Lent Without Overwhelm

02/25/25 • 42 min

Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)

Can you believe it’s almost Lent? This year, let’s approach Lent without feeling overwhelmed. In this week’s podcast, we discuss the importance of simplicity, small intentional sacrifices, and the power of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. I encourage you to trust God with your Lenten journey and to focus on personal growth and relationship with God during this sacred season.

Takeaways

Lent is a time for renewal and restoration in our relationship with God.

It's important to approach Lent without overwhelming ourselves with expectations.

Small, intentional sacrifices can be more impactful than grand gestures.

Fasting should be balanced and purposeful, not burdensome.

Almsgiving goes beyond money; it includes time, attention, and kindness.

Prayer is a crucial aspect of Lent; find ways to incorporate it into daily life.

Recognize that Lent is not a performance; it's about personal growth and faithfulness.

God has a unique plan for each person's Lenten experience.

Embrace simplicity and focus on what truly matters during Lent.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

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

Takeaways

Lent is a time for renewal and restoration in our relationship with God.

It's important to approach Lent without overwhelming ourselves with expectations.

Small, intentional sacrifices can be more impactful than grand gestures.

Fasting should be balanced and purposeful, not burdensome.

Almsgiving goes beyond money; it includes time, attention, and kindness.

Prayer is a crucial aspect of Lent; find ways to incorporate it into daily life.

Recognize that Lent is not a performance; it's about personal growth and faithfulness.

God has a unique plan for each person's Lenten experience.

Embrace simplicity and focus on what truly matters during Lent.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

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

Previous Episode

Saying Yes to God's Plan

Gracie Jagla joins us to share her journey as a Catholic children’s author and the inspiration behind her latest book, When Mary Says Yes. She discusses the importance of teaching children about Mary and the significance of saying yes to God’s call. Gracie also reflects on her personal relationship with Mary, the challenges of balancing motherhood with her writing career, and the launch of her podcast, 'Cuddle Up,' which features read-alouds of children’s books by Catholic authors. The discussion highlights the joy of nurturing faith in children through storytelling and prayer.

Takeaways

Mary's fiat is not just a single moment but a series of small yeses throughout her life.

Gracie’s personal relationship with Mary deepened as she became a mother.

The Hail Mary can be a source of comfort during challenging parenting moments.

Teaching children about Mary can be integrated into daily family life through prayer and storytelling.

The Cuddle Up podcast aims to provide engaging read-alouds for children and families.

Balancing work and family requires intentional time management and self-care.

Gracie emphasizes the importance of making religious practices enjoyable for children.

👉 Order When Mary Says Yes directly from Gracie!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

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

Next Episode

Reaching and Healing Young Women's Hearts

This week we get to sit down with Lisa Brenninkmyer, founder of Walking With Purpose, about her new course and book, Heart of Vines. Lisa shares her journey of creating resources for women and young girls to deepen their relationship with God. We discuss the inspiration behind the book, the collaborative creative process with family, and the hopes for young women to engage with their faith. Lisa emphasizes the importance of understanding the current questions young women face and offers practical advice for engaging with Scripture.

Takeaways

Heart of Vines, aimed at young women seeking faith, encourages readers to explore their doubts.

It’s important to help young women feel respected in their faith journey.

Understanding the current questions young women are facing is crucial.

The Psalms can serve as a great starting point for Scripture engagement.

Relevance in ministry requires understanding secular perspectives.

Building bridges with young adults involves mutual respect and learning.

Check out more at Walking With Purpose!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Go beyond the podcast! For bonus podcasts, weekly columns, exclusive live events, and more, subscribe here!

Contact:

Email Danielle Bean

Danielle Bean on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Voxer

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