In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses the upcoming season of Lent and provides ideas for how to approach it. She encourages listeners to do something more, do something less, and love someone better during Lent. She shares personal stories and examples to illustrate these concepts. Additionally, she reads listener feedback about forgiveness and concludes by inviting listeners to join her https://daniellebean.substack.com/lent Takeaways - During Lent, consider doing something more, doing something less, and loving someone better. - Small acts of sacrifice and love can have a big impact on our spiritual growth. - Forgiveness is a powerful practice that can bring healing and reconciliation. - Joinhttps://daniellebean.substack.com/lent for weekly reflections and content. ANNOUNCEMENTS Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more,https://daniellebean.substack.com/ Contact: https://daniellebean.com/ https://www.facebook.com/daniellebean/https://twitter.com/daniellebeanhttps://instagram.com/daniellebean, andhttps://web.voxer.com/u/daniellebean * For complete episode shownotes and more information, visit https://daniellebean.com/

Father Basil Nortz, author of https://amzn.to/491nhJb, joins the Girlfriends podcast to discuss the importance of silence in a noisy world. He shares the inspiration behind writing his book, https://amzn.to/491nhJb, and the different types of silence, including silence of the body, silence of the senses, silence of the memory, silence of the imagination, silence of conversations, and silence of self-love. Father Nortz emphasizes the countercultural nature of silence and offers practical advice for embracing silence in everyday life. He also discusses the impact of phones and media on silence and provides guidance for teaching children the value of silence. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the beauty and gift of silence and an invitation to embrace it in the present moment. Key Takeaways - Silence is countercultural in a noisy world, but it is essential for spiritual growth and finding God in the present moment. - Different types of silence, such as silence of the body help us order our faculties and focus on what is truly important. - Phones and media can be distractions that hinder silence and disconnect us from God and others. Setting limitations and teaching children the value of silence is important. - Embracing silence requires continual conversion and a recognition of what truly brings us happiness, peace, and joy. - The book Holy Silence serves as a program of life, guiding readers to reflect on their own habits and grow in their spiritual journey. ANNOUNCEMENTS Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, our exclusive Lenten sessions, weekly columns, live events, and more,https://daniellebean.substack.com/ Contact: https://daniellebean.com/ https://www.facebook.com/daniellebean/https://twitter.com/daniellebeanhttps://instagram.com/daniellebean, andhttps://web.voxer.com/u/daniellebean * For complete episode shownotes and more information, visit https://daniellebean.com/

In this week's episode, Danielle discusses the important topic of forgiveness, even in the face of terrible things. She emphasizes the need for flexibility in our plans and goals, as well as the importance of recognizing our own need for forgiveness. Danielle shares personal stories and insights from Scripture to highlight the challenges and rewards of forgiveness. She encourages listeners to choose forgiveness as an act of the will, even when it is difficult, and reminds them of the power of forgiveness to bring peace and healing. At the end of today's show, Danielle answers a question from a listener about the practice of Bible journaling. Takeaways: - Flexibility is important in our plans and goals, as it allows us to prioritize relationships and respond to opportunities for connection. - Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling, and it is a necessary part of our own need for forgiveness and healing. - Jesus calls us to forgive even terrible things, and He provides the strength and grace to do so. - Unforgiveness hurts us and hinders our peace, while forgiveness brings healing and freedom. - Practical steps for forgiveness include understanding the perspective of the person who hurt us, expressing and processing our feelings, setting boundaries, and seeking the help of God and supportive communities. - Bible journaling can be a helpful practice for engaging with Scripture and deepening our understanding and relationship with God. ANNOUNCEMENTS Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more,https://daniellebean.substack.com/ Contact: https://daniellebean.com/ https://www.facebook.com/daniellebean/https://twitter.com/daniellebeanhttps://instagram.com/daniellebean, andhttps://web.voxer.com/u/daniellebean * For complete episode shownotes and more information, visit https://daniellebean.com/

In this episode, Danielle Bean interviews licensed marriage and family therapist Melissa Tablada about resolving conflict in marriage. They discuss the importance of deep connection, practical guidelines for resolving conflict, the value of date nights and couple prayer, and the myth of not going to bed angry. Melissa provides practical advice for couples to communicate effectively and maintain a healthy relationship. The episode concludes with listener feedback and advice on dealing with family conflict. Learn more about Melissa Tablata https://www.melissagracetablada.com/ and follow her on https://www.instagram.com/melissagracetablada/. At the end of today's show, Danielle answers a question from listener Grace about how to manage family differences and conflict. Takeaways: - Deep connection is essential for resolving conflict in marriage. - Avoid using words like 'always' and 'never' during conflicts. - Take time to process emotions and communicate intentions before engaging in conflict resolution. - Setting boundaries and taking breaks during conflicts can be beneficial. - The myth of not going to bed angry can lead to unproductive arguments. Today's show is borought to you in part by https://walkingwithpurpose.com/. Learn more about their ucoming event for mothers and daughters, https://walkingwithpurpose.com/event/sisters-of-strength/. ANNOUNCEMENTS Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more,https://daniellebean.substack.com/ Contact: https://daniellebean.com/ https://www.facebook.com/daniellebean/https://twitter.com/daniellebeanhttps://instagram.com/daniellebean, andhttps://web.voxer.com/u/daniellebean * For complete episode shownotes and more information, visit https://daniellebean.com/

This week we are thrilled to be launching the Dan & Danielle Bean podcast, exclusively available through subscription at daniellebean.com. After more than 7 years of podcasting on her own with Girlfriends, Danielle is overjoyed to be working on this project with her husband Dan and can’t wait to share it with you! Dan and Danielle have been married almost 30 years (this July!) and they have eight awesome kids. In this new show, they share stories, thoughts, fun, and wisdom that we have gathered through faith and family living. Whether you’re a seasoned parent, a newlywed couple, or someone seeking inspiration in your faith journey, this podcast is your go-to source for genuine insights, relatable stories, wisdom, love, and laughter. Our first episode, How to Have Fun Together as a Family, is shared here this week as a special episode of Girlfriends, but all future shows will be available exclusively to upgraded subscribers. Make sure you don’t miss a thing! Subscribe right now at daniellebean.com 🌿 Takeaways - Creating a joyful and fun environment is important for families - Flexibility and not over-planning are key to family fun - Parents should not take family life too seriously - Feedback and topic suggestions are welcome ANNOUNCEMENTS Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more,https://daniellebean.substack.com/ Contact: https://daniellebean.com/ https://www.facebook.com/daniellebean/https://twitter.com/daniellebeanhttps://instagram.com/daniellebean, andhttps://web.voxer.com/u/daniellebean * For complete episode shownotes and more information, visit https://daniellebean.com/

Danielle Bean chats with Dr. Bob Schuchts, the bestselling author of https://amzn.to/41N61EE and the founder of the John Paul II Healing Center in Tallahassee, Florida. Danielle and Dr. Schuchts discuss every person's need for healing, some ways that we sometimes seek healing in all the wrong places, and Jesus as the source of all healing. They also explore the importance of belief in God's healing power and the challenge of overcoming self-sufficiency. Bob explains the tree and the apple analogy for understanding woundedness and offers practical advice for forgiveness and healing. They also discuss the dangers of navigating new age healing practices and highlight the mission of the St. John Paul II Healing Center. Takeaways: - Healing ministry is essential in the Church and the world. - Belief in God's healing power is crucial for experiencing miracles. - Self-sufficiency can hinder our openness to God's healing. - Practicing forgiveness and addressing woundedness are key to personal healing. At the end of today's show, Danielle reads an email from listener, Katie, a non-Catholic who shares what she appreciates about the Girlfriends podcast. Dr. Bob Schuchts' newest book is https://amzn.to/47lgtVa. Learn more about the https://jpiihealingcenter.org/ ANNOUNCEMENTS Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more,https://daniellebean.substack.com/ Contact: https://daniellebean.com https://www.facebook.com/daniellebean/https://twitter.com/daniellebeanhttps://instagram.com/daniellebean, andhttps://web.voxer.com/u/daniellebean * For complete episode shownotes and more information, visit https://daniellebean.com/

Did you make any resolutions this year? In case you need a little inspiration and encouragement, Danielle shares her idea for the ONLY resolution you need to make. If you do nothing else this year, consider working on this--letting God love you. Three things to keep in mind as you do that: 1. Take the time. It takes time to get to know God and let him enter more deeply into your life. Time and again, Jesus "went away to pray" and we need to do likewise. 2. Screen your thoughts. What are some of your habits of thinking or talking to yourself and how might these get in the way of your relationship with God? Screen your thoughts and influences! 3. Let go of fear. Many of us are afraid of being still in the presence of God. it requires a level of openness and vulnerability that might make you uncomfortable. Consider how this might apply to you and how you can let go of that fear that is holding you back. At the end of today's show, Danielle answers a question from "Anna" who is going through a stressful time in her marriage and seeking support. ANNOUNCEMENTS Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, https://daniellebean.substack.com/ Contact: mailto:%20danielle@daniellebean.com https://www.facebook.com/daniellebean/?ref=tn_tnmnhttps://twitter.com/daniellebeanhttps://instagram.com/daniellebean, and https://web.voxer.com/u/daniellebean * For complete episode shownotes visit https://daniellebean.com/

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are taking a break and using this opportunity to revisit this popular episode where Danielle shares 5 innovative ideas for things to give up in the new year. 1. Undisciplined phone use Are you constantly checking your phone throughout your day? Do you spend too much time mindlessly scrolling through social media? Consider setting limits to when, where, and how you use your phone, and your mental health will be better for it. 2. Stuff you don’t need What things are taking up space in your home and work spaces? Too much clothing, extra appliances, or piles of books? Declutter your spaces and give some of your extra “stuff” to others who can use it. 3. Ignoring your health Many of us put others first and neglect our own healthcare. Do you need to make an appointment for a check up, a screening, or a trip to the dentist? For your family’s benefit, you need to take better care of yourself in these most basic ways. Make the call today! 4. Negative relationships Who in your life brings you down, saps you of energy, or tempts you to sin? There are some relationships (like family) that we can’t cut out, but if you have friendships or acquaintances that are a continual source of negativity for you, consider limiting them or cutting them out altogether. 5. Saying you don’t have time We all use this excuse from time to time, but if you find yourself saying this about important things in your life, it’s time for a change. If you can’t find time to pray, to work on your marriage, to exercise or do other things you think are important, then you need to make some changes. Stop saying you don’t have time and find better ways to use the time you have. How about you? What will you be giving up in 2024?

“Your marriage is the foundation on which your entire family life is built. Anytime you've got extra pressure in your outside lives, it can really add to the pressure that you experience in your relationship.” In the weeks that lead up to Christmas, financial stress, social pressure, and endless to-do lists can add up to a tense situation in your marriage. We need to take steps to protect and nurture our marriages during the busy season of Advent. Danielle shares some ideas: Pause. Take a breath before responding to your spouse in a challenging situation. Spend time together. It’s always important for couples to make time for each other, but even more so during stressful times. Enjoy the holidays together! Talk. A little communication ahead of time goes a long way toward avoiding misunderstandings and conflict. Give in. Compromise whenever you can, and convince yourself to let little things go. See the big picture. Ask yourself: Will any of these stresses and annoyances matter a hundred years from now? Next month? Next week? Even the day after tomorrow? Turn the whole mess over to Baby Jesus and pray for the gift of perspective. At the end of this week’s show, Danielle replies to Alyssa who wrote in to say how much she enjoyed our recent episode about finding more time in your day. * For episode shownotes visit https://daniellebean.com/.

“Give your kids the gift of Scripture that's going to be imprinted on their hearts forever. Put it into their hearts and minds. Make that what's filling their little hearts during this season of Advent.” Here we are, in the thick of Advent! Are you stressed yet? Let’s stay focused on the things that are truly important and help our kids to do the same. Danielle is sharing 6 ideas for ways to nurture your kids’ faith lives this Advent season: Scripture Verses You might add some relevant Scripture to an Advent calendar or spend some time reading the Book of Luke. Nativity Scenes There are lots of kid-friendly options to choose from! Here are a couple of them to get you started, from Fisher Price and Bible toys. Jesse Tree This doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. You can check out places like Etsy for beautiful ornaments or search online for printable versions. Advent Wreath This could not be simpler– even just small candles in holders with ribbons can help mark the season. Pray together when you light them! Community Service Think of someone you know who could use a visit, some service, or a surprise gift. Enlist your kids’ help in getting it done! Advent Storytime Make bedtime rituals extra special in the weeks before Christmas by reading some Advent-themed children’s books. Tomie DePaoloa is a favorite! At the end of today’s show, Danielle shares a message from listener Karen who offers feedback on our recent episode about hospitality. * For episode shownotes and links visit https://daniellebean.com/podcast.