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

What does it actually mean to teach our kids to repent?

In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal talks about why repentance is one of the most important things we can teach our children, and why it has to be about so much more than getting them to say “sorry.” We want our kids to stop hiding and defending sin, and rather to confess it honestly, and turn toward Jesus.

Scarlet shares from her own experience as a mom, along with Scripture’s vision for repentance, to help us think about how we can model it in our ho...

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

This week, let’s pray that our kids:

• Keep their eyes focused on Jesus.

• Rely on him to help them persevere through all of life’s trials.

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 lon...

What does it look like to love our kids well when they are all so different from each other? What does it look like to pursue community when you’re raising an only child?

In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal talks about siblings, only children, adoption, personality differences, and the ways God uses our families to teach us how to love. 

In this episode we talked about how…

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.

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: 

Learn more about Christine Hoover!

Chri...

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 whe...

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 b...

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...

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 ev...

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, G...

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...

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...

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...

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 someth...

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’...

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.<...

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 faithfulne...

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 rel...

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 Ch...

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...

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 Go...

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...

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...

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...

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 Hiltibidal shares from a deeply personal place as she reflects on her mother's battle with stage-four cancer and the challenges of helping her own children navigate grief, uncertainty, and difficult questions. How...

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 Hiltibidal shares from a deeply personal place as she reflects on her mother's battle with stage-four cancer and the challenges of helping her own children navigate grief, uncertainty, and difficult questions. How...

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 transitions, say goodbye to people and places they love, and learn to trust God in unfamiliar seasons.

Drawing from personal stories of moving with young children, leaving beloved churches and communities...

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.

Drawing from her own experience parenting four very different children, including sharing the adoption story of her daughter Joy, Scarlet reflects on the unique challenges and unexpected gifts that come...

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 from her own home, the parenting advice that radically changed her perspective as a young mom, and the freeing truth that the gospel was never about preten...

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 at a time. No five-step systems. No longer to-do lists. Just clarity about what matters most and permission to let the rest go.

Pardon the...

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 Jefferson, Steph Thurling, Jeannette Tapley and the entire team at Christian Parenting. I couldn’t have done...

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 we want our kids to take on the characteristics of the people in this great cloud of witnesses, our primary desire is that ou...

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 no, and discerning God’s direction in changing seasons.

Together, they talk honestly about the twists and turns that can come with work and motherhood, the challenge of trusting God...

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 story is incredible. He was sent by the Philippians to bring a gift to Paul while he was in prison, but he did...

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 trying to control outcomes, and why joy grows when we place our trust in God instead of our performance.

The conversation also explores the role of the Ho...

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 incredible to think that what you pour into your kids now will influence what they pour into their own kids and impact generations to come.

So...

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. Drawing from decades of counseling experience, the conversation explores what it means for kids to develop a deep belief in their ability to do hard things and navigate adversity.

We...

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 loosening everyone’s chains. The jailer woke up and saw the doors open. Thinking the prisoners had escaped, he was about to kill himself, but Paul shouted and sa...

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 how to keep Jesus at the center in everyday life.

We talk about practical ways to grow spiritually, the influence of a parent’s faith on t...

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 to spread the gospel all over the world, the apostle Paul endured trials that would break most people. He wa...