tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71913161569337549022024-02-19T01:36:22.961-08:00Something Beautiful,Butte-ifulAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-68496336402296320582012-03-20T17:54:00.002-07:002012-03-20T17:57:13.615-07:00Don't Chase the WindHave you ever tried to catch the wind? Perhaps you once launched a kite on a passing breeze or trimmed your sails to harness the swirling air currents to propel your sailboat forward. But did you honestly catch the wind- or did it catch you? Wind is elusive. It is intangible. Chimes or catchers hanging on your back porch may detect its presence or point out its direction, but they never contain it.<br />
Solomon discovered that finding pleasure is as elusive as catching the wind. He pursued everything imaginable to achieve lasting bliss. But the <b>smartest</b> man alive still had a restless mind. The <b>richest</b> man in the world couldn't buy happiness. The <b>most powerful</b> person in the kingdom was unable to satisfy his own heart. And although he had 700 wives and 300 concubines, <b>he never found true love</b>. His conclusion? These pursuits were meaningless, completely unsatisfying.<br />
Securing happiness on our own is like trying to catch the wind. We can try to chase it, but it will always remain just out of reach. The Bible teaches us that instead of searching for happiness, we should allow God's joy and peace to reign in our hearts. Instead of striving for the things we think will satisfy, we can learn to find true contentment by looking to God, whatever our circumstance. <br />
The Bible often uses the word <i>blessed</i>, which means "oh, how happy." To God, blessed ppl are happy people and happy ppl are blessed. Solomon's father, King David, said blessed are those whose sins are forgiven (Psalm 32:1), who trust in the Lord (Psalm 40:4) and who draw near to God. <br />
The true source of pleasure is God. <br />
Don't waste your time trying to catch the wind; instead, find true happiness by laying hold of the Wind Maker. :)Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-44883570338915480112011-10-15T19:24:00.001-07:002011-10-15T19:24:10.920-07:00my theme song :)<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FFEoIYDChxc?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-26691598061333674782011-10-15T19:19:00.000-07:002011-10-15T19:19:28.491-07:00all i want is a dream life, life :)27. this is the new number in my life a.k.a my age as of Wed :) <br />
A constant theme leading up to my birthday and after from friends: "hope this is the best year yet," "you deserve the best," "this is going to be your rock star year" -- I have some pretty special ppl in my life who not only encourage me but believe in me. Which is just what I need :) <br />
You see, I live not only for Jesus but for my dream life... no student loans, giving back to friends, family, and strangers- no matter how big or small the cost, changing the lives of others, traveling, being married, having a family, working with a passion and working on my own time, being a part of the bigger picture, etc. To some my dreams seem just like that- a dream. God has given me the desire though to go after what I want, to not give up even when faced with challenges, to persevere. The trouble with having all this passion for your dreams is the wait. Learning how to wait well...I fail at patience time and time again. We live in a society that craves for everything to be instant upon our request. <br />
I came across a message from a friend that really hit home for me then and had the same effect a year later. I hope that no matter where you are in life that you have not given up on your dreams :) Whatever desires God has placed in your heart He has given you-- go after them!!<br />
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so read the words of a fellow human in waiting :)<br />
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I had a realization last week about WAITING.<br />
Like a lot of people I know, I’m not a huge fan of waiting. I’ve become more patient the last few years, but waiting still isn’t on the top of my list of favorite activities. Waiting is tough. Sometimes waiting makes me excited, but more often than not, it makes me confused, lost, tired, weary, depressed, anxious, lonely, doubtful, paranoid…in other words, no matter what it is that I’m waiting for, waiting doesn’t always bring out the best in me.<br />
But here’s what I realized. I often forget that God’s timing is perfect. He has already seen all things from beginning to end. He knows all our needs and He knows when to provide them. All of the wonderful things that God has in store for us are already marked down in His datebook.<br />
Let me say that again.<br />
All of the wonderful things that God has in store for us are already marked down in His datebook.<br />
So we can twist and turn and beat ourselves up, trying to manipulate God’s timing, but it won’t work. We can try to make ourselves “more ready” or push ourselves to places where we think we ought to be, in the hopes that we’ll get to our “promised land” sooner than later, but all our efforts will be in vain. The appointment is already marked. And the date that God marked is perfect.<br />
Here’s an illustration: I love Christmas. I love choosing gifts for my loved ones, and I love receiving gifts as well. I love all the parties and the food, I love the weather, I love the red cups at Starbucks. But no matter what I do today, December will not come tomorrow. I can write down my shopping list, prepare my budget, and buy Christmas wrappers, but tomorrow will still be June, and Starbucks will still have white cups. So what do I do in the meantime? I can’t live every day of June, trying to convince God and everyone else around me that it’s December. Not a good idea. I just have to remember that June is June, and there will be a lot of great blessings that will come with this month and this season, and I have to live in the moment and keep my eyes, ears, and heart open for what God’s going to do today, this week, this month, and this season.<br />
How blessed are we, that He who holds our datebooks is faithful, loving, and all-knowing! And He reveals bits and pieces of His good, pleasing, and perfect will today, tomorrow, and each and every day of our lives. :)<br />
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-62306890909950907162011-08-29T18:39:00.001-07:002011-08-29T18:39:47.868-07:00remind me father<iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eKyY8zfjBMQ?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-44378496475538149922011-08-29T18:23:00.000-07:002011-08-29T18:23:32.147-07:00Stand FirmStand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:14–17 NIV)<br />
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God knows you’re on the front lines of spiritual warfare, so he has provided you the tools to stand your ground. <br />
Pray: <br />
“Father, today, in Jesus’ name, I put on the belt of truth. I know who I am; I know the Holy Spirit is in me, and the one who is in me is greater than the one who is in the world.<br />
“Thank you that I can put on the breastplate of righteousness. In all situations, help me to respond from truth and not my emotions. <br />
“Today I strap on the sandals of the gospel of peace. Wherever I go, I can help others make peace with you. Help me to remember the difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper, and that mercy triumphs over judgment.<br />
“You, my shield of faith, are sufficient to protect me from any arrows the enemy throws my way, and I recognize this faith comes by hearing the Word of God.<br />
“Thank you for giving me the mind of Christ. Because I wear the helmet of salvation, my mind is being renewed by the power of God, and I take thoughts captive for Christ.<br />
“The sword of the Spirit is your Word, the Bible. With guidance from the Holy Spirit, I use your Word to deflect any attacks from the enemy, knowing I do not battle flesh and blood but the father of all lies. <br />
“Lord, I set my mind and heart on you today, dedicating this whole day to you. I only want your will for my life. Through the name and blood of Jesus, amen.”<br />
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Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-71058620723566888102011-07-15T05:55:00.000-07:002011-07-15T05:55:25.847-07:00Caffeine<b>Inside Out</b><br />
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I really liked my devo. today and thought you might too ;)<br />
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Like many women each morning, perhaps you wake up, pour yourself a cup of coffee, take a shower and then get ready to meet the world. <br />
The care involved in our routines begs the question: how much time do we spend getting ready <i>spiritually</i> each morning? Do we take any time at all to ask God to guide us during our day? Do we read the scriptures, meditate or pray so that we can be more patient, kind and loving? Or do we worry more about getting out the door than about the condition of our hearts? <br />
Caring for our outward appearance is not wrong...as long as we don't neglect focusing on our inner thoughts and attitudes too. The prophet Jeremiah noted that women are unlikely to forget their accessories, but God's ppl are prone to forget him. If we are honest, we'll admit that we are much like the Israelites. In the midst of our busy lives, God often gets pushed to the bottom of our to-do lists. But spiritual growth happens from the inside out.<br />
Try this: as you shower, praise God for the cleansing that Jesus' forgiveness provides. As you're getting dressed, thank God for clothing you with Christ's righteousness. When you put on your moisturizer, ask God to soften your heart to his leading throughout the day. As you apply your makeup, thank him for being the foundation of your life. When you put in your contacts, ask God to give you eyes to see his workings in the world. And as you put on your earrings, thank him for beautifying your life with the fruits of the Spirit. <br />
Who knows? After talking to God throughout the morning, you might not even need caffeine!!<br />
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"Does a maiden forget her jewlery, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my ppl have forgotten me, days without number." - Jeremiah 2:32Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-44263397556601287542011-07-04T06:43:00.000-07:002011-07-04T06:45:46.822-07:00Good for Your Heart and Soul<b>Accomplish Great Things by Using The Daffodil Principle</b> <br />
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<i>"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." </i>- Mother Teresa<br />
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Does it ever seem daunting standing at the foot of a 'mountain' - exhausting when facing a long road ahead - overwhelming envisioning what 'could be' or disheartening when considering all the necessary good that must be done? The Daffodil Principle story has been going around the internet for years and came around to me again recently. I pass on the inspiration to keep pressing towards your passions, goals and desires - one step at time.<br />
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"50,000 bulbs, one at a time, by one woman, 2 hands, 2 feet and very little brain. Began in 1958." This is the sign that answers the questions you might ask when encountering five acres of gorgeous daffodils planted by Gene Bauer over 40 years that burst into bloom each spring in the San Bernardino high mountain range of Southern California. How can this vision of beauty inspire us? <br />
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<b>1. Take it one at a time</b> <br />
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<i>"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one."</i> - Mother Teresa<br />
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How did Mother Teresa reach out to meet the needs of so many hurting people in the world around her? One act of kindness, one person at a time. How did Anne Grizzle climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with her son? Pole, pole - that's Swahili for - slowly, slowly. One step at a time. I think of how I got through years of graduate schooling with two small children. One page at a time. One day at a time.<br />
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What are you facing that you need to take it - 'one at a time'?<br />
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<b>2. Don't wait until ...</b> <br />
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<i>"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." </i>Anne Frank<br />
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Doesn't it make you a little sad to think of what you might have accomplished and achieved if you had thought of such a great goal many years ago and worked away at it 'one bulb at a time'? I would love a hillside of daffodils! But, as the original story goes, it's so pointless to think of our lost hours of yesterdays. Instead, ask "How can I put this to use today?"<br />
Don't wait until ... whatever it may be. Usually it's enough time, enough money, things settle down, or you've got it all figured out.<br />
It's never too late to begin to seed and cultivate for the rest of your life.<br />
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<b>3. What's your 'one thing'?</b> <br />
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<i>"Vocation is where our greatest passion meets the world's greatest need."</i> Frederick Buechner<br />
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Where can your passion and a need connect? What have you always wanted to have, to do? There is a Japanese concept known as ikigai - which means having something worth living for - meaning and purpose. Dr. Martin Seligman reports that there are three prospective Japanese studies of ikigai that all point to high levels of ikigai reducing the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, even when controlling for traditional risk factors and perceived stress. When we have a vision, a passion, meaning and purpose, and we cultivate it each day, we have something worthwhile to live for and it extends our health, well-being and longevity.<br />
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<b>4. Use the accumulation of time</b><br />
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<i>"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest."</i>Albert Einstein <br />
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Use the accumulation of tiny pieces of time, multiplying it with small increments of daily effort and small gestures of love and kindness to accomplish magnificent things. This is how we make a difference, reach our goals and change the world.<br />
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As a little boy in Germany, Volker Kraft had always dreamed of an Easter Tree. In 1965 he started with 18 colored plastic eggs. It became a family tradition in their home town of Saalfeld, Germany and by 2010 the tree reached an incredible 9,500 eggs. <br />
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My financial advisor calls this principle 'compounding interest'. Invest a little money frequently and wisely, and over time, it builds up and multiplies. <br />
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<b>God calls us to 'bear much fruit that will last', using our one heart, one mind, two hands, two feet and every minute of each day. There is no way of getting around that process.</b>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-17946372776670464362011-07-01T07:08:00.000-07:002011-07-01T07:08:22.298-07:00a new chapter :)wow it's july!!!! after the 4th it always seems like it's downhill from there... school will start for kids again, fball season, fairs, leaves change colors, pull out winter clothes, MY BIRTHDAY, thanksgiving, christmas. ok. so maybe thats jumping the gun, but it's upon us. <br />
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just as the weather and months change so is my life. (feel free to skip down halfway to the bold text haha)<br />
if you would have told me months ago i would be where i'm at right now i would never have thought so much could happen in so little of time...but i would have been wrong. <br />
coming back from africa was a huge adjustment; i came back to america knowing i would be looking for a place to live right away, jumping into the rest of my maid-of-honor duties, catching up at work,and wrapping my mind around all that god had shown me in africa. did i mention i was moving in the midst of all this?! this was at the end of march beginning of april. just as i am feeling settled in my new room, and life is starting to come together, my boss tells me that is has to let me go at the photography studio. this came as a huge surprise...but to be honest, i wasn't angry or hurt. i felt free. since moving our studio to a new location earlier in the year and then upon be arriving back from africa, i found myself asking the question- is this it?! this is my life? i wanted to be a part of something so much bigger than myself- i wouldn't have left my job- but god has other plans. so after the shock and some tears, not to mention i had to tell my mom the next day, on mother's day :/ (mom, next year i promise i will have better news!!) i picked myself up and decided the world was at my fingertips :) what did i want to do?? did i want to move somewhere else?? what did god have planned?? in the meantime i knew i still needed to find some kind of work to do ;) god sure did provide though. i have some of the BEST ppl in my life...i am blessed and humbled by their generous and loving hearts, to put a roof over my head, feed me, provide work for me, listen, and pray for me. i started to do odd jobs- found i am a pretty good painter ;) <br />
i was given a lot of great advice and encouragment from friends and family during that month (may)... you know who you are and i am forever greatful for you and all you have done to get me where i'm at. i never felt alone, or defeated. i knew god would see me through this, he only gives us what we can handle right? ;) i took a lot of deep breaths, had many nights where i would just think what the heck am i gonna do?! but today i can tell you <i>i</i> didn't need or do anything but just believe and trust in god the best i could.<br />
the week after memorial day wknd i woke up on a tues. and thought, i still don't have a job! - (it's funny to me that i had not had a job the whole time previous to that but it had not dawned on me till THAT MORNING! ;) <br />
i had been applying to jobs and thinking about nannying for the summer just to buy some time but nothing had happened yet. i should mention that before i got let go at the studio i had been planning a trip to portland,or in september. i have a great friend out there, jacob, and bless his heart he has been telling me to come visit for the past 5 years he has been there ;) it had just never been the right time for me- i had college, or a relationship, a job, etc. well the night i lost my job all i could think about was how much i wanted to go to portland. for real, as i am sitting there talking to dave (my boss) my mind is off dreaming ha <br />
so back to the tuesday morning i woke up remembering i don't have a job- i was sitting in bed looking at airline tickets to portland haha ok not as weird as it sounds, i get updates when there are good deals ;) <br />
jacob and i had talked about sept. like i said but a good friend my mine encouraged me i should go out earlier, before i got a job. there were some dates in july i had been watching...but even if i found something awesome i couldn't rationalize spending the money when i was unemployed. so i just prayed about it, god knew my heart and what i wanted, i told him that if i wasn't supposed to go to please just close that door- let me move on and just focus on the next step. i also prayed for a job- i was waiting to hear back from a couple ppl about nannying. <b>are u ready?! if you were reading a book this is the chapter that you wake up for, that gets your heart beating fast!!! </b> eeeekk :D i get excited all over again thinking about it!! ok ok. i'll tell you ;)<br />
that same tuesday morning i prayed i went to german village to clean for a couple i know. they are so wonderful. we always catch up with what's going on in eachother's life, and they know alll about africa, the studio, portland, etc. that day carolyn asked me how things were going, if i had found any new leads, how my portland plans were turning out... i told her i was still waiting to hear back from some ppl about nannying, and that i still wanted to go to portland but if it didn't happen right now it was ok, afterall it wasn't a priority- just a want. she started telling me about her regret that she never studied abroad while in school and that if i have the chance to do something right now in life that i should do it- kinda like my trip to africa :) i totally agreed!! i'm a dreamer. everything is possible. hense the reason i was looking at flights still that same morning haha well, i am getting ready to leave their house and carolyn says, ash are you ok? i say yeah i'm ok, and she says no- are you ok financially right now? and i tell her, yeah right now i'm ok- in about 3 wks. i won't be ok but right now yeah- i won't be buying any tickets to portland anytime soon but im ok :) she looks at me and says well, i want you to tell me if you find a good deal to portland, i will buy you a ticket. (pretty sure my heart stopped) i said no, i can't let you guys do that! she said well we want to help in any little way we can, promise me you will call me and let me know if you find something. (i'm in shock and not sure if my heart is beating again) i finally promised her, and left their house humbled and greatful. oh p.s. i had 2 missed calls from families wanting a nanny as well ;) wow. i drove home speechless. actually that's not true, all i could do was thank god :)<br />
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i could continue to write chapter after chapter right now about what god is doing in my life. although i don't have all the answers, i have been blessed to have him just provide and love on me so much. i feel so ready for the next chapter of my life!! <br />
i leave for portland next week, for a week :) i am beyond excited!! it's like the joy of christmas morning is bottled up inside me!! haha<br />
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i want to share one of my fav. songs right now:<br />
<iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9q6o4sbndVE?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br />
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god is the way. your dreams are possible. we need to have a childlike faith- children believe with simple hearts- knowing if they ask, it will be provided. <br />
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the following is from one of my devos last week:<br />
<b>“If you want to know what God really wants you to do, ask him . . . but if you don’t ask in faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.” James 1:5-6 (LB)<br />
God wants to direct you in life, but two things need to line up: You have to ask the right person—God—and you have to ask with the right attitude—in faith—expecting an answer. <br />
Have you ever asked God for something and didn’t expect to get it? That’s why you didn’t get it. God works in our lives according to faith. So many times we say, “God, please guide me!” and walk away not even waiting for guidance. We just immediately start to work. We say, “God, I want you to give me wisdom. Help me make the right decision.” But we don’t really expect Him to do that. We think it all depends on us. <br />
God has promised to give us wisdom, if we will ask. Wisdom is seeing life from God’s point of view. Wisdom is the ability to make decisions the way God makes decisions. <br />
Think about this: God never makes a bad decision. He never makes a mistake. He says if we trust Him and listen to Him, He will guide us. But we must ask in faith.<br />
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i hope you have an amazing wknd :) let god show you how MUCH he loves YOU!!! it's ok to ask him. he's waiting. <br />
stay tuned.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-83497876730437873622011-05-10T08:37:00.000-07:002011-05-10T08:37:24.466-07:00my heart is soaring :)this morning i got a surprise chat from Charity, Rebecca, and the children :) how awesome is technology-- they are in AFRICA and we got to communicate!!! their kind words and affirmation of love is just what i needed. to know that countires seperate us but God's love makes us feel so close.<br />
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"<i>WE will be praying that God will put you in a job that will bless you and fulfill a desire of your heart!!! FAVOR is on you daughter of the Most High! :)<br />
Tonight during prayers we will lift you up!" </i> -- this is from Rebecca-- what more could i ask for??<br />
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i appreciate everyones love and prayers during this time, not just theirs. i am extrememly blessed to have such an amazing community, family, and friends who lift me up and our out their love. to you, i am thankful :)Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-61867023479050009332011-05-03T21:43:00.002-07:002011-05-03T21:43:45.968-07:00One For One Movement - A Pair Of New Shoes Is Given To A Child In Need With Every Pair Purchased - TOMS.com<a href="http://www.toms.com/our-movement/">One For One Movement - A Pair Of New Shoes Is Given To A Child In Need With Every Pair Purchased - TOMS.com</a>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-73492144796151325592011-05-03T20:21:00.000-07:002011-05-03T20:21:25.428-07:00a love like thisi LOVE baptism sundays at the vineyard!!<br />
they are SOO refreshing. <i>thank you jesus for moving the hearts of these ppl, your followers, to declare your name in public.</i><br />
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i have seen a lot of baptisms performed before but the first time i was at vineyard and it happened to be baptism sunday i was amazed at how many ppl there were going to be!! all the ppl getting baptized line up along the side of the balcony and just filter down...that day there had to be over 100...men, women, and children. during the baptisms, they have the whole thing up on the big screens and the worship band is playing, ppl are cheering, ppl are crying, its awesome. days like that really bring everything in life back to focus. what this life is all about. i didn't know a soul getting baptized but there i was cheering and clapping, crying along with them :) my friend turns to me and he said, ash i feel like ur giving me a baptism over here- lol <br />
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i went a couple weeks ago to baptism sunday and wasn't there but 10 mins. when this couple caught my eye. the rest is from my journal, yeah, i actually had to stop worshipping and write down how much what i saw touched my heart.<br />
<i>there is a man and a woman getting baptized today- she looks so excited, and he is wearing a shirt that says i heart shareena. melt. they are married. as they stand in line you can tell she is just bursting w/excitment! so precious! i can't even help but watch them :) <br />
watching her husband support her, pray over her, and stand beside her in the baptism pool was truly a gift from God. my heart yearns for a love like this from God. <br />
Father i pray that you would prepare my heart for whatever you have planned for my life. It is hard for me to let go of my wishes and dreams but I will try. <br />
as you wish.</i><br />
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God wants to give us every desire in our hearts. i believe that he has a man that is even better than my dreams. there will not be perfection. but there will be love. strength. loyalty. faith. hope. friendship. a foundation built upon jesus. <br />
don't give up. don't settle. <br />
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can u trust god for one more day? <br />
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<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Zg4cYdP1ngw?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-77168398121656777202011-04-23T09:34:00.001-07:002011-04-23T09:34:25.638-07:00Jesus HAS RISEN :)Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. <br />
His love endures forever. <br />
Give thanks to the God of gods. <br />
His love endures forever. <br />
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: <br />
His love endures forever.<br />
To him who alone does great wonders, <br />
His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-4 (NIV) <br />
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At the end of a Passover meal, they sang a hymn. They sang the same hymn at the end of every Passover meal and they've done it for thousands of years. It is Psalm 136. <br />
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The disciples sang this with Jesus. One of the Gospels says they sang a hymn and they went out. We know what hymn they sang because this the one you sing at the end of a Passover meal.<br />
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They sang, “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of Lord's, his love endures forever. To him who alone does great wonders, his love endures forever.”<br />
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As we celebrate the fact the Jesus sets us free, let's, say this as a prayer to him: <br />
<br />
You left your throne in heaven,<br />
Your love endures forever.<br />
You lived a perfect sinless life,<br />
Your love endures forever.<br />
You endured the humiliation of a trial,<br />
Your love endures forever.<br />
You went to a cross and willingly died,<br />
Your love endures forever.<br />
You were in the grave for three days,<br />
Your love endures forever.<br />
And on the third day you rose again,<br />
Your love endures forever.<br />
<br />
The celebration in heaven is going to be an amazing thing and Jesus invites you to be a part of it. How does that happen? You accept the gift that he's given you, the gift of forgiveness and life.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-45302486140198142152011-04-14T19:27:00.000-07:002011-04-14T19:27:24.932-07:00you make all things work for my good :)<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QVPr1fI7acM?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-19503462830435884862011-04-14T13:28:00.000-07:002011-04-14T13:28:39.350-07:00HOW WAS AFRICA??!!This title could not be more appropriate :) <br />
A question I have heard for the past 2 wks... and a question that doesn't come with an easy answer. "it was great", and "dude, so cool" -- just are not suffice for a trip where my heart was touched, my hands held those that were in need, and my smile never left my face. <br />
I apologize for taking so long to write about my journey-- there was so much to process when I got home and I really wanted to not rush myself. I hope that this story is only the beginning, I would love to go back to Africa someday-- and as you look at my pictures I hope you see more than just a cute child. that child has hope. a dream. a future. <br />
<br />
God is real. He is alive. He is EVERYWHERE. He LOVES us so much.<br />
I didn't have to go to Africa to grasp any of those concepts. I <i>got</i> to go to Africa to <i>see</i> and to <i>feel</i> what He is doing outside my little world in Columbus, OH. <br />
<br />
Far, far away in a third world country lives a girl named Rebecca. She once asked God if He could send her anywhere that it would be to Uganda. (side note- God does answer prayers) At 27, she is a missionary in Uganda, the Director of My Father's House, and founder of a school (Royal Hope Academy) for orphaned or vulnerable children... did I mention she lives and cares for 16 children ?! Can you imagine... I mean I saw this in person and still can't believe I'm typing it. Rebecca truly has such a deep passion for the Lord, and to see children and adults who are lost, abused, neglected, orphaned, find their way. restored. loved. healed. saved. and let me tell you-- these kids just aren't walking towards Jesus, they are running :) Rebecca was a blast to be around and to learn/grow from... such an encouragement... she handed her life over to the Lord and has never looked back. <br />
<br />
I am going to try and summarize without leaving any good details out what were my highs, lows, and everything in-between ;) I have to be honest there were nights I was soo exhausted I just couldn't write in my journal. My roommate in Africa,(Alex-Anna)would always say, ash you need to at least write main points to remember for later!! yeah, wellll here goes :)<br />
<br />
Upon leaving for this trip, we were each allowed to take 2 bags for donations free of charge. I stuffed mine to the brim :) THANK YOU THANK YOU to ALL who helped make this possible. Well, Nate had a third bag and Katie had 10? 12? a lot! Well every bag past our 2 free ones would cost $200- when we went to check these bags in at the airport we learned that the bag fees had been waived!! unreal. So, Katie got to donate $2000 to Rebecca and the school :) <br />
Flying 5+ hrs. is not easy. But, my favorite flight was flying from Detroit to Amsterdam-- best flight attendants ever. One of them was from Columbus, lived in the Brewery District- small world!! So, an occasional OH-IO would travel down the aisle ;) In Detroit is where Nate and I got to meet up with Katie and the other 3 girls... such a fun group!!! I could not have asked for better ppl to share life with in a different country ;) Yes, Nate was the only guy... but he killed bugs for us, poured our water from heavy jugs, entertained us with dancing and music, and was the first to try all the food-- to make sure it was safe ;) <br />
<br />
"<i>You make all things work together for my good- help me to believe this. Allow me to be your hands and feet Father. I want to spread your love, leave my mark in Uganda. touch lives. change lives. With the power of your Son. Help me to listen for your voice Father. Give us every opportunity we can handle</i>". -- this was a journal entry/prayer I wrote before we got to Amsterdam. Halfway through this flight everything began to sink in. Then we landed-- and I thought to myself in a couple hrs. (8) ha I will land in Africa, the place I get to call home for the next week!! <br />
<br />
<b>Welcome to AFrIcA!!!!!<br />
</b>Visas- check<br />
Find 12+ black duffle bags- check<br />
Here we were. safe and sound. <br />
We were greeted at the airport by Michael, who helps Rebecca with the children and is also a Director of My Father's House, Rebecca, and Isaac who is one of the children- I believe he is 15 or 16. <br />
All of them greeted us with hugs, we exchanged names, err tried and pushed about 6 carts stacked with bags to their van haha it was instantly warm outside but it was late at night so all we could see were the stars :) huge. the stars are HUGE in Africa... I think the sky is lower ;) <br />
Well not only are the stars huge but so are the cockroaches!! ugh. Alex-Anna and I had one waiting for us in our room as soon as we arrived. awesome. Nate got it of course :) <br />
Let me just paint you a picture- and if I fail please just refer to my pictures. Alex-Anna and I walk into our room and realize that our bed is right in the middle of the room. So, naturally we decide to push it all the way against the wall- right, so we have more room for our stuff... wrong. Katie walks in and says, ya'll re-arranging the furniture already? She informs us that the bed is in the middle so that lizards don't jump onto our bed when they crawl up the walls... oh. perfect. Not only do we have to have a mosquito net draped over our bed every night but a lizard or cockroach could decide to drop in. (don't let me fool you- we were tough African women by the end of this trip) next up, our bathroom or what we had of a bathroom. Let me just tell you how BLESSED we are(in America) every time we take a shower!! Do you ever get water in your mouth while taking a shower? Do you have hot water? BLESSED. Something so small- something so fortunate to have/do. We did not have a toilet... just a porcelain hole that did flush but you had to squat over. As far as water to drink...we had a gigantic jug from the store we could fill our water bottles up with, brush our teeth with, wash our face with...Alex-Anna ;) <b>Welcome to AFrIcA!!!<br />
</b><br />
We stayed in a guest house not far from Rebecca's home. Every morning we would either walk or Michael would come get us to have Chai at their house. Chai is soo good the way Rebecca fixed it... I know that all Chai is is black tea and Chai spice but this spice comes from Africa :) After breakfast we would usually go to school to see the kids. One of my videos on facebook shows the kids all lined up outside for us when we arrived and they were singing :) Melted my heart!!! Ahhh It was during time spent at school that my heart was moved the most. They had chapel before lunch every day and to see the children worshipping and praying left me wanting what they had. It didn't matter who was around, they were crying out to their Father, on their knees and faces. Humbling. It just reminded me at the end of the day it's between God and I... not God, the person beside me at church and I... just Him and I, face to face someday. Amazing that God can use even small children to teach adults and show adults what they are missing out on. <br />
When chapel was over the kids had lunch and free time and let me tell you each one of us always had about 6 or more kids glued to our side :) Passing out silly bands was a joke-- I was scared fights were going to break out haha so we learned to just load up our arms in the morning or throughout the day and slip them on kids when they were by themselves ;) And these kids LOVE to have their pictures taken!!! It's funny, as soon as you take the picture they want to see what it looks like. You will see in a lot of my pictures Nate or Alex-Anna handing their camera's over or letting the kids see the picture... it was very cute. <br />
There was a day at the school we got to go from classroom to classroom and present each child with a book bag :) Katie had gotten book bags made/donated from her hometown in Tenn. and we would tell the children that in America there were ppl who loved them. who were praying for them. who wanted to bless them with gifts. but more importantly that these gifts came from Jesus. At one point we had children raise their hands if they did not own a book bag and every hand went up... :/ I have never been more excited to be a part of something so special. <br />
There was also a day at school when we got to teach a lesson. Another one of my videos on facebook shows a bunch of kids with bird masks... we made that craft and taught a story/lesson from the bible. It was awesome!! I think throughout the whole trip I was blown away the most that language barriers didn't stop us from anything. Sure we had to have interpreters sometimes but even when we didn't, we had some amazing conversations :) <br />
<br />
<b>DONATION DAY!!!!<br />
</b>For all of you who donated items- I wish you could have felt the joy and overwhelming flow of how thankful Rebecca and others were to receive everything. I remember coming home from school with the kids that day and opening their garage to 24 bags full of toothpaste, toothbrushes, medicine, vitamins, clothes, beanie babies, shampoo, soap, toys, coloring books, etc. Rebecca looked at all these bags surrounding her and just started to cry. She just couldn't believe we brought so much stuff. It's not us though... it's b/c of ppl like <i>you</i>. Maybe physically you weren't in Africa but you made an impact that these children won't soon forget. To those ppl who gave beanie babies we took them with us when we visited the children's ward at the hospital. Walking into the hospital I didn't know what to expect but it was nothing like the hospitals we are used to! Children, babies, and parents were everywhere. If you have a child in the hospital you basically bring ur whole life with you-- bedding, food, clothes, a mat to sleep on. Nothing was organized, cribs full of children suffering from sickle cell, ammonia, and malaria filled the rooms- yes, just 2 big rooms. That day we were not only passing out beanie babies but we were going to pray for ppl and children, to share the love of Jesus. We had Rebecca, Michael, Excel(a close friend and minister), and 2 of the girls who lived with Rebecca- who could translate very well- all with us. We broke up into small groups and went around to children and parents, asking them what was wrong with their child, laying hands on their sick child and sharing Christ with them. There were a couple parents who accepted Christ :) And A LOT of smiling children who had beanie babies... you would have thought we handed them $100. A little bit of hope was restored that day, a little more fight was put into sick bodies, and a whole bunch of Jesus' love was shared :) I hope I never forget how thankful I am to have great health care at the drop of a hat. It was so frustrating for me to step over ppl and see children hooked up to IVs-- just on a drip trying to fight for their life and the pain they were in. I had to just believe in the prayers we were speaking, to know that God is with all of them, they are not forgotten.<br />
<br />
<b>Visiting the Slums<br />
</b>This day was a huge eye opener for me in a lot of ways. One of the first days we had all met Excel and some other worship leaders from the church Rebecca and Michael attend. We had bibles, clothes, and a message to share. Excel basically told us to pair up with a translator and go talk to ppl you see out of their homes. Oh. Ok. I have to be honest I felt as though I had NO idea what I was doing... of course I wanted ppl to know Jesus but not only had most of these ppl never even heard of Jesus, they don't speak my language. Alex-Anna and I got paired up with Michael and bless his heart he walks up to these teenage girls and starts talking to them- speaking Luanda-- I am listening and hanging on to every word like I knew what it meant. After a few moments of conversation he turns to me and says, "She wants to be saved, I will translate for you"-- alright,I thought, here goes nothing. I was soo nervous!! You always think you are prepared to lead someone to salvation and then you find yourself in Africa, looking at a young girl who's looking back at you, and I'm just hoping what I am saying makes sense. After we prayed I looked at her and said I want to hug you and she just smiled so I said to Michael tell her I'm going to hug her! haha I remember walking away teary eyed, and just thanking God for opportunities and words to speak. It took my breath away-- how much of an impact you can have on a person's life- a complete stranger. Ppl in the slums live day to day, babies and children don't have clothes, food, hardly a place to lay their head, and it doesn't smell the best. You want to do soo much for them- for everyone. <br />
I have to tell you about 2 very special women (sisters) I met while visiting the slums. These 2 ladies make beautiful jewelry!!! Mary, is who we visited- she invited us right into her home...8 children and her and her husband live in this little, little place-- bless her heart, she was SO EXCITED that we were there!!! Rebecca and her are very good friends... and the jewelry that Mary and her sister make is made out of lacquer and magazine paper :) The whole group was just pouring through her necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. As we were leaving, she came outside and walked a little with us, crying and thanking us for stopping by- she said God is so good!! Amen!! God is so good!! God bless you. Now I can send my little boy to school- I have enough $$. melted. my. heart. I wanted to buy every last necklace!! <br />
<i>"I feel so much love for these children God but I pray that I would be intentional w/my time. I don't want to worry about getting sick, not liking the food, or hugging and loving on the kids. 6 days. That is going to go so fast. Father I pray that I truly would be intentional w/your love and the gifts you have given me. Thank you for all the ppl lifting my team and I in prayer. So thankful that we are all well :) I pray that I would not forget all I have seen and how I was affected by it. I don't know what that looks like when I get back home, but I pray you would reveal that to me. Even how to begin to share w/others what I have experienced and gone through so far. Father, Martin is really on my heart. I want to sponsor him so much but I worry about my finances. Would I be able to do it? He would just have to come first and I pray for peace Lord</i>." -- this was another journal entry/prayer about the 4th day we were there I think.<br />
<br />
<b>Martin</b><br />
Like I said before there are 16 children who live with Rebecca. From the young age of 4 or 5 to the oldest being around 19. Martin reminded me a lot of my brother- about the same age, build, and characteristics. Martin was always helping around the house- cleaning, serving food, playing with the kids, etc. My heart went out to him. I started to ask Rebecca what his story was... she told me that his mom lives next door at the church (house is attached), she is a pastor. When Rebecca met Martin he was using a stick and toothpaste to brush his teeth. :/ ugh. just hurt my heart so much. I had had some conversations with Martin and found out he loves the Lord, he has dreams after school, and is just so blessed by what he has in life. Such an inspiration. <br />
Rebecca mentioned in conversation that Martin was not sponsored by anyone- that b/c he helps her and Michael out so much that she had been providing his school fees but that it was tough. His semester was ending soon and normally he would move on to the next phase- all the kids in the house really wanted him to be able to go but knew it may not be a possibility. So I began to pray and ask God for direction. I didn't want to make a decision based upon my emotions- heck I would sponsor each child if that were the case ;) For the next couple days I prayed about Martin and came to the conclusion, with God's help, that I would become his sponsor. I felt so led to do it that if it meant not buying something for myself that month then Martin would come first :) I believed in him! I cared for him like my own brother and I wanted to do all I could to make sure he was provided for. <br />
Fast forward to the Sat. we were leaving to come back to the states. I told Rebecca that I was sure I wanted to sponsor Martin. She said well let's go meet his mom :) Rebecca told Martin that I wanted to see the church and meet his mom (he had no idea I wanted to sponsor him). I was sooo nervous and excited!!! Martin's mom greets us with a hug and tells me her name- she doesn't speak English a lot- very little. I sat down beside her on the couch with Martin and Rebecca across from us so she could tell Martin what to interpret. I was already half crying at this point ha Rebecca just started by telling his mom that she had a group of friends staying with her and that I was one of them. That while being here for a couple days, interacting with the kids and Martin, Martin really reminded Ashley of her own brother at home. His mom looked at me and smiled. Rebecca went on to say that I loved Martin like my own brother, that I believed in him and wanted to continue to be in his life. Keep in mind Martin is translating all this to his mom, having no idea why. "Ashley would like to sponsor Martin, to see him continue his education, and make sure he has everything he needs to succeed," and Martin just looked at Rebecca and I and said Wow that is so good! Ahh my heart just melted and I just started crying- and so did Rebecca. Poor Martin had these two white women crying in his living room ;) His mom leaned over and hugged me and whispered God bless you. I looked at Rebecca and said, can you tell his mom what a good job she has done raising her son- that she has every reason to be proud. And Rebecca said no, I can't... she was as emotional as I was... so I asked Martin to tell his mom, and she patted my hand and told Martin that she wanted to pray for us. I could not understand a word of that prayer but it was beautiful. Martin's mom began telling Martin to tell me that she loved me like a daughter and that she would be praying for me. <br />
A moment I will not soon forget. <br />
<br />
Wow. I wrote a book!!!<br />
<br />
I hope God's love is apparent in these few stories I have shared :) I will def. share more as the days come and as I am reminded of sweet memories. Everyone who prayed, donated either a tangible item or money, and believed in me, <i>Thank you</i>. I sincerely would not have been able to even go on this trip without your love and generous hearts. You have not only changed my life, but many ppl in a country far, far away have felt your love. I was honored to be the hands and feet of many :)Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-86293839640484594152011-04-09T13:08:00.000-07:002011-04-09T13:08:40.252-07:00theres power in the blood of Jesus<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MEaJOB-jKkg?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-46919489412152183802011-03-30T03:49:00.000-07:002011-04-13T21:17:26.371-07:00NKWAGALA = LOVE20 mins. <br />
i have 20 mins. left in the internet cafe to tell ya'll how everything is going :) ahhhh<br />
<br />
well, let me just say how blessed we are and what a GREAT GOD we serve!!! no one has been sick this whole trip!!!! <br />
i am learning to speak the language with the locals and the kids which is just soo awesoem to be able to communicate liek that ;)<br />
going to the slums (the poorest part of the town) was very humbling and hard to see. we went with some of rebecca's friends and the pastor from her church-- the pastor basically told us to pair up into groups of 2 and 3 plus a translator and go and talk to ppl about Jesus. ok. i have to be honest-- of course you want to talk to ppl about jesus but it's kinda intimidating being put on the spot to think about what you want to say to someone then have a translator tell them and then ask the translator what they are saying back. but God is so good. i got to lead a young girl through a prayer who wanted to be born again :D that day there were 8 ppl saved!!!! plus, we clothed a lot of children :)<br />
the next best thing about that day was when we went to visit mary, she lives in the slums with 8 of her children and her husband in a dorm size room -- she makes beads out of old magazines-- it's amazing!!! we all bought so much-- very cheap. and she was sooo excited and she was crying thanking all of us for coming- she said i know have enough $$ to send my son to school, you serve such a good god. -- ahh my heart just melted!<br />
<br />
i promise that when i have more time i will give more details about how my heart is feeling and what i am learning.<br />
<br />
helping out at the school has been wonderful!! we have taught them 2 lessons that have to do with a bible verse and a craft- think vaca. bible school ;)<br />
<br />
i miss home. but i'm not homesick. there is so much love here- i mean having 14 children around you (when they aren't at school) is pretty fulfilling ;) i do wish i could hear the voices of my momma and family and friends but i'm praying for ya'll!!!! God is keeping me safe.<br />
<br />
today i get to meet up with bethany parks-- she is from MVNU and studying abroad in africa :) so it will be awesome to see a familiar face and love on her for her momma :) <br />
<br />
thank you thank you thank you for ur prayers and support and love. my team and i are extrememly blessed to have so many ppl behind us :)<br />
<br />
p.s. Alex-- i don't know what i would have done without my lil care package-- we have all used those hand wipes soo much!!! haha very thankful :) r u surviving without text messages??!! ;)<br />
<br />
i probbably won't have internet again till the amsterdam airport.<br />
<br />
LOTS OF LOVEAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-25738073852123674632011-03-26T03:45:00.000-07:002011-03-26T03:45:49.767-07:00closer to heavenI MADE IT TO AFRICA :)<br />
thank you all for your continued prayers!!!!!<br />
i have very limited internet time but i haven't missed it, or my phone, or texting-- not when you have children to love on :)<br />
<br />
wow. i have so much to say. i will try to run through some of the highlights so far :D<br />
<br />
1. best plane ride from Detroit to Amsterdam-- even met an OSU fan who was our flight attendant, lives in the Brewery District!!! Small World right??!!<br />
2. they really love their wooden shoes in Holland<br />
3. i have found my soul-mate on this trip a.k.a. alex-anna (a girl on my team)- god def. knows my heart and who i would need.<br />
4. the weather is AMAZING!!!!!<br />
5. i wish i could show ya'll pictures of where i'm staying, it's not bad at all and i just pretend the mosquito net that drapes over our bed is a princess canopy ;)<br />
6. the children bless my life soo much. ya'll they will hold ur hands, hug you, tell you stories- they just want your attention soo much.<br />
7. the food is very different from America. <br />
8. seeing the faces of rebecca and the orphanes open the bags of donations was incredible!!!! rebecca said for the past 2 wks. they have been using this lil bit of tooth paste until we got there :/ BUT now they have an ABUNDANCE!!! <br />
9. today we are traveling to the slums. please pray for protection. we are going to give them clothes, bibles, water, love. <br />
10. i just feel that by being here the veil between heaven and earth is a little thinner. the faith a little bolder. the love a lot more free. the worship passionate. <br />
11. i have learned a few lugandan words...yayaya!!!!<br />
<br />
it's so humbling to see a 4 yr. old on their knees praising god. praying and knowing their prayers were heard and will be answered. <br />
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i love you all. <br />
i'm sorry i don't have a lot of detail right now.<br />
none of us are sick- praise god. <br />
<br />
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keep those prayers coming!!!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-4383854510760472262011-03-13T20:57:00.000-07:002011-03-13T20:59:37.277-07:00can anyone hear me....this was one of the toughest weeks. <br />
i felt as though i was just jogging in place as fast as i could. getting nowhere. at night i wanted to just remove my mind so i could just have a few moments of peace. <br />
Wed. was the beginning of Lent. the service at Vineyard was really good and much needed. i just couldn't get over the feeling of doubt. was i ready for this trip? what if all my support $ didn't come in? have i spent enough time with my family? when do i start packing? how will the concert go? a lot of distractions. (yet all week joyce meyer was preaching about coming boldy with confidence before the cross. ask and you shall recieve).<br />
i found myself that night leaning on friends and just being honest with where i was. crying always releases something, refreshing, like OK- i can do this. up until this point in our journey nate was the one saying ash, i just don't know, how this is gonna happen? $1800 is a lot of money to raise. and that night he had this awesome peace from God that he shared and it was really encouraging to me- i still had to dig pretty deep to believe that everything would work out. <br />
for the first time in a long time there was nothing, nothing i could do to make it better. i can't grow $$ on trees-- so the faithfulness of God and His ppl to give to nate and i has been truly amazing to witness. <br />
<br />
fast forward to sat. night :) the extended melody project hosted a concert to benefit uganda/the orphange/the school -where we will be. 4 bands, over 200 friends, and somewhere around $1500 later my heart was overflowing :D <br />
THANK YOU JESUS!!!! i am truly thankful for everyone who helped make sat. night a sucess-- you do not know how much your efforts are appreciated-- lives will be changed for generations b/c of your love and generous hearts to GIVE and be a part of something BIGGER than yourself. thank you.<br />
SIGH :) LoVe<br />
<br />
this wknd i also got to travel to upper sandusky to see my family :) walking into church today i was flagged down by a friend and past cheerleading coach. she is very near and dear to my heart-- she handed me an envelope with support money in it and while we were hugging i felt so greatful. so humbled. she believes in me. i could hardly tell her thank you i was so shook up. some of you may be reading this thinking really...you were crying... but yeah. i was. when you are brought to a place of full surrender by god and he blesses you- it does something. <br />
ok illustration :) i will take u back to the childhood movie of The Grinch who Stole Christmas....remember the part where his heart grows and grows and grows?!! :) haha he just bursts with JOY!!! thats kinda how it feels... so to all of you who have supported me financially- you have made my heart grow ;) god is teaching me the true meaning of trust. <br />
<br />
<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WjjjsX8os0s?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-11742461218733578882011-03-13T19:39:00.000-07:002011-03-13T19:46:28.018-07:00forever let ur church proclaimi just have to post this song.<br />
it is SOO good :)<br />
my heart has been touched this wknd.-- thank you church<br />
<br />
<iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/N-EzVteRq1k?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-32714927272272124132011-03-06T19:46:00.000-08:002011-03-06T19:46:24.396-08:00sweet 1616 days. <br />
<br />
2 months ago god presented this amazing opportunity to me and now i'm just down to DAYS??!! unreal.<br />
<br />
every morning i wake up to this MOUNTAIN growing in front of my bed-- no, it's not laundry ;) (i don't live with amber bryan anymore-- haha love you amber, don't let me fool you i miss our room) this is a different kind of mountain...one that contains medical supplies, coloring books, school supplies, clothes, vitamins, beanie babies, and an iphone :) b/c of your generous hearts- through donations, prayers,and support financially- i get to bless the ppl of uganda!! you and i get to be a part of something that will touch lives for generations :) <br />
<br />
this past week has been draining in all ways. <br />
studio 187 photography (where i work) moved it's location and let me just tell you, over the past year i have gotten really good at packing up a room but moving a whole studio in 5 days...who does that?! i felt like i was on an episode for extreme studio makeover haha. long nights, paint stains, and sore musceles later we are a brand new studio :) <br />
just taking the time to slow down has been a feat in itself. i really want to be mentally and spiritually prepared for this trip and how god wants to use me. <br />
i really don't find it a coincidence that the season of lent is falling around my trip. i have really been searching my heart for what god wants to do in this time, how he will reveal his love, and show me his strength where i am human and weak. to sacrifice, to give up something that you give your time, energy, devotion, cravings to... for 40 days. allowing god to refresh you, to move in you in a real way, to meet you right where you are at. <br />
this wednesday is ash wednesday- it marks the first day of lent. <br />
for 40 days you can give up anything.<br />
video games? facebook? dare i say texting/twitter??? ok. breathe. did ppl even communicate ten years ago?? ;) <br />
short story- i will never forget discussing what i should give up for lent with travis keller (a friend of mine and then resident dir. at mvnu), i was pretty set on giving up t.v. but the new season of the bachelor was about to start up again... haha i know i know- and travis said, yeah ash i guess jesus didn't have to have 2 nails in his hands. wow. - i don't tell you this story to put you on a guilt trip, and travis didn't mean this in a rude way- but it has truth to it.<br />
allow god to stretch you!! be challenged!! <br />
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thanks for reading :) <br />
please continue to pray for the preparation of my team (of 6) and i.<br />
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lots of loveAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-68955973102338488272011-02-24T21:17:00.000-08:002011-02-24T21:52:55.518-08:00God is bigger- He is proving it :)today has been unreal!!!! <br />
1. one way nate and i are raising awareness and support for My Father's House is through a concert-- a couple of our friends are involved with finding bands and venues to put on a concert-- all proceeds go towards an organization. well the past couple yrs. it has been held in mt.vernon they have helped raise a couple thousand dollars...so this year they have chosen My Father's House :) at first it didn't look promising...they couldnt find bands, and didn't have a confirmation on the venue...but today nate told me that the venue is confirmed and that search for bands is going better than expected!! our hope and goal is to have an AWESOME turn out-- we would love to take a sweet check with us to present to the orphange!!!! soo, march 12th if you're not doing anything come hear some sweet bands and be a part of something bigger than urself ;)<br />
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2. a couple wks. ago i put in my fb status that i was looking for an iphone 3G-- i didn't really know why i just knew that it was needed at the orphange-- i kinda forgot about it, and if you know me you know how often i change my fb statuses ;) out of the blue a friend of mine responded to that message: <br />
Ashley, I have a 3G that I would love to give! It works fine -- I just upgraded to a 4. Let me know how I can get it to you! <br />
<b>Ashley Butte</b> - oh my gosh...ths would be FANTASTIC!!!! rahel thank you :)<br />
they will be soo blessed by this!!!!<br />
um ok i could meet u somewhere? drop by my work? come to monday night dinner monday?<br />
<b>Ashley Butte </b>i cant even spell i was so excited lol<br />
<b>Rachel Luckhart</b> Hmm...I am off work tomorrow...where do you work or live??? I would be happy to drop it off to you! <br />
<b>Rachel Luckhart</b> LOL...I know the feeling! <br />
<b>Ashley Butte</b> i work in gahanna-- like intersection of morse rd and hamilton rd.<br />
<b>Rachel Luckhart</b> Okay I will plan to swing on by sometime in the AM! I'll FB you when I'm getting close! Yayy this is awesome, I was praying God would direct me to someone who needed it rather than it just sitting in my desk drawer! Praise!<br />
<b>Ashley Butte</b> awww im crying...this makes my heart soo happy!!!<br />
and rebecca- the woman who runs the orphanage who will be giving it to the person-- i told her and she was soooo excited!!! its gonna be an awesome suprise-- one we will capture on film for s...ure :)<br />
thank you thank you!!!<br />
<b>Rachel Luckhart</b> Aww this is awesome!!! Blessed to be a blessing! I'll text you tomorrow :) Thank you for this opportunity Ash! I'm excited!!! <br />
<b>Ashley Butte</b> awesome!!!!<br />
God is good :)<br />
i dont have words<br />
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3. nate is super talented in the mulit-media field :) he really wanted to be able to use these gifts in uganda- so he sent rebecca an email inquiring about their needs and expressing his interest in capturing life and the organizations. she LOVED this idea and told him she has been praying for someone to come who is gifted in this area!! ahh i mean by this time in the day i just couldn't even believe all that was happening and how much God was moving and has been a part of this plan b4 we knew we were a part of this trip....which is what we are told in the bible...He knows every detail of our lives b4 we were even born, He has a plan, a purpose, so to see this come together... wow.<br />
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4. 2 very good friends of mine work at companies that i thought might be able to help out, 1 at elmers- yes the glue company ;)(the headquarters in in cbus) and the other at bayer in pitts. i mentioned to zack that i was collecting any and everything to take to the kids in uganda. he said he would mention it to some ppl at elmers and see what he could do-- tomorrow i'm going to pick up 2 HUGE boxes full of school supplies, books, markers, crafts, etc. that the ppl at elmers were more than happy to give away :) AMAZING. and amanda who works at bayer is giving me tons of adult and children vitamins!!! <br />
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5. are u as EXCITED as i am yet?!! for real, Jesus is reaching out and touching the lives of ppl, the passion inside me is growing more and more everyday- i haven't even been there yet and i want to go back!! lol <br />
ok so my last praise story- i asked keith (pastor and leader of my small group) if i could tell the group about my trip/donations tonight- he said sure :) i get to small group and he starts talking about the global perspective of a christian, what that means and how God cares about issues of poverty,hunger,education,and unfair government. as i am listening to him i begin to realize that this topic is about missions,reaching the world, how to do that, how God LOVES the world and we should too. at the end he says, ashley didn't know i was gonna speak on this tonight but there are 2 ways you all can be a part of something to reach the world- and he let me talk about my trip and the donations that were needed :) he even gave me a huge bag of tshirts tonight he was going to take to goodwill ha<br />
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i just can't wait to see the faces of the children and ppl of uganda that are going to be soo blessed by what U are doing in their lives!! <br />
i don't take any credit, i am just a vessel being used by God for His ppl :)<br />
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THANK YOU for reading this novel haha <br />
please continue to pray for the preparation of this trip and team i am going with :)Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-19859477681576523262011-02-23T20:58:00.000-08:002011-02-23T20:58:03.536-08:00carry the namei was lucky enough to travel to GA over Valentine's day wknd to see some very special ppl :) ahh i just love being in the South-- the smell of fresh mountain air, the sun on ur face, the sweet sound of southern accents, and who can pass up sweet tea?! yes, i will take it anyday :) one of the best parts was when i got to experience Passion City Church in downtown ATL. get this- Chris Tomlin is the worship leader and Louie Giglio is the pastor- what?! best.service.ever. i mean you walk into this huge building built for theater productions/concerts and it is just packed full of ppl-- about 5 floors high!! mallory and i had the pleasure of climbing all those stairs to the very top of the balcony haha which she has never experienced ;) but it was one of the best worship experiences i have had in a long time. i just kept looking around at all these ppl, and then back at chirs, and then mal, in awe. what made it more percious was just being there with someone who has a very special place in my heart. when you get to share not only the love for eachother but the love and bond of Jesus..ahh soo good!! (mallory and i met at Winshape (in GA) and have been best friends for the past 4 yrs!!)<br />
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ironically enough that night the Grammy's were on and Chris Tomlin was up for an award but instead of going to the Grammy's he chose to be at church that night to worship with us :D how cool?!!<br />
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and if you have never heard even a snipit of louie preach u need to check him out!! don't worry i will post a lil sampling ;)<br />
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well as you know Africa is quickly approaching... can not even believe in 30 days from today i will be standing in a dif. COUNTRY!!! something i was reminded of during louie's sermon though, was it doesn't matter if i go to Africa or the grocery store, i won't get any more credit by being in uganda, but it matters whose name i am carrying when i get there. Jesus. Jesus holds the name that is above ALL names. but we live in a culture that throws His name around like "Tom" or "Lauren". we are born name carriers. think about it-- we wear Nike, Abercrombie and Fitch, AE, etc. we talk about Lady Gaga, Usher, Justin Bieber, etc. ok you get the point... we have to be bold- we must be obedient- the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tounge shall confess. <br />
Louie left us with this assignment: Carry the name!! wear it, live it, speak it, share it, bring it, love it. <br />
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it was really encouraging to hear that no matter where i am i need to be bold with the name of Jesus. there will not be more spiritual credit or bonus points for traveling to uganda just to share the love of Jesus-- it's something i should be doing in my daily life. simple. <br />
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so speak up the name of Jesus-- He loves YOU!!Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-37985454161344095872011-02-11T09:05:00.000-08:002011-02-11T09:05:40.275-08:00T-minus 40 days40 days. <br />
this sounds like a lot of time. it's not. my heart just beats with excitement everytime i do something in preparing for this trip! my dreams at night are filled with children's faces of whom i have never met yet, conversations that may or may not happen, and tears of happiness. <br />
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i am amazed at how god is already moving and working in not just my life but the lives of my friends and family wanting to give in any way to the ppl of uganda :) blesses my heart to see his ppl part with their "things" so others may benefit. YYYESSSS :) :)<br />
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i got an email from katie today- it was a message from rebecca informing us uganda is in the midst of elections and she said tensions are rising and she is actually going to leave for a few days until things settle down. would you please pray for the country of Uganda during this election time. that the Lord would allow it to be a peaceful election and that no one would get hurt.<br />
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i started journaling about ths trip last night and pulling encouraging verses from my bible. i couldn't help but think back to the "beginning" of how this chapter of my life started. god really has had his hands all over every part of me getting to where i am right now!! from high school, transfering colleges, breakups, my dad passing away, the roommate i was placed with at mvnu- who led me to get my job at winshape- which in turn is where i met katie :) thats just the nutshell version and i know everyone can sit down and just play back certain situations and transitions and be amazed.... god is good :D<br />
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thank you for being a part of my journey. <br />
be blessed.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-50726304369038178992011-02-06T19:10:00.000-08:002011-02-06T19:12:21.199-08:00i need africa more than africa needs mei am soo excited to share this news with you :)<br />
next month i will be traveling to uganda,africa for a week!!! <br />
how did this happen?? so glad u asked ;)<br />
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one summer long ago (3 yrs.) i was a camp counselor at winshape (in GA) and had the privledge of meeting a woman, katie, she was on staff and i was blessed we got to do life together for 3 months :) <br />
since camp we stayed in contact via fb-- and a couple wks ago she sent me a message about how she was doing and mentioned she had gone to uganda a few times and had fallen in love with the ppl/orphans there and that she was going back in march, "wanna go?" ha just like that :) umm yes please...<br />
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so i thought about it/prayed about it for a couple days- i got this message on jan.16th and she asked that i tell her by jan.22nd...no big deal ;) <br />
i also told a couple friends about it just to get their feedback/prayers-- but i just had a feeling that yes, this was something i was supposed to do :)<br />
one of the friends i told about this trip was so intrigued that he actually will be going to- which is awesome!!<br />
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what we will do:<br />
school will be in session so we will be playing with children, helping feed them, possibly teaching like PE class, helping in different classrooms, helping cook, hanging out at rebecca's home with their 12 children and the rest of thier staff. Doing projects around their home as well. LOVING ON ORPHANS! making them feel special and just doing life with them.<br />
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rebecca is the founder of "my father house" a non-profit, mission based ministry.<br />
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it's hard to really wrap my mind around the fact that in a little over a month this is really going to happen. looking at katie's pictures and reading her notes from her trip brings tears to my eyes. what a humbling experience- to actually be the hands and feet of jesus- to love on his children and share life with them :) ahh<br />
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i ask for ur prayers through this time of preparation. i have no idea what to expect but i know god is faithful and i am excited to what god has in store!! <br />
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more to come...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoq8UIkyazPjaYm_M3sEr7BJnUkFBKyDBXwIluMuit1lk6psqwIOFYrfiPj7GS2kXVR2N_JS30-UbEOkN-Qkz0VK4WidtCX6IkjRl_sytVdKcPRfwy8K7qyDjLsTnZNJV82245gJTS84/s1600/africa-heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdoq8UIkyazPjaYm_M3sEr7BJnUkFBKyDBXwIluMuit1lk6psqwIOFYrfiPj7GS2kXVR2N_JS30-UbEOkN-Qkz0VK4WidtCX6IkjRl_sytVdKcPRfwy8K7qyDjLsTnZNJV82245gJTS84/s320/africa-heart.jpg" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7191316156933754902.post-58375139829633751652011-02-03T08:14:00.000-08:002011-02-03T08:14:44.163-08:00how could i not be moved<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ee5pz7-NdAE?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ee5pz7-NdAE?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object><br />
<br />
You gave it all for me<br />
My soul desire, my everything<br />
And all I am is devoted to You<br />
<br />
How could I fail to see<br />
You are the love that rescued me<br />
And all I am is devoted to You<br />
<br />
And oh, how could I not be moved<br />
Lord here with You<br />
So have Your way in me<br />
Cause Lord, there is just one thing<br />
That I will seek<br />
<br />
This is my cry<br />
My one desire<br />
Is to be where You are, Lord<br />
Now and forever<br />
It's more than a song<br />
My one desire<br />
Is to be with You<br />
Is to be with You, Jesus<br />
<br />
How can i fail to see<br />
You are the love that rescued me <br />
All i am is devoted to<br />
And oh, how can i not be moved <br />
Lord here with you so have your way in me<br />
Lord there is just one thing <br />
That i will seekAshleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107509835750700224noreply@blogger.com0