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
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...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?
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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.
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.
The epitomy, the recap, the rant and the response
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Lately, I've been thinking A LOT. Sometimes I feel like blogging, and the more I think about blogging, the more I've come to realize that there are four types of blogs (at least for me). Please allow me to elaborate.
The Epitomy
My best thoughts come to me at the most random times. (Shocking, I know.) The worst part is that I'm often in such random places and times that I end up not remembering half of what I come up with. If I did happen to remember one of these, however, I'd be sure to share all of my wisdom with my faithful blog followers for sure.
The Recap
This is the blog where I tell you all about my silly life. Like today, I was driving to work... just minding my own business, when I was pulled over by a copper. Yes, I admit it. I am a sinful speeder. Horrible I know.
The funny part is that this was my first time ever being pulled over so I was a little shaky as I thumbed through all 85 million of my old insurance cards to try and find my registration. Thank you gracious female Canyon County cop for not giving me a ticket. You are loved.
The Rant
A "rant" blog would occur when one was very angered with something about life or an experience. I don't think I've ever actually been brave enough to do this, but you know... We'll see. Kimberlea did this once with a bad restaurant experience, and she got a free meal out of it. Kudos to the manager for that.
The Response
Thought-provoking reading can trigger "the response" blog. I did this just the other day when I wanted to share something that really hit home from some extra curricular reading I was doing.
Hmmmm...gotta love blogs
The Epitomy
My best thoughts come to me at the most random times. (Shocking, I know.) The worst part is that I'm often in such random places and times that I end up not remembering half of what I come up with. If I did happen to remember one of these, however, I'd be sure to share all of my wisdom with my faithful blog followers for sure.
The Recap
This is the blog where I tell you all about my silly life. Like today, I was driving to work... just minding my own business, when I was pulled over by a copper. Yes, I admit it. I am a sinful speeder. Horrible I know.
The funny part is that this was my first time ever being pulled over so I was a little shaky as I thumbed through all 85 million of my old insurance cards to try and find my registration. Thank you gracious female Canyon County cop for not giving me a ticket. You are loved.
The Rant
A "rant" blog would occur when one was very angered with something about life or an experience. I don't think I've ever actually been brave enough to do this, but you know... We'll see. Kimberlea did this once with a bad restaurant experience, and she got a free meal out of it. Kudos to the manager for that.
The Response
Thought-provoking reading can trigger "the response" blog. I did this just the other day when I wanted to share something that really hit home from some extra curricular reading I was doing.
Hmmmm...gotta love blogs
My personal ad
Posted in on by"If you like Pina Coladas
And getting caught in the rain
If you're not into yoga
If you have half a brain
If you'd like making love at midnight
In the dunes on the Cape
Then I'm the love that you've looked for
Write to me and escape."
And getting caught in the rain
If you're not into yoga
If you have half a brain
If you'd like making love at midnight
In the dunes on the Cape
Then I'm the love that you've looked for
Write to me and escape."
I've had a few randomly deep thoughts as of late. My latest was super crazy. Basically, I really wonder what my personal ad would say... What is concise or important enough to list? Hmmm... The following are my random babblings. I'm not sure what the condensed version would be, but some or all of these might make it into the final cut (if I wasn't paying per word).
- I relate WAY too much to "Grey's Anatomy" (minus the whole being a surgeon who sleeps around with all of my over-worked and over-sexed surgeon friends).
- I miss cheese curds and that gloriously clean squeeky sound they made.
- Pad Thai, white chocolate mousse, white chocolate mochas, and hummus= delicious (not all at once)
- If I were ordering coffee, I would base my decision on the following: 1. the season (hot vs. cold) 2. the coffee house and 3. my mood
- Crock pots are one of the best inventions ever.
- I have a love/hate relationship with stretch jeans
- I overthink things way too much
- I am a planner (whose friends think I should be a wedding planner)
- Slightly lactose-intolerant
- Addicted to iced tea
- I would be more crafty, but it's expensive, time intensive and I lack the space
- I have a need to nest
- Firm believer in pre-marital kissing
- Expert car-dancer
Resolutions and such
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I failed to write New Year's resolutions for 2010. I hate failure. I say that (not because I failed to write them this year) but because I have failed too many times in past years to accomplish them.
Last year, I tried to be tricky about my New Year's resolutions. I thought I would be more likely to complete all of them if they were broken down into "bite size" pieces, so I wrote one goal per month... It didn't quite work how I planned. I tried not to be too hard on myself for reaching some of my goals out of order. Alas, I have yet to learn and conquer the cha-cha slide or kareoke.
So as I continue to debate whether or not I should actually nail down New Year's resolutions, I can tell you this: I want to live the best life I possibly can in the here and now. One of my favorite authors, Donald Miller, has an amazing blog that I follow. One of his latest posts outlines "Living a Good Story."
So how do we make the most of each day? I'm not sold that there is a clear cut answer on that...And I'm most certainly sold that New Year's resolutions will not produce the "best life" for me. That would give me yet another to-do list (overkill).
I just know I need to get better at living in the here and now instead of wishing I was "just five years older" or "a little more settled in my career and life." That won't get me anywhere... In fact, that would make me miss the fun adventure of here and now. So here is an idea. Let's do life, and let's be crazy. I'm looking forward to 2010. I mean, after all, 2009 was pretty awesome.
Last year, I tried to be tricky about my New Year's resolutions. I thought I would be more likely to complete all of them if they were broken down into "bite size" pieces, so I wrote one goal per month... It didn't quite work how I planned. I tried not to be too hard on myself for reaching some of my goals out of order. Alas, I have yet to learn and conquer the cha-cha slide or kareoke.
So as I continue to debate whether or not I should actually nail down New Year's resolutions, I can tell you this: I want to live the best life I possibly can in the here and now. One of my favorite authors, Donald Miller, has an amazing blog that I follow. One of his latest posts outlines "Living a Good Story."
So how do we make the most of each day? I'm not sold that there is a clear cut answer on that...And I'm most certainly sold that New Year's resolutions will not produce the "best life" for me. That would give me yet another to-do list (overkill).
I just know I need to get better at living in the here and now instead of wishing I was "just five years older" or "a little more settled in my career and life." That won't get me anywhere... In fact, that would make me miss the fun adventure of here and now. So here is an idea. Let's do life, and let's be crazy. I'm looking forward to 2010. I mean, after all, 2009 was pretty awesome.
Dear 2009
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Dear 2009,
You've been a good year. To mark your timely demise, I have a bunch of random thoughts to share to catch everyone up on my life... in an untimely manner.
Ok the biggest development in my life since we last visited, is that I am now dating a boy named Phillip... I'm sure that will come up at some point.
On to my real blog~
Dear 2009,
You were pretty sublime.
...It was truly a great time.
Allow me to highlight the year in pictures.
I befriended the intern, Daxface, after he was put to the test and ran over a squirrel to "put him out of his misery." (Ok so that part didn't happen in 2009, but I did spend a large part of 2009 working with Dax in marketing). Emely (pictured top left) and I also became friends from working together... Emely eventually moved into the house of girls.
Welcome Baby McKenna! Michelle had her adorable baby girl. As far as I'm concerned, I am Auntie Ashlee.
Then there was a bunch of awesomeness in there somewhere. Kimberlea came to visit a few times, but Sydney moved to California. John and Jackie came down for his graduation, and then there was that time that the brothers got weirded out and opted to start talking about the rocks in the fireplace.
Yes, this is a photo of us after oatmeal wrestling... Birthday festivities for Kate's 24th. We celebrate with style.
I got "wrung" into leading decorating for this summer's VBS at church... most definitely a labor of love.
My dear friend Nicky left for Fuller Seminary (but not before she taught me a few things first).
Anna kicked my trash at chubby bunny... and fantasy football come to think of it ;o)
I also helped to make the best diabetic-friendly, sugar-free ice cream cake--complete with dinosaurs and little green army men figures.
In July, I needed a little R&R stat. My dear friend Melissa and I ventured to McCall where we soaked up the sun on the north shore... I also found the best sun hat EVER that I will probably always regret not forking over the $50 for it. Sad day.
Disneyland! Woot Woot! Anne, Kyla, LeeAnne, Kate and I ventured down to Cali in August to meet up with Sydney and Jackie for good times. I conquered my fear of upside-down roller coasters in California Adventure and got hit on by a Jedi master in Tomorrow Land. The 3rd picture is the snapshot that caused a long laugh-attack on the tram. I didn't realize the face that Kate was making, but a nearby, middle-aged African American woman did... and she busted up laughing. I also got the hiccups somewhere in there, and when I saw the picture... well, I lost it for approximately 30-45 minutes.
This is my adorable grandma who turned 82 this year. So I took her to the Glenn Miller Orchestra. So presh.
Somewhere in there (ok October 31st) I threw a kickin' Halloween party for the Cole Young Adults Group. I was Gilly from SNL, but no one knew who I was. Oh well. Phil and I went to the San Jose State vs. BSU game that day. 2009 was a year of football for me... I even joined a fantasy football league.
The Haidles hosted their annual cider pressing which served as an engagement party of sorts for Kyla and Steve. Woot Woot!
December came upon me fast... but it was a good one. Phil took me to see these insane Christmas lights in Boise (above). The man even has a Christmas dolphin. What Christmas light display is complete without the Christmas dolphin? I just don't even know. The neighbor's house has wreaths and holly, and the only lights spell out "ditto" and point to the neighbor's display. But my award for best Christmas spirit yard display definately goes to the woodlin creatures singing with the snowman. No words.
Good bye 2009. You will be missed.
You've been a good year. To mark your timely demise, I have a bunch of random thoughts to share to catch everyone up on my life... in an untimely manner.
Ok the biggest development in my life since we last visited, is that I am now dating a boy named Phillip... I'm sure that will come up at some point.
On to my real blog~Dear 2009,
You were pretty sublime.
...It was truly a great time.
Allow me to highlight the year in pictures.
I befriended the intern, Daxface, after he was put to the test and ran over a squirrel to "put him out of his misery." (Ok so that part didn't happen in 2009, but I did spend a large part of 2009 working with Dax in marketing). Emely (pictured top left) and I also became friends from working together... Emely eventually moved into the house of girls.
Welcome Baby McKenna! Michelle had her adorable baby girl. As far as I'm concerned, I am Auntie Ashlee.
Then there was a bunch of awesomeness in there somewhere. Kimberlea came to visit a few times, but Sydney moved to California. John and Jackie came down for his graduation, and then there was that time that the brothers got weirded out and opted to start talking about the rocks in the fireplace.
Yes, this is a photo of us after oatmeal wrestling... Birthday festivities for Kate's 24th. We celebrate with style.
I got "wrung" into leading decorating for this summer's VBS at church... most definitely a labor of love.
My dear friend Nicky left for Fuller Seminary (but not before she taught me a few things first).
Anna kicked my trash at chubby bunny... and fantasy football come to think of it ;o)
I also helped to make the best diabetic-friendly, sugar-free ice cream cake--complete with dinosaurs and little green army men figures.
In July, I needed a little R&R stat. My dear friend Melissa and I ventured to McCall where we soaked up the sun on the north shore... I also found the best sun hat EVER that I will probably always regret not forking over the $50 for it. Sad day.
Disneyland! Woot Woot! Anne, Kyla, LeeAnne, Kate and I ventured down to Cali in August to meet up with Sydney and Jackie for good times. I conquered my fear of upside-down roller coasters in California Adventure and got hit on by a Jedi master in Tomorrow Land. The 3rd picture is the snapshot that caused a long laugh-attack on the tram. I didn't realize the face that Kate was making, but a nearby, middle-aged African American woman did... and she busted up laughing. I also got the hiccups somewhere in there, and when I saw the picture... well, I lost it for approximately 30-45 minutes.
This is my adorable grandma who turned 82 this year. So I took her to the Glenn Miller Orchestra. So presh.
Somewhere in there (ok October 31st) I threw a kickin' Halloween party for the Cole Young Adults Group. I was Gilly from SNL, but no one knew who I was. Oh well. Phil and I went to the San Jose State vs. BSU game that day. 2009 was a year of football for me... I even joined a fantasy football league.
The Haidles hosted their annual cider pressing which served as an engagement party of sorts for Kyla and Steve. Woot Woot!
December came upon me fast... but it was a good one. Phil took me to see these insane Christmas lights in Boise (above). The man even has a Christmas dolphin. What Christmas light display is complete without the Christmas dolphin? I just don't even know. The neighbor's house has wreaths and holly, and the only lights spell out "ditto" and point to the neighbor's display. But my award for best Christmas spirit yard display definately goes to the woodlin creatures singing with the snowman. No words.Good bye 2009. You will be missed.
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