A Precious Thing ...

DOWNTIME.

I’ve been enjoying some much needed downtime lately. As of today, I’ve been off work a week and I’m working on my second week of no school. One word: Niiiiiice! :) I still have a few more days of the no school/no work dynamic duo, but then it’s back to work. No complaints here though ~ during the break, I’m getting to work for my former bosses making some extra money for the next big trip that’s in the works ~ Israel. (I guess I should say the next big trip that I know about. God could certainly have something else planned. *grin*)

I’m really looking forward to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. I love the excitement of a new beginning … a new year … new plans. My family is planning on having a bonfire Thursday night which should be a fun way to ring in the new year.

I hope your holidays are going well!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Luke 1:30-33



And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.”

Luke 1:46-55


Thanks for coming from the glory of heaven to this earth to live a sinless life and to ultimately be crucified and resurrected for me. Happy birthday, Jesus.

Love,
Me

Sights of Christmas

One Word Post ~

DONE!

Verse of the Day ~

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
~ Isaiah 26:3

1 more day of class (Thursday) … 2 more finals … then 6 weeks worth of Christmas celebrations crammed into one week (school got in the way of my celebration)!

Be listening around 9:30 Thursday night ~ I’m sure you’ll hear me singing the hallelujah chorus. I have never been so ready for a semester to end in all my life. :)

Celebrating Life!!

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. ~ Psalm 139:13

Today is a special day in the life of my family on two accounts:

1) My grandfather turned 80 today. Eighty. That’s a lot of livin’ yall. He’s in relatively good health, is sharp as a tack, and is just as funny as ever.

2) A new cousin was added to the family today. Her due date wasn’t until the 12th but all along my grandfather said the baby would be born today. He was right! Welcome baby Erin!

So today I’m celebrating life and thanking the Giver.

Wish I Was There ...

One of my favorites thus far ...

I love the way the colored lights shine in the star.

Snow Day!!

Catching snowflakes on my tongue = pure joy!

Countdown!

Regardless of the amount of work to be completed in that time frame, it's still a reason to celebrate!

2 weeks and 3 hours from now, this semester will be done. Woohoo! :)

Happy December!!

It's now my favorite month of the year. I'm just smitten today! :)

It's the little things in life yall ...

PS - 6 posts in one week ... impressed? Don't get used to it. Back to school and work today.

I Wish

I wish my semester ended today.

Partly because I’m really ready to have this semester behind me, but mainly because I know I’ll be getting very little sleep these next three weeks and being stressed out and tired really messes with my enjoyment of my favorite month of the year and Christmas time.

That is all.

I Love the Christmas Season ...

Thanksgiving Recap

Well, it’s 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and even though I ate 9 hours ago, I’m still full. :) It was a great day.

I spent 2 hours in bed thinking and praying before I ever got up this morning. It was way too early to get up, but I couldn’t stop thinking about those who would not be celebrating with loved ones today. My thoughts wandered from the troops stationed overseas, to missionaries, to people who willingly choose not to be with family on Thanksgiving for whatever reason. I thought a lot about single 20 and 30 somethings who would be alone on this holiday. Those who are missing the one thing they want the most – a spouse. People who have recently lost loved ones and those without families were also on my mind. If you fit into any of the above categories, know you were lifted up this morning.

Personally, I celebrated the holiday with 14 family members (which is really a small group for us … we were at 50% of last year’s numbers). It was fun. It got loud. There was more than enough food. There was such joy and love experienced. It was great. At one point as I got in the corner of the room in order to get a picture of the entire room, I couldn’t help but smile and thank the Lord. Sure we had people sitting everywhere, but we were together. Celebrating one more holiday as a family. That’s not something I take for granted. I have too many friends who fit into the categories I listed above to not realize what a blessing it is. Sure, there are times I want to roll my eyes (you know that’s just how it is), but at the end of the day, we’re still family. And the time we spend together is precious. Even if I get bombarded with questions about why I’m single/not engaged/haven’t brought anyone with me. For the record, that conversation occurred 5 times today. Give it a rest people. ;)

If you’ll excuse me, I need to go get some sleep now in order to prepare for Black Friday. I leave my house in 6 hours. I’m sure I’ll have some stories to share soon …

Happy Thanksgiving!

I’m thankful …

… for salvation
… for my family
… for the life I’m blessed to live
… for friends that make life so much sweeter
… for the little things

I’m thankful for all that and so much more. I am so unworthy of the good gifts the Lord has given me. All praise, honor, and glory to Him for who He is and what He has done.

Beauty

I Just Love This Time of the Year ....

Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday, Happy Graduation ...

... to me, from me!

Words cannot express how excited I am about this camera! :-)

A Poem

"Wait"
by Russell Kelfer

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate...
and the Master so gently said, "Wait."

"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply."
Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!"
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.

My future and all to which I relate
hangs in the balance and you tell me to Wait?"
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign.
Or even a 'no,' to which I'll resign."

You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply.

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate
as my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
and grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting...for what?"

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine...
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
you'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
when darkness and silence are all you can see.

You'd never experience the fullness of love
when the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

The glow of My comfort late into the night,
the faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

You'd never know should your pain quickly flee,
what it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
but oh, the loss if I lost what I'm doing in you.

So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
that the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still "WAIT".

My Comfort Verse

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

If there has been one verse that’s been my “comfort verse” the past 9 weeks, it would be that one. I tell myself “This is just for a season!” quite a bit. It’s so … comforting (hence the title *grin*).

When grad school seems to be too much…

When things aren’t happening on MY time schedule…

When a mission team that I SO wanted to be on left for Africa today…

When I don’t understand what God’s up to…

Even then, I know … this is just a season. It will pass. And He’s right there in the midst of the season that I wish would hurry up and pass.

In eager anticipation of what’s coming next, my prayer is that I don’t miss Him in the here and now, for there is truly much to learn.

Bonfire 09!

Where I spent last Friday night ...

(Fire just getting started)

(This just made me laugh.)

For now ...

Outside my window... the sun is setting.


I am thinking... about how incredibly blessed I am.


I am thankful for... times of waiting (even though it's hard) because I learn to trust like no other.

From the kitchen… banana nut bread … yum!

I am wearing... shorts and a t-shirt. Completely inappropriate attire for the end of October. Come back cool weather!!


I am creating... a scrapbook. I’m a little behind … as in everything since graduation in May.


I am going... crazy this semester. But it’s half over now. Praise the Lord!

I am reading... Lies Young Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Gresh (second time).


I am hoping... for many things that are way too personal for this blog. ;)


I am hearing... The Revelation Song on the radio … love it! :)


Around the house… all is quiet for a rare moment.


One of my favorite things... laughter.


A few plans for the rest of the week... school & work.

Hang on ...

A new post is coming ... maybe Sunday? Tomorrow night I have class ... the next 2 days will be crazy busy at work in preparation for a big meeting of 25ish CEOs/upper management ... Homecoming activities Friday night and Saturday ... yeah, I'm thinkin' Sunday. That's my goal. :)

For now, here's a taste of Fall. Nice, right?!

A Glimpse Into My Life

I’m currently up to my forehead in midterm prep. (note: those are papers for only one class)




I have two more essay exams tomorrow night.

In 26 hours midterms will be done! Woohoo!! :)

I’ll be back soon … hopefully.

Bound With Them

Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. – Hebrews 13:3

Last weekend I had to opportunity to attend a conference put on by Voice of the Martyrs, a ministry that serves the persecuted church around the world. The speakers at this conference were men of God from all over the world who have faced persecution for their unwavering faith in Christ. These men grew up and live/lived in Pakistan, Ethiopia, China, and Israel. They have had family members killed because of their faith. They have been imprisoned. Beaten. Had food withheld. Disowned. All for the sake of Christ. Regardless of situation, all the speakers talked about the joy that comes with persecution. That’s a hard concept to grasp.

One of the banners hanging at the conference really stuck out to me. It said, “Faith comes with a cost. Fellowshipping with our persecuted family comes with a choice.” Choosing to make yourself aware of the realities around the world is just that – a CHOICE. You won’t hear about these types of things on the evening news. I don’t recall ever hearing it preached about in a sermon. It takes an effort to make yourself aware. For me, I’ve found that it’s far too easy to stay in my own safe little world and to block out all of those unpleasant things. But that’s not what I’m called to. So I seek out opportunities to learn about things that I know will make me uncomfortable, that will feel like my heart’s being ripped out, that will keep me awake at night, and that will draw me to my knees. It’s a “break my heart for what breaks Yours, Lord” kind of thing.(note: If you pray that … get ready!) There are lyrics that often come to mind when I’m in these types of situations or learning about what’s going on ~ Now that I have seen, I am responsible … (song: Albertine by Brooke Fraser). Ignorance is no excuse. I often ask “Okay, I’m aware … now what?” Faith without deeds is dead, people.

The words of the last song we sang were particularly poignant after hearing hours of testimony: I have decided to follow Jesus … no turning back, no turning back … Though none go with me, I still will follow.

Listen and Be Encouraged

Happy Fall Y'all! :)

Third Commissioning Service in 15 months …

Tonight I attended my third commissioning service in 15 months. Encouraging? Yes. Exciting? Of course. Joyful? Surely. Heart-wrenching? Absolutely.

As one who has been determined this last week to not speak one negative word about grad school or the new job but instead to choose an attitude of JOY and THANKFULNESS, the timing of this commissioning service was interesting. By the end of this past week, I was beginning to see a change in my attitude and outlook about this current life phase. God has provided numerous opportunities in recent weeks for which I’m incredibly thankful. This is where He has me at this point in time. The reality of that was beginning to set in. I’ve had in-your-face encounters with the skewed beliefs of my generation that have provided opportunities to share about Christ and His ways. Opportunities that most likely wouldn’t have occurred without me being on campus.

On my way to church tonight I told myself “You’re where you’re supposed to be!” over and over … partially hoping to convince myself because I know what goes on inside of me while witnessing commissioning services.

I was doing good through the service until my former pastor’s wife tells her testimony. At the end, she mentions a story from our mission trip this summer. The question one young man posed to her was “How can I believe this [the Gospel] when it’s the first time I’ve heard it?” Maybe because I was there. Maybe because that’s an in-your-face reality of many. Maybe because she started crying while telling it. I knew what was coming. The lump in my throat was growing …

As a firm believer that a picture is worth a thousand words, the next part of the service was eye-opening. A powerpoint with pictures of the people and country they’re going to live in was shown. Idol worship. Beggars. Elephants. :) 12 million people. Utter lostness. Lump is getting bigger … rapid blinking is not helping.

Closing song: Mighty to Save. MY GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE!!! Lyric “Now I surrender …” Lump releases. Full blown ugly cry ensues. At this point, there was no stopping it… Trying (unsuccessfully) to pull myself together. I knew that pep talk on the way to church wouldn’t help. ;)

On the way home I’m thinking/praying “It’s services like that that make grad school so difficult.” And in a way that’s oh-so-like-Him, God brings to mind something said this morning that got a BIG star beside it in my notes: “The most difficult part of obedience is the part that doesn’t make sense!”

And I completely agree.

Radiant!

Those who look to him are radiant …
Psalm 34:5a


And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18

This is the kind of person I want to be. How about you?

May we glow for Him this week!

Missing you friend!

Love,
AJF

*note- click to enlarge

Signs of Fall ...

Puts a smile on my face just thinking about it. :)

Semester Verses

Fall 08 ~
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing!
(Isaiah 43:18-19a)

Spring 09 ~
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
(Ephesians 2:10)

Fall 09 ~
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
(Jeremiah 32:17)

Easin' Back Into Reality

Well, lazy summer days are officially over. I started to work at a new job this week. At this point, all I can say about it is this: I'm a flip flop girl in a business suit world.

Classes start Tuesday. *gulp*

Can't wait to see how this new life chapter plays out.

Stay tuned.

Dear Colorado,

I miss you!

Love,

Ashley

Time

This summer off has provided many opportunities, but perhaps the one I’m most thankful for is time.

Time to …

1. sleep
2. read for fun
3. do Bible studies without feeling rushed
4. pursue passions
5. think
6. work out
7. hang out with friends
8. try new things
9. really invest in people
10. travel
11. dream
12. relax
13. de-stress
14. enjoy the simple things in life
15. savor moments that would typically be overlooked in the hurriedness (is that a word?) of life

The laid back, easy going pace of life for the last 13 weeks is quickly coming to an end. It’s been fun while it’s lasted, but I’m ready to move on. As a person who thrives on routines, order, and structure, I’m ready to get back to school and work.

Now remind me of that when I have to get up at a time that ends in A.M. instead of P.M.! :)

Asia Trip in Words

I’ve been home from Asia for over 3 weeks now and I just got my scrapbook done. I really re-lived those memories while putting the book together. There is so much to share that I don’t know where to start. And much of what I want to share, I can’t. I experienced many “cultural experiences” that are just plain hard to put into words.

The main purpose: The purpose of this trip was to build relationships with people (mostly students) in order to share the gospel. It’s a culture that almost requires you to “earn” the right to share. Relationships were built in a variety of ways ~ playing Uno, exploring local attractions, shopping, basketball and ping pong games, dinners out, English corners, etc. We tried to place ourselves in situations to meet new people and invest in them. For those of us who had been before (which was all but 3 members of our team), old friendships were also rekindled face-to-face and time was spent catching up.

Other things we did:

* We spent a day prayerwalking in a village. Loved that. We were out of the city and into the lush, mountainous part of the area. The paths we walked were stones in some parts and compacted dirt in others. I got to explore the oldest house in that village (which is thousands of years old according to our student guide), see the village temple (heartbreaking), admire the oldest tree in the village (which looked really cool!), touch wild bamboo, see people hard at work tending their land, and get surprisingly close to a water buffalo.

* English corners – 2 nights at our hotel we hosted an English corner, which is an opportunity for students to practice their English with native speakers. It was great fun and I was asked so many questions I felt like I was being interviewed. :) This was an excellent opportunity to meet and interact with a variety of students (some I’d met before, some I hadn’t).

* I introduced a new friend of mine to pizza. Watching her eat it was HILARIOUS and it took some serious self-control not to literally bust out laughing. But, I’m sure my chopstick skills were entertaining to many of the locals as well. ;-)

* Karaoke ~ Oh my word. Are there words for that night? I laughed so much watching and listening to teammates and Asian friends singing. Some good. Some joyful noises (*cough* me … but I was so sick I could barely talk and I was so congested I could hardly hear myself, much less the music!). It was all in good fun anyway. :)

Looking back, the trip was a great mix of evangelism, discipleship, and fellowship. God is at work in the hearts of those people and I am completely humbled that I got to be a part of it.

4 percent

I heard some interesting statistics in church on Sunday that I haven’t been able to get out of my head all week.

The guest preacher said that according to some studies, at the current evangelism rate, only 4 percent of people born between 1978 and 1994 will become Christ followers. 4 percent. As in 96 out of every 100 won’t. Try and let that sink in …

In addition, he went on to share that of Americans aged 18 to 21, only .5% (yes, that’s HALF of a percentage point) have a Biblical worldview, which is defined as believing:
o There are absolute moral truths
o The Bible is accurate and complete
o Satan is real
o Salvation isn’t earned
o Christ lived a sinless life
o God created the universe and still rules

For these reasons, I am glad to be on a college campus for a little more time. What a platform I’ve been given. May I be a good steward of this opportunity.

Asia 2009

I'm still processing much of what happened during my 2 weeks in Asia. Words aren't coming just yet. There's so much to share that I don't know where to start. So for now, I'll just share some pictures. I took over 800, so picking a few is quite the challenge!




These pictures are from an afternoon spent at a local park/mountain that a new friend took us to:

There was a temple at the top of the mountain/park. The following images break my heart, but they pale in comparison to the overwhelming sadness that filled me while standing there. The weight of being there was heavy on my heart for many hours after we left and a portion of it returns every time I look at these pictures. Standing there with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart, begging God to break down these strongholds that grip the people is one of my most vivid memories from the entire trip.

Empty prayers

FOOD

I named this food "turtle" because doesn't it look like it!?!

I asked my friend what it tasted like. She responded, "Sandy poop." Lovely.

FRIENDS

Old friends reunited.

TEA SHOP

We were just shopping for some tea and the owner invited us to sit down and drink. So we did. After every sip, the guy would refill the cup. Talk about not making progress on downing the yucky black tea! Anyway, it was a lovely gesture. And I kept drinking. :)

BACKPACKING IN A VILLAGE

Getting out into the countryside one day was hands down one of my favorite things we did. I was more "in my element" out of the city.

Rice

Water buffalo

Village temple

Oldest tree in the village

OTHER RANDOM PICTURES

A very real reminder of the spiritual condition of those around me (this was in the hotel lobby)

View from my hotel room

At the end of the trip we had a few "fun days" in a big city to try to readjust to American life.

A store.

Light show

Skyline


Bathroom signs (I added the words). I seriously laughed out loud when I saw this! :)

No smoking naked, okay? ;)

Thanks for journeying with me! :)