Are you feeling BLAH these days? The end of winter can be a tough time to feeling joyful. The days are still cold and dreary in many parts of the country, Lent is dragging on, and we can begin to feel restless and unhappy. This week I am offering 6 ideas for ways to add just a little brightness to your days. Snippet From the Show "We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose."- Romans 8:28 For episode shownotes visit www.ascensionpress.com/girlfriends.

6 Ways to Brighten Your Day

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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

The Unique Joys of Reading Aloud (with Sarah Mackenzie)

In this episode, Danielle Bean talks to Maria Marianyagam, a children's book author, about teaching kids virtue. Maria shares her journey of becoming a children's book author and the importance of starting to teach virtues at a young age. They discuss Maria's board book series, which focuses on virtues like hope and courage, and how parents can engage with the series. Danielle also addresses the topic of female friendships and the importance of cultivating meaningful connections with other women.TakeawaysTeaching virtues to children from a young age is important for their development and can help them grow into effective and fruitful individuals.Maria Marianyagam's board book series, which focuses on virtues like hope and courage, provides a fun and accessible way for children to learn about and practice virtues.Parents can engage with the series by reading the books with their children, using the discussion questions and activities provided on Maria's website, and modeling virtuous behavior themselves.Female friendships are important for women and can provide support, affirmation, and a unique understanding of shared experiences.It is important to be reflective about the friendships in our lives, invest time and energy into maintaining them, and bring any struggles or concerns to prayer.Learn more about Maria at her website.Check out her baby virtue books!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!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 Teach Kids Virtue (with Maria Marianayagam)

Do you know that next Sunday we will observe Divine Mercy Sunday? This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to focus on Jesus’ gift of Divine Mercy. A great way to celebrate Easter for all 50 days is to plan to practice the Corporal Works of Mercy in your family and in your community. In this week’s show, Danielle shares ideas for creative ways to practice each of the works of mercy: Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Clothe the Naked, Shelter the Homeless, Visit the Sick, Visit the Imprisoned, and Bury the Dead.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* For complete episode shownotes and more information, visit https://daniellebean.com/podcast

Easy Ways to Practice Mercy

In this episode, Danielle Bean shares five things to inspire your Holy Week. She encourages listeners to add more quiet to their lives, make Holy Week different, engage in interactive prayer experiences, consider Holy Week creative projects, take a pilgrimage, plan for a special Good Friday, and attend additional liturgies at church. At the end of this week's show, Danielle offers advice and encouragement to a listener who wants to publish a book about her near-death experience.TakeawaysAdd more quiet to your life during Holy WeekMake Holy Week different by setting it apart from other weeksEngage in interactive prayer experiencesConsider Holy Week art projectsTake a pilgrimage or participate in virtual pilgrimagesPlan for a special Good FridayAttend additional liturgies at churchMentioned in this week's podcast: The Art of Spiritual Writing by Vinita WrightANNOUNCEMENTSGo 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* For complete episode shownotes and more information, visit https://daniellebean.com/podcast

6 Ways to Brighten Your Day

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