This week on the Everyday Joy Podcast, Ash and Kate unpack a powerful truth: the goal of the Christian life isn’t behaviour change—it’s loving union with God, and Christ-likeness flows from there.

They talk about how easy it is to flip the order—trying to “do better” before we simply be with Him—and why perseverance, faithfulness, and daily connection with Jesus shape us more than any self-improvement plan ever could. Reflecting on Hebrews 12:1, they explore what it means to throw off what hinders us, deal honestly with sin, and fix our eyes on Jesus—the author and perfecter of our faith.

With real-life stories about goals, spiritual conversations, and learning to share faith naturally, this episode is an encouraging reminder that transformation doesn’t start with striving—it starts with abiding. If you’ve ever felt stuck between “doing” and “being,” this conversation will help you return to the heart of it all: loving God first, and letting everything else follow.

 

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In this episode of the Everyday Joy Podcast, Ash sits down with Kate to talk honestly about anxiety, overwhelm, and the pressures we feel stepping into a new year. They explore what it means to not label yourself by your struggles, how to respond to anxious thoughts with kindness, and why God’s faithfulness matters more than perfection.

Drawing from Proverbs 12:25 – “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” – Ash and Kate unpack how a gentle, compassionate approach—both toward ourselves and others—can lighten the load of heavy hearts. They discuss practical ways to handle stress, lean on God, and encourage others even when life feels overwhelming.

Whether you’re navigating a season of anxiety, returning to life after a challenging time, or simply want to live out your faith more faithfully day by day, this episode is a reminder that every small step of kindness and faithfulness matters.

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In this episode, Ash and Kate explore the challenge of living out the golden rule:
"In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. For this sums up the law and the prophets." (Matthew 7:12)

Even when we walk with God daily, frustration, anger, and disappointment can surface. How do we respond in those moments? How do we speak, act, and treat others—especially when no one is watching?

They dive into practical ways to let God guide our words and actions, offering love, acceptance, and encouragement first, so that we can create a culture of grace in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

Whether you’re navigating tough relationships or just trying to be a better version of yourself, this conversation is packed with honest reflections, thought-provoking questions, and encouragement to start 2026 with intention and heart.

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We’re kicking off 2026 with a deeply honest conversation about faith, pain, and God’s presence in the hard seasons of life.

Ash and Kate dive into Psalm 23, wrestling with the big question: “Is God loving when He allows pain?” They explore the difference between God’s nature (who He is) and His character (how He acts toward us), sharing stories of anxiety, unanswered questions, and walking through dark valleys.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered:

• Where is God when life feels heavy?

• Can faith and doubt coexist?

• How do I trust Him when I don’t understand?

Even when life feels confusing or overwhelming, this conversation reminds us that He is with us, His goodness follows us, and we can trust His plans—even when we don’t see the full picture.

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Welcome back to the first episode of 2026! Ash is joined by Kate Westwood as they dive into the powerful truth of 2 Corinthians 12:10—“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” They unpack what it really looks like to delight in weakness, embrace our struggles, and lean into God’s power instead of our own.

Whether you’re stepping into a new year feeling optimistic or weighed down by life’s challenges, this episode will encourage you to:

• Rethink what weakness truly means in your faith journey

• Learn how surrender can lead to growth and maturity

• Find hope that God’s grace is sufficient, even when life is messy

If you’ve ever wrestled with showing your flaws, comparing yourself to others, or feeling like you’re at the end of your strength, this conversation is for you.

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In this final episode of 2025, Ash, Shaylee, and Jacquie reflect on an incredible year of podcasting and look ahead to 2025 with hope and intention.

The trio unpacks John 1:5 - "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" - discussing how to stay spiritually grounded when the world feels heavy and chaotic. From Ash's hilarious confession about her irrational tsunami fears to Shaylee's beautiful insights on seeing the world through baby Banks' eyes, this episode is full of honest, relatable moments.

They share practical wisdom on:

• Recognising God's goodness in everyday moments
• Bringing fears and anxieties into the light instead of spiraling alone
• The power of slowing down and being intentional
• Finding joy and hope as we enter a new year

Plus, hear heartwarming stories from the live podcast event, exciting plans for 2025, and each host's hopes for the year ahead (including Jacquie's ambitious two-day hiking adventure!).

Whether you're feeling the weight of 2024 or excited for what's next, this episode is the perfect reminder that God's light overcomes the darkness - and we have so much to look forward to.

Happy New Year from the Everyday Joy team! We'll see you in 2025. 🎉

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“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God.” — Isaiah 9:6

Christmas isn’t just about what happened then — it’s about what’s still true now.
God is with us.

In this special Christmas episode, Ash is joined by Jacquie and Shaylee for a heartfelt reflection on the year that’s been — the highs, the hardships, and the moments where God’s presence carried them through.

Together, they reflect on:

• What it looks like to experience God with us in everyday life — not just at Christmas

• Celebrating joy while still acknowledging grief, exhaustion, and struggle

• Navigating new seasons: marriage, motherhood, health, rest, and change

• Learning to slow down, release control, and trust God’s provision

• Why discipline, rest, and honesty with God matter — especially when life feels overwhelming

• How God walks with us through anxiety, uncertainty, and growth, rather than removing us from it

This conversation is raw, reflective, and deeply hopeful — a reminder that Emmanuel isn’t distant or symbolic. He is present in the middle of our mess, our joy, our exhaustion, and our becoming.

As we remember the birth of Jesus, may this episode remind you that the same God who came as a child is still near — steady, faithful, and with you in every season.

✨ God with us. Always.

 

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“We love because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19

In today’s episode, Ash is joined by Tiani to unpack one of the most foundational truths of the Christian faith — that our ability to love others flows directly from the love we’ve first received from God.

Together, they reflect on what it looks like to love generously, sacrificially, and sincerely, even when life, relationships, and past experiences have made love feel complicated or costly.

In this conversation, they explore:

• How understanding God’s love reshapes the way we love people

• Why love isn’t optional for Christians — even when it’s uncomfortable

• The difference between loving from obligation and loving from revelation

• How church and community are meant to look different because of love

• What to do when past hurt makes loving others feel risky

• Learning to receive love, not just give it

This episode is honest, tender, and deeply encouraging. If you’ve ever found it hard to love people well — or hard to believe that you yourself are truly loved — this conversation will help realign your heart with the truth that God loved you first, and that His love is enough to transform how you live, love, and show up for others.

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“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” — Psalm 145:18

In this episode, Ash is joined by Tiani for a heartfelt conversation about what it truly means to seek God in truth — not just with words, but with an authentic heart and a willingness to be transformed.

Together they explore:

• How to genuinely “call on God” rather than waiting for Him to act on our terms

• Why nearness with God is a two-way relationship, not a one-way request line

• The difference between approaching God with our own agenda versus surrender

• How waiting on God cultivates trust, patience, and faith

• Why truth requires letting go of our plans and trusting God’s goodness

• The ultimate heart check: would God still be enough if He never answered another prayer?

This episode is for anyone wrestling with unanswered prayers, learning to wait, or seeking to deepen their trust and surrender. Be encouraged to draw near, call on Him in truth, and trust that He is closer than you think.

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Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Prayer doesn’t have to be polished.
It doesn’t have to be long.
And it definitely doesn’t have to wait until things fall apart.

This conversation is a reminder that prayer is meant to be woven into everyday life — the good moments, the stressful ones, the joyful celebrations, and the quiet wrestles no one else sees.

We talk about:

• Why God invites us to pray about everything, not just the “serious” stuff

• What it looks like to pray with the Spirit, not just from your own strength

• Praying for people in the moment, not just saying “I’ll pray for you”

• Interceding for others when you don’t know what to say

• And learning to stay connected to God throughout the day, not just in quiet time

If prayer feels awkward, inconsistent, or hard — you’re not failing.
You’re learning relationship.

Sometimes prayer is powerful words.
Sometimes it’s silence.
Sometimes it’s stopping mid-day and saying,
“Holy Spirit, I need you right now.”

And that counts.

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