Check out Homely House Podcast Substack for show notes: https://homelyhousepodcast.substack.com/

Welcome back to the “Homely House Podcast”! I’m Ashton, and it’s my honor to introduce some incredible women who embody the heart and soul of home. Tonight, I’m thrilled to share the mic with the lovely Jess Ponder.

I’ve had the privilege of walking through life with Jess Ponder for over a decade, and in that time, I’ve been blessed to witness God’s goodness through her warm and welcoming home. She is my Lewis to my Tolkien, my laugh-until-your-ribs-hurt friend, and my fellow foodie. She has held my hands on some of my hardest days and gently pointed my eyes to Jesus. A co-conspirator and a hostess extraordinaire, she has helped bring to life one of my favorite hospitality events of the year. Her home is a gift that keeps on giving—filled with laughter, delicious food, deep wisdom, and an overflow of Christ’s love.

One of my favorite memories with Jess is the day I spent living my best life, pretending to be a Rider of Rohan or part of Aragorn’s army alongside her amazing sons, Ash and Luke. We blasted The Lord of the Rings soundtrack, raced around my house on scooters, and shouted “FOR FRODO!” as we bravely battled every orc our imaginations could conjure. It’s a memory I will always cherish. The Ponder boys are a true gift to our community—a reflection of the warmth, love, and adventure that fill their incredible home.

I hope you enjoy this glimpse into the story God is writing in and through the Ponder family and that it inspires and blesses your own homely houses with wisdom, creativity, and encouragement.