Twenty-four years of truths

In honor of my birthday, I wanted to share some truths with you. Imagine this, but I use birthdays as an excuse to think about my life--where I've come from and where I'm going. This week, that reflection process took shape in my journal entries. I really like to journal because you can look back on where you've been, what you were going through, and see how God brought you through. (Hindsight always makes almost-perfect sense.)

I can't take credit for these because I'm pretty sure someone (or a few someones) who are older and wiser than I am originally shared them. However, I am a firm believer that they are worth sharing--especially to the young women who read my bloggity-blog. Remember that you are loved.

Biblical Promises to Remember

1. I am beautiful and loved by God.
2. My life has value.
3. I've been given a specific calling for my days.
4. God is moving my life toward the fulfillment of his calling for me.
5. I have gifts and a place in the church.
6. God understands me and knows me.
7. God is making my inner person new.
8. God is in the process of maturing me.
9. God is changing my name.
10. God knows the number of my days; I am not forgotten.
11. God is not withholding any good thing from me.

I know... I need to blog.

I know. I know dear faithful readers. I need to update you all. It's been... a journey. In the mean time, please enjoy a lovely photograph of some of the hottest young ladies I know and love dearly.


Amazing photography. Check out the rest of the be-autiful day here. I also managed to catch the bouquet. True story.

Selena Day is almost here

Hello faithful blog followers,

Did you know that it's almost Selena Day in Texas? Yep, April 12th. The girls and I will be watching the 1997 blockbuster to remember our beloved Selena. I've posted my favorite Selena song below... Please note that this is the J-Lo version to psych you all up to watch the movie yourself. If you haven't seen it before, you should really get on that. For real.

A day at the market...or a few minutes

Just a little shout out to Seattle and Portland. Obviously, I enjoyed my time at Pike Place... (I'm too shy to actually approach one of these guys for a real picture so this is my best attempt at the 'rad fish photo'.) Amber and I scouted out parking after my college fair on Saturday. After walking down the hill and venturing to the Puget Sound, we ate a quick sea-worthy dinner then zipped through Pike Place to give Amber a taste of the goodness (literally because we bought a few chocolates from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and fresh tulips to take to our aunt's in Portland.)

Cow chapels and Seattletown

Every now and again I get sent out and about the great United States of America for work. I was fortunate enough to be able to take my sister along with me for the long drive to Seattle. Aside from forgetting to Google the longest leg of the journey (not to mention the stretch I was most concerned about), my favorite quotes from the journey occured even before we left Nampatown.

Amber and I were on our way from our house to pick up the college car when we passed an old chapel off of Ustick and CanAda Road. I drive this stretch every morning, and I've never seen the church. Amber and I were quick to debate if it was actually a church.

Ashlee: "What? That's a really pretty little church out there."
Amber: "That's not a church, it's a barn."
Ashlee: "But it has a steeple. It can't be a barn."
Amber: "Nope, it's a barn."
Ashlee: "Ok that doesn't make sense, but I suppose cows can worship Jesus too."

A classic... for your viewing pleasure

...and because I told Steve I wouldn't post this on Facebook ;o)

Who is Christ loving you through? And who are you showing His love to?

One of the books I'm reading continues to amaze me with how it feels like God has placed a special message in it just for me each time I pick it up. The other day, I was reminded that God uses each one of us to show His love to another... The author calls these people "other lovers." I know... She's clearly my BFF because I frequently refer to friends as "lovers."

Here is an excerpt from Angela Thomas' Do You Think I'm Beautiful that I hope will bless you:

We have come to know the other lovers as vessels of God's love for us, and we can treat them with patience and kindness, realizing their limitations, their purpose, and our responsibility.

But when we get this baby turned upside down, we can easily push away from the strong arms of God in search of another lover. Women can lust for relationship with the same intensity that men lust for sex. We can take what was intended for good and make it an idol. We can keep running from relationship to relationship trying to find someone who can kiss like ka-boom or take us where we've never been or fill the cup of our soul.

The other lovers have their place. Sometimes God uses the arms of a man to hold you. Sometimes He calls on the strength of a father to shape you. Sometimes He props you up with the finger paintings of a child. Sometimes He calls you on the phone through the voice of your friend to tell you He loves you. They are vessels, all of them, beautiful vessels of His blessing. Each intended for your delight.

...He calls you by name and invites you into the center of His grand plans for your life. HE is swept away by your beauty. He has give you other lovers as gifts, but He is the only Lover who can fill your soul. He is the only One who will ever be enough.


With that, I hope you see the gift of God's love in your other lovers, and I challenge you to pour out into those in your life who need to see a glimpse of God's love in their life. Remember, He is the ultimate lover.