Show Notes
Exclusive for paid subscribers: Download the Grace Unfiltered companion journal Publishing tomorrow: My personal takeaways from this episode. Stay tuned for this BONUS episode! Is it sometimes harmful to keep the peace? In this candid and deeply honest conversation, Laura Phelps opens up about the quiet healing work God is doing in her life right now. Together we talk about the hidden struggles behind codependency, the temptation to “spackle” over wounds instead of addressing them, and what it really means to let go of control. Laura shares stories from her own childhood, her battle with an eating disorder, the ups and downs of nearly three decades of marriage, and yes—even what chickens have taught her about slowing down, paying attention, and letting God work. If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism, keeping the peace at all costs, or defining yourself by productivity, this episode will resonate with you. Laura’s unfiltered witness is full of humor, vulnerability, and hard-won wisdom that reminds us we’re never alone in the mess. What you’ll hear in this episode: * The surprising spiritual lessons Laura has learned from raising backyard chickens * How childhood coping mechanisms can quietly shape adult relationships * Why “keeping the peace” isn’t always the loving choice * The role of codependency in so many of our hidden struggles * What nearly three decades of marriage has taught her about love, respect, and letting God lead * The prayer practice that’s grounding Laura’s healing journey today 💙 Laura’s story is unfiltered, vulnerable, and full of grace. If you’ve ever wrestled with control, codependency, or the pressure to keep everything “just fine,” her witness will remind you that God meets us in the mess and gently leads us toward healing and freedom. Download the Grace Unfiltered companion journal Publishing tomorrow: My personal takeaways from this episode. Stay tuned for this BONUS episode!
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More from Girlfriends (A Podcast for Catholic Women)
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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!
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
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.
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.