You Are You: Recent Episodes
Jenni Lien
Welcome to the You Are You podcast. My name is Jenni Lien and I’m the writer and artist behind The Yay Project, an online ministry that seeks to help women celebrate their God-given design. Yay stands for 'You Are You,' something God reminded me of as I was dealing with rejection. In my surrender, he showed me the joy that comes with loving our God-given design, serving out our kingdom calling, and most of all loving him 100%. Come join in as we embrace who God made us to be, complete the plans he’s prepared for us, and praise his name boldly for we are not ashamed of the gospel!
How being part of a startup incubator has changed the way I view ministry, God's apostolic gift activating in the church this season, encouragement to embrace God's leading (without fear!), and more.
Join our community!
🌸 Pink and New
Emotional Health Courses: https://pinkandnew.thinkific.com/
Newsletter: https://pinkandnew.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkandnew/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pinkandnew
💖 The Yay Project
Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.yay.project
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the.yay.project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yayministries/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jennilien
YouTube: https://youtube.com/theyayproject
Website: https://www.theyayproject.com/
🎙️ You Are You Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaypodcast/
Our new collab with The Salvation Army! This week, let’s talk about the importance of self-care and how we can seek God for healing when facing compassion fatigue, burnout, vicarious trauma, and more.
Plus a little life update with reflections after a funeral, the joys of realizing you've been shaped by God (and that he's now shaping other areas), and the importance of obedience over ambition.
Join our community!
🌸 Pink and New
Emotional Health Courses: https://pinkandnew.thinkific.com/
Newsletter: https://pinkandnew.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkandnew/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pinkandnew
💖 The Yay Project
Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.yay.project
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the.yay.project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yayministries/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jennilien
YouTube: https://youtube.com/theyayproject
Website: https://www.theyayproject.com/
🎙️ You Are You Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaypodcast/
Shall we pray for greater capacity to receive God’s love and pour it out? This week, on day dates with God, how to ‘Just Act’ when it comes to serving the poor, and love as a foster mother.
Join our community!
🌸 Pink and New
Emotional Health Courses: https://pinkandnew.thinkific.com/
Newsletter: https://pinkandnew.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkandnew/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pinkandnew
💖 The Yay Project
Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.yay.project
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the.yay.project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yayministries/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jennilien
YouTube: https://youtube.com/theyayproject
Website: https://www.theyayproject.com/
🎙️ You Are You Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaypodcast/
Is there something weighing on your heart? This week, advice on how to “enlighten” the eyes of our heart (as per Paul) so we are reminded of who and whose we are, and how to act as God's daughters.
Join our community!
💖 The Yay Project
Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.yay.project
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the.yay.project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yayministries/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jennilien
YouTube: https://youtube.com/theyayproject
Website: https://www.theyayproject.com/
🎙️ You Are You Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaypodcast/
🌸 Pink and New
Emotional Health Courses: https://pinkandnew.thinkific.com/
Newsletter: https://pinkandnew.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkandnew/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pinkandnew
No matter what you’re facing, God has a plan. He’s got a good, good plan for your life with blessings that will delight you more than you thought possible. Will you believe him? And trust him? And wait on him? And have faith? God’s will in our lives requires our yes—he doesn’t force us. An episode for Christian women on how to have hope, how to wait on God, how to believe God for impossible things, encouragement for why you've been made for such a time as this... and more!
Join our community!
💖 The Yay Project
Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.yay.project
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the.yay.project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yayministries/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jennilien
YouTube: https://youtube.com/theyayproject
Website: https://www.theyayproject.com/
🎙️ You Are You Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaypodcast/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@yaypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaypodcast
Website: https://www.yayministries.com/podcast
🌸 Pink and New
Emotional Health Courses: https://pinkandnew.thinkific.com/
Newsletter: https://pinkandnew.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkandnew/
Ever wanted to put off obeying your God-given calling until your circumstances are a little better? Or put off enjoying your God-given design until you’ve made a little bit more progress? A pep talk episode with honest real life examples of how now is the time to obey God. Things will never be perfect and even when they feel close to perfect we always need God. His ways, his designed circumstances, his timing… we can always trust him. If we sense him calling us to act, let’s take his hand and move!
Ps. If you’re into raw chats, this episode is for you. As I was editing/re-listening, I wondered whether I should re-record this. In the days since, God has helped me process some stuff, so I might ‘sigh’ less if I re-recorded it in some sections lol but perhaps more polish will come in the next episode. This one is an honest look at a Christian woman/founder/creative/leader's 'day-in-the-life' in doing her best to obey God where she is while pushing back against peer pressure, societal standards, etc. and looking to God. And is encouraged that he is teaching her, helping her process new things, and answering prayers daily! Hope you can relate to it and that we keep encouraging each other to pursue the Lord today as we are trusting that that’s all God requires and he’s more than capable of handling the rest. Love you, friends.
Join our community!
💖 The Yay Project
Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.yay.project
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the.yay.project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yayministries/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jennilien
YouTube: https://youtube.com/theyayproject
Websites: https://www.yayministries.com/ & https://www.theyayproject.com/
🎙️ You Are You Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaypodcast/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@yaypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaypodcast
Website: https://www.yayministries.com/podcast
🌸 Pink and New
Emotional Health Courses: https://pinkandnew.thinkific.com/
Newsletter: https://pinkandnew.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkandnew/
A ‘life in five testimonies’ kind of episode! Let’s pretend we’re about to grab a three-hour dinner followed by a two-hour hot chocolate friend date (I’ve been having quite a few of these lately and I love them!). We haven’t caught up in a while and so why don’t we settle in, catch up, share our hearts, pray, and encourage each other to keep our eyes on the Lord. He is with us, friends. This year, may we seek him and pursue his heart and plans for our lives (in that order) more than ever before.
Join our community!
💖 The Yay Project
Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.yay.project
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the.yay.project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yayministries/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jennilien
YouTube: https://youtube.com/theyayproject
Websites: https://www.yayministries.com/ & https://www.theyayproject.com/
🎙️ You Are You Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaypodcast/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@yaypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaypodcast
Website: https://www.yayministries.com/podcast
🌸 Pink and New
Emotional Health Courses: https://pinkandnew.thinkific.com/
Newsletter: https://pinkandnew.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkandnew/
This year, I’m committing to living with joy (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Are you in too? In this first episode of the year, let’s chat about life updates, God math, and the wisdom of doubling down on God. May we live every day this year aware of God’s presence and living as Holy Spirit empowered children of God on our God-given mission!
Join our community!
💖 The Yay Project
Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.yay.project
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the.yay.project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yayministries/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jennilien
YouTube: https://youtube.com/theyayproject
Websites: https://www.yayministries.com/ & https://www.theyayproject.com/
🎙️ You Are You Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaypodcast/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@yaypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaypodcast
Website: https://www.yayministries.com/podcast
🌸 Pink and New
Emotional Health Courses: https://pinkandnew.thinkific.com/
Newsletter: https://pinkandnew.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkandnew/
Ready to shut your laptop and get some rest this Christmas season? Have you had a super busy fall and ready for some fun? Before we jump into celebrating, let’s spend some time praying over how to end this year well and prepare for 2024. In this episode, we’ll dig into Luke 21’s “The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times”. Let’s talk about getting on God’s ‘spa’ table for some treatments (including what this looks like for me after a busy month in startup world and ahead of a new move), how to handle the anxieties of life (via recent testimonies of open and closed doors), and a pep talk about preparing for Jesus’s return (how to think about life today in light of eternity). Love you, friends! God is still doing so much. Let’s continue to seek him as we celebrate his faithfulness in 2023 and look forward to a new year.
Follow along for daily encouragement!
💖 The Yay Project
Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.yay.project
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the.yay.project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yayministries/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jennilien
YouTube: https://youtube.com/theyayproject
Websites: https://www.yayministries.com/ & https://www.theyayproject.com/
🎙️ You Are You Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaypodcast/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@yaypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaypodcast
Website: https://www.yayministries.com/podcast
As humans, sometimes we love labels don’t we? And I’m not just talking about the designer kind. We can put our identity and confidence in labels related to our relationships (wife), status (head of), job (doctor), side hustle (stylist), bank account (gazillionaire) — just a few (random) examples! It’s natural perhaps but what happens when God — who writes the best adventures — shakes things up? Asks us to go from our version of fishermen to travelling preachers? Will we say yes? This week, a testimony and followed by three prayer prompts to seek God about: 1) Are there any labels that we’re chasing because of selfish ambition? 2) What labels does he want us to hold onto in this season? 3) How can we learn to be more loving of the labels God is giving us this season and not compare – either with others or our past or future selves?
Follow along for daily encouragement!
💖 The Yay Project
Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.yay.project
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the.yay.project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yayministries/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jennilien
YouTube: https://youtube.com/theyayproject
Websites: https://www.yayministries.com/ & https://www.theyayproject.com/
🎙️ You Are You Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaypodcast/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@yaypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaypodcast
Website: https://www.yayministries.com/podcast
This is for all my ambitious, go-getter Christian girlies. It’s good to pursue our God-given dreams — this is what God wants, and we can have such fun doing it. But we’ll get ourselves into trouble if we idolize our accomplishments or blessings. How can we hold our treasures lightly? How does living as God’s daughter first affect our lifestyle? How can we really be sure waiting on God will result in the best version of success? This episode is full of joyful testimonies with the goal of reminding us that our great God answers prayers all the time and he really does more than we could ask or imagine.
Follow along for daily encouragement!
💖 The Yay Project
Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.yay.project
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the.yay.project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yayministries/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jennilien
YouTube: https://youtube.com/theyayproject
Websites: https://www.yayministries.com/ & https://www.theyayproject.com/
🎙️ You Are You Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaypodcast/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@yaypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaypodcast
Website: https://www.yayministries.com/podcast
Have you ever felt spiritually attacked? Pursuing a new goal or overcoming a past sin – and feeling like God’s truth is hard to believe right now? Come join in the conversation as we talk about spiritual warfare and prayer tools to help us reject the enemy’s lies and redeclare God’s truth over our lives. This episode ends with a pep talk to encourage us to live like we know we are children of God – citizens of heaven. May we not accept the world’s standards as best – but see our lives and the purpose of life on earth from God’s point of view. We all want to achieve our potential – may we be chasing the right things.
Follow along for daily encouragement!
💖 The Yay Project
Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.yay.project
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the.yay.project
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yayministries/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jennilien
YouTube: https://youtube.com/theyayproject
Websites: https://www.yayministries.com/ & https://www.theyayproject.com/
🎙️ You Are You Podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaypodcast/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@yaypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaypodcast
Website: https://www.yayministries.com/podcast
Interested in how to build a new life in a new city? Are you in the midst of doing this or maybe you want to one day? In this episode, I cover the three things I’m focusing on during these first few weeks in Taipei, things that I feel set me up for success during past moves from Canada to Singapore and Hong Kong. The episode ends with a pep talk to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus this season because we are smart Christian women and want to focus on the right things, amen? Let’s kick out unhelpful worldly opinions and live life according to the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) — the one whose opinion matters. Life with the Lord is the most fun adventure — if we will walk in faith and believe!
Themes: Expat life, living abroad, moving abroad, obeying God era, holy girl era, Christian entrepreneurship, pursuing a God-given dream, Christian girl, Christian woman
Welcome to Season 5 of You Are You podcast! This season will be a real-time, day in the life-style, journey of what it looks like to pursue a God-given dream. In my case, this is building a platform that helps Christian women seek God for emotional health and healing.
Friends, it’s true isn’t it, that God has given us ALL dreams. They feel bigger than we can accomplish — maybe even dare to dream. We might think we don’t have all the right qualifications. But God is the expert at equipping the called! He already planned these things for us to do before we were born. He wants us to carry out the plans he’s prepared for our lives. He is willing to help us every day and give us all the wisdom and resources we need to do it! Let’s give our whole lives to him and get excited about the fact that his is going to show up.
This episode covers 1) submitting life’s stressors, 2) keeping oil in our lamps, and 3) the importance of diligence and taking the sabbath.
Themes: Christian entrepreneurship, pursuing a God dream or vision, living a life full of miracles, female founders
A podcast in three short stories kind of episode!
1) When the Spirit Says Share
On the importance (and joy!) of learning to say “yes” to the Holy Spirit when he asks us to do something + testimony on how I got to camp at beautiful Joffre Lakes in British Columbia
2) Life Changes
Thinking back to life one year ago and all the life changes that have happened… even though I was recently in danger of having a “everything is the same” pity party + what a One Direction song has to do with this episode, and
3) Transitions
Prayers for me (and maybe you) as I pray through Taipei vs. Toronto vs. Kitchener-Waterloo, being a full-time entrepreneur vs. getting a 9-5, leaving space for God to open those “wildest dreams” type of doors + why it’s such a gift to rely on God during transition seasons.
Let’s have a life chat, friends :) love you 🩷
Recently I spoke with an atheist who said how great it is that people find community through churches — but as Christians, don’t we sometimes take community for granted and choose not to get plugged in? This episode dives into God’s will for community and how, even if we’re in an ‘in between’ season (e.g. only in a place for a short period or not wanting to stay where we are for too long), community where we can live out the James 5:16 principle to “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another” is such a blessing for our walk. I also share my testimony of how I sought and didn’t seek community in my current season and what I’ve learned through it. May we learn to live and love as God intends in all seasons of life!
You Are You is a podcast for Christian women. Follow along for faith-filled encouragement on emotional health and healing! Let’s celebrate our God-given design, pursue our kingdom calling, and love God 100%
What is godly grieving? Why is it important? What does it look like — and what are some reasons to do it? This episode covers all these questions and more! And why this topic? In this episode, I share my recent experience doing a self-guided godly grieving workshop and the reasons why I wanted to. Yes, we can repent and re-surrender to God anytime. But it can be so fruitful to spend some extended time with God and really confess, repent, talk, and allow him to love us back to health. While we are human, may we not take it lightly that our sin grieves God. 🩷 So whether we’re 16 or 36 or 56… Whether it’s about a relationship or substance abuse or digital addiction or lying or gossip or revenge or any other of the myriad struggles humans can face on this earth… I pray today’s episode releases practical ways to recommit to God and walk in freedom.
You Are You is a podcast for Christian women. Follow along for faith-filled encouragement on emotional health and healing!
A heart-to-heart episode for all my ‘waiting for marriage but not because I’m lonely or desperate and anyone will do’ single ladies out there! In this episode, I share my thoughts on dating and relationships, how it has and hasn’t changed going into year four of singleness, what a distraction is or might be, and how God has been reminding me (and maybe you) about his will for love.
A podcast episode for Christian women on singleness, waiting for marriage, dating in your 30s, how women’s emotions can differ from men’s, and more. You Are You is a podcast for Christian women. Follow along for faith-filled encouragement on emotional health and healing! Let’s celebrate our God-given design, pursue our kingdom calling, and love God 100% ❤️
We're human... and we make mistakes. Sometimes, we let our guard down or get swept away, and then... what should we do? This episode dives into the overwhelming love of God — when we sin, may his arms be the first place we go! It doesn't always feel easy. But isn't it true that we can often speak to ourselves way more harshly than God would ever speak to us (and just fyi this is a 'no judgment whatsoever' episode). So for those of us who are thinking, “Lord, I’m sorry. I know I’ve not behaved, spoken, or even thought in a manner worthy of you lately. You’ve taught me better, I repent and ask for your help to get right with you” here are some things I feel God is teaching me (and maybe you) now, ending with three practical steps on how to re-surrender to God again. 💘
You Are You is a podcast for Christian women. Follow along for faith-filled encouragement on emotional health and healing! Let’s celebrate our God-given design, pursue our kingdom calling, and love God 100% ❤️
This episode is all about how we can get to that tender place where we’re wanting, longing, happy to be soul-bared in front of our Lord. So… let’s catch up on the past few months shall we? And why it can be wise to wait to create, the role of obedience, reflections on new seasons coming with new temptations, a testimony on being moved to tears in the presence of God, and two questions to chew on: 1) Are we ready for God to change our worldview? 2) Are we ready for God to rip up even the most long-standing strongholds in our lives? Let’s end with a prayer of surrender (and for strength!).
2023 is kicking off hard! For me… and for you? This episodes discusses various things from worship (us worshiping God, him ministering to us), pros and cons of laser focusing, podcast recommendations, the essentialness of understanding our rights as children of God, the beautiful pain/joy of going through God’s crushing into new wine, and love and encouragement to share your perfectly imperfect God-given journey, the highs and lows, the shiny and (seemingly) cringe, knowing that God’s truths shine through our cracks! This year, let’s try and do it all God’s way. There’s no time to waste — let’s not miss a day walking with our Lord. He is writing the most beautiful, impactful, wonderful story for you, because you’re part of his story. Rely on him to be all he made you to be. ❤️
It’s been a whirlwind fall! Taking steps of faith brought me from Hong Kong to Canada, to pursuing a full-time Master’s in Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET), and man oh man… has God shown up. In so many ways. In this episode, I wanted to share a few testimonies on how God has shown up in surprising ways — including in pitches to angel investors and in interviews with venture funds. Is it weird, scary, inappropriate to talk about God in these settings — or should we show up as our full selves? You know the answer… if you want some encouragement, tune in for these testimonies! Blessed rest of 2022, friends. Can’t wait to praise God with you in 2023.
Jasmine Nguyen Gutierrez (@jazgtzdesign) is an Asian American designer and illustrator based in Central Texas who creates playful art with meaningful stories to develop authentic connections with others. I first came across Jasmine’s art on Instagram, during a time when anti-Asian racism was in the news during COVID — she shared a “Chinatown Confessions” collection on her honest feelings and experiences as an Asian-American navigating stereotypes, microaggressions, and other struggles faced by the Asian American community. I’m excited we have this opportunity to hear from Jasmine, and her testimonies of how God has led her through healing, switching fields, building a family business, and to a place where she loves to trust God outside of her comfort zone because she doesn’t want to miss out on what God is trying to show her.
Delphine Chui (@delphineistyping) is the Founder and CEO of Care Dogs (@caredogscharity), a UK charity that is helping to solve the problem of social isolation in older people. They offer local dog befriending services within South London, pairing older people with local volunteers and their dogs, so everyone can experience the benefit of canine companionship. Prior to starting Care Dogs, Delphine was a magazine journalist working for publications such as Marie Claire, GQ, HELLO, and Grazia… which is how we met! Tune in for the full story of how God changed Delphine and me from women who loved planning our own lives to totally surrendering to him at 30 and what’s happened since we handed over control to God. (A Christian millennial entrepreneur testimony.)
As we pursue our dreams, may we remember that God wants us to be good stewards of our resources including our time and energy. Because it's going to take our very best effort to build these God-given dreams and they are worthy of our best effort, amen? In this episode, I share a bit about this stage (starting month 3) of my entrepreneurship journey—what I'm calling the 'articulation stage' where much prayer, effort, and work is required to articulate to others the vision that's burning on the inside of us. When we stumble over our words, when we're not able to accurately explain our vision to others, when others' don't get our vision, when we're trying to pinpoint our vision to ourselves, it can be frustrating but may we not give up! Let's go to God (for clarity, strength, wisdom—the list is endless!), keep working unto him, and trust he goes before us—he's written this plan for us before we were born. Let's do what he's made us to do.
Bee Go (@beebeego09) is a freelance sports journalist based in Manila. This is a wonderfully meaty episode where Bee shares how she got into sports journalism, the transition from working for a big brand (Rappler) to going freelance, family and cultural pressures, how God pruned her and set her up for success during the pandemic, tips for staying organized and fit, thoughts on a Christian approach to finances and sowing into God’s kingdom, the impact of church community on our spiritual health, what she’s learned as a young woman in leadership, and more. Praying this episode encourages us to take and hold onto Jesus’s hand and let him lead x
When was the last time you went through a honeymoon period? When the emotions are flowing, it can be hard to see clearly. We don’t want to see life from a hyperrealistic lens—we know our God does immeasurably more than we could ever imagine. And honeymoon periods feel good… can’t we just enjoy them? This episode covers pros and cons of the honeymoon period, how I handled/am handling my current honeymoon period, prayer prompts to help us see and hear clearly amidst these periods, and advice for shaking off traps that aim to keep us afraid to pursue where God is leading us. Honeymoon periods may end, but that’s not a bad thing! There is endless adventure, new chapters being written, in this life adventure with the Lord.
New seasons are exciting. We’re meeting new people, having new experiences, enjoying new learnings. Maybe especially if we’ve been praying for a new season for ages, it’s like “It’s finally here!” But what happens when our new busy schedules result in less time waiting on the Lord? (Hint: There truly is no substitute for time with God—you know it’s true!) A heart-to-heart talk today including testimonies re prophetic and secular wisdom (FourSight Thinking Profiles) and lots of encouragement on taking courageous steps in this season with the Lord. Sending so much love to you and covering us in prayer x
Dr. Amy Tsai is a hematologist, a doctor whose field of expertise encompasses all diseases and disorders related to blood, at one of Hong Kong’s largest and busiest public hospitals. What I love about my friendship with Amy is that it has God’s fingerprints all over it. We are very different people whose day-to-days are so different. I have absolutely no idea what it’s like to work in a hospital, to care for people who are very sick, to see death, to be “on call” and work up to 36 hours in a row. But through our friendship, I’ve been able to see and hear about how God’s written such a beautiful life story for Amy. That even though she understands science so thoroughly, she also has full faith that our God can perform miracles. When Amy testifies, I get to rejoice with her, understanding more about God’s character and how he is moving in a different part of the world. So whether you’re a medical professional or interested in seeing a glimpse of how God is moving in hospitals, sit back and I hope you enjoy this episode! [Key markers] What does a hematologist do? (0:13) The decision to work at a public hospital (2:21) How to avoid being jaded when seeing so much struggle and death (3:53) Community outside of work (8:26) On burnout (12:00) On speaking with patients about faith (14:14) Has your career made you more or less confident that God exists? (21:32) What is something you are praying for? (27:00) Closing prayer from Amy (29:17)
Crystal Yeap (@slowlivecreate) is a Singapore-based Christian creative and entrepreneur. Her business, slowlivecreate, aims to be a safe place for women to slow down and reconnect with their innate creativity because she believes slowing down helps us to be grounded and live with intention and purpose. But just a few years ago, she was living a high-flying life as a fashion exec until God unfolded a new chapter! Sense God calling you to start something but you don’t feel like a typical entrepreneur? This episode is for you ❤️[Key markers] What is slowlivecreate? (1:06) How do you work at a ‘slow living’ pace as an entrepreneur? (4:46) When God redirects you from what you wanted to something better (7:17) What was involved in launching your digital courses? (11:50) What does it look like to have God as your “CEO”? (13:32) The importance of talking to the right people (15:56) The importance of praying over social media posts (18:26) Instagram and…? The tools Crystal is using to build her business (20:05) Closing prayer from Crystal (23:30)
At age 12, Doris Brougham told God she would commit to serve in Asia. She kept her promise... and is still serving the Lord in Asia at 96! This testimony is a must listen. Doris arrived in Taiwan in 1951 and soon started ORTV, a media company that was a pioneer in preaching the gospel through radio and TV as well as print. She has become a household name in Taiwan, impacting countless lives including my grandpa and my parents (more in this episode), and was recently honoured with the inaugural Outstanding Women Award from Taiwan's National Women's League for her service. Through it all, her humility, kindness, and deep reverence for God remains — praying this interview encourages us all to commit wholeheartedly to our God! [Key Markers] Introduction (0:00) Welcome, Doris! (1:25) Have you ever been tempted to pursue a more comfortable lifestyle? (2:24) How did ORTV get started? (5:45) You were a pioneer in sharing the gospel via radio and tv... thoughts on sharing via today's social media channels? (8:50) Can you tell us about a time where God stretched you? (11:05) Was "giving up love" an easy decision? (15:00) How do you like to worship and spend time with God? (17:55) Closing prayer from Doris (25:00)
Hi friends, welcome to season 4! This season we'll be exploring the topic of work — building a kingdom business, applying kingdom principles to secular workplaces, and more. But before we dive in, this first episode covers a bit about my journey moving from Hong Kong back to Canada, learning to hear from God in a season of burnout, why I'm pursuing my MBET (like an MBA for entrepreneurs!), upcoming interviews with Asia-based entrepreneurs, and my hopes and prayers for helping us all rely on God at work.
Luise Berry is my women's ministry pastor at The Vine Church in Hong Kong. I joined women's ministry during a season where my heart was extra tender, and have experienced God's love in so many ways through her, the women's ministry core team, and the other sisters. Recently, Pastor Luise announced she and her husband would be following God's call to Portugal... and I, as I was about to move to a new country as well, had a number of questions for her! How did God speak to Pastor Luise (a Brit) about serving in Asia? How did she go from teaching to ministry? Why did she hesitate when God spoke to her about leaving Hong Kong for Portugal? Why Portugal? What will she be doing there? Should we make a big country move if we don't know exactly what we'll be doing when we get there? If you're going through a season of change and wanting some encouragement that faith in God moves mountains (Matthew 17:20), I pray this episode encourages you.
Welcome to the Season 3 finale! Join in as we discuss preparing for the summer (often a season with less structure), moving into new seasons with a healthy heart (no hate or bitterness!), and trusting that waiting at the feet of Jesus (and prioritizing this daily) is always the best place to be. Lord, help us to be humble hearted and full of hope in you.
Raise your hand if you like adventures! May we remember that we’re already on an adventure with God. Sometimes we see where we’re going — and it’s exciting (or a bit scary). Other times, we’re in a dark tunnel and not exactly sure what’s on the other side. But no matter what — with God leading, the end result is sure to be good. He’s given us the treasure map and we can seek him for extra clues anytime. Amidst my current adventure, God’s been teaching me some special lessons too — on humility, surprises, and staying sharp amidst life changes. Join in this episode, and let me know — do any of these resonate with you this season?
Do you ever hear of families praying together and think 'That's awesome, I want to have that.' Or maybe you'd settle for getting your own prayer life in order first. Three years ago, I didn't pray with my family regularly — I could barely even pray out loud in my own small group! So how did things go from there to weekly family prayer meetings and a desire to not only pray in my small group but on a podcast?! Join in to hear about the power of faithful prayer (who prayed for decades?), God's timing, and practical tips for setting up a family prayer altar from scratch.
God is moving today, amen? God is always moving—praise him! He’s moving in our lives, pursuing us with his love, wanting us to thrive… even if we can’t seem to hear his voice. Is God not speaking—is it possible we’re missing him? Tune in for a fiery faith pep talk that… God gave me as I recorded this episode. He’s got so much for us this season, friends. Only abundant life with the Lord.
Experiencing inner healing and deliverance changed my life. I first went through it, via a program at my church, in a season where I was expecting time to heal my heart… but many months had gone by and I wasn’t feeling any better. Time doesn’t heal, Jesus does, amen? Through it, I realised areas of struggle that I thought were just ‘part of my personality’ could be healed — if it’s not godly, it’s not from God! He has better. In this episode, we hear from Allicia Bankuti of Ellel Ministries, which runs various inner healing courses and programs. She honestly and vulnerably shares her testimony (tw: pornography, bullying, eating disorders, drugs, self-harm), as well as practical steps for seeking God for inner healing in your quiet time, formal programs, and more. May we not accept less than Jesus died for us to have.
What’s God been teaching me about the quality of my heart now that I’ve started going on dates again (after 2.5 years of singleness)? For one thing, that I may have surrendered my heart to him and healed from many things but… he’s still doing quite a bit of work in me! Join in for a chat on God’s commands regarding holy living (1 Peter 1:13-16) and keeping this in mind amidst our desires, lists, and expectations.
We hear about crazy faith and how with it God can do the impossible… but what happens when you had crazy faith and it didn’t work out and now it’s hard to have even 80% faith? I recently took a four-day prayer retreat because I felt God encourage me to do some things and I was struggling—thinking what’s the point of dreaming/planning (thinking about life at age 40!) when you’ve dream/planned before and it didn’t work out. And I pondered: Is it ever worth it to guard our hearts against God? To trust in God a little less? To rely on things we can control over the One who controls everything?
Join in for part 2 of our interview with Sylvia Yu Friedman, one of the world’s premier experts on modern slavery and author of ‘A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia’ (Penguin), a journalistic account of the abuse and enslavement of women and girls in Asia. In this episode, Sylvia shares about how she would explain anti-human trafficking to those who are new to learning about the topic (0:00), how Japanese war-time sex slavery and modern-day sex slavery are intertwined (3:00), the realities of trafficking in Hong Kong (6:40), acknowledging evil while being rooted in God’s love (7:00), advice for not ignoring evil but asking God to help us intercede (8:00), and a closing prayer—praying and believing for an Esther movement (11:20). May we seek God and surrender to him 100%, boldly obeying and interceding as he leads in/for this unique time in history.
How did a self-described party girl go from underage clubbing to being one of the world’s premier experts on modern slavery? Sylvia Yu Friedman is a Hong Kong-based award-winning filmmaker and investigative journalist, speaker, and writer, who recently released her third book ‘A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia’ (Penguin), a journalistic account of the abuse and enslavement of women and girls in Asia. Tune in as Sylvia vulnerably and powerfully shares about her new book (including how she gained the courage to film a documentary in some of the darkest brothels in China—0.50/17:00), a rising Esther and women's movement (7:15), how a rock-bottom moment caused her to ask ‘What is worth dying for?’ (19:30), the impact of perfectionism and ‘face’ on our willingness to testify (21:30), advice for surrendering our goals and influence for God’s glory (24:50), the importance of humility and guarding against pride (25:30), and more! & join us again next week for the second half of Sylvia’s interview, where she will share more about realities and God-focused responses to human/sex trafficking.
Let’s not be confused! God always wants us to thrive instead of just survive. This past week, I’ve gone to wellness to cope with the stress of Hong Kong’s fifth wave and while these things helped me survive the week, I in no way felt like I was thriving... until I waited on the Lord. In his presence he challenged me to consider if I was/we are already at his banqueting table, full of food, but just choosing not to feast?
Have you ever had someone—intentionally or unintentionally—disrespect Jesus to your face? This happened to me at a party a few weeks ago and I was stunned… into silence. How did I handle the aftermath? Tune in for how God led me from anger to his authority, guilt to his glory, shame to surrender, and reminded me of his will for us to testify, forgive, pray, and trust his ways, for one day every knee will bow and tongue confess that our Jesus Christ is Lord :) (Philippians 2:10-11).
Happy Valentine's day, friends! Let's have a little girl talk, shall we? In this episode, I share about my experience with singleness and dating since the 'I almost got married' eps in season one (8m), tips for rebuking bitterness and unforgiveness when they try and creep in again (15m), and 'new season' prophecies—personal and global—on why it's so important to say yes to embracing God's new online and offline this season (20m). & for those on YouTube, podcast videos are now available on The Yay Project's YouTube channel ❤️
It's a new year and many of us are praying over goals, dreams and clarity of purpose. Before we give this year all we've got, may we remember our why — we're working hard not for our glory but to glorify our King! We know this of course, but shall we take some time to think about how we're living this out? This episode digs into the Lion of Judah (Jesus will reign forever!), how life as we know it prepares us for eternity, and reminders of why God is worthy of our very best today. After all, we shouldn’t be waiting to give God our very best only when we see him face to face right?
Church hurt is real. So is spiritual abuse. As Christians, we may have heard the terms. Even heard about it happening to others. But until we go through it ourselves, we may not want to really dig into the details. At least this was my situation. Last year, I felt God give me 'Trust' as my word for the year which honestly didn't thrill me... what would he ask me to trust him about?! (But of course may we know that we know that we know God's ways are higher! Isaiah 55:9) In this episode, I share five lessons I've learned through my six months and counting experience of recovering from church hurt and keeping my eyes on our Lord.
There's no doubt about it. Jesus is coming back. Hooray! How are you feeling about his return? This episode covers what Revelation scholars, pastors, and other Christian leaders are saying about it. It also (of course!) digs into what the Bible says and how Jesus says to prepare (e.g. Matthew 7:21-23) May we enjoying living for him now. Then whenever he comes, we'll be ready and excited. We’ll just have been speaking to him. We’ll know his voice, his character, his presence… we’ll run up and eagerly greet him because finally, finally we get to be together. Forever.
A few years ago, I attended a church retreat where the guest speaker said something along the lines of “Jesus already died. We should claim everything He died for!” The boldness of his statement shocked me at first and then the power of the words sunk in. Why wasn't I living with more faith and confidence? This episode shares five promises to claim when you're hurt and five promises to claim when you're happy — promises that have helped me draw near and stay reliant on God. What's your favourite promise to claim from God? Please feel free to email me! I'd love to continue the conversation.
Do you ever fear that surrendering to God means he'll ask you to do things you don't want to do? That you'll never reach your full potential if you do? Let's remember who we're talking about! The God of all creation isn’t petty. He doesn’t want you to live a small life. Rather he has the absolute best, most fulfilling plan for your life. Because he loves you and knows how to make a plan that allows you to love him, fulfil your desires (the ones he's placed on your heart in the first place!) and contribute to his grand master plan all at the same time. Tune in for reminders of what God says about selfish ambition, our identity as servants (as well as children and friends), and how we can glow as we grow.
Think of those you love with your whole heart. You'd get up early for them, dress up for them, sacrifice for them — ensure they get the best of you. Is this how you feel about God? Join in as we review what God says about love, tips for loving God when we don't feel loved, and testimonies about how God's expressions of love may be unexpected but they're always perfect. No one loves better than God and he loves us 100%. Let’s love him 100% right back.
Are we bringing all areas of our health to God and seeking him for healing and wholeness? Humans are triune beings, having a spirit, soul and body. Let’s take a look at God’s will for health in all of these areas! This episode also covers my personal experiences with inner healing and tips and resources on praying over whether it might be right for you this season.
Ever experienced Friday night... loneliness? Maybe you wanted to go out, maybe you wanted to stay in, but either way being alone on the first night of the weekend just doesn’t feel great? If yes, you’re not alone! In this episode, I share some of my raw experiences (as a teen, in my early twenties, this season), relatable scriptures, and reminders of God’s will for healthy community and hope. May we keep our eyes on God, always.
Have you ever taken a mental health day — or felt like you needed one? Ever had things feel so overwhelming that it's hard to bring it to God... because it's hard to even face it yourself? In this episode, I share about my history with them and the practical tips God has taught me (even recently!) about how to deal when things feel like overwhelming. May we remember that our God is gentle and soft and powerful and mighty — all things are in his hands and we belong to him. Praying we can encourage each other as God teaches us to endure through afflictions (Romans 5:1-5).
Do you feel the pressure to achieve worldly markers of success but sense God is calling you to a different lifestyle? Have you ever thought that fasting and praying and worshipping God full time would be the best thing ever? In this episode, I share about how I learned about intercessory missionaries — sometimes called people with the 'Anna' calling — and my thoughts, desires, obedience this season. Have a listen and see if this might be something God is calling you to do! We're in a special season and there's no time to waste. Not that there's ever any time to waste. But I pray we are seeking God and walking in faith and willing to do whatever he says whenever he says. I'm definitely still learning too (see the last episode) but know 100% that the quicker we obey God, the better off we are. Let's go all in with our King :)
Confession time! A ‘real talk’ episode on why there hasn’t been a new podcast episode in two months, as well as a recap of why this podcast started, how it’s going, and what the plans are moving forward. Have you ever delayed in obeying God because you were enjoying your last season… and didn’t want to pivot when God said pivot? If so, this episode is for you! May we continue to share the lessons God is teaching us, pointing each other back to Christ, always. A blessing to be walking together, thank you for being here!
We know we're to obey God... but does it ever feel so hard? Sometimes it's because our dreams feel so exciting we're tempted to run ahead of God. Or maybe it's because our God-given vision seems so intense we're tempted to give up before we start. If you're wanting an 'obey God' pep talk, think of this episode as just that! I'll share my ten-year journey (from 20 to 30) of learning to obey God and three reminders of why obeying God is so important. May we never drag our feet on obeying God as his best for us is literally the best for us — and he is so worthy of being obeyed (honoured)! And may we always remember that we're in real relationship with God — if we're scared to obey, may we be like Moses and talk with God. He'll lead us. So much more is ahead.
Why are you on this earth? Have you ever asked God? Recently I came across a journal entry from when I was 26, a month after I moved from Singapore to Hong Kong. It contains the line “While I’ve achieved a number of goals and in many ways my life is better than I imagined, I haven’t figured out my true identity / purpose in life.” If I could give 26 year-old me some advice, it would be “You want to figure out your identity and purpose? Seek God 100%.” Not 50% like I was doing, but 100%. Season 2, Episode 2 (Chapter 2) is called Your Story Matters. Join in as we cover from confusion to calling, living as God intends, embracing God’s plan, trusting that God loves and knows us, and allowing God to use our testimonies to help others. May God help us see ourselves as he sees us (why we matter!) and love to live for his glory alone.
Welcome to Season 2 of the You Are You Podcast! This season, we’ll be doing something a little different. Each month, we’ll release a new chapter of a book called You Are You: Celebrate Your God-given Design and Pursue Your Kingdom Calling. It’ll come as an audiobook chapter, through this podcast, and an e-book chapter, through theyayproject.com. Season 2, Episode 1 begins with Chapter 1: Discover Who You Are. Join in as we cover who is God really and why is His opinion so important, God in three persons and His love, who does God say we are and why doesn't the enemy want us to know it, and five reminders of our God-given design.
Happy Season 1 Finale Day, everyone! Tune in to hear an update on my experience with redundancy, plans for You Are You Podcast Season 2, and answers to five listener-submitted questions (1. Why do you love God so much? 2. What’s something you hold on to when you aren’t hearing from God? 3. What’s the best possible way to overcome temptation? 4. How do I become consistent in doing devotions? 5. How do you comfort someone who doesn’t believe in God but is suffering?) I pray this conversation will be relatable for everyone who listens and that it will encourage and equip us to live more deeply rooted in God’s truth.
Welcome to Truth-Filled Ways To Enjoy God Every Single Day (Part 2)! As I prepared for this episode, I felt God remind me “Come join me and enjoy all I have prepared for you.” This truth is applicable for all of us right. If you love it and want it, claim it! For 2 Corinthians 9:8 (MSG) says, “God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done.” Listen on for four more truth-filled ways to enjoy God, and learn to live as a fully awake daughter of God eager to experience his fullness every single day.
Do you ever think about enjoying God? Maybe we think about loving him, worshiping him, serving him, or even not disappointing him. But how about enjoying him? Let’s remember that Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)” (AMPC). Jesus came so we could have and enjoy life - and as Christian women we know life isn’t truly enjoyable without God right - so let’s dig in and chat about 5 ways we can do this every single day. This episode is jam packed with verses because, let’s be honest, sometimes we know what we should do and yet we need a little nudge to actually do it. And there’s no more powerful encouragement than the living word of God.
We might know God’s instruction to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) but have we done it before? Are we doing it now? This week, I share a personal testimony about how a recent ‘pop quiz’ from God reminded me of the joy that comes with being in a committed relationship with Him 24/7. And how this isn’t just the strategy for getting over a breakup (tried and tested!) but truly one of the greatest privileges we have.
We know we should obey God. He is God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. He is love. He is powerful. He is the best of the best in absolutely all ways. And yet, sometimes our flesh tries to convince us that God doesn’t know best. That obedience isn’t best. That we’ll do it later, or we need to think about it more, or we’re underqualified, or we’re overqualified. Satan tries to distract us everyday, to take our eyes off of honouring God and walking in God’s plans for our lives. Today let’s marvel at the majesty of God, discuss three testimonies of radical obedience, chat about how obedience has affected my walk with The Yay Project this season, and encourage each other to get right with God and obey him today.
As Christian women, we know we’re to live for God as our audience of One. Of course we know that we’re to have no other gods before him. It’s the first commandment right? But sometimes our hearts can grow mouldy and it’s so important to spend time in God’s word, listen to his voice, reflect on what he’s saying, repent, and get right. Join in as we check our hearts and consider - whose expectations are we trying to meet? Are we letting the expectations of ourselves, our leaders, our families, our friends, and our society get in the way of God’s will?
Have you ever thought about having a day date with God? Planning for and looking forward to it like you would a date with a significant other? I started having Saturday day dates with God last year mostly out of need; I was just so desperate for God in that season. But it’s continued (about 70% of my Saturdays!) because the more time I spend with God, the more I’ve realized how mind-blowingly amazing he is, and the more I want to be desperate for him as much as possible. This episode will cover 5 reasons to do it and 11 ideas on what to do. May we always look forward to time with God more than anything else.
When we pray, God’s answer doesn’t always come in a straight linear fashion. But we can trust that his timing and answer are always perfect… even if it takes some time for our hearts to catch up with our brains. I pray these stories of how God reminded me to TRUST HIM this past week are encouraging and maybe even entertaining for you. We’re journeying together; may he help us help each other to keep our eyes on Jesus, the ultimate author and perfecter of our faith.
This episode is for all but especially for my deep feelers who are known in their families and friend groups as the “emotional” or “sensitive” one, for those who know a deep feeler but have no idea how to understand or handle their emotions, for anyone who has ever felt ashamed about an emotional outburst and maybe even still replaying the situation, and for all who are interested in how I, an emotional feeler type to the max, learned to take every emotion to God and walk in freedom.
How do you feel about testifying? Have you ever felt unqualified to share about God? Or wish you could do it more boldly? Join in as I share about how God took me from scared to testify to testifying almost daily (and honestly!) with The Yay Project. Learn practical tips, including tips for discerning God’s voice, and be encouraged to live out Psalm 66:16, “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.”
Welcome to the You Are You Podcast! My name is Jenni Lien and I’m the writer and artist behind The Yay Project, an online ministry that seeks to help women all over the world celebrate their God-given design. Yay stands for You Are You, something God reminded me of one day as I was dealing with rejection. Last year, in my most broken season, I gave him all my pieces and asked him to carry me and put me back together. He did that and so much more. The more I obeyed, the deeper I fell in love with him. The deeper I fell in love with him, the more I realized how much I have to live for. If we’re still breathing then we can be on an adventure with God – daily! Are you in? The You Are You Podcast aims to encourage us to embrace our God-given design, serve out our Kingdom calling, and most of all love God 100%. Join in, dear friends!