Pardon the Mess with Cynthia Yanof

45. “Standing Strong” in the face of adversity with Alli Worthington

BONUS: Praying contentment over our kids

44. Embrace what matters, ditch what doesn’t with Kendra Adachi

This week, we’re praying that our kids find their identity in Jesus, not in what others say about them. The world will tell them their worth is based on looks, talents, failures, and accomplishments. God’s Word refutes that by saying they are already his sons and daughters (Romans 8:15), fully known and accepted by God himself (Psalm 139:1–4).  Identity matters because it informs how we live our days. Join me in praying for our kids’ identity.

Pastor, author, and podcaster, Levi Lusko, joins us on Pardon the Mess to discuss our need to confront the pain, loss, and darkness in our lives. Only in acknowledging these hard places, can we find the complete peace and healing the Lord offers. More than that, God is faithful to use these hard places to do great things with our imperfect progress. There’s some hope we can all use today.

It’s hard to believe we’re wrapping up the first month of praying for our kids in this new school year! This week, we’re praying for our kids to be marked by faith in God. Specifically, we’re asking the Lord to give them deep faith that endures in the good times, hard times, and every time in between.

42. Fear Gone Wild with Kayla Stoecklein

This week we’re praying that our kids are marked by God’s favor. I used to think God’s favor meant I would have success in ministry, my kids would stay on track, my dog would bark less, and my husband’s work would flourish. But with a little gray hair (which will forever remain highlighted), I’ve learned God’s favor looks a lot different than earthly favor. 

41. God Speaks in Whispers with Mark Batterson

In praying over their stature, we’re praying for our kids to physically take care of their bodies. This includes everything from eating well to making the right decisions when faced with alcohol and drugs. We’re also praying for their physical relationships—that they honor the Lord as they approach the age of dating and in all relationships with their peers. 

As we approach the nineteenth anniversary of this somber day, Darin joins us on Pardon the Mess to share his reflections from September 11, 2001. He also shares where the Lord is continuing work in his life. 

It seems fitting that we begin this school year by praying that our kids grow in the same areas that Jesus experienced: wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). This week we will focus on praying for God’s wisdom over our children.

Each time I'm given the incredible blessing of talking to Christine Caine, drinking from a firehose comes to mind. She brings wisdom and encouragement like no one else. And she does it with flair in her trademark high-impact, warp speed style.

Kara Powell challenges us to consider ways we can give our kids a “sticky faith” that stays with them through college and adulthood. She covers critical conversations we need to have with our kids. She offers advice on navigating tricky faith subjects we cannot afford to avoid. And she provides some interesting thoughts on involvement in church, and how to make it most impactful. 

Today on Pardon the Mess, Matt Chandler walks us through the idea of discipleship. You are going to be so glad you invested your time in listening to today’s episode!