Life Lately and Missing Someone Important

Hello friends! Life has been a little rough since my last post two months ago, but throughout it all God is still good... ALL THE TIME!

My Uncle and hero entered eternal rest on September 5th. My post on Facebook was as follows...

Want to thank all my sweet friends for their many thoughts and prayers for my Uncle over these last few weeks. It's with a heavy heart that I share that after a year and a half of battling against cancer my Uncle and hero entered eternal rest early this morning. I have an overwhelming sense of peace knowing he is no longer in pain and is free of suffering, yet I feel like a piece of me is missing. Not only did my Uncle suffer from cancer these last 17 months, but he also suffered from arthritis and cerebral palsy... In the close to 15 years I got to call him my Uncle I never heard him complain, and never saw him wallow in self pitty or sit around feeling sorry for himself. This morning for the first time in a long time he got to feel what's it like to be 100% pain free! Thank you, Uncle Dave, for inspiring me to face any trials that may come my way with a fighting spirit and a smile on my face. My heart aches, but I rejoice knowing I will see you again someday. All my love... Until we meet again!

I miss my Uncle something awful, but continue to find peace in the little "signs" I see every now and then that lets me know he is okay. 

Uncle Dave treated my sisters and I as though we were blood family right from the start. 

#foreveruncledavestrong

My hero <3

<3

It has taken a while to find a new "normal", and I still don't think I'm there yet, but the support of so many loving friends is what has seen me through these last three months, hopefully you all know who you are, and if I have't gotten to thank each of you personally please know how much you are loved!

I shared a verse in one of my last blog posts that I continue to hold strong to...

Isiah 55:8- "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 

I continue to hang out in the wonderful world of retail, and unfortunately for the first time in my 22 years of life will be separated from family over Thanksgiving due to having to work on Friday. My family will head to New York as this is our first holiday without Uncle Dave.

Please remember this Christmas season that sales associates are just as human as you are. We don't appreciate to be made feel belittled just because we are the employee and you are the customer. 

I have started to prayerfully consider going back to school and taking come college courses online, maybe something in or around the realms of Christian Ministry/Youth Ministry, please be in prayer for me as I consider taking this next step of my life. Also pray that after the New Year as I start job searching again the door would be opened for a full time job. This world is fleeting, and after much soul searching and praying I truly want nothing more than to be in Christ's will for my life. For those of you that know me well know that I'm a planner and a scheduler, and uncertainty and running around all "willy nilly" stresses me out! Haha :D. 

That basically about wraps up life lately. I hope this post finds all my friends and family doing well.

For those of you that are just joining me feel free to take a trip to my blog page and check out all my past blogs! I always enjoy hearing people's feedback!!

Happy Sunday, Friends!

<3 Ashley XO

Saturday Special - "You are rich if..." Edition

"You are richer than 95% of the world if you eat three meals a day." These words stuck out to me during Pastor Patrick's sermon tonight at church.

I typically don't blog on the weekends, but being that I attended church tonight with my sister and Pastor Patrick's sermon was so awesome that it was too good not to share! And... I couldn't wait until Monday to share it! So here goes one of my first ever weekend blog posts!

In 1 Timothy 6:6-10 it reads the following, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

We are living in a selfish world. Where we're constantly being told that we have to have the best job where we get the six figure salary, we have to have the nicest car, the biggest house, the nicest clothes, so on so fourth! Others feel like we're forced to go to college so we can get our name on that pretty little paper we call a degree. I don't have ANYTHING against anyone who goes to college, I think it is totally meant for some people and totally not meant for others... I'm one of those "others". 

With all that said, the more we listen to the world... which believe me is very easy to do... the more we feel entitled, the more we feel like we are owed something, the more we feel like we have to have that nice car, and that biggest house. Friends, this world is FLEETING! Have you watched the news lately? Things are going down and they are going down fast. 

Don't define yourself on what you have! I ask all of you reading this that you would please give up finding your satisfaction in "stuff"! In order to get ahead you have to give up! Get your priorities straight and examine your pursuit of happiness! 

Matthew 6:20 says- "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

So maybe tonight's post wasn't as fabulous as I originally planned, but tonight's sermon spoke to me and I hope it spoke to you just through these few notes I took. If you would like the video stream to view the whole sermon I would be more than happy to get that to you!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

<3Ashley XO

Friday Favorites!

Today I am linking up with the sweet lady over at Momfessionals who is still, and always will be my FAVORITE blogger! Andrea is super precious, and can we just talk about her kids for a second.... they are ADORABLE!!! You should definitely check out her blog!!

Before I get too far into today's post this isn't particularly a "favorite", but it has to do with my Uncle who just so happens to be one of my FAVORITE people on the face of the earth. As I shared in my last blog post, Catching Up - Life Lately Edition, my Uncle has continued to put up a heck of a fight against that ugly word we all hate, cancer. It most recently has metastasized in his brain, this by far was one of the hardest things my family has had to swallow since his diagnosis almost 16 months ago. Within the last 10 days or so he has started blogging... sharing his advice, thoughts, and feelings. His blog entitled Roadmap, is crazy inspiring and I promise if you take the time to read it that it could possibly change your outlook at many things in life!! My Uncle is and incredible man and radiates the light of Christ everywhere he goes. When you remember please keep his beautiful family in your prayers! 

One of my FAVORITE  Bible Verses found in Isaiah 55:8 has been something I have held on to throughout my Uncle's battle with cancer and it says- "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 

Incase you forgot how good looking my Uncle is, here's a little reminder ;)

On Wednesday we celebrated my baby sister's 13th birthday!!! We started with dinner at Olive Garden, one of my FAVORITE restaurants! And then following dinner was a round of mini golfing with my family, who of course are some of my FAVORITE people, but my FAVORITE little boy also tagged along! Corey, who has stolen my heart like no other is Danielle's VERY good "guy-friend". Both Corey and Danielle have had a fondness for each other since they were in primary school!!! I have grown very fond of him, as well as my entire family. We love when he comes around, He's pretty much like the little brother I never had! I hope he is a part of our family for many years to come!!

This picture is one of my new FAVORITES!

They're the cutest ;) :D

I love him!

My FAVORITES :D

Another FAVORITE this week actually happened when I took a quick break from writing today's post to make a Walmart run with my momma, and it's also inspired by Andrea over at Momfessionals. A couple of weeks ago she shared her beauty routine on Show and Tell Tuesday! I was immediately drawn to the $2.00 waterproof eyeliner she talked about from e.l.f. I have always aspired to have a quick and easy makeup routine, and I think I found it! Check out her simple beauty routine here!! Honestly, it doesn't get any simpler than that! 

Here are just a few of the new items I picked up in Walmart tonight. It was definitely my FAVORITE part of the day!!!

I hope you all have an amazing weekend! 

Don't forget to join me Monday for a recap of my weekend!

<3Ashley XO

Catching Up - Life Lately Edition

Hello friends! Wow, it has been a long time since I blogged. I hope you all are well and are getting to enjoy some summer activities with your friends and family!

Life has kept me on my toes! And I kind of want to cry at the fact that July is more than half way over. Seriously, can it slow down just a little bit?? More than likely if you are like us here in PA you are just a little over a month away from starting another school year!!!

With that said, there are only 22 Saturdays until Christmas. Just let that sink in a little...

Unfortunately, with the way my mind has been functioning lately I had to go back and read my last post to see what I had written! For others of you that need a refresher you can check out my last blog post here!

A big praise the Lord that my gastrointestinal issues vanished as quickly as they came on. Can I just say that is one of the flukiest, most miserable things I have ever encountered. My doctor's would just like to say I caught a nasty bug that was going around at the time and I have finally gotten over it, but I prefer to say that I was healed and I still continue to give God the glory for that!

Now onto life lately, I actually don't even know where to start. Well for starters, here is one of the most recent pictures of me...

I was in one of my best friend's wedding two weeks ago.

Since I wrote you last, I have rejoined the fabulous world of retail. I can't complain though... my manager is fabulous, and everything about my job is pretty flexible! Nothing about retail is sunshine and flowers, but I am blessed to have a job!

A little humor, because who doesn't love Grumpy Cat?! Lol! 

I continue to pursue my dream to become a state certified paraprofessional, and pray that if this is God's will for my life He will open up all the right doors. 

Funny thing is that I recently thought I was going to move myself back up to New York, bunk at my Aunt's house (Surprise Aunt Kerry! If I seriously was going to consider it you would have know! I promise! Lol!), and attend a medical trade school to become and EKG Tech, but God kind of slammed that door, and laughed in my face... because I am currently in the "hallway" of what may lead to a new door being opened! Not sharing very many details now, but please be in prayer for me as a new chapter of my life may be beginning very soon! Stay tuned though, because as soon as I know you all will know as well! 

I love this part of Revelation 3:7- "What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open."

I've made the mistake so many times of jumping into something too quickly, or trying to do things my own way that sometimes I feel like I forget to really truly seek after God first and put His will for my life above everything else... this is probably because I have zero patience and want things done NOW, or I want an answer NOW.

 

They played this at a Woman's Conference I went to one time... Maybe I need to listen to it more often!

My favorite part is when he says, "Can't changed what has happened till now, but we can change what will be. By living in holiness the world will see Jesus"

I really want to make it my priority to be wholeheartedly seeking after God and what he wants for my life... not listening to the world and what it thinks is best for my life, because eventually everything here is going to fade away. Would you pray for me that I will seek God on a daily basis and not just a whim when "I think" I need Him, and I promise I will do the same for all you reading this! 

Fourth of July weekend we spent with my family in New York! 

"The love in our family grows strong and deep, leaving special moments to treasure and keep" 

Can we just talk about how fabulous my almost 93 year old Great-Grandmother is??

My Uncle continues to fight against that nasty thing we all hate, cancer. Please remember to pray for him, my beautiful Aunt, and two cousins.

I got to experience being a bridesmaid, and can I just say.... it was a FABULOUS experience! I am so happy I got to be a part of Rebecca's day... she is amazing friend and I couldn't be happier for her! It was a beautiful wedding, she was a beautiful bride, and she is married the man of her dreams! I can't wait to see what God does in them and through them as they start this new journey together as husband and wife! 

You can't have a wedding until you have a spa day!

Photo Booth Fun! 

A week after Rebecca's wedding we traveled to NC to witness the marriage of Morgan and Taylor. Morgan's family lived in my neighborhood years ago, and we lost touch after they moved away, we have since reconnected and I honestly couldn't be happier!!! Having her and her family apart of my life again brings me so much joy!!! 

It is rare to find a young couple who's hearts are so on fire for Christ. Morgan and Taylor have made the commitment to make Christ the center of their marriage. It's so inspiring! It was a blessing to witness their special day, and I can't wait to see what God does in them and through them as they start this journey together as husband and wife!

I think that basically sums up my life lately! I am going to try to get back into the swing of blogging, and despite my very long hiatus I hope you all continue to follow me!!

<3 Ashley XO

7 Day Bible Verse Challenge - Day 1

I was nominated by a friend on Facebook for the 7 Day Bible Verse Challenge. 

These posts will typically be short and sweet, but I pray that these 7 days will be an encouragement to those who need it. 

Those of you that are waiting on healing... right now, where you are, and in this moment I ask that you will thank God for it. He is already willing to cleanse you, and now all you have to do is accept it!

In the book of Matthew a leper came to Jesus saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean" (Matthew 8:2)

The man in the passage didn't have an issue believing that Jesus had the ability and power to heal him. He was just unsure as to whether or not Jesus was willing to do it for him. 

Now listen to Jesus's response and see God's heart for YOU as far as healing is concerned. 

"I am willing; be cleansed" (Matthew 8:3)

Friends, He is both able AND willing to heal you! Believe that He wants to heal YOU!

<3 Ashley XO

Recipe Club - Oreo Pudding Cookies Edition

Hey friends!! Happy Wednesday! Today I am linking up with sweet Andrea again over at Momfessionals for Recipe Club Wednesday!! Whoop whoop!

If you don't like Oreos and the whole Cookies and Cream idea of things you aren't human. Lol!! So that's why I am sharing a recipe for Oreo Pudding Cookies!

Being that back when I started making these I didn't know I was going to be blogging so I don't have my own picture. This one is from the internet, and sadly mine never looked this pretty! Haha

I made these about three times over Christmas break and they quickly became a family favorite. When I made them for Christmas Day I threw in the red filled Holiday Oreos, I thought they would have made them cute and seasonal instead it made them a red unappealing color. They still tasted delicious, the color was just a tad off-putting ;D

Adding the pudding makes them super soft, so that means they make the perfect snack, and they aren't too heavy!

Recipe courtesy of Chef in Training!

They are super sweet, so if you have a sweet tooth you may be able to eat two or three. Or if you're like me and like an occasional sweet snack you will probably just be able to eat one at a time. 

Enjoy!!

<3 Ashley XO

Goodbye Weekend, Hello Monday! By His Stripes I am Healed Edition!!

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

This past weekend was the best weekend I have had in the last four weeks.

It stated pretty early on Saturday, I woke up and felt SUPER! Fortunately enough feeling super came just in time to make it out to the Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at my church for our two mission's trips this summer! It felt unbelievably awesome to be around my amazing church family after what felt like a very long time!!

After the breakfast was over I sat and chatted with my awesome pastor and his beautiful wife. First and foremost, they are an INCREDIBLE couple. They both have some of the biggest hearts! I can't find the words to express how blessed and fortunate I am to have them a part of my life. I explained to them everything start to finish regarding all the health issues I have experienced in my life, and next thing I know my pastor was "calling in the troops" as he called it, and I had a numerous amount of my beautiful church family laying hands on me and praying over me. Can I just say, wow! It was truly one of the most beautiful things I have experienced. I felt so uplifted!!

That leads me to my next topic, on how it is incredible that things tie together. For those of you that read my post on Friday I talked about the book I had been reading, Words That Move Mountains. I encouraged you on Friday and I will encourage you again... this is an awesome read! It's easy to understand and follow along with, and the chapters are relatively short.

Definitely consider looking into purchasing a copy of this book, you won't regret it!

When I started reading this book towards the end of last week it had come at the most perfect time. As I began reading I felt personally convicted that in my recent dealings with health issues that I wasn't speaking words that would mountains into my own life. I was feeling sorry for myself, and every now and then I was throwing out an update on Facebook and expecting everyone else to do the praying for/over me. I was doing nothing to help myself! 

Matthew 8:26 says, "He replied, you of little faith, why are you so afraid. Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm"

Basically I was like the disciples in the boat, afraid of the storm going on around me. Yep, I pretty much felt like I was drowning! 

More and more I felt like God was knocking me over the head saying something probably along these lines...

"Hello, Ashley.. are you there?"

"Ashley, what are you doing with your life?"

"You of little faith, why aren't you leaning on me"

Well, I am a tad bit hard headed, but eventually God finally shouted in my ear loud enough, broke me down, and got me to realize I was going about the whole asking for healing thing the wrong way, I wasn't having faith. 

A lot of lines and stories in the book, Words that move Mountains, definitely stuck out to me, but this one stuck out particularly more than others....

"Don't talk sickness; rather, speak the healing Word"

In one particular chapter the writer describes how his daughter had become severely sick while she was on a missions trip with him. With her life at stake he affirmed twenty-six Bible verses over her that contain God's healing power. I am not going to go through all twenty-six verses with you, if you are that curious you will have to just read the book yourselves. He told his daughter that the words he would speak were going to expel the spirits of infirmity and disease! He ends this particular chapter saying this...

"Believe and receive your healing"

I'm going to be 100% honest with you, I don't think my believing was actually happening until after that fabulous group of people laid hands on me and lifted me up on Saturday... my pastor's prayer partner, who is also another pastor in the area, encouraged me through his prayer over me that my sickness was already taken away. As Jesus was on the whipping post... right then, it was a done deal! By His stripes I am HEALED!! 

Isaiah 53:5- "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and BY HIS WOUNDS WE ARE HEALED"

BINGO!! There it was, and it happened, I was healed! My recent stomach/gastrointestinal issues are gone. I have continued to proclaim the healing and have been thanking God for it every day since then! While I haven't received my full healing from my NF, I am already thanking Him for that healing as well and continuing to proclaim that into my life every day! 

I encourage you, if you or someone you know is struggling with sickness and awaiting the healing, start thanking God for what is already done, proclaim the healing into your life, and you will see Him do great things in you and through you!! 

Well, with all that excitement the rest of my weekend from that point on seems kind of trivial ;D, but I will share anyways....

Saturday evening my sisters and I spent some much needed time together with a dinner date to Chick-Fil-A.

Sunday morning I finally made it back to church after probably close to four weeks of not being there. 

It was an amazing weekend!! Thank you again to everyone who has prayed for me, encouraged me, and visited me these last few weeks! You all definitely played a very important role, and now we can all rejoice together, and thank God for the healing that He poured out over me!! 

<3 Ashley XO

Friday Favorites - Words That Move Mountains Edition

Happy Spring! My little town in PA welcomed Spring with a beautiful blanket of the white fluffy stuff. Fortunately enough it will be close to 60 degrees tomorrow which means it should all be melted by Sunday!

 

It's Friday which means another week is over, and it also means it's time once again for me to link up with my FAVORITE blogger, Andrea, over at Momfessionals. Also included in the link up are Erika and Narci!

My week was not much different than last, but the last 48 hours I have felt pretty good! This is a huge Praise The Lord!! 

On Wednesday one of my FAVORITE gal friends from church stopped by. She sat and chatted with me, and then she prayed for me. Hopefully all of you know how awesome it feels to have a sweet friend pray over you! It's a beautiful feeling!

Wednesday afternoon Andrea and my three FAVORITE girls stopped by, brought me these beautiful flowers, and of course they're purple... my FAVORITE color.

Another FAVORITE from this week is this book I have continued to read...

It's an easy ready and the chapters are fairly short. Which means, if you're like me you can read about 5-7 chapters at a time. It's a really good book and I highly recommend you invest in a copy. It is sold on Amazon for less than $9.00 and there is also a Kindle edition for only $7.55!

This has been an especially encouraging read for me the last few days. I have been trying hard to not let the words I speak recently continue to be discouraging regarding my recent health issues. In this book it talks about how our words are either going to be words that move mountains or they will be words that are negative and only allow for defeat from the enemy. 

They aren't just referring to the words we speak about ourselves or over ourselves, they refer to the words we speak to and about others. Our tongues are known to be sharper than any two edged sword. 

If we start speaking defeat into our lives the devil will surely take it and run with it. He wants us to feel defeated. 

Make it a point this weekend to remain positive, no matter what is going on around you. Speak the positivity into your life and the lives of those around you, and then cast out any negativity in the name of Jesus! 

I will say a prayer for each of you that will read this post, that you will not be bogged down by the negativity that is only from the enemy, but that you will all be filled with God's hope and the love and encouragement he provides... so that you will be able to speak words that move mountains into the lives of those around you!  

1 John 4:4- "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

(This just so happens to be one of my FAVORITE Bible verses!)

Have a blessed weekend friends! 

<3 Ashley XO

 

Wednesday's Wisdom - Facing Your Giants Edition

For those of you that follow me regularly and actually know me know that I have been facing a giant recently. The last four weeks have consisted of an ER visit, multiple doctor visits, blood tests, etc, etc.

For those of you that are just now starting to follow along with my blog check back to my last couple of posts to get caught up on my recent health issues :)

Let me tell you, when you are down and out with something the Devil is going to use that opportunity to kick you down even more, he's going to steal your joy, basically he's going to everything in his power to do what he can to make you feel worse than you already do! He likes when we feel defeated! He likes when there's this BIG giant staring down on us making us feel bad for ourselves, and sometimes even causing us to lose faith in that the Lord can see the big picture and that He is going to work everything out for our good!

Just so you all know I am wagging my finger at myself while writing this out to you guys ;)

Last Friday seemed to be especially hard for me. I was dealing with many anxious and negative thoughts. I was looking up at this big giant staring down on me. My dad encouraged me to get into The Word, which I will be honest with you, I haven't been doing since I have been sick. He suggested I download Alistair Begg's Truth for Life app on my phone. (Follow the link to visit his sight. He's an awesome preacher.) If you're the smart phone type I highly recommend you download his Truth for Life app as well! The sermon podcast I listened to was entitled, "Seeing What David Saw". It was the second part of a two part series and based off the scripture found in 1 Samuel 17, which hopefully most of you know is the story of David and Goliath.

Alistair preached on how David could only see the part of the picture that we, as humans can see. He wasn't able to see the big picture! The big picture that God can see! God can see the ENTIRE picture! How awesome is that? That even though we are faced with many giants throughout life, we only see what is right in front of us. We can't see above and beyond!

But what it... what if we tried looking at our giants like how God may see them?

Romans 8:28- And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

See that, He promises us in His word that He works everything out for our good! Maybe it's not going to be in the time frame we wanted. Like for example, I have to wait almost two weeks until we can take the next step in my diagnosis because they can't do a breath test until you haven't had any antacids in your system for two weeks. When I left the doctor's office this morning I was a tad discouraged and frustrated, but after a visit from a sweet friend who prayed over me, another sweet friend and her beautiful daughters bringing me flowers, and now as I'm writing this to you all... maybe God is going to grow me in these next two weeks, I may be a little uncomfortable but that only means I will have to lean on Him more, keep my eyes focused on Him, and use this as a time to grow more in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.

I have wanted to mope around and look at this recent health trial as a giant, but maybe I should be looking at it as a blessing. Unfortunately, due to me not being able to be dependable I had to step down from my nannying position. So now, I have all the time in the world. Why am I going to continue to sulk when I can be in the Word and nourishing my body spiritually!

Friday evening after I spent time listening to Alistair's sermon I flipped my TV on, and to my still a tad slightly "Negative Nellie" dismay.. Facing The Giants was on. Which just so happens to be one of my most favorite movies. If you haven't seen it you need to run now... GO! Find it on Netflix, Amazon Prime... and watch it NOW! For those of you that maybe haven't seen it I don't want to spoil any of it for you, but for those of you that have, you can agree with me on how it couldn't have come at a more perfect time, right??

I will end on these last two quick notes...

This guy, is my AMAZING Uncle. He is facing a giant, but he doesn't let it bring him down. This man lives everyday with a smile on his face and his head held high. He is definitely my inspiration and an incredible role model to me.

We have been standing in faith the last year the God sees the big picture, He sees Uncle Dave's giant, and we KNOW He is still in control!! 

And on one last note...

Maybe I told a little fib when I said I wasn't going to put in any Facing The Giants spoilers, but this song and the movie go hand in hand. I didn't watch this whole music video, but I hope it doesn't give too much of the movie away! :)

I feel like most of this blog post I was basically writing to myself... haha, but hopefully some of you out there will be blessed by it as well! 

By the way, when you are facing those giants in your life, and that fear starts to set it... don't let it. Did you know God says 365 times in His Word, "Do not fear."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's one "Do not fear" for every day of the year ;)

<3 Ashley XO

Friday Favorites - Sweet Friends Edition

Finally!! They day I have been waiting for!! I am linking up with my FAVORITE blogger, Andrea for Friday FAVORITES! Along with Andrea I'm also linked up with Erika and Narci!!

I had my gallbladder ultrasound yesterday, so we are waiting on results from that. I ventured away from my chicken broth and saltine cracker diet this morning and splurged on a Smucker's Uncrustable PB&J Sandwich, and so far it hasn't seemed to set off any stomach episodes so that is very exciting!

It's been a pretty boring week. I have spent most of my days laying on the couch watching day-time television, and for those of you that have been there should know that there is NOTHING on TV during the day. I'm not a "soaps" watcher so that pretty much eliminates half of what is on during the day.

Starting at 2:00 though The Hallmark Channel airs 3 episodes of Little House on the Prairie, which has quickly become one of my FAVORITE TV shows.

Sometimes I wish things were as simple now as they were back then. For some people I'm sure the thought of no electronics would have them passed out cold on the floor. Okay, I'll admit... maybe sometimes I'm THAT person. Ha!

By Wednesday I was feeling a little down in the dumps, I was sick of laying around, I was frustrated that it seems like the doctors just want to push us aside and act like nothing is wrong. Low and behold, Wednesday afternoon I received a surprise visit from the incredible family I nanny for. Sweet Kylene and my FAVORITE kiddos brought me these beautiful roses. 

And then this morning one of my lovely, LOVELY church friends stopped by and brought me these beautiful purple flowers, have I mentioned purple is my FAVORITE color? Her visit blessed me, and got my Friday started off on the right foot!! 

Well that just about wraps up my FAVORITES from this week. Hopefully next week I'll have a little more excitement for you guys! 

If I feel well enough tomorrow I am off to spend the morning bridesmaid dress shopping! That's right people, this girl gets to be a BRIDESMAID! I am so excited and honored to stand next to Rebecca this summer when she says, I do! And have I mentioned Rebecca is my FAVORITE friend? ;D Just figured I would throw one more FAVORITE in there to close today's post out with a bang! 

Have a blessed weekend friends!

<3 Ashley XO

P.S. For those of you who are visiting my page for the very first time I also encourage you to head over and like my Facebook Page. I am trying to reach a goal of 40 likes by Sunday!! :)

Wednesday's Wisdom: Are You Lost Edition

Occasionally some mornings I have to take Kiersten to the bus stop. We typically start by jamming out to the Frozen Soundtrack, and then 9 times out of 10 she hops in the front seat and we share some very special conversation. The last couple of times our conversation has revolved around this...

Are you confused yet? Hang in there, I'm going to bring it all together ;)

While I can tell her P means park, R means reverse, N means neutral, and D means drive my lack of car knowledge surfaces when it comes to the 2 and L.

And then one morning Kiersten says to me, "I know what L means. You put it on L when you are lost, and then you will know which way to go."

This got me to thinking, it's only human if sometimes throughout life we feel lost. Sometimes its our own fault, maybe we take a wrong turn, and we get distracted by worldly things and we lose sight of what is really important. Our windshield gets a little mucky, we can no longer see God, and we feel lost. There is absolutely no shame if this has ever happened to you, because believe me... I have been there, done that! There are many promises in God's word that can uplift and encourage us through times like this.

Luke 19:10 says, "For the Son of Man came to seek and save the LOST." 

Another great example we can find by diving into the Bible is The Parable of the Prodigal Son. This Parable is an amazing example of how merciful, compassionate, and forgiving our Heavenly Father is. He loves us very deeply, and His love for us is greater than we can ever imagine! He is delighted when we come back home! The Parable of the Prodigal Son can be found in Luke 15:11-32.

I also find the story in Luke 2:41-52 to be of some use for those times we are feeling lost. In this particular story it speaks about Jesus and his family traveling to Jerusalem for Passover. After the festival was over, and His parents began the journey home Jesus stayed behind. His parents didn't realize until a whole day later that He was not with them! I know the first time I read this it grabbed a hold of my heart, because I realized that when we let those distractions in, and we continue to "travel" further and further away we sometimes don't even realize that we aren't allowing the Lord to "travel" with us. This could be because we know the road we are traveling isn't a road that He may approve of. Now hear me out, because I'm about to tell you the awesome part! When Jesus's parents realized He was not with them they returned to Jerusalem to look for him, they found Him in the temple courts sitting among the teachers, listening and asking questions. Here's my favorite part, verses 48-50 says this, When his parents saw Him they were astonished. His mother said to Him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you?" "Why were you searching for me?" He asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's House?" But they did not understand what He was saying to them.

Now maybe everybody will interpret this in their own way, but this is how I see it.. they had traveled quite some time before they realized Jesus wasn't with them. When they found Him though, and His mother asked why He had done what He did, He answered her with a question. "Why were you searching for me?" He asked. As if to say, why wouldn't I be here. That's where He was meant to be. 

Typically, when we are lost we eventually realize it. We realize that our windshield got mucky and we drove off the road. Sometimes, we feel like we are unworthy and we need to go back searching for God. This isn't the case at all! By diving into God's word and reading, The Parable of the Prodigal Son, and the story in Luke 2:41-52 we can rejoice that He is ALWAYS right where He should be, standing with arms wide open, ready for us to get back on the road, and run back into His arms. 

Like I said, it happens to all of us at one time or another, so don't be ashamed if this is where you have been, or where you are right now! The next time you find your windshield getting mucky, use life's gear shift (The Bible), to get back into drive!! 

<3 Ashley XO

Goodbye Weekend, Hello Monday!

First, can we all just take a minute and check out these high temperatures for this week? Is spring possibly on the horizon?!

Get excited! If you're like me you're ready to open the windows, and "air the winter" out of your house!

My weekend was pretty boring. Those that know me know that I have been struggling with some health issues lately that we are still trying to get straightened out. For those that don't know me as well, I have been struggling with some gastrointestinal problems going on almost three weeks now. I get a surge of severe pain in my abdomen and then typically, I throw up. After throwing up I feel better, the pain never goes away, but I will take pain over nausea any day! Can I get an amen? I already have one trip to the ER and a trip to the family doctor under my belt, and neither have had a productive outcome. At this point, they have ruled out any issues with the gallbladder, appendix, and kidney. "Come back if you have another episode," they say. Anyone that has any thoughts or direction on this issue PLEASE let me know. I am open to any and all advice! 

So ANYWAYS, Saturday I spent in my bed. I found a channel that was playing all three Shrek movies and was quite content. 

Because everyone loves Donkey ;)

Sunday I didn't make it to church on a count of still not feeling well. So while the family was at church I got myself cleaned up and hung out with my man, Ron Carpenter.  

If for some reason I can't attend actual church on a Sunday I try to make it a priority to watch a service on TV. Ron Carpenter (http://www.rwoc.org/) and Dr. David Jeremiah (http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/) are two of my favorites. Both offer apps for your smart phone which I strongly encourage you check out. If you like more the mellow, traditional church/preaching atmosphere definitely check out Dr. David Jeremiah. If you like the more contemporary church/preaching Ron Carpenter is your man!

The rest of Sunday was spent like Saturday, except I actually ventured out onto the couch. I found The Polar Express on one of our local channels, and because it's one of my favorite movies... 

I  broke the, "No Christmas Movies after December Rule". 

Oh, and I did take this selfie just so you guys that have been truly and genuinely concerned don't think I'm dying ;)

Don't mind the no make up, and the all natural hair :)

5:45 Monday morning came early, and I mustered up the energy to climb out of bed and get to work. I managed to eat somewhat of a normal meal, and felt pretty good most of Monday morning. I was hopeful, on the flip side maybe? Not so much. Mommy and I packed the kids in the car for a trip to Walmart and a McDonald's lunch date, I was still feeling pretty good though Walmart, after I checked out I started to feel that little twinge of pain, a tad bit of nausea, all I could think was... 

"No... 

... not here...

... not now..."

We drove over to McDonald's where the pain and nausea only intensified. All I could think was, "I wonder how classy throwing up in the McDonald's bathroom is?" Thankfully, the kids finished eating and we made it home so I could pop a Zofran. The nausea subsided, but the pain has not. I am currently waiting on a call back from my family doctor on what our next move could be in order to figure out what in the world is going on. 

I had high hopes to get all kinds of cute "day out" pictures today, pssh.... I'll try again next time. Lol! I was lucky enough to have my mom to capture this moment between brother and sister at McDonald's. 

Yikes, are you still with me? I know, I know, another long boring post all about me. But I promise it will start to get more exciting, tune in tomorrow and I will be linking up with one of my favorite bloggers for, Show and Tell Tuesday!! You won't want to miss it!!

<3 Ashley XO