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.

How do you find joy when your heart is breaking?

In this deeply personal episode of Joy in the Junk, Ashlee and Blair share an honest conversation about walking through grief, caring for aging parents, finding hope in the middle of uncertainty, and learning to trust God's faithfulness through every season.

As Blair navigates the emotional journey of sitting beside a loved one nearing the end of life, she shares powerful moments of laughter, tears, family, and God's unmistakable presence. Together, Ashlee and Blair explore how joy and sorrow can exist at the same time—and how God often meets us most powerfully in our deepest valleys.

The conversation also dives into temptation, contentment, prayer, idolatry, humility, and why Christians must guard their hearts against placing anything above Christ. Through practical stories and biblical truth, this episode reminds us that God is enough, even when life feels uncertain.

If you've ever struggled with grief, loss, anxiety, comparison, materialism, or simply wondered where God is in difficult seasons, this conversation will encourage your heart and point you back to the hope found in Jesus.

Whether you're grieving the loss of someone you love, struggling with temptation, feeling overwhelmed by life's responsibilities, or simply longing to grow closer to God, this episode is a reminder that His grace is sufficient and His presence never leaves us.

Sometimes the greatest lessons aren't learned on the mountaintop—they're discovered in hospital rooms, around family conversations, during quiet prayers, and in the ordinary moments where God faithfully shows up.

🎙 Joy in the Junk is a Christian podcast where real conversations, biblical truth, and authentic faith come together to help you find joy in the middle of life's messes.

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs hope today.

Have you ever felt like you're doing everything right—but nothing seems to be moving forward?

In this encouraging episode of Joy in the Junk, Ashlee and Blair talk honestly about waiting on God's timing, discovering purpose in difficult seasons, and learning to trust Him when life feels uncertain.

From caring for aging parents and navigating unexpected seasons to wrestling with purpose, productivity, comparison, and unanswered questions, this conversation reminds us that God's greatest work often happens when we can't see it.

Ashlee shares what it feels like to be in a season where results seem invisible, while Blair reflects on experiencing God's unmistakable presence through family, caregiving, and learning to sit still. Together they discuss the power of prayer, being sensitive to the Holy Spirit, overcoming comparison, and why the "little foxes" in our lives can quietly steal our peace if we aren't careful.

Whether you're waiting for God to open a door, struggling to find your purpose, feeling stuck in a season of uncertainty, or longing to hear His voice more clearly, this episode will encourage you to keep trusting the One who is always working behind the scenes.

If you've been asking:

...this conversation is for you.

God is never absent in your waiting. Even when life feels slow, confusing, or unproductive, He is preparing your heart, strengthening your faith, and accomplishing things you may not yet be able to see. Sometimes the greatest spiritual growth happens in the quiet seasons where God simply asks us to trust Him.

Joy in the Junk is a Christian podcast where authentic conversations meet biblical truth to encourage women to find joy, hope, and purpose in every season of life.

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that God is still working—even in the waiting.

Can joy really exist in the middle of pain?

In this heartfelt episode of Joy in the Junk, Ashlee and Blair have an honest conversation about migraines, chronic pain, emotional struggles, unanswered prayers, and the difficult seasons that leave us wondering where God is. Together, they explore how suffering isn't proof of God's absence—it can become the very place where His presence is felt most deeply.

Through personal stories, laughter, transparency, and biblical encouragement, they discuss what it looks like to trust God when healing doesn't come immediately, why asking others to pray isn't a sign of weakness, and how pain often becomes the tool God uses to strengthen our faith and deepen our dependence on Him.

Whether you're facing physical illness, emotional heartbreak, spiritual dryness, or simply walking through a difficult season, this conversation offers hope that God never wastes our suffering—and that joy can still be found in the middle of it.

If you've ever asked:

...this episode is for you.

Remember: God may not always explain our pain, but His presence is enough. He never wastes a trial, and every season of suffering can become an opportunity to experience His faithfulness in a deeper way.

Joy in the Junk is a Christian podcast where real conversations meet biblical truth. Join Ashlee and Blair each week as they discover God's joy in the middle of life's messes, hardships, and unexpected seasons.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

In this episode of Joy in the Junk, we sit down with licensed school-based counselor Amanda Ledford.  She has had 18 years in the school system and she comes to talk about what is really going on with kids and teens today. From the rise in anxiety and depression since COVID, to the hidden dangers of social media, to practical warning signs every parent and grandparent should know, Amanda brings real talk and professional insight to the table.

We cover how to spot the difference between a bad day and something deeper, why boundaries actually build trust, the truth about high-functioning depression, and one simple emoji trick that helps teens communicate when words are too hard. We also dig into why activity is not the same as involvement, and why your kid's mental health matters at every age...yes, even at five.

Whether you are raising teenagers, grand-parenting littles, or just trying to understand the people you love better, this episode is for you.

Topics covered: teen mental health, anxiety in teens, depression in kids, social media and mental health, parenting teenagers, school counselor advice, warning signs in children, emotional health, self-harm awareness, mental health stigma

In this heartfelt episode of Joy in the Junk, we dive deep into what it really looks like to hold onto faith when life feels heavy. From unexpected joy found in a TJ Maxx checkout line to honest conversations about cancer, caregiving, suffering, spiritual growth, and trusting God in uncertain seasons — this episode is full of raw truth, laughter, vulnerability, and hope.

What happens when life splatters “purple paint” all over the masterpiece God created? Using the beautiful picture of art restoration, we explore how God restores damaged hearts, renews weary minds, and reminds us that our trauma, struggles, failures, and suffering do not erase our value or identity in Christ.

We talk about:

✨ Finding joy in ordinary moments and unexpected encounters

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, spiritually tired, struggling with hardship, wrestling with faith, or simply needing a reminder that God is still good in the middle of the junk — this conversation is for you.

You are still His masterpiece. The damage may be real, but God’s restoration is real too.

Scriptures referenced include James 1, Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 139, and truths about grace, identity in Christ, and spiritual renewal.

Connect with us, share your story, and let us know what “joy in the junk” looks like in your life.

What does it really mean to be transformed by God—and how do you walk boldly in the calling He’s placed on your life?

In this powerful and personal episode, we recap a meaningful women’s ministry event at Northbrook Church and dive deep into spiritual transformation, obedience, and what it looks like to follow the Holy Spirit in real time.

Using the beautiful analogy of a butterfly, we explore how salvation doesn’t just improve us—it completely transforms us. While some parts remain, everything changes when we are made new in Christ. So why do so many of us keep living like we haven’t been changed?

In this episode, we talk about:

We also get real about:

Whether you feel called to speak, lead, serve, or simply grow deeper in your faith, this conversation will remind you that:

If you’ve ever questioned your calling, struggled with confidence, or wondered if you’re doing “enough” for God—this episode is for you.

What does modesty really mean—and who gets to define it?

In this honest and thought-provoking episode, we dive into the heart of modesty, personal conviction, and what it truly looks like to live a life led by the Holy Spirit. From everyday clothing choices to deeper spiritual decisions, we unpack how our intentions, maturity, and relationship with God shape the way we live and present ourselves.

This conversation goes far beyond appearances. It challenges believers to examine their motives, their influence, and the responsibility they carry as followers of Christ.

In this episode, we talk about:

We also dig into deeper spiritual topics like:

This episode is a mix of real-life stories, biblical perspective, and heartfelt conviction as we wrestle with questions like:

If you’ve ever struggled with understanding modesty, making everyday decisions with God in mind, or feeling frustrated with the state of faith in today’s culture—this conversation will challenge, encourage, and ground you.

Because at the end of the day:

What do you do when it feels like everyone around you is hearing from God… but you’re not?

In this deeply honest and relatable episode, we talk about what it really means to hear God’s voice, trust His timing, and stay obedient—even when He feels silent.

If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, comparison, or the temptation to “jump ahead” when God hasn’t spoken yet, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

We unpack powerful truths about:

But it doesn’t stop there…

This episode also dives into what true spiritual passion looks like by looking at the early church in Acts—where believers were bold, fearless, and willing to give everything for the gospel.

We ask some hard questions:

You’ll also hear real talk about:

And one of the most convicting parts of this episode:

Compromise.

From the story of Daniel to everyday life, we explore how small compromises slowly dull our sensitivity to God’s voice—and how even “little things” can impact our witness.

Because the truth is:

This episode is filled with personal stories, humor, conviction, and truth as we wrestle with questions like:

At the end of the day, this conversation brings it all back to one simple truth:

Jesus is enough.