STRIP OFF

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. - Hebrews 12:1

It's incredible the lengths that athletes will go to ensure that when they run a race, they are running as fast as possible. They ensure that they have done absolutely everything possible to do their very best in their race. Do they HAVE to in order to be able to run the race? Well, not necessarily, but they DO because they have a DESIRE to do their best. Some runners shave their heads, armpits, and legs, every hair so event the friction their hair would cause wouldn't slow them down. Not to mention they train vigorously in preparation!

If we apply this to our lives spiritually, it's an interesting evaluation. When it comes to certain things in our lives, it may not be required of us to "strip off" in order to be loved and accepted by God...But would it benefit our lives, make our lives healthier, more fruitful and ultimately more Christlike helping us live our lives to our full potential, meaning most like Christ. 

What are some things in your life that perhaps it's time to "strip off"? Running our race as best we can, emulating Christ, is ultimately best for us, best for those around us, and most importantly will point people to Jesus. 

- Ash

HARMONY

1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in HARMONY with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 

What is harmony? 

:the combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords and chord progressions having a pleasing effect.

:agreement or concord

Being a musician, there is really nothing worse than hearing people sing off key. Haha. (I'd actually rather everyone sing no matter what than not sing, but let's go with it...) DISCORD musically isn't appealing, it isn't pleasing to the ear, it makes you cringe. 

BUT, when you hear two people singing at the same time, but different notes, harmonizing perfectly, it's amazing. They are singing two different notes, at the same time, but are perfectly complimenting one another, supporting one another, and making the other sound even better!

The same goes in life. We can be different people, doing life together at the same time, in different ways, but perfectly harmonize with one another, complimenting one another, supporting one another, making the other "note" sound even better. 

In what ways today can you harmonize well with those around you? How can you compliment them and what they are doing? How can you support them and help them to sound better with you, than without you? 

--Ash

MOVE

I'm a morning person, but sometimes it's still hard not to snooze the alarm clock a few extra minutes, sometimes I'm just SO comfy. But, the EARLY BIRD gets the worm right? So I recently challenged myself to get up an hour before I usually do... this is out of my comfort zone, and some of those mornings I go get on a cycling bike at the gym for a spin class.... not as comfy as my bed, but has definitely proved to be a GREAT way to start my day. "Moving."

As Eugene Peterson said, we are pilgrims, but we are also disciples—always moving and always learning.

Always moving, always learning. 

Sometimes we master our daily coming and goings, we get really good at our day to day life. To the point where, it becomes our comfort zone. When we are living within a comfort zone, our focus often turns to how well we are doing, it's a space of life focused on "me".

When we find ourselves at this place in life, we're not doing the "moving" that Eugene Peterson is referencing in this passage... it's not the type of moving that stretches, challenges and grows us. The type of moving Eugene is talking about is the kind that finds us getting OUT of our comfort zones, and learning. More importantly, it's the kind of moving that requires total dependance on God for strength, guidance, wisdom and direction. It's a space of life where we can't afford to look to ourselves because we'd fail, we NEED God to do what only He can do. This is when we start living the life God intended us to live-- dependant on Him!

It's when we venture out to "move" in this kind of way that we will actually see God do what only He can do... because the dreams and endeavors at hand, are ones impossible on our own. 

Today, ask God to put a "movement" (deed, action, dream, desire, attitude) on your heart, that may be outside of your comfort zone. Trust Him, and act! You'll see amazing things happen when you move outside of your comfort zone into God's zone. 

What does stepping into "God's Zone" look like for you today? 

- A

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.