Episodes

  • Ep. 300 — Helping Your Daughter Beat Holiday Greediness

    Ep. 300 — Helping Your Daughter Beat Holiday Greediness
    Nov 27 2025
    As Christmas draws near, excitement fills our homes—along with the endless catalogs, wish lists, and the subtle temptation to want more. In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden wrestle honestly with the tension every family feels: how do we help our daughters avoid holiday greediness and instead cultivate grateful, generous hearts? Through personal stories and biblical wisdom, they explore how the desire for "just one more thing" can take root even in the sweetest child—and how God gives parents the tools to gently guide their girls toward contentment. Rachael and Melissa take listeners back to their own childhood Christmases—where innocence, wonder, and excitement sometimes gave way to comparison or selfishness. They remind us that these moments aren't failures but opportunities. Opportunities to help our girls understand the difference between healthy desire and a heart consumed with having more. Through Patti Garibay's "Greedy Christmas" devotion, moms are encouraged to simplify traditions, model self-control, and anchor the season in the joy that comes from thoughtful, meaningful giving. The episode also equips moms with practical, faith-filled strategies for shaping their daughter's heart: reframing the Christmas list, creating space for gratitude, and gently redirecting attention away from abundance and toward the Giver of every good gift. Rachael and Melissa highlight how modeling contentment in our own habits—whether through budgeting, slowing down, or choosing simplicity—sets a powerful example for the next generation. And as always, the conversation returns to the truth that generosity isn't about what we can afford, but about reflecting the heart of Christ. Listeners will also hear how American Heritage Girls reinforces these lessons year-round. Through badges, service projects, and Troop community life, girls learn that generosity, stewardship, and humility are practiced virtues—shaped not by Christmas morning, but by a Christ-centered lifestyle. This episode empowers moms to help their daughters resist the cultural pull toward more and embrace the lasting joy of being a cheerful giver. Three Takeaways from This Episode Contentment Over Consumption — Help your daughter practice gratitude and resist the pressure to pursue "more." Thoughtful Gift-Giving — Tools like the four-gift rule teach budgeting, stewardship, and generosity. Generosity From the Heart — Joy grows when girls give with love, reflecting God's character rather than the world's expectations. Scripture References Luke 12:15 – "Be on guard against all greed…" 2 Corinthians 9:7 – "God loves a cheerful giver." Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. Find or start an AHG Troop at americanheritagegirls.org.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Ep 299 — Cultivating a Spirit of Generosity in Your Daughter This Holiday Season

    Ep 299 — Cultivating a Spirit of Generosity in Your Daughter This Holiday Season
    Nov 25 2025
    The Christmas season is filled with twinkling lights, festive excitement, and no shortage of gift lists—but in the middle of the holiday rush, how do we help our daughters understand that generosity is more than presents under a tree? In this heartfelt episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper, American Heritage Girls Executive Director, and Melissa Bearden explore what it truly means to cultivate a generous heart—one rooted in gratitude, compassion, and the character of Christ. Through stories from their own girlhood Christmases, Rachael and Melissa reflect on simple moments of kindness that shaped their understanding of giving. Together, they unpack the truth that generosity flows not from abundance, but from love—and that the greatest gifts we give our daughters are opportunities to serve, bless others, and reflect God's heart for the world. With insights from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay's "Divine Generosity" devotion, this episode reminds us that God Himself is the model of sacrificial giving, offering His Son as the greatest gift of all. Listeners will discover practical ways to spark meaningful conversations about generosity, from redefining what "giving" really looks like to letting girls take the lead in blessing someone this season. Rachael and Melissa also share how the American Heritage Girls Program helps cultivate year-round generous living through service, community engagement, and Christ-centered character development. Whether you're navigating a busy December calendar or longing to bring deeper spiritual meaning back into your family's traditions, this episode will encourage you to slow down, refocus, and lead your daughter toward a joy that lasts far longer than wrapped gifts or glittering décor. A Few Things to Remember God is the ultimate Giver—and our generosity reflects His heart. True giving isn't about the size of the gift, but the love behind it. Girls learn generosity by watching us—our joy, our sacrifice, our willingness to bless others. Download the free Raising Godly Girls Guide to Joyful Giving at Christmas a family resource filled with activities, Scriptures, and conversation prompts to help you nurture a spirit of generosity this season. Explore more tools for raising girls who love and serve the Lord at raisinggodlygirls.com. Find or start an AHG Troop at americanheritagegirls.org.
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • Ep 298 — Finding Gratitude in Life's Deserts and Gardens with Kat Armstrong

    Ep 298 — Finding Gratitude in Life's Deserts and Gardens with Kat Armstrong
    Nov 22 2025
    Gratitude feels easy when life is full of blessings, but what about when the season you're in feels more like a desert than a garden? With financial uncertainty, relational strain, and a world heavy with unrest, many parents are wondering how to practice thanksgiving when joy feels hard to find. Yet Scripture calls us to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18)—a command that feels impossible apart from God's presence. In this heartfelt Thanksgiving weekend episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host ad American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus of American Heritage Girls Patti Garibay welcomes Bible teacher, author, and ministry leader Kat Armstrong for a conversation that speaks directly to parents walking through both deserts and gardens of life. Kat, the creator of the Storyline Project Bible studies and author of The In-Between Place, shares how the biblical imagery of deserts and gardens has shaped her faith and why it resonates so deeply with believers who are longing to see God's hand in both hardship and abundance. Together, Patti and Kat explore how parents can model gratitude for their daughters even in difficult seasons, what it looks like to lead with both honesty and hope, and why thanksgiving is more about the steadfastness of our Savior than the state of our circumstances. Kat also offers practical ways families can hold onto hope when they feel stuck in a desert, and how unexpected moments of God's provision can turn barren ground into flourishing life. If you've ever wondered how to show your children what gratitude looks like in the midst of struggle—or how to nurture a spirit of thanksgiving that lasts beyond the holiday season—this episode will encourage and equip you. You'll walk away with renewed perspective and the assurance that God's presence is faithful, whether you're in a desert or a garden. Scripture Referenced in This Episode: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Isaiah 43:19 Psalm 23:1–3 Philippians 4:6–7 John 15:5 Learn more about Kat Armstrong and her resources at katarmstrong.com. Explore more tools to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Ep. 297 — Teaching Gratitude Over Selfishness This Thanksgiving

    Ep. 297 — Teaching Gratitude Over Selfishness This Thanksgiving
    Nov 20 2025
    It's Thanksgiving Day—and between the turkey, the pie, and the endless sink of dishes, it's easy for even the most grateful heart to slip into grumbling. But what if this Thanksgiving, instead of focusing on what's missing, we helped our daughters rediscover the beauty of selflessness? In this warm and faith-filled Thanksgiving episode, Rachael Culpepper, Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, and Melissa Bearden unpack how gratitude can transform a selfish heart into a selfless one. Drawing on Proverbs 11:25, they remind us that "whoever refreshes others will be refreshed," and that true thankfulness doesn't stop at words—it's lived out in acts of generosity, humility, and service. You'll also hear from Patti Garibay, AHG Founder and Executive Director Emeritus, in a Raising Godly Girls Minute. This powerful one-minute serves as a reminder that selflessness isn't just good manners—it's a mark of spiritual maturity. Through practical ideas like encouraging your daughter to serve someone quietly or offering gratitude to others at the Thanksgiving table, Rachael and Melissa show how even small acts of service can cultivate joy and reshape a heart toward Christlike giving. As moms, it's tempting to chase perfection during the holidays—but this episode will remind you that the most meaningful memories are made when we slow down, serve, and model the selfless love of Jesus. Whether you're tuning in from the kitchen or the car ride to Grandma's, this Thanksgiving conversation will help you center your heart (and your daughter's!) on what really matters: a spirit of gratitude that overflows into generous love. Three Things to Remember: Selflessness is the antidote to selfishness. A life focused on others brings the refreshment God promises in Proverbs 11:25. Gratitude grows through service. Serving shifts our daughters' eyes from what they lack to how much they have to give. Thanksgiving is more than a holiday. Daily selflessness and intentional gratitude build a rhythm of generosity that honors God year-round. Scripture Referenced in This Episode: Proverbs 11:25 – "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Philippians 2:3–4 – "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." John 13:14–15 – Jesus' example of humble service in washing His disciples' feet. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – "Give thanks in all circumstances." Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools. Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • Ep. 296 — Raising Girls Who Choose Gratitude—Even When They Don't Feel Like It

    Ep. 296 — Raising Girls Who Choose Gratitude—Even When They Don't Feel Like It
    Nov 18 2025
    The turkey might still be thawing, the pies may or may not be homemade, and your kids might not be feeling especially thankful—but this Thanksgiving, the Raising Godly Girls Podcast invites you to look beyond the checklist and rediscover the heart of gratitude. Join Rachael Culpepper, Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, and Melissa Bearden for a thoughtful and faith-filled conversation about what it means to raise daughters who choose gratitude even when it doesn't come naturally. With honest reflections, Biblical insight, and a few laughs along the way, Rachael and Melissa unpack how gratitude is not just a seasonal feeling—it's a spiritual discipline rooted in nearness to God. Drawing from James 4:8 and Luke 14, they remind moms that gratitude grows when we draw near to the Lord and accept His invitation to the table of thanksgiving. From small car-ride conversations to setting the Thanksgiving table together, you'll learn simple, tangible ways to help your daughter practice gratitude that lasts longer than the leftovers. Plus, hear from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay in a special Raising Godly Girls Minute—a timely reminder to turn expectations into invitations, and holiday stress into holy celebration. Whether you're hosting family or sneaking an extra slice of pie in peace, this episode will encourage you to keep "the first things first" and model what it means to live thankful, even when you don't feel like it. Three Things to Remember: Gratitude is a choice, not a feeling. Choosing thankfulness (even in difficult seasons!) draws your heart closer to God. Extend intentional invitations. Invite your daughter into moments of gratitude through small acts of connection and love. Model resilient thanksgiving. Let your own steady gratitude remind her that joy isn't dependent on circumstances, but on Christ's unchanging goodness. Scripture Referenced in This Episode: James 4:8 – "Come near to God and He will come near to you." Luke 14:15–24 – The Parable of the Great Banquet: God's open invitation to come and celebrate at His table. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Psalm 100:4 – "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise." Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Ep. 295 — Raising Daughters to Love God, Family, and Freedom with Debbie Kraulidis (Moms for America)

    Ep. 295 — Raising Daughters to Love God, Family, and Freedom with Debbie Kraulidis (Moms for America)
    Nov 15 2025
    In a culture that often questions Biblical truth, diminishes family values, and redefines freedom, parents face a critical calling—to raise daughters who love God wholeheartedly, cherish their families, and honor the freedoms that flow from faith. How do we help our girls hold fast to timeless truth when the world is constantly shifting? In this inspiring episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Rachael Culpepper, Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, sits down with Debbie Kraulidis, Vice President of Moms for America and host of the Moms for America Podcast. Together, they explore how faith, family, and freedom work hand in hand to shape girls who live with conviction and courage. Debbie shares how her work empowers mothers across the nation to raise daughters with strong moral compasses—girls who are grounded in Scripture, devoted to their families, and confident in their role as Christ-centered leaders in their homes, communities, and country. Rachael and Debbie discuss the vital role moms play in cultivating resilience, discernment, and love of liberty in their daughters, helping them navigate cultural pressures with grace and truth. This conversation will remind you that freedom isn't merely an American understanding of a political concept—it's a spiritual one. As 2 Corinthians 3:17 declares, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." Our daughters can walk boldly in that truth, reflecting Christ's light in a world that desperately needs it. Learn more about Debbie Kraulidis and Moms for America at momsforamerica.us. Explore more faith-based parenting tools at raisinggodlygirls.com Discover how to find or start an AHG Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Ep. 294 — Homefront Heroes: Gospel Ways to Support Military Families

    Ep. 294 — Homefront Heroes: Gospel Ways to Support Military Families
    Nov 13 2025
    Military life isn't just about the soldier who serves—it's about the family who serves alongside them. From surprise deployments to frequent moves and long separations, military families carry unique burdens that most civilians may never fully understand. In this week's heartfelt episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Melissa Bearden and Natalie Ambrose invite listeners to pause and consider what it really means to live out the Gospel by serving the "homefront heroes" in our communities. With Veterans Day fresh in our hearts, Melissa and Natalie open an honest conversation about how to support military families in both spiritual and practical ways. Drawing from John 15:13, they explore how Christ modeled the greatest act of love—laying down His life for His friends—and how believers can reflect that same sacrificial love toward those who sacrifice for our nation's freedom every day. You'll hear personal reflections, stories from AHG Members connected to the military, and wisdom from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay's Raising Godly Girls Minute. Together, these voices remind us that supporting military families isn't just patriotic—it's profoundly Biblical. Whether through prayer, friendship, or hands-on service, this episode will inspire you and your daughter to become the hands and feet of Jesus to families who serve and sacrifice. Three Things to Remember This Week Extend Gospel compassion: Look for ways to connect with and encourage military families in your church or community—especially during seasons of deployment or transition. Serve practically and prayerfully: Simple acts like helping with a household repair or offering childcare can lighten heavy burdens and reflect Christ's love in action. Teach your daughter to honor sacrifice: Help her understand that service and freedom are gifts—reminding her that true freedom is found in Christ alone. Scripture References in This Episode John 15:13 – "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." Galatians 6:10 – "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Romans 12:10 – "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Philippians 2:4 – "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Learn more about how American Heritage Girls honors our nation's heroes through programs like the U.S. Military Heroes Badge at americanheritagegirls.org. Explore more Gospel-centered parenting resources at raisinggodlygirls.com.
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Ep. 293 — Freedom's Price: How to Teach Your Kids About God and Country

    Ep. 293 — Freedom's Price: How to Teach Your Kids About God and Country
    Nov 11 2025
    Freedom is one of the most beautiful blessings we enjoy—but it's also one of the most misunderstood. In this Raising Godly Girls Podcast episode, hosts Melissa Bearden and Natalie Ambrose unpack the true meaning of freedom from a Biblical Worldview perspective and explore how to help your daughter see both the cost and the calling behind it. As our nation pauses to honor Veterans Day, Melissa and Natalie remind listeners that freedom is not just a national treasure—it's a Gospel truth. Drawing from Galatians 5:1 and John 15:13, they invite parents to teach their daughters that the liberty we celebrate as Americans mirrors an even greater liberty purchased for us in Christ. Through faith-filled storytelling, discussion about military chaplains, and reflection on American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay's Raising Godly Girls Minute, this episode points families toward gratitude, humility, and spiritual clarity in an age of confusion about what "freedom" truly means. From honoring veterans in your community to helping your daughter understand the weight of sacrifice and the joy of service, this episode equips parents to cultivate both patriotism and discipleship—reminding us that true freedom is found not in doing what we want, but in living for the One who set us free. Three Things to Remember This Week Freedom isn't free. Use everyday moments—like Veterans Day ceremonies—to remind your girl of the sacrifices made for her freedom, both earthly and eternal. Anchor her view of liberty in Scripture. Teach her that freedom without Christ leads to confusion, but freedom in Christ leads to love and service. Model a heart of gratitude and honor. Let your family's actions toward veterans, leaders, and neighbors reflect a deep respect for God's gift of freedom. Scripture References in This Episode Galatians 5:1 – "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." Galatians 5:13 – "Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." John 15:13 – "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." Philippians 2:3–4 – "In humility value others above yourselves… look to the interests of others." Exodus 32:32 – Moses' intercession as a model of sacrificial leadership. Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins