I started The Dear Daughters Podcast way back in 2016 as a way to encourage younger women. Especially women in the midst of what I call: the ‘decade of big decisions.’ It’s the time in life when you’re finishing school, deciding on a career, getting married, starting a family. All these kinds of momental decisions that lay a path for the rest of your life.
I wanted to be a voice – and provide voices of wisdom via interviews with people I felt could encourage you in living your one beautiful life before God. That’s why way back in the beginning days of the podcast, I invited my friend Liz Benigno on the show.
In that interview (Dear Daughters Episode 5) we talked about a lot of things. In particular, how she had recently finished treatment for breast cancer. At that time of course, we had no idea that her cancer would resurface nor would her fight be complete and that eventually, the cancer would be discovered in different parts of her body. She was re-diagnosed in September 2022. She has now gone through months of treatment. She's rode the roller coaster feeling good and not good at all, been in and out of the hospital, grieved her prognosis, and even planned her funeral.
Right now she uses this analogy to describe her life: She’s at the airport but her flight is delayed – and she’s waiting. She says, while she’s waiting, she’s attentive to God’s voice. She wants to do all the things he has planned for her. One of those things is recording her thoughts in this interview. I offered a couple weeks ago. She accepted. Here we are. Without further ado – my dear friend, Liz Benigno.
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We have some exciting news to share here at the Dear Daughter’s Podcast. After 7 years, with so much gratitude, we have brought this podcast series to a close – and this is the final episode!
Today, I sit down with Tori, one of the members of my team, and we reflect on the time I’ve spent on The Dear Daughters Podcast — some of my favorite memories, what I’ve learned, what I’ve loved, and what’s next. (And don’t worry! We have a new podcast that is live RIGHT NOW!!)
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If you know me, you know that one thing I love to collect are vintage copies of books I adore. Around this time each year, I find myself coming to the same worn book that's perched on the bookshelf in my office: Let's Keep Christmas by Peter and Catherine Marshall.
In today's podcast, I sit down to give a live reading of this book to you and yours, in hopes that this story that started as a sermon reminds you that "Keeping Christmas" is something we do when we honor Christ all year long— but especially at this time of year. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do!
Wishing you and yours the Merriest Christmas and Happiest New Year.
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I can't believe that 2023 is coming to a close already. Can you? Today on the podcast, Tori and I look back over this year and talk about the wonderful things that have happened this year, but also the not-so-wonderful things. I hope that you take time to sit down and ask yourself and your loved ones reflective questions as December comes and goes.
It's so important to be curious about your own story as well as others. Who's someone that you could ask one of these questions to?
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Creating whimsy over the holidays is one of my favorite things to do when we have the whole family at home. Today, Tori and I go through the ways that I've incorporated different traditions into my family's Christmas each year.
Whether we're making a yummy milk punch, eating at the table, or opening gifts— there are so many ways that you can make this holiday a little more magical.
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Happy Thanksgiving! I can't believe it's already here. This week on the podcast, I sit down with Tori and we talk about different questions that you can ask at your table this year— and we even do a few rapid-fire Thanksgiving questions!
I so hope you like it as much as we did. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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How do you stay hopeful during the holiday season?
In last week's episode, I had the chance to sit down with my sweet Dad, and talk about all things gratitude. This week on the podcast, I sat down with Tori, and in a similar vein to gratitude - we talk about having hope around the holidays and what that has looked like for me over the years, even in the seasons that have felt less hopeful than others.
I hope you like it!
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Do you ever wonder how to stay grateful and joyful? Today on the podcast I invited my dad, an expert in staying grateful in all things.
We talked about the last 9 months of his life and all the changes he experienced after his prolonged illness. Our hope is that you listen in and get a few tips on how to maintain an attitude of gratitude during all of life, regardless of circumstances.
Our phones, TV’s, tablets – and everything in between are such large parts of our lives – and for a good reason. We’re able to connect with our loved ones, the world, listen to music, and so much more.
We are back this week talking about all things NON-tech for The Learning Series and this week, Jaclyn and I are discussing ways that technology impacts our lives, the value in unplugging to be present, and different ways we try to put down our phones. From reading to riding horses, we cover it all.
And if you’re looking for a wonderful and whimsical way to unplug (maybe next weekend, September 16th in particular!), I would love to take you along with my husband Will and I to see the Texas Painted Churches!
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Communication opens the door for so many different things: vulnerability, discomfort, uncertainty — but it also offers the opportunity for true connection. The more vulnerable and willing you are – the more opportunities you will have to experience something awesome with the people around you. Even more so, when you decide to be a good communicator – the rich reward is relationship with someone dear.
Here’s another episode in The Learning Series and this week, Jaclyn is back and we’re talking about things like tips for opening up communication at your table, being mindful of what you say on social media and we talk books and how they can impact communication in your life.
I hope that this encourages you to think deeply and ask curious questions or even try out being comfortable with what I call a ‘pregnant pause’ to see what God can do in that space.
And oh, I would so love for you to come spend the day with me and see the Texas Painted Churches on September 16th! We only have a couple spots left!
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We’re mixing things up this month on The Dear Daughters Podcast with The Learning Series. I love learning and the thought of all things back to school has inspired this entire series— I’m a true believer that we can never stop learning.
This week I have a dear daughter, Jaclyn Byrd, on the podcast with me. It was Jaclyn’s idea to talk about creative writing this week. She started as a journalism major at school and found a deep love for creative writing while in school at the University of Texas. She walks us through how she found this passion from high school and into college, showing us how that love for writing transformed for her is inspiring in so many ways! I think you’re going to just love it.
We discuss things from journaling, to little love notes from my children, writers block, writing on Instagram, and even down into my own personal experiences in writing Unafraid, Dear Daughters, and The Grace Guide.
Writing can look different for people in all seasons of life. It can be in a journal, on a post-it, on a social media—anything. If you’re thinking of writing—whether you have spent years doing it, or maybe only a few minutes… my prayer for you is courage to start by writing a loved one a hand-written letter as a way to bless them.
I hope that you enjoy this.. and I hope that I might get to see you soon, next month, on the visit we take to the Texas Painted Churches on September 16th! More than anything, I pray that you know that you’ve been given a voice that is worthy of sharing.
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