Raising Godly Girls

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.  

Parenting with grace and wisdom isn't always easy—but it's always worth it. In this "Best of Raising Godly Girls" episode, we revisit Episode 270: "Resilience-Building Parenting Strategies," originally aired on September 18, 2025. Natalie Ambrose and Rachael Culpepper share faith-filled insights for parents learning to step back, trust God's guidance, and help their daughters grow into resilient, confident, and faithful young women.  This episode offers practical strategies for recognizing tendencies toward over-control and anxious parenting, while encouraging families to lean into God's plan for their girls. From celebrating small successes to embracing life's challenges as opportunities for growth, parents will be inspired to cultivate resilience, perseverance, and a lasting faith in their daughters' hearts.  Listeners will leave with actionable guidance to parent with intentionality, patience, and trust in God's timing. Whether you're navigating daily life, holiday busyness, or moments of parenting uncertainty, this episode reminds you that resilience isn't just built in theory—it's cultivated through everyday faithfulness, prayer, and loving presence.  Scripture References:  James 1:2-4   Proverbs 22:6   Three Takeaways for Parents:  Step back and let God guide your daughter's ultimate outcomes.  Recognize and release anxious or over-controlling tendencies.  Encourage growth through challenges and celebrate resilience as a gift from the Lord.  This "Best Of" episode offers encouragement, insight, and prayerful support for parents seeking to raise godly girls who are strong, confident, and rooted in Christ.  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.  

Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do for our daughters is…step back. In this "Best of Raising Godly Girls" episode, we revisit Episode 269: "Why Parents Shouldn't Make Life Easy for Their Daughters," originally aired on September 16, 2025. Natalie Ambrose and Rachael Culpepper explore the pitfalls of "helicopter" or "lawnmower" parenting and offer a faith-filled perspective on building resilience in girls.  This episode is for parents who want to love well—but struggle with the temptation to smooth every difficulty or shield their daughters from failure. Together, we discuss how stepping back, allowing natural consequences, and letting girls navigate challenges under God's guidance equips them with confidence, problem-solving skills, and a steadfast faith that will serve them for a lifetime.  Listeners will be reminded that resilience isn't just a personality trait—it's a spiritual posture. By trusting God to guide our daughters through life's skinned knees, disappointments, and learning moments, we cultivate strength, humility, and perseverance. It's an invitation to parent with intentionality, grace, and courage, trusting the Holy Spirit to shape our girls into women of integrity.  Scripture References:  James 1:2-4  Proverbs 22:6  Three Things to Remember:  Let girls experience challenges—they need space to grow and learn.  Parent with grace, not control, trusting God's wisdom and timing.  Celebrate resilience as a gift from God, cultivated over time through life's ups and downs.  This "Best Of" episode is an encouragement to pause, reflect, and lean into God's guidance as you nurture your daughter's character, perseverance, and Godly womanhood.  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 Christmas season has a way of filling our homes with warmth and wonder—but what if your holiday décor could do more than make your home look festive? What if it could become a beautiful, daily reminder of the Gospel for your family—and especially for your girl? In this special Christmas message, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay invites listeners to rediscover the meaning behind the decorations we often unpack without a second thought. Instead of centering December around tinsel, lights, and checklists, this conversation encourages you to fill your home with symbols that point your daughter to the Savior who came near.  Through thoughtful reflection and practical ideas, this episode explores how your family can create a holiday environment that disciples your girl right where she lives. Whether it's a nativity set placed intentionally, Scripture woven into ornaments, or simple traditions that direct your girl's heart toward Jesus, you'll find fresh inspiration to transform your décor into a teaching tool—one that speaks quietly but consistently of hope, promise, and God's redeeming love.  As the busyness of December pulls our attention in a thousand directions, this episode gently reminds parents to anchor their home in truth that outlasts the season. When your daughter looks around the room, what does she see? May she see more than glitter and garland—may she see a family committed to celebrating Christ Himself. With encouragement that blends creativity, Scripture, and practicality, you'll walk away with ideas your family can use immediately and a deeper sense of purpose for the atmosphere you cultivate.  Scripture References:  Luke 2:10–11: The joyful announcement of Christ's birth.  Deuteronomy 6:6–7: Impressing God's truths on the hearts of our children.  Isaiah 9:6: The prophecy pointing to the coming Messiah.  Three Things to Remember:  Your décor can be more than beautiful—it can be a discipleship tool.  Small, meaningful symbols can gently shape your daughter's understanding of Jesus.  A Christ-centered home environment helps your girl see the season through the lens of truth, not culture.  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 holidays can be a season of joy, but for some families, they come wrapped in worry, fear, and unseen struggles. In this "Best of Raising Godly Girls" episode, we revisit Episode 223: "How to Support Your Daughter Through Suicide, Self-Harm, and Mental Health Struggles" with Dr. Jessica Peck, also known as "Dr. Nurse Mama." Originally aired on May 29, 2025, this episode offers practical, faith-filled guidance for parents navigating one of the most tender and frightening seasons of parenting.  Melissa Bearden and Rachael Culpepper open the conversation with heart and honesty, reminding listeners that God equips parents to shepherd their daughters even in the darkest valleys. Dr. Peck shares compassionate strategies for recognizing warning signs, building trust, and creating safe spaces where difficult conversations can take place—because the most important healing often begins with being seen, heard, and loved.  This episode is a gentle call to action: the holidays are not a time to ignore or delay addressing your daughter's mental health struggles. Instead, it is a time to step forward in courage, anchored in God's wisdom and grace. Parents will be encouraged to walk alongside their daughters with a balance of truth, empathy, and prayerful guidance, modeling the steadfast love of Christ even in moments of fear or uncertainty.  Scripture References:  Psalm 34:18   Romans 15:13  Three Things to Remember:  God equips and sustains parents called to guide daughters through seasons of deep struggle.  Creating a safe, trusting environment opens the door for healing and honest conversation.  The best time to walk in truth, love, and prayer is now—not later, not when it feels convenient.  This "Best Of" episode is an invitation to pause, pray, and listen closely—God is present, and His Spirit brings hope even in the midst of pain.  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 holiday season draws near—a time filled with lights, celebration, and connection—this special "Best Of Raising Godly Girls" episode steps into one of the most tender topics facing families today: how to navigate self-harm with wisdom, compassion, and Christ-anchored hope. In this replay of Episode 222, originally aired on May 29, 2025, listeners revisit a powerful, heartfelt conversation designed to equip parents walking through the fear, grief, and questions that often accompany a daughter's struggle.  Melissa Bearden opens this episode reminding listeners that December can heighten emotional and mental strain for girls who are already hurting. While the world celebrates, many families carry unseen wounds. This "Best Of" series is a way to rest, reflect, and re-engage important truths—because even in seasons meant for joy, God invites us to shepherd our daughters with attentiveness and grace. This episode offers clarity about the signs of self-harm, practical guidance for parents, and biblical encouragement for moments when hope feels fragile.  As you listen, you'll be reminded that God has not abandoned your girl to patterns of destruction—His Spirit is near, attentive, and able to restore what feels broken beyond repair. Whether your family has recently discovered a struggle with self-harm or you've spent much of 2025 navigating emotional highs and lows, this episode encourages you to hold tightly to Christ's promises. His healing is real. His love is constant. And His presence goes with you into every conversation, every fear, every quiet moment of worry.  This revisited conversation is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and allow God to strengthen you as you walk beside your daughter. If little ears are nearby, you may want to save this one for a private moment—this episode includes themes best discussed with maturity and care. But whenever you listen, may the truth settle deeply in your heart: you are not alone, your girl is not beyond hope, and Jesus is faithfully present in every season, even this one.  Scripture References:  Psalm 147:3   Isaiah 41:10  Three Things to Remember This Week:   Your daughter's struggle does not signal God's absence—He is already at work in the hidden places of her heart.   Your calm, compassionate presence can become a lifeline that models the tender nearness of Christ.   Hope and healing are possible, even in seasons filled with overwhelm; Jesus meets families in the midst of their pain.    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 we enter a season filled with celebration, gatherings, and full calendars, this special "Best Of" episode invites moms to slow down and become intentionally attuned to the inner world of their girls. In this replay of one of our most listened-to conversations, hosts revisit Episode 221: Recognizing Girls' Mental Health Signals, a heartfelt and faith-forward discussion designed to help parents discern the often-hidden signs of emotional and mental struggle in their daughters. While the holidays bring joy, they can also magnify stress, loneliness, or anxiety—and this episode offers gentle wisdom for navigating it all with compassion.  Melissa Bearden sets the stage for a December series focused on some of the most impactful topics from the Raising Godly Girls Podcast. This week spotlights mental health and self-harm—a tender theme, but one that equips families with clarity and courage as they step into the holiday season. The heart of this episode is rooted in God's nearness to the hurting, reminding listeners that the Lord sees every tear, hears every unspoken fear, and remains close to the brokenhearted. Through a biblical lens and practical insight, this conversation encourages moms to pursue their daughters with the same gentle presence and attentiveness that the Holy Spirit extends to us.  Whether you're re-listening or hearing this message for the first time, you'll be reminded that recognizing a girl's emotional signals is not about panic—it's about presence. It's about creating space for honesty, asking caring questions, and modeling a peace anchored in Christ. This revisited episode is an invitation to approach your girl with empathy, patience, and prayer, trusting that God restores hope even in seasons of heaviness. And as you fold laundry, plan meals, wrap gifts, or drive from one holiday activity to the next, these truths can settle into your heart and prepare you to shepherd your daughter with grace.  Before you step into your week, carry these simple reminders with you: God is near to your girl even when she feels overwhelmed; the Holy Spirit equips you for meaningful, healing conversations; and your compassionate presence can be a lifeline in a busy, demanding season. We pray this "Best Of" episode strengthens your courage, deepens your discernment, and reminds you that even in December's rush, God is faithfully tending the hearts within your home.  Scripture References:  Psalm 34:18  Romans 15:13  Three Things to Remember This Week:  God is near to girls who feel overwhelmed or anxious, especially in emotionally demanding seasons.  Your steady, compassionate presence mirrors the gentle pursuit of the Holy Spirit.  Hope, healing, and peace are possible as you shepherd your daughter with prayerful attentiveness.  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 this year winds to a close and new year soon begins, many of us will soon be making resolutions to start fresh—but there's one commitment that carries eternal impact: growing deeper in God's Word. In this inspiring episode, host Patti Garibay, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus, sits down with author and Bible teacher Trillia Newbell to explore how parents can help their daughters develop a faith that endures for a lifetime.  Through her newest resource, 52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition, Trillia invites kids and families to experience the joy of reading Scripture together—from Matthew to Revelation—discovering that time in God's Word is not a task to complete, but a relationship to cultivate. Patti and Trillia discuss practical ways families can weave Scripture into everyday life, from dinner table conversations to bedtime devotions, and how simple consistency can yield powerful spiritual growth.  Whether your daughter is just beginning to explore the Bible or already loves studying it, this episode will equip you to nurture her curiosity, deepen her understanding, and inspire her to treasure God's Word in her heart. It's a gentle reminder that faith grows not through grand gestures, but through the steady planting of small seeds—one verse, one prayer, one act of trust at a time.  Learn more about Trillia's books—including 52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition—at trillianewbell.com. Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. Find or start an AHG Troop in your area at americanheritagegirls.org. 

As the year draws to a close and families begin to look toward January with fresh hope, this episode invites moms to consider the quiet, powerful work God is already doing beneath the surface. Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose explore how the seeds of faith planted today can flourish throughout 2026—not because of our perfect consistency, but because of God's unwavering faithfulness. Drawing from the imagery of tending soil and nurturing growth, they encourage families to start the New Year anchored in God's Word, trusting that He has already prepared the way ahead.  Reflecting on Patti Garibay's Raising Godly Girls Minute, Rachael and Natalie talk about the value of looking back with gratitude while also stepping forward with confidence in God's mercy, as beautifully expressed in Deuteronomy 4:29–31. They remind listeners that God is present in the days we have already lived and present in the ones we have not yet walked. With warmth and honesty, they discuss Biblical literacy, simple tools to spark a deeper love for Scripture, and how small, faithful steps can yield meaningful growth over a full calendar year.  The conversation also highlights the importance of community in cultivating spiritual habits. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 4:12, Rachael and Natalie encourage families to pursue Bible study together, to invite accountability, and to lean on other believers when distractions or discouragement arise. They share how planned moments of praise throughout the year—intentional pauses to recognize God's goodness—can shape a family's posture toward worship and gratitude, echoing the joyful invitation of Psalm 105:2–3.  As always, the episode closes with three simple truths to carry into the week: start in gratitude for God's provision in 2025 and His promise for 2026; nurture and cultivate your family's time in God's Word with community and intentional rhythms; and plan moments of praise now, trusting that God will meet you in every season of the year ahead. This New Year conversation is a gentle, hope-filled reminder that when families plant their faith in God's truth, He brings growth in His perfect timing.  Scripture References in This Episode:  Deuteronomy 4:29–31  Ecclesiastes 4:12  Psalm 105:2–3  Three Points to Remember This Week:  Start your family's 2026 journey in gratitude for the God who carried you through 2025.  Nurture and cultivate your time in God's Word with intentionality, community, and consistency.  Plan times of praise now, trusting that God will shepherd your family through every month of the coming year.  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. 

When the Christmas season eventually winds down and the New Year comes into view, many moms begin thinking about fresh starts, renewed rhythms, and the kind of spiritual habits they want to cultivate in their homes. In this week's episode, Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose invite you to breathe deeply, slow your pace, and look ahead with intention—specifically toward your daughter's 2026 Bible study habits.  While resolutions and "one word" themes often take center stage this time of year, Rachael and Natalie shift the conversation toward something far more enduring: a girl's long-term relationship with the Word of God. Together, they explore the beauty of Biblical literacy, the faithfulness of God that anchors every study session, and the simple ways moms can help their daughters develop a steady, grace-filled approach to Scripture.  You'll hear thoughtful insight around cultivating consistency, navigating seasons of dryness, and creating an emotional climate where girls feel safe to learn, ask questions, and grow. From practical tools like the O.I.A. study method to heart-level reminders that God delights in every step of your daughter's spiritual development, this episode is full of encouragement for moms who want to champion their girl's faith in the coming year.  Rachael and Natalie also share how the American Heritage Girls ministry equips girls to engage with Scripture deeply and confidently through the R.E.A.L. Life Bible Study method. Whether your daughter is a candle-lit-journal devotee or a messy-bun-coffee-shop learner, this conversation will help you nurture a rhythm of Bible study that fits her personality, honors her season of life, and strengthens her walk with the Lord.  As you prepare for a new year, we pray this episode helps you refocus, breathe, and step forward with hope—knowing that God is faithful, His Word is true, and He delights in growing your girl's heart one day at a time.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  Deuteronomy 7:9  Psalm 36:10  Psalm 119:105  Psalm 42:1–2  Zephaniah 3:17  Three Things to Remember This Week  The best Bible study method is the one done regularly.  When your girl's rhythm breaks, plan to recalibrate with grace.  When she shares what God is teaching her, stop and listen with full attention.  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 world says Christmas is about what we receive—but the Gospel tells a different story. This Christmas season, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay sits down with Gracie O'Loughlin, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Promotions at Operation Christmas Child, to talk about what it truly means to live the Gospel through service. From the joy of packing shoeboxes to the global reach of The Greatest Journey discipleship program, this heartfelt episode reminds us that generosity is more than a seasonal act—it's the posture of a heart transformed by Christ.  Gracie shares powerful stories from the field—children hearing the name of Jesus for the very first time, families growing in faith through simple acts of giving, and AHG Troops linking arms with Operation Christmas Child to impact lives around the world. You'll discover how even the smallest gestures of love can carry the eternal message of hope, and how to help your daughter see the beauty of giving rather than receiving.  Whether you're wrapping gifts or wrapping up your to-do list, this conversation will re-center your heart on what Christmas is truly about: the joy of giving, the peace of Christ, and the call to serve others in His name.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode  John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…"  Acts 20:35 – "It is more blessed to give than to receive."  Matthew 25:40 – "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me."  2 Corinthians 9:7 – "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give… for God loves a cheerful giver."  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. Learn how AHG and Operation Christmas Child partner to bring the Gospel to children across the globe at samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/american-heritage-girls-operation-christmas-child. 

As Christmas draws near, excitement fills our homes—along with the endless catalogs, wish lists, and the subtle temptation to want more. In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden wrestle honestly with the tension every family feels: how do we help our daughters avoid holiday greediness and instead cultivate grateful, generous hearts? Through personal stories and biblical wisdom, they explore how the desire for "just one more thing" can take root even in the sweetest child—and how God gives parents the tools to gently guide their girls toward contentment.  Rachael and Melissa take listeners back to their own childhood Christmases—where innocence, wonder, and excitement sometimes gave way to comparison or selfishness. They remind us that these moments aren't failures but opportunities. Opportunities to help our girls understand the difference between healthy desire and a heart consumed with having more. Through Patti Garibay's "Greedy Christmas" devotion, moms are encouraged to simplify traditions, model self-control, and anchor the season in the joy that comes from thoughtful, meaningful giving.  The episode also equips moms with practical, faith-filled strategies for shaping their daughter's heart: reframing the Christmas list, creating space for gratitude, and gently redirecting attention away from abundance and toward the Giver of every good gift. Rachael and Melissa highlight how modeling contentment in our own habits—whether through budgeting, slowing down, or choosing simplicity—sets a powerful example for the next generation. And as always, the conversation returns to the truth that generosity isn't about what we can afford, but about reflecting the heart of Christ.  Listeners will also hear how American Heritage Girls reinforces these lessons year-round. Through badges, service projects, and Troop community life, girls learn that generosity, stewardship, and humility are practiced virtues—shaped not by Christmas morning, but by a Christ-centered lifestyle. This episode empowers moms to help their daughters resist the cultural pull toward more and embrace the lasting joy of being a cheerful giver.    Three Takeaways from This Episode  Contentment Over Consumption — Help your daughter practice gratitude and resist the pressure to pursue "more."  Thoughtful Gift-Giving — Tools like the four-gift rule teach budgeting, stewardship, and generosity.  Generosity From the Heart — Joy grows when girls give with love, reflecting God's character rather than the world's expectations.  Scripture References  Luke 12:15 – "Be on guard against all greed…"  2 Corinthians 9:7 – "God loves a cheerful giver."    Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. Find or start an AHG Troop at americanheritagegirls.org. 

The Christmas season is filled with twinkling lights, festive excitement, and no shortage of gift lists—but in the middle of the holiday rush, how do we help our daughters understand that generosity is more than presents under a tree? In this heartfelt episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper, American Heritage Girls Executive Director, and Melissa Bearden explore what it truly means to cultivate a generous heart—one rooted in gratitude, compassion, and the character of Christ.  Through stories from their own girlhood Christmases, Rachael and Melissa reflect on simple moments of kindness that shaped their understanding of giving. Together, they unpack the truth that generosity flows not from abundance, but from love—and that the greatest gifts we give our daughters are opportunities to serve, bless others, and reflect God's heart for the world. With insights from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay's "Divine Generosity" devotion, this episode reminds us that God Himself is the model of sacrificial giving, offering His Son as the greatest gift of all.  Listeners will discover practical ways to spark meaningful conversations about generosity, from redefining what "giving" really looks like to letting girls take the lead in blessing someone this season. Rachael and Melissa also share how the American Heritage Girls Program helps cultivate year-round generous living through service, community engagement, and Christ-centered character development.  Whether you're navigating a busy December calendar or longing to bring deeper spiritual meaning back into your family's traditions, this episode will encourage you to slow down, refocus, and lead your daughter toward a joy that lasts far longer than wrapped gifts or glittering décor.  A Few Things to Remember  God is the ultimate Giver—and our generosity reflects His heart.  True giving isn't about the size of the gift, but the love behind it.  Girls learn generosity by watching us—our joy, our sacrifice, our willingness to bless others.    Download the free Raising Godly Girls Guide to Joyful Giving at Christmas a family resource filled with activities, Scriptures, and conversation prompts to help you nurture a spirit of generosity this season.  Explore more tools for raising girls who love and serve the Lord at raisinggodlygirls.com.  Find or start an AHG Troop at americanheritagegirls.org. 

Gratitude feels easy when life is full of blessings, but what about when the season you're in feels more like a desert than a garden? With financial uncertainty, relational strain, and a world heavy with unrest, many parents are wondering how to practice thanksgiving when joy feels hard to find. Yet Scripture calls us to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18)—a command that feels impossible apart from God's presence.  In this heartfelt Thanksgiving weekend episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host ad American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus of American Heritage Girls Patti Garibay welcomes Bible teacher, author, and ministry leader Kat Armstrong for a conversation that speaks directly to parents walking through both deserts and gardens of life. Kat, the creator of the Storyline Project Bible studies and author of The In-Between Place, shares how the biblical imagery of deserts and gardens has shaped her faith and why it resonates so deeply with believers who are longing to see God's hand in both hardship and abundance.  Together, Patti and Kat explore how parents can model gratitude for their daughters even in difficult seasons, what it looks like to lead with both honesty and hope, and why thanksgiving is more about the steadfastness of our Savior than the state of our circumstances. Kat also offers practical ways families can hold onto hope when they feel stuck in a desert, and how unexpected moments of God's provision can turn barren ground into flourishing life.  If you've ever wondered how to show your children what gratitude looks like in the midst of struggle—or how to nurture a spirit of thanksgiving that lasts beyond the holiday season—this episode will encourage and equip you. You'll walk away with renewed perspective and the assurance that God's presence is faithful, whether you're in a desert or a garden.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  1 Thessalonians 5:18  Isaiah 43:19  Psalm 23:1–3  Philippians 4:6–7  John 15:5    Learn more about Kat Armstrong and her resources at katarmstrong.com.  Explore more tools to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.  To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org. 

It's Thanksgiving Day—and between the turkey, the pie, and the endless sink of dishes, it's easy for even the most grateful heart to slip into grumbling. But what if this Thanksgiving, instead of focusing on what's missing, we helped our daughters rediscover the beauty of selflessness?  In this warm and faith-filled Thanksgiving episode, Rachael Culpepper, Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, and Melissa Bearden unpack how gratitude can transform a selfish heart into a selfless one. Drawing on Proverbs 11:25, they remind us that "whoever refreshes others will be refreshed," and that true thankfulness doesn't stop at words—it's lived out in acts of generosity, humility, and service.  You'll also hear from Patti Garibay, AHG Founder and Executive Director Emeritus, in a Raising Godly Girls Minute. This powerful one-minute serves as a reminder that selflessness isn't just good manners—it's a mark of spiritual maturity. Through practical ideas like encouraging your daughter to serve someone quietly or offering gratitude to others at the Thanksgiving table, Rachael and Melissa show how even small acts of service can cultivate joy and reshape a heart toward Christlike giving.  As moms, it's tempting to chase perfection during the holidays—but this episode will remind you that the most meaningful memories are made when we slow down, serve, and model the selfless love of Jesus. Whether you're tuning in from the kitchen or the car ride to Grandma's, this Thanksgiving conversation will help you center your heart (and your daughter's!) on what really matters: a spirit of gratitude that overflows into generous love.    Three Things to Remember:  Selflessness is the antidote to selfishness. A life focused on others brings the refreshment God promises in Proverbs 11:25.  Gratitude grows through service. Serving shifts our daughters' eyes from what they lack to how much they have to give.  Thanksgiving is more than a holiday. Daily selflessness and intentional gratitude build a rhythm of generosity that honors God year-round.    Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  Proverbs 11:25 – "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."  Philippians 2:3–4 – "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."  John 13:14–15 – Jesus' example of humble service in washing His disciples' feet.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 – "Give thanks in all circumstances."    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 turkey might still be thawing, the pies may or may not be homemade, and your kids might not be feeling especially thankful—but this Thanksgiving, the Raising Godly Girls Podcast invites you to look beyond the checklist and rediscover the heart of gratitude.  Join Rachael Culpepper, Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, and Melissa Bearden for a thoughtful and faith-filled conversation about what it means to raise daughters who choose gratitude even when it doesn't come naturally. With honest reflections, Biblical insight, and a few laughs along the way, Rachael and Melissa unpack how gratitude is not just a seasonal feeling—it's a spiritual discipline rooted in nearness to God.  Drawing from James 4:8 and Luke 14, they remind moms that gratitude grows when we draw near to the Lord and accept His invitation to the table of thanksgiving. From small car-ride conversations to setting the Thanksgiving table together, you'll learn simple, tangible ways to help your daughter practice gratitude that lasts longer than the leftovers.  Plus, hear from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay in a special Raising Godly Girls Minute—a timely reminder to turn expectations into invitations, and holiday stress into holy celebration.  Whether you're hosting family or sneaking an extra slice of pie in peace, this episode will encourage you to keep "the first things first" and model what it means to live thankful, even when you don't feel like it.    Three Things to Remember:  Gratitude is a choice, not a feeling. Choosing thankfulness (even in difficult seasons!) draws your heart closer to God.  Extend intentional invitations. Invite your daughter into moments of gratitude through small acts of connection and love.  Model resilient thanksgiving. Let your own steady gratitude remind her that joy isn't dependent on circumstances, but on Christ's unchanging goodness.    Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  James 4:8 – "Come near to God and He will come near to you."  Luke 14:15–24 – The Parable of the Great Banquet: God's open invitation to come and celebrate at His table.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 – "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  Psalm 100:4 – "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise."    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 that often questions Biblical truth, diminishes family values, and redefines freedom, parents face a critical calling—to raise daughters who love God wholeheartedly, cherish their families, and honor the freedoms that flow from faith. How do we help our girls hold fast to timeless truth when the world is constantly shifting?  In this inspiring episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Rachael Culpepper, Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, sits down with Debbie Kraulidis, Vice President of Moms for America and host of the Moms for America Podcast. Together, they explore how faith, family, and freedom work hand in hand to shape girls who live with conviction and courage.  Debbie shares how her work empowers mothers across the nation to raise daughters with strong moral compasses—girls who are grounded in Scripture, devoted to their families, and confident in their role as Christ-centered leaders in their homes, communities, and country. Rachael and Debbie discuss the vital role moms play in cultivating resilience, discernment, and love of liberty in their daughters, helping them navigate cultural pressures with grace and truth.  This conversation will remind you that freedom isn't merely an American understanding of a political concept—it's a spiritual one. As 2 Corinthians 3:17 declares, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." Our daughters can walk boldly in that truth, reflecting Christ's light in a world that desperately needs it.  Learn more about Debbie Kraulidis and Moms for America at momsforamerica.us.  Explore more faith-based parenting tools at raisinggodlygirls.com   Discover how to find or start an AHG Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org. 

Military life isn't just about the soldier who serves—it's about the family who serves alongside them. From surprise deployments to frequent moves and long separations, military families carry unique burdens that most civilians may never fully understand. In this week's heartfelt episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Melissa Bearden and Natalie Ambrose invite listeners to pause and consider what it really means to live out the Gospel by serving the "homefront heroes" in our communities.  With Veterans Day fresh in our hearts, Melissa and Natalie open an honest conversation about how to support military families in both spiritual and practical ways. Drawing from John 15:13, they explore how Christ modeled the greatest act of love—laying down His life for His friends—and how believers can reflect that same sacrificial love toward those who sacrifice for our nation's freedom every day.  You'll hear personal reflections, stories from AHG Members connected to the military, and wisdom from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay's Raising Godly Girls Minute. Together, these voices remind us that supporting military families isn't just patriotic—it's profoundly Biblical.  Whether through prayer, friendship, or hands-on service, this episode will inspire you and your daughter to become the hands and feet of Jesus to families who serve and sacrifice.  Three Things to Remember This Week  Extend Gospel compassion: Look for ways to connect with and encourage military families in your church or community—especially during seasons of deployment or transition.  Serve practically and prayerfully: Simple acts like helping with a household repair or offering childcare can lighten heavy burdens and reflect Christ's love in action.  Teach your daughter to honor sacrifice: Help her understand that service and freedom are gifts—reminding her that true freedom is found in Christ alone.    Scripture References in This Episode  John 15:13 – "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."  Galatians 6:10 – "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."  Romans 12:10 – "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."  Philippians 2:4 – "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."  Learn more about how American Heritage Girls honors our nation's heroes through programs like the U.S. Military Heroes Badge at americanheritagegirls.org.  Explore more Gospel-centered parenting resources at raisinggodlygirls.com. 

Freedom is one of the most beautiful blessings we enjoy—but it's also one of the most misunderstood. In this Raising Godly Girls Podcast episode, hosts Melissa Bearden and Natalie Ambrose unpack the true meaning of freedom from a Biblical Worldview perspective and explore how to help your daughter see both the cost and the calling behind it.  As our nation pauses to honor Veterans Day, Melissa and Natalie remind listeners that freedom is not just a national treasure—it's a Gospel truth. Drawing from Galatians 5:1 and John 15:13, they invite parents to teach their daughters that the liberty we celebrate as Americans mirrors an even greater liberty purchased for us in Christ. Through faith-filled storytelling, discussion about military chaplains, and reflection on American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay's Raising Godly Girls Minute, this episode points families toward gratitude, humility, and spiritual clarity in an age of confusion about what "freedom" truly means.  From honoring veterans in your community to helping your daughter understand the weight of sacrifice and the joy of service, this episode equips parents to cultivate both patriotism and discipleship—reminding us that true freedom is found not in doing what we want, but in living for the One who set us free.  Three Things to Remember This Week  Freedom isn't free. Use everyday moments—like Veterans Day ceremonies—to remind your girl of the sacrifices made for her freedom, both earthly and eternal.  Anchor her view of liberty in Scripture. Teach her that freedom without Christ leads to confusion, but freedom in Christ leads to love and service.  Model a heart of gratitude and honor. Let your family's actions toward veterans, leaders, and neighbors reflect a deep respect for God's gift of freedom.    Scripture References in This Episode  Galatians 5:1 – "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."  Galatians 5:13 – "Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."  John 15:13 – "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."  Philippians 2:3–4 – "In humility value others above yourselves… look to the interests of others."  Exodus 32:32 – Moses' intercession as a model of sacrificial leadership.    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 a world overflowing with headlines, hashtags, and hot takes, truth can be hard to find. Every day, parents face the challenge of sorting through conflicting narratives while helping their daughters make sense of it all. When everyone claims to have "the facts," how do we stay grounded in what's actually true—and teach our girls to do the same?  In this insightful episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Rachael Culpepper, Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, sits down with veteran broadcaster, ordained minister, and My Family Talk co-host Roger Marsh for a candid conversation about raising discerning daughters in a media-saturated world. Drawing from decades of experience in Christian broadcasting, Roger introduces his "ABC's of Media Engagement"—Analysis, Balance, and Clarity—a practical framework that helps families filter information through a Biblical lens.  Together, Rachael and Roger unpack how to help girls develop a critical eye toward what they see and hear, how to spot deception in the digital age, and how to rely on God's Word as the ultimate standard for truth. They remind parents that discernment isn't just about identifying what's false—it's about cultivating a heart that seeks wisdom, integrity, and the mind of Christ.  Whether your daughter is scrolling social media, researching for school, or just trying to understand the world around her, this episode will equip you to guide her toward the kind of truth that never changes—God's truth.  Learn more about Roger Marsh and My Family Talk Radio at familytalk.org. 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. 

Ep. 291 — Holding Fast to Biblical Truth in an Age of Relativism  When your girl starts asking hard questions—about right and wrong, fairness, love, or truth—how do you help her find her footing in a world that says truth is whatever she wants it to be?  In this powerful episode, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dig deep into the cultural currents shaping our daughters' minds today. Together, they unpack what moral relativism looks like in everyday life and explore how parents can anchor their girls in the absolute truth of God's Word. From understanding the roots of modern relativism to recognizing how it creeps into conversations about identity, justice, and love, this episode offers practical, biblical strategies to help families stand firm in faith.  You'll also hear from Patti Garibay, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus, in a Raising Godly Girls Minute. Patti sheds light on how this subtle cultural force erodes Biblical conviction—and how Scripture gives parents and girls the solid ground they need to live out God's truth with confidence and grace.  Rachael and Natalie remind us that God's character is not shifting sand; it's the foundation of all truth. Through His Word, He reveals what is right, just, and good—and invites us to reflect that truth in our daily lives, even when it costs us comfort or popularity. For every mom raising girls in this post-truth age, this episode will renew your confidence that God's truth still stands—and so can your family.  Three Things to Remember  Absolute truth exists—and its Author is God. The Ten Commandments still stand as a foundational guide for morality and right living.  Knowing God's character clarifies truth. Understanding His justice, love, and holiness keeps us grounded when culture distorts what's right.  Build courage in your girl. Teach her that following Jesus may not always be popular—but it will always be worth it.    Scripture References in This Episode  Exodus 20:1–17 – The Ten Commandments, God's moral law for His people.  John 16:33 – "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  Philippians 4:8 – "Whatever is true, whatever is noble…think about such things."  Romans 12:2 – "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."  Psalm 119:160 – "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever."  John 14:6 – Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life."  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 a world that tells our girls to "trust their feelings" above all else, how can we teach them to discern truth from deception? Join hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose for a rich, Spirit-led conversation on growing discernment—the ability to recognize God's truth, resist deception, and make wise decisions rooted in faith.  Rachael and Natalie explore the difference between simply following our instincts and tuning our hearts to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from both Scripture and real-life parenting moments, they unpack how discernment is more than a gut feeling—it's a trained skill that develops over time through prayer, Scripture study, and a deep relationship with Christ.  You'll also hear from Patti Garibay, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus, as she shares a powerful Raising Godly Girls Minute, reminding parents to equip their daughters to spot Satan's subtle lies before they strike. Together, the hosts offer practical tools to help parents nurture girls who are both aware and anchored—unafraid of the world's deception because they are grounded in the Word.  By the end of this episode, you'll be encouraged to create intentional rhythms of prayer and conversation at home that help your daughter discern what's true, what's eternal, and what's simply noise. When she learns to slow down, listen, and seek God's wisdom first, she'll become a young woman confident in her calling and courageous in her convictions.  Three Key Points to Remember  Identity forms discernment. A girl who knows who and Whose she is becomes less vulnerable to the world's deception.  Discernment takes practice. Like a muscle, it grows stronger through consistency, clarity, and Scripture-guided reflection.  Prayer anchors discernment. Prayer is not passive—it's a weapon. Teach your girl to pray for wisdom and spiritual alertness daily.    Scripture References in This Episode  1 Corinthians 16:13 – "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."  Philippians 1:9–11 – "That your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment…"  Ephesians 6:10–18 – The armor of God and the call to pray in the Spirit at all times.  Psalm 119:66 – "Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments."  2 Corinthians 11:14 – "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."  Deuteronomy 6:6–7 – Parents are called to teach God's commands diligently to their children.  For more from Natalie Ambrose, visit natalieatwell.com.  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. 

What does it look like to raise girls who see marriage and family not as cultural constructs—but as part of God's unchanging design? In this powerful conversation, host and American Heritage Girls Executive Director Rachael Culpepper welcomes Katy Faust, Founder and President of Them Before Us, a global movement advocating for children's rights to be raised by both their mother and father. Together, they explore why a Biblical understanding of family is not only foundational for our daughters' emotional and spiritual growth but essential for preserving truth in a world that's constantly rewriting the rules.  Katy's passion for God's design is contagious. With wisdom, courage, and years of advocacy experience, she unpacks how cultural trends have shifted family decisions away from the wellbeing of children—and how Christian parents can help restore that focus. Through Scripture and real-world insight, this episode encourages moms and dads to lead with conviction and grace, modeling for their girls what it means to live according to the Creator's beautiful blueprint for family.  Listeners will be challenged to see marriage and family not as outdated ideals, but as divine gifts designed to reflect the heart of God—where love, sacrifice, and identity all find their source. Whether your daughter is growing up in a culture of confusion or curiosity, this episode will help you equip her to discern truth, celebrate God's design, and walk confidently in faith.  Scripture References in This Episode:  Genesis 1:27–28 – God created man and woman in His image and blessed them to be fruitful and multiply.  Genesis 2:18–24 – The divine creation of marriage as a union between man and woman.  Deuteronomy 6:6–7 – Parents are called to teach God's commands diligently to their children.  Psalm 127:3–5 – "Children are a heritage from the Lord."  Ephesians 5:21–33 – God's design for marriage as a reflection of Christ's relationship with the Church.  Malachi 2:15 – God desires godly offspring through faithfulness in marriage.  For more from Katy Faust, visit thembeforeus.com.  Explore resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.  And to find or start an AHG Troop in your community, visit americanheritagegirls.org.