Happy New Year! This week I’m still on break, spending the holidays with my family (and I hope you are too!), so I am re-sharing this episode from 2020, back before we knew the world was about to shut down. :)

I’m suggesting 5 spiritual goals you might consider setting for the new year. Whether you are a “resolution” person or not, I hope these ideas inspire you to think about the kind of spiritual progess you might like to make in 2025.

Happy New Year and God bless you!

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I’m taking a couple of weeks off to spend the holidays with my family, and so this is a throwback episode of Girlfriends from a few years back. But guess what? The message still applies and I needed to listen to this one as much as anyone! I hope you enjoy it.

Wishing you and your family a blessed and holy Christmas season!

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Are you in a Christmas frenzy yet? I’m here to help. This week I’m sharing last-minute Advent ideas for kids, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful experiences during the Advent season. We discuss ways to involve children in giving, incorporate prayer, use light as a symbol, prepare treats, and engage with books to deepen children’s understanding of the season's significance. We focus on alleviating the stress of holiday preparations and focus on faith and connection.

Takeaways

* Involving kids in giving enhances their understanding of the season.

* Prayer can be easily integrated into daily routines during Advent.

* Using light symbolizes the coming of Christ.

* Preparing treats can be a fun way to celebrate Advent.

* Reading together can help children connect with the meaning of Advent.

* Creating simple traditions can have a lasting impact on children.

* Memorizing scripture can deepen faith during the season.

* Advent is a time of preparation and waiting for the celebration of Christmas.

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This week, Heather Khym joins us to discuss her new Advent journal, Encountering Emmanuel, and the importance of personal encounters with God during the Advent season. She shares insights on how to hear God's voice even in the midst of a very noisy life, the significance of creating quiet spaces, and the necessity of community and connection.

Heather also reflects on her journey with the Abiding Together podcast and Life Restoration Ministries, emphasizing the healing power of love and communion. Our discussion highlights the challenges many face during the holiday season and encourages listeners to embrace the true meaning of Advent through relationship with Jesus.

Takeaways

* It's never too late to start your Advent journey.

* Creating quiet spaces is essential for hearing God's voice.

* Love and communion are healing forces in our lives.

* We need to prioritize our relationship with God.

* Advent is a time for personal encounters with Jesus.

* The incarnation shows us God's desire to be close to us.

* Jesus wants to meet us in our messy lives.

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What a thrill to get to sit down with Tsh Oxenreider from The Commonplace and talk all about growing families, changing seasons, and the joy of celebrating Advent! This was a special conversation because Tsh is also sharing it on her podcast, A Drink With a Friend.

We discuss changing traditions, how ot slow down in a culture of “busy,” and ways to insert more quiet and beauty in our days during Advent and beyond.

Takeaways

* Family traditions can evolve and hold deep meaning.

* The pressure to create the perfect Advent experience can be overwhelming.

* Social media can distort our perceptions of parenting and traditions.

* Art can be a powerful tool for contemplation during the season.

* We can choose how to engage with the liturgical calendar.

* Finding balance in holiday traditions can reduce stress and enhance joy.

* Adding beauty to daily life can be as simple as reading a book or enjoying nature.

Thank you to our sponsors!

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Catholic Brain: Teach kids the faith with engaging, fun, and trusted curriculum!

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This week’s special episode was recorded live at Girlfriends After Hours (daniellebean.substack.com). These live events happen once a month and are usually for paid subscribers only, but going into Advent, we decided to open up this session for everyone. So…welcome!

In this episode, we discuss 5 ways you can find peace in Advent, including:1) Screen your influences2) Read Scripture3) Go to confession.4) Say no to something.5) Be still.

We go into detail and share practical examples of ways to do each of these things. We need to be intentional if we are going to make Advent a fruitful season of “watching and waiting,” preparing our hearts for the Lord.

How about you? What are your plans for Advent this year?

The discounted subscription link for Girlfriends After Hours that I mention in this episode will expire in just a few days, so make sure you take advantage of this special offer: daniellebean.substack.com/advent

Thank you to our sponsor!

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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

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Embrace a deeper connection with God and find peaceful, reflective moments during the busy Advent season:https://daniellebean.substack.com/p/announcing-look-and-listen

Do you worry about how to teach your chldren the beautiful truths about their Catholic faith? This week on the podcast I got to sit down with Mosongo Osong, CEO and founder of Catholic Brain, to discuss the innovative online platform he’s designed to enhance faith formation for children. He shares the inspiration behind Catholic Brain, the challenges faced in traditional religious education, and how we can engage children through modern technology.

We also talk ab out the importance of family involvement in faith formation and some resources available for Advent. Mosongo emphasizes the need to balance technology with faith and the vision for the future of Catholic Brain as a leading resource for Catholic education.

Takeaways

* We need encouragement and inspiration for engaging faith formation.

* Parents play a crucial role in their children's faith formation.

* Catholic Brain offers resources for Advent and other liturgical seasons.

* Balancing secular media with faith-based content is a challenge.

* Daily integration of faith practices is essential for all Catholic families.

Learn more at https://www.catholicbrain.com/

THANK YOU to this week’s sponsor:

* Find beautful and meaningful gifts for family, friends and yourself at LeanneBowen.com.

Get 15% off your purchase with coded GIRLFRIENDS15 at checkout!

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Join us for Advent this year! Get daily content that will help you grow in relationship with God, feeling inspired and focused this season:

https://daniellebean.substack.com/p/announcing-look-and-listen

Do you struggle with self-doubt? This week, we are discussing this pervasive problem many women face. We explore the roots of self-doubt and identify various types of self-doubt, such as imposter syndrome and self-sabotage, and offer practical strategies to combat these feelings. We emphasize the importance of self-compassion, supportive relationships, and seeking professional help when necessary. The conversation aims to empower listeners to recognize their worth and overcome self-doubt to thrive personally and professionally.

Takeaways

* Self-doubt is a common struggle for everyone.

* Understanding the roots of self-doubt can help in overcoming it.

* Practicing self-compassion is crucial for overcoming self-doubt.

* Surrounding yourself with supportive people is essential.

* You are your own biggest critic; be kinder to yourself.

* It's okay to seek professional help for overwhelming self-doubt.

* God calls you to do great things despite your insecurities.

Thank you to our sponsor!

SHOP SOCK RELIGIOUS: Evangelize with funny Catholic shirts and epic saint socks that you can buy at sockreligious.com. 

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Are you a fan of Lego? My guest this week sure is! JM Kraemer is a Catholic artist with a disability, and he joins me this week to share about his annual Lego Church Project and how it showcases the power of God using our talents. He builds massive churches out of Legos with intricate details and interior designs. JM shares his projects with various parishes and uses them to teach about faith and disability. JM also discusses the importance of prayer in navigating life with a disability and highlights the need for better accessibility and transportation options in the Catholic Church.

Takeaways

* No matter what challenges or disabilities we face, God can use our talents.

* Creativity can be a powerful way to share our faith and inspire others.

* Children are naturally drawn to creative projects like the Lego Church Project and can learn about faith through them.

* Prayer is essential in navigating life with a disability and seeking guidance from God.

Thank you to our sponsor!

OUR HOLY HOME: Holiness starts at home, which is why Our Holy Home wants to help you bring subtle and beautiful faith-filled decor into your daily life. From tea towels to beautiful pre-framed art to tablescapes–there’s something for every home. Order your home in the rhythms of the church with beautiful Catholic home decor only at ourholyhome.com 

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Every couple has disagreements, but the way you handle disagreements can make or break your marriage. As part of this week’s marriage challenge at Girlfriends after hours, this week I’m sharing 7 tips for ways to “Fight Fair” and resolve conflict in a loving way that will draw you closer to your husband and help you both grow in relationship together.

Some of the ideas we discuss include the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and the need for both partners to listen and understand each other. We also talk about the bad habits if assuming the worst about others, exaggeration, and then we emphasize the power of prayer in resolving conflicts.

Takeaways

* Conflict is a natural part of marriage.

* Setting boundaries can help manage arguments.

* Listening is more important than arguing.

* Assuming the best about your partner fosters understanding.

* Avoid exaggeration in conflicts to maintain clarity.

* Apologizing sincerely can heal relationships.

* Prayer can be a powerful tool in resolving conflicts.

* Communication should happen outside of heated moments.

* It's important to forget about winning arguments.

* Healthy relationships require ongoing effort and self-reflection.

Thank you to our sponsor!

SHOP SOCK RELIGIOUS: Evangelize with funny Catholic shirts and epic saint socks that you can buy at sockreligious.com. 

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