Ep. 313 — Intentional & Godly Parenting in 2026

In this Season 3 episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose launch with a fun chat about letters they would write to themselves as girls and what they wished they knew about being a Christian girl growing up.    The hosts zoom in on the idea of "fortifying" a girl's faith to go the long haul—"parenting forward" to teach lessons today that will resonate far into the future and into eternity. The Raising Godly Girls Minute in this episode serves as a timeless reminder that Scripture serves as a "nightlight" so guide girls when days seem dark.     Rachael shares the fun opportunity to "start something new" through AHG Patch Programs and resources—for both non-members and AHG Members alike. She also shares a chance for listeners to grab the AHG Thinline ESV Bible as a way to launch girls into a year of reading God's Word.        Two Things to Remember:    Parenting-Forward is not a Formula—so open your hands in prayer, submit your will and your understanding to God, and do your best to steward this parenting journey daily in the process.    You can take joy in knowing that God will always be found faithful. Since that is His character and even in the hard seasons, He will always pursue her.      Scriptures Reference in this Episode:    Mark 8:36-37  Psalm 119:105  Proverbs 22:6  Isaiah 61:1-3  Jeremiah 31:3      To get your copy of the AHG Thinline ESV Bible, visit store.americanheritagegirls.org/products/ahg-thinline-esv-bible     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 Raising Godly Girls Podcast now moves into its third season as the calendar rolled over to 2026 this week. AHG Executive Director Rachael Culpepper reflects on 2025 highlights including Saturday guests like Kirthana Fanning, Sherri Seligson, Vic Clesceri, and Sherri Crandall.     Rachael casts vision for the Raising Godly Girls and American Heritage Girls ministry in the coming year, gaining direction from Jeremiah 6—to learn from those who came before and to dial in our vision for where the Lord will lead in the days ahead. Rachael's vision and our Saturday guests' wisdom still echo in listeners' hearts and minds, building excitement for a new season of podcast episodes coming down the line in 2026!     Season 3 of the podcast features topics like Multicultural Unity in the Church, Body Image and Eating Disorders, Cultivating Faith for Working Moms, and paring down the family calendars for busy and overwhelmed moms!    Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Jeremiah 6:16        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 the first day of 2026, Raising Godly Girls Podcast hosts Natalie Ambrose and Melissa Bearden officially launch Season 3 with a quick recap of Season 2 topic highlights, including Loneliness and Isolation, the Camp Experience, Honoring Differently-Abled Girls, Loving Without Compromise, Parental Rights, Cancel Culture, Intergenerational Ministry, and Biblical Femininity.     In an insightful part of the conversation, Natalie shares some special highlights from the 2025 AHG 30th Anniversary Convention Raising Godly Girls booth—a corner titled, "I Wish My Mom Knew…" where girls were invited to share their deepest desires with their moms. Some notes echoed of thriving relationships between mother and daughter, and others offered gentle challenge as daughters cried out to be understood, for mothers to pause and relax, and invitations to grow through flaws together as they reflect the Lord in their homes.     Melissa lands the conversation with a positive confidence in our Faithful God to lead us in the coming year, a yearning for Christian parents to really connect with their girls, and a reminder that today matters in eternity—so let's make it count!       Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    1 John 2:25        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 does it truly mean to be a Godly girl? The same question that closed out 2024 for the Raising Godly Girls Podcast rings in the New Year of 2026. From a foundation rooted in Christ, to a Biblical Worldview active in a girl's life, and finally a thriving daily relationship with the Living God, Godly girlhood is timeless and yet oh so relevant to today's girls. Hear Melissa's favorite Raising Godly Girls Minute—a centerpoint for each episode—and the global reaches this podcast has made in the last year. Hosts Natalie Ambrose and Melissa Bearden seal in the last episode of 2025 in prayer over the regular listeners and their families.     Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:    Psalm 139:14  Galatians 5:22-23  Deuteronomy 31:6  Romans 5:3-5    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.  

Parenting is full of tension—especially when love tempts us to smooth every bump in our daughter's path. In this "Best of Raising Godly Girls" episode, we revisit Episode 271: "How Making Life Too Easy Hinders a Girl's Character, Mental, and Spiritual Growth" featuring AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay and Erin Kunkle, co-founder of MAVEN Ministries. Originally aired September 20th, 2025, this conversation explores the pitfalls of "lawnmower" or overprotective parenting and the lasting impact it can have on a girl's growth in character, resilience, and faith.  Erin and Patti dive into Biblical principles for equipping girls to persevere through challenges, problem-solve, and depend on Christ in everyday life. They offer compassionate insight for parents learning to step back, trust God's guidance, and allow daughters to face age-appropriate struggles—knowing that these moments cultivate courage, independence, and spiritual maturity.  Whether you're listening during a busy holiday morning, on a drive to church, or sipping cocoa by the fire, this episode offers encouragement and actionable wisdom. Parents will walk away with clarity on when to intervene and when to let God—and life—teach their daughters lessons that build lasting strength.  Scripture References:   James 1:2-4   Proverbs 22:6  Three Takeaways for Parents:   Step back and allow age-appropriate challenges to shape your girl's growth.   Encourage perseverance and problem-solving rooted in faith.  Trust Christ to lead your daughter's journey while guiding with wisdom and grace.  This "Best Of" episode is a must-listen for parents seeking to raise resilient, Godly girls who are equipped to walk confidently in character, faith, and independence.  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.  

Parenting with grace and wisdom isn't always easy—but it's always worth it. In this "Best of Raising Godly Girls" episode, we revisit Episode 270: "Resilience-Building Parenting Strategies," originally aired on September 18, 2025. Natalie Ambrose and Rachael Culpepper share faith-filled insights for parents learning to step back, trust God's guidance, and help their daughters grow into resilient, confident, and faithful young women.  This episode offers practical strategies for recognizing tendencies toward over-control and anxious parenting, while encouraging families to lean into God's plan for their girls. From celebrating small successes to embracing life's challenges as opportunities for growth, parents will be inspired to cultivate resilience, perseverance, and a lasting faith in their daughters' hearts.  Listeners will leave with actionable guidance to parent with intentionality, patience, and trust in God's timing. Whether you're navigating daily life, holiday busyness, or moments of parenting uncertainty, this episode reminds you that resilience isn't just built in theory—it's cultivated through everyday faithfulness, prayer, and loving presence.  Scripture References:  James 1:2-4   Proverbs 22:6   Three Takeaways for Parents:  Step back and let God guide your daughter's ultimate outcomes.  Recognize and release anxious or over-controlling tendencies.  Encourage growth through challenges and celebrate resilience as a gift from the Lord.  This "Best Of" episode offers encouragement, insight, and prayerful support for parents seeking to raise godly girls who are strong, confident, and rooted in Christ.  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.  

Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do for our daughters is…step back. In this "Best of Raising Godly Girls" episode, we revisit Episode 269: "Why Parents Shouldn't Make Life Easy for Their Daughters," originally aired on September 16, 2025. Natalie Ambrose and Rachael Culpepper explore the pitfalls of "helicopter" or "lawnmower" parenting and offer a faith-filled perspective on building resilience in girls.  This episode is for parents who want to love well—but struggle with the temptation to smooth every difficulty or shield their daughters from failure. Together, we discuss how stepping back, allowing natural consequences, and letting girls navigate challenges under God's guidance equips them with confidence, problem-solving skills, and a steadfast faith that will serve them for a lifetime.  Listeners will be reminded that resilience isn't just a personality trait—it's a spiritual posture. By trusting God to guide our daughters through life's skinned knees, disappointments, and learning moments, we cultivate strength, humility, and perseverance. It's an invitation to parent with intentionality, grace, and courage, trusting the Holy Spirit to shape our girls into women of integrity.  Scripture References:  James 1:2-4  Proverbs 22:6  Three Things to Remember:  Let girls experience challenges—they need space to grow and learn.  Parent with grace, not control, trusting God's wisdom and timing.  Celebrate resilience as a gift from God, cultivated over time through life's ups and downs.  This "Best Of" episode is an encouragement to pause, reflect, and lean into God's guidance as you nurture your daughter's character, perseverance, and Godly womanhood.  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 Christmas season has a way of filling our homes with warmth and wonder—but what if your holiday décor could do more than make your home look festive? What if it could become a beautiful, daily reminder of the Gospel for your family—and especially for your girl? In this special Christmas message, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay invites listeners to rediscover the meaning behind the decorations we often unpack without a second thought. Instead of centering December around tinsel, lights, and checklists, this conversation encourages you to fill your home with symbols that point your daughter to the Savior who came near.  Through thoughtful reflection and practical ideas, this episode explores how your family can create a holiday environment that disciples your girl right where she lives. Whether it's a nativity set placed intentionally, Scripture woven into ornaments, or simple traditions that direct your girl's heart toward Jesus, you'll find fresh inspiration to transform your décor into a teaching tool—one that speaks quietly but consistently of hope, promise, and God's redeeming love.  As the busyness of December pulls our attention in a thousand directions, this episode gently reminds parents to anchor their home in truth that outlasts the season. When your daughter looks around the room, what does she see? May she see more than glitter and garland—may she see a family committed to celebrating Christ Himself. With encouragement that blends creativity, Scripture, and practicality, you'll walk away with ideas your family can use immediately and a deeper sense of purpose for the atmosphere you cultivate.  Scripture References:  Luke 2:10–11: The joyful announcement of Christ's birth.  Deuteronomy 6:6–7: Impressing God's truths on the hearts of our children.  Isaiah 9:6: The prophecy pointing to the coming Messiah.  Three Things to Remember:  Your décor can be more than beautiful—it can be a discipleship tool.  Small, meaningful symbols can gently shape your daughter's understanding of Jesus.  A Christ-centered home environment helps your girl see the season through the lens of truth, not culture.  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 holidays can be a season of joy, but for some families, they come wrapped in worry, fear, and unseen struggles. In this "Best of Raising Godly Girls" episode, we revisit Episode 223: "How to Support Your Daughter Through Suicide, Self-Harm, and Mental Health Struggles" with Dr. Jessica Peck, also known as "Dr. Nurse Mama." Originally aired on May 29, 2025, this episode offers practical, faith-filled guidance for parents navigating one of the most tender and frightening seasons of parenting.  Melissa Bearden and Rachael Culpepper open the conversation with heart and honesty, reminding listeners that God equips parents to shepherd their daughters even in the darkest valleys. Dr. Peck shares compassionate strategies for recognizing warning signs, building trust, and creating safe spaces where difficult conversations can take place—because the most important healing often begins with being seen, heard, and loved.  This episode is a gentle call to action: the holidays are not a time to ignore or delay addressing your daughter's mental health struggles. Instead, it is a time to step forward in courage, anchored in God's wisdom and grace. Parents will be encouraged to walk alongside their daughters with a balance of truth, empathy, and prayerful guidance, modeling the steadfast love of Christ even in moments of fear or uncertainty.  Scripture References:  Psalm 34:18   Romans 15:13  Three Things to Remember:  God equips and sustains parents called to guide daughters through seasons of deep struggle.  Creating a safe, trusting environment opens the door for healing and honest conversation.  The best time to walk in truth, love, and prayer is now—not later, not when it feels convenient.  This "Best Of" episode is an invitation to pause, pray, and listen closely—God is present, and His Spirit brings hope even in the midst of pain.  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. 

As the holiday season draws near—a time filled with lights, celebration, and connection—this special "Best Of Raising Godly Girls" episode steps into one of the most tender topics facing families today: how to navigate self-harm with wisdom, compassion, and Christ-anchored hope. In this replay of Episode 222, originally aired on May 29, 2025, listeners revisit a powerful, heartfelt conversation designed to equip parents walking through the fear, grief, and questions that often accompany a daughter's struggle.  Melissa Bearden opens this episode reminding listeners that December can heighten emotional and mental strain for girls who are already hurting. While the world celebrates, many families carry unseen wounds. This "Best Of" series is a way to rest, reflect, and re-engage important truths—because even in seasons meant for joy, God invites us to shepherd our daughters with attentiveness and grace. This episode offers clarity about the signs of self-harm, practical guidance for parents, and biblical encouragement for moments when hope feels fragile.  As you listen, you'll be reminded that God has not abandoned your girl to patterns of destruction—His Spirit is near, attentive, and able to restore what feels broken beyond repair. Whether your family has recently discovered a struggle with self-harm or you've spent much of 2025 navigating emotional highs and lows, this episode encourages you to hold tightly to Christ's promises. His healing is real. His love is constant. And His presence goes with you into every conversation, every fear, every quiet moment of worry.  This revisited conversation is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and allow God to strengthen you as you walk beside your daughter. If little ears are nearby, you may want to save this one for a private moment—this episode includes themes best discussed with maturity and care. But whenever you listen, may the truth settle deeply in your heart: you are not alone, your girl is not beyond hope, and Jesus is faithfully present in every season, even this one.  Scripture References:  Psalm 147:3   Isaiah 41:10  Three Things to Remember This Week:   Your daughter's struggle does not signal God's absence—He is already at work in the hidden places of her heart.   Your calm, compassionate presence can become a lifeline that models the tender nearness of Christ.   Hope and healing are possible, even in seasons filled with overwhelm; Jesus meets families in the midst of their pain.    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.