Goodbye, May

In about forty-five minutes, it will be June. I serisouly don't know where this month has gone!! I can't believe that it's already June...time is flying by so quickly. Tomorrow is just another monday, another day to go to work, wash my clothes and dishes, make calls and get stuff done. And yet, I feel like I've crossed a boundary; like, maybe I'll be ok here, in Charlotte. It's been almost two months since I moved here, and they havn't been easy. God has been so faithful to be there for me when it seemed like I had no one...I've grown closer to him and learned a few more people's names here. I have to admit, when I found out that I needed to move here prior to the family moving here, I seriously had my doubts. I was like, "ok, Lord. What are you up to?" And although that feeling isn't completely gone, it's worn off a smidge. Simply being here is getting easier...I say all that, and then when I get on Facebook and see all the pics of friends and what they are up to, it's hard again. The coolest thing about all this has been this simple truth: God is bigger than a new city. He's bigger than my hateful car problems, my headaches, even my job issues. Isn't that wonderful?! In church this morning, we sang a song and the chorus went like this:
"How great is our God,
Sing with me, how great is our God
And all will sing how great, how great, is our God."

Indeed! How great is he?

As for my car problems...they (being my dad and his friend that are working on it) think I need a new cam shaft and some new bearings. Whatever that means. And the hope is, that when they get the engine apart, that they don't find anything devastatingly wrong with it and it will be running by this weekend. This cam shaft broke because I failed to put oil into it when the light came on; a word to the wise- when your oil light comes on, PUT SOME OIL IN!! Just sayin. It can get serious if you let it go too long. My car is proof: cam shafts don't just snap for no reason. And honestly, I couldn't even tell you what it is or does...all I know is, the car won't run without it and that I need a new one. :)
Have a great monday!

Seriously?!?!

You will never believe what just happened to me!! My car broke down. Yeah! I was on the way home from work and it suddenly just cut off...on the highway. I'm kinda' at my wits end right now, and I would really appreciate your prayers. I don't know what God is planning or has going on, but it is trying me like crazy.
Thanks you all.

Singin in the Rain

So, this rain in killin me!! For those of you who don't know me that well, I hate the rain. Love the smell and sound...but for some reason, it makes me depressed! And when we get it for days in a row, and the clouds don't go away- let's just say, this doesn't make for a very cheerful Ashleigh. It's just hard for me to be joyful when the sun is hiding... Anyways, life goes on the the Queen City. Work is getting into a routine. Not sure what I feel about that...I think I am doing well. Not making as many mistakes as I did, which is always nice in any kind of work. Oh, if you all could pray about this: someone dad works with has a friend that works at a bank and wants to talk to me about possible employment! I am none too excited about the industry, but banks pay well, have good benefits, and have consistent hours. Also, no weekend work. Always a plus. So yeah, hopefully I will be talking to her soon. I'll give an update whenever I talk to her.
Terri, the lovely lady that I live with, is currrently out of the country...in Ireland. So incredibly jealous right now!! She and her niece that is graduating this summer will be spending a week bouncing around Ireland. *sigh* Someday, that will be me. I was thinking the other day that I might plan something fun like that for my 21st birthday....how cool would that be?! The idea is growing on me. I want to see the world!! Europe, Austraila, India, Africa, Asia, all of it.
So, I am on this crocheting kick...I get these urges every once in a while, and work my fingers into a frenzy. I just can't get enough of it!! I am working on two mile-a-minute blankets right now, and I am planning one for a couple that is getting married on June 20th. *happy hands* There is something about making something with your hands that can be useful...I love it. And doing it reminds me of both of my wonderful grandmothers that passed away last year...they are the ones that taught me to do it; I feel close to them when I do it. Maybe I am being selfish, but the two blankets that I am working on right now are for me. I know. I've made them for babies and other people, but I saw the colors in the store and knew that if I made them, they wouldn't end up being gifted...they wouldn't get any farther than my couch. Haha.
I have had a headache every day for the past two weeks...and it hasn't been a fun two weeks at all. I am seeking the Lord as to what to do about it; what to change, how to change. They are simply exhausting! Mind-numbing is what they are: I come home from work and vege out. It's bad. Last Friday, Mom and Cait were in town and Cait spent Thursday night with me. I was fine when I left the house Friday morning, and not ten minutes later, I couldn't see the pain was so bad. I got hot, sleepy, and shaky....these are super weird things for my normal headaches. I usually get freezing, shaky, and dizzy. It scared me, that it was so quick and how sleepy I got. Cait had to come get me and take me home...needless to say, I didn't make it to work. I am looking into medical massages. A friend gets them for her migraines, and she said they seem to help. I am just at my wits end with all this!! I am praying for discretion and just wisdom on how to proceed. If anyone has any suggestions, opinions, or any insight, please let me know!!

Got Cait's graduation announcement tonight...I can't believe it's time for her to graduate. Dang, it makes me feel old. And wonder where the last year has gone! That was me this time last year. But, her announcements are way cooler than mine. :) Way.
One more thing and I'm out.
The highlight of my week: I went book-browsing! *sigh* Seriously, I love looking at books...there is nothing like it. Smelling them, feeling the covers, reading them. I think I spent over an hour in the store, just reveling in it. If you ever want to know how to make me happy, get me a book. Almost any kind will do. Oh, and I found the cutest bookmark ever!! It's fashioned like an Oritenal rug, complete with the fringe on either end. Only, it's tiny. Eeeek! So. Cute. Of course I bought it.
Well, my friends. That is my epic post. God is wonderful and bringing me ever closer to him every day. Especially through the pain of my headaches, He is there and showing himself to me in ever more ways. Have a wonderful weekend!

My Daily Dose of Happy

Hello.
This last week was pretty good. I got to see some Raleigh friends on Saturday night! We had dinner and they were soo encouraging. We had great fellowship, and it was so good to see them.
So, the other day, I was on the phone with my mom. I call her every day on the way to work, and we have a nice chat. Well, there is this absolutely adorable miniature horse farm on the road that I drive on...yes, I get to see them every day. Jealous? I know you are. As I was on the phone, I passed the farm- mind you, it makes me smile/laugh every time I drive past it. I am honestly surprised I haven't caused another accident by looking at them as I drive. Seriously. Anyways, low and behold, there is a BABY mini horse!! Yeah. I know. A baby. Guys, he is the cutest thing I have ever seen! He was trotting behind his mom, all adorable and bouncy. One day, he was rolling in the grass, with his little legs in the air...so cute! He is, literally, the size of a pug. Dude. I love him! And I was like, "Mom!!! I want one! And I can carry him in my purse, like some people carry their dogs!" *said in a high, squeaky voice* Now, they are called my purse ponies. :) There is this field that is adjacent to their pasture (there is probably close to ten of the little darlings!), and the grass in really high in that field. I think they cross over and play safari over there...you know, like you did when you were little. On all fours, in the tall grass. Hmm...maybe that would be a good children's book! The mini horses on a pretend safari. Haha!
Yeah, and now I am a little sad- I have another way to work. Which will cut down on my commute, but I won't get my daily dose of happy. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
Have a blessed day!!

Poems

Time to test out some of my poetry on you all. Let me know what you think...if you even like poetry.

*Nameless

Kamikaze raindrops throw themselves at me,
Plummeting down to the earth.
My windshield wipers act like a Nazi;
Swipe, swipe, they sing with mirth.
These raindrops must be suicidal,
For my wipers never stand idle.

Also, I can't decide which one I like better of these two versions. Help?

*Grocery Store Revelation

There was a woman behind me in line
At the grocery store.
She held only two items:
Beer and cotton candy.
And I absently wondered how they would taste together...

or:
At the grocery store, I stood in line,
Waiting for my turn.
The woman behind me swept up,
Carrying two items.
Beer and cotton candy, always good for a friday night.
Made me wonder-how would these two taste together?

I think I like the first one. But, as this is my first interactive post, I want to hear from you!! Be honest. :) I think I like the short, little blips of poetry right now...can you tell?
That's all. Thanks for reading.

A Little Stupidity, with Some Conviction Mixed In

Yo.
This has been a heck of a week. Seriously. I don't know what is going on, but things are like, crazy! Anyways, I'll tell you my story.
On Monday, I was on the way home from the deli. In five o'clock traffic. Yeah, I hate it. I got in an accident!! I pulled out in front of someone. :( I felt like such an idiot. And of course, it was my fault...this was my first accident. Psh. It was really scary, but no one was hurt and both cars were driveable...both a little dented, but ok. Seriously, I was freaking out!! But, I called Mom while we were waiting for the police to get there, and she prayed with me and for me. I had a headache from you know where...and that just got worse when all that adrenaline hit my system. So, after she prayed for me, I was sitting on the side of the road and trying to breathe. When the officer got there, I sat in his car to fill out the paperwork *ugg* because my car was waay down the road. And, wouldn't you know it, my favorite song by Matt Nathanson came on the radio. I almost started crying. God was right there with me, and even while I was freaking out, something as small and insignificant as a song helped me relax and calm down. It also showed me that God was there, and he loved me and how kind he was. He didn't have to do that! But he did. And it totally helped me to do my thing and be calm. We serve an amazing Creator.
Moral of the story: don't pull out in traffic at 5 o'clock. Also, God cares. About the small, the large, and the dramatic. Don't hesitate to take even the smallest things to him, for he cares about you and listens when we call. Isn't that good news?!

I also wanted to share something that has been on my heart the past few days. If you live in NC, you know how humid and nasty it is outside right now. Haha. Isn't it great. My absolute favorite thing in the summer to wear (besides flip flops ^^;) is tank tops. Dude, can't even tell you the joy one of those wonderful articles of clothing brings me...there's just something about the simplicity of them, the versatility. *contented sigh* Every year, when the warm cloths come out, err, ok, when we can officially "count" on the warm weather, I deal with this problem: how to wear my tanks modestly? How can I glorify my Creator's image in me, be comfortable (and cute), and protect the guys? So often, I am tempted to just throw a tank on and not take the time to make sure it is appropriate, just because it's sooo hot outside. And basically, the conviction from the Spirit said don't let the weather deter you from having a heart of service in your dress. The thought I want to leave you with...search your heart for ways to protect and bless our brothers in Christ this summer with your attire; I know I will. Take the time to care. It makes a difference.
Lord, please help us! Teach us your ways and guide us in the things we should do, say, and think, that we may glorify you. You created us in your image for a purpose; show us the way.

Love that Defines

Hey.
Work has been getting easier, which is good news! The big boss man came in today and I think I passed the test. Good to know. This morning, I was mopping, as I do every morning, and a song came on the radio. The XM station we listen to is super weird and plays anything from Elton John to Miley Cirus....yeah. I know. This song, whose title has left me, was serenading about love...and talking about how you aren't a real and true person until you have a love in a person. Hmm. This got me to thinking...is this how I view my life? Waiting to be in a relationship to begin, to be fully human? This is most certainly not how God designed things! He created us to be satisfied fully in Him and to find all our worth in Him. But, how often do we view life like this? Obviously, this song is not one of a kind. If you listen to any mainstream music, you know how much more pronounced this theme is now, than years ago. And yet, I wonder...do people really think that they aren't a person unless they have "love" to define them? My gracious God is teaching me this lesson: HE and He alone is my all, my everything. And it is He that defines me, not another, or my gifts (which He gave me), my family, my friends, or a romantic relationship. I am His child, and He is jealous for my love. Can I do anything but give Him my all? He is jealous for your love and life as well. The Creator of the Universe and Savior of the world, desires your affection and devotion. I pray that we can be a people of whole-hearted devotion to God and promoting Him to all the earth.
That was my Divine revelation for the day. Hope it was encouraging to you as it was to me...I learned a lot from that awful song. :) That song also talked about making your man tell you his feelings...that is how you know that your love is true. Yeah, bad. Haha. You live and learn, and don't take counseling advice from pop songs. Especially not from the 70's. Ever.
This weekend is the close of my third week here, in Charlotte. It feels weird to say, but I think I am getting a little more used to things here. I am still awaiting with high expectation the day my family arrives, don't get me wrong. :) Speaking of them, we got some family pics done by the awesome Jamie Delaine!! See the sneak peek of those on here: http://jamiedelaineblog.com.

I covet your prayers. I am waiting on the Lord, and seeking possibly another job in addition to or instead of the one I have. I'm just not getting enough hours. And they are really trying, but in food service, you never know how the ebb and flow of customers is going to run. I am praying for the faith of a mustard seed, so that this mountain can be moved. I know the Lord has my best in mind...and that this is all for my good and that He has me here for a reason, whatever that is. I am seeking to glorify Him in all I do; including getting refills, mopping, taking orders, and busing tables.
Thanks for reading. Blessings.