Building Zion Podcast

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

Do you ever catch yourself saying, “That’s just how I was born”?
In this episode, we explore how God calls us higher than our natural tendencies and weaknesses. Discover why our struggles are not random but part of a divine plan to help us become like Him.
Through the power of the Atonement, Christ meets us in our weakest moments and turns them into strength.
This isn’t just about personal growth — it’s about building Zion, one transformed heart at a time. Learn how overcoming weakness prepares us to gather Israel and strengthen the Lord’s kingdom.
To schedule an Emotional Release Session, click the link:
https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process

In this powerful episode, we explore what it really means to be “born again”—moving from a church-centered life of routines and checklists to a deeply personal, Christ-centered relationship with the Savior.
Even when we’re doing all the “right” things—attending church, praying, studying scriptures—many still feel a lingering distance from God. Why? Because closeness isn’t found by doing more, but by removing what’s keeping us far.
Discover five practical keys to genuine intimacy with God:
• Dropping the mask and praying with raw honesty
• Learning to sit in silence and listen
• Turning scriptures into a living conversation
• Pursuing obedience from love, not performance
• Choosing connection daily, even when you don’t feel like it
If you’ve been thirsting for more but feel stuck in spiritual routines, this episode will help you rediscover your first love and experience the fruit of the Tree of Life.
The Savior is closer than you think—He’s just waiting for you to draw near.
To schedule an Emotional Release Session, click on the link below:
https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process

In this episode, we explore the transformative journey from a church-centered life to a Christ-centered one—and what it really means to be spiritually reborn.
Drawing from President David O. McKay’s powerful vision of those who have “truly been born again,” Lehi’s dream of the Tree of Life, and key scriptures like Ether 12, 2 Nephi 33, and Alma 33, we discuss how the fruit of the tree represents the pure love of God (charity) and how we reach it through the iron rod: scriptures, prophetic words, and personal revelation.
We examine why many of us stay stuck in checklist Christianity—like the Pharisees or Laman and Lemuel—and how a deep, personal relationship with “my Jesus” (2 Nephi 33:6) changes everything. Believing in Christ is not the same as believing Christ—trusting He will heal, redeem, and provide for you personally.
I share a vulnerable story from our family’s recent move into our long-awaited home: the faith-filled journey, the unexpected loss of our largest client right after closing, and the tender miracle that came just days later—evidence that Christ-centered trust brings peace amid trials.
Ultimately, this spiritual rebirth bridges the gap between rules and relationship, grounding us in truth while opening the door to greater revelation. When we combine a solid church foundation with a reborn heart, we become of one mind and one heart—building Zion together.
If you’re craving the pure love of God and wondering how to move beyond the checklist into a living relationship with the Savior, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
• The essential role of personal revelation
• Overcoming the lies that keep us from believing Christ can work in our lives
• Why both Church and Christ-centered living matter
• Practical hope for facing trials with trust
Scripture Highlights: Lehi’s Dream, Ether 12:34, 2 Nephi 33:6, Alma 33:20, President Ezra Taft Benson on being Born of God.
To schedule an Emotional Release Process with me, click the link and it will take you to my schedule:
https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process

We often learn to identify ourself by our hobbies, occupations, failures, successes, traumas, or by what others identify us as. But do those identities always serve us or are they really us?
When those identities start to create tension in our life, God is often inviting us to upgrade our identity to one that is more in alignment with who we really are.
There is one identity though, that should never change. One that we should center all other identities around.
To schedule an Emotional Release Process with me, click on the link below.
https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process

Life is hard.
God wants us to transform and grow. That growth comes from allowing ourself to become a new creature.
Learning to sit in the tension, and work through our emotions, beliefs, and shadows allows for that transformation.
Clink on the link below to schedule an Emotional Release Session: https://calendly.com/smashly85/emotional-release-process