Ep. 353 – Raising Girls Who Rejoice: Walking Holy Week Toward Easter with Phylicia Masonheimer

As families prepare to celebrate Easter, many parents wonder how to help their daughters truly understand and rejoice in the Gospel story—not just on Resurrection Sunday, but throughout Holy Week. In this special Raising Godly Girls episode, host Natalie Ambrose is joined by theologian, author, podcaster, and founder of Every Woman a Theologian, Phylicia Masonheimer, for a rich conversation on walking families toward the joy of Easter with intention and faith.    Airing on the Saturday before Easter, this episode meets families in the space between the cross and the empty tomb. Phylicia shares why Holy Week matters for girls of all ages and offers practical, age-appropriate ways families can observe Palm Sunday through Resurrection Sunday together. From Scripture reading and prayer to simple worship practices and Gospel-centered conversations, parents will gain tools to make Easter more than a one-day celebration.    Together, Natalie and Phylicia explore how theology can be accessible for children, how parents can guide meaningful conversations about Jesus' death and resurrection, and how the hope of Easter can shape a girl's faith long after the holiday ends. This episode encourages families to prepare their hearts so that Easter joy overflows from a deep understanding of the Gospel.    Whether you have young children or teenagers, this conversation will help you anchor your family's Easter celebration in Christ's victory and raise girls who live in the hope of the resurrection all year long.       Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Matthew 21-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, John 13-20  1 Corinthians 15      To learn more about Phylicia's work and explore her resources, visit phyliciamasonheimer.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.     

On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose invite families to prepare their hearts for the joy of Easter by reflecting on the powerful story at the center of the Christian faith. Together, they discuss the journey of Holy Week—from Jesus' suffering and sacrifice to the glorious victory of His resurrection—and the deep reason Christians call Good Friday "good." Because through Christ's finished work on the Cross, the chasm between humanity and God has been bridged and the promise of eternal life has been secured.    Listeners will also hear a meaningful Raising Godly Girls Minute from Patti Garibay that challenges families to live in "Easter joy" all year long. Rather than letting the celebration end with the holiday weekend, Patti encourages parents to intentionally revisit the joy of Christ's resurrection throughout the year—perhaps even letting your daughter plan a surprise Easter celebration when the family least expects it.    Rachael and Natalie also share several creative, faith-filled ideas for celebrating Easter with your daughter. From a playful "Jesus search" that points to the empty tomb, to beginning your family meal with a hymn of praise, to writing a gratitude poem to God together, these simple traditions can help anchor your celebration in the true meaning of the season.    As families gather this Easter, this episode reminds listeners that the resurrection is not only a moment in history—it is the living hope that shapes how we worship, celebrate, and raise our daughters in faith every day of the year.    Three Things to Consider:    Turn the Easter egg hunt into a "Jesus search."   Celebrate in song.   Express gratitude to God together.     Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Matthew 4:1–2  Matthew 9:15–17  Luke 23:44–46  John 19:30  Hebrews 12:2  Matthew 28:5–6    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.     

Holy Week is one of the most sacred moments in the Christian calendar—the final days of Lent when believers around the world pause to remember Jesus' journey to the Cross and celebrate the victory of the Resurrection. Yet for many families, the week can easily pass by like any other busy stretch of spring. School schedules, activities, and daily responsibilities crowd in, and the deeper meaning of the season can slip quietly past.    On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose reflect on the profound beauty and gravity of Holy Week and what it looks like to help our daughters understand both the ache of Christ's sacrifice and the joy of Easter morning.  Together, Rachael and Natalie share personal moments when the reality of Jesus' suffering and love became deeply personal in their own faith journeys. They also explore the powerful thread of Messianic prophecy woven throughout Scripture—Old Testament promises that pointed directly to Jesus as the long-awaited Savior. From the Psalms to the prophets, God's redemptive plan unfolds across the pages of the Bible and reaches its fulfillment in the Cross.  Listeners will also hear a meaningful Raising Godly Girls Minute from Patti Garibay that challenges parents to model Christ-like humility in their relationships with their daughters. Drawing from the moment in John 13 when Jesus washed His disciples' feet—even the feet of Judas—Patti reminds us that servant leadership and grace can restore connection in even the most strained relationships.    As Holy Week unfolds, this conversation encourages parents to slow down, reflect deeply, and invite their daughters into the sacred rhythms of Scripture, testimony, prayer, and praise. Because when families intentionally walk through the story of Jesus together, the hope of Easter becomes even more powerful.    Three Things to Consider:    Make Scripture central during Holy Week. Walk through the events of the week—from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection—so your daughter can see the full picture of Jesus' journey to the Cross.  Share your personal faith story. Holy Week is a meaningful opportunity to talk about how God is still shaping your own heart and faith journey today.  Practice prayer and praise together. Simple rhythms of prayer, worship, and reflection help your family respond to the weight of the Cross and the joy of the Resurrection.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    John 13:1–17  Psalm 22  Isaiah 53  Luke 23:33–46  Matthew 28:1–6    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.      

The outdoors can be a place of awe, challenge, and discovery—yet for many families, especially those raising daughters with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges, stepping into adventure can feel overwhelming or even out of reach. But what if those very challenges are where God's power shines most clearly?    On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay continues a special conversation about helping families experience the beauty of the outdoors and the powerful faith lessons it can teach. Patti welcomes Kevin Schweiger, founder of Luke 5 Adventures, a ministry dedicated to making the outdoors accessible for individuals with physical challenges through innovative adaptive equipment and servant-hearted teamwork.    Kevin shares the story behind Luke 5 Adventures and the passion that sparked a ministry helping differently-abled individuals experience God's creation in ways that once seemed impossible. From climbs at the Grand Canyon to the heights of Pike's Peak, Kevin and his team have demonstrated that limitations are not the end of the story—they are often the very stage where God reveals His strength, provision, and purpose.    Throughout the conversation, Patti and Kevin explore how parents and mentors can nurture courage and curiosity in girls—even when circumstances feel uncertain or difficult. Kevin reflects on the powerful picture of the Body of Christ that unfolds during these adventures, where teams come together to lift, carry, and support one another along the path. In these moments, families witness Biblical truths in action: faith lived out through service, perseverance, and love.    This episode offers encouragement for parents raising daughters who face challenges of any kind. Whether the "mountain" in front of your family is a physical trail or a difficult season of life, God meets His people on the journey. When girls learn that their limitations do not define them—and that God equips them for every climb—they grow into women who are courageous, compassionate, and ready to follow Christ wherever He leads.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Luke 5:17–26  2 Corinthians 12:9–10  Galatians 6:2  Hebrews 12:1–2  Psalm 19:1    To learn more about Luke 5 Adventures, visit luke5adventures.org    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.      

On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose continue their week of conversations about supporting families with differently-abled daughters. Today's discussion centers on those beautiful moments when God's power breaks through human expectations—opening new doors for connection, joy, and adventure.    Too often, girls with special needs are defined by limitations instead of possibilities. But Scripture reminds us that we serve the God of the possible—the One who provides strength, purpose, and opportunity far beyond what we can imagine. When Christian families shift their perspective from focusing on what a girl can't do to discovering what she can do, entire worlds of joy and growth can open.    In this episode, you'll also hear a powerful Raising Godly Girls Minute from Patti Garibay that invites parents to adopt "capable-thinking" for special needs families. From the inspiring example of Christian speaker Nick Vujicic to ministries that make outdoor adventures accessible, Patti reminds listeners that every girl has God-given abilities meant to flourish.  Rachael and Natalie share personal stories about witnessing unexpected strength in loved ones, discuss the importance of avoiding limiting assumptions, and offer practical ideas for helping differently-abled girls experience meaningful outdoor activities. Their conversation is a hopeful reminder that when we approach girls with curiosity, compassion, and faith, we create opportunities for them to thrive.    Because sometimes the greatest breakthroughs happen when we refuse to accept "impossible"—and instead trust that God may be preparing a girl to surprise the world.    Three Things to Consider:    Structure activities for success. Clearly defined, predictable activities help girls with special needs feel confident and able to participate fully in the fun.  Choose connection over competition. Activities that emphasize teamwork and belonging help differently-abled girls build friendships and experience the joy of shared accomplishment.  Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Praise perseverance, courage, and participation—these moments often matter far more than winning or finishing first.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Philippians 4:19  Matthew 19:26  Psalm 139:14  2 Corinthians 12:9    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.     

On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose begin a week of conversations focused on how families can cultivate fun, connection, and belonging for girls with differing abilities. Together, they explore how Christian families can move beyond fear or uncertainty and embrace a Gospel-centered vision of inclusion—one that sees every girl as an image bearer of God.    Throughout the episode, Rachael and Natalie reflect on the beauty of people-first language, the importance of empathy in friendships, and the ways families can thoughtfully adapt activities so every girl has a place to participate. You'll also hear a Raising Godly Girls Minute from Patti Garibay that highlights the importance of cultivating empathy for friends with Autism Spectrum Disorder and helping girls extend Christ-like love to those who experience the world differently.  Through personal stories, biblical encouragement, and practical perspective, this conversation reminds parents that the Gospel calls believers to open doors, widen tables, and build communities where every girl is welcomed, valued, and celebrated. Whether your family includes a differently-abled daughter or you're seeking to better support friends navigating disability, this episode offers a hopeful reminder: when we see people the way God sees them, barriers can become bridges to deeper connection.    Three Things to Consider:    See the whole person, not the disability. Every girl is uniquely created in the image of God and deserves to be known, valued, and included in community.  The Gospel moves people from isolation to belonging. Christian families are called to open doors, widen circles, and ensure that differently-abled girls are welcomed into meaningful relationships and activities.  Be willing to adapt to serve. Sometimes inclusion simply requires creativity—adjusting environments, activities, or expectations so every girl can participate and feel honored.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    John 5:1–9  Genesis 1:27  Luke 14:13–14  1 Corinthians 12:22–26    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.    

Food is already at the center of so many homes. It fuels our bodies, gathers our families, and fills our tables with conversation. But what if it could also shape our daughters' faith?    For decades—since as early as 1943—researchers in the United States have studied the impact of family meals. The findings are compelling: children and teens who regularly gather around the dinner table experience stronger relational bonds, healthier communication patterns, and deeper emotional connection. Families truly thrive when they dine together consistently.  And yet, in today's fast-paced world, meals are often rushed. Screens creep onto the table. Convenience replaces rhythm. Many families feel disconnected—not only from one another, but from the sacred, formative moments that once shaped daily life. Especially during seasons like Lent, parents long to slow down, tune their hearts to God's voice, and pass on their faith in tangible ways.    Scripture reminds us that God has always met His people around the table. From manna in the wilderness to covenant meals on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24), to Jesus breaking bread with His disciples at the Last Supper (John 13), food has played a central role in God's redemptive story. What if the kitchen could become one of the most powerful discipleship spaces in your home?  In this meaningful weekend conversation, host Melissa Bearden welcomes baker, author, and teacher Kendall Vanderslice to the Raising Godly Girls Podcast. Kendall is the founder of the Bake & Pray method—a beautiful practice that weaves together bread baking, prayer, and Scripture. She shares how food can become formation, how hospitality can begin in ordinary kitchens, and how even simple recipes can open the door to empathy, generosity, and Gospel-centered living.    Together, Melissa and Kendall explore how baking can help families slow down, cultivate meaningful rhythms, and invite daughters into faith practices that feel natural and life-giving. They discuss biblical hospitality, practical ways girls can serve others through food, and why Lent offers a powerful opportunity to reshape family habits leading up to Easter.    If you've ever wondered how to disciple your daughter in everyday moments—without adding more pressure to your calendar—this episode will encourage you deeply. Because sometimes, the most sacred ministry happens between flour-dusted hands and a warm oven.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Exodus 24:9–11  John 13:1–17  Exodus 16:4–15  Acts 2:46–47  Hebrews 13:2    To learn more about Kendall Vanderslice and her work, visit kendallvanderslice.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.     

Today's RGG Podcast episode takes hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose on a deep-dive journey into the Lenten practice of fasting, including the many ways that modern families embrace this spiritual discipline with an aim to commune more closely with God.     After some honest confession from the hosts, they lay aside the need to fast perfectly and reinforce the need to see the practice first as an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to clean the soul and redirect the heart posture back to a Holy God.     Rachael shares creative approaches families can take to fasting including the traditional form of food fasting in a healthy balance of a child's life. Whether the 'give-up' includes sweets, tech/screen time, social media, caffeine, meat, gossip, or any other thing that distracts a Christian's heart from the things of God, Rachael reminds listeners that 'give-ups' must be replaced with a direct line to the Father through Scripture, prayer, worship and such.     Listeners, you will come away from this podcast conversation with a clear understanding of fasting and some ideas on creative ways to incorporate the practice into your family's rhythms with a fresh connection to God and His Kingdom.    Three Things to Consider:    Lent is a great time to awaken all your family's 5 senses   It's important to make this season a time when you and your kids are personally connected to the Lord   There are tons of creative ways to explore the season of Lent, so adopt a fresh perspective and try it out!     Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:  Matthew 4:1-2  Matthew 11:28  John 15:4-5    To learn more about the AHG Statement of Faith, visit americanheritagegirls.org/about-ahg/statement-of-faith   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.     

To honor the season of Lent on the Church calendar, Raising Godly Girls Podcast hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose open a conversation about what this season means and why there is a growing movement of Christian families seeking to embrace a more liturgical way of living.     Whether listeners things of liturgy or traditions in their own Christian circles, this podcast episode keeps an open mind on the many ways that Christ-followers will choose to observe the Lenten season. From almsgiving—giving to the poor—to fasting, worship, Scripture reading, and prayer, hosts Rachael and Natalie encourage parents to either embrace their chosen tradition or to learn a new way with an open heart and childlike faith.     With joy Natalie recalls her surprise that her older kids came to love their faith traditions during Lent over the years and now anticipate the season as it arrives on their family calendar. Rachael gives a wise reminder to listeners about the importance of knowing the 'why behind the what'—understanding how each tradition is designed to connect our hearts directly back to God rather than relishing in the tradition itself or getting prideful in our ability to practice the tradition perfectly.     When it comes to leading kids through a liturgical way of living, Rachael encourages families to welcome in the wonder and delight of childhood to foster a sense of joy and anticipation in our girls. She also advises families to start her practices incrementally giving space for new habit formation and grace in the process.     Natalie lands the conversation with the joy of ecumenical unity—meaning we're all working together as Christians—and choosing to honor one another in their chosen way of observing this season in the Christian calendar.     Two Things to Consider:    Let wonder, surprise, & delight guide you.   Even one new tradition practiced over many years will develop a special place in your child's soul memory bank.     Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Deuteronomy 6:4-9  Proverbs 14:21  Luke 3:11    To learn more about the AHG Statement of Faith, visit americanheritagegirls.org/about-ahg/statement-of-faith  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.     

Motherhood, marriage, ministry—each of these roles is a beautiful gift from God. But even good gifts can quietly drift into first place in our hearts. Somewhere along the way, we can begin to measure our worth by how well we love, lead, serve, and sacrifice—rather than by the unchanging truth that we are already chosen and beloved daughters of the King.    Before we were anyone's wife, mother, mentor, or friend—we were His. Redeemed. Named. Known. And that identity does not shift with the seasons of life.    In today's culture, women are told to do more and be more. Even within Christian circles, it can sometimes feel as though a woman's value is tied to the strength of her marriage, the success of her children, or her ability to "do it all" with grace. But the Gospel paints a different picture. Scripture calls us to undivided devotion—to love God above husband, family, possessions, and even self—and to let every other role flow from that primary relationship.    In this powerful weekend conversation, Patti Garibay welcomes bestselling author, Bible teacher, and speaker Vicki Courtney to the Raising Godly Girls Podcast. Together, they tackle a challenging but freeing question: Is motherhood my highest calling?    Vicki shares the "fire in her belly" that fuels her ministry to girls and women, helping them anchor their identity not in roles but in relationship with Christ. Patti and Vicki discuss how easily motherhood can become an idol in Christian culture, how rooting our worth in our children can unintentionally shape our daughters' own identity struggles, and what it looks like to love our families deeply without finding our ultimate meaning in them.    This episode will gently challenge and encourage you to examine your heart, realign your devotion, and rediscover the peace that comes from belonging to God first. Because when we love Him most, we truly love others best.    Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:    Luke 14:26–27  Matthew 22:37  Exodus 20:3  Galatians 2:20  1 John 4:19    To learn more about Vicki Courtney, visit vickicourtney.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.