Pardon the Mess with Scarlet Hiltibidal - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids

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 pr...

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...

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...

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...

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 Paren...

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...

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...

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, Laur...

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 wr...

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. T...

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 chi...

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 inviti...

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 bein...

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 t...

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 l...

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 i...

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...

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...

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, pr...

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 y...

How do you talk to your kids about cancer, suffering, terminal illness, or the possibility of losing someone they love? Whether it's a grandparent's diagnosis, a chronic illness, a devastating loss, or another painful reality, there comes a moment when we realize we cannot protect our children from every hard thing this side of heaven. In this episode of Pardon the Mess , Scarlet Hiltibida...

How do we help our children navigate change when their hearts are breaking over what they're leaving behind? In this week's episode of Pardon the Mess , Scarlet Hiltibidal shares from a lifetime of moving, from her childhood years spent relocating across the country to the many ministry moves she's made as a wife and mom. She explores the unique challenges of helping children process t...

How do you love your children well when every one of them seems to need something completely different from you? In this week's episode of Pardon the Mess , Scarlet Hiltibidal explores one of the most common tensions in motherhood: the desire to make sure each child feels deeply loved, seen, and secure, even when their personalities, needs, struggles, and seasons of life look nothing alike. Dr...

It’s officially Scarlet Hiltibidal’s first episode as the new host of Pardon the Mess, and she’s kicking things off with a conversation every mom needs to hear. If you’ve ever laid in bed replaying your parenting failures, wondered if your bad moments are shaping your kids forever, or felt crushed under the pressure to “get motherhood right,” this episode is for you. Scarlet shares honest stories...

As parents, we know raising kids is the opposite of neat and tidy. Pardon the Mess is a podcast for Christian moms who love Jesus, love their kids, and still feel behind on most days. Each week, host Scarlet takes one real parenting mess (morning meltdowns, discipline guilt, raising kind kids in a world that doesn't feel kind) and untangles it with honesty and grace, one small, faithful step a...