Everyday Joy

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..."
Galatians 5:22-23

Why is self-control so hard... even when we know exactly what we should be doing?

In this honest and relatable conversation, Ash Couchman and Shaylee unpack one of the most challenging fruits of the Spirit: self-control. From endless scrolling and phone addiction to discipline, distraction, and the habits that quietly shape our lives, they explore why so many of us struggle to choose what we know is best.

Together, they reflect on the modern world's constant noise, the things competing for our attention, and the uncomfortable question every Christian eventually has to ask: has something taken God's place in my life?

If you've ever felt stuck in unhealthy habits, frustrated by your lack of discipline, or challenged by the amount of time you spend on your phone, this conversation is a practical and encouraging reminder that spiritual growth doesn't happen by accident. It happens one choice at a time.

Get Connected:

1. Follow Ash & Everyday Joy on Instagram!

2. Subscribe to Everyday Joy Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

3. Join the conversation on Facebook: Everyday Joy Community

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"The Lord is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe."
Psalm 18:2

Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, trying to plan every detail of the future?

In this honest conversation, Ash Couchman and Shaylee Stansbury unpack the pressure of making big life decisions, navigating financial uncertainty, planning for the future, and wrestling with the feeling that everything depends on getting it right. Together, they explore the reality of anxiety, our desire to control what's ahead, and the freedom that comes when we trust God with the things we were never meant to carry alone.

Reflecting on Psalm 18:2, this episode is a powerful reminder that God isn't distant from our worries. He is our protector, our fortress, and our source of hope, even when the future feels uncertain.

If you've been overthinking, stressing about what's next, or struggling to trust God in the unknown, this conversation will encourage you to take a breath, release control, and remember that God is already holding tomorrow.

Get Connected:

1. Follow Ash & Everyday Joy on Instagram!

2. Subscribe to Everyday Joy Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

3. Join the conversation on Facebook: Everyday Joy Community

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope. So we’ll all be together in this. No one left out. No one left behind.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

What if the encouraging thing you're thinking about saying could completely change someone's day?

In this episode of Everyday Joy, Ash is joined by Shay for a conversation about the power of our words, the importance of encouragement and what it looks like to intentionally build the people around us up.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us that encouragement isn't just about being nice. We're called to build up hope, strengthen one another and make sure no one is left behind.

Ash and Shay talk about how easy it is to keep a compliment to ourselves, assume someone already knows what we think of them, or focus on what's frustrating rather than what's good. But sometimes the simplest words—"I love that about you," "I'm proud of you," "You're doing a great job"—can make an enormous difference.

They also have an honest conversation about how easy it is to become our own worst critics. We can walk around assuming people are disappointed in us, that we've upset someone or that others see us far more negatively than they actually do. Sometimes we need someone else to speak truth and encouragement into our lives.

But there's a deeper challenge too: are we genuinely encouraging people, or are we only being nice to their face? Ash and Shay unpack the difference between simply being "nice" and allowing God to change what's happening in our hearts, so that our encouragement is genuine both publicly and privately.

The conversation also explores what it means to live out God's Kingdom right now. We don't have to wait for everything to be fixed or for Jesus to return before we start building people up, growing in maturity and bringing hope into the world around us.

Because we are surrounded by enough negativity. We don't need to add to it.

We can choose to be people who build up hope, speak life and make sure the people around us know they aren't alone.

 

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What if the thing you’re struggling with isn’t something you have to overcome on your own?

In 2 Peter 1:3, we’re reminded that God has already given us everything we need to live a life that pleases Him. That doesn’t mean we’ll never struggle, get frustrated or get things wrong — it means we never have to face those things alone.

Ash and Shay unpack what it looks like to rely on God in the middle of the struggle, stay aware of His presence and allow Him to challenge us and grow us — even in the small, everyday moments.

Because following Jesus isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about continually becoming more like Him.

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"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of heaven, and those who lead many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever." — Daniel 12:3

What if you don't need a big platform to make a big difference?

In this episode of Everyday Joy, Ash is joined by Shay for a conversation about influence, faithfulness and what it really means to shine like the stars.

Daniel 12:3 was written in the context of a difficult future. God's people would face persecution, suffering and trouble—but Daniel was reminded that faithfulness would not be wasted. Those who remain wise, follow God and help others move towards Him would shine.

Ash and Shay unpack what it means to be someone who points others towards Jesus—not necessarily through a massive social media following or a public platform, but through the ordinary influence we already have. Our families, friendships, workplaces and everyday conversations all give us opportunities to influence the people around us.

They also talk honestly about the tension of sharing your faith publicly without making everything about yourself. How do you use your platform without becoming self-promotional? How do you point people towards Jesus while still being authentic? And what does it look like to keep shining when life gets difficult?

The conversation explores why some of the wisest and most influential people aren't necessarily the loudest people in the room. They're the people who are consistent—people whose faith doesn't completely change depending on what's happening around them.

Because shining for Jesus doesn't mean having a perfect life. It means continuing to trust Him, obey Him and point people towards Him—even when life gets hard.

If you've ever wondered whether your influence really matters, felt uncomfortable about sharing your faith, or questioned whether the ordinary way you're living your life is making a difference, this episode is a reminder: your faithfulness is not wasted, and you don't need a huge platform to shine.

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Proverbs 15:1 ERV
A gentle answer makes anger disappear, but a rough answer makes it grow.

What usually comes out of me when I'm hurt, frustrated or angry?

Is there a person I need to respond to differently — not because they deserve it, but because I want to become a different kind of person?

God, what would a gentle response look like in the situation I'm dealing with right now?

 

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James 5:12 MSG        
Just say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Just say what is true. That way, your language can't be used against you.

Do my words match who I actually am?

Is there somewhere in my life where I've been saying “yes” when I really mean “no” — or saying what someone wants to hear instead of telling the truth?

God, is there somewhere you want me to become a person whose words people can genuinely trust?

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Titus 3:14 ERV        
Learn to use your life for doing good and helping anyone who has a need. Then you will not have an empty life.

Today's episode is another more reflective episode on Titus 3:14, take the time to think, reflect and wait on God as you think about these questions. 

1. Who has God placed around me right now who might need something I can give?

2. When I look at the way I'm spending my time, what is actually making a difference — and what is just keeping me busy?

3. What is one thing I might need to let go of in order to focus on things that truly matter? 

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Trying something different today!

A quick reflection on Proverbs 29:23, with some time to wait and reflect on these questions...

1.Where in my life am I finding it hardest to admit that I might be wrong?

2.God, is there something you're trying to teach me that my pride is getting in the way of hearing?

3.God, where in my life, do I believe I don’t need you? WHere I am good at taking control, is it work, Family, career, church? 

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What if helping others doesn’t have to mean solving every problem? Joel A'bell National Director of Convoy of Hope Australia, joins Ash to talk about serving people in need, the life-changing impact of access to clean water, and what it really means to live out the gospel.

Joel shares heartbreaking stories from communities without reliable water, but also the incredible transformation that happens when people are given the opportunity to build a better future for themselves.

And his challenge is simple: “Do the next kind thing in front of you.”

Because we might not be able to change the whole world—but we can all do something.

Donate Here: https://convoyofhope.org.au/water-for-life/thelight/

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