Are You Side-Hugging Jesus?

What if you could stop holding Jesus at arm's length—and let His love change how you hold everyone else?Have you ever felt like you had to earn God's love? Follow all the rules, get everything right, and somehow become a better Christian before you could fully experience His grace?What if grace was always meant to come first?In this heartfelt (and occasionally hilarious) episode of Called & Curious, Ashriel explores what it really means to embrace a life in Christ—both His grace and His truth.Through awkward side hugs, the parable of the lost sheep, and a few overly enthusiastic sheep carrying clipboards, we'll explore how Christian legalism, performance-based faith, and even our desire to get everything right can keep us from experiencing the fullness of God's love.You'll discover why God's grace isn't something you have to earn, why His truth is an expression of His love, and how receiving both can transform the way you see yourself, your faith, and the people around you.Because grace doesn't excuse everything, and truth doesn't require us to stop loving people.Jesus is full of both.And maybe it's time we stopped side-hugging Him.Want to go deeper? Explore Love Moves by Ashriel Huber, a practical guide to living loved by Jesus and letting that love move into your everyday life.If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a friend who could use a reminder that God's love isn't something we perform our way into.Grace goes first. Truth leads us home. Love does both.START HERE IF YOU WANT MORE PEACE →✨ Love Moves (the book) — your starting point for the six-minute inside-out makeover💌 ☕ Good Morning, Friend — A Little Something Lovely for Your Saturday Morning🌿 Try Love Moves: The 6-Minute Inside-Out Makeover ✨ Join The Brim — portable gym for your nervous system 🔗 Explore more at Called & CuriousQuestions or hellos? I’d love to hear from you:Email me at [email protected]

Ever been in a bad mood and found yourself strangely committed to staying in it? Oh. I've been there. 🤣You know those days when your answers get shorter, the side-eye comes out, and you're carrying around your very own little backpack of grumpiness? And heaven help the person who tries to cheer you up!But what if you didn't have to wait for your mood to change before you could change how you respond to it?In this episode of Called & Curious, we're unpacking our moody little backpacks and discovering three surprisingly simple ways to better understand our emotions, recognize unhelpful thought patterns, and find a little more perspective when life feels frustrating.With a little humor, some fascinating psychology, and wisdom from Proverbs, we'll explore three tools you can actually use:🖼️ The Picture Frame: Are you seeing the whole story, or just one difficult part?🏷️ The Label Maker: What are you actually feeling underneath that bad mood?🔦 The Flashlight: What else is true, even when something is genuinely difficult?We're not talking about pretending everything is wonderful, forcing positive thinking, or never having another bad mood.We're talking about becoming a little more curious about what's happening inside us—and inviting God to shape the hearts our words come from.One little thing to try this week: The next time you notice yourself carrying that moody backpack, take a peek inside.Frame. Label. Light.You don't have to unpack everything. Just choose one.Because your mood might not magically disappear, but you don't have to respond to it the same way you always have.💛 Scripture mentioned: Proverbs 18:21 and Proverbs 21:2If this episode made you laugh, helped you feel a little less alone, or gave you something useful to carry into your day, I'd love for you to share it with a friend who might need it, too.And if you're new here, welcome! I'm so glad you're here.START HERE IF YOU WANT MORE PEACE →✨ Love Moves (the book) — your starting point for the six-minute inside-out makeover💌 ☕ Good Morning, Friend — A Little Something Lovely for Your Saturday Morning🌿 Try Love Moves: The 6-Minute Inside-Out Makeover ✨ Join The Brim — portable gym for your nervous system 🔗 Explore more at Called & CuriousQuestions or hellos? I’d love to hear from you:Email me at [email protected]

Have you ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you went in there? Maybe you've even opened the refrigerator, hoping the answer might be hiding behind the milk. (Please tell me I'm not the only one.)Well, friend, scientists have actually studied this! It's called the doorway effect, and what researchers discovered about our brains, memory, and why we sometimes forget things is pretty fascinating.And here's where it gets even more interesting: Why can you sometimes walk back into the room you came from and suddenly remember what you needed?We're talking neuroscience, a little everyday forgetfulness, and one tiny way to invite Jesus into the ordinary moments of your day.Come get curious with me!And if you know someone who regularly walks into rooms and forgets why, send them this episode. I have a feeling they'll appreciate it. 😂START HERE IF YOU WANT MORE PEACE →✨ Love Moves (the book) — your starting point for the six-minute inside-out makeover💌 ☕ Good Morning, Friend — A Little Something Lovely for Your Saturday Morning🌿 Try Love Moves: The 6-Minute Inside-Out Makeover ✨ Join The Brim — portable gym for your nervous system 🔗 Explore more at Called & CuriousQuestions or hellos? I’d love to hear from you:Email me at [email protected]

Have you ever been told, “I don't know how you do it all!” while secretly wondering how much longer you can keep doing it?You're capable. You're dependable. You're the one everyone counts on. But somewhere between caring for everyone else, managing responsibilities, and keeping life moving, you've become exhausted by the very things you're good at.And maybe the hardest part? Nobody seems to notice.In this episode of Called & Curious, I'm sitting down with Chanie Wilschanski, founder of Schools of Excellence and author of This Can't Be Normal: What to Do When Success Starts to Feel Like Survival.Chanie was once a mentor of mine during a season when I was learning to lead while carrying approximately a thousand invisible responsibilities. Her wisdom helped shape the way I lead today, and this conversation is one I wish every capable, tired woman could hear.Together, we're talking about:The invisible mental load women carry at work, at home, and in relationships—and why nobody seems to see it.Why being competent can leave you depleted, even when your life looks successful.The difference between being needed and being truly known, supported, and connected.How simple rhythms, healthy boundaries, and learning to release control can help you experience more steadiness.Why the first step toward change might not be doing something new, but finally allowing yourself to be seen.Whether you're leading a school, raising a family, running a business, or simply trying to make it through Tuesday, this conversation is for you.You don't have to become better at carrying everything to begin enjoying your life again.You are allowed to be more than the person who holds everything together.Keep the conversation going!Here's the fun part: Hani and I interviewed each other for our podcasts, and without even planning it, both conversations are releasing on the same day! 😂Once you've listened here, head over to the Schools of Excellence podcast, where Chani turns the microphone around and interviews me. She asks such thoughtful questions, and I think you'll love hearing the other side of our conversation.🎧 Listen to Chani's interview with Ashriel: Coming soon!Books to accompany your journeyGet Chani's book: 📘 This Can't Be Normal: What to Do When Success Starts to Feel Like Survival — Chanie WilschanskiA powerful, practical invitation to recognize the invisible weight you're carrying, feel seen, and begin building rhythms that support a more sustainable, connected life.📖 Love Moves: Use Faith, Love, and Neuroscience to Grow a More Beautiful Life—One Thought at a TimeWant to explore what it looks like to live loved and let God's love shape your everyday life? Love Moves is a gentle companion for that journey.Friend, you were made for more than simply surviving the life you're living.START HERE IF YOU WANT MORE PEACE →✨ Love Moves (the book) — your starting point for the six-minute inside-out makeover💌 ☕ Good Morning, Friend — A Little Something Lovely for Your Saturday Morning🌿 Try Love Moves: The 6-Minute Inside-Out Makeover ✨ Join The Brim — portable gym for your nervous system 🔗 Explore more at Called & CuriousQuestions or hellos? I’d love to hear from you:Email me at [email protected]

You've prayed. You've waited. You've prayed again. So why does it feel like God isn't listening?If you've ever wondered why God isn't answering your prayers, whether you're praying the wrong way, or how to keep trusting God when nothing changes, this conversation is for you.In this episode of Called & Curious, we're taking an unexpected detour through traffic, road rage, and a fascinating psychological phenomenon called the fundamental attribution error to discover something powerful about our prayer lives: Sometimes our feelings tell us what's happening inside us, but they don't tell us the whole truth about God.Together, we'll explore what the Psalms teach us about unanswered prayer, fear, anxiety, and God's hesed—His steadfast, unfailing love. We'll discover why prayer isn't about finding the perfect words or convincing God to care. It's about learning to stay in relationship with Him, even when life feels uncertain.In this episode, we'll talk about:Why it can feel like God isn't listening when we prayWhat neuroscience and psychology reveal about our emotions and assumptionsHow David prayed through fear, frustration, and unanswered questionsWhat hesed means and why God's unfailing love changes how we prayHow to separate what you're feeling from what you actually know about GodSix simple practices for building a deeper, more honest prayer lifeWhether you're praying for healing, worrying about your child, waiting for an answer, or simply trying to make it through another overwhelming Tuesday, there's room for you here.Prayer isn't about getting everything right. It's about knowing where to return.And you can always come home.☕ Let's keep practicing together!Join me for Good Morning, Friend, our Saturday morning email from Called & Curious. Each week, you'll find a little real-life encouragement, something to smile about, and a simple prayer to help you pause, breathe, and turn your attention back to God.Join Good Morning, FriendIf this episode encouraged you, follow Called & Curious and share it with a friend who's been wondering whether God hears their prayers. We're learning, laughing, and growing together, one conversation at a time.Scriptures explored: Psalm 55; Psalm 56:3, 8; Psalm 61:8; Matthew 6:8; Luke 12:30.Walk gently into the day, led by love.START HERE IF YOU WANT MORE PEACE →✨ Love Moves (the book) — your starting point for the six-minute inside-out makeover💌 ☕ Good Morning, Friend — A Little Something Lovely for Your Saturday Morning🌿 Try Love Moves: The 6-Minute Inside-Out Makeover ✨ Join The Brim — portable gym for your nervous system 🔗 Explore more at Called & CuriousQuestions or hellos? I’d love to hear from you:Email me at [email protected]

Racing thoughts? Tight shoulders? Clenched jaw? Shallow breathing? That buzzy, wound-up feeling you just can’t seem to shake?Save this episode for moments when your stress response is getting loud. We’ll try a quick tapping practice together—using gentle, rhythmic touch to help your body begin to settle while intentionally turning your attention toward God and what is true.There’s no spiritual power in the tapping itself, and you don’t have to get it “right.” It’s simply a practical body-based tool that may help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety while we refocus our attention on the One who is already with us.Note: This practice is best experienced when you’re safely able to use both hands—not while driving. Feel free to listen now, then save it for when you need it.START HERE IF YOU WANT MORE PEACE →✨ Love Moves (the book) — your starting point for the six-minute inside-out makeover💌 ☕ Good Morning, Friend — A Little Something Lovely for Your Saturday Morning🌿 Try Love Moves: The 6-Minute Inside-Out Makeover ✨ Join The Brim — portable gym for your nervous system 🔗 Explore more at Called & CuriousQuestions or hellos? I’d love to hear from you:Email me at [email protected]

You prayed. You tried to obey. You asked God for help. So…why isn’t this working?Sometimes without realizing it, we can start treating prayer, obedience—even the things that remind us of God—like a quiet little transaction: I did the right thing. Now this should go the way I hoped.In this episode, we’re looking at the Ark of the Covenant, an idol that just can’t stay standing 😂, and the difference between trusting God and trying to make God part of our strategy.We’ll also discover how physical reminders—from an Ebenezer stone to a cross necklace to a tiny spoon—can help us remember and return to the One who actually holds the power.A prayer for today:Jesus, help me trust You, not the things that remind me of You. When I try to make You part of my strategy, help me return. Use the little things around me to turn my attention back to You. You are my help, my rescue, and my life. Amen.P.S. The Love Moves Awareness Spoons have officially started making their way out into the community, and I would LOVE to know—which set is your favorite: Gorgeous Gold, Sparkly Silver, or Magical Mermaid? 😍No lucky charms here 😉—just simple (and ridiculously cute) little reminders to turn your attention back to God as you begin your day.START HERE IF YOU WANT MORE PEACE →✨ Love Moves (the book) — your starting point for the six-minute inside-out makeover💌 ☕ Good Morning, Friend — A Little Something Lovely for Your Saturday Morning🌿 Try Love Moves: The 6-Minute Inside-Out Makeover ✨ Join The Brim — portable gym for your nervous system 🔗 Explore more at Called & CuriousQuestions or hellos? I’d love to hear from you:Email me at [email protected]

What if you didn't have to try harder to become more loving—you could begin by remembering that you are already loved?Love Moves is an interactive morning practice to help you notice what's happening inside you, return your attention to Jesus, receive what's true, and let His love shape what happens next. Because transformation doesn't always look like blooming. Sometimes it looks like quietly returning to Love, again and again.Press play, put a hand over your heart, and let's practice letting love move in us and through us today.Today's prayer:Jesus, Your love is moving. Let Your love shape how I think, feel, and live today. Thank You that You are always with me.Love moving in. Love moving through. Let's begin.P.S. If a tangible reminder would help you practice, I have a little engraved Love Moves Awareness Spoon that says “Love Moves” and comes with this same simple prayer. Send me a little note if you'd like to buy one. (And if they're between batches, I'll happily save you a spot for the next one.)START HERE IF YOU WANT MORE PEACE →✨ Love Moves (the book) — your starting point for the six-minute inside-out makeover💌 ☕ Good Morning, Friend — A Little Something Lovely for Your Saturday Morning🌿 Try Love Moves: The 6-Minute Inside-Out Makeover ✨ Join The Brim — portable gym for your nervous system 🔗 Explore more at Called & CuriousQuestions or hellos? I’d love to hear from you:Email me at [email protected]

What if your cup is already fuller than you think?Notice Your Cup of Blessings is a short, interactive morning practice to help you slow down, look at what God has already given you, and fill your cup to the brim with the blessings already there—so you can receive your life before rushing toward what’s next. We’ll practice contentment, notice a few blessings together, and possibly enlist the help of a highly caffeinated fictional gnome. 😂Grab your coffee—or whatever happens to be in your cup—and let’s begin the day with Jesus.Today’s prayer:Thank You, Jesus, for this day. Help me see what You’ve already given me. Thank You for the blessings in my life.Pick up your cup. Look again. And let’s fill it with what God has already given us.P.S. If a tangible reminder would help you practice, I have a little engraved Love Moves Awareness Spoon that says “Cup of Blessings” and comes with this same simple prayer. Send me a little note if you'd like to buy one. (And if they're currently between batches, I'll happily save you a spot for the next one.)START HERE IF YOU WANT MORE PEACE →✨ Love Moves (the book) — your starting point for the six-minute inside-out makeover💌 ☕ Good Morning, Friend — A Little Something Lovely for Your Saturday Morning🌿 Try Love Moves: The 6-Minute Inside-Out Makeover ✨ Join The Brim — portable gym for your nervous system 🔗 Explore more at Called & CuriousQuestions or hellos? I’d love to hear from you:Email me at [email protected]

You don't have to wait for everything to go right before you experience joy today.Choose Joy is a short, interactive morning practice for the days when life feels heavy, ordinary, or a little too serious. Together, we'll move our bodies, loosen our shoulders, laugh a little (possibly like a villain 😂), and practice noticing the joy that's already right in front of us.Because joy isn't the same thing as pretending everything is okay. And it doesn't require perfect circumstances. Joy is something we can receive from God—and sometimes we might need to shake our shoulders, dance in the kitchen, and become a little more available to it.Press play while you make your coffee, get ready, drive to work—or whenever you need a few minutes with Jesus and permission to delight in the life you're living today.Today's prayer:Jesus, I choose joy today. Help me see it right in front of me. Thank You for the joy You give.Come as you are. Drop your shoulders. Maybe dance a little. And let's choose joy together. 💛P.S. If a tangible reminder would help you practice, I have a little engraved Love Moves Awareness Spoon that says “Choose Joy” and comes with this same simple prayer. Send me a little note if you’d like to buy one. (And if they’re currently between batches, I’ll happily save you a spot for the next one.)START HERE IF YOU WANT MORE PEACE →✨ Love Moves (the book) — your starting point for the six-minute inside-out makeover💌 ☕ Good Morning, Friend — A Little Something Lovely for Your Saturday Morning🌿 Try Love Moves: The 6-Minute Inside-Out Makeover ✨ Join The Brim — portable gym for your nervous system 🔗 Explore more at Called & CuriousQuestions or hellos? I’d love to hear from you:Email me at [email protected]