Come on in, grab a seat and let's talk about fear, speaking the truth of God's Word and the power of a good name!

Come in, grab a seat and join us as we look back over the last year!

What happens when you’ve been faithfully sowing—but you’re still waiting to see the harvest?

In this episode of Joy in the Junk, we’re talking about sowing and reaping, trusting God’s timing, surrendering control, and learning to faithfully plant the seeds God has given us without obsessing over the outcome.

Using a garden full of tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, okra—and one very unwelcome hornworm—as a reminder, we dig into what Scripture teaches us about the seeds we plant in our lives. Sometimes we sow good seeds and don’t immediately see the results we expected. Sometimes the harvest comes later than we want. And sometimes God’s idea of a blessing looks completely different from ours.

We talk honestly about the temptation to work in our own strength, expect blessings without putting in the work, compare our harvest to someone else’s, and try to control situations that belong in God’s hands. We also get real about the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, grace and accountability, and trusting God while still recognizing the consequences of our choices.

Most importantly, this conversation is an encouragement for anyone who feels like they’ve been faithfully sowing but wondering, “Where is my harvest?”

Maybe you can’t see it yet.

You don’t have to produce the harvest. Your job is to be faithful with the seed. God takes care of the rest.

We also talk about knowing God—not just knowing about God—and how growing in our relationship with Him changes what we sow, how we pray, and how we respond when life doesn’t go according to our plans.

And because this is Joy in the Junk, we manage to squeeze in Silver Sneakers, flying anxiety, husbands who fix tires instead of planning romantic getaways, cucumbers, fried green tomatoes, and a whole lot of “digger deeping.” 😂

If you’re in a season of waiting on God, feeling discouraged, battling fear, struggling with control, or wondering whether the seeds you’re planting are making a difference, this episode is for you.

Keep sowing. Keep trusting. Keep surrendering. The harvest belongs to God.

🙏 Scripture themes: sowing and reaping, walking in the Spirit, trusting God’s timing, surrender, spiritual growth, accountability, forgiveness, prayer, and faith.

Listen, laugh, and let’s find a little Joy in the Junk together.

What if the fire you’re walking through isn’t destroying you—it’s refining you?

In this golden episode of Joy in the Junk, we’re talking about genuine faith, spiritual refinement, trusting God in difficult seasons, and learning to live in the victory we already have through Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate our 50th episode, we somehow manage to go from the Golden Girls to gold being refined, from hot flashes to heavenly rainbows, and from funny stories about our families to some pretty serious questions about what it really means to know Jesus. 

What does genuine faith actually look like?

Is it simply knowing that we’re saved and going to heaven—or is it having a daily, growing relationship with Jesus?

We talk about how God uses the fires, trials, disappointments, losses, pruning, and difficult seasons of life to refine our faith. Like gold being purified by fire, God can use what we walk through to burn away the things that don’t belong and shape us into women who look more like Christ.

We also get real about something many Christians struggle with: living like we have no victory when Jesus has already given us victory.

Fear. Negative self-talk. Constant worry. Trying to please people. Making decisions without seeking God. Staying stuck in yesterday’s mistakes. Focusing more on getting to heaven than actually knowing Jesus.

Sometimes the biggest transformation God wants to make isn't around us—it’s inside us.

We talk about what it means to:

And then Ashlee goes down a rainbow rabbit hole. 🌈

We discover a beautiful connection between Noah’s rainbow of promise and the rainbow surrounding God’s throne in Revelation—a reminder that God is a promise keeper and that Scripture is woven together in ways that continually point us back to Him.

We also talk about the importance of listening to older generations, slowing down long enough to hear their stories, and passing those stories—and our faith—to the next generation.

Because here's the truth: we all have junk. We all have fires. We all have things God is still refining.

But we don't have to stay stuck in the fire.

We can keep seeking.

And most importantly, we can learn to stop merely trying to get to heaven and start living every day with Jesus at the center of our lives.

So grab your coffee, buckle up, and join us for this golden episode of Joy in the Junk as we laugh, get real, dig into Scripture, and talk about what it means to have a faith that is genuine, refined, and completely surrendered to Jesus.

You may be in the fire—but God isn't finished with you yet.

Who do you say Jesus is?

In this heartfelt and honest episode of Joy in the Junk, Ashlee and Blair dive into one of the most important questions a believer can ever ask: Who is Jesus to me—and does the way I live reflect what I say I believe about Him?

Inspired by Matthew 16 and Peter’s confession that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” this conversation explores what happens when we water down the gospel, redefine Jesus, or add things to the simple truth of who He is. Ashlee and Blair talk about why Jesus plus nothing is everything, why knowing Christ matters, and how our identity should be rooted in Him.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there.

They get real about hearing and obeying the Holy Spirit, especially when God asks us to do something uncomfortable. Ashlee shares a powerful moment at church when she felt prompted to pray for someone but hesitated because she was worried about looking foolish. They talk about how easy it is to talk ourselves out of obedience—and how sometimes the very thing God is asking us to do may be outside our comfort zone.

This episode also explores what it means to live out your faith where people can see it. From caring for a stranger to praying with someone at the altar, from serving when you’re uncomfortable to responding with kindness when people criticize your faith online, Ashlee and Blair discuss how our everyday actions become a testimony.

Because people are watching.

Not because we’re perfect. Not because Christians never have bad days. But because when we claim to follow Jesus, our lives should point people toward Him.

They also talk about:

One of the biggest reminders from this episode is simple:

If we say we know who Jesus is, our lives should reflect that knowledge.

Following Jesus isn’t about having everything figured out or never making a mistake. It’s about following, learning, submitting, growing, and allowing Him to transform us so that other people can see Him through the way we live.

Whether you’re serving in your church, praying for a friend, caring for family, sitting at an altar, posting on social media, or simply trying to make it through a hard day, the question remains:

Who do you say Jesus is—and are you willing to obey Him when He calls you?

Scriptures discussed:

Joy in the Junk is a Christian podcast for women navigating real life, faith, family, friendship, and all the messy stuff in between. Expect honest conversations, biblical truth, plenty of laughter, and a reminder that even when life gets messy, Jesus is still our joy.

What happens when fear hits you so hard that you start questioning your faith? In this raw and honest episode of Joy in the Junk, Ashlee and Blair talk about fear, trauma, prayer, spiritual warfare, and what it really means to trust God when life gets scary.

After Blair receives a frightening call about her dad being attacked by dogs, she finds herself overwhelmed by emotions and struggling with guilt over being afraid. Did she have a lack of faith—or was she simply experiencing a very human response to something traumatic? Together, they dig into what Scripture says about fear, God’s presence in trouble, and learning to surrender our emotions to Him.

But the conversation takes an even deeper turn as they dive into Galatians 5 and the works of the flesh versus the fruit of the Spirit. Are Christians sometimes giving the devil too much credit for things that are actually coming from our own flesh? What role does spiritual warfare play in our struggles with anger, jealousy, selfish ambition, temptation, and other sinful desires? And what does it look like to intentionally walk in the Spirit?

Ashlee and Blair also tackle some uncomfortable but important questions about Christian accountability, spiritual maturity, conviction, truth in love, and the responsibility believers have to examine their hearts. They talk about surrounding ourselves with people who love us enough to tell us the truth—even when we don’t want to hear it—and why our freedom in Christ is never an excuse to continue living in sin.

Along the way, they talk about answered prayer, God’s sovereignty, the armor of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, overcoming shame, and learning to recognize when God is using difficult circumstances to get our attention.

And because this is Joy in the Junk, there’s plenty of laughter mixed in with the hard conversations—including Publix commercials, crying over everything, sweat mustaches, ringing ears, traumatized puppies, and the ever-important question: What’s your junk?

In this episode:

● Fear vs. faith and trusting God in difficult circumstances

● How to respond to trauma without drowning in guilt

● “Fear asks, ‘What if?’ Faith asks, ‘What if God?’”

● God as our refuge and strength — Psalm 46:1

● The works of the flesh vs. the fruit of the Spirit

● Galatians 5 and walking in the Spirit

● Are we blaming the devil for our own fleshly choices?

● Spiritual warfare and the enemy’s desire to steal our attention

● The temptation to excuse sin instead of taking responsibility

● 1 Corinthians 10:13 and God’s way of escape

● The armor of God and the belt of truth

● The importance of checking your heart

● Christian accountability and spiritual maturity

● Speaking truth in love

● Why we need friends who will tell us the hard truth

● Freedom in Christ and the danger of using grace as an excuse to sin

● The power and presence of the Holy Spirit

● Answered prayer and recognizing God’s hand in the middle of hard circumstances

● Moving beyond shame and learning from your past

● Trusting God when you don’t understand what He’s doing

Scriptures discussed: Galatians 5:16–25, Psalm 46:1, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Ephesians 6:10–18, Proverbs 18:21, and other passages about fear, faith, spiritual warfare, accountability, and walking in the Spirit.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your struggle is spiritual warfare, your own flesh, fear, or simply being human, this conversation will give you plenty to think about. More importantly, it will point you back to the One who promises that He is with you, faithful, and never going to leave you or forsake you.

Joy in the Junk is a Christian podcast for women who are trying to follow Jesus in the middle of real life—with plenty of Scripture, honest conversations, laughter, messy moments, and the reminder that even in the junk, there is still joy.

Why does more never feel like enough? In this episode of Joy in the Junk Podcast, we get honest about our constant chase for bigger houses, more clothes, upgraded cars, and the newest gadgets — and ask what it would look like to strip it all away and start simple. We talk about the guilt of resting, why "productive" isn't the same as "faithful," and how Mark 6:31 ("Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while") is the permission slip we all need.

We dig into what real contentment looks like when it's not about circumstances, stuff, or other people's opinions — and share personal stories about breaking shopping habits, praying for changed desires, and learning to sit still without feeling guilty about it. We also play a fun "who would you hang out with from the Bible" game (Barnabas, Daniel, Stephen, Ruth and Boaz) and unpack the incredible faith of Abraham, Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers, and what it means to trust God the way Esther did — "for such a time as this."

Plus, we talk candidly about screen time, self-control, secular music versus worship, and why chasing temporal fulfillment never fills the same cup as time with the Lord. And yes, there's a flip-phone story you won't want to miss.

This episode is for anyone feeling the pressure to always do more, have more, or be more — and who needs the reminder that simplicity, rest, and contentment are gifts from God, not things to feel guilty about.

Topics covered: contentment, simplicity, biblical rest, decluttering desires, spiritual discipline, screen time and self-control, faith of Abraham and Esther, Joseph's forgiveness, resisting comparison, finding joy in the ordinary.

Can you laugh your way through grief? In this episode of Joy in the Junk Podcast, we dig into why laughter really is good medicine — backed by Scripture and a whole lot of real-life stories. From a 20-year-old bathing suit mishap to burning through Bibles with an engraving laser, we get honest about the messy, hilarious moments that carry us through hard seasons.

We talk about what it means to laugh at inopportune times (funerals included), why Jesus had a personality and a sense of humor, and how Paul's sharp wit shows up right in the pages of Galatians. We unpack Job 8:21 ("He will yet fill your mouth with laughter"), Proverbs 17:22 ("A merry heart doeth good like a medicine"), and Luke 6:21 ("Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh") — and what these promises mean when you're still in the pruning season, waiting on the harvest.

This episode is for anyone walking through grief, loss, or a hard season who needs the reminder that sorrow doesn't get the last word. Joy comes in the morning...and sometimes it shows up disguised as a really dumb story you can't stop laughing about.

Topics covered: laughter as medicine, grief and joy, Christian humor, Scripture on laughter, Jesus's personality, Paul's wit in Galatians, praise and anxiety, finding joy after loss.

Holy Interruptions: How God Speaks Through Everyday Moments What if God is trying to speak to you in the middle of your ordinary day? In this encouraging episode of Joy in the Junk, Ashlee and Blair explore the beauty of holy interruptions—those unexpected moments when God gently redirects our plans to reveal His purpose. From a last-minute search for a funeral dress that turned into an opportunity to pray for a hurting stranger, to an overgrown patch of grass that became a powerful reminder of spiritual growth, this conversation shows how God often teaches His greatest lessons through life's most ordinary moments. Together, they discuss what it means to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, why spiritual growth sometimes separates us from comfortable places, and how spending time alone with God transforms our hearts far more than simply consuming information from others. They also dive into Paul's radical transformation, the importance of knowing God's Word for yourself, avoiding distractions and modern-day idols, preserving your Christian testimony, and keeping the Gospel the main thing in a world full of opinions and division. If you've ever wondered how to hear God's voice, recognize His direction, or grow deeper in your faith, this episode will encourage you to slow down, pay attention, and trust that God is always at work—even in the interruptions. In this episode, you'll discover: What "holy interruptions" are and how God uses them How to recognize God's voice in everyday life Why ordinary moments often become extraordinary lessons Learning to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit Spiritual growth, pruning, and trusting God's process What we can learn from the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul Why knowing Scripture for yourself is so important Avoiding modern-day idols and spiritual distractions Protecting your Christian testimony in today's culture Keeping the Gospel central instead of getting distracted by division Why spending time alone with God changes everything Scripture Mentioned Galatians 1 1 Corinthians 13 Psalm 119:11 Proverbs 3:5–6 Acts 9 (Paul's conversion) 2 Kings (Ahaz) Ephesians 2:8–9 If you've ever asked: How do I hear God's voice? How can I recognize the Holy Spirit's leading? What are holy interruptions? How do I grow spiritually? How do I know God's will for my life? ...this episode is for you. God is constantly at work in our everyday lives. The grocery store, a shopping trip, a conversation with a stranger, an unexpected delay, or even a patch of grass in your yard can become a divine appointment when you're paying attention. The more we walk closely with Him, the more we'll recognize that what looks like an interruption is often an invitation to join Him in what He's already doing.

🎙️ Joy in the Junk is a Christian podcast where real conversations, biblical truth, and authentic faith come together to help you find joy—even in life's unexpected detours. If this episode encouraged you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use the reminder that God still speaks through the ordinary moments of life.

Can you truly experience joy while grieving the loss of someone you love?

In this deeply moving episode of Joy in the Junk, Ashlee and Blair share personal stories of walking through the recent loss of loved ones and the powerful ways God faithfully carried them through every step of the grieving process.

Blair reflects on caring for her stepmother during her final days, witnessing God's grace in hospice care, and watching her father navigate life after losing his wife of many years. Ashlee shares what it was like walking into a grieving family gathering, choosing peace instead of conflict, and discovering how God can use even the most painful moments to reveal His love.

Together they discuss the different ways people experience grief, why everyone grieves differently, how anxiety can distort our perspective, and what it means to trust God's goodness when life doesn't make sense.

This conversation is filled with biblical encouragement, practical wisdom, and hope for anyone walking through loss, heartbreak, or life-changing transitions.

If you've ever asked:

...this episode is for you.

Grief is one of the heaviest burdens we'll ever carry, but it was never meant to be carried alone. God promises to be near the brokenhearted, to strengthen the weary, and to walk beside us through every valley. Even in the deepest sorrow, His presence never leaves us, His promises remain true, and His joy is still available.

If you're grieving today, know this: your tears matter to God, your questions don't scare Him, and your pain has not caused Him to abandon you. He is faithfully walking with you—even when you can't yet see what He's doing.

Joy in the Junk is a Christian podcast where authentic conversations, biblical truth, and real-life experiences help you discover God's joy in the middle of life's hardest moments.

If this episode encouraged you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be walking through grief or supporting a loved one through loss.