What if the thing you’re clinging to is actually holding you back from the life God has for you?

In this episode, Ash and Kate unpack one of the most confronting verses in the Bible: “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it” (Mark 8:35).

Together, they explore what it means to truly surrender—especially in a world that celebrates self-preservation. From building “spiritual shock absorbers” to navigating the wrestle between spirit and flesh, this conversation is an honest reflection on daily choices, spiritual resilience, and trusting God with your whole life.

Whether you’re thriving or just trying to make it through the week, this episode invites you to consider how you're living—and who you're living for.

Get Connected:
Follow us on Instagram
Join the Facebook Community
Got something to share? Email us at everydayjoy@positivemedia.com.au

What if the thing you&rsquo;re clinging to is actually holding you back from the life God has for you?
In this episode, Ash and Kate unpack one of the most confronting verses in the Bible: &ldquo;For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it&rdquo; (Mark 8:35).
Together, they explore what it means to truly surrender&mdash;especially in a world that celebrates self-preservation. From building &ldquo;spiritual shock absorbers&rdquo; to navigating the wrestle between spirit and flesh, this conversation is an honest reflection on daily choices, spiritual resilience, and trusting God with your whole life.
Whether you&rsquo;re thriving or just trying to make it through the week, this episode invites you to consider how you're living&mdash;and who you're living for.
Get Connected: <a href="https://www.instagram.com">Follow us on Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com">Join the Facebook Community</a> Got something to share? <a>Email us at everydayjoy@positivemedia.com.au</a>

Everyday Joy

Self-Preservation vs. Surrender | What Losing Your Life Really Means | Mark 8:35 with Kate Westwood

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. 🎉

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:
<ul>
<li>Recognising God's goodness in everyday moments</li>
<li>Bringing fears and anxieties into the light instead of spiraling alone</li>
<li>The power of slowing down and being intentional</li>
<li>Finding joy and hope as we enter a new year</li>
</ul>
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. 🎉

NEW YEARS EVE SPECIAL: You're Not Crazy For Feeling Heavy (Here's What Helps) | John 1:5 with Jacquie & Shaylee

“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.

 

&ldquo;For to us a child is born, to us a son is given&hellip; and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God.&rdquo; &mdash; Isaiah 9:6
Christmas isn&rsquo;t just about what happened then &mdash; it&rsquo;s about what&rsquo;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&rsquo;s been &mdash; the highs, the hardships, and the moments where God&rsquo;s presence carried them through.
Together, they reflect on:
<ul data-start="805" data-end="1319">
<li data-start="805" data-end="898">
What it looks like to experience God with us in everyday life &mdash; not just at Christmas
</li>
<li data-start="899" data-end="976">
Celebrating joy while still acknowledging grief, exhaustion, and struggle
</li>
<li data-start="977" data-end="1051">
Navigating new seasons: marriage, motherhood, health, rest, and change
</li>
<li data-start="1052" data-end="1121">
Learning to slow down, release control, and trust God&rsquo;s provision
</li>
<li data-start="1122" data-end="1217">
Why discipline, rest, and honesty with God matter &mdash; especially when life feels overwhelming
</li>
<li data-start="1218" data-end="1319">
How God walks with us through anxiety, uncertainty, and growth, rather than removing us from it
</li>
</ul>
This conversation is raw, reflective, and deeply hopeful &mdash; a reminder that Emmanuel isn&rsquo;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 &mdash; steady, faithful, and with you in every season.
✨ God with us. Always.
&nbsp;

CHRISTMAS EPISODE | God With Us Through Parenting, Growth & Mental Health | Isaiah 9:6 with Jacquie & Shaylee

“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.

&ldquo;We love because He first loved us.&rdquo; &mdash; 1 John 4:19
In today&rsquo;s episode, Ash is joined by Tiani to unpack one of the most foundational truths of the Christian faith &mdash; that our ability to love others flows directly from the love we&rsquo;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:
<ul data-start="1028" data-end="1424">
<li data-start="1028" data-end="1092">
How understanding God&rsquo;s love reshapes the way we love people
</li>
<li data-start="1093" data-end="1166">
Why love isn&rsquo;t optional for Christians &mdash; even when it&rsquo;s uncomfortable
</li>
<li data-start="1167" data-end="1243">
The difference between loving from obligation and loving from revelation
</li>
<li data-start="1244" data-end="1316">
How church and community are meant to look different because of love
</li>
<li data-start="1317" data-end="1377">
What to do when past hurt makes loving others feel risky
</li>
<li data-start="1378" data-end="1424">
Learning to receive love, not just give it
</li>
</ul>
This episode is honest, tender, and deeply encouraging. If you&rsquo;ve ever found it hard to love people well &mdash; or hard to believe that you yourself are truly loved &mdash; 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.

Self-Preservation vs. Surrender | What Losing Your Life Really Means | Mark 8:35 with Kate Westwood

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