Our guest this week is children’s book author Gracie Jagla. Gracie is author of God the Father and the Best Day Ever, and the newly released The Night the Saints Saved Christmas.                    **_Snippet From the Show_** You may not have the time or the energy to follow through with all of your Advent plans, but something as simple as an Advent wreath can mark the season and absolutely counts as liturgical living. For episode shownotes, text GIRLFRIENDS to 33-777 or visit www.ascensionpress.com/girlfriends.

Advent Traditions with Gracie Jagla

Danielle shares advice, encouragement, and connection for Catholic women in all walks of life.

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Self-Improvement

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses five ways to find rest in God, including prayer and meditation, attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist, going to confession, reading scripture, and acts of service and charity. TakeawaysFinding rest in God involves prayer, meditation, attending Mass, receiving the Eucharist, going to confession, reading scripture, and acts of service and charity.Exploring the world of saints and angels can be done at one's own pace, and there is no one right way to do it.A listener's question about expanding her prayer life to include saints and Mary is addressed with encouragement to take it one step at a time and explore the world of saints and angels at her own pace.Thank you to our sponsors!Get daily news headlines from a Catholic perspective delivered right to your inbox every day with The Loop. Get The Loop today!Check out custom Bible covers from OreMoose and use code BEAN15 for 15% off your Father's Day gift purchase. Be sure to follow them on Instagram or Facebook or sign up for their email newsletter for exclusive discounts and promotions. Support a small Catholic business, give to those in need, and help support this podcast when you shop at Rooted for Good. Use code DANIELLEBEAN and get 10% off your order. :)ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!Contact:Email Danielle BeanDanielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

How to Find Rest in God

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses the topic of when big kids leave the Church with her guest, Celeste Behe. They talk about the challenges and heartbreak that parents face when their adult children choose to leave the faith. Celeste shares her personal experience and how it led her to start the St. Monica Ministry, which offers support and hope to families and friends of fallen away Catholics. They discuss the importance of prayer, the power of community, and the need to focus on the love and beauty of our bodies as mothers. Overall, the episode offers encouragement and resources for those dealing with this difficult situation.TakeawaysWhen adult children leave the church, parents often feel guilty and alone, but it's important to remember that their story is not over yet and to continue praying for them.The St. Monica Ministry provides support and hope to families and friends of fallen away Catholics through meetings, holy hours, and the Wayfaring St. Monica program.It's important to be mindful of the influences we allow into our lives and to focus on the love and beauty of our bodies as mothers.Prayer and confession can help us overcome negative thoughts and tendencies and remind us of God's unconditional love for us.Learn more about Celeste and the St. Monica Ministry.Thank you to our sponsors!Check out custom Bible covers from OreMoose and use code BEAN15 for 15% off your Father’s Day gift purchase. Be sure to follow them on Instagram or Facebook or sign up for their email newsletter for exclusive discounts and promotions.Get daily news headlines from a catholic perspective delivered right to your inbox every day with The Loop. Get The Loop today!ANNOUNCEMENTS Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!Contact:Email Danielle BeanDanielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

When Big Kids Leave the Church

In this episode, Danielle Bean discusses what to do when you feel overwhelmed. She shares personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed and offers practical advice on how to handle it. Her four main suggestions are: give yourself a break, ask for help, get a fresh perspective, and pray. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support from others. She also recommends praying the Litany of Trust and the Surrender Novena to help cultivate trust in God and surrender to His will.TakeawaysFeeling overwhelmed is a common experience, especially during busy seasons of life.It's important to give yourself a break and be honest about what you can realistically handle.Asking for help and seeking support from others is essential in managing overwhelm.Getting a fresh perspective can help shift your mindset and alleviate stress.Prayer, particularly the Litany of Trust and the Surrender Novena, can provide comfort and guidance in times of overwhelm.Also mentioned in this episode: Litany of Trust and Surrender NovenaThank you to our sponsors!Check out custom Bible covers from OreMoose and use code BEAN15 for 15% off your Father's Day gift purchase. Be sure to follow them on Instagram or Facebook or sign up for their email newsletter for exclusive discounts and promotions. At Songfinch.com/GF you can order a customized song to celebrate a special occasion with someone you love. It makes a unique and everlasting gift. Check out all of your options at Songfinch.com/GFANNOUNCEMENTS Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!Contact:Email Danielle BeanDanielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

What to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed

In this episode of the Girlfriends podcast, Danielle Bean interviews Sarah Bartel about intimacy in marriage. They discuss the lack of conversation around this topic and the need for a Catholic lens when discussing sex and marriage. Sarah shares her journey of becoming a Catholic moral theologian specializing in sexual ethics and marriage. She talks about the challenges women face in this area, including the pressure from a sex-saturated culture and the expectations of purity culture. Sarah emphasizes the importance of emotional connection, communication, and understanding the body's natural rhythms in enhancing marital intimacy.TakeawaysIntimacy in marriage is an important but often overlooked topic that needs to be approached with a Catholic lens.Women often suffer from a lack of information and feel shame when it comes to discussing intimacy in marriage.There is a need for practical guidance and a woman's perspective on this topic in the Catholic world.Marital intimacy requires emotional connection, communication, and understanding of the body's natural rhythms.It is important to approach intimacy in marriage with a positive and holistic view, recognizing the gift and beauty of sexuality.Learn more about Sarah Bartel and her ministry at CanaFeast.comFollow on InstagramThank you to our sponsors!Get daily news headlines from a catholic perspective delivered right to your inbox every day with The Loop. Get The Loop today!CORDA Candles creates candles with scents inspired by the saints! Girlfriends listeners can get a free "Seasonal Favorites" tealight sampler with an order of $35+ (that's 6 free mini candles!). Go to cordacandles.com/girlfriends.Support a small Catholic business, give to those in need, and help support this podcast when you shop at Rooted for Good. Use code DANIELLEBEAN and get 10% off your order. :)ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!Contact:Email Danielle BeanDanielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

Enjoy Greater Intimacy in Your Marriage

BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE, a brief update on Danielle! She is home from the hospital and doing much better. She is gaining strength every day and is so grateful for all of your prayers and good wishes. This episode was recorded before she got sick, so there is no mention of her illness in this week's show. Thank you for all your support and encouragement. You can et all the latest updates and details at daniellebean.substack.com.In episode 419 of the Girlfriends podcast, host Danielle Bean discusses four small, yet significant habits that can profoundly impact one's life.Danielle covers the importance of daily prayer and its benefits, emphasizing making prayer a natural part of one’s routine.She then addresses the critical role that sufficient sleep plays in overall well-being, offering practical tips for achieving better sleep hygiene.The third habit focuses on the power of letting go—of control, resentments, and the need to manage everything—encouraging listeners to trust more in God's plan.Lastly, Danielle advocates for hitting the pause button in our fast-paced lives, suggesting breaks from work and technology to enhance mindfulness and presence. Throughout the episode, Danielle interweaves personal insights and actionable advice, aiming to guide listeners towards peace, balance, and joy in family living.TakeawaysDaily prayer can reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve relationships.Prioritizing proper sleep is essential for physical and mental well-being.Letting go of things beyond your control can lead to acceptance and trust in God.Taking breaks and disconnecting from technology can help you reflect, recharge, and find balance.Thank you to our sponsors!Check out gorgeous and unique saint necklaces at AbundantlyYours.org. These make a fantastic gift for you or someone you love! Use code SAINTS15 to get 15% off your purchase today!At Songfinch.com/GF you can order a customized song to celebrate a special occasion with someone you love. It makes a unique and everlasting gift. Check out all of your options at Songfinch.com/GFSupport a small Catholic business, give to those in need, and help support this podcast when you shop at Rooted for Good. Use code DANIELLEBEAN and get 10% off your order. :)ANNOUNCEMENTSGo beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!Contact:Email Danielle BeanDanielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

Advent Traditions with Gracie Jagla

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