The Asha June, Oh! Report

Inspired by Caroline Chambers’ honest and heartfelt post: “i’ve been talking to God a lot lately”I’ve been so eager to record and release this conversation, friends. I hope this truth meets you right where you are and moves you toward the One from whom you were made and for whom you were made. Our souls all long for the same thing, but our journeys to faith and our journeys through faith will all be different. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

I hope you’ll take the time to listen in this week, friends. Not because I’m anything special but because Jesus is everything good. And because the promise of everlasting life is actually really wonderful when we know the life we’re being promised.Happiest Holy Week to you and yours. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

I had the honor of speaking at a local church recently about hearing from God. Not because I’m an expert on the topic — actually quite the opposite. I chose this topic because it’s always been a sticky spot for me, and I desperately wanted to experience some sort of breakthrough in this area. (And if not a breakthrough, I would have happily settled for just not being scared of it.)I’ve been wrestling with hearing from God for decades; and I’m here today to tell you that while I’m certainly not an expert, the past few months have absolutely been a turning point.I sure hope you’ll listen in today, friends. Perhaps this could be the start of a turning point for you too. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

This is a sweet one, friends. (Fruit pun totally intended.) I had the opportunity to teach at a local women’s gathering recently, and it was very special.I’ve got that feeling that I’m right where I’m supposed to be, doing just what I’m supposed to be doing, you know? It hasn’t always been this way, and I’m sure there will be seasons when it won’t be again.But for now, I’m relishing in the truth that choosing daily to abide with Jesus really does lead to freedom and to fruitfulness.When we choose to abide with Jesus, we will become who we were made to be. I can say it with full confidence because I’m living it right now.I’m so excited for you to listen in (or watch!), and I pray that no matter how many times you’ve heard these verses, this truth will fall fresh on your ears and your heart today.https://youtu.be/8hC_8RHuDU8 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Happy Launch Week to a very special collaborative book project: The Other Disciples: Conversations About The Twelve Named Women Jesus Called to Follow HimIt’s a collaborative book project BY women, ABOUT women, and FOR women; and I had the great joy and honor of writing the last chapter — the exclamation point! I’m very excited for you to hear this conversation with the book’s visionary, Mia Burke. This conversation is about the book, yes; but it’s just as much about having a dream and sticking with it through delay and disappointment and doubt. Sometimes it’s about doing it afraid. The Other Disciples: Conversations About The Twelve Named Women Jesus Called to Follow Him is available now on Amazon.ps. The Other Disciples is under the umbrella of an incredible new ministry by women, about women, and for women called… Also Called. You can follow along for updates and tons of encouraging content here on Substack, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Pinterest, and wherever you listen to podcasts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Short and sweet story time today, friends. Because at the end of the day, that’s what we’ve got, right? Our stories. Our lived experiences. Stories are what connect us, what encourage us, what keep us going. Stories are the source of wonder, connection, and hope — and you know that’s what we’re about here.And before you listen to this and think, that would never happen to me, I encourage you to try it.Pray the prayer. Say the words, snark and all. And prepare to be pursued.ps. The book I mentioned is How to Hear God: A Simple God for Normal People by Pete Greig — SO. GOOD. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Our souls were made by God and for God. That’s the pull you feel — to beauty, to goodness, to love. A relationship with God is for you. It’s what your soul wants. It’s what will satisfy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

In 2023, I was invited to teach at a local church and do a series on their podcast. After a decade of writing and teaching about faith (but always hesitantly and with asterisks), this invitation is what finally helped me to see that this is how God wired me. This invitation helped me to step into my calling with holy confidence. Working on that podcast series made my heart come alive, and this podcast in particular is probably my most favorite thing I’ve ever recorded. I’m resharing a reedited version (I now know a lot more about editing out mouth noises, thank goodness!), and I’m so happy to have it hit your ears and your heart today.This truth is what I come back to time and time again. I’ve experienced it over and over, and I’ll never be the same. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

If you do not have hope, I have some to share. And if you do have hope, now is the time to share it. Now is the time to give a reason for the hope that you have, but always with gentleness and respect. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Curious. Compassionate. Connected.Those are powerful words — powerful descriptors that I would imagine 99.9% of us hope could be used to describe us. Words that we hope could be used to describe how we engage not only with the world around us but with ourselves.Wherever we are on our journeys to becoming more curious, compassionate, and connected, The And Way is our guidebook. The And Way: Assertive Peacemaking in a Divided World is for me, for you, for us, for this specific time in history.We need peace now more than ever. Not passive “peace” but true PEACE — the absence of violence, despite differences. The ability to treat all people with kindness and respect, no matter how similar or not they seem or are to you.Today’s conversation is special, friends. The And Way author, Kelsey Blahnik, is so precious to me. (You’ll hear more in the intro to our conversation.) She has years of personal and professional experience putting into practice the philosophy she so generously shares with us in her book. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Diving right on into the deep end in this third week of the new year. We’re talking about pushing back the darkness in this divided world by coming together, getting close, seeking out proximity with people, seeing the humanity in everyone.When we keep others at arms length, it’s easy to then turn them into a stereotype, which then dehumanizes them, which then leads to violence. Dehumanizing someone — stripping them of their humanity — then leads to violence because if we don’t see someone as the human being that they are, well then why should we care if they’re being harmed?I’m sharing uncomfortable, embarrassing truths about myself and my own journey in hopes of inviting you to get weird too. We’re all in this together.If you connected with, were challenged by, or even just a little bit curious about the quote I shared from The And Way, make sure you don’t miss next week’s pod. It’s an eye-opening, encouraging, equipping conversation with the author herself (and my dear friend), Kelsey Blahnik! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Thinking and grieving and thinking and grieving, and realizing that life is hard. (Groundbreaking, huh?) But also realizing that the antidote to the hard isn’t to pursue ease — ease is a gift we can receive with gratitude — but it’s not the point of life, and the pursuit of it is pointless. The way to a good life in the midst of this hard life is to do good, hard work.The good, hard work of loving well, staying soft, leading with kindness, putting curiosity before condemnation, reaching out, teaching, being vulnerable, friendship, marriage, parenthood. I hope you’ll take the time to press play and lean into this truth. We were made for good. We were made for hard. We were made for good, hard work. And if we pursue ease, we are always going to miss out on good.I’m grateful for the good, hard work I get to do in this space, and I’m excited to pursue rest through the end of the year. I’m signing off and so looking forward to being with you again in 2026! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Grateful for y’all sticking with me through the both/and of this podcast, friends. The tears and the celebration. The weariness and the hope. We are here to have messy, honest conversations; and today was definitely that.Today, we’re talking about when detours, disappointments, setbacks, and stalling are actually setting us up for more than we could ask or imagine.ALSO! I’m finally able to tell you about a super cool book I’ve had the joy and honor of helping to write over this past year! It’s a collaborative book project BY women, ABOUT women, and FOR women called The Other Disciples: Conversations About The Twelve Named Women Jesus Called to Follow Him.I had the joy and honor of writing the final chapter, all about my girl Elizabeth (my soul sister from another generation). The book is under the umbrella of an incredible new ministry by women, about women, and for women called… Also Called. You can follow along for book updates and tons of encouraging content here on Substack, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Pinterest, and wherever you listen to podcasts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

I’m a big fan of context. Without it, the passage we’re talking about today is mildly encouraging at best and could be received as downright hurtful at worst.Let’s get to the root so we can bloom. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Last week, we talked about the physical act of going to your arms while running and what it means to go to your arms spiritually. It’s a really cool connection and conversation, sparked by something my husband shared with me. I left the house for dropoff/the gym/all the errands, and when I got home, he was like, thanks for the shoutout. Also, I did some more digging and found out that…And then he proceeded to share with me a list of things that left me standing there thinking, well, where was all this when I recorded this podcast two days ago?! So I crammed him in the podcast closet again, and VOILA! Go To Your Arms, Part Two. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Whew. Raw is the only word I’ve got for the state I was in when I recorded this.And wouldn’t you know the act of recording and lamenting and remembering what is true turned my day right around? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Continuing the conversation on freedom (maybe forever) with a fun one today. Part of this pod is a cut from This Hope: A Journey of Getting to Know God, and today is the day these words get their time in the sun.If you haven’t read my whole heart in black and white, the “journal entry” reference may have been confusing. The bones of the book are my real, unedited, and in-the-moment journal entries from the 70 months my husband Jake and I tried, waited, hoped, prayed, and longed for our child. Yes, it was heart-wrenching to write; and I’ve heard you’ll want tissues nearby while reading (or listening! ).At first glance, it’s a book about 70 months of infertility and adoption, but the heart of This Hope is a messy, honest conversation about life and longing and the ways God meets us and invites us to get to know him in the middle of it all. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

This is freedom like I’ve never known or even dared to consider. And there is no magic, no formula, no secret, no supplement. It’s yours for the taking too.Today’s the day, friend. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Lament may sound like a weird or churchy word, but I’m going to boldly claim that it’s the most powerful and practical gift ever.Lean in, lament, and be filled with the truth that leads to freedom. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Whew. This one has had a hold on me for weeks, y’all. And it was ready to be let loose. A special guest joins me for a few minutes, and I promise you every bit of this 18:37 is for you.ps. The song we talked about is Jimmy Needham's For Freedom. So good. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

If we turn to God, our inevitable suffering will bring out our inherent glory.It’s a bold claim, but I can say with complete certainty that it is true, because I have lived it.And our first response is probably why? Can’t we just go around the suffering and get to the glory? And the hard truth is, no. And it’s not because God is unmoving. It’s because sin is. Sin and suffering — ultimately, death — is the only certain thing in this world. It is inescapable. And because God is so kind and so wise and so powerful and so creative — he is first and foremost creator — because of his goodness and faithfulness, he is using what is inevitable and inescapable to get us to our glory. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Feeling all the feels as school starts soon. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Wherever you are — mentally, emotionally, or physically — as summer winds down, I know this will meet you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Talking living numb versus living fully alive and what our bodies can teach us about how to get from the former to the latter. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

I’m back this week and talking about abundance versus excess and how they seem very similar but fill our lives in very different ways. And settling for second best never satisfies.I’m grateful for your ears and your heart and your time, and I know this will meet you right where you are. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Grace and peace to you, friends. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

God is not cruel. God does not hold you back with an evil grin and hands that won’t ever let go. No. God holds you back and weeps with your weary soul but continues to hold you with all tenderness because he knows the joy that is to come.You will not be held back forever. We will not be held back forever.Being held back means you are being held. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

As the subtitle implies, this ended up being an emotional episode. My heart is so heavy, and sharing it with you is all I can think to do. So today is part grief and part celebration, as is often the state of our human hearts, right? All the things, all at once.Today, I’m talking about the state of our Western World, specifically how so many are turning away from the true Jesus because many who claim his name do not reflect his character (or do the downright opposite of it).And today, I’m excited to share that for the next 11 weeks, we will be getting to know the heart of God by looking at the life of Jesus. We will be walking through the gospels with the true Jesus and getting to know the one who always invites and never commands, the one who leads with questions, the one who always starts with kindness and curiosity. As I open my heart to you, I hope you’ll open yours to me too. This is a wild world, and we are in it together.Some helpful links to navigate this wild world…Ways to digest the news that won’t make you sick:Sharon Says SoThe NewsworthyNPR’s Up FirstChristian leaders who say things way better than I could:Benjamin CremerMeredith MillerGrateful for your time and ears and hearts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Thanks to the worst case of laryngitis I have ever experienced, this is a #throwbackthursday. And honestly, I’m so excited about it. Because the words I’m sharing with you are some of my most favorite words I have ever had the pleasure and joy of writing and speaking.I’m sharing Chapter Two of This Hope: A Journey of Getting to Know God.Wild to think we’re coming up on the three year anniversary of the book publication and first anniversary of the audiobook release!Praying these words meet you right where you are today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Catching up on this 87th day of January. It’s been a very full month over here, and there have been lots of fun things keeping me from this space (a surprise birthday trip for our five year old - yay!, and SNOW IN FLORIDA - listen on for lots more thoughts on this).I keep staring at that sentence above and not quite knowing how to feel about all those punctuation choices, but we’re moving on!Today’s post is for you if you’re feeling somewhat uninspired, a bit confused, and a little “meh” - because, same. But we’re in this together, friends; and I’m so glad you’re here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

It’s been asked a million times, a million ways: What’s the meaning of life? What’s the point? What’s the purpose? What is life on this earth all about? Fruit and joy.We are to be fruitful and full of joy. Not happiness, although happiness is wonderful and fun and absolutely a gift from God. But happiness is circumstantial. Joy comes from knowing you are loved; so joy can be full and complete, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. Fruit and joy come from being connected to the source of life - from remaining connected to Jesus. Remain is my word for 2025 - the lens through which I am looking at this new year - and I’m excited to see what fruit and joy come from it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Purposely awful audio quality (you’ll understand within the first couple minutes) to kick off the new year!I’m excited, y’all. I don’t know what it is about this year, but I feel that buzz. After a year of hell and a year of healing, I’m feeling good in a way I haven’t in a while.As promised, *show notes* re: The Special Green Couch™ and my love letter to counseling.I’m so grateful for you and so glad you’re here and so very excited to head into 2025 together. Whatever hell, healing, and holding heads our way. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

We celebrate the cradle because of the cross. We celebrate the birth because of the death, because of the resurrection and death’s defeat. We celebrate the baby born to become the man who would shed his blood to forever reconnect creation to Creator.Joy to the world, indeed. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Keeping this super short because I know you’re doing and remembering a million things right now. But in the midst of the hustle and bustle, I hope you’ll grab a hot beverage or take a quick walk and let this invitation and reminder soothe your soul for six and a half minutes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Jesus’ birth and first visitors proclaim perhaps the most mysterious miracle of all: God chooses us to be the carriers of his presence.Us. With our messy hearts and broken bodies. Us. Carriers of the presence of God, which means carriers of true hope, joy, and peace. God invites us to carry his presence… with great joy… to all people.Mary is the only human to ever carry his physical presence, but we can carry God’s spirit with the same tenderness and care, awe and wonder.The shepherds were the first people on earth, outside of that sacred stable, to see God’s physical presence and accept the invitation to carry it, but we can carry God’s spirit with the same excitement and joy, humility and hustle.When we hear, believe, and receive the good news, we become carriers of Christ.Carriers of God’s presence. Carriers of grace and glory. Carriers of hope, joy, and peace. Mysterious and miraculous gift of all gifts… God with us. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Adoption is an easy decision for some and a very difficult decision for others. It was very difficult for me.God used 58 months of infertility to soften my heart to adoption - more like meat-tenderize my heart to adoption. And even then, I had so much fear. So much fear about mothering a child I did not birth and having a relationship with the woman who did. The truth is, adoption is not natural, intended, or ideal. But it is perfect.It’s a triad - birth family, adoptive family, and child - of imperfect beings stepping into God’s perfect plan to redeem brokenness in families.Listen in for the honest, messy truth.For the full story of our journey to our son — every heartbreaking, hope-filled detail, straight from my heart and my journals to yours — find This Hope: A Journey of Getting to Know God on Amazon, Audible, and Apple Books. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Soul rest that sustains and strengthens no matter our circumstances is real and possible. Soul rest in the midst of the unknown. Soul rest in knowing what we are and are not responsible for. Soul rest when life is not physically, mentally, or emotionally restful.This is an invitation to freedom, joy, and peace. This is an invitation to flourishing. This is an invitation to take hold of what you are actually meant to carry and an invitation to let go of what you’re not.I believe this invitation is what your soul is waiting for.What an honor and a joy it was to first share this message with the ladies of Hillcrest Church’s MomLife. It was truly a special morning. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Coming to you this week with one of the sweetest revelations I’ve come across in quite some time. It’s setting the tone for my 37th year of life, and I’m so grateful.I spent the final weeks of my 36th year feeling hardened, and now I know why. I promise you this 13 minutes is worth your time. And might possibly set a new tone for you too. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Putting on my tennies and taking a jog down memory lane. Because did I even run the race if I don’t tell you about it? And can I even call myself a writer if I don’t mine meaning and metaphor from every moment?Praying this encourages you to see the ways your previous seasons have prepared you for this one and to trust that this season is preparing you for ones to come. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Short and sweet real-life story about the first time anyone has ever actually been encouraged by someone standing on a street corner with a sign. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Short and sweet today, friends. Perhaps I’ll be giving this advice into a microphone at my grandchild’s wedding, when Jake and I are the last couple standing after the “anniversary dance.” Or perhaps I’ll look back and think, Oh, honey. But either way, this choice has sustained us through 13 years. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Talking about big faith and big britches and how delay is all about protection and preparation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Talking today about doing less and accomplishing more. Not as the world defines “accomplishing,” but in the literal sense of getting things done rather than just doing, and how to get the perspective and peace and freedom we desperately need. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Talking about time and mid-life and what makes my heart come alive - your typical Friday rundown.Tell me, how does August feel for you? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

It’s July Fourth, friends. For so many reasons, I’m grateful. For so many reasons, I’m grieved. For so many reasons, I’m so glad to be an American.And although this podcast is not about freedom in the patriotic or political sense, it is about freedom. I hope this is a place where we move more and more toward freedom for our souls with every conversation. A place where we move more toward the truth that will set us free with every conversation. This is a podcast about social media. (I know what you’re thinking. Why does it feel like everything is about “social media” these days?) It’s a podcast full of thoughts that have been rolling around in my mind for quite some time about the impact of social media on social justice. It’s a podcast full of insight and wisdom from a much more insightful and wise individual than myself. I voice-texted with a mentor who is both an expert in social justice and who has experienced firsthand the ways technology has impacted service in the last decade.I believe this podcast will help us all take a step toward freedom, a step toward real life, a step toward lasting impact, and a step toward liberty and justice for all. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe

Some big, slow, unhurried shifts happening around here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashajuneoh.substack.com/subscribe