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In this episode we continue our spiritual warfare series by examining two of the adversary’s most common and personal strategies: temptation and oppression. We explore how Satan attacks our thoughts, identity, and core beliefs, and how these attacks are designed to keep us from becoming a Zion people—pure in heart and of one mind. We also go deeper into the biblical concept of principalities, the legalistic nature of lower-level spirits, and the practical authority every covenant disciple carries through the name of Jesus Christ, temple covenants, and the Atonement. Episode Overview • Why studying spiritual warfare is necessary and does not invite darkness • The rising visibility of the occult and the need for sober awareness • A balanced posture: respect the enemy’s reality without fear • Satan cannot create—he only counterfeits • Biblical hierarchy of demonic forces, with special focus on principalities • How demons operate legalistically and why precise language and authority matter • John 10:10 – the thief’s mission to steal, kill (sacrifice), and destroy • Temptation through the pathway of Wounds, Lies, Vows, and Strongholds (WLVS) • Demonic oppression: external pressure on thoughts, health, circumstances, and calling • Personal examples of oppression timed to prevent temple worship and kingdom work • Practical defenses: closing legal doors, protecting the mind, walking in covenant authority, and building Zion one healed heart at a time Key Scriptures • John 5:19 – The Son does only what He sees the Father do • Ephesians 6:12 – Wrestling against principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness • Daniel 10 – The prince of Persia and spiritual territorial resistance • Colossians 1:16 & 2:15 – Christ created and then disarmed principalities and powers • Mark 9:29 – “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” • John 10:10 – The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy Key Takeaways • Principalities are high-ranking spiritual forces that influence cultures, ideologies, and systems; their pressure eventually reaches individual minds and hearts. • Lower-level spirits are legalistic—they respond to clear, complete commands issued in the name of Jesus Christ and will exploit any unclosed door. • Temptation often travels the path of unhealed wounds → accepted lies → self-made vows → lasting strongholds that shape identity and beliefs. • Oppression is external spiritual pressure that can affect health, finances, relationships, and timing, especially before a person steps into greater usefulness in the Lord’s work. • The most powerful currency in the spiritual realm is the blood of Jesus Christ and the covenants we have made. • We are attacked not because we are worthless, but because we are effective. • Zion begins with individual minds and hearts that have rejected the lies, broken the unholy vows, and anchored their identity in Christ. Practical Application • Take every accusing thought captive and replace it with truth. • Close legal doors through sincere repentance. • Use clear, authoritative language when confronting spiritual opposition. • Shape your home environment to reflect the Zion you want to help build. • Remember: the same Christ who disarmed principalities still works miracles today. This episode is part of an ongoing series on spiritual warfare. Future episodes will continue exploring additional forms of attack and the full armor the Lord has provided.

In this opening episode of the Spiritual Warfare series, we begin by arming ourselves before exploring the darker realities of the conflict. The war that began in the premortal realm is ongoing—and intensifying—as we draw closer to the time when Christ will reign. Satan is cornered and raging. Fear of naming him only increases his power. Instead, we are invited to study our enemy, stand in the middle ground of clear-eyed preparation (neither denial nor obsession), and use the real weapons the Lord has provided. These weapons are not merely for personal survival. They are the tools that help us build Zion—pure-in-heart homes and lives that become places of refuge in a darkening world.

Hearing God at General Conference, Prepares our hearts for Personal Revelation. General Conference is more than an event—it is a sacred invitation to hear the voice of God and take one more step toward Zion. In this short episode, Ashley shares five simple but powerful ways to prepare your heart so the Spirit can speak clearly, even in the middle of real life. From asking the questions God wants you to ask, to recognizing your personal army of angels, to embracing the season (and chaos) you’re in, these practices help turn Conference into a deeply personal conversation with the Lord.

In this episode I share what happened after the conversation with my son’s football coach—and the beautiful ripple effect that followed when I chose empowerment over the drama triangle. From there we explore the different levels of learning available to us in mortality (Telestial, Terrestrial, and Celestial), using the metaphor of seeing mountains for the first time. We talk about what it actually takes to part the veil, the role of true sacrifice, why we can’t skip steps in our growth, and how all of this prepares us to help build Zion. To schedule an Emotional Release Process, click the link: https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process

In this episode we explore Stephen Karpman’s Drama Triangle (Victim, Hero/Rescuer, Villain) and its powerful counterpart, the Empowerment Triangle (Creator, Coach, Challenger). Drawing from personal notes and real-life patterns, we look at how these roles show up in everyday relationships, conflict, and even our spiritual communities. We use the analogy of a play: most stories begin with the main character stuck in the Drama Triangle, but the best ones—the ones that actually transform us—are the ones where the main character wakes up, steps out of the old script, and moves into empowerment. The conversation ties directly into Zion: what it looks like to build a people of pure heart and real agency by noticing the roles we play and choosing differently. To schedule an Emotional Release Process with me, click on the link: https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process

We all create stories in our minds about what other people mean, especially when something triggers us. Most of the time those stories aren’t true—but we still ruminate on them, project them onto others (and sometimes onto God), and let them shape our relationships. In this episode we explore why the brain is wired to create these narratives, how trauma colors the lens we hear people through, and practical ways to question the stories, release the emotions attached to them, and move toward clearer connection and Zion unity. To schedule an Emotional Release Session with me, click the link: https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process

In this episode we go deeper into the power of the mind. We explore how the three main parts of the brain—especially the ancient reptilian survival brain—shape our automatic reactions, and how Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is actually an invitation to move out of that reactive circuitry into higher, Spirit-led thinking. Through the lens of the brain, trauma responses, and key Beatitudes, we discover that the Sermon is practical training for building Zion: a people of pure heart who respond rather than react.

Your thoughts are real forces. They are seeds. And the mind is a living garden that God has entrusted to you. In this episode we explore how repeated thoughts take root in the subconscious, shape neural pathways, and eventually appear as the circumstances of our lives. Drawing on the law of cause and effect, the science of how the brain works, and the beautiful invitation of repentance as a change of mind, we look at what it means to become the master gardener of our inner world. You’ll hear a personal story of shifting from the belief that “life is hard” to the living truth that “all things work together for my good,” along with two powerful teachings from President Russell M. Nelson on the Greek meaning of repentance and the daily, liberating process of changing the way we think. Whether you are carrying heavy thoughts, praying for breakthrough, or simply longing to partner more fully with the Lord in the renewal of your mind, this conversation is an invitation to pick up the tools, tend the soil, and watch what He grows. To schedule an Emotional Release Process, click on the link: https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process

In this episode we go deeper into spiritual gifts—what they really are, how they differ from talents, how to recognize the light and dark sides of every gift, and how to intentionally work within them. Drawing from personal experiences, scripture, and teachings from Elder Bednar and Elder Uchtdorf, we explore why spiritual gifts are essential for becoming like Christ and how they will function as the true currency of Zion. To schedule an Emotional Release Process with me, click on the link: https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process

In this episode we move into the practical heart of the series: how to properly interpret a dream. You’ll learn how to discern whether a dream is from the Lord, how to receive clear yes-and-no answers through the Holy Ghost, how to carefully unpack symbolism, and why every true dream carries a call to action. We also walk through a real dream interpretation together so you can see the process in action. To schedule an Emotional Release Process with me, click the link https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process

In this episode, Ashley explores the sacred gifts of dreams and visions. She distinguishes between divine dreams, spirit-led dreams, and adversarial dreams, explains how visions differ from dreams, and shares personal experiences that illustrate their power. Listeners are invited to approach these gifts with humility, discernment, and a firm foundation in Christ as essential preparation for building Zion—one mind and one heart at a time. To schedule an Emotion Release Process with me, hit the link and it will take you to my schedule: https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process

In this episode of the Building Zion Podcast, Ashley shares a deeply personal story of how the Lord used dreams to guide her through multiple miscarriages and ultimately bring her son Ethan into the world. She explores how dreams and visions are a real form of communication from the Lord when our spiritual eyes are open, the importance of understanding symbolism, the difference between the gift of dreams and the gift of interpretation, and common false beliefs that can block us from receiving this revelation. Drawing on scripture, personal experience, and prophetic teachings, Ashley shows how dreams can refine us, reveal our personal mission, and help us become a people of one mind and one heart—prepared to build Zion before the Second Coming. Key Scriptures & Quotes • Revelation 2:4–5 • Helaman 11:23 • Joel 2:28 / Acts 2:17 • Wendy Watson: “It is my testimony that the heavens are open. They are open for the prophet of the Lord, and they are open to each and every one of us as we do the requisite spiritual work.” • Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (2014, “Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth”): “The Everlasting and Almighty God… will speak to those who approach Him with a sincere heart and real intent. He will speak to them in dreams, visions, thoughts, and feelings…” • President Gordon B. Hinckley (2001): “The vision of Joel has been fulfilled.” In This Episode • Ashley’s personal journey with prophetic dreams during her miscarriages and the birth of her son Ethan • Why dreams are often symbolic and how the Lord speaks in our own language • The difference between the gift of dreams and the gift of interpreting dreams • How to stay grounded and avoid deception when interpreting dreams • Common false beliefs that limit our ability to receive dreams and visions • Why dreams and visions matter in the last days as we prepare to build Zion Next Week We’ll go deeper into the differences between dreams and visions, practical steps for interpreting them, and how to know if a dream is from the Lord. Connect & Build Zion With Us • Follow the podcast and leave a review • Instagram: @building.zion • Schedule an emotional release session: https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process Keep building Zion—one mind and one heart at a time.

What if the scriptures are far richer than we’ve been taught? In this episode, we explore symbolism — the language of God — and how learning it transforms our understanding of the scriptures, our covenants, and our personal relationship with the Savior. Using the Parable of the Good Samaritan as a powerful example, we move from the beautiful surface-level lesson of compassion to a deeper layer that reveals Christ as our Good Samaritan on the dangerous road of mortality. We also discuss the crimson worm of Psalm 22, the symbolic power of the number 40, and practical ways to begin seeing with spiritual eyes. If you’re ready to make the scriptures come alive and better understand your role in building Zion, this episode is for you. To schedule an Emotional Release Process with me, click on the link: https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process

In this vulnerable and faith-filled episode, I share the sacred personal stories of how God used birds — and other ordinary things — to speak to me during pivotal moments in my spiritual journey. From my very first “bird tap” on my birthday to a full flock answering my doubts and a winter bird confirming our land purchase, these experiences taught me how to truly see with spiritual eyes and hear the Lord’s personal guidance. Whether you’re just beginning to recognize God’s hand in your life or you’ve been walking with Him for years, this episode will encourage you to open your spiritual senses and trust that He speaks to you in ways tailored to your heart. Key Topics • The beginning of spiritual awakening and seeing with spiritual eyes • How God speaks through everyday objects, animals, songs, and moments • My personal “bird stories” and the powerful confirmations they brought • Moving forward in faith even when fear and doubt are present • Building a Zion-centered life through obedience and personal revelation • A gentle warning about putting God in a box vs. staying open to His will. Timestamps • 00:00 – Welcome & recap of last week’s episode • 02:45 – Why I rarely share these sacred experiences • 06:10 – The Birthday Tap: My first powerful bird story (B.I.R.D.) • 12:30 – The Quilt & Second Confirmation • 19:45 – The Flock That Answered My Deepts Doubts • 25:10 – The Winter Bird and the Land • 31:50 – Learning to See and Hear Spiritually • 38:20 – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland quote & closing testimony • 44:15 – Final encouragement & prayerful invitation Key Takeaways • God knows you personally and delights in speaking to you in intimate, unmistakable ways. • Ordinary things (birds, quilts, songs, conversations) can become sacred channels of revelation. • Spiritual eyes and ears grow stronger with time, patience, and practice. • Faith means moving forward even when fear is present. • “Thy will be done” keeps our hearts open to however He chooses to answer. • These personal experiences are foundational to building Zion in our homes and communities. To schedule an Emotional Release Session with me, click here: https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process

What if one of the clearest signs you’re being born again is learning to see life through spiritual eyes? In this episode, Ashley shares powerful personal stories of divine protection, answered prayers, and tender mercies that taught her to recognize God’s hand instead of coincidence. Discover how shifting from natural eyes to spiritual vision transforms your relationship with Christ and helps you build Zion one heart at a time. To schedule an Emotional Release Process with me, click the link: https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process