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 

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.

FALL

 l love seasons. 

I love spring, then summer, then fall and then winter and then everything all over again. And okay I realize that was a horrible sentence. But anyhow, I LOVE all of the seasons. I love the unique and beautiful things each season brings. 

Fall is the perfect encapsulation of CHANGE. 

1) It's Beautiful. 

Change is beautiful. Look at the leaves, the change of their color is the process of them being rooted firmly to the tree (GREEN) to changing state and eventually falling to the ground in a peaceful and beautiful way. This beautiful color that we all admire is actually an outward expression of a change and transformation that is happening. 

2) It's Different. 

We can't expect something new and exciting if we aren't willing to accept something new something different. We love fall, but it's different than summer. If we were only okay with summer because we also love summer, then we wouldn't appreciate anything other than summer thus missing out on every other season and what it equally has to offer. 

3) You loose and gain.

During seasons and change you loose somethings. We loose heat for example, when we undergo the change from summer to fall. But we gain this awakening crisp air, sweater weather, hot pumpskin spice lattes and colorful leaves. 

4) Gratitude for what was.

Ever find yourself waking up to an oddly mild day during the fall, and in the best way possible, it allows you to soak up a little bit more of summer in a surprise kinda way? Current seasons allow us room to appreciate what was and have gratitude for that. 

5) Bliss about what is.

Seasons emphasize where we currently are. The sights, the smells, the sounds, all exemplify the bliss and beauty of where we currently are. 

6) Preparation for what is to come. 

Seasons prepare us for the next season. Summer is hot, fall is cooler, winter is COLD. Spring is warmer, summer is HOT. 

Just a few thoughts on seasons... :) 

PERFORMANCE // GRACE

Growing up, I loved to preform. I thrived on stage; my favourite thing to do was entertain audiences through singing, acting, telling stories, and enthusiastic speaking—I loved it! (And I secretly still do.)

I was reminiscing this past week about the many musical theatre competitions I PARTICIPATED in—the fluffy dresses, overdone make-up, long hours of practice, and the fun musical scores.

Then I thought of the very first time I was on stage.

My first time on stage, I hadn’t practiced. I wasn’t rehearsed or prepared. I had done nothing. I didn’t put on my make-up, I didn’t ensure my outfit was pristine. In fact, I wasn’t even able to dress myself. My first appearance on stage was ONE that I did nothing to “be ready” for.

It was the day my parents dedicated me to God as a baby in front of our church family.

Thinking about that momentous day, I realize it was a total GIFT of grace. I was carried up to the front, unable to dress myself, prepare myself, or rehearse. I had no ability to get myself ready for that moment. But my parents did for me what I couldn’t do.

Sometimes we feel as though we have to wait until we are all prepared, pristine, rehearsed and ready before we come to God.

Sometimes our friends who are not yet believers think that before they could even consider OPENING themselves up to the idea of a relationship with God, they would have to do a whole lot of cleaning up first.

But our relationship with God is not about something that we do or something we have done to make God love us or forgive us.

That’s not how it works.

Christianity is about something that was done for us, when we couldn’t do anything.

It’s something given to us daily as we CONTINUE to not measure up.

Grace.

We will never reach a place of sufficient behaviour modification to deserve it.

But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 NLT

We can’t prepare for it.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. Romans 5:6-7 NLT

God put His love on the line for us. He gave His only Son for us when we didn’t deserve anything, while we were of no use whatever to Him—because He wanted a relationship with us. Because He loved us so much.

Grace.

It’s not what you’ve done. It’s not about your performance.

It’s what Christ did for you. It’s about His performance.

–Ashley

Steady Heart

This is a post I wrote a few years ago that I came across today-- hope it may be encouraging to you today! 

...

Have you ever been at a point in your life where you don't know what is next?

You long for a handwritten note from God to fall from the sky and give you specific, impossible to-mix-up, instructions for 4-5 main areas of your life?

Well, you may not get a note that falls from the sky.  But God did provide us with His word, the example of His Son, and His Holy Spirit. We have amazing access to God, an access that we don't deserve, but so graciously get through Jesus Christ. 

I will continue to seek God my whole life long-- even if there are seasons of trying to get the wax out of my ears so that I can hear Him. 

There are always going to be things that we aren't completely sure of in life... but we must remind ourselves of that which we are sure. 

God loves us. 

God will always love us.

"I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us." Romans 8:39

God wants the very best for me. 

God will always want the very best for me. 

"I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." John 10:10

God is with us. 

God will always be with us. 

"Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take." Joshua 1:9

Find comfort and assurance in the steadfastness of God's love, grace, and provision for you. He has us right in the palm of His hand-- of that I am sure.

Journeying

Here's another post from the archives that I enjoy reviewing...

We are all on some sort of pathway going somewhere. 

I happen to be on a God adventure. And so can anyone - you choose it.

I've learned that God adventures often start by setting out to do something that you cannot do based on  your own abilities. You are not enough.

God adventures also begin - a lot of times, out of a place of trust, abiding in Him, hearing His voice just when the next decision needs to be made. You don't exactly have a perfectly written out road map... He does, but we don't see that full picture. He likes us to trust. 

Through my God adventure,  I've also learned that we can't push buttons to make God's timing somehow come about more quickly. He isn't a microwave-type God where we can quickly defrost a chicken that is best to be left out to thaw over night. 

Not sure if that makes sense to anyone else, but the illustration works for me. 

Just like David, we can't jump ahead of God's timing - even when it seems like an opportunity is presenting itself for something NOW and RIGHT AWAY ... doesn't mean it is God's timing. 

In 2 Samuel, David has numerous opportunities to secure his throne by force - but he recognizes that it isn't time yet, it isn't God's timing - and so he does not try and run ahead of God and His plan. 

I admire David's utter refusal to jump ahead of God’s timing in the plan to bring him to the throne.  In a culture where blood feuds were common, where families who were at odds would wipe each other out, David refused to enter into violence against Saul or the members of his family. 

Just because we can maybe pull the strings to make something happen doesn't mean that's God's timing.

A lot of times we are pushy, and impatient. 

What we attain by force we must keep by force. 

That's a lot of work.  Maybe I'll let things unfold in God's timing instead of pushing buttons... 

Good things come to those who wait- those who wait upon the Lord.

Now, waiting doesn't mean do absolutely nothing. 

Delight in Him, everyday greet with the same objective- to fall more in love with God, to know Him more and more, and  make Him known. To love Him and love others. In doing that, everything in His timing will fall into place...

God adventures. Start one today.