This episode came straight from a moment that checked me deep.

I was talking to my friend Bianca about going to Florida to see my mom for Mother’s Day, our first one without my dad. And I found myself spiraling… talking about how hard it was going to be, how I’d probably cry the whole time, how everything would feel so heavy.

And then she said it:“Ashley, don’t color moments that haven’t happened yet.”

Whew. That hit different.It made my spirit get quiet and immediately, I thought of Ecclesiastes 3.

In this episode, I’m walking through that scripture verse by verse, sharing how God reminded me not to live in fear of what might be, but to rest in the truth of what He’s already ordained. If you’ve ever overthought the future or emotionally braced for pain before a moment even arrived, this one is for you.

• Ecclesiastes 3:1–14

• Psalm 46:10

Welcome to Season 4 of Dear.YWHW!! In this quick short episode, I reflect on the tension between joy and grief, sharing how a fulfilling day walking in my purpose also brought deep emotions of loss. I discuss how Jesus wept for Lazarus, reminding us that grief doesn’t mean a lack of faith. It simply means we’re human. Even in sorrow, God is working, just as Romans 8:28 assures us. My challenge: embrace the good days, feel them fully, and thank God for them even when they come with tears.

Welcome to Dear.YHWH! I'm Ashley Crystal, and I’m excited to share how this podcast evolved from Asking Mary Jane to Dear.YHWH. After a month of prayer and fasting, God called me to a fresh new name and start a new story, right in the middle of the chapter. Something I know so much about.

In this episode, I’ll talk about the spiritual battles and revelations during my 25-day fast, how it deepened my faith, and the importance of trusting God’s work in our lives. Whether you’re a long-time listener or new, this episode is about embracing your identity in Christ.

In this episode, we explore what it truly means to stand strong in our faith, even in the face of challenges and distractions. I'll be sharing personal stories, diving into timeless wisdom from the Bible, and offering practical insights to help us all deepen our connection with God. I also mention a few things that are occuring in todays society. Tune in. Also go grab my E-book "Walking with Christ: Embracing Faith for Holistic Well-being"

Scriptures mentioned:

1. Proverbs 18:5: "It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice."

2. Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

3. Romans 10:9: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

4. Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

5. Galatians 3:26: "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith."

6. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7: "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."

7. Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

8. 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

9. Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

10. Matthew 22:37-38: "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.'"

11. Psalm 139:14: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

12. Ephesians 5:8: "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."

This episode explores the struggle between enjoying worldly pleasures and living a life that honors God. Tune in for encouragement to examine your ways honestly and pursue a life of holiness and fulfillment.

Scriptures mentioned: Lamentations 3:40, Romans 12:2