Love me with your whole heart

SICK OF IT ALL

My journey to 25 and life have truly been a world wind. God is pushing me outside of my selfish ambitions, and stretching me beyond my comforts. And to be frank I am sick of being pushed and stretched, but truthfully I would have it no other way. I claim to be a Christian yet I only seem to be engaged when it is convenient a true hypocrite. The video below explains my symptoms and will probably explain yours as well.

Matthew 16:25 -For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

"EDUCATION" is it worth it?

SUN STAND STILL

Audacious faith is the raw material that authentic Christianity is made of. It’s the stuff that triggers ordinarily level-headed people like you and me to start living with unusual boldness. SF

A while ago I read a Pastor Steven Furicks book Sun Stand Still. This book back then changed my life and view about how I approached God and how much faith that I had in him. So with that said a little over 20 days ago I hunkered down to commit to this internal and external soul searching, Jesus finding journey on the road to 25. I gave up ALL social media except Pintrest and I only watch movies (occasionally) and the news. Lets just say that this quiet time with myself has been the most gut wrenching, exhilarating soul searching 20 days of my life. I've struggled. I've been exposed and most importantly I've been humbled.

Yesterday I completed my vision board for 2014 and on it I focused on some things to help me to grow and expand my faith, intimacy with Christ and a few other markers. As I was magazine searching I kept thinking of a theme for the year. As I do with most things I create themes and make many list and numerous bullets but anywho. While I was thinking and listing I kept coming back to Joshua 10:1-14 as my theme for the year.

In Joshua 10:1-14, We see that the Isrealites unleash a surprise attack on the Amorites, and right from the beginning the battle goes well. But as the sun sinks towards the horizon, General Joshua faces a decision. The victory isn't complete, and once it get's dark, the rest of he Amorites will slip away. Joshua sizes up the situation and delivers one of the most unorthodox prayers in the Bible. He ask God to make the sun to stop in the sky. He literally ask God to freeze time on behalf of his people, and guess what God does!!! He makes the SUN STAND STILL!!! Joshua had audacious faith!! Joshua defeated the Amorites.

Think about it WOW!!!



So as I continue to journey to 25 and as I start 2014 here is my yearly theme.

"If you’re going to pray for God to make the sun standstill, you’d better be ready to march all night. PUSH while you pray" 

I am praying for the humanly impossible and believing that God will provide!!!

What is your theme for 2014?!

Love Peace and Blessings!!!

-Ashley

86 days

“Much of your character is displayed by how gracefully you are able to let go of the things that are not meant for you.” 

There are exactly 86 days 11 hours and a little over 5 minutes until I turn 25. Over 100 days ago I set out on a quest of SELF renewal and guess what I got caught up in SELF. I thought that I would be able to transform myself, transform my being and be the person that I wanted to be in exactly 240 days. But how can I become the person I want to be when our lives and characters are shaped in my opinion by experience, does it mean that my character will stop evolving on February 25, 2014? I hope not. So with that said on day 86 I've learned that I have to let go of the control that I would like to have over my future and trust where God is leading me. In the next 86 days I hope to be at a place  of stronger faith, deeper convictions and the willingness to continue to serve others and love others. I can say that I am realizing the call over my life and my purpose but I am still not where I need to be. I can say that I am growing and Owning who I am. I am becoming more physically fit and capable. 

So we are still completing 25 projects . 

Project 1: Love Letter 
I will be sending out thank letters to a long list of people who have helped me to grow, thanking them for teaching me a lesson that has aided on my development, whether it was a great lesson or a hard lesson, all notes are sent in love. Just think you may receive a "Love Letter" soon.

Stay tuned for Project #2 

xoxo 

Trusting the Process

The hardest feats of my are happening right now. Internally and externally! Journey to 25. I am trusting the process. The video below helped me to get over the hump!
Enjoy Sarah Kay: If I should have a daughter.....

http://youtu.be/0snNB1yS3IE

Love you all. In depth Update coming soon xoxo...

Faith over Fear

                                "Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it" -Bill Cosby 

That is my life motto as I submerge myself into different endeavors.  These words come from comedian Bill Cosby, and serve to remind us that we're not willing to truly take important risks until our desire for what we want surpasses the fear of potential failure. 

I have these constant thoughts of what I could accomplish but then I start to compare myself to other people. I doubt myself, encourage others and forget what God has called me to do. This past week I had to attend a week long Residency/Immersion with my cohort. My first class stuck with me the entire time. It challenged my Faith and my fears. It showed me that I was depending on man to validate my calling when my actual calling comes from God and God alone.  For some odd reason I started to equate the validation of a human being with the favor of God. So I took a step back and I told myself that it was time to face facts and fears and press forward to what God has called me to do. 

So with 140 days to go. I am still on this journey to 25. Looking for renewal. Focusing on the future and building this amazing space for children, youth, and adults a like. Stayed tuned. A 5K is on the horizon. 

What fears are eating you alive? How can you overcome them? Lets love each other family. 

Follow me on Twitter @Rethink_ing