Join us as we talk about mental health because we just closed out Mental Health Awareness month in May!

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.

What do you do when you find yourself in a low season… and you don’t even have a clear reason why?

In this honest and deeply relatable episode, we talk about walking through spiritual valleys, battling uncertainty, and learning to trust God when emotions feel heavy and direction feels unclear.

Because let’s be real—faith isn’t always a mountaintop moment.

Sometimes it looks like:

We unpack what it means to:

One of the biggest questions in this episode is simple—but powerful:

👉 Who are you listening to?

Because it’s easy to:

But truth isn’t found in opinions—it’s found in alignment with God.

This episode also hits on a freeing (and humbling) realization:

You cannot fix people.

You can’t:

All you can do is:

And sometimes that truth doesn’t fully land… until it really lands.

We also get real about something most people don’t like talking about:

👉 Being corrected.

• Discipline isn’t punishment—it’s love

If you truly want to grow, you have to be willing to be corrected… even when it stings.

If you’re in a low season right now, hold onto this:

You’ve already survived everything that tried to take you out.

God is still working.

And maybe—just maybe—this season isn’t breaking you…

Let’s just go ahead and say it…

Yep—we went there.

But what starts as a funny and honest conversation about beauty quickly turns into something much deeper: how we define beauty, the difference between truth and opinion, and why our worth can’t be based on what the world sees.

In this real, unfiltered episode, we talk about:

Because let’s be honest—we live in a world that says:

But as believers, we have to ask a better question:

👉 Does what I’m about to say bring glory to God?

This episode goes beyond appearances and into identity:

• Why confidence often comes from how you feel, not just how you look

Because at the end of the day:

We also dive into a big one:

Not everything that is true needs to be said.

• Truth without love can still wound

And maybe the biggest takeaway:

➡️ God doesn’t get glory from harsh honesty

This conversation takes a powerful turn as we talk about:

• How small moments (like jealousy or comparison) can create long-term consequences

Because what you focus on… shapes what you become.

 Culture, Comparison & Disconnection

We also get real about modern life:

• Social media pressure and comparison culture

And a gentle reminder:

At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful truth:

You were created in God’s image.

Not filtered.

And real beauty?

In this episode of "Joy in the Junk," hosts Ashlee and Blair explore themes of hospitality, spiritual discipline, and finding peace amidst life's busyness, centered on their recent experiences in ministry and daily life.

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on a recent women’s event where both Ashlee and Blair spoke at a small country church in Mill Spring, North Carolina. They were deeply moved by the intentionality and hospitality of the small congregation, noting that the warm welcome and detailed preparation rivaled much larger churches.

During this event, they witnessed what they described as a "miracle"—a woman shared her testimony of surviving a gunshot to the head. This prompted a deeper reflection on the importance of sharing what God has done:

Both hosts admit to struggling with the desire for control. Ashlee describes herself as a "control freak" who is learning through sanctification to rely more on God's abilities than her own.

Following a busy Easter weekend—which they jokingly refer to as the "church prom" because of the fancy outfits—the hosts discuss the necessity of unplugging.

The episode concludes with thoughts on the effort required to maintain deep connections. They argue that friendship must be intentional, especially in a culture where people often "break plans" or fail to RSVP. They emphasize that building real relationships requires more than just social media interaction; it requires showing up for one another.

Finally, they encourage listeners to carry the "high" of Easter Sunday into the rest of the week, reminding them that they serve a risen Savior every day, not just on holidays.

What does holiness actually look like in everyday life?

In this episode of Joy in the Junk, we talk about how God doesn’t just meet us on the mountaintops—He meets us in the laundry rooms, car rides, quiet mornings, busy schedules, and ordinary moments we usually overlook.

So often we think holiness has to be dramatic or visible to others. But Scripture reminds us that holiness is less about performance and more about posture. It’s about walking with the Holy Spirit in the middle of everyday life.

In this conversation, we share:

✨ how the Holy Spirit becomes our “true north” in daily decisions

Holiness isn’t reserved for church services, ministry stages, or perfect seasons. It’s built in the small choices we make every day to follow Jesus right where we are.

If you’ve ever wondered whether God is working in your everyday routines, this episode will remind you that He absolutely is.

Because holiness isn’t about doing more—it’s about walking closer.

Pull up a chair, friend. There’s joy to be found right in the middle of the ordinary.

Are affirmations actually helping you… or quietly leading you into discouragement?

In this honest, faith-filled conversation, we break down the difference between worldly affirmations, manifestation culture, and true biblical truth—and why what you speak over yourself matters more than you think.

The world says:

But what happens when you don’t feel strong?

That’s where the struggle begins.

Because self-centered affirmations can crumble when your feelings change—and let’s be honest, feelings change quicker than a Southern weather forecast.

A biblical affirmation isn’t about hyping yourself up…

👉 It’s about agreeing with what God has already said.

In this episode, we talk about:

Because your strength doesn’t come from you…

Let’s get real—

We dive into:

Because not every thought that crosses your mind deserves a seat at the table.

This episode tackles one of the biggest cultural messages:

👉 “You are enough.”

But Scripture tells a different story.

You’re not enough on your own…

Because:

And that changes everything.

Transformation doesn’t happen overnight—it happens through repetition.

We talk about practical ways to:

Because what you put in…

This episode is full of:

You don’t have to believe every thought you think.

And you don’t have to live stuck in lies.

Because God has already given you truth to stand on—

👉 your mind begins to change