The very first episode of the podcast opens with important lessons and insights learned over the past two years that I wish my younger self (especially my high school and undergrad self) knew.

Dear Ashlee

Be Human.

It's hard being completely yourself sometimes. What would people think about you if your quirks and vulnerable/intimate characteristics were revealed? We often focus on the judgments...not having the courage to think about the possibilities.

100%.

The phrase “The Kingdom of Heaven” is one of those things that gets tossed around a lot. But what does it really mean or look like? I think it's uncomfortably more than streets of gold, white robes, puffy clouds, and smiling faces.

Kingdom Of Heaven.

A letter written to my younger student-missionary self in Indonesia. This episode is about a surprise recent conversation with one of my students, the incredible story of how much she's grown since I last saw her, and how much I grew by just listening.

Sesly.

Our trust in God, at times, seems to be dependent on His precise affirmative answer to our prayers. There is, after all, a verse in the Bible that says, “Ask, and it shall be given", but it seems that a magician could do the same. I’m excited to present the podcast’s very first guest letter by one of my best friends, Heiba Kebbas, as she explores the difference between miracles and magic.

Miracles, Not Magic.

We’ve heard and we know that comparison is toxic. It often incites anxiety, questioning of value, and insecurities. But comparing yourself…to yourself (rather than to others) can be different. If you think about where you are today versus where you were a year ago, maybe you’ll see how much you’ve grown and how far you’ve come. And maybe you’ll be encouraged rather than anxious.

Comparison.

A conversation with one of my patients sparked reflection of my implicit internal dialogue and determination of the kind of person I want to be. Reading at the end from Ephesians 3:16-19.

Inner Strength.

“When you use your moments to look back, please remember that your significance is ahead of you, not behind you.”

I asked Tyla to record one of her blog posts on sentiment over significance. Tyla calls sentiment is dwelling on the past, while significance is the glimmer inside your soul that God created. So good. This Australian girl puh-reaches! Links to her happenings in the "She The Roar" tab above.

Sentiment Over Significance.

Envy, discontent, question of value. These emotions are experienced by all of us at one point or another. Sometimes we’re unsuccessful in dealing with them and end up sinking deeper into an unhealthy pit that we can’t crawl out of. But Liz Bohannon, founder of Sseko Designs, has discovered a way of defeating that kind of despair: by putting energy into gratitude and purpose. I’ll let her explain.

Enough.

Waiting and being uncertain is a very uncomfortable place to be. Especially when a day turns into another day. Which turns into weeks. Then months. Then years. And when it’s something that your heart so strongly desires—like a child…the pain can be soul-crushing. Amanda Ciurdar knows the journey and pain all too well. In the latest episode of the podcast, she shares her thoughts, experiences, and lessons learned. Her journey is a beautiful one, but not an easy one. If you are currently experiencing a rough patch in your life, I’d especially invite you to listen to her voice and her words as she reminds you of a very important truth—you are not alone.
*ps - fun fact: Amanda + Sam are celebrating Lucy’s 1st birthday tomorrow!!

Dear Ashlee Podcast Ep 10 - Lucy

A podcast with a collection of letters to my younger self on how to live life well--priorities, faith, being present, anger, peace, and everything in-between.

dearashleepodcast