7m - Sep 28, 2026 - When being a mom and having a job feels overwhelming
In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal talks honestly about the overwhelm that can come with being both a mom and a working woman. Instead of offering another list of ways to do it all, Scarlet points us to the grace of God, the goodness of our limits, and the freedom that comes from trusting Him with what we cannot control.
Together, we’ll consider how to recognize when we’re carrying more than God has asked us to carry, how to rest in His provision, and how to stop borrowing tomorrow’s worries. Because we don’t have to be everything for everyone, we can receive God’s grace for today and trust Him with the rest.
Special thanks to Christian Parenting’s own Steph Thurling (who hosts The Christian Parenting Podcast) for sharing her experience as a mom who works!
Scripture Focus:
- Matthew 6:25-34
Connect with Scarlet
If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another mom who's trying to faithfully point her kids to Jesus. You can connect with Scarlet on Instagram and find her books, Bible studies, and more encouragement at scarlethiltibidal.com.
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
Resources:
Check out The Christian Parenting Podcast with Steph Thurling
Get your copy of our latest prayer journal and join Scarlet each Monday (beginning September 14th) to listen to guided prayer and reflection that follows the journal: Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy31m - Sep 24, 2026 - Week 2: Endure Trials with Joy
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2–4)
This week, let’s pray that:
• Our kids view trials and struggles as an opportunity to lean on God and grow closer to him.
• We resist the temptation to fix every problem in our kids’ (or our own) lives.
• Instead of giving our kids an easy path, God gives them joy in the middle of their struggles.
This episode continues our series through Christian Parenting's Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation, a 38-week prayer journal to help you pray intentionally for your kids all school year long. Grab your own printed copy here, and join us every Monday through the end of May for guided prayer and reflection.
Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy8m - Sep 21, 2026 - The Beauty and Brokenness of Foster Care and Adoption
In this episode of Pardon the Mess, Scarlet Hiltibidal brings on her friend, Laura Jenz, to talk honestly about both sides of foster care and adoption: the joy, the grief, the attachment, the loss, the unexpected relationships, and the ways God meets us right in the middle of all of it.
Laura has three biological children, fostered several, and then adopted two out of foster care. Thank you, Laura, for sharing your story!
Our dream for this episode is that it would demystify the process and be a resource for moms interested in stepping into foster care and adoption, whether that be in their own families, or supporting families in their lives who are caring for these children.
In this episode, we talk about:
- The beauty and brokenness that come with foster care and adoption
- The grief and loss that are part of every adoption story
- Loving a child while recognizing that their story began long before they came into your family
- Why foster and adoptive parents need the support of their communities
- What the gospel tells us about being welcomed into God's family
Scripture Focus:
- Romans 8:22-23
- Ephesians 1:4-5
- James 1:27
Connect with Scarlet
If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another mom who's trying to faithfully point her kids to Jesus. You can connect with Scarlet on Instagram and find her books, Bible studies, and more encouragement at scarlethiltibidal.com.
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
Resources:
Get your copy of our latest prayer journal and join Scarlet each Monday (beginning September 14th) to listen to guided prayer and reflection that follows the journal: Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy27m - Sep 17, 2026 - Week 1: Fully committed to God
Today we are kicking off this year's series that follows Christian Parenting's brand new prayer journal. Inspired by the book of James, Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation is a 38-week prayer journal designed to help you pray intentionally for your children all school year long.
Each week includes a short devotional, Scripture passage, guided prayer, and space to write your own prayers as you ask God to help your kids develop a faith that stays strong through every season. Invest in your child's spiritual future one prayer at a time, and join thousands of parents & grandparents who are praying boldly for the next generation to know, love, and follow Jesus!
In week one, we're starting in James 1:1: "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings."
Let's pray that our kids:
- Fully understand that God's grace cannot be earned, only received as a free gift through Jesus's work on the cross.
- Live in such a way that their actions reflect a deep, active faith in him.
- Commit their whole lives to God's will, walking in obedience wherever he leads.
If you'd like to follow along you can get your printed copy here, and be sure to join us here on the podcast every Monday through the end of May for guided prayer and reflection that follows the journal!
Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy11m - Sep 14, 2026 - Cultivating a joyful home
What makes a home joyful?
It’s probably not a spotless house, perfectly behaved children, or a mom who never gets overwhelmed. In this episode of Pardon the Mess, Scarlet Hiltibidal talks about what it looks like to cultivate a home marked by joy.
Scarlet shares a personal story about her grandmother, Grandma Marlene, and her mom, and the “irrational exuberance” they brought into everyday life. Their ability to delight in ordinary things taught Scarlet something about the kind of atmosphere she wants to cultivate in her own home.
But biblical joy isn't something we manufacture by trying harder to be happy. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Our joy ultimately comes from knowing who God is and what He has done for us in Christ.
Scarlet talks about the difference between creating a happy home and cultivating a joyful one—and offers practical ways moms can make room for delight, celebration, laughter, repentance, and grace in their families.
Thank you, Shari Wilson, for joining us on this week’s Messy Mom Moment, to share your wisdom about cultivating a joyful home!
Scripture mentioned:
Nehemiah 8:1–12
Nehemiah 8:10
Galatians 5:22–23
Connect with Scarlet
If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another mom who's trying to faithfully point her kids to Jesus. You can connect with Scarlet on Instagram and find her books, Bible studies, and more encouragement at scarlethiltibidal.com.
Resources:
Get your copy of our latest prayer journal and join me each Monday (beginning September 14th) to listen to guided prayer and reflection that follows the journal: Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
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
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy25m - Sep 10, 2026 - I don’t know how to fight the lies I believe
Motherhood can make us believe some pretty convincing lies.
I’m messing up my kids.
Everyone else is doing this better than I am.
If my child is struggling, I must be failing.
I need to be a better mom before I can feel okay about myself.
In this episode of Pardon the Mess, Scarlet Hiltibidal brings the listeners in, talking about the specific lies you might easily believe about yourself, your children, and your motherhood—and what happens when we start answering those lies with the truth of God’s Word.
Rather than trying to become moms who never struggle with fear, comparison, guilt, or insecurity, we can learn to recognize the lies we're believing and bring them into the light of Scripture. The gospel reminds us that our identity isn't determined by how well we parent, how our kids behave, or how we compare to the mom next to us. Our hope is in Jesus, who has already done what we could never do for ourselves.
Scarlet also shares practical ways to fight these mental battles with biblical truth, remembering that God's grace meets us right in the middle of our messy motherhood.
Thank you, listeners, for being part of this week’s “Messy Mom Moment” by sharing (via Scarlet’s Instagram question) the lies you battle.
Scripture Focus
- Ephesians 2:8-9
- 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
- Romans 8:1
- Galatians 6
- Hebrews 12
Connect with Scarlet
If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another mom who's trying to faithfully point her kids to Jesus. You can connect with Scarlet on Instagram and find her books, Bible studies, and more encouragement at scarlethiltibidal.com.
Resources:
Get your copy of our latest prayer journal and join me each Monday (beginning September 14th) to listen to guided prayer and reflection that follows the journal: Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
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
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy31m - Sep 3, 2026 - Can Moms Love Like Jesus and Still Have Boundaries?
In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal (and her sister, Aubrey Fuhrman) talk about the tension many moms feel between loving sacrificially and setting healthy boundaries. Through an honest conversation about motherhood, family, and faith, they explore how boundaries are not about keeping people out, they are about creating space to love others well.
Scarlet and Aubrey discuss the importance of inviting Jesus into our decisions, especially when navigating seasons of change like new motherhood. Aubrey shares her experience of setting boundaries around visits after having a baby and how those boundaries actually helped her love others more intentionally.
This conversation offers encouragement for moms who struggle with guilt when saying no, reminding us that biblical love is not measured by constant availability, but by faithfulness to what God has called us to in each season.
In This Episode
- Boundaries are not about loving people less; they are about loving people wisely.
- Healthy boundaries create room to be present, joyful, and intentional with the people God has entrusted to us.
- Following Jesus means bringing Him into our decisions instead of simply reacting to guilt, expectations, or pressure.
- Sacrificial love does not mean saying yes to everything or neglecting the responsibilities God has given us.
- Prayer and Scripture help us discern when to open our hands and when to create wise limits.
Scripture Focus
- Mark 1:35–38
- Matthew 22:37–39
Connect with Scarlet
If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another mom who's trying to faithfully point her kids to Jesus. You can connect with Scarlet on Instagram and find more resources, Bible studies, and encouragement at scarlethiltibidal.com.
Resources:
Get your copy of our latest prayer journal and join me each Monday (beginning September 14th) to listen to guided prayer and reflection that follows the journal: Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
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
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy38m - Aug 27, 2026 - I Don’t Want to Do Motherhood Alone
Motherhood is beautiful, but it can also feel isolating. In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal shares why moms need gospel-centered community and how God often works through the people He places around us. Through personal stories of seasons when she pulled away from others in pain and waited until she felt “bright and shiny” again before showing up, Scarlet explores the freedom that comes from being known, loved, and supported in the middle of the mess.
Drawing from Psalm 107 and the call to “tell of the Lord’s goodness,” Scarlet encourages moms to share their stories of God’s faithfulness, not because our stories are perfect, but because they point to a perfect Savior. She offers practical encouragement for finding community through the local church, small groups, and intentional relationships that remind us we were never meant to do motherhood alone.
Special thanks to Lacey Garner, who came and shared a so-encouraging story of God being actively involved in her life at a family vacation in an Air B&B!
In This Episode:
- Why gospel community is essential in motherhood
- How isolation keeps moms from experiencing God’s provision through others
- Sharing our stories of God’s faithfulness, even when life is messy
- Practical steps for finding and nurturing gospel-centered friendships
- The role of the local church and small groups in supporting moms
- Living out the gospel in everyday conversations
Key Scripture
- Psalm 107:1-9
- Proverbs 3:5-6
Connect with Scarlet
If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another mom who's trying to faithfully point her kids to Jesus?
You can connect with Scarlet on Instagram and find more resources, Bible studies, and encouragement at scarlethiltibidal.com.
Resources:
Get your copy of our latest prayer journal: Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation and join me each Monday (beginning September 14th) to listen to guided prayer and reflection that follows the journal!
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
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
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy28m - Aug 20, 2026 - I Worry That My Anxiety is Affecting My Kids
What if my anxiety is affecting my kids?
It’s a question many moms quietly ask themselves. In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal shares a personal story from her own motherhood journey and the fear that she might pass her anxiety on to her children.
Scarlet talks about a moment when she realized that her biggest struggle wasn’t just anxiety itself, it was what she believed about God. When we don’t trust that God is good, our fears can take over. But when we understand the character of our loving Father, we can begin to release the impossible burden of trying to control every outcome for our kids.
Through Scripture, honest reflection, and personal experience, Scarlet encourages moms that the goal isn’t to become a fearless mom, it’s to become a mom who knows where to take her fears, because our children don’t need perfect, anxiety-free moms. They need moms who point them to the perfect love and faithfulness of Jesus, even when they feel weak.
In This Episode:
- The story behind Scarlet’s fear that getting closer to God might lead to something terrible happening to her children
- How anxiety can distort our view of God’s character
- Why the root of anxiety is often a struggle to trust God’s goodness
- The guilt moms feel when they worry their anxiety is affecting their kids
- How honesty about our struggles can actually help our children see faith lived out
- Why we don’t have to become fearless moms, we can become moms who trust God with our fears
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 6:25–26 — Jesus reminds us that our heavenly Father cares for His children.
Matthew 7:11 — If earthly parents know how to give good gifts, how much more can we trust our good Father?
Resources:
Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
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
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy27m - Aug 13, 2026 - I Don’t Know How to Help My Kids Love Church
If you've ever wrestled a toddler through the church doors, bribed your kids with donuts to make it through the service, or wondered if anything they're hearing is actually sticking—you are not alone.
In this episode, Scarlet sits down with her pastor-husband, Brandon Hiltibidal, for an honest conversation about one of the biggest questions Christian parents ask: How can we help our kids love the church?
The answer isn't found in creating the perfect kids' ministry or making church endlessly entertaining. More often, it begins with the way we, as parents, view and love Christ's bride.
Listen in to hear practical, gospel-centered ways to cultivate a love for the local church in your family while helping your kids understand that church is much more than a weekly event.
In This Episode:
- Why your attitude toward church shapes your children's view more than you realize.
- The difference between raising church attenders and raising kids who love God's people.
- Why church should feel like family, not just another Sunday activity.
- How to help your children build meaningful relationships within the church.
- How to talk with your kids when they notice hypocrisy, conflict, or failures in church leaders.
- Why the gospel gives us hope even when people in the church disappoint us.
- Personal stories of how the church cared for the Hiltibidal family during seasons of adoption, hardship, and celebration.
Scripture Focus
- Acts 2
- Hebrews 10:24–25
If this episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another mom who's trying to faithfully point her kids to Jesus?
You can connect with Scarlet on Instagram and find more resources, Bible studies, and encouragement at scarlethiltibidal.com.
Resources:
Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
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
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy23m - Aug 6, 2026 - I Feel Like I’m Losing Myself in Motherhood
Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered, Who even am I anymore?
Motherhood is beautiful, sacred, and deeply meaningful, but it can also feel all-consuming. Somewhere between diaper changes, school pickups, endless laundry, and caring for everyone else, it's easy to lose sight of who you are.
In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal shares honestly about what it feels like to lose yourself in motherhood and why the answer isn't finding your "old self" again, but anchoring your identity in Jesus. Through personal stories, biblical encouragement, and practical rhythms, you'll be reminded that your worth isn't found in your productivity, your parenting, or your season of life. It's found in Jesus..
If you've been feeling unseen, overwhelmed, or like you've disappeared beneath the title of "Mom," this conversation is for you.
Special thanks to Katie Hinson, who shared her own experience with this for this week's Messy Mom Moment!
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a positive review, and share it with a friend who may need hope today.
In this episode:
- Why so many moms feel like they've lost themselves
- The difference between your role as a mom and your identity in Christ
- The importance of friendship and Christian community
Key Scripture
- Colossians 3:1-4
- Ephesians 2:10
Resources:
You are Not Forgotten by Christine Hoover
Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Join the Pardon the Mess community by subscribing and leaving a review!
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
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy29m - Jul 30, 2026 - Homeschool, Public, or Private...How Do I Choose?
How do you know you're making the right decision for your kids?
Whether you're homeschooling, choosing private school, considering public school, or simply wondering if you're getting this whole parenting thing right, the pressure can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal reminds us that while parenting comes with countless decisions, our greatest calling isn't to engineer the perfect childhood—it's to faithfully point our children to Jesus.
Through biblical encouragement and practical wisdom, Scarlet shares how Scripture shapes our approach to discipleship at home, why prayer and wise counsel matter, and how resting in God's sovereignty frees us from the burden of believing everything depends on us.
In this episode, you'll hear:
- What the Bible says about discipling our children in everyday life.
- Why God's Word should be woven into the rhythms of your home.
- How to seek wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel when making educational decisions.
- The freedom that comes from remembering you are called to point your children to Jesus—not save them.
- How trusting God's sovereignty brings peace in every parenting season.
Key Scriptures
- Proverbs 3:5–6
- Deuteronomy 6
Key Takeaways
- God's Word is meant to shape the everyday rhythms of family life.
- Parenting is about faithful discipleship, not perfect outcomes.
- Every family and every season is unique—seek God's wisdom rather than someone else's formula.
- Prayer and biblical wisdom should guide every major parenting decision.
- God is already at work in your child's life, and you can trust Him with what you cannot control.
Special thanks to Ever, Scarlet’s 15-year-old, who shared her own experience with this for this week's Messy Mom Moment!
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a positive review, and share it with a friend who may need hope today.
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
Resources:
Cozy Earth (use code PARDONTHEMESS for up to 20% off! And if you get a Post-Purchase Survey, make sure to let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here!)
Get your copy of Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation today!
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy34m - Jul 23, 2026 - Summer is Long…What Do I Do With My Kids?
Summer always seems to come with big expectations. We imagine memory-making adventures, endless family fun, and kids who magically never complain. But somewhere between snack requests, screen-time negotiations, and trying to keep everyone occupied, many of us end up wondering if we're doing enough.
In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal shares why the best summer isn't necessarily the busiest one. Instead, she explores how the gospel frees us from the pressure to create a "perfect" summer and invites us to faithfully enjoy the ordinary moments God has already given us.
You'll also hear from special guest Anna Van Dyke, who shares simple, practical rhythms that have helped her family cultivate faith, connection, and joy throughout the summer.
Whether you're staying home, traveling, or just trying to survive another hot afternoon with your kids, this episode will encourage you to embrace intentionality over perfection and remember that God is already at work in the everyday moments.
In This Episode
- Why summer can leave moms feeling overwhelmed
- How the gospel frees us from the pressure to create a "perfect" childhood
- Simple spiritual rhythms your family can build into everyday life
- Practical ideas for creating meaningful summer memories without overscheduling
- Finding joy in the ordinary instead of chasing extraordinary moments
Scripture Focus
- Colossians 3:17
- Luke 10:38-42
Special thanks to Anna Van Dyke who shared her own experience with this for this week's Messy Mom Moment!
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a positive review, and share it with a friend who may need hope today.
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
Resources:
Cozy Earth (use code PARDONTHEMESS for up to 20% off! And if you get a Post-Purchase Survey, make sure to let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here!)
Get your copy of Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation today!
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy30m - Jul 16, 2026 - I Don't Know How to Help My Child Through Friendship Drama
Few things are harder than watching your child come home hurt by a friend. Whether they're feeling left out, navigating conflict, experiencing rejection, or struggling through friendship drama, many moms find themselves wondering: Should I step in? Should I stay out of it? How do I help without making it worse?
In this episode of Pardon the Mess, Scarlet Hiltibidal shares personal stories, practical encouragement, and biblical wisdom for helping children navigate relational conflict in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus. Through the lens of Matthew 18, she'll explore how we can teach our kids to pursue reconciliation, extend forgiveness, and find their identity in Christ rather than in the approval of others.
If you've ever felt helpless watching your child struggle socially, this conversation will encourage you to trust God with their relationships while helping them develop the skills and character they'll need for a lifetime of healthy friendships.
In This Episode:
- Why friendship drama affects moms so deeply
- The difference between protecting your child and preparing them
- What Jesus teaches about conflict and reconciliation in Matthew 18
- How to help your child navigate hurt, rejection, and misunderstandings
- Teaching kids to pursue peace instead of gossip
- Helping children separate their identity from their friendships
- Practical ways to walk alongside your child without taking over
- How the gospel transforms the way we handle relational conflict
Scripture Referenced:
- Matthew 18:15
- Ephesians 4:31–32
Special thanks to Vanessa Dolberry who shared her own experience with this for this week's Messy Mom Moment!
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a positive review, and share it with a friend who may need hope today.
P.S. Scarlet also joined Steph on The Christian Parenting Podcast earlier this week for a great conversation on embracing the Gospel for real-life parenting messes! Listen here or watch here
Resources:
Get your copy of Faith in Action: Prayers from James for the Next Generation today!
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy26m - Jul 9, 2026 - I Don’t Know How to Trust God’s Goodness After a Miscarriage
In this deeply personal episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal shares her own experiences with miscarriage and the difficult questions that often accompany loss. Through stories of grief, fear, and surrender, she reflects on the difference between questioning God's goodness and learning to trust His goodness even when circumstances don't make sense.
Whether you're walking through pregnancy loss yourself or supporting a mom friend who is, this conversation offers biblical encouragement, honest hope, and practical ways to care for those who are grieving. Together, we'll explore what it looks like to cling to God in heartbreak and find comfort in His unchanging character when life feels uncertain.
In this episode:
- Scarlet's personal experiences with miscarriage
- Wrestling with faith in seasons of loss
- Trusting God's goodness when life doesn't feel good
- Biblical encouragement for grieving moms
- Practical ways to support someone experiencing pregnancy loss
- Finding hope and healing in Christ amid unanswered questions
If you've ever wondered how to hold both grief and faith at the same time, this episode is for you!
Today's Scripture Focus:
Psalm 34:18, Romans 8:32, Lamentations 3:22-23, John 11:35
Special thanks to Scarlet’s little tiny infant baby sister (who is 32!) Aubrey Fuhrman, who shared her own experience with this for this week's Messy Mom Moment!
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a positive review, and share it with a friend who may need hope today.
Resources:
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code ixl.com/TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy39m - Jul 2, 2026
