Raising Godly Girls

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 273 — A Home That Rests: Building Sabbath Rhythms for Your Family Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

We live in a culture that applauds busyness and rewards hustle—but our daughters are quietly paying the price. Exhausted schedules, constant connectivity, and the unspoken demand to always "do more" are burning out today's girls long before adulthood.

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden pull back the curtain on one of the greatest needs in our homes: true Sabbath rest. Far from being an outdated ritual or just "a Sunday nap," Sabbath is God's gift to His people—a rhythm of renewal that restores body, mind, and soul.

You'll also hear American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus, Patti Garibay, share a powerful Raising Godly Girls Minute reminding us that if God Himself rested after creation, our daughters certainly need space to rest too.

Rachael and Melissa then unpack how families can reclaim this rhythm with practical, joy-filled ideas—from setting up a Sabbath Shelf to creating "Selah moments" at the dinner table. Together, they show how Sabbath is not something to squeeze in when everything else is done, but the very starting point for a life of peace, faith, and flourishing.

When moms model rest as worship, daughters learn that their worth is not tied to achievement, but to abiding in Christ. This episode will encourage you to build a home where rest isn't rare—it's the culture.

This Week's Reminders:

God made her for rest

Your rest sets the pace

Rest is worship

Scripture References:

Mark 2:27

John 15:4

Genesis 2:2–3

Exodus 20:8–11

Psalm 46:10

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.

Ep. 272 — How a Culture of Busyness is Burning Out Our Girls Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

Today's girls are growing up in a culture that glorifies hustle—and it's leaving them exhausted. From academics to athletics, friendships to faith commitments, many daughters are running on empty long before adulthood. Is busyness shaping their identity more than God's truth?

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden tackle the silent epidemic of burnout among girls. With honesty, humor, and Biblical wisdom, they share how nonstop schedules can rob girls of peace and distort their sense of worth—and how parents can push back with rhythms of rest.

You'll also hear American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay deliver a powerful Raising Godly Girls Minute on the "Busy Bee" trap and the freedom that comes with Psalm 46:10: "Be still and know that I am God."

Together, the conversation points to a better way: teaching our girls that rest is not laziness, but obedience. That saying "no" can be an act of trust. And that their value is not measured by their productivity, but by their identity in Christ.

If your daughter is running hard—or if your own schedule feels like it's running you—this episode will help you breathe deeply, hit pause, and rediscover the beauty of a slower, Spirit-led life.

This Week's Reminders:

Her schedule should serve her, not control her

Rest is a spiritual discipline, not a reward

You set the tone she learns to live by

Scripture References:

Psalm 46:10

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.

Ep. 271 — How Making Life Too Easy Hinders a Girl's Character, Mental, and Spiritual Growth with Erin Kunkle (MAVEN) Sep 20, 2025

Show notes

As parents, it's natural to want to smooth the path for our daughters—to protect them from hurt, hardship, and struggle. But when we make life too easy, we may unintentionally rob them of the very opportunities that build strength, character, and faith.

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay, Founder & Executive Director Emeritus, is joined by Erin Kunkle, co-founder of MAVEN and a veteran homeschooling mom, to talk about why struggle is not the enemy of growth—it's the catalyst for it. Erin draws from her experience as a ministry leader, speaker, and mom to highlight how over-helping can hinder a girl's emotional, mental, and spiritual development.

Together, Patti and Erin unpack why "lawnmower parenting" may feel loving in the moment but ultimately leaves girls unequipped for the challenges of life and faith. Instead, they remind us that it's through perseverance, problem-solving, and dependence on Christ that our daughters become resilient young women who pursue truth, goodness, and beauty.

Scripture References in this Episode:

Romans 5:3–4 — "Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

James 1:2–4 — "Consider it pure joy… because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

Hebrews 12:11 — "No discipline seems pleasant at the time… later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace."

Proverbs 22:6 — "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

If you've ever wrestled with knowing when to step in and when to step back, this episode will encourage you to trust God's design, embrace the power of perseverance, and equip your daughter to thrive—even when life gets hard.

To learn more about Erin's work and the MAVEN ministry, visit maventruth.com. 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.

Ep. 270 — Resilience-Building Parenting Strategies Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Every parent wants to protect their daughter—but when does protecting cross the line into preventing her from growing? On this week's Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive into the challenge of "lawnmower parenting" and how stepping back actually strengthens our daughters for the road ahead.

Through honest stories and Biblical encouragement, Rachael and Natalie share what it looks like to let our girls face healthy adversity, build resilience, and learn to trust God's leadership in their own lives. From kindergarten battles over hair bows to navigating playground conflicts and tough conversations with teachers, they remind us that ease doesn't build strength—resistance does.

You'll also hear a special Raising Godly Girls Minute from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay about how adversity strengthens trees—and girls. Together, we'll explore why our instincts to intervene, though good, must sometimes yield to God's greater plan for our daughters' growth.

Scripture References:

Isaiah 55:8–9

Proverbs 16:3

If you've ever wrestled with when to step in and when to step back, this episode will encourage you to parent with courage, humility, and trust in God's sovereignty.

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.

Ep. 269 — Why Parents Shouldn't Make Life Easy for Their Daughters Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

As parents, our hearts want the very best for our girls. We long to shield them from failure, hardship, and pain. But what if our desire to protect is actually preventing them from growing into the young women God created them to be?

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive into the parenting pitfalls of "helicoptering" and "lawnmowing"—those tendencies to hover or clear every obstacle out of our daughter's path. Together, they wrestle with the tension between loving our girls well and trusting the Lord to use challenges, disappointments, and even failures to build godly character.

You'll hear real-life parenting stories, Biblical wisdom, and encouragement from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay in this week's Raising Godly Girls Minute.

The truth is, resilience grows when girls are allowed to stumble, problem-solve, and experience God's faithfulness firsthand. Parenting is not about writing their story—it's about trusting the One who already has.

Scripture References:

Matthew 7:9–11

Hebrews 12

If you've ever struggled with when to step in and when to step back, this episode will help you release the pressure, pry your hands open, and lean on God's sovereignty as you raise your daughter with courage and faith.

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.

Ep. 268 — Guiding Girls Through Big Emotions with Michelle Nietert Sep 13, 2025

Show notes

If there's one thing every parent of girls knows, it's this: emotions can run deep, wide, and loud. From tearful meltdowns to dramatic outbursts, our daughters' feelings can often feel like tidal waves that threaten to pull the whole household under. But what if those very moments weren't interruptions to parenting—but opportunities for discipleship?

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay, Founder & Executive Director Emeritus of American Heritage Girls, sits down with licensed professional counselor and bestselling author Michelle Nietert to unpack how parents can guide their daughters through big emotions with both compassion and Biblical truth. Drawing from decades of experience as a counselor, school crisis responder, and mom, Michelle offers practical insights for helping girls process sadness, fear, and anxiety while building emotional resilience that's rooted in Christ.

You'll hear encouragement for the mom who feels like her daughter is drowning in emotions, guidance on discerning when drama signals deeper emotional needs, and everyday ways parents can connect spiritual discipleship to emotional growth. From playground drama to teenage friendship struggles, Michelle reminds us that while the world may tell girls to be ruled by their feelings, God calls them to bring those feelings to Him.

Scripture References:

Psalm 34:18 – "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

2 Timothy 1:7 – "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Philippians 4:6–7 – "Do not be anxious about anything… and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Galatians 5:22–23 – The fruit of the Spirit, including self-control. This conversation will leave you equipped with tools, reassured by truth, and reminded that you are not alone in raising emotionally healthy, Godly girls.

This conversation will leave you equipped with tools, reassured by truth, and reminded that you are not alone in raising emotionally healthy, Godly girls.

You can learn more about Michelle and her work at michellenietert.com

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.

Ep. 267- Teaching Girls to Feel Without Being Ruled by Feelings Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Big emotions are a normal part of growing up—but when those emotions start calling the shots, our girls can quickly feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and even defeated. As moms, we want to raise daughters who feel deeply while also learning that their emotions don't get to be in charge—Christ does.

In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden explore what it means to guide our daughters through the highs and lows of anger, sadness, joy, and fear with patience, connection, and truth. You'll hear honest mom-to-mom stories, practical tools like "do-overs" and weekly check-ins, and encouragement to see emotional outbursts not as inconveniences but as discipleship opportunities.

Together, we'll unpack how to help our daughters:

Recognize that emotions are real but not ultimate truth

Move from reacting in anger to responding in the Spirit

Root their identity in Christ rather than in how they feel

Practice self-control through grace-filled parenting moments

You'll also hear the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay, Founder & Executive Director Emeritus of American Heritage Girls, reminding us that while anger is natural, the Holy Spirit transforms it into life-giving joy.

So, whether your daughter is slamming doors, quietly shutting down, or somewhere in between, this episode will remind you that big feelings don't make her "too much." They make her human—and God has entrusted you to shepherd her through them with His wisdom and love.

Scripture References: • Galatians 5:16, 19–21, 22–23 • 2 Timothy 1:7 • John 11:35

This Week's Reminders:

Big emotions don't make your daughter "bad"—they make her human. God created her with deep feelings for a purpose. Your job isn't to silence those emotions but to shepherd her through them with love, patience, and truth.

Correction is most powerful when it's paired with connection. Your daughter will grow most when she feels safe, seen, and loved—even after a meltdown. Stay close, speak truth, and don't underestimate the power of a gentle tone.

You are not alone in this—and neither is she. God is with you in every eye roll, every slammed door, and every teary moment. He's working in her heart even when you can't see it. Keep sowing seeds of Spirit-led parenting. He is faithful to grow the fruit.

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.

Ep. 266 — From Mood Swings to Steadfast Hearts: Faith-Filled Tools for Emotional Growth Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

Emotions can be overwhelming—both for our daughters and for us as moms. From tearful meltdowns to unpredictable mood swings, it's easy to feel like big emotions threaten to take over the day. But here's the truth: feelings aren't something to fix or fear. They're invitations—opportunities to lean into God's presence, disciple with compassion, and point our girls toward steadfastness in Christ.

In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden share personal stories of their own girlhood "big emotion" moments, reminding us that as moms, we've stood where our daughters now stand. Together, they explore practical and faith-filled ways to help girls put words to their emotions, process them in healthy ways, and anchor their identity in who God says they are—not in how they feel.

You'll also hear from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, who offers an actionable tool for moms: teaching your daughter to reframe "I am" statements into "I feel" statements. This simple shift can transform self-talk, strengthen identity, and remind our girls that feelings are temporary—but God's truth is eternal.

Through practical steps like journaling, mealtime check-ins, and memorizing "truth anchor" verses, this episode equips you to model emotional maturity, guide your daughter with gentleness, and rest in the knowledge that God didn't call you to fix every emotion—He called you to shepherd your girl's heart toward Him.

Referenced Scripture:

Genesis 16:13 — God sees us in our struggles.

Romans 12:2 — Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Exodus 14:13 — Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord.

Psalm 139:14 — Fearfully and wonderfully made.

Isaiah 43:1 — Called by name and redeemed.

1 Peter 2:9 — Chosen and belonging to God.

This Week's Reminders:

Feelings Are Real, But Not Always True Help your daughter name her emotions without letting them define her. Just because she feels unloved doesn't mean she is unloved. Root her identity in God's truth, not her temporary feelings.

She Learns Emotional Maturity by Watching You Your example is her blueprint. When you model calm, prayerful responses and speak truth over your own emotions, you're teaching her how to navigate hers with grace and faith.

God Doesn't Call You to Be Her Savior—Just Her Shepherd You're not expected to fix every meltdown. Your role is to guide her toward the One who can hold every emotion she faces. Let that truth lighten the load—you're parenting with God, not apart from Him.

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.

Ep. 265 — Restoring Spiritual Legacy Between the Generations with Kate and Mike Battistelli Sep 06, 2025

Show notes

In today's fast-paced culture, the generational divide can feel wider than ever. Parents and grandparents long to pass on a vibrant faith, but too often wonder if their words will land—or if younger hearts are even listening. Statistics paint a sobering picture: nearly 70% of young adults raised in the church walk away as they enter adulthood. But this isn't just a statistic. It's a wake-up call to reclaim the power of spiritual legacy.

In this episode, host Patti Garibay sits down with Kate and Mike Battistelli—parents to Grammy Award-winning artist Francesca Battistelli and faithful disciplers with a passion for legacy building. Together, they share powerful insights on how families can bridge the gap between generations, cultivating authentic connections that lead daughters and granddaughters to encounter Jesus for themselves.

With wisdom drawn from both triumphs and trials, Kate and Mike reveal what spiritual legacy really looks like: everyday faithfulness, intentional mentoring, and a willingness to model surrender in a world that prizes independence. From the father's role in guiding and anchoring faith, to the Titus 2 calling for women to mentor the next generation, their conversation is a clarion call for every believer to show up, stay present, and speak life across generational lines.

Whether you feel overlooked as an older mentor, hesitant as a younger parent, or simply burdened for your daughter's future, this episode will encourage you to take practical steps toward bridging the divide. Because when one generation commends God's works to another, His mighty acts echo far beyond our lifetimes.

Referenced Scripture:

Psalm 145:4 — "One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts."

Titus 2:3–5 — The call for older women to disciple younger women.

Deuteronomy 6:6–9 — Teaching God's Word diligently to the next generation.

Learn more about Kate and Mike's ministry and resources at katebattistelli.com. 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.

Ep. 264 — The Value of Connecting with Today's Teens Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

In a culture where communication is constant but true connection feels scarce, today's teens are navigating pressures unlike any generation before them. From endless scrolling to viral slang, it can seem like their world is unreachable for parents, grandparents, and mentors. But here's the good news: the deepest needs of teen girls haven't changed. They still long for trusted relationships, authentic guidance, and meaningful time with the people who care most about them.

In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose unpack how to build bridges with teens who live in a tech-saturated world but crave in-person connection. With warmth and humor, they share real-life stories about the balance between "relating" to teens and "leading" them into maturity—and why authenticity matters more than trying to keep up with every trend.

You'll also hear from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, who brings clarity to how girls actually flourish in their friendships. Drawing from both research and Scripture, she reminds us that teens thrive in communities that echo the early church—gathering, serving, and growing together in Christ-centered relationships.

Practical wisdom flows throughout this conversation: consistently showing up in your girl's world, asking deeper questions that fuel her faith, and admitting when you don't have all the answers. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or mentor, this episode will encourage you to lead at the "speed of trust" and invest in relationships that last beyond the moment.

Referenced Scripture: