Joy in the Junk

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 opportunit...

Walking Through Grief with God: Finding Hope, Healing, and Joy After Loss 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 c...

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 li...

Trusting God's Timing: Finding Purpose, Peace, and Joy in Every Season 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...

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 de...

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 re...

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 spl...

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...

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....

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 rig...

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: • Quiet tears you...

Let’s just go ahead and say it… All babies are not cute. 😅 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: ✨ Why beauty truly is “in the eye of the beh...

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. Ministry and the Power of Testimony 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...

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 perfo...

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. Affirmations: Truth or Trap? The world says: 👉 “I am strong.” 👉 “I am enough.” 👉 “Speak it and it w...

What if changing lives didn’t start with a sermon… but with a meal? In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we sit down with Tammy, founder of Anchor of Hope, a ministry born from simple obedience and a heart to serve. What started as a small Bible study project quickly became a life-changing outreach serving the unhoused community—one Friday at a time. From a Kitchen to a Calling Tammy didn’t...

Why is it that trusting God sounds so good… until it actually requires us to let go of control? In this honest and relatable conversation, we dive into the real struggle of surrender—what it means to truly yield to God, why we fight it so hard, and how our need for control often leads us straight into anxiety, fear, and spiraling thoughts. We unpack how control can feel safer than faith, even thou...

What does true humility actually look like in everyday life? In this powerful and practical episode, we explore the difference between pride and humility, and why living a life that reflects Jesus requires more than just outward appearance—it requires a transformed heart. We talk about choosing service over control, taking responsibility instead of seeking credit, and having the courage to admit w...

Words carry more weight than we often realize, and in this eye-opening episode, we dive into the spiritual power of what we say and how it reflects the condition of our hearts. From careless comments to intentional conversations, this discussion reveals how our words can either build others up or quietly cause lasting damage. We explore the biblical truth that our words are not random—they are an...

What happens when you stop ignoring that nudge from God and finally say “yes”? In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we share the incredible story behind Grace Filled Ministry—a mission born from simple obedience, a softened heart, and a willingness to serve. What started as a moment of conviction turned into a life-changing ministry serving the unhoused community with meals, prayer, and gen...

What if God’s plan for your life is still good… even when it doesn’t look the way you expected? In this powerful and honest conversation, we unpack some of the most beloved—and often misunderstood—scriptures in the Bible, including Jeremiah 29:11, Exodus 14:14, 1 Peter 5:7, and James 1:2-4, and what they really mean in everyday life.  These verses are some of Ashlee's favorites and why she clings...

What are the Scriptures you cling to when life feels unsteady, overwhelming, or completely out of your control? In this episode of Joy in the Junk, we begin a special series called Joy on Our Minds, where we share the Bible verses that have anchored our faith, shaped our walk with God, and carried us through seasons of suffering, surrender, and unexpected joy. This week, Blair opens up about her f...

Everybody’s got advice — and most of it comes loud, confident, uninvited… and wrapped in a bow of “I’m just trying to help.” 😅 But not all advice is wise, and not all wisdom is God-breathed. In this episode of Joy in the Junk, we’re talking about “Junk in the Advice” — the mental clutter that piles up when we listen to too many voices and not enough of God’s. Solomon reminds us that wisdom doesn’...

What if the biggest thing holding you back… isn’t your situation—but the lies you’ve been believing? In this powerful and deeply relatable episode, we uncover the subtle, everyday lies the enemy plants in our minds—lies like “you’re not enough,” “nobody likes you,” “you have to be in control,” and “if God loved you, life wouldn’t be this hard.” Through real-life stories, laughter, and honest momen...

What do you do when you’re tired… not just physically, but tired of trying? In this honest and relatable episode, we dive deep into the struggle of motivation—what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to keep going when you feel like giving up. Through personal stories, humor, and powerful biblical truth, we explore the reality that even the most faith-filled people experience seasons of bu...