Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

Today’s episode is a little different.
I’m sharing a clip from a recent Lenten prayer session inside my Girlfriends community, where we reflected on Jesus’ invitation to “abide in me.”
If your Lent hasn’t gone the way you planned… this is for you.
I also share a quick update at the beginning about the future of this podcast. While I won’t be publishing weekly episodes here anymore, I’ll still be sharing occasional clips, conversations, and special content from time to time.
If you’d like to stay connected and not miss what’s coming next, the best place to find me is on Substack: 👉 daniellebean.substack.com
That’s where I’m sharing regularly and where we’re continuing to pray, reflect, and grow together.
I’m so grateful you’re here. God bless you!


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

As Christmas draws near, take a quiet moment to pause, breathe, and listen.
In this episode of Girlfriends, Danielle Bean shares the reflection portion from Session Three of the Advent Prayer Series, centered on the shepherds’ encounter with the angels in Gospel of Luke 2:8–12.
This gentle reflection invites us to step away from the noise and pressure of the season and remember the heart of Advent: that Christ comes for you—right into ordinary, messy, real life.
Whether you’re finishing your to-do list, hiding with a cup of coffee, or carving out a rare moment of stillness, this episode offers space to prepare room for a quieter, deeper joy as Christmas approaches.
* A peaceful pause for the final days of Advent
* Rooted in Scripture and ordinary grace
* An invitation to rest, return, and rejoice
Subscribe at daniellebean.substack.com


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

Advent invites us into a kind of waiting that isn’t empty, but holy. I’m sharing the opening reflection from our second Advent prayer session, where we slow down together and make space for God in the middle of the busy season. We reflect on how God works in the in-between moments, why waiting can be an act of trust, and how Scripture helps steady our hearts when answers feel delayed. This gentle reflection is a small taste of the prayerful gatherings we share as a Girlfriends community.
If you’re longing for quiet, grounding prayer as we approach Christmas, you’re invited to join us.
daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode:
* Why waiting is part of God’s loving preparation
* How Advent teaches us to trust without having all the answers
* Practical ways to remain faithful and hopeful while we wait
Paid subscribers receive full access to the complete prayer sessions, guided Lectio Divina, downloadable resources, and live gatherings, including our upcoming Advent prayer session.
Settle in. Take a deep breath. Let this reflection be a moment of peace in your day.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s podcast episode, I’m sharing the guided prayer reflection from our first Advent live session: Let It Be: Mary’s Yes and Our Surrender. This 20-minute reflection gently leads you through Scripture, silence, and a posture of openness as we pray with Mary at the Annunciation.
If you’ve been longing for a quiet moment to breathe, reconnect with God, and step away from December’s noise… this is for you.
Inside this episode:
* A calming reflection to settle your heart
* A Scripture meditation on Mary’s courageous “yes”
* Time to rest in God’s presence
* A reminder that surrender isn’t weakness; it’s trust
* Space to welcome Christ into the places you feel stretched or unsure
This is the same reflection I shared live last week with our paid Substack community. I hope it brings peace and clarity to your Advent.
Want to join me live for the next Advent prayer sessions?
We still have two more evenings of prayer together:
Wednesday, December 10Finding God in the Waiting
Wednesday, December 17Welcoming Christ With Joy
These sessions are quiet, simple, and deeply grounding, perfect for the end of a long day. You’ll receive:
* A guided reflection
* Scripture-based meditation or Lectio Divina
* A quiet space to listen for the Holy Spirit
* Optional chat sharing and prayer intentions
* A downloadable prayer sheet to carry through your week
Make sure you’re subscribed:
That’s where you’ll get the registration links, reminders, and all the new Scripture-centered content coming in the new year.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit daniellebean.substack.com

Free preview for free subscribers, full episode for paid subscribers! Subscribe at daniellebean.substack.com
When your body feels like it’s failing you, it can be hard to see it as a gift.
In this bonus reflection, I share lessons inspired by my conversation with Samantha Stephenson—on faith, healing, and learning to receive both body and soul as gifts from a loving God.
Samantha’s honest story of chronic illness and spiritual renewal reveals how God meets us in weakness, prunes us through love, and teaches us to trust Him one small surrender at a time.
Inside this paid-only bonus episode, we’ll explore three spiritual lessons from Samantha’s journey:
Receiving the Gift of Your BodyHow gratitude, not control, is the foundation of peace, health, and holiness
Pruning for FruitfulnessWhy saying “no” can sometimes be the most faithful act of love
The Grace to Surrender DailyFinding holiness in the present moment, one small “yes” at a time
Plus, I share personal stories, Scripture reflections, and journaling prompts to help you live these truths in your own daily walk with God.
💛 These bonus reflections are available exclusively for paid subscribers of Girlfriends.
Your support makes this ministry possible—thank you for helping me keep this space authentic, faith-filled, and grace-centered.