Raising Godly Girls

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Melissa explore into the fascinating concept of Spiritual Temperaments and how understanding these unique pathways can help guide girls toward a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. Just as personality quizzes can help reveal insights about ourselves, exploring a girl's spiritual temperament can unlock new ways for her to connect with her Creator.  Spiritual temperaments range from naturalists, who find God in the beauty of creation, to activists, who experience God through service and justice. By identifying and nurturing these temperaments, you can help your daughter personalize her spiritual journey, strengthening her faith in ways that resonate with her unique design.  AHG Founder Patti Garibay introduced this idea in a Raising Godly Girls Minute, and in today’s episode, we expand on this teaching. You'll hear practical advice for helping your daughter discover her spiritual temperament and apply it to her faith life, creating moments that draw her closer to God.   Whether your daughter is a contemplative who thrives in quiet reflection or an enthusiast who finds joy in active worship, understanding how she best connects with God can open doors to deeper spiritual growth. Join us for an enriching conversation about how we can guide our girls to flourish in their walk with Christ.  Take Focus on the Family's Spiritual Temperament Quiz, visit focusonthefamily.com/marriage/your-spiritual-temperament-quiz  Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org        Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com  

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, division, and the constant stream of media coverage of an election cycle. But how can we, as Christians, rise above the noise and teach our children to honor Christ through their citizenship, regardless of the political landscape? In this powerful episode, Patti Garibay is joined by Tim Barton, president of WallBuilders, who brings his deep knowledge of America's founding history and Christian heritage to the conversation.  Tim and Patti dive into the importance of instilling Judeo-Christian values in the next generation and fostering a sense of unity in an increasingly divided nation. From WallBuilders’ mission to protect America's moral foundation to exploring the role of faith in public life, they discuss how Christian parents can guide their children to be honorable citizens who reflect God’s truth in their actions and beliefs. Together, they examine the cultural shift away from American pride, share data on how Americans still value faith in public spaces, and explore what it means to live out our Christian faith through service to our country.  Listeners will leave this episode inspired to cultivate a love for their country in their daughters, empowered by a deep-rooted faith that transcends political boundaries. Tim also shares practical ways to rebuild the understanding of America’s moral foundations using free educational resources from WallBuilders, offering parents the tools they need to guide their daughters to be active and Christ-honoring citizens.  Tune in for this important conversation and learn how we can honor God first, country second, and help rebuild a culture of citizenship that reflects Christ.   Learn more about Tim and his work with WallBuilders, visit wallbuilders.org  Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org       Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com 

As Election Week unfolds, it's easy to get swept up in the political whirlwind. But as Christ-followers, our ultimate allegiance is not to political parties or candidates, but to God. In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Melissa reflect on how to guide girls in prioritizing their faith over politics, helping them to live boldly for Christ regardless of election outcomes.  Through personal anecdotes, thoughtful conversation, and insights from AHG Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay’s Raising Godly Girls Minute, Rachael and Melissa challenge us to ask ourselves—and our daughters—where our true hope lies. Are we placing our trust in a candidate, or are we anchoring our identity in Jesus? Highlighting Scripture, such as Colossians 3:17 and 2 Timothy 1:7-8, this episode encourages listeners to teach their girls that while political engagement is important, their identity in Christ must come first.  Whether discussing the fear or excitement that can accompany election results, the hosts remind us that no matter who holds office, God remains on the throne. Listen in for practical ways to help your daughter engage with the world around her through a Biblical Worldview, while standing firm in her faith.  Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org       Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

As Election Day approaches, political conversations can stir up strong emotions and discomfort—both for adults and for our daughters. In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Melissa tackle the importance of teaching our girls how to engage in healthy, Christ-centered discussions about politics and disagreement.  Drawing from the wisdom of 1 Peter 2:17, Rachael and Melissa explore how we, as parents, can equip our daughters to approach political issues with respect and humility, while standing firm in their Biblical convictions. They share personal stories of their own families' political conversations, offering practical tips on listening first, speaking with kindness, and separating political views from the intrinsic value of others as image-bearers of God.  In this episode, you'll also hear from AHG Founder and Executive Director Patti Garibay as she reminds us that no political candidate can save our nation—that role belongs to Christ alone. Discover how American Heritage Girls creates a safe space for girls to ask tough questions and engage in leadership, all while keeping their eyes on Jesus and His Kingdom.  Join us as we delve into how to guide our girls through Election Day conversations with grace, respect, and a focus on unity over division. Whether politics are a heated topic at your dinner table or not, this episode offers the encouragement and tools you need to help your daughter navigate today's polarized world with a Biblical perspective.    Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org       Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, fill in host Natalie Ambrose welcomes Dr. Charles Fay, a leading expert in child psychology and co-founder of the renowned Love and Logic Institute. Dr. Fay shares his expertise on raising mentally strong kids, blending neuroscience with practical parenting strategies that help girls build resilience and emotional strength in today’s challenging world. Drawing from years of experience working with children in psychiatric and school settings, as well as personal inspiration from his father, Jim Fay, Dr. Fay offers invaluable insights on how parents can foster mental strength, good decision-making, and independence in their daughters.  During this episode, Dr. Fay explains the five core principles of the Love and Logic approach, designed to guide parents through common struggles, from managing transitions to avoiding unnecessary conflict. He also dives into the importance of brain health, discussing the impact it has on mental strength and overall well-being. Dr. Fay highlights practical ways for parents to support their children’s brain health through simple, everyday actions that enhance emotional stability and resilience.  The conversation also covers the role of faith in developing mentally strong children and how Christian parents can integrate these principles into their parenting. Dr. Fay shares strategies to help daughters become their own best problem solvers, equipping them with the tools to make sound decisions rooted in both logic and love. With real-life stories, humor, and deep wisdom, this episode provides listeners with tangible advice on building stronger relationships with their daughters while nurturing their mental and emotional strength. Tune in to discover how to raise resilient, Godly girls with a balanced approach to both mental toughness and compassionate love.  To learn more about Dr. Charles Fay and his work with the Love and Logic Institute, visit loveandlogic.com  Purchase his latest work, Raising Mentally Strong Kids, anywhere books are sold or visit loveandlogic.com/products/raising-mentally-strong-kids-book  Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org  Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Natalie tackle a reality every parent knows too well: decision fatigue under stress. Between work, household responsibilities, and the nonstop flow of life’s demands, making decisions—especially critical ones—can feel overwhelming. Rachael and Natalie discuss how to recognize when you’ve hit your decision-making limit and what steps can help keep you anchored in Christ during these trying moments.   Drawing from their own experiences as busy moms, they explore how decision overload can paralyze us and share practical strategies to regain clarity. Natalie reflects on the U.S. Surgeon General’s report about parental stress contributing to the mental health challenges many families face. With this in mind, the conversation dives deep into the importance of anchoring in faith and slowing life’s frenetic pace to make prayerful, balanced decisions.   In the Raising Godly Girls Minute, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director, Patti Garibay, shares advice on drama-free decision-making and why guiding our daughters in prayer-centered choices can help them move from overwhelmed to confident. The hosts then unpack this wisdom, encouraging parents to lean on Biblical truths, slow the pace, and unify as a family to create a healthy decision-making environment—even in times of stress.  This episode offers relatable insights and equips parents with tools to lead their daughters through life’s tough choices, grounded in wisdom, faith, and resilience. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with encouragement, humor, and practical takeaways.  Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org  Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

In today’s episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Natalie tackle an essential aspect of raising mentally strong Christian girls: decision-making. How do we empower our daughters to make choices that build both confidence and character? The world presents our girls with countless decisions every day, some with more significant stakes than others. Whether it’s choosing between two good things or navigating decisions with long-term consequences, teaching girls how to discern wisely is crucial for their development.  Drawing from their own experiences, Rachael and Natalie share practical strategies to help your girl become a confident decision-maker—whether it’s through prayer, evaluating choices with a pros-and-cons list, or understanding the consequences of her actions. They dive into a real-life story from American Heritage Girls, where Rachael’s daughter learned the value of responsibility and the weight of procrastination. It's an inspiring reminder that sometimes letting our girls experience the consequences of their decisions is the most empowering way to prepare them for the future.  Rachael and Natalie also emphasize the importance of rooting decision-making in prayer. By aligning our desires with God’s will, as modeled by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, our girls can make choices anchored in faith rather than fear. They explore key Scriptures like Psalm 37:4 and Matthew 6, which teach the power of submitting our will to God’s perfect plan.  Whether your daughter is facing decisions about friendships, school, or faith, this episode offers valuable insight into how we, as parents, can equip her with the tools to thrive in every stage of life. Tune in for practical advice, Biblical encouragement, and empowering stories to guide your girl in becoming a wise decision-maker who honors God.    Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org  Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com 

With Halloween around the corner, the rise in fascination with witchcraft and the occult becomes all the more noticeable, especially among young girls. In this week’s special episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay is joined by Amy Davison of Mama Bear Apologetics to explore how parents can guide their daughters away from the spiritual dangers of witchcraft and toward the freedom found in Christ.  In today’s culture, witchcraft is often portrayed as innocent fun—whether it’s casting spells, playing with Ouija boards, or following the latest New Age trends. However, Amy shares from her personal experience as a former "almost witch" in her teenage years, revealing the allure and dangers of these practices. Together, Patti and Amy discuss why witchcraft seems appealing to many young girls and how parents can discern between harmless Halloween festivities and spiritually harmful influences.  Throughout the conversation, Amy unpacks the cultural normalization of witchcraft, its connection to the feminist movement, and how practices like crystals and astrology are being presented as empowering and harmless. She offers practical, Biblical wisdom on how to counter these messages, help girls understand the truth of God's Word, and protect them from the subtle but dangerous influences of the occult. Tune in to learn how to equip your daughters with the tools to navigate this Halloween season and beyond, ensuring their hearts remain rooted in the truth of Scripture.   Learn more about Amy’s work with Mama Bear Apologetics, visit mamabearapologetics.com  Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org  Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com 

In a world where cultural witchcraft and the occult are often disguised as harmless fun or self-discovery, how can you equip your daughter to discern the truth? In this episode of The Raising Godly Girls Podcast co-hosts Rachael and Melissa delve into the growing influence of occult practices like astrology, crystals, manifesting, and tarot readings, especially in today’s social media-driven culture. These practices are often glamorized and marketed to young women as tools for empowerment, control, and personal insight—but behind these appealing promises lies dangerous spiritual deception.  Rachael and Melissa discuss how the occult subtly draws girls away from their relationship with Christ, replacing the truth of God’s Word with counterfeit solutions. Together, they explore the ways parents can guide their daughters to recognize these deceptions, using Biblical truth to reject them. From the allure of horoscopes and crystal healing to the prevalence of manifesting and spiritual mediums, they offer practical advice on how to steer your daughter toward the only source of true wisdom and peace: a relationship with Jesus.   If you’ve ever wondered how to have meaningful conversations with your daughter about the dangers of modern occult trends, this episode is packed with practical tools and spiritual insights to help you guide her to seek God’s truth. Don’t miss this opportunity to shed light on the darkness of the occult and equip your daughter to stand firm in her faith. Tune in today to strengthen your parenting journey as you navigate these cultural challenges—this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!  Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org      Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Melissa dive into a timely and often overlooked issue: the subtle influence of cultural witchcraft on our daughters. As Halloween approaches, themes of witchcraft and the occult are everywhere, from seemingly innocent costumes and decor to more dangerous and spiritually harmful trends in entertainment and social media.   Join us as we explore how witchcraft, once considered fringe or fictional, is now being normalized in popular culture, drawing in girls from all walks of life. We’ll uncover the spiritual dangers lurking behind what might appear harmless, discussing the reality of spiritual warfare and the deceptive allure of occult practices that promise power, control, or insight but ultimately lead to darkness. With Biblical wisdom and practical advice, we’ll equip you to have honest, discerning conversations with your daughter about these issues, helping her stand firm in God’s truth.  Through Scripture, personal anecdotes, and AHG’s mission to raise girls grounded in a Biblical worldview, this episode is a powerful resource for parents looking to safeguard their daughters from the subtle yet pervasive pull of cultural witchcraft. Discover how to guide your girl toward the light of Christ and help her find identity and fulfillment in Him, rather than the false promises of the occult. Be sure to listen in and learn how to reclaim spiritual ground, equip your daughter with the armor of God, and strengthen her against the pressures of today’s culture.    Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org       Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com 

In this weekend episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, special host Natalie Ambrose sits down with Kathleen Wadkins, Head of Content for The Pour Over, to discuss how Christian families can help their girls navigate the overwhelming noise of today's polarized world. In a time when sensationalized news often overshadows truth, Kathleen shares how The Pour Over aims to deliver non-biased news through a Biblical lens, reminding readers of Christ’s eternal hope amid a divisive media landscape.  Together, Natalie and Kathleen explore the challenges Christians face when standing for truth in a culture often antagonistic toward Biblical values. Kathleen opens up about her personal journey—from starting as a contributor at The Pour Over to becoming a mom of two and the Head of Content—showcasing the impact of a Christ-centered approach to news and media. She discusses practical strategies for fostering discernment in girls, helping them learn to seek truth with wisdom and grace while remaining respectful of all viewpoints.  This is a must-listen episode for moms looking to guide their daughters toward God’s truth, even in the midst of a fractured world. Tune in to be encouraged and inspired to raise girls who seek the truth with courage, clarity, and compassion.  To read Kathleen’s work for The Pour Over, and to subscribe to their free email newsletter, visit thepourover.org.  Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org       Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Natalie explore the power of words and how shifting language norms have played a role in deepening societal divides. They reflect on the subtle ways polarization can infiltrate our lives and how, as parents, we can equip our girls to resist these pressures through a Biblical Worldview. By teaching our daughters to recognize division as a tactic of the enemy, we can help them lean into the unifying power of the Holy Spirit.  Drawing inspiration from Romans 12:9-18, the hosts explore the idea that true Christian unity is rooted in love, humility, and hospitality. They share practical tips for fostering conversations with your daughters that invite understanding rather than division, emphasizing the value of asking questions like, “What do you think God feels about this issue?”  Rachael and Natalie also highlight the importance of demonstrating “radical hospitality,” offering a seat at the table to those with differing views while remaining grounded in Biblical Truth. The hosts discuss real-life examples, including the story of King David and Mephibosheth, as a reminder that God calls us to extend compassion and grace, even to those who might challenge us.  Finally, the episode connects these concepts to the American Heritage Girls (AHG) Program, where girls learn servant leadership through badges like the Identity Badge, All God’s Children Badge, and the Social Skills & Etiquette Badge. This year’s theme of VISION challenges girls to put on “Godly goggles” and view others the way God does, equipping them to bring unity and peace into their communities.  Tune in for an encouraging discussion on how Christian families can bridge today’s cultural divide through Biblical hospitality, unity, and love. Don’t miss this powerful episode of Raising Godly Girls, where faith meets practical advice for nurturing Godly character in today’s challenging world.    Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org       Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

Join co-hosts Rachael and Natalie for this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast as they break down the pervasive nature of polarization in our culture and provide practical tips for parents to help their daughters navigate this environment with grace.   Through heartfelt stories, scripture, and wisdom from Patti Garibay, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director, this episode will empower you to guide your girl in fostering peace and unity, starting in her own heart and home. The hosts remind us that while division is rampant, God is our unifying cornerstone—and with Him at the center, we can overcome the cultural pull toward conflict.  Drawing on Biblical insights, the hosts address how reframing divisive questions and fostering charitable assumptions are key steps in healing the brokenness around us. They also introduce resources from AHG that can help your family cultivate a Biblical Worldview—encouraging peace, understanding, and true community. Whether it’s through the GRIT with Grace leadership training or the Raising Godly Girls Guide to Peace in Times of Global Conflict, AHG offers tools for building unity in today’s fractured world.  Don’t miss this powerful episode that encourages you to reflect, pray, and take actionable steps toward pursuing God’s peace in your family and community.   Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org       Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com

In this illuminating episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay, Founder & Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, welcomes Holly Culhane, Founder and CEO of Presence Point, to discuss the vital role of shepherd leadership in parenting. As we delve into the concept of leading like Christ, Holly’s extensive background in leadership development and her deep understanding of Biblical principles provide invaluable insights for parents striving to model Christ-like guidance for their daughters.  Holly Culhane brings a wealth of experience to this conversation, from her work with Presence Point to her contributions to the best-seller Servant Leadership in Action. Throughout the episode, Holly explains how shepherd leadership, characterized by purpose, care, and compassion, differs from other leadership styles. Drawing from John 10:11-14, she highlights the qualities of the Good Shepherd and discusses how these can be mirrored in our parenting practices.  Listeners will gain practical advice on incorporating shepherd leadership into their daily interactions with their daughters. Holly and Patti explore how to provide guidance, protection, and unconditional love, reflecting the shepherd’s care as described in Psalm 23. Holly also shares personal stories illustrating how these principles have positively impacted her relationship with her children, offering listeners relatable examples of effective parenting.  Additionally, the episode touches on how shepherd leadership can strengthen the bond between mothers and daughters, particularly during challenging times. For those interested in deepening their understanding of shepherd leadership, Holly discusses the exclusive Shepherd Leadership curriculum created in collaboration with AHG. This resource is designed to help families embrace these principles in their daily lives.   To learn more about Holly Culhane and her impactful work with Presence Point, visit presencepoint.com  Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org      Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com.

In this enlightening episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden explore the vital role of parents as shepherd leaders in nurturing their daughters' spiritual and personal growth. As we dive into the theme of shepherd leadership, we uncover the profound ways parents can guide, protect, and care for their children, mirroring the Good Shepherd's care for His flock.  Rachael and Melissa reflect on the Biblical parable of the Lost Sheep from Luke 15, drawing inspiration from the way God leaves the 99 to find the one who is lost. This powerful analogy not only highlights God’s unwavering love and pursuit but also serves as a model for parents. Just as the Good Shepherd seeks out and embraces each sheep, parents are encouraged to offer individualized attention, consistent presence, and graceful correction to their daughters.  The episode features a Raising Godly Girls Minute with American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay that resonates with the theme of being seen and loved by God, even when feeling isolated or overlooked. Rachael and Melissa offer practical advice for embodying shepherd leadership in everyday parenting, emphasizing the importance of understanding each child's unique needs, providing a safe and nurturing environment, and guiding with patience and grace.  Additionally, they highlight valuable resources from American Heritage Girls that support both girls and parents in developing leadership skills inspired by the shepherd’s example. Join us as we explore how to be a shepherd leader for your daughter, creating a supportive and spiritually enriching environment that reflects God's love and guidance.     Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org      Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com