tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326993032024-03-12T22:32:06.006-07:00Honey Be StillHi everyone! My name is Melissa which means honeybee and this past year the Lord has really impressed on me to "Be still", so thats the plan. Hope you enjoy some of my writings on lessons I'm learning in life and love! Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-52825538847505782642022-10-13T17:19:00.004-07:002022-10-13T17:57:00.748-07:00The sweet fruit <p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">The best kind of fruit is sweet fruit! Especially juicy watermelon, the juicier that slice, the more you want to have! But when you take a bite of a sour piece of fruit…your first reaction is to spit it out. How often do we purposefully consume sour fruit. Like is it enjoyable…heck no. That sour, bitter fruit can create a blindness. </span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">You know that saying, “you are what you eat” well if </span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">we consume sour, we become sour, if we are consumed by the sweet fulfilling effects of that good fruit…we will imitate that. How do you want to represent Jesus? Maybe you haven’t even looked it at like that before. Are the fruits of the spirit evident in your life? By golly we don’t have to be amazing in all of them, but we should have an awareness of them.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Food for thought here but take a look at the people you spend the most time with, that you look up to. Are they reppin that good sweet fruit of the spirit? </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">No one is perfect. But genuine desire for growth gets you looking a whole lot sweeter. Cause ultimately we are going to be sour fruit without the work of Jesus in us, refining us, purifying us, seasoning us for great and mighty things only He can set up! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Over the years I’ve had a hard time with patience and self-control, areas that God has over and over again walked with me in. I’ve wondered many times, oh Lord haven’t I been patient, haven’t I waited. I mean, I can’t tell you how many times that word WAIT has screamed out at me whether reading the Bible or hearing it at church. And it is tough. And yet, here I am. In a place of waiting. I am a different person because of it, I’ve learned to not only be patient in waiting for my deepest desires but to be patient with others. My trust in Jesus has grown because Ive seen His faithfulness in this season. I’m still learning how to embrace the lesson. It’s all about our posture in our these things </span>“for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”</p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Philippians 2:13 </p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”</p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Matthew 6:33 </p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Seek Him on how to grow in the fruit of the spirit and He will bring forth good things! </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvlsX4apgd8jfWJIFQH7OYFwum7vnzCHsVPat-TH_RrKTvJiZxc8ugy0Mojbibg8s2571RWk78N4kc0qprh5H56I2ESwhPhUgkhfx8SssJarf3w8UxSTvj6eBbcyzS_uD6O5WCUTExAVBN6YcpF-mK1W_5OFxGeIE-R9Zh2RCBK7KcD6Deg/s1170/4E49F580-01DF-4A58-B48B-7A77BCDC45AA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1170" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvlsX4apgd8jfWJIFQH7OYFwum7vnzCHsVPat-TH_RrKTvJiZxc8ugy0Mojbibg8s2571RWk78N4kc0qprh5H56I2ESwhPhUgkhfx8SssJarf3w8UxSTvj6eBbcyzS_uD6O5WCUTExAVBN6YcpF-mK1W_5OFxGeIE-R9Zh2RCBK7KcD6Deg/s320/4E49F580-01DF-4A58-B48B-7A77BCDC45AA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span><p></p>Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-69513424537551704442022-03-26T16:20:00.004-07:002022-07-10T14:59:02.352-07:00Selah <p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; text-size-adjust: auto;">I love to sing worship. I love blasting passionate songs about Jesus and worshipping Him in my car. I love those intimate times at church when that song comes on that perfectly comforts your soul.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; text-size-adjust: auto;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">This season, I’ve lacked the desire to worship. I’ve lacked the desire to praise a God who took my stepdad to heaven. I’m not mad or angry at God in one bit, I’m just at a loss of understanding. I’m at a loss of happiness for something that I never wanted. Don’t get me wrong, I have peace and know I’ll see Roger again, but I’m still grieved. Everyday is hard, everyday I hate the fact that Roger is not here. Although I’m in grief and disbelief of these past few months I have never stopped believing that Jesus loves me. I’ve been tempted to wish for things I can’t change and even really believing that there was ever going to be something to look forward to. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">I hate death. But I know we were never created to live forever on this earth and nor would I want to. Our home is heaven, our dwelling place is with Jesus. We are but dust and this life on earth is temporary. My eyes have been opened to what I value and what is really important, it’s a mind shift. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Just recently I’ve gotten back into listening to worship, being able to go to church and sing without crying. It’s hard every time, but I know HE WILL NEVER LEAVE ME OR FORSAKE ME. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">This one song brought me to tears, I love when music allows you to be raw, creates a place of surrender. This healing process has no time frame, the goal is not to be over it but to learn how to surrender the unknown to the creator of the universe and the lover of my soul. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">I long for heaven even more, I long for Jesus and I long for all that He has for me. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;">Go listen to it <span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">“All my life I've been carried by grace</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Don't ask me how 'cause I can't explain</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">It's nothing short of a miracle I'm here</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">I've got some blessings that I don't deserve</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">I've got some scars but that's how you learn</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">It's nothing short of a miracle I'm here</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">I think it over and it doesn't add up</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">I know it comes from above</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">I've got miracles on miracles</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">A million little miracles</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Yeah, miracles on miracles</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Count your miracles, 1-2-3-4 I</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Can't even count 'em all” </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Million Little Miracles by Elevation Worship</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Sit with Jesus. Lay it all down, the pain, the fear the unknown and believe that He is able and desires to do miracles in your life. He is not done with you yet. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1">Thanks for reading! </span></p>Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-86633043436831051052020-08-17T07:00:00.006-07:002020-08-17T14:32:18.849-07:00Chasing Sunsets<br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBNoqrzWLrvG3S-WBlONN78k3h7HBES4jp_muRkv0hHwAvuOCz1_ykC5tFonWnEcX7lCVlQg8ZrazYn8RhnngLoNFYYHxotOQT992KTGCmfJC1zxuLlol8LQ4UIeEOW9hh6IH/s640/IMG_6049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBNoqrzWLrvG3S-WBlONN78k3h7HBES4jp_muRkv0hHwAvuOCz1_ykC5tFonWnEcX7lCVlQg8ZrazYn8RhnngLoNFYYHxotOQT992KTGCmfJC1zxuLlol8LQ4UIeEOW9hh6IH/s0/IMG_6049.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">I have always loved sunsets. I love how fast the sun goes down and how slow the colors melt into each other over time. I love how the beauty doesn't end when the sun goes to sleep, but it continues even after when the moon rises and the stars shine bright. </span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> Just like the colors melt into each other after the sunset, this year feels like a whole lot of melting. I wish this year had a whole lot of beautiful things happen, I wish that we weren't in a pandemic. I wish that I finally arrived in the areas I am still growing in and I wish that for a moment I could stop striving in chasing the next sunset, but rather enjoy all that the Lord has for me right now, whether it be full of beatuiful moments or sad moments. It's been tough, there have been many feelings in this year so far. Feelings of hope and wonder, of sadness and lonliness all mixed up. It's been 4 months since my Nana passed away. Her house is sold, I can no longer stop by just for a moment and I can no longer just text her that I love her. I can't think about it too much cause it is still someting that I know will take time to heal from. Grieving is no fun at all, its not like getting sick and there be a certain time frame of when you will get better, grieving is a process. And I know that the whole world is in a state of grieveing. I am learning so much in this time of really allowing myself to feel, I am learning to validate my thoughts and feelings and to dive into them even when it hurts. Feelings equal vulnerability which I tend to hide. Sometimes I'd rather just rip the bandaid off and deal with the ugly reality right away than to dwell on what should have been. Although I have lost a beloved, influential, beautiful and sweet Nana, I have not lost the hope of seeing her again. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><span> <span> </span></span>From the beginning of this year I have felt like over and over I have been chasing sunsets; seeking a new sky, a new hope, a new dream, a new sense of comfort. Even though some could say this year is a loss and how could be there be any beauty from all this pain, suffereing and devastation, how can we recover. I wonder, did we enter into the devastion just this year or have we been living in it blindly and now light is shinning through on what is really important. Can I ask, how many of us have spent more time this year with our families, how many of us have spent more time praying and seeking Jesus in this storm, how many of us knew there was peace if we kept our eyes on Jesus, how many of us sought new sky but really gained a new hope in Jesus, a new dream for the future, a new sense of comfort in the CREATOR of the universe. I have. And if you haven't seen any good out of this year, I challenge you to think about where you were in your walk with the Lord back in January and where are you now? I heard just a few minutes of a sermon on the radio and the Pastor shared that we should always be changing. Changing equals growth, we should never be stagnet in our desire to know God more. I know perfection will not be reached till heaven, I know that I am lost without my Savior and I know that the only one who can save me from sinking is Jesus. But is that my outlook, do I have the outlook of the greater, the exeedingly abundantly and more than we could ask or think kind of view of God...not always. </div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" John 15:15</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span> There is nothing that I can strive more in hopes of it being the best without abiding in Him. This year thus far has been hard, it has taught me about time and how valuable it is. I have learned greater things about how vast His love for us is and the depths in which He shows it. The Lord knows our sorrows.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><i>"In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He heard me." Psalm 120:1</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span> I'd like to encourage you to seek Jesus. Seek Him with your whole heart. Place your hopes and dreams in the one who fulfills. Read His words that not only bring comfort but that breathe life into your souls. I have failed time after time in misplacing my hope. I have doubted many times in thinking will those dreams come true. Not once has my God failed in that area, not once has His scripture failed to bring me comfort, peace, guidance and hope. Hope is not in what I can achieve or what man can do for me, the hope we have available reaches beyond that. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Thanks for reading! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><i><span> </span></i></span></div><div><br /></div>Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-26821867794286372722020-03-21T22:44:00.002-07:002020-03-23T20:42:36.892-07:00Take a deep breath <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everyday I get a reminder from my watch to breathe, most of the time I ignore it.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> And sometimes I take a minute and intentionally breathe in some deep ones. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Right now, more than ever is the time where we can put behind the crazy exhausting day mindset. For me days were filled with an 8 work shift, coming home, eating dinner and then going into my room to work on homework. Everyday was the same, I cut out all non essential social time because my main priority was school and work, work and school. Sleep was low on my list and in fact the past few weeks I was getting maybe 4 hours a night and still thinking that somehow I could make it during the day. And I did, which really is only through co-workers that prayed and encouraged me along the way and a little coffee. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Honestly, although this season has been filled with little rest and a whole lot of schooling...I love it. Which may have been a nightmare a few years ago of even considering going back to school, but I love what I am learning. I love that I get to apply the things I'm learning from Early Childhood classess and translate that into understanding these preschoolers better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are over 100 preschoolers at the school I work at and I know all their names. I love seeing them grow mentally, socially and physically. I love their laughs and smiles and the "running in your arms" type of hugs. I love their funny jokes, silly faces and teary eyes. I even love them through the hardest parts of the day which is usually during exctended care. And I really miss them. Even though my school is closed for a while and I don't get to see my best friend everyday and interact with my co-workers as we minster to the best little children, I know that God is in the midst and He is allowing this rest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This time that we have been given to stay home is a gift. We have a gift to reconnect with friends, to pick up the phone and call eachother, to check in with eachother instead of being so caught up in the busy. This slow down hault has given me new perspective of taking a moment and breathing. How can we invest in others? How can we create a new routine that allows for intentional rest and investment in our mental health? How can I be in the present? These are just some of the things I want to work on. Also, in what areas have you given up because of your super busy schedule...for me its doing this. I miss writing and sharing my thoughts. So that is why I am writing again almost a year ago from my last post, cause really, its been a wild ride since then and I wouldn't change a thing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">After this first week of the new normal, I met up with a friend and we walked near the beach. It was so nice to connect again, to take that much needed break from the news, from the flooding thoughts of the unknown and actually stop. I can tell you that through this whole pandemic I have had peace. Peace that really has been such a calm when all around me feels like a storm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> Isaiah 26:3</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lets take this precious time we have and slow down. Lets be intentional with who we spend time with in whichever way. Lets sit down and talk with Jesus, invite him into your fears and your worries and your struggles. This is my challange, will you make it yours?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lets remind each other to breathe, to pray and to act in Love.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">If anyone every needs to talk, to have a *social distance* shoulder to cry on, to pray with, or to laugh with, I am here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Thanks for reading! </span></span></div>
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<br />Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-38722614400894463012019-05-16T10:32:00.000-07:002019-05-16T11:06:03.941-07:00Two Zero One Nine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's a brand new year!<br />
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This year is a go, this year I am going to say yes to going.<br />
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I learned a whole lot of lessons last year, lessons that took me through some valleys for the most part. I asked the Lord to strengthen me not only physically, but mentally and spiritually. Back in March I signed up for the gym to get more healthy, I started listening to a lot of church podcasts to challenge my knowledge and I started serving again with a bible study on Monday nights for prayer and stood at the door welcoming people to exercise my giftings! And I was asked to sing a few times for a woman's bible study where once again the Lord met me beyond my fears. He was so faithful in meeting me. But each one of those times, required stretching of muscles, some that i hadn't used in a long time.<br />
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Muscles don't grow while working out and lifting those weights, its when you are resting that the process happens. After the workout your body now can repair the torn and damaged fibers. That's why its important to rest during each set of reps and why its very important to rest a day before hitting those certain target areas again. I'm amazed that something I was so intimidated and fearful of doing has actually changed me beyond the physical aspect.<br />
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Serving on Monday nights was such a sweet season of meeting new people and eventually going to Mexico a few times, which was something that I was also kinda scared to do. I always wanted to go, but timing was never right in the past. My heart was stretched and aching for the poor, the lost, the hurting, the broken, those sweet kids that always had smiles on their face. And the more we go, and come back, the more I want to keep going and build, build buildings, build relationships, build on what the Lord wants to do in that Canyon!<br />
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And than this year I knew that all of that stretching was preparing me to be stronger for the things He has for me. The book of Joshua has always been very monumental in major areas of my life. One of the first times I really had a clear direction from the Lord was back in 2007 as I was praying about going to Creation Fest in England. The Lord had in 3 separate times brought my attention to Joshua 1:9. And just to assure me that I was exactly where He wanted me, the first group meeting we had in England, the pastor had us turn to Joshua 1:9. It was amazing to see that God meets in EVERY step of the way. He guides us and than reminds us that we are on the right path.<br />
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This year again the Lord has showed me Joshua 1:9 and I'm excited to see what journey will take place. This year I was told about a missions trip that is going to help build a church. Talk about using my muscles....this is something I have always wanted to do. My Papa on my dad's side built his own house with my Nanny back in Michigan. My dad has added on to his houses and built so many things, my oldest brother has gone to Mexico and help build a house for a family and my other brother has helped my dad in building on to the house. And now I get to go to another country and be apart of something bigger than my own dreams. God has taken me further than I had hoped, further than my dreams, He has taken me through my fears and time after time expanded my confidence in His faithfulness.<br />
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What are you placing your confidence in? Your knowledge? Your values? Your view? Your experiences?<br />
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I thought that when a lady from the Mexican restaurant who handed me a bag of yellow peppers, was really a bag of Pepperoncinos... but even though that pepper was drenched in ranch, that burn still hit my throat. I, in that instant questioned if yellow peppers was another term for pepperoncinos..and than after the second one, was convinced that I knew nothing about peppers. Don't ask me why I decided to consume another one of those devil peppers, don't ask me why I deliberately ate another one.<br />
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Are we being careful in our own confidence or are we daily placing our confidence in Jesus?<br />
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Many times I have asked the Lord for bold confidence and many times He has given me just that, and once I had gotten comfortable, I stopped asking. I stopped seeking for His guidance.<br />
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Don't stop asking the Lord for your hearts desire, don't stop seeking His goodness, don't stop walking in the land that He has promised you, don't allow your fears or your pride stop you from experiencing the fullness of His joy and the endless promises awaiting for YOU. People will discourage you, people will let you down, people will try to get in the way, but GOD is the one who will get all the glory. "and this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been give to us in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:19<br />
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You are precious, you are valued and you are not forgotten. So if your willing to ask, Lord what do you have for me, who will I marry, when will you take me there or when will you use my gifts....get ready. Make yourself presentable, strengthen those muscles, go get your passport, start saving your money, step outside of the thinking that God only works in one way, He works in many ways. He has not said to Trust in Him in all YOUR ways, He said to trust in Him in all HIS ways. That means that we take steps of faith. We trust even when we don't understand. I think that the moment we stop trying to figure God out and stop getting in the way is when He will exceed it all. I signed up for a Haiti missions trip not knowing really anything about the mission or the people, but I did have a heart to serve and to be used.<br />
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Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."<br />
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So here I go, in just 4 days, I will be getting on a plane to go the 4th most dangerous place to visit....why, because His love has no bounds , "LOVE knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen" 1 Corinthians 13:7-10 (J.B. Philipps) and His love and truth is worth it all!<br />
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Can't wait to tell you all about it!<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
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<br />Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-2675287192146948912018-10-03T12:52:00.002-07:002018-10-03T12:56:51.180-07:00Valleys and Mountains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"He's got the whole world in His hands"... including you<br />
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Do you ever feel like that doesn't apply to you, that part of the song is just a metaphor and He really doesn't hold us. Welp, I sometimes think that He is holding everything in His hand except me. Like I'm on a boat that is about to go out to the furthest of seas and no one knows or sees and I'm missing out.<br />
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I think it's good that you face your emotions and present them to the Lord. I think its healthy to question and wonder and fear for a time... but there should be a time of surrendering too. Sometimes I feel like I've learned my lesson of holding so tightly to what I know. The comfortability of not having to be challenged in trusting God, cause if you never move or change than you never will move or change. I can get so blind sighted by my happiness of the seasons I've been in that I don't see the amazing blessings and growth that could come with allowing God to take me beyond.<br />
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It's scary. It's scary to not be in control. To wonder. But it's also really scary to imagine never growing in the Lord and really missing out on all that He has for me.<br />
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Confession time. I try to avoid getting hurt as much as I can. I'm only vulnerable to people that I honestly trust won't let me down, and I am blessed that I have a handful of people that I can pray with, weep with, share my crazy feelings and my major frustrations of life. But I can't control when hurt happens and why it does. I wish I could. But that would take the fun out of learning to TRUST the Lord WITH ALL MY HEART. yikes.<br />
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I remember when I was younger asking my dad for a bike for Christmas and his answer was maybe. I from then on loathed asking any questions that weren't going to be a solid yes or no. Take out the middle hope and you get a clear answer. Survival mode set in at that age of 10. But, that Christmas, I got a helmet. I looked at that helmet in such confusion and frustration. Like why would I get a helmet, when I really wanted a bike. What good would this helmet do if I didn't have a bike.....and than I was told to close my eyes and wait....and there my dad comes rolling out this beautiful purple mountain bike that was exactly what I wanted and I didn't even know it. I was sooooo distracted and clueless ( the cluelessness has not changed) that I couldn't grasp that the blessing was right around the corner. The real gift was in the other room, but I couldn't see it or get past my hurt.<br />
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Now that I'm older, I have tried to avoid the maybe hope. But as much as I dread the maybe. I really dread answers. It can be kinda comical that I will ask things of the Lord and yet fear His answer. I mean I know I'm not alone, but sometimes I feel like I am.<br />
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Maybe to me has been this lingering feeling that I do not like. Maybe feels like an open door to rejection, hope, and hurt. I don't consider myself an emotional person, but these past few years the Lord has taken me through some heavy travels where I've had to face my fears, my hurts, my emotions, my dreams, myself. And I have not enjoyed every minute, at times I've wanted to not grow. But that is not healthy physically or spiritually.<br />
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So new season, new valley, new issues that I'm presenting to the Lord and asking for direction and clarity and He is asking for my TRUST.<br />
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This past Monday at church the Pastor asked if we as the congregation where exhausted. I raised my hand quickly but hesitated to get up and go forward for the surrender and being prayed over. I don't want to miss out on anything the Lord has for me and that has to include the growing pains, the tears, the vulnerability and the rest in His timing.<br />
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"Come to ME, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I WILL give you rest" Matthew 11:28<br />
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Step one- Go to JESUS<br />
Step two-ask, seek, knock<br />
Step three-surrender, surrender all the outcomes good or bad.<br />
Step four- walk in it. walk through the valley. walk up that mountain. walk in that storm. and know you are NOT ALONE.<br />
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All those lies of your not good enough, you don't deserve it, how can you ask God for that, that dream won't come true, give them back to the devil and walk in the TRUTH. If you have forgotten the truth cause its been a long time of believing the lies. Open your bible and ask God to remind you. Cause the fact that that bible is in your hands, declares already that HIS LOVE FOR YOU IS REAL.<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
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<br />Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-80070840936479518942018-08-29T13:45:00.001-07:002018-08-29T13:51:10.290-07:00Day Dreams <div>
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It's a bright sunny day and you can hear the waves crashing, the sand between your toes and peace. You are at peace cause your eyes are closed and you have no worry or care.<br />
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Than you open your eyes and you're at the table surrounded by the noise of the morning rush in your home, or maybe the phone ringing for an order, or maybe the traffic lights as you are waiting for the next customer to need a ride to the airport, or maybe you're on your knees weeping from that day. Either way, we all long for something that isn't right in front of us. We get lost in the "better" day that you could be having or the better clothes, the better food, the better friends, the better coffee, the better vacation or lack there of. Maybe its the simple but dangerous thought that as you're in a rut, you are suffering alone.</div>
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We all suffer, we all have issues, whether it be money needs, heart issues, self confidence, physical and/or spiritual pain, its there. But so many times we feel alone. So many times I have wondered if the grass is greener on the other side. Is that favorite city of yours that you love to travel to, better than the one your in. Is that marriage & kids life better than your single life.</div>
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The answer is NO. I can confidently say that I am not where I sometimes think I want to be, because God has me here. Here...and if God has me here whether it be on the mountain waiting for His guidance, or the streets waiting for Him to pass through the crowds or it be on the boat waiting for the big catch, I am here. Its hard to be here, it can be aching and it can be dangerous if that waiting time becomes bitter, but know this, know that as you day dream of that perfect day, perfect job, perfect marriage, perfect vacation, God knows. He knows what you long for and He knows when the right timing is for you to be fully blessed. </div>
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Don't neglect the time He has you in, don't stop worshiping Him just cause you're not where you want to be, where you think God should take you. I have to remind myself that the act of worship should never be determined on how happy or mad I am with God or with where I'm at, the act of worship is a surrender, its an act of humble surrender. This surrender opens up room in your heart and opens your eyes to see His goodness, His promises and His love that goes far beyond our wildest day dreams. Your act of worship doesn't have to be boisterous or in front of a bunch of people or even in how you serve. Your act of worship can be as simple as laying your burdens at His feet and entrusting your fears or your circumstances. God just wants us, not bits, but all of us. I think that to be used fully as the body of Christ, we must be fully surrendered to Him. How can we see results in the church, if each member is only giving/using 2% of their gifts to glorify God. Now don't for one second think that you are not special, that God doesn't have room for you, that He is done using you, or that what you have done this week or in the past has changed His plan for you. That is a lie, God didn't allow His son to be born in the lowliest of places for you to be alone, He was born in the lowliest of places to meet us. I am so comforted by the fact that Jesus sees my issues, my desires and hardships. He is working whether we see it or not, and that means that we need to be worshipping Him whether we believe His love for us spans from sea to sea that His thoughts toward us are greater than the sands and that His desire for us is good.<br />
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Give up trying to dream of a better than life without God first and foremost, because nothing will ever compare to the amazing life He has for you even now as you sit at your 9-5 or on the couch waiting for the kids to come home from school or that 10th doctor visit in this month alone. He is where you are at and He wants to take you beyond. But don't stop worshipping Him , don't allow your circumstances to change your act of worship. He will take whatever you have to offer Him and He will make it beautiful. </div>
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Worship in the waiting, worship in the valley, worship in the unknown, worship in the lack of your own understanding of His work, worship even when you're fighting back the tears of frustration and anger, worship in the comfort of His presence, worship in the dirt of life, worship Him on your knees as you place it all at His feet and than stand in the boldness, the joy and strength of the Lord.<br />
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"Now therefore STAND still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes" 1 Samuel 12:16<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
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Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-17260476293865494742018-07-25T13:22:00.000-07:002018-07-25T16:34:22.810-07:00Follow Through <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you were to take a recording of all the times that I followed through on plans or made a point to communicate my intentions for a better friendship, it would be considerably low. I want to follow through with plans, but sometimes my selfishness takes over. It says "Maybe there is a better deal". It says "Don't commit. A more exciting event is surely around the corner". When I was younger I was always up for adventure; rarely committing. But when it came to having plans, my friends and I just didn't really care to keep them.<br />
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Age definitely brings maturity; a better sense of time and a better understanding that it should be respected. I am more committed and plan for things ahead. I like knowing my surroundings, what to expect, how will the weather be, what type of food will be served at dinner, will I be comfortable, will people like me. Just think, back in the old days before phones, If people made plans to meet at Bob's Taco Shop at 5pm, everyone knew to be there. I feel like people didn't flake out as much, because they cared about the commitment they made. Thanks to all of the distractions we have today, it seems harder and harder to expect much from people now days. Personal challenge for myself here is to be less flakey, keep me accountable please!<br />
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All things I know the Lord is stretching at growing me in. I also love that the Lord never fails us. He always follows through with His plans. He doesn't make promises that He can't or won't keep. Jesus didn't do anything half way. In the old testament, God showed up when Moses went atop the mountain, God showed up to part that Red Sea, God showed up even when the despair that David expressed in the Psalms would overtake him. Jesus showed up on that cross for me and for the thief. He loves showing up and in ways we wouldn't expect. We can expect great things from this great big God, but don't think for a minute that you can expect to know HOW God shows up, just trust that if He followed through in meeting Peter on the water, or feeding those people with the bread and fish, than by golly, believe that HE LOVES YOU! He proves it over and over and over again.<br />
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I recently invested just a bit of my heart into a little conversation that I was having with a guy and it just didn't end up to what I had expected. I was disappointed, discouraged and feeling defeated. Pretty fun stuff when I place my value, identity and hopes in one person. But that little situation brought me to this thought that no matter what, no matter how many times I fail and people fail me, I can't forget that Jesus shows up.<br />
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Remember when Peter joined Jesus on the water, remember how Jesus was His biggest encouragement and support. And how Jesus didn't just put His feet in the water and say "eh, I don't feel like meeting you Peter" Or what if He said that to us, "Oh ya Missy, its just not my day I, I don't really want to prove over and over again that I love you and that my promises are good." I can expect that from the world, but not my God. He shows up and follows through. He also doesn't lack in His promises.<br />
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It's easy to give exuse to why I'm late for a meet up with friends or why I consistently show up late to church on Sunday morning. I'm admitting that cause this is a judge free zone, right?! I know sometimes I can give half of my attention to a person or situation and I fail to serve with a whole heart sometimes. Jesus knows when I fail and when I will continue to fail others and Him. He picks me up, dusts me off and says go there. I'm thankful that He doesn't give into my insecurities and tells me the WHOLE plan for my life, cause I think I would chicken out. His presence gives us victory to become more like Him.<br />
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A few weeks ago one of my pastors said this during his sermon and it just confirmed to me that God shows up, he said " God is not fickle in His intentions" , wow. Did you hear that, HE IS NOT FICKLE, HE DOES NOT WAIVER, in HIS intentions. He has good and trustworthy intentions. Join me in believing, claiming and standing firm on this truth.<br />
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Blessings to you all and thanks for reading!Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-87018890899256823592018-06-07T16:55:00.002-07:002018-07-25T12:50:52.590-07:00Being Quiet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a child we’ve all been told by our moms during a movie or a church service or even when adults were talking to be quiet.<br />
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Isn’t it so hard to sit still when you have so much to say. Why are we
told to be quiet, because there’s something we need to be listening too.
If we are always talking but never open to hear from Him than it’s
going to be more difficult for us to see the sweet blessings that He has
in store for all of us.<br />
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It’s good to speak your mind, it’s good to share your feelings and
burdens but it’s also good to take wise counsel, listen to other people
be ready to hear what the Lord has to say.<br />
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I try to quicken my sitting time with Jesus, I’ll look over at the clock
and have a time set whether it be 5 or 10 minutes to read my bible and
be still...but so often I do the countdown on Jesus and quicken my time
spent. But I know that time is not my own. I have NO control of when I
will die, when I will be a mom, when I’ll finally learn patience and
being still but I do know that God is outside of time. HE is in control.
It can be a tossed phrase to soften circumstances but it’s truth. God
is in control. Not out of control, not flaky or lacking in power. If we
can trust an Uber driver to take us from one place to another than why
is it sooo hard to constantly put our trust in Jesus. <br />
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Why? For me it’s because I can’t see the outcome. I can pay the Uber
driver to take me to the airport because I’m telling him where I want to
be taken. I get to decide and I can choose to also change my route. But
with God, we are called to trust in Jesus with sometimes no certain
destination in mind. Just like Moses was called to lead the people to an
unknown land. I as a Christian am to hand over my plans, my
destinations, my expectations and my own ways. Because once that
happens, I’m free. I’m no longer on the side of worry of how I’ll make
it through the month with my expenses, how I’ll be able to emotionally
handle the next week, how I will someday have a home and family of my
own. The burden is removed because it is no longer mine. God is the one
who gives and takes away and His ways are ALWAYS best. <br />
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I have so many stories of how only God met me. But just this past week, I
was at the gym with a lot on my mind. The whole time driving to the gym
I was sharing to the Lord all that was on my heart. In those times I
put on a podcast and run it out. This week the Lord totally met me as I
was just listening to a Reality SF message. I was allowing the Lord to
respond to my concerns, my heart, my burdens. I know I need to do that
more often where I just let Him meet me. <br />
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I’m just along this journey of life, learning the never ending lesson of being still and trusting Jesus. <br />
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Thanks for reading my heart ❤️ Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-34456250140967007012018-06-03T16:24:00.002-07:002018-07-25T13:54:12.547-07:00I blame the internet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Sometimes I keep going to that empty well for refreshment. And sometimes I expect people to be that well.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Why should I text them to see how there doing when I can just follow their life on social media. Most of the time, things we post are usually such a small portion of what’s really going on. We mask it all, I mask it. I post pictures of coffee that took me way to long to take a photo of, I post happy stuff. But no one can read that and see the hard day I had. The tears I’m not holding back cause I miss fellowship and circles of friends. No one can scroll thru my insta feed and know that something is wrong. Why? Cause I don’t let them. I’ve said it before, it’s really hard to be vulnerable to my close people, here, not so much. I only ever cry alone mostly or with my mom, my ugly cries are not good for the public. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">But as much as I wish people would know that my response to “how are you?” is pretty fake, I dont’t I look for it in others. I’m sooooo busy with my day to day, that i don’t make an extra effort to be there. Weep with the weeping, pray for the needy, heal with the broken hearts, I give but how much. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">I’m reminded that Jesus is always there, I can’t expect that all my friends will be there, that I’ll always feel welcome or loved...cause I struggle with that. But the best comfort I’ve got is His word that pierces me to the core. It brings me to tears just how special I am to God. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">I’m guilty of holding others to a standard that I don’t even meet. Cause I fail, we all fail, but not my Jesus. Ask the blind man or the thief, there redemption only made possible through the one who was and is and is to come. The giver of hope and promises beyond our wildest dreams. He sees our pain when no one else does and He intercedes for us. A few </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1157812959" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204 , 204 , 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday's ago a </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; text-align: center;">Pastor was teaching on prayer and how sometimes we don’t pray because we don’t care. That’s truth. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">My gifting is encouragement and if not practicing my gift and using it for His glory than I’m not gaining the full blessings. The Lord is the one who fulfills that need for encouragement when I pour it out on others. We need to go the the well of living water to refresh those gifts </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Lord help me to care, to love compassionately like you and to receive. </span><br />
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" />Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-85777375413990187472018-04-24T21:07:00.001-07:002018-07-25T13:54:25.451-07:00Why do we add sugar to coffee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">I recently was on a hungry hunt for some tasty tacos. It's Tuesday, so surely there are plenty of places to pick from. After driving in a well populated cop area and keep missing my turns, my frustration only grew. I was hangry...but I kept driving, each time realizing that those taco places filled with people were just too busy for my patient self cause I wanted tacos now. My friend and I caved into stopping at this kinda sketchy place that definetly had "ok" yelp reviews. I usually rely on Yelp for accurate details of what to expect and if its bad, I don't even bother. The more time we wasted staring at this empty establishment that seemed to fit right in, made me wonder if we made the right choice by staying, I mean there was no line. We get out head to the front and no one is there. Like we hear people but no one. Now I'm at the point where we have waited this long, lets just order and pray its at least worth it. Once we grab our seats, more people start showing up and it seems to be getting a line. But the true test was the food and I have to say, I wish we would have listened to the reviews...</span><br />
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How often do we take quantity over quality? How often do we settle because we are impatient? How often do we add sugar to our coffee rather than paying a little more for quality coffee that shouldn’t need sugar. </div>
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How often do I do this. Honestly, more than I'd like to admit. </div>
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This type of behavior can have some mean consequences. When I start to think that more is better, the happy emotion satisfies, the coffee needs sugar, yelp is right and I didn't listen, that is when my joy is replaced with frustration and I become dissatisfied with the rich land, goods and blessings that are right in front of me.<br />
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Once this behavior is recognized, I must take action. I am now aware of the "ok" choices I've made towards good over best and I'm done. Splenda is no longer an addition to my expensive coffee habits. Finally after hearing of so many people tell me how bad Splenda was, I gave it up, cause at the end of the day I don't want to add sugar to the quality coffee that I paid good money for. I want the best and nothing less. </div>
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Breakthrough moment recently as I started going to the gym. Like actually committing to the gym 3 times a week. Let me tell you, I have always been very intimidated by the gym, the people, the attitudes, the addiction of it all. But I finally said no to fear in this area and signed up. I was nervous, so nervous, so unaware of what to do, thinking everyone was judging even though all the signs in this gym read #nojudgezone #nocritics yet it was still hard. It was not easy to walk in there or even get on a machine. But now, after going for 8 weeks and getting familiar with how the machines work, how my body works, watching how others use the machines, getting into this routine of heathy living, the gym is no longer a hurdle that seems impossible to leap over, but rather a tool to help me. There are always going to be challenges in life that we have to face, whether its heartache, job loss, depression, health issues, the one thing that remains a strength in those weak times is Jesus. I didn't join the gym cause my brother kept telling me how great it was and how much I would enjoy it, I didn't join the gym cause I want to be a body builder or a gym rat or that I thought I "needed" it. I joined the gym cause this year I wanted to be strong. I want my walk with Jesus spiritually to be strong and I want to physically be strong, to take on whatever the Lord blesses me with. </div>
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I finally said no to easy and signed up for hard. It’s not always fun being challenged. But the results are incomparable, the pay off of being committed to walking this journey of ups and downs is knowing that we are not in this race alone. Through all of this, God is for me and He is for you. I know that the Lord has taken me through a lot of stretching and meeting and I’m so beyond thankful that in those times I am made more like Him, in those times I’m changing. All for the better!</div>
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If God created us into His imagine and we are quality made, perfectly constructed. Why do we add. Why do I think that I can make all things better. I need to leave the creativeness to the Creator and rest in His goodness. </div>
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Thanks for reading my scattered thoughts!!!<br />
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-Mis out! </div>
Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-6327175819505442152017-06-13T13:21:00.001-07:002018-05-04T08:38:27.657-07:00just say yes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When you've been give a choice to walk this life all alone or you take a big deep breathe, hold tightly to Jesus and just say yes to all that He has for you.<br />
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Welp. I said yes.<br />
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I live next to a very large bushel, this bushel would come in handy in the game hide and seek as I have used it too much to hide.. It so happens that the bushel to me has always been somewhat of my protection. When I get scared I would go and sit near it, I would let it grow and grow so that it could just protect me even more. I would sometimes carry a little piece of bushel with me just to make sure that if i needed to hide, that I could. One day I remember the Lord clearly telling me that I don't need to hide under the bushel any longer, it is time to let my light shine. I was reminded that God is my greatest comfort, my best friend and my biggest fan. He delights in us. He desires to have you shine so brightly that your reflection is as bright as His sons.<br />
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Sometimes our greatest downfall is trusting more in what we don't know than what we do know. I know that God is good. I know that His ways are higher, greater, better and more wonderful than I could ever think possible. I know that when I fail, He is the first to set me back on my feet and the greatest encouragement to fight the good fight to win the race of life. When I am weak, God is my strength, when I am fearful, God is my peace.<br />
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Remember when Peter had walked on water without hesitation in pure delight to see His Savior. And then just as if someone had distracted Him from His hearts desire, Peter rapidly began to sink. In a glimpse we can have complete focus and trust and be all in love with the Lord and then we can have our eyes so wrapped up in the temperature of the water, the distance between you and the prize, the thoughts of what others think of you, the enemy yelling that you can't make it or the simple fear of rejection. All the while Jesus is in your midst, He is mighty to save you, ready to catch you, there to whisper sweet peace and comfort and the best, He is interceding on your behalf. Because He loves you and loves me, this choice of saying yes to Jesus should be the easiest to say.<br />
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"But immediatly Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; It is I. Do not be afraid." And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus"<br />
Matthew 14:27-29<br />
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I want to be the Peter that gets out of the boat and has his eyes on Jesus not the Peter that starts to sink.<br />
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If you are having any hesitation of saying yes to Jesus and all that He has for you, then I would really take a moment and reflect on everything that is holding you back. Is it fear, pride, pain, the unknown? Are all these things from the Lord? NO. He does not give us a spirit of fear but a Spirit of love, POWER and a sound mind. He says that pride comes before fall.<br />
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But if we take that one little step that is right in front of us and have the sure promise that God is with us and we are told that He is faithful to COMPLETE and good work in us than lets take that leap. Let's jump in, hold tightly and enjoy the adventures that await.<br />
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This post is long over due. The beginning of the year I wrote about wanting more of Jesus. He is the end prize and I am so excited to ASK for big things, to grow in big ways and to see His plans unfold. The Lord has grown me already in these past six months, more than I could have imagined. Dreams are coming true and the time is now for my gifts to be used. Like singing. I have always always always loved to sing. Ever since I was a little one, I've loved music and singing. But this little bushel that I mentioned was the perfect place to hide that gift. Until this year. And man oh man is God doing a work in me. I'm now on rotation for worship at my church, finishing up my first ever teaching thru a book of the bible, moving up in my job and stunned at the fact that He wants me. Seriously expanding my love for Him and the fact that I have no idea whats next!<br />
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We should be singing and praising and asking the LORD, Whats next? What other amazing things do you desire to do in my life? What ways can I get to see you more clearly?!<br />
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This day is the day we take a step and follow Jesus, don't look back to yesterday and dwell on how bad that Monday was....get up and walk boldly. Lately my prayer has been "Jesus would you give me wholly boldness and meet me right where I'm at." And He does. If He wants you to get that job, move to that place, expand your trust in Him, grow in your gifts, than He will meet you, equip you and be right beside you, cheering you on.<br />
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so just say yes and watch Him meet you on that shore.<br />
<br />Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-73829144510588434532017-01-20T22:11:00.002-08:002018-07-25T13:31:41.996-07:00the year of more<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you ever see that movie called Blank Check back in the 90's? I loved that movie, I remember watching it with my cousins in the living room all laid down in our sleeping bags as we wished we could be like the kid in the movie. He had played the cards well and got whatever he wanted. Theres one scene where the kid stops by a ice cream place and gets a trash can full of ice cream. I mean he didn't just want 3 scoops with cherries on top, no he wanted a trash can full of ice cream that he would never be able to finish. And he got it just because he could. It seems like everyone wants more than they can afford. But what if you could have more of the best and the supply never runs out, the gifts, the joy, the hope, the love never ends. What if you could live for eternity and never have too much of God's promises and grace. Welp, you can. But do you want it?<br />
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Today is a brand new day. This lovely phrase is something that I have included in my weekly routine. It is a reminder that yesterday was yesterday and that today is full of new blessings and new promises. So just as I have said this many a time these past few months, I will continue to embrace this truth in this new year which is full of new possibilities and adventures. </div>
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I want more. I want more of Jesus, I want to sing more and read more, live more, travel more, give more and receive more. I want to be more like my Jesus. And with a cherry on top.</div>
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Usually I am very hesitant to expect much for the new year, I almost am a pessimist because I already feel like nothing will end up happening the way I want it to. So I cast off the new year as something to be dreaded because I am selfish. Its true. I have to constantly choose to look at new, as the glass half full instead of my normal...the glass is completely empty. Well this year I am going to stop. I am going to STOP deciding that I know best. Cause HIS WAYS are way better and by far greater than mine. Thats truth and I need to start walking in that. </div>
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Desiring more is a choice. If we are satisfied with the little and only think that is all we get then we are placing limits on the incredible God. He wants more for us but we need to put down that box that we so easily carry around with us and stop allowing our insecurities to define God. Let God do more in you and through you. I am fully speaking to myself.<br />
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<i>"You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told." Psalm 40:5</i><br />
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Practically how can I grow ?<br />
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Read His word. Ask, seek and knock on doors, spill your heart out to Him and watch His handwork unfold. Have a good ugly cry, it can be silent or loud, it can be in the corner of your room, your car, or surrounded by some friends. But do it. Cry it all out. And then wash your face, laugh and rest. This is what I do every 6 months. I don't have it scheduled but life seems to go over the top and I get so overwhelmed.<br />
When my eyes are off of Jesus is when I think that I have nothing. If our eyes are not on Jesus than we are missing out on seeing His blessings. He will still bless us and love us but we don't get to see it maybe as clear. If you could would you really want to sit out on getting the best of the best?<br />
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So lets toast to making this year, the year of more. lets ask God for more, lets ask God to speak to us more, lets do more sit ups and crunches, more book reading than phone time, more classical music than the radio, more FaceTime with Jesus, more adventures that lead to knowing more of His incredible and vast love. More deep talks that encourage each other, more minutes of sitting in silence and listening for His voice. More moments of kindness, more moments of vulnerability. More feeding ourselves with God's word than magazines latest gossip. We can be filled to the brim or we can be overflowing in love with Jesus. your choice. Just as that kid was not satisfied with a small portion of ice cream we should not be satisfied with the crumbs that this world distracts us with. We should be desiring the extra extras with cherries on top.<br />
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I remember in forth grade having to dress up in whichever profession you wanted to be when you got older. And I came to school looking like an old lady with goodwill reading glasses and a sign that said I was a teacher. Funny thing is, the beginning of this year I finally got my first pair of glasses. I have always wanted glasses cause I think they are so cool. So this year, I am stepping out and actually going to lead a bible study. Its a ladies study going through the book of Hosea. I am excited and a bit nervous. But mostly curious of how He is going to speak through me and how He is going to use the women who come. This step of faith is me taking action in my desire for more.<br />
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What area in your life do you want more of Jesus? Is it at work, family, marriage, kids, profession, giftings, health, spiritual, provision...and if you really don't know, then I encourage you to ask the Lord to meet you. I encourage you to question where your leaving God out, and to invite Him back in.<br />
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I am not perfect, but I am loved by a perfect God. I am not good, but I am loved by a good God. I am not always lovable, but I am loved by the most High.<br />
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When we start listening to the Lord instead of filling in the blanks with our own words, so much of the story will make sense. This short time on earth is but a twinkle of the eye, a quick blink. How are you going to live out more?<br />
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<i>"And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. " Philippians 1:6</i><br />
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Lets start by seeking to Glorify Him in all that we do, how we love others and how we love Him.<br />
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<i>"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us," Ephesians 3:20</i><br />
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ready, set, go....</div>
Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-50552239101924101952016-10-19T14:22:00.000-07:002018-07-25T14:52:09.214-07:00Mis[s] placed value<div>
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We are all on a roller coaster of life.</div>
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Some people are in the front enjoying every moment, taking in everything right at the beginning. Sometimes unaware of their surroundings and worries of others. They are the first ones to see what is coming up next, they are the ones who will influence the others behind them, and they are the ones who finish first. </div>
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Then you have the middle guy, the protected, well thought out ones who make sure there is always just enough room in life to keep them safe. The middle ones may have the advantage of being surrounded but they do not always choose wisely who they surround themselves with. </div>
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Last but not least, you have the end. The people who either were late for the ride, want to get on faster because everyone who is "brave" is in the front row line or they just like to sit back and have the last laugh. These people get to see things on the bigger scale, they may be the last row but they are able to view the ride completely. They get to observe the other peoples reactions. They get to be the last ones off the ride. </div>
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Where do you sit on this roller coaster called life. Do you lead by example? Do you surround yourself with people who are uplifting and encouraging? Do you rely on people more than on God? Do you trust in Jesus and ALL of His promises? Do you care that your words affect others and can either bless them or hurt them? </div>
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When I was about ten or eleven I went on the biggest, fastest and scariest ride called "Desperado" out in Nevada. This giant rollercoaster was my worst nightmare. After being assured that it would be "fun", I cautiously approached the event that would forever change my life. My brothers sat right next to me in the front row of this massive, insanely fast contraption. I really wanted to back out and just sit on the side lines as my family partook of this crazy act. But no, I joined them. I took a seat. Buckled up and screamed/prayed. The ride started and all I remember hearing was to "keep my eyes open, trust me, its fun". Finally towards the end of the ride I bravely opened my eyes. I stopped screaming for no reason and realized how pretty the view was from the top. Once I set aside the irrational fears of anything bad happening to me, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. And now I absolutely love roller coasters. The bigger the better. The faster the better. I love the rush of being scared and excited at the same time.<br />
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I believe that we are called as Christians to keep our eyes on Jesus, to trust Him and live out the example of Jesus as loving others.<br />
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So often, my seat of choice in life usually is the middle. I like to be surrounded by some would call "cushion", the padding that protects me and allows the rough times to hurt just a little less. Now, I can assure you that this cushion that I've created or rather imagined in my head has been a burden. It really is no fun walking around in life and always afraid of what could happen next. I mean I'm not always fearful just when it comes to radically relying fully on God. I guess this would be considered untrusting of me to walk the life of a believer but be scared. But, there are many people in the bible who were terrified, for legitimate reasons. The ones who concurred that fear, and rose to the calling, all had their eyes on Jesus. A place I so desire to be.<br />
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Just this past weekend I was able to visit one of my former high school students that is attending bible college. I was so blown away of the absolute wisdom that poured out of her. A sense of pride and blessing filled my heart to the brim of how Jesus loves His children and He has us right where we are needed. She reminded me that although Peter was scared, he chose to walk to Jesus. Peter was for that moment in complete reliance on God, His eyes stayed on Jesus, which kept him above water.<br />
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I so desire to be in the uncomplicated, undeserved, untarnished, unshakable, unwavering presence of God, that the whole world and all of its issues of sin and death cannot compare to the love of God.<br />
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It really is all about Perspective. Do you have your eyes on Jesus or are you so involved with yourself that you have started sinking. A practical way to not sink is to be ready in and out of season with the knowledge of scripture. To dwell on His promises and blessings.<br />
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As I sit here drinking from my "give me Jesus" mug and reading my daily light for October 19th, I am reminded that to truly be filled, to truly be protected and unafraid is to have that desire of Jesus, that HE is enough.<br />
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<i>"The Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught" Proverbs 3:26</i><br />
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To be like Jesus, is to love like Him, to find your value, your hope, your rest, your identity, your everything is to be in Him. Is it easy to not listen to the enemy? No, but its worth it. This life is a<br />
fight , we have a victor and His name is Jesus. Can you just take a minute and surrender your day. Can you with a full breathe just take in that today is a new day, filled with grace and mercy. A brand new day that is not promised or deserved. We have been given this gift of life. But I tend to take each day and live it with carried weight of myself. I'm tired. I need to remind myself that this is a new day.<br />
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Are you ready to start thanking Jesus for this day, for the trials because He is faithful to meet you. Thank Him for the tears and the heartaches because He is in the midst of your pain, He intercedes for us and keeps our tears. Can we start to Thank Him for simply loving us. And can we start living a life that shows we are LOVED by the Creator of the universe.<br />
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<i>"Looking to JESUS, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy(that is you and me) that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" Hebrews 12:2</i><br />
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The fact is that no one deserves His love, but at the cost of the cross we can partake in His goodness. I am not perfect, I am not good, I am not lovely or kind, I am not precious, I am not valuable, I am not of any worth, I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Once I realize that and walk cleansed and redeemed, that is when my identity changes. In Jesus, I am perfected, I am good, I am lovely, I am precious and I am valued.<br />
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This is a daily reliance and view that I cannot attain my salvation, but only receive it. And you have that chance as well. You can choose to walk the rest of this gift of life in pain, sorrow, heartache alone. Or you can walk in peace that passes all understanding, confidence in who He has made you and called you to be, and the assurance that you are LOVED. It's just that simple act of confession and then the act of profession. Confess that you need a Savior, asking for forgiveness and then walking in a way that is pleasing to God. Professing that He is Lord of all.<br />
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Praying that whoever is reading this would rest in Jesus and desire Him completely. Because you are valued and loved.<br />
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<i>"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever would believe in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.</i><br />
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-Mis<br />
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Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-26532500749426285942016-10-04T23:16:00.003-07:002016-10-04T23:59:36.597-07:00Band-aidsBand-aids, thats my season right now.<br />
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Let me explain.<br />
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Last week I was changing around the pictures in the store at my work just to keep it looking fresh and a picture scrapped my arm. Which became a scab and it wasn't till 3 days later that i decided to put neosporin (thank you siri for helping me with the spelling) on it. I had thought about putting a bandaid on it but was sure that it would heal fine without one. I'm pretty sure this will turn into a scar. When I was younger I loved when I got a scar because than I could look back and tell a story of how I got it. But getting older I realize that scars are not as cool and less is more. So anyway...sometimes in life we are very quick to put a bandaid on a wound and allow the bandaid to protect and give time for healing and other times we tend to think so less of that bandaid that the wound can actually get worse. The truth is if you are not taking care of your body, using a bandaid or not could both cause great issues down the line. Either you use the bandaid and leave it on too long not allowing your skin to breathe or you completely ignore the issue and it does not get the protection it needs.<br />
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I have misused the bandaids. For me lets just say that the bandaid is my blanket of comfort. If the rotten wound is covered then no will know that its there. cause all bandaids are invisible. (insert sarcastic slightly uncomfortable laugh) hahaha.<br />
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What are my bandaids you might be wondering...well as of now they are my hidden "talents" that have remained buried for a long time. Ever since I was a very little girl, I have loved music. I grew up with my mom putting on WEE Sing cassette tapes and having the radio be apart of my morning routine. I loved playing around with my portable Karaoke Machine and mimicking the great singers I longed to be like someday. I loved being in children's choir at my church and singing in the car rides with mom as she would take me to school. I had the influence of Frank Sinatra from my Nana, the influence of the amazing and talented Elton John from my dad, the gorgeous voices of Whitney Houston, Lauren Hill, Celine Dion, Boyz II Men and then life changing, awestruck worship from church. I joined choir in the 6th grade but didn't stick with it cause I want to try other things. My senior year of high school I joined choir again and loved every moment of it. I was for a brief time on a worship team for the Singles Ministry that my mom was serving in. But even though I am undeniably captivated by music, that would be that last thing I would mention is one of my talents. I love to sing, like a lot. And someday would love to use that for the Lord. When I choose to walk in His faithfulness, It is easier to be obedient in His guidance.<br />
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"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established" Proverbs 16:3<br />
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And just when I start to doubt, He gives me His word for comfort.<br />
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"For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands" Isaiah 55:12<br />
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This is a promise. Jesus goes before us and behind us in whatever we are facing. The biggest lie that I fall for all the time is that i am alone. That there is no one who knows what I'm going thru, but the greatest truth is that God loves you, He is for you and not against you, to bring you a future and a hope.<br />
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Do you ever crave pizza and than think of just getting a whole pizza for yourself because even though you might not finish that whole pizza that fact is you just don't want to share. Well....thats me. I've been hoarding pizzas and forgetting about them as the rot in the corner of my heart. I'm warning you btw if you haven't noticed but I'm a deep thinker and not by choice. So the cat is out of the bag. And I'm really terrified. But as my brother so lovingly encouraged me, to be excited instead of afraid. I hope your not lost with my crazy thinking.<br />
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The past few Sunday's we have been going through the topic of Spiritual Gifts which has been heavy on my heart and super encouraging as the Pastor reminded us that we all have a function in the body of Christ. And when the body of Christ is strengthened, it will be more effective.<br />
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I was recently instructed by my friend to listen to a message on Fear, cause I'm really good at it. pero like I am. And it was called Fear: Face, Chase, Embrace by Ben Courson. (you should listen to it) Such a simple message but so profound because the basic break down was exactly what I needed to hear to kinda make sense of where I put my trust, how I view God and how I need to embrace the fear. A few of his points that I loved were, " he that fears is not made perfect in love", "my past supply ain't my last supply", "great things never come from the comfort zones", "how you perceive God dictates how you receive from God" and "do the thing that scares you the most". Easier said than done, but definitely something to aware of.<br />
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"I will not boast in anything, no gift, no power no wisdom, but I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. "<br />
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I'm not sharing this because I will gain anything out of it other than the hope that this ministers to someone who is unsure of their gifts or callings. As the Lord continues to reveal the need for my bandaids to be removed, I'm resting in the fact that His timing is perfect, perfect love casts out all fear and Jesus is good all the time.<br />
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Provoking thought: If you are hiding your gift then how are you allowing the opportunity for God to be glorified? Is your fear holding you back from giving those gifts back to God? I can only imagine being one of those wise men and knowing that Jesus the Savior was coming; yet being so afraid of camels that it prevented me from dwelling with the newborn King.<br />
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So as I take on the challenge of being obedient, I challenge you to press on and follow the Lord's leading. Heres to embracing my fears and watching how God is going to heal me as the band-aids are removed.<br />
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Oh Lord, keep me humble, teachable, moldable and dwelling in your goodness. God be glorified.<br />
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-Mis out.<br />
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<br />Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-10028867615581447072016-09-21T00:30:00.003-07:002016-09-21T00:30:42.402-07:00Earnestly seekingIt usually requires a type of vulnerability to really write a blog post. I struggle with FEAR and the fact that God not only has gifted me but that He wants to use me.<br />
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<i>"O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you; as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1</i><br />
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Earnestly= serious in intention, purpose or effort or sincerely zealous<br />
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I have dropped the ball lately, I have not been earnestly seeking Jesus. But I want to.<br />
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Please raise your hand if you have experienced some dry and weary patches on this fun journey of life. Please raise your hand if you have realized that you haven't been hungry or thirsty for the Lord, where you feel like you have "lost" your appetite for God's word simply because you were not getting an answer every time you played bible roulette.<br />
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Sometimes its when you have had your fill of the day, burdens are heavy, your exhausted of always chatting about the negative and horrible things that are taking place at home or work. Sometimes my quick fix is just to sing a few worship songs on the way to work, but even then I struggle with walking in fact that I am saved from my sin, I have a Savior who loves me beyond and or that God cares enough to give me rest. Which clearly the scripture states that He will give us rest if were are weary and heavy laden. Sometimes we need to STOP BLAMING GOD and actually talk to Him, we need to be vulnerable with God. Sometimes that also means letting others know about you in order to keep you accountable and directed back to Jesus and His goodness. That means that fellowship is sooooooooooooooooooooooooo important to maintain a healthy relationship with God. Fellowship is meant to encourage and become that functioning body of Christ. Without fellowship in our lives as Christians, I believe we are limiting the opportunity to be met by God.<br />
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Guilty as charged. But there needs to be an attitude of repentance and an attitude of humility as we desire to be more like Jesus.<br />
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I want to be the woman of God that so desires God and all His goodness. I want to be the woman who desires God above my own desires for a husband and children. I want to the confident woman who stands and claims the gifts God has given me, to sing my heart out for the Lord. I want to be the woman who stops wondering if I'm good enough for someone to even say Hi to or to find me worthy of their time. I want to stop questioning God and His timing. I want to be the woman who gives all she has and values nothing other than her Saviors sweet thoughts towards her that are good, that are plentiful. I want to be the woman who glows with the hope and joy that she only finds in Jesus. But mostly, I want to REST in His presence, close my eyes and dwell in the beauty of His majesty.<br />
I want to bring my Abba Father, my heart and watch Him make beauty from ashes.<br />
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I challenge whoever is reading this to pray specifically, to earnestly seek Jesus daily and to love others like Jesus loves.<br />
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Lord,<br />
Thank you for loving me.<br />
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-Mis<br />
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<br />Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-79428734942130591322016-09-18T00:42:00.000-07:002016-09-18T00:42:46.389-07:00Late as usualI wrote this post a few months ago, meant to post it but kept putting it off. So here is late as usual and still being renewed in Jesus. : )<br />
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There is this lovely area near tower 52 in Newport Beach, that is perfect for placing a towel down and cracking open a book. Not a lot of people in the area and the only noise usually is the sound of crashing waves and the occasional hooray from the surfers. Perfect weather on a March 2nd afternoon, with a large soy latte from Peet's and silence.<br />
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Today my day off, I ventured to the beach and placed my towel down and sat in awe, just taking in the beauty. After looking around, I grabbed a scoop full of sand and broken sea shells. So many of these shells so soft and smooth. Unique in shape, color and size. All once whole shells that lived at the bottom of the sea now washed up and made their home on the shore. The sand has smoothed any rough edges and made them into another beautiful creation.<br />
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Many times I feel as though my edges are being smoothed, my rough character is being shaped and my heart is being softened. Many times I don't give Jesus the recognition, and most times I don't feel as though I need to be softened. I mean, l love Jesus, I don't have a hard heart, or do I? If I never see the damage of sin in my heart, than I will not see the need for a Savior.<br />
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I notice how I react to situations, how I act out of fear or how I lack the small portion of faith to move mountains. The process isn't pretty and the realization that I am more and more like the people that I tend to complain about just reminds that I am in constant need of Jesus. I have been so blinded by the fact that I am always in need of smoothing out and reshaping.<br />
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I seek to be like Jesus but forget that I need to be challenged in my understanding of His character and my faith in the unchanging, the loving and the everlasting God. As much as I see others need to be exemplifying the character of God, i too need to be refined. I can't begin to tell you how much I fear the unknown. I fear what will take place this year or how I will adapt to a new moving of His mighty plans. Just this past monday, yet again the Lord spoke truth in my heart and opened my eyes even more to how little I see God and how BIG He really is.<br />
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Do you ever go to God with minimal requests instead of going to Him with a big request?<br />
Deep down in my flesh I really question that God is able to do above and beyond my greatest desires. I mean it says in His word, why do I doubt?<br />
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<b><i>"Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" John 14:13</i></b><br />
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or what about<br />
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<b><i>"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you, For everyone who asks receives, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." Matthew 7:7&8</i></b><br />
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I love that Jesus seeks us, He meets us, He seeks to know us. Are you actively seeking Jesus and all that He has for you. Are you blinded by the inability to understand God? I know I am at times.<br />
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<b><i>"O God, You are my God; I shall seek you earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1</i></b><br />
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PROMISE<br />
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<b><i>"You will seek ME and find Me when you search for ME with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13</i></b><br />
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I love how the word of God is filled with so much love for His children. I love how Jesus loves me and has great plans for me even though I feel like a broken sea shell without a home.<br />
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I love to be encouraged and I love to encourage. Praying Jesus will guide you, meet you and continue to reveal Himself to you.<br />
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- Mis<br />
<br />Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-73010727559945199042016-02-03T00:50:00.002-08:002016-02-03T00:50:31.576-08:00amigosSo I googled "spanish words for Friend", because I only know of two. And to my surprise there are 53 Spanish Slang Words for Friend.<br />
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A few of my faves because I like the way it sounds.<br />
bonco= It is used in Cuba to refer to a close friend or also attractive men<br />
cobio= Cuban<br />
choche= Peru<br />
chompiras= Mexican<br />
gomia= Argentina<br />
mano= Guatemala<br />
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How often do you feel so alone in your trial or situation that even amoung your friends, you feel like there is no one that can relate? How often do we go to everyone else to carry our burdens or hear our sob stories of past and present trials hoping that they can make it all better? How often do we keep our hardships to our selves and hope no one asks because we are ashamed of the things we are facing? How often do we fall into the same trap of lies that we don't matter to God?<br />
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Guilty. I tend to either hold everything in until I have to burst or I only share enough so that people don't inquire. It's to easy to be hurt by being vulnerable. It's to easy to wonder if your words are being heard. But, we have been given a true example of friendship in the bible. I'm so baffled at how God continued to pursue and use those who constantly disobeyed Him. I'm in awe that Jesus intercedes for us, that He desires to dine with us. We are seen clean and sinless at the table of the Lord. Such comfort to know that His grace has no bounds, that I'm no longer bound by my sin but completely set free and made white as snow.<br />
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I'm challenged to be more like Jesus when I think of the type of friend He is. When He was in flesh on earth he sought the lonely and lost, he sought the sojourners and the weary burdened. He reached out to the ones who hid and where ashamed of their sin. He desired for God to be glorified so that those who spat at him, whipped him and cursed him even unto death on the cross would have a chance to know and be known by His Father. His desires where only to please His Father, His mission was to share His love and His ministry was to share that God is love and grace abounds.<br />
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<b><i>"Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new."</i></b></div>
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<b><i> 2 Corinthians 5:17</i></b></div>
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I've been attending a study on Mondays night at my church called LIFT and this past week the pastor shared a great message from Joshua 10, on what a type of friend Jesus is. He is die-hard, devoted, dedicated, determined and distinguished. I want to be more like Jesus. As much as I desire these things in my friends, I want to be them for my friends.<br />
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One of my favorite hymns,<br />
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<i>"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. " </i></div>
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We have direct access to talk to God whenever and wherever. That is pretty sweet :) Isn't it so cool that God desires to be our friends. He wants to meet with His children. He wants for us to sit at His feet and hear His response of adoration and love. He wants us to be still so that we can see His great work and great plan unfold. Being still can be super difficult at times. I usually act like a small child who is in line for that deep fried ice cream cone on a hot summery day at the fair. In complete anticipation for something cold and comforting to embrace my tastebuds and meet my sugary needs. So excited and in wonder if in fact this thing that I'm waiting for is going to be all that I hoped for and all that the ones in front of me have proclaimed it to be. Sometimes waiting for Jesus to meet with me can seem like a visit with the principle office, your all alone and your really not sure what will take place once you get there. But that is a misconstrued idea of who God is, if i'm more anxious to hear from God than excited. It can seem almost a torture to be still before God. I'm not sure why, but this is something I've had to be challenged in not comparing my disappointments in humans to the faithful and good God.<br />
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<b><i>"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" Matthew 7:7</i></b></div>
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We desire in friendships what we need the most.<br />
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<b><i>"a friend loves at all times" Proverbs 17:17</i></b></div>
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<b><i>"a man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" Proverbs 18:24</i></b></div>
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<b><i>"He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend." Proverbs 22:11</i></b></div>
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<b><i>"greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13</i></b></div>
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<b><i>"You are my friends if you do what I command you" John 15:14</i></b></div>
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<b><i>"No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made know to you" </i></b></div>
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<b><i>John 15:15</i></b></div>
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Jesus is the best of friends<br />
He always has our backs<br />
He is faithful and true.<br />
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<b><i>"Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you." Psalm 139:16-18</i></b></div>
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Let Him carry your burdens and be that shoulder to cry on. Let Him make you into a friend that is faithful and uplifting. Let Him see your heart so that He may refine it and make it more like His.<br />
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This is my plea....<br />
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<b><i>"Search me, O God, and KNOW my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Psalm 139:23&24</i></b></div>
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Only Jesus will ever satisfy. If we are not looking to Jesus for true friendship, we will never know how to be a true friend.<br />
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"Everyone needs a best friend. His name is Lord and He is in constant pursuit of us." Chet Lowe- LIFT bible study<br />
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Something the Lord gave me.<br />
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<b>Forever my beloved</b><br />
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"He is constant and faithful<br />
He is forever my beloved<br />
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I've ran down paths without looking back,<br />
I've stumbled and fallen<br />
I've seen storms arise and seas part<br />
I've been given a staff and thy rod comforts me<br />
In harms way, weak walks and dry lands<br />
Blood shed, burdens carried, washed white as snow<br />
My true friend<br />
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I have broken laws<br />
brought shame to His name<br />
I've grieved for my sins<br />
I've found strength in His truth<br />
I've failed a thousand times<br />
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Still, He is still<br />
Still, He is good<br />
Still, He is grace<br />
Still, He is God<br />
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He is constant and faithful<br />
He is forever my beloved "<br />
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-M.L.<br />
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If you have any prayer requests, send them my way, I'd love to pray for you.<br />
<br />Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-7506902059771106582016-01-01T23:52:00.005-08:002016-01-02T00:40:12.730-08:00the good stuffHAPPY NEW YEAR!!!<br />
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Goodbye 2015<br />
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Last year was a tough year in so many ways, I don't think I have ever faced so much stretching in such a close amount of time. In every way that I sought the Lord about life, He challenged me to trust in Him and in His ways. Every time that I tested His goodness, He met me with grace and peace. In my grief, He offered me hope, in my sorrow, He offered me comfort. This past year shook me, it wrecked my perception of God, in how I view Him and how He views me. My heart broke a few times this p<span style="font-family: inherit;">ast year and God never left my side. He stretched me to lose myself in Him and be victorious. Honestly, I have struggled with believing at certain times in this hard journey of stretching that God knew what He was doing. I was bitter, I was uncertain of the future and I was unsure of where I fit in. But, once I surrendered the bitterness, the fear, the burden of unbelief, only then was I able to find joy. As mu</span>ch as I really disliked this past year, I am thankful for it. I'm thankful that He has deepened my understanding and renewed my hunger for His goodness. I have only conquered this past year with the promise and hope that is from Jesus. These past few months I have been pondering and repeating and clinging to this verse.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">PROMISE right there. God is good and He loves to give us good things. And He doesn't withhold anything that is good. This is a crazy promise to wrap our minds around. Especially in tough and challenging times, its hard to grasp that any good can come from the valleys. But, God is good and He loves to give us good things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">good= of high quality; excellent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">IN CHRIST YOU ARE: worthy. valued. cherished. fought for. prayed for. victorious. made righteous. beloved. beautiful. precious. forgiven. redeemed. made new.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He takes us just the way we are and makes something beautiful. He takes us in pieces and makes us new again. I so look forward to the day where we are made complete in Him, lacking nothing. When we meet Him face to face in all His glory. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 </span></i></div>
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So. let's desire the good stuff. Let's get real with Jesus and start resting more in His goodness and less in our burdens. Let's cast away the doubt and lets run with the awesome, extraordinary and possible God. Our God is able and willing to complete a good work in you and in me.<br />
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My only desire is to experience and know God more than I ever have before.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"And I am sure of this, that HE who began a GOOD work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" Philippians 1:6</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">H E L LO 2016 !!!</span></div>
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Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-53332411477627694592015-08-20T20:10:00.000-07:002015-08-22T10:22:14.386-07:00A Season to break down Last night was my first time being a regular in the main study. The message hit home. Yesterday I had car problems, money issues and have been struggling in the balance of placing my complete identity in Jesus and not other things. And that's what was spoken of at church. The pastor spoke of patience and prayer. Seriously when Jesus speaks, listen. I'm learning. Always. New seasons have its ups and downs.<br />
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"a time to break down, and a time to build up"</div>
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Ecclesiastes 3:3</div>
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I was 17 years old, just graduated high school and a few of my friends and I didn't want to miss out on summer camp. So we signed up to be counselors. I had no idea how that would change my life. This journey of serving has wrecked me, beaten me, challenged my walk, refined my desires, opened my heart and reveled a deeper need for continual cleansing and out pouring of His spirit. </div>
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I've seen people come and go, students genuinely seek Jesus in their new adventures outside of high school and built some great relationships with the people I got to serve with. It's been a fun, crazy, hard, heart wrenching 10 years. </div>
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Too many summer camps to keep track of, all nighters, movies, costume roller skate nights, beach days, bike rides, serious chats, crying chats, countless prayers, lack of sleep, genuine love. The Lord has grown me so much through serving Him through the high school ministry. I am beyond grateful for the pastors and fellows servants who have invested in such an important calling. I have only seen just a glimpse of the magnificent, unconditional and powerful love God has for the youth. I have seen radical transformations and been blessed by many lives. </div>
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I have loved getting to grow through this 10 year season. I'm sad, sad to leave the known for this unknown season. But excited to rest, trust and be refreshed. </div>
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I'm reminded to always put my identity in Jesus. We are all prone to allow other things take place of the simplicity of who Christ is and who I am in Him. </div>
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My comfort and promise to cling to. </div>
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“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”</div>
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Isaiah 26:3-4 </div>
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To you young men and women of ekklesia, </div>
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Thank you for letting me be apart of your short but defining moments as high schoolers. You are all loved and cherished by the Creator of the universe, you have a purpose and a calling. Love Jesus and make Him known. Seek Jesus and let Him be your everything. </div>
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When Jesus speaks, listen. Listen, rest and follow Him no matter the cost. Place your hope, faith, trust and fears in Him and He will take you beyond your greatest desires!</div>
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I love you guys so much!!!! If you ever need prayer I'm here. </div>
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“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." James 5:7-9</div>
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Love, </div>
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Missy </div>
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Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-88049182311969948252015-08-05T21:58:00.003-07:002015-08-05T22:19:47.302-07:00seasons to weep<section class="column-content" style="border: 0px; height: calc(100% - 29px); line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; min-width: 280px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: auto; padding: 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="passage esv" id="v21003001-21003022" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="tokens esv lang-eng verses passage text audio structures crossrefs" dir="ltr" end="21003022" id="v21003000-21003022" reference="Ecclesiastes 3" start="21003000" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="begin-line-group" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; height: 1em; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<div class="line" id="p21003002_01-1" style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #363030; font-size: 17px; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5.5em; text-align: center; text-indent: -3.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> "a time to be born, and a time to </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">die;</span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="line" id="p21003002_11-1" style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #363030; font-size: 17px; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5.5em; text-align: center; text-indent: -3.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a alt="esv_11" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v21003002" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;</span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="line" id="p21003003_01-1" style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #363030; font-size: 17px; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5.5em; text-align: center; text-indent: -3.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> a time to kill, and a time to heal;</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="line" id="p21003003_10-1" style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #363030; font-size: 17px; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5.5em; text-align: center; text-indent: -3.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a alt="esv_10" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v21003003" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">a time to break down, and a time to build up;</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> a time to </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">weep, and a time to laugh;</span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="line" id="p21003004_10-1" style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #363030; font-size: 17px; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5.5em; text-align: center; text-indent: -3.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a alt="esv_10" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v21003004" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">a time to mourn, and a time to </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">dance;</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> a time to </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cast away stones, and a time to </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">gather stones together;</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a alt="esv_14" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v21003005" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">a time to embrace, and a time to </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">refrain from embracing;</span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="line" id="p21003006_01-1" style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #363030; font-size: 17px; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5.5em; text-align: center; text-indent: -3.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> a time to seek, and a time to </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">lose;</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a alt="esv_10" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v21003006" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">a time to keep, and a time to </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">cast away;</span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="line" id="p21003007_01-1" style="border: 0px; clear: both; color: #363030; font-size: 17px; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5.5em; text-align: center; text-indent: -3.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> a time to </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">tear, and a time to sew;</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a alt="esv_10" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v21003007" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">a time to </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">keep silence, and a time to speak;</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> a time to love, and a time to </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">hate;</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a alt="esv_10" class="va" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v21003008" style="border: 0px; color: black; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">a time for war, and a time for peace."<br />Ecclesiastes 3</span></span></i></b></div>
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</section>Travels on the 91 to riverside were always long and full of traffic just to get to my grandparents house. Weekend visits with my brothers entailed chili cheese fries, Mario Cart, Duck Hunt, Nintendo, coloring books, boxes and boxes full of every color of crayon and of course, a karaoke machine.<br />
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My Nanny would share stories of how her and my papa met, she was 15 years old working at a skating rank and my papa was a 22 year old chap stricken with love at first sight, within 2 weeks they were engaged, within a year married and after one year and one day had their first child. My grandparents built there own house back in Detroit. In later years my Papa worked on the Apollo 11 that went up to the moon with His and my dads initials engraved on the rockets. My grandparents shared tragedy, tears, happiness and love for 74 years. </div>
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On July 14, my 96 year old Papa, Henry Charles Leveck passed away. He was such a sweet, hard working, loving husband, father, grand and great grand father. He had the most beautiful eyes and tender heart. His tent was laid to rest and His spirit joined in heaven with Jesus. </div>
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I really don't handle sad news very well, my tendency is to usually push it aside and save it for a rainy day. Which in most cases wouldn't be such a biggy. But going through the loss of my Papa isn't something I really know how to deal with. Grief is a foreign word and I struggle with the process of the emotional roller coaster. I can't help but be reminded that as humans we were not meant for death. This ending of life was not what God had wanted for us. That makes me feel a little better knowing that its alright that my heart aches and is frazzled by the power of death and the power of life. Knowing that Jesus values my life and took my place on that cross, there is no way to repay such pure love. </div>
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<b><i>"by this we know love, that He laid down His life for us..." 1 John 3:16</i></b></div>
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Life has so much meaning when I know that God created me to live for and through Him. This season of seeking Jesus, finding my identity in Him, gaining a better understanding of the vast love of God is going to be exciting. I'm thankful that I can lean on Jesus in times of valleys. I'm thankful that Jesus intercedes for us, He knows my pain, my struggles, my thoughts, my heart and my weaknesses.<br />
Thru these past few years I have really desired more of Jesus, but have allowed my identity to be in what I do and not who I do it for. I've been given a time of rest and a time of being poured into. I have hungered and thirsted for God and He has said here Melissa, I made this feast for you, sit, rest and eat. We are all invited to come to the table, to sit with the Creator and to be filled. Jesus has called you to be all in, to forget the old and walk in the new.<br />
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He knows my name, He knows my fears and worries, He knows me. He loves me.<br />
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I exhort you to rest in Jesus. Whatever you are facing, if it be grief, pain, sickness, lack of joy, misunderstanding of the amazing and pure love God has for you.REST. The first thing I do when times get tough, I go to the Word of God. The greatest comfort, food to my soul.<br />
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<b><i>"You will keep him in PERFECT peace whose mind is stayed on you, because He loves you." Isaiah 26:3</i></b></div>
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blessings,<br />
Mis<br />
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Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-20270570462170589212015-04-08T22:52:00.004-07:002015-04-08T23:57:34.590-07:00Am I enough? Recently I have been challenged...<br />
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Challenged to either give into my whiney poor me selfish attitude of self loathing or to be genuine with my intentions in all areas. Genuine with Jesus, my desires, my friends, my job, my identity. </div>
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Tonight the Lord used my words to not only encourage a high schooler to have her eyes on Jesus, but reminded me to also seek HIM. And re thinking what God keeps asking me which is "am I enough?" I almost cried while telling this to a girl because God has been asking me this question. </div>
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Now as a Christian I would most definitely without a doubt say boldly that yes of course You are enough Jesus. But with my sinful and selfish desires I can't be satisfied in my boxed view of what is "the best of the best". I can't possibly imagine what really is good. Because I'm not. My sinful nature has thrashed the view of what the words good, perfect and enough mean. </div>
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Am I enough? God thank you that through my pain, my hurt, my hopes and dreams, my failures and my short comings. You paid that cost, you declared over and over again that I'm enough. </div>
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Those words twisting my thoughts and wrecking my own perception of what is good enough. I am brought to my knees. Humbled. Broken. Torn. Emptied and filled. Because by surrendering myself and all that I am. I can say boldly as a sinner saved by grace, nothing to offer, weird and all that YES. My Jesus is enough. </div>
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It is not easy as a 27 year old single woman who serves Jesus, loves Jesus and wants to be more like Him to not question God's best. It's not easy to set aside the ideal life I should be living according to what I want. But I know that it is worth everything to deny myself and seek Him. The struggles that I face, the fear that I hide in are all teaching me. I'm so thankful that God can use what I'm going though to minister to others. And if for some reason God decides to bless me other than the long list I've given Him, I will at some time have to trust that He has a reason and purpose for all things.<br />
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"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28<br />
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I realize that this is not a one time question and answer. But rather a continual life choice of denying my fears of being rejected and living a life full of that fact that I'm chosen. I was, am and will be enough. Sometimes the hardest part about hearing of God's promises are first believing you are worthy of receiving them. </div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"In tenderness He sought me,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> Weary and sick with sin,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And on His shoulders brought me<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> Into His flock again."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I rejoice knowing that My God has sought me and will continue to seek me. </span></div>
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"And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:10</div>
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How can I not rejoice with knowing that my Jesus loves me, seeks me, intercedes for me and promises joy in the morning and rest from burdens.<br />
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He finds me worthy to die for my sins. Do you find Him worthy to walk in freedom and allow Him to be your hearts desire? </div>
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Be vulnerable with God. Ask for big things and expect that our big God is able :)<br />
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-Mis out </div>
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Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-68785267975765357242015-01-17T08:52:00.002-08:002015-01-17T08:52:47.615-08:00Comfort, Coffee & Conversations It's a beautiful <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Tuesday night</a>, As I start to walk towards the coffee shop on the corner I realize that it not only appears closed for the night but in fact. Closed down forever. Like they moved.<br />
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I was devastated. This isn't just any coffee shop. This place represents years of the needed venting nights. It provides great coffee and a venue of comfort for some heartfelt conversations. After standing at the door I felt saddened, hahaha. I could have cried. </div>
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But then. I was reminded by my friend that it was a new year and time for some new beginnings. I'm blessed to have friends who encourage and point me back to Jesus! </div>
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I am in some ways very comfortable with where I'm at. I tend to put my hand up to change. I seek comfort to my terms. <br />
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"Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. "Psalm 119:76</div>
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I need to stop thinking and start praying. I've mentioned this before but I feel sometimes like a Jacob just wrestling with God. Jesus always meets me, always provides me with the best comfort, always wants sweet communion with me. I admire Abraham for His faithfulness, Moses for his humility and Paul for his transformation. These guys were all called to go beyond. Called to lead and die to themselves. Ministry has definitely challenged me to lead, to follow and to die to myself. I'm addicted to serving His people. </div>
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How often do we go to that door that is closed and give up. How often do we stop seeking Jesus because He didn't give us what we wanted. </div>
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We can be so hot and cold to how we treat God when we don't get our way. It's a choice. We have a choice to live our lives always seeking and being filled to the fullest or turn our eyes to other things that will never satisfy. </div>
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That's a big word Never. I can't imagine my life without knowing peace and love and hope.</div>
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To this new year. I expect great things. I expect God to mold me and shape me into His image. I expect to be shaken and rocked. I expect to be met and blessed. </div>
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This year marks almost 10 years with High school ministry. 10 years out of high school. 10 years at my job. </div>
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I want to travel more. Seek Jesus more. Live beyond. Give more. Receive more. Rest more. Laugh more. Cry more. Experience joy like never before and obey more. </div>
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And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37<br />
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To you joy & peace,<br />
MisMelissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-33418097881715215812014-11-20T10:35:00.000-08:002014-11-20T10:35:03.287-08:00expectancy <div style="text-align: center;">
<b>to expect: to think that something will probably or certainly happen.</b></div>
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I have the tendency to expect. I have the tendency to expect good and bad. And when I place my expectancy on a definite event that will surely happen, I place myself in the "oh no, I'm going to be disappointed" state of mind. This sadly happens often. For instance tonight. I left church tonight knowing that I would have to search for a parking spot..I wasn't expecting to find a spot so soon, but I did. And then I met up with a few friends and ventured over to get some Ice Cream from the oh so mostly faithful McDonald's only to find out that the ice cream machine is broken, producing a very sad face. I expected to get some yummy ice cream only to find out that there was no way I would get any at all. That is just a physical expectancy. But the spiritual expectancy is so much greater. What am I expecting from God?<br />
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How many times do I sit down, open my bible and expect God to speak to me....sadly not often enough.<br />
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And then I thought....cause I love to think and over think...its just what I do. I thought about how I can always count on Jesus, knowing that He will never disappoint, never come short of perfection and refining. I can surely always expect great and good things from my God. We have verses in the bible that promise that He will never leave us or forsake us. Yet we doubt His record of faithfulness. But is it that He fails us or we have a wrong perspective of expectancy?<br />
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Do I set God up to fail me? Do I ask for things while knowing that if He is a good God, He would never supply my want? Do I expect to be disappointed?<br />
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Yes.<br />
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I expect God who never fails, never stops loving me, never gives up on me, never stopped seeking me, to fail me. Why cause my perspective is not fair. My expectancy is not that He will fail me, its that I will fail Him.<br />
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Do you ever find yourself in situations where you would rather quit or walk away because you just know that you will fail? If I didn't fail so much in life, I don't think I would need a reason to continue to get up each time and try harder.<br />
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Failing isn't necessarily bad, its how you treat the failing part. Instead of always having this mind set that I will be disappointed, I need to have the mind set that I can trust and expect that God will come through. Tonight my friend pointed out that my perspective needs to change and I need to ask God to change it. Its hard sometimes asking God to change you...it just means that hardship will take place, it won't be easy but it will be good.<br />
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Many times I recognize that God is big and able to do more than I could ask or think...many times I say this and pray this because I have been told that He is able, I have seen first hand God do amazing big things in my life and those around me. But many times this saying becomes just a saying and not a belief.<br />
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Tonight I was speaking with a high school student and she was sharing how the Lord spoke to her about how she viewed people. She was being challenged to a set apart walk with God. Its easy to get comfortable of not getting challenged in your walk with Jesus.<br />
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If I am to expect anything, this should be it...<br />
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<b><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death." </span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></b></div>
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IF our expectancy is on the faithful promises of God, why should we ever doubt. Why should we wonder if things will go our way. </div>
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<b>"If God is for us, who can be against us? " </b></div>
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<b>Romans 8:31</b></div>
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If we continually put our hope, trust and love in God, than we are less likely to fall into the trap of disappointment. </div>
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<b>"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, </b><b>plans for welfare</b></div>
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<b> and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" </b></div>
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<b>Jeremiah 29:11</b></div>
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This truth and promise that God has plans for me that are beyond my comprehension. They are far beyond my expectation, I rest knowing He is able. He is faithful. He, no matter what, is worthy of my praise. I am prone to seek man for comfort, for acceptance, for love. I am prone to expect rejection and nonacceptance. </div>
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Tonight at church the pastor who was sharing spoke of a place he recently heard of that provides professional cuddlers. My thought at first was why would someone pay for that and how creepy it would be. Which is weirder, the person who requests to be cuddled or the person who provides the cuddling? We all desire acceptance and comfort, love and hope. But the only place searching and resting in, is the arms of the everlasting God. </div>
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The only word that keeps repeating itself over and over is expectancy. This is such a gut wrenching reminder to live an expectant life in Jesus. We are to look to Him and be satisfied. </div>
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As that one worship song that always gets me....</div>
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<b> " I am satisfied in you God, I will abide in You, in the vine" </b></div>
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EXPECT GOD !!!</div>
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Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32699303.post-33032707436550174932014-11-03T22:02:00.001-08:002014-11-03T23:13:15.955-08:00twentyseven<div style="text-align: center;">
My life began twenty-seven years ago at 8:03pm on Tuesday, November 3rd, 1987. </div>
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Melissa Ashley Leveck. Parents, Henry and Cynthia, brothers Justin and Jameson.</div>
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And its been such an adventure :)</div>
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I am excited for the journey this next year will bring and the growth that will take place. My desire this year is to live to the utmost. I want to experience His love and adventure further in my walk with Him. </div>
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I have been so blessed by this year alone. Last year in the end of September I ventured with one of my good friends to New Jersey, we traveled 11 states. I consumed my first legit Connoli...it won't be my last for sure. I went to New York, stood at the top of the Empire State building. Fulfilled a dream that I've had for so long to see a Broadway show in the city. I had the best slice of pizza from the underground subway in NY. I was stretched but it was worth it. I met amazing people and was blessed to know that my friend would be in some good hands. :) In December, I wrote a song. In January, I sold my car. And for 8 long months I walked, rode my bike and relied on friends and family to take me places. I was stretched but it was worth it.</div>
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Summer was filled with so much travel.In one week alone I traveled with one friend to Nor Cal to visit our bff, see where she grew up, visit the state capitol and feed chickens :) Then came home to take a very long venture overnight to see the Grand Canyon sunset, drive thru desert upon desert, saw pretty places in Arizona that I never knew existed and I learned how to drive a tractor all in less than 3 days. that added 3 more states to my list. and now I have traveled 15 states so far and I'm not done yet :) In Septemeber the Lord blessed me with a car. A great car. A newer car as in 2010....not 1994. I got my nose pierced and finally dyed my hair red. I have seen lots of change. </div>
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I have seen friends move, have babies, get new jobs, take steps of faith and be a constant example of Jesus. I have gone to funerals and wept, graduations and celebrated the amazing accomplishments that my friends have made, goodbye parties for those who were moving on. I have struggled with my relationship with Jesus, and I have grown. I have been stretched in so many ways but also met by Jesus in more ways than I deserve. </div>
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I am blessed to have family, friends, co-workers, peers and high school students whom I love and love me. I am blessed to know that I am loved. I am cherished and I am uniquely made. </div>
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So 27 years on this earth. I feel like I have learned so much and so little all at the same time. The more I serve in ministry the more I realize how little I really know. The more I am stretched the more I realize just how little I've come but how far Jesus wants to take me. I have been reminded to not compare myself with others, live life to the utmost and seek His joy that is greater than happiness. Travel, eat well and laugh a whole lot. Seek Jesus and seek to be sought by Him. I have learned that rawness is genuine and we all desire to see that in Jesus and in others. </div>
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I have also learned that the beat goes on...so keep going and don't stop :) </div>
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p.s. thanks for reading. </div>
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Melissa Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11889669689641136243noreply@blogger.com0