What is spiritual direction? Who is it for? Does it cost money? Spiritual direction can be incredibly beneficial, but a lot of us don’t understand all that it entails. To help you gain a better understanding, Danielle is joined by Deanna Bartalini to discuss some of the basics of spiritual direction. Snippet From the Show A good spiritual director strives to serve the Lord by always willing your good. For episode shownotes, text GIRLFRIENDS to 33-777 or visit www.ascensionpress.com/girlfriends.

All About Spiritual Direction (with Deanna Bartalini)

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 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

4 Small Habits That Will Change Your Life

A quick explanation on Danielle's absence this week from her daughter, Gabby. Please pray for Danielle's healing and recovery, as she still is in the hospital in NYC. Updates later this week will be available at daniellebean.substack.com.

Update From Danielle, Please Pray!

In this conversation, Sarah Mackenzie discusses the life and work of Barbara Cooney, a renowned author and illustrator of children's books. Sarah shares her fascination with Barbara's illustration style and her discovery of Barbara's life as a mother of four who placed her drawing table in the busiest room of her house. Sarah also highlights Barbara's commitment to detail and precision in her illustrations and her dedication to visiting the locations she depicted in her books.The conversation explores the power of children's books in shaping character and fostering empathy. Sarah emphasizes the importance of reading aloud to children and the impact it has on their development. She also discusses the value of short books and the joy and rest that reading can bring to our lives.TakeawaysBarbara Cooney was a prolific author and illustrator of over 150 children's books, known for her illustration style and attention to detail.Reading aloud to children has a profound impact on their development, fostering empathy, and helping them overcome challenges.Stories have the power to shape character and teach virtues, allowing children to witness characters overcoming obstacles and becoming who they need to be.Short books and children's novels can be a valuable way to nurture a reading habit, especially during busy seasons of life.Reading is not just a task to be accomplished but a gift that brings joy and rest to our lives.Learn more about Read Aloud RevivalLearn more about Waxwing BooksThank 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!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

All About Spiritual Direction (with Deanna Bartalini)

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