Raising Godly Girls

This week on Raising Godly Girls, Patti Garibay sits down with Ryan and Selena Frederick, founders of Fierce Marriage, Fierce Parenting, and Fierce Families, for a conversation about sparking curiosity and faith in young children. Married for 22 years with four daughters, the Fredericks have dedicated their lives to equipping Christian families with tools to grow spiritually together.    Ryan shares his new Atom & Iota series—whimsical storybooks for children ages 4-8 that connect science, Scripture, and creation. These stories help kids explore God's wonders while learning foundational theological truths in a fun, visual way. Selena explains how parents can use interactive prompts, memory verses, and activities to deepen faith at home.    Together, they explore practical ways parents can nurture curiosity, wonder, and confidence in their children's faith, showing that science and Scripture can point to the same Creator. Moms and dads will leave with inspiration, encouragement, and actionable steps to help their daughters see God's hand in the world around them.  &   Whether you're reading bedtime stories, homeschooling, or looking for meaningful ways to connect with your kids, this episode equips families to embark on the adventure of faith and curiosity together. Learn more about the Fredericks' work and the Atom & Iota series at fiercemarriage.com.  Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.  Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.       

What if one of the most powerful ways to grow your girl's faith… is simply to step outside?  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose invite you into a refreshing conversation about rediscovering curiosity, wonder, and connection with God through the beauty of the natural world. In a culture where answers are instant and screens often replace exploration, it's easy for curiosity to fade into convenience. But God's design for girlhood tells a different story—one filled with discovery, awe, and hands-on wonder.  As the seasons shift and the sunshine calls, this episode serves as a gentle nudge to embrace the outdoors—not just as a place for activity, but as a sacred classroom where girls can encounter their Creator. Through a meaningful Raising Godly Girls Minute, Patti Garibay reminds us that time outside isn't just refreshing—it's transformational, offering real benefits for the body, mind, and spirit.  Rachael and Natalie unpack a beautiful progression that unfolds when girls engage with God's creation: curiosity leads to respect, respect grows into wonder, and wonder naturally overflows into praise. Whether it's turning a simple walk into a scavenger hunt, observing the tiniest details in nature, or simply slowing down long enough to notice God's handiwork, these moments matter more than we often realize.  You'll walk away encouraged to create space for your girl to explore, ask questions, and engage her senses—trusting that God will meet her there in powerful and personal ways.  Because when a girl learns to see the world with curiosity, she begins to see the Creator more clearly.    Three Things to Remember  Curiosity is the starting point. Encourage your girl to explore, ask questions, and engage with the world around her—hands-on and screen-free.   Time in creation builds connection. The more your girl experiences God's world, the more her respect and love for Him will grow.   Wonder leads to worship. As curiosity grows into wonder, guide your girl to respond with praise for the beauty and brilliance of God's creation.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode  Genesis 1:1   Psalm 19:1   Job 38–41   Romans 1:20    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.  Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.       

What if one of the greatest gifts we could give our daughters isn't more entertainment—but a little more boredom?  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose kick off a week of conversations centered on the wonder and curiosity of girlhood. From childhood daydreams and backyard adventures to the quiet moments that spark imagination, this episode invites parents to rediscover something our culture has nearly forgotten—the beauty and purpose of boredom.  In a world filled with constant noise, screens, and stimulation, many girls are losing the ability to sit in stillness, wonder, and create. Yet those very moments—when a mind begins to wander, when curiosity awakens, when creativity is sparked—are essential to a girl's emotional, cognitive, and spiritual development. Boredom isn't something to avoid; it's something to embrace.  Through a thoughtful Raising Godly Girls Minute, listeners are reminded that girls are uniquely designed in the image of a creative God. When we remove the constant stream of entertainment, we create space for our daughters to explore, imagine, problem-solve, and even hear the gentle voice of the Lord.  Rachael and Natalie offer practical encouragement for parents navigating the familiar cry of "I'm bored!"—helping reframe it not as a problem to solve, but as an opportunity to grow. With a little intentionality, boredom can become the doorway to deeper connection, stronger resilience, and a more vibrant faith.  As you listen, be encouraged: the small, quiet moments of girlhood—the ones that seem ordinary—are often where God does His most beautiful work.    Three Things to Remember:    Get ahead of the boredom. Have simple, creative options ready and encourage your girl to take initiative in creating her own fun.   Respond with excitement, not frustration. Reframe boredom as an opportunity to grow creativity, resilience, and imagination.   Boredom is better together. Encourage your girl to connect with friends—shared creativity often leads to deeper relationships and joyful discovery.     Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Genesis 1:27   Psalm 19:1   Ecclesiastes 3:11  Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.        Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.       

As Christian parents prepare their high school daughters for college, many wonder how to help their faith endure in a challenging culture. In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Natalie Ambrose speaks with Jeannie Banter, Chaplain and Associate Dean of Student Spiritual Life at Asbury University, about faith formation during the college years.    Jeannie shares insights from her experience walking alongside students, including a firsthand look at the Asbury University Outpouring, a revival in 2023 that took the world by storm. Natalie and Jeannie will discuss what it reveals about God's work among today's young adults. Together, they discuss how parents can equip girls with spiritual resilience, Biblical truth, and confidence in Christ before they leave home.    This encouraging conversation offers wisdom and hope for families longing to see their daughters' faith not only survive—but thrive—through college and beyond.      Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Acts 2    To learn more about Jeannie's team and their ministry work, visit asbury.edu and explore their Spiritual Life page.    Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.      To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.    

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden talk honestly about what it looks like to launch a daughter from the nest and walk alongside her through those early adult years. Melissa shares about the surprising joys and challenges of sending her daughter off to college—including the simple gift of a FaceTime call that brightens even the hardest days when miles separate your family.    For many parents, this stage brings new questions. What happens to your role once your daughter leaves home? How can you continue guiding her while also giving her the freedom to grow? And perhaps most importantly, how can you help her hold firmly to her faith as she encounters new worldviews and experiences for the first time?    During this episode, listeners hear a thoughtful Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, reflecting on the meaning of "higher education" from a Christian perspective. Whether a girl pursues a university degree, career training, missions, or another calling, the ultimate goal remains the same—seeking the Lord and setting her mind on things above as she follows His plan for her life.    Rachael and Melissa also share encouragement for parents navigating this transition. Even as daughters grow into adulthood, they still need the same steady presence of a loving parent. The relationship may shift, but the foundation of trust, wisdom, and faith that has been built over the years continues to guide the journey forward.    As girls step into independence, parents have the opportunity to model faith, maintain loving standards, and keep prayer at the center of the relationship—no matter how many miles may separate them.    Three Things to Consider:    Your relationship may change, but your presence still matters.   Love doesn't mean abandoning the standards you've set.   Prayer keeps you connected across any distance.     Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Isaiah 55:9  Colossians 3:2  Proverbs 15:1    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.            Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.      

What does it take to raise girls whose faith actually lasts?    In this special live episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, recorded at the American Heritage Girls 30th Anniversary Convention, Patti Garibay sits down with actress, author, and speaker Alena Pitts Franklin for a powerful conversation about "sticky faith"—the kind of faith that holds steady through high school, college, and beyond.    For many parents, the statistics are sobering: a large percentage of students walk away from their faith after graduation. But this episode offers a hopeful reminder that God is still at work in this generation. From moments like the Asbury revival to the quiet, daily choices of young believers, we are seeing evidence that faith doesn't have to fade—it can grow deeper and stronger.    Alena shares her personal journey of walking with Christ through the pressures of growing up in the spotlight, navigating doubt, and remaining rooted in truth as she steps into adulthood. Together, Patti and Alena explore how girls can stand firm in their faith even when they feel alone, why Christian community is essential, and how spiritual disciplines help build a lasting relationship with Jesus.    This conversation also speaks directly to the challenges girls face today—from social media comparison to cultural confusion—and offers encouragement for both moms and daughters to pursue a faith that is authentic, resilient, and deeply rooted in God's Word.    Whether you're raising a daughter, mentoring a young woman, or listening as a girl yourself, this episode will remind you that God is calling this generation to live boldly for Him—and He is faithful to sustain the faith He begins.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Matthew 7:24–25   Colossians 2:6–7   Hebrews 10:23–25   Psalm 16:8   1 Timothy 4:12   John 15:4–5    To learn more about Alena Pitts Franklin, visit alenapitts.com, and to get her new book God Is, visit forgirlslikeyou.com/product/god-is    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.         Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.   

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden launch a week of conversations focused on helping girls build a faith that lasts beyond high school and into adulthood. As girls grow into their late teen years, parents often begin asking big questions: Have we prepared her well? Will she continue walking with the Lord when she's on her own?    Amid those questions, there is also incredible hope. Across the country, many young adults—especially girls in their late teens and early twenties—are leaning into their faith with renewed passion. From prayer movements to evangelism and deeper engagement with Scripture, signs of spiritual renewal are stirring among the next generation.  During this episode, listeners hear a powerful Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay on the topic of revival—what it means to pray for God to breathe life into hearts and how parents can invite their daughters into that kind of faith-filled expectation.    Rachael and Melissa also explore two key realities of parenting girls in the final years before adulthood. This season looks different from the earlier stages of parenting. Instead of directing every step, parents begin stepping back—allowing their daughters to think deeply, wrestle with decisions, and learn to take ownership of their faith while still receiving wise guidance along the way.    This conversation offers encouragement for parents navigating the beautiful, sometimes bittersweet transition from guiding a child to launching a young woman. When parents model trust in God, ask thoughtful questions, and create space for honest conversations, they help their daughters develop a resilient faith that can carry them into the next season of life.    Three Things to Consider:    The older parenting season invites your girl into the driver's seat. As she approaches adulthood, allow her the space to practice decision-making while you remain a steady guide beside her.  Ask thoughtful questions instead of offering quick answers. The teen years are a powerful time to encourage reflection and help your daughter learn how to think through her faith and worldview.  Pray for revival in your daughter's heart. Invite her to understand what it means to ask God to breathe fresh life into His people and to seek Him with an open heart.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Isaiah 57:15      Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.            Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.      

As families prepare to celebrate Easter, many parents wonder how to help their daughters truly understand and rejoice in the Gospel story—not just on Resurrection Sunday, but throughout Holy Week. In this special Raising Godly Girls episode, host Natalie Ambrose is joined by theologian, author, podcaster, and founder of Every Woman a Theologian, Phylicia Masonheimer, for a rich conversation on walking families toward the joy of Easter with intention and faith.    Airing on the Saturday before Easter, this episode meets families in the space between the cross and the empty tomb. Phylicia shares why Holy Week matters for girls of all ages and offers practical, age-appropriate ways families can observe Palm Sunday through Resurrection Sunday together. From Scripture reading and prayer to simple worship practices and Gospel-centered conversations, parents will gain tools to make Easter more than a one-day celebration.    Together, Natalie and Phylicia explore how theology can be accessible for children, how parents can guide meaningful conversations about Jesus' death and resurrection, and how the hope of Easter can shape a girl's faith long after the holiday ends. This episode encourages families to prepare their hearts so that Easter joy overflows from a deep understanding of the Gospel.    Whether you have young children or teenagers, this conversation will help you anchor your family's Easter celebration in Christ's victory and raise girls who live in the hope of the resurrection all year long.       Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Matthew 21-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, John 13-20  1 Corinthians 15      To learn more about Phylicia's work and explore her resources, visit phyliciamasonheimer.com    Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.    To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.     

On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose invite families to prepare their hearts for the joy of Easter by reflecting on the powerful story at the center of the Christian faith. Together, they discuss the journey of Holy Week—from Jesus' suffering and sacrifice to the glorious victory of His resurrection—and the deep reason Christians call Good Friday "good." Because through Christ's finished work on the Cross, the chasm between humanity and God has been bridged and the promise of eternal life has been secured.    Listeners will also hear a meaningful Raising Godly Girls Minute from Patti Garibay that challenges families to live in "Easter joy" all year long. Rather than letting the celebration end with the holiday weekend, Patti encourages parents to intentionally revisit the joy of Christ's resurrection throughout the year—perhaps even letting your daughter plan a surprise Easter celebration when the family least expects it.    Rachael and Natalie also share several creative, faith-filled ideas for celebrating Easter with your daughter. From a playful "Jesus search" that points to the empty tomb, to beginning your family meal with a hymn of praise, to writing a gratitude poem to God together, these simple traditions can help anchor your celebration in the true meaning of the season.    As families gather this Easter, this episode reminds listeners that the resurrection is not only a moment in history—it is the living hope that shapes how we worship, celebrate, and raise our daughters in faith every day of the year.    Three Things to Consider:    Turn the Easter egg hunt into a "Jesus search."   Celebrate in song.   Express gratitude to God together.     Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Matthew 4:1–2  Matthew 9:15–17  Luke 23:44–46  John 19:30  Hebrews 12:2  Matthew 28:5–6    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.            Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.     

Holy Week is one of the most sacred moments in the Christian calendar—the final days of Lent when believers around the world pause to remember Jesus' journey to the Cross and celebrate the victory of the Resurrection. Yet for many families, the week can easily pass by like any other busy stretch of spring. School schedules, activities, and daily responsibilities crowd in, and the deeper meaning of the season can slip quietly past.    On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose reflect on the profound beauty and gravity of Holy Week and what it looks like to help our daughters understand both the ache of Christ's sacrifice and the joy of Easter morning.  Together, Rachael and Natalie share personal moments when the reality of Jesus' suffering and love became deeply personal in their own faith journeys. They also explore the powerful thread of Messianic prophecy woven throughout Scripture—Old Testament promises that pointed directly to Jesus as the long-awaited Savior. From the Psalms to the prophets, God's redemptive plan unfolds across the pages of the Bible and reaches its fulfillment in the Cross.  Listeners will also hear a meaningful Raising Godly Girls Minute from Patti Garibay that challenges parents to model Christ-like humility in their relationships with their daughters. Drawing from the moment in John 13 when Jesus washed His disciples' feet—even the feet of Judas—Patti reminds us that servant leadership and grace can restore connection in even the most strained relationships.    As Holy Week unfolds, this conversation encourages parents to slow down, reflect deeply, and invite their daughters into the sacred rhythms of Scripture, testimony, prayer, and praise. Because when families intentionally walk through the story of Jesus together, the hope of Easter becomes even more powerful.    Three Things to Consider:    Make Scripture central during Holy Week. Walk through the events of the week—from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection—so your daughter can see the full picture of Jesus' journey to the Cross.  Share your personal faith story. Holy Week is a meaningful opportunity to talk about how God is still shaping your own heart and faith journey today.  Practice prayer and praise together. Simple rhythms of prayer, worship, and reflection help your family respond to the weight of the Cross and the joy of the Resurrection.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    John 13:1–17  Psalm 22  Isaiah 53  Luke 23:33–46  Matthew 28:1–6    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.            Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.      

The outdoors can be a place of awe, challenge, and discovery—yet for many families, especially those raising daughters with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges, stepping into adventure can feel overwhelming or even out of reach. But what if those very challenges are where God's power shines most clearly?    On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay continues a special conversation about helping families experience the beauty of the outdoors and the powerful faith lessons it can teach. Patti welcomes Kevin Schweiger, founder of Luke 5 Adventures, a ministry dedicated to making the outdoors accessible for individuals with physical challenges through innovative adaptive equipment and servant-hearted teamwork.    Kevin shares the story behind Luke 5 Adventures and the passion that sparked a ministry helping differently-abled individuals experience God's creation in ways that once seemed impossible. From climbs at the Grand Canyon to the heights of Pike's Peak, Kevin and his team have demonstrated that limitations are not the end of the story—they are often the very stage where God reveals His strength, provision, and purpose.    Throughout the conversation, Patti and Kevin explore how parents and mentors can nurture courage and curiosity in girls—even when circumstances feel uncertain or difficult. Kevin reflects on the powerful picture of the Body of Christ that unfolds during these adventures, where teams come together to lift, carry, and support one another along the path. In these moments, families witness Biblical truths in action: faith lived out through service, perseverance, and love.    This episode offers encouragement for parents raising daughters who face challenges of any kind. Whether the "mountain" in front of your family is a physical trail or a difficult season of life, God meets His people on the journey. When girls learn that their limitations do not define them—and that God equips them for every climb—they grow into women who are courageous, compassionate, and ready to follow Christ wherever He leads.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Luke 5:17–26  2 Corinthians 12:9–10  Galatians 6:2  Hebrews 12:1–2  Psalm 19:1    To learn more about Luke 5 Adventures, visit luke5adventures.org    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.            Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.      

On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose continue their week of conversations about supporting families with differently-abled daughters. Today's discussion centers on those beautiful moments when God's power breaks through human expectations—opening new doors for connection, joy, and adventure.    Too often, girls with special needs are defined by limitations instead of possibilities. But Scripture reminds us that we serve the God of the possible—the One who provides strength, purpose, and opportunity far beyond what we can imagine. When Christian families shift their perspective from focusing on what a girl can't do to discovering what she can do, entire worlds of joy and growth can open.    In this episode, you'll also hear a powerful Raising Godly Girls Minute from Patti Garibay that invites parents to adopt "capable-thinking" for special needs families. From the inspiring example of Christian speaker Nick Vujicic to ministries that make outdoor adventures accessible, Patti reminds listeners that every girl has God-given abilities meant to flourish.  Rachael and Natalie share personal stories about witnessing unexpected strength in loved ones, discuss the importance of avoiding limiting assumptions, and offer practical ideas for helping differently-abled girls experience meaningful outdoor activities. Their conversation is a hopeful reminder that when we approach girls with curiosity, compassion, and faith, we create opportunities for them to thrive.    Because sometimes the greatest breakthroughs happen when we refuse to accept "impossible"—and instead trust that God may be preparing a girl to surprise the world.    Three Things to Consider:    Structure activities for success. Clearly defined, predictable activities help girls with special needs feel confident and able to participate fully in the fun.  Choose connection over competition. Activities that emphasize teamwork and belonging help differently-abled girls build friendships and experience the joy of shared accomplishment.  Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Praise perseverance, courage, and participation—these moments often matter far more than winning or finishing first.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Philippians 4:19  Matthew 19:26  Psalm 139:14  2 Corinthians 12:9    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.            Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.     

On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose begin a week of conversations focused on how families can cultivate fun, connection, and belonging for girls with differing abilities. Together, they explore how Christian families can move beyond fear or uncertainty and embrace a Gospel-centered vision of inclusion—one that sees every girl as an image bearer of God.    Throughout the episode, Rachael and Natalie reflect on the beauty of people-first language, the importance of empathy in friendships, and the ways families can thoughtfully adapt activities so every girl has a place to participate. You'll also hear a Raising Godly Girls Minute from Patti Garibay that highlights the importance of cultivating empathy for friends with Autism Spectrum Disorder and helping girls extend Christ-like love to those who experience the world differently.  Through personal stories, biblical encouragement, and practical perspective, this conversation reminds parents that the Gospel calls believers to open doors, widen tables, and build communities where every girl is welcomed, valued, and celebrated. Whether your family includes a differently-abled daughter or you're seeking to better support friends navigating disability, this episode offers a hopeful reminder: when we see people the way God sees them, barriers can become bridges to deeper connection.    Three Things to Consider:    See the whole person, not the disability. Every girl is uniquely created in the image of God and deserves to be known, valued, and included in community.  The Gospel moves people from isolation to belonging. Christian families are called to open doors, widen circles, and ensure that differently-abled girls are welcomed into meaningful relationships and activities.  Be willing to adapt to serve. Sometimes inclusion simply requires creativity—adjusting environments, activities, or expectations so every girl can participate and feel honored.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    John 5:1–9  Genesis 1:27  Luke 14:13–14  1 Corinthians 12:22–26    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.            Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.    

Food is already at the center of so many homes. It fuels our bodies, gathers our families, and fills our tables with conversation. But what if it could also shape our daughters' faith?    For decades—since as early as 1943—researchers in the United States have studied the impact of family meals. The findings are compelling: children and teens who regularly gather around the dinner table experience stronger relational bonds, healthier communication patterns, and deeper emotional connection. Families truly thrive when they dine together consistently.  And yet, in today's fast-paced world, meals are often rushed. Screens creep onto the table. Convenience replaces rhythm. Many families feel disconnected—not only from one another, but from the sacred, formative moments that once shaped daily life. Especially during seasons like Lent, parents long to slow down, tune their hearts to God's voice, and pass on their faith in tangible ways.    Scripture reminds us that God has always met His people around the table. From manna in the wilderness to covenant meals on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24), to Jesus breaking bread with His disciples at the Last Supper (John 13), food has played a central role in God's redemptive story. What if the kitchen could become one of the most powerful discipleship spaces in your home?  In this meaningful weekend conversation, host Melissa Bearden welcomes baker, author, and teacher Kendall Vanderslice to the Raising Godly Girls Podcast. Kendall is the founder of the Bake & Pray method—a beautiful practice that weaves together bread baking, prayer, and Scripture. She shares how food can become formation, how hospitality can begin in ordinary kitchens, and how even simple recipes can open the door to empathy, generosity, and Gospel-centered living.    Together, Melissa and Kendall explore how baking can help families slow down, cultivate meaningful rhythms, and invite daughters into faith practices that feel natural and life-giving. They discuss biblical hospitality, practical ways girls can serve others through food, and why Lent offers a powerful opportunity to reshape family habits leading up to Easter.    If you've ever wondered how to disciple your daughter in everyday moments—without adding more pressure to your calendar—this episode will encourage you deeply. Because sometimes, the most sacred ministry happens between flour-dusted hands and a warm oven.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Exodus 24:9–11  John 13:1–17  Exodus 16:4–15  Acts 2:46–47  Hebrews 13:2    To learn more about Kendall Vanderslice and her work, visit kendallvanderslice.com  Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.      Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.     

Today's RGG Podcast episode takes hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose on a deep-dive journey into the Lenten practice of fasting, including the many ways that modern families embrace this spiritual discipline with an aim to commune more closely with God.     After some honest confession from the hosts, they lay aside the need to fast perfectly and reinforce the need to see the practice first as an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to clean the soul and redirect the heart posture back to a Holy God.     Rachael shares creative approaches families can take to fasting including the traditional form of food fasting in a healthy balance of a child's life. Whether the 'give-up' includes sweets, tech/screen time, social media, caffeine, meat, gossip, or any other thing that distracts a Christian's heart from the things of God, Rachael reminds listeners that 'give-ups' must be replaced with a direct line to the Father through Scripture, prayer, worship and such.     Listeners, you will come away from this podcast conversation with a clear understanding of fasting and some ideas on creative ways to incorporate the practice into your family's rhythms with a fresh connection to God and His Kingdom.    Three Things to Consider:    Lent is a great time to awaken all your family's 5 senses   It's important to make this season a time when you and your kids are personally connected to the Lord   There are tons of creative ways to explore the season of Lent, so adopt a fresh perspective and try it out!     Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:  Matthew 4:1-2  Matthew 11:28  John 15:4-5    To learn more about the AHG Statement of Faith, visit americanheritagegirls.org/about-ahg/statement-of-faith   Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.      Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.     

To honor the season of Lent on the Church calendar, Raising Godly Girls Podcast hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose open a conversation about what this season means and why there is a growing movement of Christian families seeking to embrace a more liturgical way of living.     Whether listeners things of liturgy or traditions in their own Christian circles, this podcast episode keeps an open mind on the many ways that Christ-followers will choose to observe the Lenten season. From almsgiving—giving to the poor—to fasting, worship, Scripture reading, and prayer, hosts Rachael and Natalie encourage parents to either embrace their chosen tradition or to learn a new way with an open heart and childlike faith.     With joy Natalie recalls her surprise that her older kids came to love their faith traditions during Lent over the years and now anticipate the season as it arrives on their family calendar. Rachael gives a wise reminder to listeners about the importance of knowing the 'why behind the what'—understanding how each tradition is designed to connect our hearts directly back to God rather than relishing in the tradition itself or getting prideful in our ability to practice the tradition perfectly.     When it comes to leading kids through a liturgical way of living, Rachael encourages families to welcome in the wonder and delight of childhood to foster a sense of joy and anticipation in our girls. She also advises families to start her practices incrementally giving space for new habit formation and grace in the process.     Natalie lands the conversation with the joy of ecumenical unity—meaning we're all working together as Christians—and choosing to honor one another in their chosen way of observing this season in the Christian calendar.     Two Things to Consider:    Let wonder, surprise, & delight guide you.   Even one new tradition practiced over many years will develop a special place in your child's soul memory bank.     Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Deuteronomy 6:4-9  Proverbs 14:21  Luke 3:11    To learn more about the AHG Statement of Faith, visit americanheritagegirls.org/about-ahg/statement-of-faith  Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.      Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.     

Motherhood, marriage, ministry—each of these roles is a beautiful gift from God. But even good gifts can quietly drift into first place in our hearts. Somewhere along the way, we can begin to measure our worth by how well we love, lead, serve, and sacrifice—rather than by the unchanging truth that we are already chosen and beloved daughters of the King.    Before we were anyone's wife, mother, mentor, or friend—we were His. Redeemed. Named. Known. And that identity does not shift with the seasons of life.    In today's culture, women are told to do more and be more. Even within Christian circles, it can sometimes feel as though a woman's value is tied to the strength of her marriage, the success of her children, or her ability to "do it all" with grace. But the Gospel paints a different picture. Scripture calls us to undivided devotion—to love God above husband, family, possessions, and even self—and to let every other role flow from that primary relationship.    In this powerful weekend conversation, Patti Garibay welcomes bestselling author, Bible teacher, and speaker Vicki Courtney to the Raising Godly Girls Podcast. Together, they tackle a challenging but freeing question: Is motherhood my highest calling?    Vicki shares the "fire in her belly" that fuels her ministry to girls and women, helping them anchor their identity not in roles but in relationship with Christ. Patti and Vicki discuss how easily motherhood can become an idol in Christian culture, how rooting our worth in our children can unintentionally shape our daughters' own identity struggles, and what it looks like to love our families deeply without finding our ultimate meaning in them.    This episode will gently challenge and encourage you to examine your heart, realign your devotion, and rediscover the peace that comes from belonging to God first. Because when we love Him most, we truly love others best.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Luke 14:26–27  Matthew 22:37  Exodus 20:3  Galatians 2:20  1 John 4:19    To learn more about Vicki Courtney, visit vickicourtney.com   Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.      Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.       

On this Thursday episode, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden continue unpacking Biblical womanhood, this time through the lens of control and the importance of mother's modeling a healthy release of control for their daughters. Launching from a book quote by Dr. Larry Crabb on Biblical femininity, Rachael and Melissa reflect on their own notions of God's design for women—specifically whether it's oppressive or liberating.     Melissa shared her own journey through self-control and balancing her natural wiring with expectations for girls and women of the time. Ultimately, Melissa feels that the Fruit of the Spirit as laid out in Galatians 5:22-23 open the door for joy and contentment in a girl as the Holy Spirit cultivates each virtue in her life into womanhood.     Melissa fuses Patti Garibay's Raising Godly Girls Minute with her own daughter's journey through middle school anxiety, resting in the truth that God was gently shepherding her through a season learning to release control and let Him take the driver seat.     Rachael cultivates the roots of Biblical wisdom regarding control encouraging Christian parents and their girls to embrace surrender, let God lead in the places that are already His, and to lean on Scripture as a heart healer when a girl mistakenly thinks she controls her world.     Ultimately, listeners will leave this conversation with a clear sense of God's authority and the gift of a Biblical woman learning to follow His lead.       Three Things to Consider:    Embracing surrender is powerful as a Biblical woman.   God's in control, so His ways and timing will likely look different than yours.   Scripture is a great revealer and healer when your heart is stuck under the idol of control.     Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:  Galatians 5:22-23    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.       Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.     

As the Raising Godly Girls Podcast launches another week of insightful Christian parenting conversation, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden dive into the world of Biblical womanhood, especially as it relates to idols. After sharing prominent women and celebrities they idolized as girls, both hosts reflect on the many different ways idolatry can seep into modern Christian life in America.     Melissa took on the potential for even a medial diagnosis to become an idol label, shifting a girl's focus onto self and limiting the resilience the Holy Spirit might seek to produce in her heart. Rachael tags in to warn against the tendency for extracurricular activities and dedication to take an idol-type place in the family calendar.     Rachael shifts into asking insightful and key questions to determine if your girl might have an unhealthy relationship with things or areas of her life, which take the place that God set up for Himself to reign. Melissa roots the discussion with a gentle reminder that idolatry in the Old Testament of the Bible is not gone today, and Christian families must always be on guard to protect our hearts and minds from that way of life.       Three Things to Consider:    Has her idol taken over the majority of her day—every day?   Is there an absence of contentment and joy in her these days?   How does she react when an idol is pulled out of her everyday life? If she can't function, that's a clear sign, something needs to change.       Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    James 4:13-16  Exodus 20:4-6  2 Chronicles 14-15    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.          Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.     

We live in a culture that constantly urges us—and our daughters—to "find ourselves." To chase affirmation. To define our identity by looking inward. But when our gaze is fixed on the mirror, comparison, anxiety, and exhaustion often follow. For many girls growing up today, the pressure to curate a self can feel relentless. And for moms? The weight of modeling confidence while secretly wrestling with their own identity struggles can feel just as heavy.    Yet Scripture offers a radically different invitation. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. Paradoxically, it's in self-forgetfulness—not self-obsession—that we discover true freedom. When we lift our eyes from ourselves and fix them on the character, goodness, and glory of God, something shifts. Peace replaces pressure. Joy displaces comparison. Identity becomes received rather than achieved.    In this special weekend conversation, Patti Garibay welcomes bestselling author and pastor Sharon Hodde Miller to the Raising Godly Girls Podcast. Sharon's newest devotional, Gazing at God, gently guides readers toward a life of humility, surrender, and sacred freedom. Together, Patti and Sharon explore what "self-forgetfulness" actually looks like in everyday motherhood, how comparison silently steals our daughters' joy, and how families can build rhythms that help everyone in the home look up instead of inward.    This episode is for the mom who sees her daughter growing weary from trying to measure up. It's for the girl who feels like she must define herself before she can belong. And it's for every parent longing to create a home atmosphere where identity is anchored not in performance, but in the steadfast love of Christ.    You'll walk away encouraged to model humility, practice surrender in the unseen work of motherhood, and help your daughter experience the deep freedom that comes from fixing her eyes on the Savior rather than on herself.      Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Matthew 16:24  Hebrews 12:2  Psalm 34:5  Colossians 3:1–2      To learn more about Sharon Hodde Miller and her books, including Gazing at God, visit sharonhoddemiller.com.    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.          Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.     

This challenging Thursday podcast episode poses a hope-filled path to Christian parents and listeners: What does it take to free girls from the burden of self-focused living? Hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose continue the layered conversation on Biblical humility, but today with a challenge to take Scripture at its word and live out Philippians 2:1-9 as Christ did.    From childhood songs to serving others, Rachael and Natalie give a personal perspective on the many ways that God has shepherded each of them over the years when it comes to humility. They also share the science behind service as a benefit to girls experiencing depression, anxiety, or even just an unhealed tendency to navel-gaze, as Rachael often says.     American Heritage Girls resources offer age-based, practical ways for girls to learn and work out this journey of humility with God and one another.     Whether your girl has fallen into a rut of self-loathing or over-confidence, today's podcast conversation will anchor your heart in the wisdom of Scripture, the gentle way of Jesus, and the potential for your daughter to take every step of her journey growing in Christ's image.       Three Things to Consider:    Philippians 2 gives a beautiful snapshot of Godly humility…   It builds unity among Christ-followers   It seeks to serve others   It shows the world who Jesus truly is     Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:  Matthew 22:37-40  1 John 4:20-21  Philippians 2:1-9    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.          Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.       

In this Tuesday podcast episode, hosts Rachael and Natalie tackle the big question: is it possible for a girl to achieve humility? Through an insightful conversation anchored in Biblical wisdom, Raising Godly Girls aims for a multi-faceted approach to understand and cultivate this Christian virtue throughout a girl's journey without the pressure to live it perfectly.     Under the identity of Christ, a Christian girl's sense of pride and confidence will inherently look different. Host Rachael shares practical truths to help parents guide girls in a Biblical path apart from the need for a spotlight. Listeners will come away with a Biblically-backed sense of God's mercy on a girl's heart when she is given opportunities to grow through 'humble pie' moments. Finally, the hosts talk through humility-gone-wrong scenarios in culture—insecurity and self-deprecation.     This episode shares the solid foundation American Heritage Girls offers girls as they grow in a healthy notion of self through various resources and relationships within AHG Troops. You will leave this podcast conversation feeling both challenged and encouraged as a Christian parent.      Three Things to Consider:    Biblical Humility isn't vying for power, prestige, or position   Healthy Humility is fully aware of God's mercy and responds in gratitude   Biblical Humility doesn't involve a girl putting herself down       Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    1 Peter 5:5-6  2 Samuel 2:28  James 4:10  Genesis 39-50  Colossians 3:12   Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools. Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.     

In a world filled with noise, pressure, and uncertainty, many families are longing for something deeper than surface-level calm—they're searching for true peace at home.  This week on the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, we've been exploring what it means to cultivate a home marked by shalom—the kind of deep, abiding peace God intends for His people. Not a peace dependent on perfect schedules or spotless kitchens, but a wholeness rooted in knowing who God is and trusting the story He is writing, even when life doesn't unfold the way we hoped.  In today's conversation, host Patti Garibay sits down with Bible teacher, theologian, and author Elizabeth Woodson to explore how understanding God's grand redemptive story—from beginning to forever—can transform the way families experience peace, purpose, and joy. Elizabeth helps parents see how theology isn't meant to stay abstract, but to shape everyday life right at home: in our expectations, our disappointments, and the way we model faith for our daughters.  This episode is for the mom who feels stretched thin, for the family navigating tension or unmet expectations, and for every parent who wants her daughter to grow up anchored in God's truth rather than the world's definition of peace. You'll be encouraged to stop striving for control and instead receive the shalom that comes from surrendering your home—and your story—to the Prince of Peace.  Scriptures referenced in this episode:  Isaiah 9:6  John 14:27  Colossians 3:15  Psalm 127:1  Genesis 1–Revelation 22    To learn more about Elizabeth Woodson's work and her book From Beginning to Forever, visit thewoodsoninstitute.org  Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.     Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.    

Is your home a place of refuge—or a source of overwhelm?    In today's busy world, moms are carrying more than ever. Between mental load, schedules, discipleship, and daily responsibilities, the state of our homes can quietly shape the tone of family life. On this Thursday episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden turn their attention to the environment of the Christian home—and how order, stewardship, and shared responsibility can create space for peace, connection, and spiritual growth.    Together, Rachael and Melissa talk candidly about clutter, stress, and the unseen weight many moms carry. You'll hear why disorder often impacts women more deeply, how grace and realism matter when raising girls, and why a home doesn't have to be perfect to be purposeful.    You'll also hear a timely Raising Godly Girls Minute from Patti Garibay, AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus, reminding moms that clutter is rarely the real issue—it's the cumulative pressure of life. With biblical wisdom and practical encouragement, this episode invites families to work together toward homes that reflect peace rather than pressure.  If you're longing for a home that supports discipleship instead of competing with it—this conversation is for you.    Three Things to Consider:    Choose order over clutter. A peaceful home doesn't require perfection, but intentional stewardship creates room for connection and calm.  Give discipleship a place. Designating a consistent space for Bible reading, prayer, and faith conversations helps build lasting rhythms.  Make tidying a team effort. Moms aren't meant to do it alone—shared responsibility teaches girls leadership, service, and care for others.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Proverbs 24:3  Matthew 11:28  1 Peter 5:7    Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.      To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.      

In today's parenting conversations, one phrase keeps rising to the surface: mental load. The invisible weight of remembering, managing, anticipating, and holding everything together often lands squarely on a mother's shoulders—leaving many moms exhausted, lonely, and quietly overwhelmed.    On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden step into this honest conversation with humor, empathy, and Biblical truth. Together, they explore how unseen burdens can quietly rob families of joy—and how God's design for shalom offers a better way forward. Shalom isn't just the absence of chaos; it's the deep, soul-level peace God intends to flourish inside Christian homes today.    Through candid personal stories and a powerful Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, this episode addresses the loneliness many mothers feel and the lie that they're meant to carry it all alone. You'll be reminded that community isn't optional for Christian families—it's essential—and that God lovingly places "natural hedges of support" around us if we're willing to lean in.    Whether you're navigating young motherhood, carrying years of accumulated responsibility, or wondering how joy slipped out your front door, this conversation invites you to pause, pray, and reset your heart. God sees your unseen work, and He does not ask you to bear it without His strength—or without help.    Three Things to Consider from This Episode:    Be honest about the state of your heart and cry out to God for help—He meets us in our weakness.  When parenting feels overwhelming, look for the natural hedges of support God has already placed around you, and choose to lean on them.  Don't overlook the basics—hydration, nourishment, sleep, and time in the sunshine can be powerful tools against burnout and isolation.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Matthew 11:28  1 Peter 5:7  Psalm 70:5  Psalm 42:1–2  2 Corinthians 12:9      Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.      To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.      

In a culture saturated with comparison and impossible beauty standards, many girls are quietly asking a deeper question beneath body image struggles: Do I matter? This weekend edition of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast speaks directly into that ache—with truth, tenderness, and Gospel hope.    Host Melissa Bearden welcomes best-selling author and Bible teacher Lisa Whittle for a powerful conversation about body image, identity, and what Lisa calls a whole-body theology. Together, they explore how Scripture reveals the body not as a problem to be fixed, but as a gift to steward—created with intention, dignity, and purpose by a loving God. Drawing from Lisa's new Bible study Body & Soul, this episode invites families to see the physical and spiritual as beautifully connected, not competing.    If you've watched your daughter compare herself to others online, struggle with confidence, or internalize harmful messages about her worth—or if you've quietly wrestled with those same thoughts yourself—this conversation offers a compassionate starting point for healing. You'll hear practical encouragement for replacing cultural lies with Biblical truth, cultivating gratitude at home, and helping girls anchor their confidence in Christ rather than appearance.    As Scripture reminds us, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). When girls learn to see themselves through God's eyes, everything changes. This episode will equip and encourage you to foster a home where truth speaks louder than comparison, where body and soul are nurtured together, and where girls grow up knowing they are not mistakes—but masterpieces, made on purpose for God's glory.      Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    1 Corinthians 6:19  Genesis 1:27      To learn more about Lisa Whittle, her work, and her books, visit www.lisawhittle.com/   To learn more about Lisa Whittle's book Body & Soul, visit https://www.lisawhittle.com/body     Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.        Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.    

On this Thursday episode of the podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose continue digging deeper on body image and practical ways to instill a healthy approach for our girls today.    In a time when cultural messages and marketing language are thrown around 24 hours a day, seven days a week, girls are bombarded by plenty of ways to think about their bodies, but none of it aligns with Scripture. So how can we help our daughters take hold of the messages, strip the lies of their power and urgency, and help girls rest in the Lord content with how He designed their bodies?     It's important for girls to understand that trends come and go—and it happens lightning fast these days! So if she's going to chase trends, she will likely always feel like she can never arrive—and she'll have no money! The Bible talks about the eternal beauty of a Godly girl's life that reflects Christ. This gives a more sustainable framework for girls to confidently navigate, trusting that God is working in their hearts no matter what the outward appearance looks like. Finally, the hosts offer a sobering look at how a mom's own baggage with body image can be inadvertently passed down to a daughter without a Scripture-empowered renewed mind.    Three Things to Remember:    When trends are your girl's measuring stick for beauty, she can be left feeling less-than.  Helping your girl weigh the temporary against the eternal will guide her to order beauty in a mature way.  Since your girl is watching how you handle your own sense of body image, it's important that we model this for her in Christian maturity.      Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    1 Timothy 4:8  1 Peter 3:4  Romans 12:1-2        Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.   To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.  

In this episode, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose use the analogy of parenting instincts to recognize oncoming illness in their kids as a framework to approach a girl's body image struggles. While parents are usually pretty good at connecting symptoms to oncoming illness in their kids, it's not always as clear when body image issues surface in our girls. So this week the podcast is focusing on body image, and how that is often reflective of a deeper spiritual thing happening in our girls.   Many times, girls hear negative messages about their bodies—that the body needs to be altered in order to fit in with the current notion of beauty. This can leave girls hating their bodies and measuring beauty through a lens that God never intended. How can we parent our daughters to embrace her body as a gift from God?   It's important to let a girl enjoy beauty rather than shame her for wanting to feel pretty. For a Christian girl, the key to a healthy Biblical Worldview on body image is tied to her contentment in the Lord rather than her appearance.   The AHG Ministry has a whole badge frontier designed to instill a healthy view of the body in a girl's journey. Raising Godly Girls also has the Raising Godly Girls Guide to Gender & Identity, which offers parents a great jumping off point to take these conversations into the home.   Two Things to Remember:   § It's Okay for a Girl to Want Beauty, Yes—Even as a Christian § Feeling Beautiful Isn't a Good Source for Contentment, so Address This Gently but Directly in Your Girl     Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:   · Genesis 1:31a     Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.

As February fills our culture with pink hearts and romantic gestures, today's Valentine's weekend episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast invites families to pause and remember where love truly begins—at home. Before our daughters ever understand dating or marriage, they first learn what love looks like around the dinner table, in everyday conversations, and in the way family members treat one another. Rooted in the timeless truth of 1 Corinthians 13, this conversation reminds parents that real love is patient, kind, and formed through daily faithfulness, not grand gestures.    Host Patti Garibay is joined by beloved author and speaker Jessica Smartt, whose work encourages families to slow down, reclaim childhood, and build homes marked by warmth, joy, and connection. Drawing from her newest book, Come On Home, Jessica shares how intentional rhythms, shared memories, and Christ-centered priorities help families move beyond merely loving one another—to genuinely liking one another. Together, Patti and Jessica explore how Biblical love shapes sibling relationships, strengthens marriages, and gives girls a clear, hope-filled picture of what love is meant to be.    This episode offers encouragement for parents navigating busy schedules, sibling conflict, or seasons of disconnection. With humor, honesty, and practical wisdom, Jessica reminds listeners that a peaceful, joy-filled home is not built overnight—but through small, faithful choices that invite Christ into the center of family life. As Valentine's Day approaches, this conversation reframes the holiday as an opportunity to model Christlike love in ways that will shape a daughter's heart for years to come.      Scripture Referenced in This Episode:    1 Corinthians 13:4-7  John 13:34-35  Psalm 127:1      To learn more about Jessica Smartt and her books, visit jessicasmartt.com    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.        Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org 

As Valentine's Day approaches, we're shifting the spotlight from romantic love to one of God's most foundational gifts: the love of family. On today's Thursday episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose invite you into a joyful, practical conversation about Family Game Night—and how simple moments of play can strengthen connection, build unity, and help our families genuinely enjoy being together.    In a culture where screens often compete for attention and schedules stay perpetually full, creating intentional space for laughter matters more than ever. Drawing from Psalm 133:1—"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity"—this episode reminds us that joy, togetherness, and shared fun are not extras in the Christian home; they're part of God's design. Whether your family loves fast-paced card games, outdoor competition, or classic board games, these moments of play can become sacred ground for connection.    You'll also hear a special Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, sharing why laughter and shared experiences help families weather busy seasons and deepen bonds. Rachael and Natalie reflect honestly on the challenges parents face—exhaustion, stress, and competitiveness—and offer grace-filled encouragement alongside practical "pro-tips" to help family game night stay accessible, meaningful, and focused on connection rather than winning.    Finally, the conversation ties directly into the heart of American Heritage Girls, where "faith, service, and fun" work together to shape joyful girlhood and strong families. From faith-based games to creative ways to invite friends into family rhythms, this episode will inspire you to carve out time for fun—and to trust that God uses even playful moments to cultivate unity and love at home.    Be sure to subscribe to the Raising Godly Girls Podcast so you never miss an episode, and join us again this Saturday for a special Valentine's Day conversation about memory-making and protecting the wonder of childhood. Until then, keep raising Godly girls—and don't forget to bring on the fun!      Three Things to Consider:    Be sure the games guarantee that every age of kids can participate! (And if it's Twister, parents you might want to schedule a chiropractic adjustment for the next day!)   While winning is fun, it's not the goal. I'm talking to you, competitive folks!   Make it a regular time on the family calendar that everyone can look forward to.        Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Psalm 133:1    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.        Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.    

Valentine's Day often points our attention toward romantic love—but what if this season became an invitation to strengthen the most formative love a girl will ever know? In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose reframe Valentine's week through a family lens, reminding parents that the home is the first and best place for a girl to learn how to give and receive love.    Together, Rachael and Natalie explore how secure attachment, intentional family rhythms, and spoken affirmation shape a girl's understanding of belonging. From handmade Valentines and quirky family traditions to naming shared values and modeling grace, this conversation highlights how love is learned in everyday moments—not perfection, but presence. When a girl feels seen, known, and anchored in her family, she carries that confidence into every relationship she'll one day hold.    You'll also hear a Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, offering a tender reflection on a girl's innate desire for beauty, creativity, and connection—and how those expressions of love can become lifelong markers of belonging. Rooted in Scripture, this episode equips parents to consecrate their homes as places where grace is practiced, forgiveness is spoken, and love is never assumed.    Whether your family is in a season of closeness or rebuilding, this Valentine's week episode invites you to start right where you are—praying over your home, speaking life over your daughter, and trusting God to grow love that lasts far beyond February 14.    Three Things to Consider:    A home consecrated to God's love will be known by God's love.   Grace and Forgiveness are key ingredients for a healthy understanding of love in your home.   Love must be spoken in your home. So don't let it go unsaid!       Scripture Referenced in this Episode:    Deuteronomy 6:9  Ephesians 4:32  Colossians 3:12-13      Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.        Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.    

Friendship is one of God's sweetest gifts—and also one of the most tender places in a girl's heart. From playground dynamics to group texts and even church friendships, many girls are quietly wrestling with the ache of wanting to belong. In a culture that elevates popularity and visibility, it's easy for girls to believe that being included defines their worth. But Scripture offers a far richer and more secure vision of friendship—one rooted in Christ's love and invitation to make room for others.    In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Patti Garibay is joined by bestselling author and speaker Dr. Heather Thompson Day for an honest and hope-filled conversation about helping girls navigate the highs and lows of friendship. Drawing from John 15:12, Heather reminds parents that Godly friendship is shaped not by cliques or clout, but by Christlike love—love that sees, welcomes, and stays faithful even when relationships feel messy or disappointing.    Together, Patti and Heather explore how parents can respond with empathy when their daughter feels left out, how to help girls develop discernment in choosing friends, and how to guide them through conflict with both grace and truth. They also discuss the powerful connection between hospitality and belonging, offering encouragement for families to cultivate homes where others feel seen and valued.    Heather also shares the heart behind her new picture book, Can I Sit Here?, inspired by her daughter's own story and written to help girls understand that belonging doesn't come from fitting in—but from knowing who they are in Christ. For parents worried that their daughter may never find "her people," this episode offers reassurance that God is faithful to provide community in His perfect timing.    If your daughter is navigating loneliness, shifting friendships, or the deep desire to be known, this conversation will equip you with biblical perspective, practical wisdom, and renewed hope. You'll be reminded that when we root our girls' identities in Jesus, we don't just help them build stronger friendships—we help them grow confident hearts that know exactly where they belong.      Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    John 13:34  Matthew 5:43-48  John 15:12      To learn more about Dr. Heather Thompson-Day, visit heatherthompsonday.com/      Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.        Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.    

Continuing a week of episodes on Godly friendship, hosts Melissa Bearden and Rachael Culpepper put the friend drama under the spotlight. When boy crazy seasons affect girls' friendships to then folding core relational skills that play into a marriage setting, both hosts share personal issues they've parented through personally.     Leaning on the wisdom of healthy boundaries communicated in grace, Melissa and Rachael share a core tenet of maintaining interactions in the midst of oversharing, obsessive tendencies toward boys, and balancing time spent with each friend to avoid jealousy.     The Raising Godly Girls Minute shows gracious wisdom that comes through Biblical loyalty in friendship. When today's girls are used to swiping left to immediately make something (or someone) undesirable go away, it's important that girls don't adopt the same pattern toward one another in real life. Melissa shares her daughter's experience walking through an instance when this was tested in a specific friendship. Discovering that her friend had changed—and preferred her phone over the person in front of her—was revealing to Melissa's daughter, helping her to cultivate important patterns moving forward.     Rachael shares three Biblical approaches to help girls hop off the friend drama roller coaster and adopt a more consistent pattern in their friendships. From getting to know a friend's parents to allowing trusted mentor and pastoral voices speak into conflict, each approach cuts down an addiction to division and embraces a more mature, Godly friendship.       Three Things to Consider:    Knowing the Friend's Family Helps to Offer Context when head-to-head conflict seems to be the norm.    Grace Comes through the Gentle Truth of Scripture to turn the tide on unhealthy friendship patterns.   When Conflict Boils Over, Lean on Your Village—You don't have to go this parenting journey alone.       Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    Proverbs 17:17  Ephesians 4:32  1 Corinthians 13    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.      Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.  

On this Tuesday episode of the RGG Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden launch a week of conversations surrounding friendships—something that Christian girls might struggle to navigate Biblically and often the source of a girl's first heartbreak.     With the banner of John 13 in the spotlight, this episode peels back the curtain on Christian girlhood friendships—by showing the world "who and Whose they are" by how they walk out the bond of friendship with other girls. Melissa unhitches from a worldly notion of cancel culture or even bullying tactics when a friendships go awry. Since conflict is inevitable in friendship, it's important to lead girls to stay aligned with the Lord's character when navigating those difficulties.     The Raising Godly Girls Minute poses a provocative mindset shift—what if girls were to offload the pressure of "best friend forever" and opted to embrace true friendship in loyalty? This slight distinction liberates today's Christian girls to take on a Biblical approach rather than a culture-fueled narrative.     From an older girl parenting to a younger girl parenting perspective, both hosts unpack how they lead their daughters to navigate conflict. 'Friendship breaks' can help a girl rein in her own emotions. Rachael shares about all the drama that often comes along with middle school friendships in the midst of hormonal changes. Both hosts land on a healthy approach to boundaries in order to shut down patterns of manipulation and hurtful behaviors.     Rachael offers three key ways to think of a trusted friendship as a recipe, inviting girls to build something beautiful and let God lead the way in her friendships.     Three Things to Consider:    A Trusted Friendship is Christ-centered.   A Trusted Friendship is Flexible & Adaptable.   A Trusted Friendship brings JOY!       Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    John 13:34-35  1 Corinthians 13:4-6  Proverbs 27:17  Romans 12:15      Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.      Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.  

In this weekend edition of the podcast, AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay welcomes Dr. Jeff Myers, apologist and President of Summit Ministries as a guest. From various book titles to teaching work through Summit, Dr. Myers specializes in guiding families into confidence so they can raise well-equipped kids whose faith tracks throughout their lives.     Patti describes a world where girls who believe in absolute truth are often mocked and that the cultural message of "live your truth" is steeped in deception and a shaky foundation. Dr. Myers wants parents to know that apologetics is worth the effort to learn and practice well but doesn't require expertise or many college degrees.    Through a traumatic upbringing, unanswered questions about his faith, and then a nearly fatal car accident, Dr. Myers describes his journey away from and then toward the Gospel with God using Summit Ministries in his own life.     Patti and Jeff talk about the Charlie Kirk legacy of fielding questions in public settings to clarify and invite people into a Gospel relationship with God. Through 1 Peter 3:15 and 2 Peter 2:24, Dr. Myers had the opportunity to counsel Charlie in order to keep his work focused on a Biblical Worldview foundation. Now after Charlie's death, Patti and Dr. Myers both hope his legacy continues.     Dr. Myers and Patti talk through issues that are pressing in on today's girls, including transgenderism as a social contagion. Jeff feels it's not only important to prepare girls to have a response but to have a solid confidence in God in order to push back against this spiking trend. Parents shouldn't feel like they have to start with the heavy-hitter topics though. Dr. Myers feels that the time to start having apologetics conversations is as soon as children can talk. Through natural questions, cueing conversations, and keeping an ongoing connection with kids, Dr. Myers encourages parents to faithfully embrace their place as primary disciplers of their girls.    Patti brings up the relationship between questions, doubt, and discipleship, to which Dr. Myers offers practical approaches for a sustainable path—one that real-life parents can follow. Jeff's wisdom on Biblical Worldview serves as the foundation for both parents and kids, so it's vital for parents to be willing to learn alongside their girls. Finally, Dr. Myers tells about a young woman who skillfully kept open dialogue going through asking good questions and a willingness to listen—thereby facilitating intelligent and helpful conversation in a very casual setting. Dr. Myers sees the influence of these approaches as a deep blessing to many around Christians who practice their Biblical Worldview in these ways.     Dr. Myers tells about Summit Ministries summer intensive for high school and college students and how the influence of alumnae is shaping the current landscape of apologetics in today's world. Patti's final reminder seals in the strength and dept of God's truth—that it can be trusted and can withstand even the toughest critics.     Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    Romans 12:2  1 Peter 3:15  2 Peter 2:24  Genesis 1:26-27  Colossians 3:23      To learn more about Dr. Jeff Myers work, visit summit.org     Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.   Find or start an AHG Troop in your area at americanheritagegirls.org.  

To continue this week on the Raising Godly Girls Podcast's deep dive into Apologetics, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden tease out the basics of how to approach daily conversations so parents can guide girls as they are going in daily life. Both hosts describe 'speechless' moments they each had when they didn't know how to respond to tough questions regarding their faith convictions.     Rachael talks about 'sprinkling apologetics' into normal situations like car rides and daily real life so it doesn't feel like a memorized chorus for girls, rather an infused way of living. Through questions like, "Does that line up with what we know is true?" or "What do you think God is showing us here?" Rachael shares that a girl's faith moves from fragile to fortified one conversation at a time. In an honest moment, Rachael also shares that she doesn't always know 'all the answers' as a mom, so she encourages parents to be willing to learn alongside their girls.     The featured Raising Godly Girls Minute in this episode drops a difficult Bible question that comes up a lot for girls: "God in the Old Testament seems very different from God in the New Testament—are there different God's in the Bible?" With generation alpha's focus on social media algorithm-fueled scroll feeds and YouTube influencer-fed notions (often apart from Scripture), many parents are feeling overwhelmed and hopeless about the current state of the next generation's worldview status.     The hosts remind listeners that real-life apologetics has to happen…in real life! So the old notion of memorized answers and echo-chamber video feeds miss the mark. With three key anchor points, Rachael guides listeners through ways to approach this well. Story Swaps, Debate Club, and Faith Detective all offer creative approaches that easily translate into daily conversation for families. Melissa enthusiastically challenges listeners to 'just start'—at the dining room table, in daily life activities, and often at unexpected times!    Rachael shares her love for the AHG Stars & Stripes Award process, specifically how the Spiritual Walk Essay gives award recipients a chance to unpack their journey in places that God strengthened their faith through adversity.     Three Things to Consider:    Faith is built in the small moments.  Questions are a gift, not a threat.  Equip, don't overwhelm.    Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    Matthew 5:17    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.      Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.  

In this Tuesday episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden take on the lofty topic of Christian Apologetics with an aim to bring it down to bite-sized chunks for families seeking to disciple their girls according to a Biblical Worldview in today's busy life.    Both hosts share the first times they figured out that people outside of their homes had different worldviews and how that shifted them into a new era of maturity as Christ followers. Rachael shares that girls are hearing big questions sooner, and from more directions, than any generation before them and that cultural discipleship will naturally happen unless parents actively step in to guide their daughters! Melissa reminds listeners that a girl's worldview needs to be established as well as strengthened in Scripture, otherwise it will crumble the first time it is questioned.     As a mom of a now college-aged girl, Melissa offers wisdom to listeners that a daughter's questions are not evidence that she's abandoning her faith—rather evidence of the opposite; she's seeking to strengthen her faith. She shares that she initially freaked out when the questions came, but the Holy Spirit equipped and empowered her to offer guidance rather than abandoning the conversation. Rachael balances the conversation by sharing that parenting is a long-haul journey, so these important apologetics conversations will build over time. It's certainly  not a one-and-done approach!    By embracing a girl's questions, defining and fleshing out competing worldviews, and landing on God's solid foundation, Rachael walks listeners through three key approaches to ensure that a Biblical Worldview lens guides the conversation.    Both hosts give resounding encouragement that parents don't have to be apologetics experts to guide their girls through these tough questions. In true Raising Godly Girls fashion, it's deeply good for parents and girls to learn TOGETHER!      Three Things to Consider:    Start with Her Questions  Help Her Recognize Competing Worldviews  Teach Her that God's Truth Holds Up under Pressure    Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    Deuteronomy 6:4-9  Matthew 28:18-20    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.       Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org. 

In this Saturday episode, AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay welcomes Dr. Kathy Koch back to the podcast as a returning guest to talk about ways we can raise gender-confident girls in a world steeped in confusion. Even when the culture tells us that Scripture is antiquated and oppressive, girls can embrace the clarity, purpose, and peace God offers us through His Word—a solid foundation for both Patti and Dr. Kathy in this conversation.    Dr. Kathy shares about her new book Raising Gender-Confident Kids, co-authored with Dr. Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries.     Dr. Kathy courageously describes the intention behind the book with Dr. Jeff Myers to embolden parents to push back and say 'no' to a deceptive notion of transitioning kids to different genders by altering their physical bodies. Patti draws out the direction of the book's title—gender-confident rather than gender-confused. Dr. Kathy unpacks the joy behind this theme by rooting a family's confidence in God first and then trickling down to a girl's understanding of her gender. Patti recalls her mother's phrase, 'God doesn't make mistakes.' This led the discussion to understanding God as the Potter at the wheel designing and crafting our bodies with perfect intention and meticulous care.    Dr. Kathy shares her personal journey as a girl learning to embrace things about herself that she previously ached to change, then under her mom's wise leadership shifting her thinking to love the unique facets of her body's design. From her height to her voice, Dr. Kathy shares wisdom, joy, and hope for girls struggling with their body's design.     Dr. Kathy offers precision in regard to gender confusion, settling that it is loving for a parent to correct confusion in gentleness and love. Patti and Dr. Kathy address the notion of labels that has changed drastically over the last 50 years in western cultures. To calm the strife, Dr. Kathy guides listeners to celebrate both the strength and softness of a girl's femininity rather than letting culture guide our views. Through the lens of a Biblical Worldview, Dr. Kathy teaches ways to let Scripture guide a girl's understanding, both with quoted chapter and verse as well as values of the Bible woven into daily conversations. Dr. Koch and Dr. Myers' book includes conversation starters so parents have a helpful launch-point when issues come up.     Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    Genesis 1:27  Isaiah 64:8  Psalm 139:13-14    For more information on Dr. Kathy's work, visit: celebratekids.com   Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.    Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.   

In this Bonus Episode on Raising Godly Girls, Patti Garibay sits down with Abby Johnson, former Planned Parenthood clinic director and founder of And Then There Were None, for a special bonus episode ahead of the 2026 March for Life. Abby shares her powerful journey from working inside the abortion industry to becoming one of the most influential voices in the pro-life movement. Her story is a testimony to redemption, courage, and the unwavering value of every human life.  Abby opens up about the "fire in her belly" moment that changed her path, the challenges and victories of helping abortion clinic workers transition out of the industry, and the inspiration behind her new film Unthinkable. Moms and families will gain practical insight into talking about life, faith, and compassion with their daughters, even in a culture that often devalues life.  Together, Patti and Abby explore the spiritual and emotional preparation for public witness at events like the March for Life, as well as the importance of cultivating a pro-life mindset in the home. Listeners will hear encouragement, hope, and concrete steps to raise daughters who are compassionate, courageous, and grounded in the belief that every life matters.  Whether you're attending the March for Life, raising Godly girls, or simply seeking encouragement in standing for truth, this episode equips and inspires.     Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  Jeremiah 1:5—"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;"  Psalm 51:6—"Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart."  Psalm 32:1-2—"Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit."  Romans 5:20—"...but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more..."    To learn more about Abby Johnson and her new film, visit abbyj.com and abortionworker.com.  Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.  To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org. 

This Thursday episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast dives into the often misunderstood world of gender roles and seeks to offer Biblical freedom and joy in places that have previously been understood as stifling and rigid. Throughout the conversation, hosts Natalie Ambrose and Melissa Bearden maintain anchors in a Biblical Worldview regarding gender and the various roles that girls and women play within the Kingdom of God.    After a fun discussion of 'girls' chores' versus 'boys chores', Melissa and Natalie settle into the contentment and joy God has for girls of all personalities, strengths, and preferences—all aiming to edify and refine God's people and to embrace the world around us for the sake of the pure Gospel message.    The Raising Godly Girls Minute in the middle of this episode opens the door to some great discussion on the color pink and how that can morph and fade for some girls. Melissa shares her mothering journey of teaching her girl to embrace who God made her to be and now relishing in the fruit of that ongoing conversation now that her daughter is in college.    Using Scripture as a guide, Natalie offers three key anchors to guide families' understanding of Biblical femininity and gender roles—especially as girls grow into the next generation of Christian leaders.      Three Things to Consider:    Scriptures to Guide a Christian Girl's View of Gender Roles:    Proverbs 31:30—no matter a girl's place on the spectrum of 'girly' to 'tom boy', she can reflect her Lord through a heart that wants to walk with Him.   Luke 1:46-48—Known as 'The Magnificat' this passage of Scripture showcases Mary's open heart to follow the Lord's command for her life. Your girl can have the same heart to follow God as Mary!   Galatians 5:22-23—The Fruit of the Spirit passage of Scripture is a great reminder that no matter the strengths, every girl can grow in areas that reflect Christ.    Scriptures Shared in this Episode:    Proverbs 31:30   Luke 1:46-48   Galatians 5:22-23     Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.      To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.     

On this Tuesday episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Natalie Ambrose and Melissa Bearden embark upon a journey to understand God's design for girls' bodies and how we can guide them Biblically in this self-view.     From the Body Positivity Movement to AI modeling trends, Natalie and Melissa begin to unpack the nuances of these cultural messages and their effect on girls. Melissa offers a gentle reminder that Christ-followers do not obsess on lateral comparisons, since that leads to self-loathing and discontentment.     Both hosts share their personal journeys with fashion trends and learning to embrace the bodies God gave them. Melissa's boldness to be present and live in the moment serves as an empowering challenge to many moms and mentors who might shy away from an activity if it means donning a swimsuit! Natalie shares about the value of self-talk and intentionally keeping that in a positive territory and how that serves as a direct example for her middle school aged daughter.    This episode centers on two timeless truths—welcoming God's blessing from Genesis 1:31 and embracing that His design for our bodies is indeed "very good" and having the wisdom to reject a cultural fashion trend when it is rooted in deception. Natalie offers listeners a kind reminder that the 'very good' blessing is from a Creator who is infinitely good Himself.    Two Things to Consider:    Embrace the Embrace—if God the Masterful Artist has created a girl's body as 'very good' then she should embrace her body's unique and good design.   Reject Trends Rooted in Deception—since the trend machine is designed to keep girls self-loathing and clamoring after the next thing, guide her to shift her thinking into a more contented mindset.      Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Genesis 1:31  Psalm 139:13-16  Proverbs 16:31  2 Corinthians 10:5  Genesis 3:6  Genesis 21:6  Judges 4    Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.      To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.     

In this Saturday episode of the podcast, Dr. Esau McCaulley joins host Patti Garibay to talk about a Biblical approach to ethnic diversity in God's Kingdom. This episode serves as an invitation to lift our eyes beyond my world and to behold the breathtaking beauty of God's design for humanity, and how His Church should lead in that design.    Dr. McCaulley's work involves serving as a founding pastor, podcaster, author, and public theologian—on top of being a husband and father. Esau unpacks his motivation for the many facets of his work—from God's covenant with Abraham through to the Holy Spirit's work in the world today. Esau passionately reminds us that diversity isn't something we should be afraid of—it's something we should embrace, because God's Word does.    Hear Dr. McCaulley's compassionate wisdom to guide childhood paths case by case into alignment with God's heart. Esau reminds that kids mirror parents, so when Christian parents speak respectfully about others—whether alike or different from their family—this serves as a Christ-like example to the kids.     Through personal story, Patti shares about diversity encompasses differing abilities as well as racial background.    Esau shares how his local church body uses the vehicle of community outreach and service to extend God's heart to embrace and love. He reminds that God's compassion is implicitly connected to evangelism and spreading the Gospel. Both Esau and Patti agree that children can lead all of us through eyes of childlike faith—pure, innocent, and passionate.     Dr. McCaulley and Patti land the conversation by unpacking God's perspective on justice and fairness and how that plays out in our daily life as Christians.       Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Genesis 12  Revelation 5:9  Romans 1:16-17  Ephesians 2:4-5  Mark 10:14  Luke 18:1-8    To learn more about Dr. Esau McCaulley and his work, visit esaumccaulley.com/     Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.      Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.   

In this Thursday podcast conversation, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose connect the Gospel message to the global unity of the Church by God's design.     Both Rachael and Natalie share personal stories of how God opened their eyes to the work of diverse unity He was doing in tiny churches, large church bodies, rural and urban settings alike. For both the hosts and for Christian girls, it's important for this growth to be personal—to let God show each of us that His Good News is truly extended to all.    Both Old and New Testament passages of Scripture show that God has always intended for His Church to bear His image to every corner of the Earth.    As we raise girls in a culturally diverse time, it's important to guide them to the whole story of history—even the difficult parts. It is through these stories that we can lead girls to love God's desire for unity and to work to speak on behalf of those who might not have a voice otherwise. Want to make this an ongoing part of your family life? Practice Biblical hospitality and see how the Lord opens your heart and your eyes to His beautiful tapestry of humanity!     Three Things to Consider:    It's important to tell the stories of Freedom Seekers   Which means...we must teach the whole story of our country's history, even the bad parts   Open the Doors of Your Family's Heart & Home to Invite the Hope & Unity of the Gospel that Binds Us Together       Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Acts 17:26-28  Ecclesiastes 4:12  Romans 10:12-13  1 Corinthians 15:16-20  John 13:34-35    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.      Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.   

In this Tuesday episode, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive into the topic of unity in the Church with an eye on heaven throughout the conversation. During an era where culture is steeped in division, it's vital that Christians pursue unity—after all the Gospel message is extended to all!    Natalie walks listeners through Old and New Testament passages where the global nature of God's design is under the spotlight. Ultimately, Rachael and Natalie land on the foundation that though people tend to be tribal in nature—preferring to gravitate to others who are "like us"—God's intention is for His image bearers to spread out and shine His light. Rachael reminds listeners that since God values diversity, so His followers should too.    Hear how Rachael offers practical ways to raise a girl who has the full picture in mind and who grows to love all peoples regardless of race. From language translation apps to praying your way across the map, there are countless ways to raise a daughter who loves all God's people groups.     The American Heritage Girls Ministry has tons of ways to instill a framework for global unity—AHG Badges, connections to aligned ministries like Operation Christmas Child, and more!    Three Things to Consider:    Any day is a great day to prepare your girl for the amazing diversity she will see in heaven!   Let a map be your family's guide to learn about various people groups, languages, customs, and cultures so you can intentionally pray for the Gospel to reach each person.      Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Genesis 11  Genesis 22  Acts 1:8  James 2:8-9, 12-13  Revelation 5:9      Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.    Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.   

In this heartwarming Saturday episode, American Heritage Girls Executive Director and Raising Godly Girls Podcast host Rachael Culpepper interviews Erin and Eden Geiger. The conversation surrounds the many ways God forms a daughter's identity in Christ through a parent's ongoing journey of faith with the Lord. Rachael invites listeners to take in today's episode with their teen girls to spark at-home conversations.    The father-daughter duo discuss Eden's book, 50 Days to Embracing Who God Says You Are, written during Eden's junior year of high school. Sharing her testimony of a "wilderness season" with the Holy Spirit, the two guests reflect on their growth together as a family when this awakening shifted their home.     Eden recalls being the only Christian on her high school club volleyball team and how that threatened to encompass her identity and her future. With the anchor of her mother's resolve, Eden was called back to her foundation in the Lord. From self-comparison, idolatry, self-worth, social media, and anxiety, hear Eden walk through a relevant season that many of today's faith-filled girls struggle with.     A distinct highlight of the conversation comes when Erin shares that a girl's identity in Christ is sealed through Scripture, releasing girls from the pressure to perform and easing her into a lifelong rhythm with the Lord.        Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Ephesians 2:10          To learn more about Eric & Eden Geiger's ministry, visit ericgeiger.com     Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.    To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.  

In this powerful episode, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose put the Armor of God under the spotlight as a way to empower girls to live out their faith in a confident way. Using a girl's identity in Christ as a "nametag", this episode connects the "who and Whose they are" ideas together for girls.     Rachael breaks down the Armor of God into three sections showing Christian parents how each intentionally serves as tools for a girl's healthy faith growth.    Hear how American Heritage Girls offers direct resources to embolden girls to succeed as Daughters of the King.        Three Things to Remember:    The Armor of God:  Guides & Guards   Refines & Readies   And it Shields & Slices     Your girl will be a powerful influence for the Lord when she puts on the Full Armor of God every day!         Scriptures Reference in This Episode:    Ephesians 6:10-18  1 John 3:1  Romans 8:15-17      Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.       Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.   

In this Season 3 episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose launch with a fun chat about letters they would write to themselves as girls and what they wished they knew about being a Christian girl growing up.    The hosts zoom in on the idea of "fortifying" a girl's faith to go the long haul—"parenting forward" to teach lessons today that will resonate far into the future and into eternity. The Raising Godly Girls Minute in this episode serves as a timeless reminder that Scripture serves as a "nightlight" so guide girls when days seem dark.     Rachael shares the fun opportunity to "start something new" through AHG Patch Programs and resources—for both non-members and AHG Members alike. She also shares a chance for listeners to grab the AHG Thinline ESV Bible as a way to launch girls into a year of reading God's Word.        Two Things to Remember:    Parenting-Forward is not a Formula—so open your hands in prayer, submit your will and your understanding to God, and do your best to steward this parenting journey daily in the process.    You can take joy in knowing that God will always be found faithful. Since that is His character and even in the hard seasons, He will always pursue her.      Scriptures Reference in this Episode:    Mark 8:36-37  Psalm 119:105  Proverbs 22:6  Isaiah 61:1-3  Jeremiah 31:3      To get your copy of the AHG Thinline ESV Bible, visit store.americanheritagegirls.org/products/ahg-thinline-esv-bible     Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.       Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.     

The Raising Godly Girls Podcast now moves into its third season as the calendar rolled over to 2026 this week. AHG Executive Director Rachael Culpepper reflects on 2025 highlights including Saturday guests like Kirthana Fanning, Sherri Seligson, Vic Clesceri, and Sherri Crandall.     Rachael casts vision for the Raising Godly Girls and American Heritage Girls ministry in the coming year, gaining direction from Jeremiah 6—to learn from those who came before and to dial in our vision for where the Lord will lead in the days ahead. Rachael's vision and our Saturday guests' wisdom still echo in listeners' hearts and minds, building excitement for a new season of podcast episodes coming down the line in 2026!     Season 3 of the podcast features topics like Multicultural Unity in the Church, Body Image and Eating Disorders, Cultivating Faith for Working Moms, and paring down the family calendars for busy and overwhelmed moms!    Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Jeremiah 6:16        Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.      To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.     

On the first day of 2026, Raising Godly Girls Podcast hosts Natalie Ambrose and Melissa Bearden officially launch Season 3 with a quick recap of Season 2 topic highlights, including Loneliness and Isolation, the Camp Experience, Honoring Differently-Abled Girls, Loving Without Compromise, Parental Rights, Cancel Culture, Intergenerational Ministry, and Biblical Femininity.     In an insightful part of the conversation, Natalie shares some special highlights from the 2025 AHG 30th Anniversary Convention Raising Godly Girls booth—a corner titled, "I Wish My Mom Knew…" where girls were invited to share their deepest desires with their moms. Some notes echoed of thriving relationships between mother and daughter, and others offered gentle challenge as daughters cried out to be understood, for mothers to pause and relax, and invitations to grow through flaws together as they reflect the Lord in their homes.     Melissa lands the conversation with a positive confidence in our Faithful God to lead us in the coming year, a yearning for Christian parents to really connect with their girls, and a reminder that today matters in eternity—so let's make it count!       Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    1 John 2:25        Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.      To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.   

What does it truly mean to be a Godly girl? The same question that closed out 2024 for the Raising Godly Girls Podcast rings in the New Year of 2026. From a foundation rooted in Christ, to a Biblical Worldview active in a girl's life, and finally a thriving daily relationship with the Living God, Godly girlhood is timeless and yet oh so relevant to today's girls. Hear Melissa's favorite Raising Godly Girls Minute—a centerpoint for each episode—and the global reaches this podcast has made in the last year. Hosts Natalie Ambrose and Melissa Bearden seal in the last episode of 2025 in prayer over the regular listeners and their families.     Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Psalm 139:14  Galatians 5:22-23  Deuteronomy 31:6  Romans 5:3-5    Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.    To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.  

Parenting is full of tension—especially when love tempts us to smooth every bump in our daughter's path. In this "Best of Raising Godly Girls" episode, we revisit Episode 271: "How Making Life Too Easy Hinders a Girl's Character, Mental, and Spiritual Growth" featuring AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay and Erin Kunkle, co-founder of MAVEN Ministries. Originally aired September 20th, 2025, this conversation explores the pitfalls of "lawnmower" or overprotective parenting and the lasting impact it can have on a girl's growth in character, resilience, and faith.  Erin and Patti dive into Biblical principles for equipping girls to persevere through challenges, problem-solve, and depend on Christ in everyday life. They offer compassionate insight for parents learning to step back, trust God's guidance, and allow daughters to face age-appropriate struggles—knowing that these moments cultivate courage, independence, and spiritual maturity.  Whether you're listening during a busy holiday morning, on a drive to church, or sipping cocoa by the fire, this episode offers encouragement and actionable wisdom. Parents will walk away with clarity on when to intervene and when to let God—and life—teach their daughters lessons that build lasting strength.  Scripture References:   James 1:2-4   Proverbs 22:6  Three Takeaways for Parents:   Step back and allow age-appropriate challenges to shape your girl's growth.   Encourage perseverance and problem-solving rooted in faith.  Trust Christ to lead your daughter's journey while guiding with wisdom and grace.  This "Best Of" episode is a must-listen for parents seeking to raise resilient, Godly girls who are equipped to walk confidently in character, faith, and independence.  Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.   Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.