Waiting

Ever feel like your brain space is being occupied by things that have not yet happened. It can be one of two types of things, we spend (waste) time thinking about something bad that could happen but likely won't happen, or we spend (waste) our time daydreaming about things we wish we could have in our lives, but don't right now.

Don't get me wrong, I think it's important to look ahead and plan ahead (If you know me at all, I am a planner). It's important to look ahead to see warning signs on the road of life, prepare accordingly, avoid mishaps etc... It's important to look ahead and dream and envision of what you want your life to look like. BUT not at the expense of now. 

Right NOW is the most valuable thing you and I have. Let's treat it as such! Even on a Monday when perhaps you're wishing for Tuesday, or better yet, Friday. 

You see, we want to "reap" or gain or receive all of those great things we dream about. But there is a sowing process required. We must sow into, invest into the things that we want to reap. 

If you want homegrown tulips in your backyard, you need to plant seeds that look nothing like the end product, actually plant them in dirt, water them, make sure they get sunlight, and patiently watch them grow. 

Maybe you feel like those seeds this morning, buried in dirt, when really you're life isn't buried, you're planted... and about to bloom. 

Let your season not be a passive one of waiting, but an active one of expectation and preparation, sowing and investing your attention and energies into the present wonderful day at hand. 

I was reading this week about Joshua and the Israelites. Specifically in Joshua chapter 6, these guys had a massive WALL separating them from what God had for them (their land).

What the Israelites saw as a problem (the wall) God saw as an opportunity to give them something, an opportunity for victory!

They were told to march around the wall for 6 days (in their "waiting" they were expectant and preparing, they were active in obedience in their present!)

After 6 days God told them the walls would fall down, and they did!

One interesting thing to note is this... when the walls fell down, that's when the battle began, and they had to fight against their enemies to occupy the land. They did, and with God they won the battle. 

Here's some thoughts of application.

1) What is the wall in your life that you view as a huge problem when it could actually be your greatest opportunity for victory?

2) Are you staring at the wall "waiting" or actively marching in obedience in the present in order to see that wall fall to the ground?

3) Are you prepared to continue the battle when the wall does fall down, because the enemy in your life may still wage war and you need to be prepared to fight! And if you are putting your trust and life in God's hands you WILL be victorious. 

Intense for a Monday morning, I know... :D :P

Ash

Two Words

Hey friends!

So in light of a new morning routine, I am going to venture to write a blog to start each day. 

Today it's about two words. 

I am the kind of person who is always looking for new ways to motivate and inspire others, as well as myself... to grow, to improve, to live life to our full potential, to truly be who God has created us to be and live out that "be-ing" everyday. 

So yesterday, these two words popped into my heart. HONOUR and WISDOM. 

For me, at this time in my life, I feel strongly to focus on these two words. 

1) HONOUR: high respect, esteem, to regard with great respect. 

Throughout my days, I want to ensure that my actions, thoughts, and words are always honouring to the people around me, lifting them up, breathing life and joy into their situations and circumstance. I want to prioritize honouring those around me at all times. I want to communicate to everyone I meet, whether through word or action, that they are valuable, amazing, and admirable. 

2) WISDOM: the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment.

Often times our problem isn't knowing the right decision to make, for whatever reason, when it's not the comfy or choice decision we'd prefer, we justify not making it somehow, and well we end up NOT walking in wisdom, usually causing harm in some way whether we realize it or not. It could be something as simple as-- 
 

I know I want to be fit.
I know that going to the gym will help that process.
I skip the gym.
I go through McDonalds Drive through.

Or it could be in more serious areas of our lives. I want to not only recognize right and wrong, healthy and unhealthy, but I want to apply wisdom, and act accordingly. When we do, we actually end up seeing a life bloom around us that we actually love, want, and desire! Will things be perfect? Maybe not, but I can guarantee a more fruitful, positive, full life! 

"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you" Proverbs 4:6

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." - James 3:17

"So not as funny a post as yesterday, but hopefully encouraging :) 

What are your TWO words for this season of YOUR life! I would LOVE to hear! Comment below or on my social media post! 

HONOUR & WISDOM. 

Ash xoxo 

Boiled Eggs and Messy Purses.

Hey friends!

So it has been a little while since I've written, but it seems this past week my head has been full of odd analogies and life lessons that I thought I should share in case they may resonate with anyone out there needing some encouragement. 

This morning I was trying to be healthy and responsible, so I tried making a real breakfast before leaving for work-- boiled eggs. Does anyone else have trouble peeling those things? I literally had cracks of eggshell everywhere and it took me a good 5 minutes to peel 2. Ain't no body got time for that! But in all seriousness, patience is a virtue, and it's one I need to learn more and more. The boiled eggs were a simple reminder. Be patient. Take things as they come. Deal with one egg at a time. 

Last night I was at The Informants concert in Auroa Ontario and Christian Victory spoke about living on purpose. When everything is going wrong in your life and you feel you're on a constant uphill battle, with Jesus, we still have purpose, we're fighting with purpose-- and we can be SO thankful for that! Jesus is with us and Jesus is faithful! There is purpose to your everyday. 

I was cleaning out my purse after vacation and let me tell you... that is a task. I thought as I peered into my purse so full of so many GREAT things... It doesn't matter how many amazing, great, and useful things you have if you can't use them because you can't find them or because they're broken because they haven't properly been taken care of. (my sunglasses...) When you have all the right "things" in your life, the right ingredients, but they're not prioritized or stewarded properly, they aren't fulfilling their full potential, purpose and value. Steward things, steward life, steward responsibility and relationships WELL! You'll be much better off, see much more growth, fruit, value, and productivity in your life.... and for the girls, you'll have an organized purse ;) 

Also, a thought from Judah Smith's book, "Hows Your Soul"... Often times Jesus isn't a "helicopter Jesus" he is an "anchor". When you want to run from a situation or circumstance, He will anchor you in it and change you instead of the circumstance. And becoming more like Christ is the ultimate joy of life, not having comfy circumstances and situations. 

Anyhow, just a few thoughts running through my head this week. Hopefully something encouraged you :) 

I'm gonna go eat my boiled eggs. 

Ash xoxo

Maturity

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 

So this may not be your super classic "new years" theme infused post. I'm actually still reading Judah Smith's book... "How's your soul?" and really wanted to share a super cool thought. And maybe, now as I'm typing this and thinking... it has more to do with New Years than I thought... (I think as I'm typing... haha) Usually when we are approaching a new year, we are thinking about the "Yes's" we want to make, as well as certain "No's" we want to be decisive about in order to bring about the life that we desire. 

For example, it's always popular to say yes to veggies and all natural foods and no to refined sugars and fats. We say yes to the gym, no to the television, yes to positive vibes, no to negative attitudes. And the list goes on. 

In his book,  Judah Smith talks about ... "A necessary no."  

Genesis 2:16-17 

And the Lord God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die."

Judah goes on to say this...

"I believe God put the tree of the knowledge of good and evil there because when Adam and Eve walked by, the limitation was good for their souls. Their souls felt protected and secure. Their souls felt directed and guarded because they had the ability to say, "I can, but I won't; and that's good for me." 

I can... but I won't... and that's good for me.

You see God gave us free will, to choose good or bad, to choose Him or something or someone else, to choose His way or a different way. That's so we could have genuine, real, chosen, non-forced relationship with Him, true love. And in order to have that, we need to have necessary no's in our lives. 

Judah defines the DEFINITION of maturity as this: Self- imposed restraint. 

I know we all hate it just a little bit when we are referred to doing something immature. Or we are told to be more mature. But I think we can all agree we all find ourselves there and needing to listen. We are all on a journey of maturity. 

Isn't that an interesting definition of maturity? And in my opinion, a powerful one. 

Maturity = Self imposed restraint. 

When you can, and you could, but you don't because you know it's unhealthy. You have the money, the opportunity, the desire, but you are able to say no, because you know it's not what is good, and pure, and right, and best in God's eyes... and what is BEST in God's eyes, is best for us... period. 

What is it that you need to say no to this year? Maybe it's not one thing right in this moment, but moment to moment, decision to decision, maturing and realizing that we should prayerfully consider every yes, and every no. Understanding that self-imposed restraint, being able to not do something that we know we shouldn't (but maybe even want to) and actually being disciplined enough to be dedicated to that no, that restraint is a huge key to staying in step with God's way and will and best. 

"We need to grow in maturity until we can distinguish what restraints are healthy and submit ourselves to those restraints." 

- Ash 

Role versus Responsibility

Merry Christmas everyone! 

I hope you are having an fulfilling and restful holiday. I definitely have been enjoying time with my family home in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Here's a fun picture of us at beautiful local park, Bowering Park. It's my mom, dad, brother and I :) 

While I've been home, I have been reading a new book, one that I received for Christmas :) It's called, "How's Your Soul" by Judah Smith. It is fantastic and thought provoking so far. I want to share with you one of the principals I have been learning about. 

Role versus Responsibility. 

Sometimes we are so focused on our "role" ...  job description, position, specific tasks, career path and so on... 

We get caught up in the ladder of career, jobs and success, thinking that "happiness" and "fulfilment" and "success" is found in surpassing our current role to another role, and then another role until we somehow MAKE IT at the top. We associate our influence and impact with our specific role and rank rather than our responsibility. 

In Judah's book, he says this: "The joy is not in the role. The joy is in the responsibility." 

He goes on to say this... "Don't wait for a certain role to come along. Your souls happiness and health is not dependant upon a role. Your soul was designed to do whatever you do with everything within it. It needs responsibility to be healthy, and there is a good chance that responsibility is right in front of you."

I love how he defines EVERYONES responsibility as this: doing whatever you do with everything within you, as if unto the Lord. Taking that perspective prioritizing our nature of responsibility rather than the popularity of our role, unleashes true influence and impact in our lives. Not to mention joy, contentment, and steadfastness not based on getting the "hot" role. 

I've been on a journey of learning and understanding that the impact that I make and the influence that I may have, is not dependant on my specific job (although thankfully I see that fruit in my job as well...) but first and foremost it is found in the mere responsibility we have (I have) been given as Christians, as Christ followers. To do whatever I am doing with everything within me, as unto the Lord. 

My impact and influence is rooted in my "following Christ"...  in my relationship with Him, in my mere identity of who I am in Christ, the very fact that wherever I go I carry God's presence and can allow the Holy Spirit to work through me.

Influence and impact stem from the core of who we are as God's children, as His followers, as His hands and feet. Wherever we are, whenever we are there-- every moment of our lives. 

That's a lot more of an all encompassing exciting life of impact and influence that is unlimited in avenues, approaches, and people: rather than limited to a certain role. 

Just be--  and embrace the responsibility we have been given as Christ followers-- to know Him and make Him known in every avenue and moment of life. To do everything we do with everything within us, unto God. 

That's exciting. 

Ready or Not

I can't believe I only have 4 days left on tour! It has really been such an incredible life changing experience for me, and I wanted to share another little lesson I learned yesterday. 

You've probably heard the phrase, "Ready or not, here I come!" Maybe in the context of hide and seek. This childhood phrase actually has a lot of depth. Whether we are ready or not, things in life are going to come, happen, and present themselves. When we are ready and prepared, even when we aren't entirely sure of what we are supposed to be ready and prepared for, these things: (opportunities, experiences and even challenge) are a lot more enjoyable to journey through.

Yesterday my flight was delayed out of Colorado Springs and so I landed in Denver with 5 minutes to sprint across the airport... (it's a large airport) and make it for my flight. I have never run so fast in all my life. I was carry bags, I was over dressed and sweaty, my throat was burning, and all I could think was... "I need to go to the gym." 

I was NOT prepared for this moment. 

Maybe earlier you were wondering... "Well how can I be prepared and ready for something that I don't know is coming?"

We stay healthy. Physically, mentally, spiritually... We day in and day out pursue health and growth in these areas so that we are ready when we have to sprint to catch a plane, when we have an amazing once in a life time opportunity present itself, when we meet someone we want to connect with, when we have the opportunity to speak into someone's life... we can be ready. 

What does your day to day look like? Are you looking to growth and pursue health spiritually, mentally, physically-- I guarantee a lifestyle of prioritizing these things will position you ready to fully experience the BEST or endure the may seem the worst. 

Ready or not, life's coming. 

And yes, I did make my flight :) 

Ash 

PLACES & PRESENCE

About a month ago I found myself in an airport, which is not unusual if you know me. I’m not always on vacation, no, but my job actually causes me to travel quite a bit. Not only my "job" causes me to travel but my passion causes me to travel—my passion to share the HOPE of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible.

Anyhow. I was in an airport.

It was mid November and I had just finished something like my 15th flight in like 3 months. I was on the phone with a friend and made the comment, “Well now I get to relax for a month and a half. No more travel.” That same day I found out that I was actually going to be travelling in the states for three weeks alongside For King & Country and Lauren Diagle with our ministry, ShareWord Global. God's plans aren't always what we expect but they're always far better for us than anything we could come up with. 

PLACES & PRESENCE

So It’s day 13 of the tour and I’ve been in a million different states. Florida, Kentucky, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, Iowa, Texas, Missouri, & Nebraska; DIFFERENT places… but with me goes the same presence. The same Holy Spirit. God’s presence and Spirit.

No matter what “place” you are in right now—God is with you. I have been so grateful for the faithfulness of God’s presence. How it is always there, and I’ve learned to make my prayer not, “Holy Spirit please be with me” but because I know He is with me, “Holy Spirit make me AWARE of your presence. Make me aware of your purposes and how you are moving in each moment.”

Wherever you are right now, I challenge you to make that your prayer. Lord, make me aware of your presence. I know you are here, but please make me more aware. More and MORE aware, give me an increasing awareness of your presence. What you are saying, doing and leading, and give me an ever increasing heart of obedience.

God’s presence is faithful, it’s consistent. Despite your place.

 But what about my presence? Is it a faithful and consistent representation of Jesus despite PLACE? Despite being in a car for 14 hours, with three suitcases next to me and very little leg room? Being away from family and friends? Having little choice in what I eat, when I sleep, or get to relax? Being in consistently different places, situations and circumstances that are out of my control? What’s my presence looking like? Despite the EVER changing situations, circumstances and places in our lives, God's presence remains the same with us - steadfast and unchanging. Let us in turn, despite our ever changing situations, circumstances and places-- both good and bad, be steadfast conduits of that sweet life giving presence.

That’s the thought that the Holy Spirit has challenged me with each day. What kind of presence do I bring to those around me? To the situations around me? I want it to be an overflow of GOD’S PRESENCE in me.  

Places change. God’s presence doesn’t—He’s always present, always faithful, loving, steadfast and perfect for every situation, place & person.  And how about my presence? Lord, let my presence be an overflow of your presence in me.

PLACES & PRESENCE.

REST

This weekend I had a BLAST in Moncton New Brunswick. 

Friday I had the opportunity to share with the students at Crandall University & spend the afternoon doing a show on Harvesters FM. It was so cool to be able to encourage young adults in the Maritimes in living lives OUT LOUD sharing Jesus! 

Saturday I got to meet with a super cool gal' Laura. We got to know each other a little and talk about what we could do together to encourage and equip the young adults in New Brunswick to share their faith.  Then I had the chance to meet a BEAUTIFUL couple Steve & Sherry, amazing pastors, mentors, and now friends! We went for a fall walk and talked life, Jesus, discipleship, dogs, travel & partnership. It was awesome. 

Sunday I was PUMPED to get to share at Hillside church @ The Vibe. The youth there are SO eager to get out into the world and share their faith, it knocked me off my feet! One little guy just a week prior had given his whole class Bibles and shared with them about Jesus. After I spoke on Sunday this 12 year old comes over to me and says, "I need 300 Bibles for my entire school. Can you make that happen." Un-REAL! Love it. 

Then being the amazing pastors that they are, I got to visit with Reids over some Mary Browns CHICKEN.

After this I headed to Moncton Wesleyan! This church is doing some COOl stuff-- including starting a brand new young adult ministry! The young adults there are the real deal-- genuine, authentic, wanting to connect young adults in the city and journey together in relationship with Jesus. We got to spend an evening together in worship, the word & prayer. We talked about Acts 1:8-9 // 2 Cor 5. We talked about obstacles we face in sharing Jesus, and how we can overcome those obstacles.  We spent time in prayer-- for one another, for boldness as we go out into the world, into our unique spheres of influence and share, and we prayed for those that will come into our paths that they may experience Jesus through us. 

After a FULL and amazing weekend, I find myself at the Moncton airport. (a small airport with maybe 4 gates...) and my flight is delayed 5 hours. There isn't even a Starbucks in this airport. I know I sound spoiled. I was FRUSTRATED at first. I mean, I want to get home. But then I realized. These 5 hours, I can view as useless and inconvenient, or I can change my perspective and rest. Being stuck here at this airport actually forces me to sit here and rest. Sometimes life forces us to rest... like my situation right now... But today,  I challenge you to take the choice out of your freedom today, to rest. 

I love Hillsong's new album, especially the song " In Control " -- check it out today as you rEsT. 

-- Ashley