“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:14–15)

Throughout scripture, Jesus is referred to not just as a good shepherd, but as the good shepherd. On top of all the things mentioned above, Jesus would and will lay down his life for his sheep. Not only that, but the good shepherd cares so deeply for every single sheep that he will leave the 99 to chase down one. In Luke 15, a shepherd leaves his entire flock to find one lost sheep, and when he does, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and calls all his neighbors together to have a party for his lost sheep who is now found (verses 5–6).

Jesus laid down his life for your kids. Jesus loves your kids so much that if they stray, he will not forget about them. They may seem lost to you, but they are not lost to Jesus. When they decide to return, he will rejoice over them and there will be a party in heaven!

Let’s pray our kids will surrender their lives to Jesus, follow the good shepherd always, and trust his care over their lives.

Lord, you are the good shepherd. I pray that ______________ puts their trust in you and decides to follow you. May they always know that they can run to you when they are afraid, overwhelmed, or don’t know what to do. And may they always know that if they stray, you will be waiting for their joyful return! Amen.

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

This summer, I ran into a Pardon the Mess listener and asked her how I could support her parenting journey on this podcast. She said, “All of my friends talk about health and hormones every day. It’s a real struggle.” I did not disagree. Maybe it’s middle age or the fact that we have TONS of information overwhelming us on social media - but the topic of women’s health is often overwhelming. For many years, I have run on empty and taking care of myself last. Anyone else relate to this approach?

Today’s conversation with Dr. Edie Wadsworth won’t solve everything - but will hopefully encourage you as you navigate your health journey. I believe the health of us as parents greatly impacts how we show up with our kids. It’s inevitable to feel exhausted as parents - but imagine if you didn’t. I have never really understood insulin resistance until this conversation.

My favorite part is at the end when she reminds ME and all of us - that our value isn’t tied to our weight. I also love how she encouraged us all to not give up and keep taking small steps.

In our chat we discuss:

• Dr. Edie’s journey as a physician battling her own health struggles
• How can we understand our hormones as we age
• What can we do to make some progress when we feel stuck
• Holistic and affordable ideas when we don't want another prescription

Enjoy!

Courtney

The information provided in this podcast episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare professional regarding your health concerns, medical conditions, or treatment options.

(02:55) Family Dynamics and Life in Tennessee

(05:51) Health Journey and Transition from Medicine

(08:59) Understanding Perimenopause and Hormonal Changes

(12:01) The Importance of Holistic Health Practices

(14:57) Nutrition and Hormonal Balance

(17:55) Building Muscle and Managing Insulin Resistance

(21:05) Creating Health vs. Managing Sickness

(24:10) Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause

(26:04) The Power of Self-Advocacy in Health

(29:54) Navigating Hormonal Health and Finding the Right Doctor

(31:42) The Role of Supplements and Hormone Replacement Therapy

(33:53) Addressing Joint Health and Insulin Resistance

(36:50) Overcoming Overwhelm and Building Healthy Habits

(41:31) Resources for Health and Wellness

(45:48) Embracing Worth Beyond Weight

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

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Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Edie

Edie’s Podcast

Life Mentoring School

Conversation with Ruth Soukup about weight loss

The Body Keeps Score

Young Living

Why We Get Sick

The Obesity Code

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

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3–4)

We have probably all been hurt by trusting someone or something too much. As believing parents, we know that there is something better for our kids when they put their trust in Jesus. Trusting Jesus means surrendering every part of our stories to him and knowing that his plans are good. Even if he feels far away at times, he cares for us and will provide for our needs because the world may under-deliver, but Jesus never breaks a promise.

This means when our kids trust Jesus:

• They don’t need to be afraid when they are put in an unknown situation or life feels uncertain because Jesus always wins.
• They can feel confident that Jesus will protect them when they are facing something difficult because God answers his children when they call on him.
• They are God’s child, no matter how others treat them.
• They can have hope even in hopeless situations because Jesus has already overcome the world!
• Their lives will be blessed.

This week, let’s pray that our kids fully love God by trusting in Jesus and begin to experience his great promises.

God, I pray that ___________ learns to trust in you and your promises. When they are tempted to believe the promises of the world, may their heart be reminded that you will never forsake them. May they consistently see the sweet fruit that comes from trusting in you with their lives and with their stories. Amen.

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