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

Well, it’s a bittersweet day for me. I am delighted to introduce you to your NEW HOST of Pardon the Mess, Scarlet Hiltibidal. This is my last episode as your host, and I am feeling all the emotions. I am grateful and sad and feeling so much peace. Thank you for letting me into your lives for a few years. I pray God encouraged you in your role as a Christian parent. A special thanks to Jill Jeffers...

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) All the people we have talked about this year are heroes of faith. Whether they were named or unnamed, their stories hold significance in God’s word, which is always worthy of our attention! As much as...

Big decisions in motherhood often come with uncertainty—especially when it comes to balancing family, work, calling, and the many demands on our time. In this episode, the tables are turned as Megan Jones interviews Courtney about her decision to step away as host of Pardon the Mess . The conversation explores the tension many moms feel when navigating career decisions, learning when to say yes or...

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14–15) Epaphroditus is not a name that many people know from the Bible, but his...

Parenting often feels like a journey of wondering whether we’re getting it right—and it can be easy to tie our worth to the outcome of our children’s lives and choices. In this episode, Jeannie Cunnion joins the conversation to reflect on the highs, challenges, and lessons learned through years of motherhood. Together, we talk about what really matters in parenting, how to release the pressure of...

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. (2 Timothy 1:5) Eunice and Lois are very briefly mentioned as the mother and grandmother of Timothy, but they are known for passing on a legacy of sincere faith. Have you ever thought about your kids being grandparents or parents one day? It’s incred...

ATTENTION: I have a pretty big announcement in the introduction of this episode. Don’t miss what’s coming next on Pardon the Mess ! Raising confident, resilient kids starts with helping them believe they are capable. In this episode, Sissy Goff and David Thomas—therapists and authors of Capable —share insight on how to help children build the confidence and resilience they need to face challenges....

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 loosenin...

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 ho...

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...

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 ever...

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...

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...

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...

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 b...

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:3) In the story of Mary and Martha, Mary was the sister who understood the big picture and spent a lot of time at the feet of Jesus. First, she sat at his feet as a disciple would do and listened to Jesus...

Legacy is something every family is building, whether intentionally or not. But in the middle of busy schedules and full lives, it can be easy to lose sight of what we’re actually passing down. In this month’s My Virtual Mentor episode, Jeff Henderson, author, pastor, and leader, shares wisdom on what it means to live and lead with legacy in mind. The conversation explores what truly matters at th...

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42–43) As Jesus was led to his crucifixion, he was surrounded by two men on crosses next to him, all three of them facing death. One man was mocking and doubting Jesus, but the other man turned to Jesus in his final moments and was promised ete...

Marriage can be both deeply challenging and incredibly beautiful, and many couples experience seasons of disconnection along the way. In this episode, Cheryl Scruggs shares her powerful story of reconciliation after walking through divorce and finding her way back to her husband years later. Together, the conversation explores the realities of marriage, the slow drift that can happen over time, an...

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41–42) Martha kind of gets a bad rap. In her story, Jesus and the disciples were staying at her home. Martha spent her time making food and busying herself to make her home hospitable, whil...

Foster care is a journey that holds both deep brokenness and incredible beauty. For many families, it can also feel overwhelming to know how to step in and support children from hard places. In this episode, Meredith Brock, CEO of Proverbs 31 Ministries and a foster and adoptive mom, shares insights from her family’s experience with foster care and how the journey has shaped her faith and motherho...

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26 ESV) Jairus was a synagogue leader and a man of status and faith. When his young daughter became deathly ill, he desperately fell at Jesus’s feet and pleaded for him to come and heal her. Jesus agreed, but on the way news reached them that Jairus’s daughter had died. The fellow le...

Many families today are navigating life with neurodivergent children, from ADHD to dyslexia to autism, and it can feel overwhelming to know how to best support them. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kelly Cagle, host of Parenting IQ , who has a passion for helping moms create refreshing rhythms at home. She shares personal stories, research-backed insight, and practical ways parents can better...

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20–31) One of the most talked about miracles of Jesus is his feeding five thousand people from five loaves of bread and two fish. Imagine being there, listenin...

Did you know we release a My Virtual Mentor episode once a month? Each one is designed to help you grow and then process what you’re learning with a mentor or trusted friend who’s a season ahead of you. This month’s conversation is one every family needs, but many couples struggle to live out. I’m joined by Ashley Willis, speaker, author, and co-host of The Naked Marriage Podcast , to talk about p...