Raising Godly Girls

If motherhood has ever felt like too much—too busy, too heavy, too lonely—you are not alone. And more importantly, you were never meant to carry it all by yourself. 

In this weekend edition of Raising Godly Girls, host Melissa Bearden invites you into a deeply encouraging and honest conversation about the reality so many moms are quietly facing: overwhelm. With cultural pressures mounting and expectations soaring, today's mothers are navigating exhaustion, isolation, and the constant feeling of falling short. But what if there was a better way? A more intentional, peaceful, and joy-filled rhythm rooted in Christ? 

Melissa sits down with author, speaker, and podcast host Jamie Erickson, a trusted voice for Christian moms who long to step out of survival mode and into purposeful living. Drawing from her newest book, Overwhelmed Mom, Jamie shares practical, grace-filled wisdom to help you "edit your life with intention," rediscover your calling at home, and build rhythms that bring delight instead of drudgery. 

Together, they unpack the cultural forces driving burnout, the spiritual toll of chronic stress, and the quiet comparison traps that steal our joy. More importantly, they point you back to truth—reminding you that your motherhood matters, your presence is powerful, and your peace is possible through Christ. 

If you're feeling stretched thin, emotionally drained, or spiritually dry, this conversation will meet you right where you are—and gently lead you toward hope, clarity, and rest. 

 

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: 

Matthew 11:28–30 – "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened…"  


Galatians 6:9 – "Let us not become weary in doing good…"  


Psalm 46:1 – "God is our refuge and strength…"  


Colossians 3:23 – "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…" 


 

If you want to dig deeper into Jamie's work—her books, blog, and podcast—just visit jamieerickson.com. 

 

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.

What if saying "no" could actually be one of the most faithful "yeses" you offer your family? 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose continue the conversation around navigating the busy "Maycember" season with intention and peace. As calendars fill with celebrations, commitments, and end-of-year milestones, many moms feel the pressure to do it all—and do it perfectly. But is that really what matters most? 

Through honest reflections and practical encouragement, Rachael and Natalie unpack the art of a kind, well-placed "no." Together, they explore how embracing a quality-over-quantity mindset can transform your family's experience—not just in May, but in every season. When we filter our "yeses" through an eternal perspective, we begin to see that protecting our time, energy, and presence isn't selfish—it's wise stewardship. 

In a grounding Raising Godly Girls Minute, Patti Garibay reminds us that every moment—mundane or monumental—is lived in the presence of God. Whether you're folding laundry, driving to practice, or celebrating a milestone, inviting the Lord into those spaces changes everything. His presence shifts our focus from performance to purpose. 

This episode offers simple but powerful ways to stay rooted in what matters: creating meaningful memories, stepping fully into your daughter's life moments, and intentionally giving glory back to God. Because long after the decorations are packed away and the calendar clears, what your girl will remember most is not what you did—but how you showed up. 

 

Three Things to Remember:  

Invest in the memory, not the perfection. Ask yourself what your girl will remember 10 years from now—and focus your energy there.  


Step into the moment, mama. Don't just capture the memory—be part of it. Your presence matters more than the picture-perfect details.  


Give glory to God in every season. Take time to pause, pray, and acknowledge His goodness in both the big celebrations and the quiet moments. 


 

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: 

1 Corinthians 10:31 


 

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.

For many families, May doesn't just arrive—it hits. Hard. 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose step into the all-too-familiar whirlwind of "Maycember"—that end-of-school-year rush filled with concerts, ceremonies, parties, and milestones that can quickly overwhelm even the most organized mom. From graduation celebrations to last-minute logistics, the pressure to "do it all" can leave families exhausted and disconnected. 

But what if it doesn't have to be that way? 

Through a timely Raising Godly Girls Minute, Patti Garibay reminds us that while God's plans for our families are abundant, they are not meant to be marked by exhaustion. This episode invites you to take a step back, re-evaluate your calendar, and approach this busy season with intentionality, grace, and a Kingdom-focused mindset. 

Rachael and Natalie share honest reflections from their own family experiences, offering both encouragement and practical wisdom for navigating a full calendar without losing sight of what matters most. From embracing your role as the "paper plate mom" when needed, to resisting the pressure of perfection, this conversation is a breath of fresh air for any parent feeling stretched thin. 

You'll be challenged to filter your commitments through God's calling for your family, to create space for presence over performance, and to invite others into the load—because you were never meant to carry it alone. 

Because at the end of the day, it's not about surviving May—it's about savoring it. 

 

Three Things to Remember 

Not everything is a must. Give yourself permission to say "no" so you can say "yes" to what truly aligns with your family's values and God's calling.  


Plan with purpose—including your budget. Thoughtful preparation helps prevent overwhelm—financially, emotionally, and spiritually.  


You don't have to do it alone. Invite your family and community into the process—sharing the load creates space for joy and connection. 


 

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode 

1 Thessalonians 4:11  


Luke 10:38–42  



Galatians 6:2 


 

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.

This week on Raising Godly Girls, Patti Garibay sits down with Ryan and Selena Frederick, founders of Fierce Marriage, Fierce Parenting, and Fierce Families, for a conversation about sparking curiosity and faith in young children. Married for 22 years with four daughters, the Fredericks have dedicated their lives to equipping Christian families with tools to grow spiritually together. 

 

Ryan shares his new Atom & Iota series—whimsical storybooks for children ages 4-8 that connect science, Scripture, and creation. These stories help kids explore God's wonders while learning foundational theological truths in a fun, visual way. Selena explains how parents can use interactive prompts, memory verses, and activities to deepen faith at home. 

 

Together, they explore practical ways parents can nurture curiosity, wonder, and confidence in their children's faith, showing that science and Scripture can point to the same Creator. Moms and dads will leave with inspiration, encouragement, and actionable steps to help their daughters see God's hand in the world around them. 

&  

Whether you're reading bedtime stories, homeschooling, or looking for meaningful ways to connect with your kids, this episode equips families to embark on the adventure of faith and curiosity together. Learn more about the Fredericks' work and the Atom & Iota series at fiercemarriage.com. 

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.

What if one of the most powerful ways to grow your girl's faith… is simply to step outside? 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose invite you into a refreshing conversation about rediscovering curiosity, wonder, and connection with God through the beauty of the natural world. In a culture where answers are instant and screens often replace exploration, it's easy for curiosity to fade into convenience. But God's design for girlhood tells a different story—one filled with discovery, awe, and hands-on wonder. 

As the seasons shift and the sunshine calls, this episode serves as a gentle nudge to embrace the outdoors—not just as a place for activity, but as a sacred classroom where girls can encounter their Creator. Through a meaningful Raising Godly Girls Minute, Patti Garibay reminds us that time outside isn't just refreshing—it's transformational, offering real benefits for the body, mind, and spirit. 

Rachael and Natalie unpack a beautiful progression that unfolds when girls engage with God's creation: curiosity leads to respect, respect grows into wonder, and wonder naturally overflows into praise. Whether it's turning a simple walk into a scavenger hunt, observing the tiniest details in nature, or simply slowing down long enough to notice God's handiwork, these moments matter more than we often realize. 

You'll walk away encouraged to create space for your girl to explore, ask questions, and engage her senses—trusting that God will meet her there in powerful and personal ways. 

Because when a girl learns to see the world with curiosity, she begins to see the Creator more clearly. 

 

Three Things to Remember 

Curiosity is the starting point. Encourage your girl to explore, ask questions, and engage with the world around her—hands-on and screen-free.  


Time in creation builds connection. The more your girl experiences God's world, the more her respect and love for Him will grow.  


Wonder leads to worship. As curiosity grows into wonder, guide your girl to respond with praise for the beauty and brilliance of God's creation. 


 

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode 

Genesis 1:1  


Psalm 19:1  


Job 38–41  



Romans 1:20 


 

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.