Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

Available Episodes

5 of 529

Finding God in the Waiting
Advent invites us into a kind of waiting that isn’t empty, but holy. I’m sharing the opening reflection from our second Advent prayer session, where we slow down together and make space for God in the middle of the busy season. We reflect on how God works in the in-between moments, why waiting can be an act of trust, and how Scripture helps steady our hearts when answers feel delayed. This gentle reflection is a small taste of the prayerful gatherings we share as a Girlfriends community.If you’re longing for quiet, grounding prayer as we approach Christmas, you’re invited to join us.daniellebean.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode:* Why waiting is part of God’s loving preparation* How Advent teaches us to trust without having all the answers* Practical ways to remain faithful and hopeful while we waitPaid subscribers receive full access to the complete prayer sessions, guided Lectio Divina, downloadable resources, and live gatherings, including our upcoming Advent prayer session.Settle in. Take a deep breath. Let this reflection be a moment of peace in your day. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
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Let It Be: Mary’s Yes and Our Surrender
In today’s podcast episode, I’m sharing the guided prayer reflection from our first Advent live session: Let It Be: Mary’s Yes and Our Surrender. This 20-minute reflection gently leads you through Scripture, silence, and a posture of openness as we pray with Mary at the Annunciation.If you’ve been longing for a quiet moment to breathe, reconnect with God, and step away from December’s noise… this is for you.Inside this episode:* A calming reflection to settle your heart* A Scripture meditation on Mary’s courageous “yes”* Time to rest in God’s presence* A reminder that surrender isn’t weakness; it’s trust* Space to welcome Christ into the places you feel stretched or unsureThis is the same reflection I shared live last week with our paid Substack community. I hope it brings peace and clarity to your Advent.Want to join me live for the next Advent prayer sessions?We still have two more evenings of prayer together:Wednesday, December 10Finding God in the WaitingWednesday, December 17Welcoming Christ With JoyThese sessions are quiet, simple, and deeply grounding, perfect for the end of a long day. You’ll receive:* A guided reflection* Scripture-based meditation or Lectio Divina* A quiet space to listen for the Holy Spirit* Optional chat sharing and prayer intentions* A downloadable prayer sheet to carry through your weekMake sure you’re subscribed:That’s where you’ll get the registration links, reminders, and all the new Scripture-centered content coming in the new year. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
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💙 Grace Unfiltered Bonus:
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit daniellebean.substack.comFree preview for free subscribers, full episode for paid subscribers! Subscribe at daniellebean.substack.comWhen your body feels like it’s failing you, it can be hard to see it as a gift.In this bonus reflection, I share lessons inspired by my conversation with Samantha Stephenson—on faith, healing, and learning to receive both body and soul as gifts from a loving God.Samantha’s honest story of chronic illness and spiritual renewal reveals how God meets us in weakness, prunes us through love, and teaches us to trust Him one small surrender at a time.Inside this paid-only bonus episode, we’ll explore three spiritual lessons from Samantha’s journey:Receiving the Gift of Your BodyHow gratitude, not control, is the foundation of peace, health, and holinessPruning for FruitfulnessWhy saying “no” can sometimes be the most faithful act of loveThe Grace to Surrender DailyFinding holiness in the present moment, one small “yes” at a timePlus, I share personal stories, Scripture reflections, and journaling prompts to help you live these truths in your own daily walk with God.💛 These bonus reflections are available exclusively for paid subscribers of Girlfriends.Your support makes this ministry possible—thank you for helping me keep this space authentic, faith-filled, and grace-centered.
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Grace in the Slow Work of Healing
Subscribe for full content at daniellebean.substack.comWhat does it mean to grow where you’re planted—especially when life feels broken?In this honest and inspiring episode, I sit down with writer and bioethicist Samantha Stephenson to hear her powerful story of chronic illness, healing, and rediscovering the grace of being human.What began as unexplained exhaustion and pain turned into years of searching for answers, countless doctor visits, and finally, a slow journey toward real healing, both physical and spiritual. Through it all, Samantha learned what it means to surrender control, advocate for herself, and trust that God can bring life and beauty even out of suffering.Samantha shares:* How her struggle with autoimmune disease affected her faith, marriage, and motherhood* The surprising connection between gardening, healing, and the spiritual life* What she learned about pruning, perfectionism, and letting God do His work* How she found hope when answers were slow and healing seemed impossible* Why caring for her body became a way of honoring God’s gift of lifeThis conversation is heartfelt and deeply hopeful. Samantha’s story reminds us that grace is never wasted, and that God can bring new growth even in the most barren seasons.💛 Whether you’re facing health challenges, burnout, or simply learning to rest in God’s timing, this episode will renew your hope and encourage your heart.Download the Grace Unfiltered companion journalPublishing tomorrow: My personal takeaways from this episode. Stay tuned for this BONUS episode!LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:Culture Apothecary PodcastArticles with health details:How I Healed My Autoimmune Disease and Transformed My LifeI Thought I Was Dying--Here’s What I LearnedAuthor links:Choosing Human SubstackReclaiming Motherhood BookBrave New Us PodcastAuthor WebsiteGrow Where You’re PlantedSamantha’s email for the nontoxic product list in progress: [email protected] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
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💙 Grace Unfiltered Bonus: Learning to Surrender
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit daniellebean.substack.comFree preview for free subscribers, full episode for paid subscribers! Subscribe at daniellebean.substack.comWhen control slips through your fingers, surrender can feel like the hardest thing to do—and yet, it’s the very thing that sets you free.In this bonus reflection, I share lessons inspired by my conversation with Jennifer Thomas—on what it really means to trust God when everything feels uncertain, painful, or out of your hands.Jennifer’s powerful story of sudden illness and unexpected grace reminds us that even when we can’t see the way forward, God is already there—steady, present, and working good through every interruption.
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