Why Follow the Herd?

Here We Go

2010-09-08T06:59:00.000-07:00

So, this life is getting pretty crazy peeps. God is so good, and I am more in love with Him than ever.
CCT is going swimmingly. I love my little minis. They are quite a fun little bunch. And right now, they are mostly boys. Haha. Imagine me, teaching a group of 5 year old boys about theater. Yeah, I'm laughing too. And the doors are opening for more students and the possibilities are simply endless! God is just exploding this all in such a good way. We are already shopping for props, costumes, and sets for the other classes. Besides my class, I am production assistant for a 13+ class that is doing "Through The Looking Glass" as their play. The 8-12 class is performing "Cinderella." So excited for both of those classes. Even now, costumes are coming together. Please be praying for musical directors! We need one for each class. We have a few requests out now, but we really need people who can commit and be there for all our rehearsals, and all 3 performances. If anyone knows anyone who loves playing piano and would be available on monday nights, please contact me! Its a great opportunity, if you like to serve musically.

Basically, I'm LOVING Goodwill right now. Seriously, every time I'm out, I'm like, "where's a goodwill? I need to see if they have anything I need." Yeah, I'm addicted. It's a problem. But one that is not breaking the bank. I got a good start on my fall wardrobe last Saturday, and found some gorgeous plaid, polka dot silks, a velvet belt, jewel-tone florals, and a nice bright "boyfriend" style shirt for under $40. I'm very happy. That is what I consider a successful day. :)

Friends, God is so amazing. Sometimes I just need to be reminded of just how loving and near He is. Last night, I was catching up with a friend, and just to hear his testimony of God's faithfulness in his life made me look at the faithfulness in my own life. He is always there for us, even when we are unaware. He cares more than any man or woman will ever care for you, love you, cherish you, or protect you. The Lord has just been impressing on me this fact lately: He is the One who fulfills, and ONLY He can satisfy my deepest need. He alone has taken care of my deepest need, and He alone loves me unconditionally. What a wonderful truth!! Wow. It slays me.
I'll leave you with a song I was listening to last night. It is beautiful. May the truth of this song be with you today. :)

"O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!
’Tis an ocean full of blessing, ’tis a haven giving rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heaven of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!

Oh the deep, deep love.
All I need and trust
Is the deep, deep love of Jesus."

A New Adventure

2010-08-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

Hello world!

I've been so busy guys! Life is great, work is busy, and I'm going crazy. Haha. What else is new.

At work right now, I'm in intensive training to become a manager. Scary, right? Yeah. And I knew the whole manager thing would be coming for a few months now, but it might be actually happening in the next 2ish months. They've asked our general manager if he would move to another store. That would move an associate manager up to gm, and me to associate manager. Honestly, this is not where I wanted to be at 21...but things are falling into place for this. I don't know if it's God's leading, or what, but I'm going with the flow. I'm obviously in prayer for all this, but I think I know what my answer will be when they ask me if I want to be a manager. I have a plan for the next 3ish years, and this seems like it will help that.
You ready for it?

Ok. As a manager, I would be on salary. The plan is to work there for a year or so, save every penny and get money together to attend Aveda next fall, maybe spring. Go to Aveda, work in the evenings, and graduate one year later. After that, I want to get a good job either overseas or in California, because my heart is to work with this ministry called the A21 Campaign. They work with human trafficking victims and help them escape their enslavement. They have homes in Thessaloniki, Greece, with admin offices in Sydney, Australia and an upcoming office in Costa Mesa, California. I have been in contact with the Australia office via email, and it appears that they have a TON of volunteer opportunities. This ministry has been on my heart for 2 years, ever since I heard Christine Cain speak at a church in Clayton, NC. She spoke about the sex trade and how girls are kidnapped, and forced to work as prostitutes, lured in by promises of jobs. It broke my heart, and I've had a vision to work with them since then. I guess I would just volunteer at one of their offices, with the goal of working with them full time. But as I said, these are just my plans. We'll see what God has in mind. I do know that having these goals is so wonderful! Something to look forward to and seek to achieve. I know the Lord will lead me and direct me. No doubts there. "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man." psalm 118.8 That's what I'm gonna do.

As for the present time, when I'm still just a key-holder in Gastonia, NC, I am looking forward to starting a theater class. My mother is starting a youth theater program, and I'm going to be teaching the 5-7 year olds. Yeah, it's gonna be fun. :) I think I should be scared, but I'm just excited about what God's gonna do. I'll also be helping with the older class, 13 and ups, doing choreography and general class assistance. I'm so excited! Please pray with me as I try and secure monday nights off at work permanently. *sigh*

My best friend, sister, and roommate of many years moved out last week. And it's been weird without her right there when I need her. But, I did get my own room and I am loving that part of the transition. I miss you, Cait, but I know that God has us where we are right now for a reason. Maybe one day we can be apartment mates? love you!

Thats pretty much it for me. Until next time.

Oh Gracious!

2010-02-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

Evening, folks.

I totally said "oh gracious!" the other day, then laughed at myself. My grandma said that. haha. It was amusing. :)
Basically, I got another promotion at work! What?! Yeah, it was crazy the way it happened too...if you don't remember how I got my last one, it was because a manager got fired and some people moved up. Well, that happened again! And I'm the key-holder, just one measly position away from manager. Scary, I know. I've been at this store over nine months, and I've gotten 2 promotions since September! God is working, I think.

So, my new hair is amazing!! Here, I'll let you judge. :)
from the side:

and this is from the front...

I mean, I'm a fan. :) The girl that did my hair is AMAZING!! She's my life-time hair stylist now that I've found her, and a very good new friend. I love her. When she did my color, she said she couldn't wait til it washed out so she could re-do it. haha. she's just awesome like that. :)

Life has been throwing me some curve balls lately, I'm not gonna lie to you all. But the thing that I keep clinging to is the fact that God doesn't give us anything we can't handle. How awesome is that?! How about the fact that He not only keeps it on our level, but He promises to be with us every step of the way. Have you ever known God to go back on His promise? No, neither have I. Such a comfort.
I'll leave you with a final thought, something I read tonight in Psalm 18.7-8: "Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand...(the best part!->) Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings." Did you see that?! That means that you and I are already the apple of God's eye! How wonderful is that truth?? Ah, the goodness of the Savior. Sleep in the good of that promise tonight.

A New Semester

2010-01-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

Hey Blog World!!
So sorry it's been so long. I'm really bad at this blogging thing...haha.
Happy late new year! Life is awesome in the QC. I'm working full time and loving my church. We started M28 BIG meetings up again last week. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed going to all the meetings and hanging out with everyone until we had a month long break for Christmas and New Years. Christmas was relaxing and wonderful. We just spent time together as a family and it was really fun. :) I love us.
Its been fun getting to chill out with people again and meet new people, coming in after the long break. I am also participating in the open discussions on campus this semester. Talk about scary! I had no idea what it was...haha. Way out of my comfort zone, let me tell you. This is what we do: we knock on dorm doors, and if they open, we invite them to the second floor, in this case, and tell them what we are talking about. That may not sound too scary to you...before this, I had never been in a college dorm! That was fun. :) The first time I went, when we were on a guys floor, there was this Nerf war going on, only they had tipped the darts with thumb tacks!! Brutal, just brutal. It's been kinda cool, to be a part of the discussions, and to be evangelizing people my own age, in their element. I'm excited to see what God is going to do this semester. It's gonna rock my socks, I just know it. :)

Besides that, I'm singing in the Sunday morning choir. Which I love!! So much . It's fun. I totally thought I was gonna be super nervous...by God's grace, I wasn't at all the first time, and I am very comfortable up there now. We've been getting the schedule set, so I've been singing a lot...like, every week for a month. After tomorrow, I get a three week break. It will be nice to have a break.
I'm about to get a hair make-over by my fabulous new friend, Marissa Moses. I can't wait!! I'll post pics, most definitely.
That's all folks. Be blessed!!

Give Me a Passion

2009-10-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

I think fall is officially here. Which makes the always-cold part of me shiver in anguish, and the favorite season part of me shout with joy. :) I am divided. Today was soo cold and windy. Haha. When I think about the weather in other places of the US, where the snow is already falling and it's really cold, I know myself for the weenie that I am. I know, it's sad.

So, the Lord has really been pressing me with the desire to be more passionate in my relationship with him. I am sick with myself, and how I have been preoccupied with other things, other people, when He alone is my reason for being. He is the One who holds me together, causes the breath to flow in and out of my lungs...yet I find myself seeking other things before him. Why is that?? Why, with all that He's done for me, can't I just seek him? My sinful heart is why! I continually give into the temptation and fall into the self-sufficient mindset, leaving Him behind. Through the girls retreat, various sermons, and worship for all the above I have seen my lack of passion for Him. I had my pastoral interview for membership into Crossway yesterday, and I was telling Nick *the pastor I was meeting with* about this lack in my walk with the Lord. I am becoming more aware of it daily...and I wonder, is it a new occurrence? Am I just now lacking, or is this something that has been going on for a while? Well, whichever the case may be, I am working through it now. God is faithful to reveal an area that needs work, and is always there when I cry out to Him for the strength to change. How amazing is that?! Wow. I stand in awe of His power and might, His love and grace. I want to love Him more, to be hopelessly lost in His love. He wants my romantic love, not just my general love. I think before, I had this "God" love...you know. He created me! Of course I love him. But I realize now he wants my passionate, whole-hearted, recklessly abandoned love. The kind people get strange looks for. This is kinda' crazy to think about! He is jealous for our affections.
We have been singing this song at the college meetings, and I want to share it in closing. This has helped me realize the depth of His love for me, and how much more I need to be loving Him.

"He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.
Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.

Yeah, He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves.

So we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way

That he loves us,
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves

He loves us,
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves."

Its by Jesus Culture band. Youtube it.
Be blessed this week. Remember how he loves us.

Autumn Reflections

2009-10-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a while. So sorry!! Haha. Things just get away from you when you get into a routine. But I have awesome news: I got full time work!! Yay! Praise the Lord!! I am soo blessed right now. It's at the deli, McAlisters and it's kinda crazy how it's all come about. The manager that hired me, got fired this last weekend. Yeah, and it was a crazy reason! But anyways, the key-holder person moved up to manager. The girl next in line got key-holder, and I got that girl's full time hours!! Yay!! I just hope the transition is smooth and things go alright. Phew! It's all so exciting. :) I couldn't stop smiling last night when I got the call. So, all that exciting-ness begins on Thursday.

I have been really tested these past few weeks as I was seeking the Lord on what to do about work. My hours were getting steadily worse. I have been completely at peace with God and my circumstances at times, then at others I'm in the depths of despair and I can see no way out of my situation. But through it all, whether on the mountain or seemingly in the valley, God has been the only constant thing in my life. Jobs waver and are lost; cars...well, they don't last either. He is faithful, no matter what happens. I can trust Him with my life without fear of rejection, or that He'll let me down. I know for me, I tend to impose human characteristics on God. Why? Because I am sinful, first of all. And second of all, I would understand a little bit of why He does what He does. As it stands now, I understand nothing...nor will I ever, at this rate. He is so wholly unlike us in every way. Perfect, Holy, Righteous and Just in all His ways. Like He would ever reject me?! I am so stupid sometimes, I amaze even myself. But seriously, think about that for a sec: do you place God in a box of your own dimensions? I know I do and I seeking the Lord's help to change me.

That's my big thought for the week. I'm going on a 2 day retreat this weekend, and will have tons more tidbits of stuff to share. See you on the other side. :)

And So It Continues...

2009-08-18T13:38:00.001-07:00

Life is going on.
I am loving my family and having them here every morning when I wake up. I love to have family dinner every night, even though we have gone vegan. Yes friends, we have gone to the dark side, and now eat only veggies. Haha. I am hoping that this will help my numerous and very uncomfortable headaches. And allergies. And aches and pains. Mom is convinced that eating this way will help, plus, we have a history of cancer and heart disease in both sides of our family. So, I think it's a good idea...it just gets a little bland at times. If it doesn't help my headaches...we'll have to move that mountain when we get there. I'm giving it a month, then I'll see what else I can be doing to help them. I have been getting them really bad lately, and more often. *sigh* Please pray that they will ease as I get more into this eating vegan.
Soo, I am still looking f0r jobs...and it's going pretty well, actually. I have several leads, and am waiting to hear from them. I am going tomorrow to apply for a front desk job at a Sport Clips in the area....they really need someone, and I would love to work somewhere that will help me on my career path. Or at least be conducive to that. Haha. I believe and am praying that I will be attending cosmetology school in January, 2010. Please, please pray that all this works out and that things will fall into place. I believe that this is what I am supposed to do...the execution is just a little slow in coming. The Lord has really been teaching me patience and faith in him, no matter how long things take to fall into place. And he has been faithful...of course. I don't know why I expect him to not come through, or to forget about me or his promises to me. But, as he is perfect and sovereign and the God of the Universe, Creator of Earth, he is faithful and always will be. I am just a stupid sheep. :) But the coolest part is, he still loves me, despite my stupidity and sinful disbelief. He is too good and kind.
That's what's been going on. We are settling into the church life here and I am loving it. It's soo different, but awesome. I love the worship!! It's jamming. I can't wait to get into the college ministry and make more friends. The meetings are on campus this year, so we'll see if I can even find the meetings! Haha.
Well, I am signing off for now. Have a wonderful week!!!
Love ya!

Home Sweet Home

2009-08-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hello!!! I am now broadcasting live from the new Butt house! We live off this awesome twisty mountain road. *sigh* As you are coming up the mountain, there is this lovely green canopy overhead and at the right time of day, the dappled sunlight falls through. It's so gorgeous!! It's way twisty and curvy, so you have to be very careful driving it. I love that we are all under the same roof together. And we all had dinner together tonight for the second night in a row. It is awesome. We laugh so hard together!! And guess what?! They all missed me. :) Maybe as much as I missed them...ok, maybe not that much.
So, we all got moved in and are settling in fine. The best (aka worst) part about this house is trying to find places for everything....wait, that's moving in general. Haha! Silly me. My drive to work is less than 20 min. That, my dears, is one heck of an improvement. Oh! And, to prove how wonderful and amazing my mother is. While I was at my work, she went out and job hunted for me and the other girls. Isn't she just it? And she may very well have found at least one, maybe two for me. She's the best. I was planning on doing that hunting tomorrow, but she's pretty much taken care of it for me.
I am just feeling blessed. The Lord is so good to me! And things are looking up for my family in ways that have been hard the last few years. And it's all His provision in our lives. They can't wait to get plugged into the church here and be involved. It's all looking wonderful. I'm just praying that this job thing, at least one of them, will work out and I can start getting my life in order.
Blessings.

Four More Days!!

2009-07-27T18:22:00.001-07:00

So, this last weekend was just a little depressing. Not gonna lie. We had everything ready to move the family here. All their stuff packed and ready to go on the truck to be brought here, people lined up to help load and unload in both places. And then it happened. The moving truck became unavailable. WHAT?! Yes friends, my family is as yet, not here. :( And that makes me a little sad...until I remember that this whole thing didn't surprise God. He knew it was gonna happen and he planned for it. Phew. That is such a comfort. So, the plan now is for them to come this coming weekend! Yay! I can't wait. It's gonna be awesome and I am soo looking forward to having family time again. When I moved to Charlotte, I left my best friends. So close. :)

Besides that, not much is going on with me. I had an awesome talk with a good friend today. I asked her out on a phone date. Haha. I love doing that. I felt like if we didn't set a day and a time, we would both forget and it had been waaay too long since we talked.

Oh, I got a fauxhawk!! It's soo fun!

Yeah, I have been wanting to do this for a while, but I finally got around to it. And I love it!! It's spunky. :) Like me. My boss calls me Spike. Not sure if I like that yet. He is my boss, after all. One day I came in after I had it all done up for a few days with it down and everyone was like, "Hey! Where's the hawk?!" I can't get away with not hawking it too often...they all get on my case. Haha. I have noticed when I'm at the store or just out, little kids stare at me. Moms look at me like my hair offends them. Like I'm the first fauxhawk they've seen. I want to go up to their kids and say, "boo!" Maybe I shouldn't. I still think it would be funny. *p.s. aren't my mom and I cute?? Love her!!*

That's all I have to say. Have a blessed week!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1.9

My Downtown Concord Adventure

2009-07-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord!! They dismissed my ticket! Oh my, I am SO relieved and happy. :) The Lord was so gracious. I was one of the first 30ish people to be called, and I was out of there by 9; I got there at 8.30. Yes, I am glad all that is over with. Now, I can move on with car mess, job mess, and moving mess. Yay.
So, I had a free morning. The courthouse was in downtown Concord, so I walked around. Found the coolest little hippie store with Tibetan art, belly dancing paraphernalia, awesome jewelry, even a ring in the shape of a buffalo. So cool! When I left, I smelled like incense. :) Which I love. I found this gorgeous ring made with simulated stones that looked like opals. Oh my, it was amazing!! And it was my size too. *hint to mom: the store's name was Little Feather. :)* And then I got coffee at the little place with the most amazing couch that was a butt magnet. Haha, no pun intended. And the board with all their options was all spelled wrong...I think the owners were native Mexicans. Good coffee though. Then, I headed into this little shop cause they had a sale. :) Me and sales are tight. There was this niceish guy in there, and he started talking to me. I don't mind in the slightest, except he started asking me things like was I married, where did I live?? Hmm. I quickly left that one, but he kinda walked with me and tried to make conversation. Double hmm. I ditch him for the Little Feather and stay in there for a while. When I come out and head to the parking deck, the same guy is on the other side of the road. He hollers for me to have a good weekend. Without looking, I just lifted a hand. Then, almost to the parking deck, this truck pulls up to me and rolls down the passenger window. He says, "I saw you waving at me from across the street and I thought I'd introduce myself." and sticks his hand out the window. I'm like, OK. He asks me what I was doing, and I said shopping, hoping to deter him, and that I was heading home. He asks where home was. Haha!! I'm like, whoa. Deja vu! I was like, it's nice to meet you. Thankfully, he drives off. Then, I walked to my car. But, dear friends, that's not the end!! I drive away, checking to see if either guy has followed me with my doors securely locked. When I find the main road, I pull into a gas station to fill up. And like, 5 guys come out and swarm the car. I'm like "what?!" Seriously, I was kinda worried. I crack my window, and I'm like, "hey guys...I just need some gas." One said that pump was a full service pump. I laugh nervously and drive to the next one.

Wow. It was an exciting time in downtown, to say the least!! I wonder if it was because I was blonde...anyways, the good news was that I didn't get lost at all. And my ticket stuff was taken care of. Praise the Lord for both of those blessings!
That's it for me. Have a great weekend! Grace to you.

This is What I Get?

2009-07-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

Ok folks. You remember when I got in my accident? Yeah, well...I am heading to court for it on Friday. I guess I'm going for the driving without insurance?? Not exactly sure about that. But, I do know 2 things about that day: 1. I'm really nervous! 2. God has a plan and will be with me. Maybe they should be in opposite order...but for now, that's how things stand. I am soo happy that it's in the morning, and that I don't have all day to stress over it before it happens. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated. :)
On a different note, my family found a house!!! Yay! It's all going rather fast, actually. Dad and I will be moving into the house starting the 19th, and the family is expected to make the big move by the 25th!!! I am SOOO happy right now, y'all! Phew, this is gonna be a fun ride. I've been enjoying my own room and bathroom for the past few months, commodities that are unavailable at the new house. But, I get my family, and that I am willing to trade a bathroom for. :) *I might need reminding in a few weeks.*

So, God is doing huge things in me right now. I was recently convicted of a bitterness in my attitude towards God, concerning my circumstances. And my wise mother kindly pointed out, the things I am bitter about are consequences of some of my bad decisions. So, if I'm going to be angry, be angry at me. Basically, that's what she said. Haha. (Moms are so awesome. With love, they bang you over the head, and you thank them for it. :] )And, while this is entirely true, I do believe that in all this that's going on, God's purposes of my sanctification are being played out. I realized that I've PRAYED for all this to happen; I've prayed for God to break me, mold me and make me more like him. Yeah, I asked for this!! But did I mean it? This made me stop. Wow. We all pray to be sanctified, to be conformed to the image of Christ, sure. But do we blame God and shake our fist at him when things get hard? God never promised things would be easy for the Christian...he only said he would be with us every step. So, I ask you: do you know what you are asking for? When you pray for these things, what do you think it means? These questions have changed my whole perspective on trials. Because believe me, I don't think I knew what I was getting when I prayed to be more like Christ! The coolest part of all this mess that my life seems like right now, is that I know that all this is inside God's plan for me. NOTHING that happens to any of us is outside of his will. He means us good, not harm, and his IS making us more like Jesus. How comforting is that?! Whoa. That is powerful stuff.
My parting thoughts for us all: drive carefully! :) And let the Lord work in you. Be an empty vessel, and trust Him to make you more like himself. Let go of the control you think you have, and let him work in and through you. That's the goal, what we hope and long for. Harder said than done, as I well know. But for me, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Jesus.

Blogging is Good

2009-06-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends!!
Sorry it's been a little while. I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off! Seriously, it's been a crazy few weeks. Cait's graduation and party was last weekend, and I went home for all of the festivities. That was soo awesome!! It was amazing to see everyone and hang out with my family. This past weekend, I had two sisters and Mom in town to help with Tim and Rachel's wedding. These are dear friends and it was wonderful to see them on their big day. I was driving the getaway car, as Rachel had graciously let me drive it since my car is still dead, and so Saturday morning I took it to Auto Bell and had it cleaned. It was fun to feel like a part of the day. One of my "Raleigh" friends stayed Saturday night with me and we talked the night away. So fun. She was sweet enough to bring me a housewarming gift! Sparkling grape juice and chocolate. Yumm. And yesterday, one of my favorite things happened: I saw the Charlotte Symphony play!! Oh yeah, it was amazing. The theme was dancing, and they played so much fun music. It was hot outside, I'm not gonna lie. But so fun to relax with friends and listen to the live music. Oh, and cloud watch. :)
A little update on my car: Still dead. We have an engine, but I have to get the money together to buy it. Gah! It's most definitely a learning experience. The Robbins family has graciously lent me a van of theirs until I can get my car fixed. So please keep that situation in your prayers!
Well, that's all folks. :)

So, Where's the Good News?

2009-06-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

This has been a rough week. All week, I've been praying and trying not to stress about my car and what needed to be done to it. At first Dad and his friend thought that, looking into it as much as they had, I needed a new cam shaft...we hoped that the engine wasn't damaged. Well, as they took off the engine head and looked further into it, they saw that I needed a new engine. A new engine. That's right, A NEW ENGINE!!! *sigh* Plus a cam shaft, and a new timing belt. I'm not going to be driving my lovely car, Sabrina for a while. The Lord graciously provided transportation for me for this week! That has been such a blessing and I am going to be able to utilize it until next weekend. A wonderful friend offered their family van. :) So, in all this, I've been searching for the silver lining, the blessing with the trial, and all that. I havn't found it yet. Pretty much, all I know about my life right now and what's going on in it is that God is faithful, he loves me, and I don't know what he is doing in my life, but I know because he told me that it's all for my good. Also, he promises not to give us anything we can't handle. Phew. That's pretty hefty! I wouldn't have thought that I'd be able to handle all this at once...good thing he knows me better than I know me, eh? I seriously don't even know what to say anymore: if something else happens, I'm just gonna take it like a champ. Cause it feels like it's all happened to me...anything else, I can handle. I was talking to a friend, and I was like, maybe I'm supposed to drive cross-country for the Lord, or give my car tgo someone, cause it's gonna be in wonderful condidtion when I finally get it back! We will see what God has in store for me: I havn't the slightest idea, but I will be accepting submissions at the end of the month via email. :) Also, if you wouldn't mind praying for my transportation in the weeks to come. Not sure how everything is gonna pan out yet...
On to other things; my family might have found a house!! Yay! Praise the Lord!! It seems to be great space, in a great place, with a fencedin backyard, and three full bathrooms! Looks like a really good place to live too. Please be in prayer that if it's the Lord's will, it would happen soon!
Another blessing amidst the craziness;I got a part time job! I'm working with a friend from church doing some sewing for his home business. He tunes pianos and makes covers for them also. He is trying to get more business with the covers, as there are only a few people in the country that make them, and I am sewing sample fabric and putting together his catalogues. It's super flexible hours, and I love working for people I know. This is going to help me get my car a lot faster. Great timing.
I think that's all...seek the Lord with your all this week. And let him draw you closer. He's drawing me, whether I like it or not. God bless.

Goodbye, May

2009-05-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

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?!?!

2009-05-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

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.

Of Veggie Cream Cheese and Twittering

2009-04-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

Morning.
I am enjoying a breakfast of plain bagel with veggie cream cheese, and milk. Ah. Anyways, This week has flown by!! I have been working some kinda weird shifts lately. But I spoke to Ashley (my manager) on Tuesday about needing more hours. They said that they could handle that, and that I just needed more training. Praise the Lord!! I was soo worried that I was going to have to find another job and start all over, when all I needed to do was ask. And next week, they pick up too. Yay! They called me at ten yesterday and asked me to come in as soon as I could...they needed help with the lunch shift. Man. It seems like every single time I start to fret and freak out about something, God is right there, telling me to breathe and fixing it. What an amazing God we serve!
I'm going home tomorrow!! I am soo excited to see my family, I can't even tell you! Gah! It's so quiet here, I can hear myself think, an experience that I've never had. ;) And it does get a bit lonley. I know that my mom is like, "you kept saying you wanted to be alone!" I'm like, yeah, when I wanted space, not all the time!! That reason would be why you all keep getting poked, wall posted and texted by me. And I get to see Cait's play, "Reformation of Katherine". Ahh, so wonderful.
Oh, so I got Twitter ya'll! http://twitter.com/tripsonsunlight I'm still trying to figure it out, though. Yeah, just thought you should know. It's my favorite part of face book, and you don't have to deal with the drama! Yay. Still trying to figure out how to get pic on there...anyone know?

Alrighty, lovely people. Thanks for reading. Enjoy whatever kind of weather you find yourself in...I believe my weather reads 70's. I love my state. <3

Alive and Kickin

2009-04-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter! I did. My family dinner with the family was awesome! We all ate as a family for the first time in who knows how long. It was bliss.
After we ate, I had to pack my car...rather, finish packing my stuff, to then pack my car. I wasn't in much of a hurry. By the time I got everything together and had the car fully packed *and I do mean FULLY!* , it was like 5pm. Dad called a friend that lives in Charlotte that was visiting Raleigh to see if he needed a ride. I was like, "Dad, I don't think there is room for him! Maybe he could ride on the top." He didn't like that idea. Then were the goodbyes. So uncool! But, the Lord was gracious and I don't think anyone cried...at least, until I left. I am just so confident in the Lord's plan, that I am sad, but my excitement is the most prominent.
The car ride was, hmm... Dad is so wonderful, just not that talkative. :) And if you know me at all, you know that I am SO talkative. Haha. Love it. Anyways, the ride was uneventful. We arrived a little later than I wanted, but we got here. Terri Fowler is amazing!! She is the wonderful lady that is sharing her house with me. Ahh, God is SO good!!
I went to McAllister's yesterday to meet with my manager. I had to fill out some more paperwork, and everything looked set. I was given my schedule for this week. But, they had to change the days from today through sunday, to starting on Friday! I was like, what?! They didn't have any t-shirts for me to wear on the job...lamest excuse ever!! God is working huge things in me this week, and I can't wait to see what they are! He is so good and is teaching me more with every day to lean on him and his promises for my best. It was hard to leave my family, I'm not gonna lie. They are pretty much my life and I can't wait til they get here! Yeah. You know. It is super weird being here by myself, shopping for food by myself, eating by myself. When I'm used to the hustle and bustle of a family of 8, this is super laid back. Like, can't even tell you!!
Just wanted to let you know I am here and alive and kickin. Love you all. Come and visit me!
I'm off to explore Charlotte!! The Ikea is calling my name! I passed it on my way to work yesterday and it was SO hard not to stop. That might be a bad thing...Also, there is an Anthropologie. *happy hands*
Byes!!

I Prayed and It Happened

2009-04-06T15:49:00.000-07:00

It actually did happen!! Here's how it went down:
Cait and I headed to Charlotte not last Thursday, but the one before and got there around 2:30ish. We headed straight past Charlotte and into Gastonia. Mom and Dad said, have a plan. So this was our first stop. We went into a wonderful fabric store, which wasn't hiring. Dang. Then, it was on to the nearby Harris Teeter...apparently they have good benefits. :) There were easily 50 people in the lines all told, and every single person was checking people out. I said that we would come back later to that one, and we meandered on down the strip mall. At a McAllister's, they said they were accepting applications. Translated, means no. Ok, so I might as well fill one out while I'm here. What could it hurt? I go up and hand the application to the manager (whose name just happens to be Ashley). She asks me if I have a minute. I'm like, "I have three days, lady!" I get the interview RIGHT THERE!! Basically, she asks me when I can start!! I'm like, SERIOUSLY?!?! I left the place with all the new employee paperwork, manual, menu, and policy. I can't believe that I have this job!!!!! Like, how good is God?! Oh my. I prayed for favor and discretion, and I TOTALLY GOT THAT! Ahh.

Now, this struck me. Don't I always pray for these things? But, the question is, do I always expect this from Him? The answer: nope. I put God in a box, though unconsciously. He is so infinite! And amazing, and loving, and merciful, gracious and abounding in steadfast love, sovereign, omnipresent, and...and perfect!! Why do I put him in a box that I can manage? Why when I think about him, do I limit the awesome God of universe?? The question I pose to you is, do you place God in a box? Do you expect all that you pray for to come, or just say words that you don't expect to come about? Do you limit him?
He has been convicting me on how rarely it is that I trust in Him to do the amazing and seemingly impossible!! Do you know how freeing it is to know that God will ALWAYS do what is best for us? And that we must trust that he does listen to our prayers!! The God of the universe loves us and listens to us when we talk to him!!! Can you even believe it?!
Wow. He loves me. And cares about me. And wants the best for me to come to me, even if I don't think that thing is the best for me. Ahh, he is impossibly good.
So, the next step for me: I have the job. Now I need a place to stay!! My family is moving there whenever they find a house (also a prayer request!), but I have the job now. Like, I could have started last week. But, I am planning (loosely) to move there this weekend after church on Sunday...So here I am. Looking for a place to live. God knows this and will provide! I just can't wait to share that tale of His provision, because the things that have happened concerning this job have me in the mode to expect amazing things from Him for my housing!
Happy Monday.

Long Time, No See!

2009-03-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

Hello!
Yeah, I know what you are thinking..."she hasn't posted for almost a year!" I know, I am verrry slack. I will be trying to keep better touch with the online world...maybe I'll be better. :)
But, I have a lot to catch up on!
We just finished "Esther" with CYT yesterday. It was totally amazing!! God blessed the performances so much. It was performed at C3 Church in Clayton. Thanks to the Fry's!! You guys are amazing! Opening night, we had 840 people, Friday night 950 people, and on Saturday, even though the show started at 11am, we had 500 people!! God blessed us mightily. He is so good and kind, merciful and gracious!
My dad took a job in Charlotte, NC last month. He is living there during the week, and comes home on the weekends...which is soo uncool. He worked all day yesterday, got home late, and then left this evening. The rest of the family and I are going there to job search, and look for a house this week. God willing, I will find a job there and move as soon as possible. He has really been teaching me how to rely on Him totally for all things...like a job, school, even strength to go on with the day. I was feeling really down the beginning of this week, partly because it was raining...but also, I was getting discouraged. "He plucked me out of that darkness", as Oliver Twist sings in CYT's play. He reminded me of all his wonderful kindnesses to me and how much he loves me. That was a wake up call! Here I am, moping about how pitiful I am and how nasty the weather is, and JESUS SAVED ME FROM HELL!!! How can I be down?!?!
Yeah, he is so good. I love him. <3

I hope you have a wonderful day. Go in the grace of our Lord Jesus.

Summer is Here!

2008-07-01T13:03:00.001-07:00

Summer...Ahhh. I love it always, but even more now that I don't have school. Oh man, I'm lovin' it! I love the things you do in the summer: swim, read so much your eyes cross, take evening walks with plenty of Off, getting together with friends for days on end, volleyball and ice cream galore! Yay! And this week is the 4th of July...I hope you all enjoy your weekend. I am going to see my grandmother on the coast. She is very sick, and we never know if this visit will be the last. Mom, Aimee, and Savvy are all going to our church youth camp. That should be exciting. I will miss them all.

Daniel practice was last night- it is all coming together nicely. God is so good to us, and his hand is on this production. We still have 4 or 5 songs that need to be written, but I am close to being done with choreography. I have to doi a hoe-down, thriller, m.c. hammer, and a tamptations number, and we're done! Yay!

Well, my dear friends, I must go-I'm @ work *shhh!* and I have stuff to do here. Love ya!

It's a BOY!

2008-06-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hey guys-

My dear friend and co-worker Ashley and her husband Corey are expecting their first child, and they found out yesterday that its a boy!!! We are all so excited for them... and we all went shopping for blue and boy things. I got the little dude a blue duck. And the shower shall come and there will be more of the buying and shopping for the little guy. Gosh, I feel like I'm an aunt! She and Corey live down the street from me, and I am so happy for them both! Congrats guys!

Yeah, so I was online finding cute baby stock pics... we were all teasing her

that there were gonna be two babies when they went in to see what it was, so I thought this pic was cute.

So, things have been fun around the office. Many conversations about baby things, and pregnant things...you know.
Well, I don't have any new news...all pretty much trucking along. I just wanted to post about Ash and her news. And yes, I did ask first! This kind of thing makes me think about my own future kids. I love my big family, and I think that I want a lot of kids. People are in shock when I say that I'm one of 6, but it's really not that bad. By the time you have four, you have to get a mini van and get rid of the 5-passenger car. After five kids, you need a 10-12 passenger, because the whole family can't go anywhere together. It's really nice having so many siblings...but I think I would like to have boys. Girls are so emotional! With 5 in my family, it is like insane! I don't want all boys, but mosly boys would be nice. And they'll all have fun names like Finn, Jaden, Landon, and others like that. My mom is so funny when we talk about names. I'll say I like it just as she's saying how much she hates it! Well, we are very different in a lot of ways, and very much alike in some ways too.

Yeah...It's almost the weekend. YAY! Right now, I'm at work and there is nothing going on. Kristy, Rebecca, and Ashley M all gave me a graduation gift today! I was excited because it's a bag of goodies: apple green nail polish and earrings, a bag *gasp*, and a wonderful smelling candle. They know me well. :-) Blessings!

Prayer and the Firey Furnace

2008-06-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

So, life barrells on. Daniel rehearsals are going very well. We only have a few weeks, but things are progressing rapidly, and there is an energy that wasn't there before. Last night we worked on the firey furnace dance. The dance is modeled after some Indian dancing that I saw in a Bollywood movie called Devdas. I wouldn't recommend it, but the costumes and dancing are fantastic! The story is much like a soap opera, and ended with the male lead's death. Kinda' depressing, but it is a traditional Indian tale...whatever. Some of the dance is modern, some of it is ballet, but all of it is going to be AMAZING! And it is so amazing to see how God works. I went to rehearsal last night having a pretty vague idea of what I wanted to do, and while they were singing and polishing stuff vocally, I went to another room. I prayed that God would give me what HE wanted, and I started coming up with stuff. I was telling Carrie, a dear friend and fellow CYTer, last night how whenever I come ready and prideful in what I did for choreography, it never works as well as I want. But when I let God work in and through me, He is glorified, and it is a much easier process.
I would like for you all to pray with me- I have been having violent migraines lately, and they've become more and more frequent of late. I went to the doctor yesterday, and he gave me emergency medicine. I am scheduling an MRI to see if it is something more than a headache. Please pray that they are simply headaches and that there isn't something bigger that is wrong. And if there is something wrong, that they would be able to find it and that God would give discernment to the doctors. I have had three really bad ones since last Tuesday, and the medicine you can only take 9 per month. It is all a little scary. I just have to trust that God has a plan for all this and that the solution will work out according to His time and will glorify Him and be best for me. I know this is my furnace- and I also know that God is in there with me! Please pray for strength. They are very painful and they are hard to shake. I am planning on easing into a vegetarian diet and exercising more. We think that will at least help...plus, I might lose weight! An added bonus.
Anyways...peace out. And stay hydrated. It's hot out! :-)

Class of 2008!

2008-06-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

Guys, guess what?!
I'm done with high school!!!! YAY!!! Whew, I am soooo excited about that! My ceremony was on Saturday. It was nice and quiet. There were only three of us, but it was good. Short and sweet. Cait's new blog has some pics of the day...it was quite exciting.
So, this means a new chapter in my life. Like NOT having to come home from work and do school! And not having tests and not doing late nights for school. YAY! Don't get me wrong, there were some good times in high school- I loved my writing classes with Ms. Rachel, and that bible course we took at the church with Mr. Martin where we went through Bible Doctrine. It was a really good class. And biology class as a freshman with Mrs. Price! That was really fun! Especially when we disected things...a frog, a shark. The pig was a little less than exciting, but the boys loved it. One guy decided when we started disecting things to see how much he could mutilate things, just to gross us girls out...he totally scored on that one! We were all groaning and being girly girls. But it was some fun times. That was one of the very few times that the girls were outnumbered by guys. The reading out loud and history lessons with Mom were fun times too. Thanks Mom, for all you did in schooling me...I appreicate all your work and effort. Love you!
Thanks to all my friends for their encouragement and help when I needed someone to talk to. You guys are the best!
Well, here's to being out of high school!!! :-) Yeah class of '08!

Na Part 2-Mark Dever

2008-06-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

Here we are, beginning another week.

So, I said I was going to post about the messages! Here we go with sermon 2, Mark Dever on The Authority of Scripture.

He began with asking questions about the Bible and addressing critics of the Bible. Now, he is able to address these people in a scholarly way- this man has degrees from more than 5 colleges and he is very knowledgable about a great many topics. Let me see...he also addressed the fact that there are many more archaelogical evidences that the Bible's events actually happened then there are for evolution and even those atheists that don't believe in anything. Dever stated that he had believed that there was some creative power behind the universe, that we didn't just come out of the soup and also that there was a god period, but he needed to some proof. There's a word that describes that kind of belief, but it has escaped me.

It was really cool what he said about his studies of ancient literature- all other ancient manuscripts don't have as many copies, let alone copies that are all the same.

Another thing that he said that was really powerful was this- "Just because I don't know everything doesn't mean I don't know anything!" This is empowering for me when I trip into a deep theological pool that I have a skilled oppenent in- I believe that the Bible is true and even if you know more about it than I do, I still know enough to know the truth! He said we needed to treat the Bible as Christ treated it- as the very Word of God; and that we know Him because He wants us to know Him. The Word must reshape our lives, in order for us to live life like He calls us to.

These are the questions he put to us and some that I asked myself:

~What use will I make of the Bible?
~How will I apply it to my life?
~Am I looking somewhere else for my authority and guide?
~Is God's Word my delight?

I hope this has been some food for thought. I highly recomend listening to his message, which you can find here. The other messages from the conference are there as well.
Blessings!

It Was Amazing!

2008-05-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

WHOA...that was the most amazing trip of my life. So, the conference that I just came home from was absolutely life-changing. To start with, we were there from Saturday night to Tuesday afternoon; we had three sessions per day and we worshipped before each one-that was probably one of the best parts of the whole thing. Worshipping with 3,ooo other young people that are on fire for the One God. It was the bomb. Yeah, so we had worship, then sessions which included speakers like Al Mohler, Mark Dever, Josh Harris, C.J. Mahaney, and last but not least, John Piper...we heard from the latter two twice. They were amazing, but I think that the one that impacted me the most was the very first message by Josh Harris on the Word and basically the welcome. He spoke from Jeremiah 15:16 where Jeremiah is talking about eating God's word and consuming it, that it became a joy and delight to him, even in his trials. Here's the verse:
"Your words were found and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts." Jer. 15:16
Josh talked about how important this is compared to the rest of the text- Jeremiah has been through a lot and previously in the chapter, he was cursing the day that he was born. And yet he is taking delight and joy in the Words of the Lord. The cool thing about all this is that the people had been paganized and had been without the words of the Lord fro many generations and when they were found, the people were again having to be educated in the laws and ways of God. The faithful Jeremiah was relaying the messages and the people were listening.
The wording is so descriptive: "Your words were found and I ate them." He is talking about physically eating and consuming the Word-this made me think. What is my delight? Do l eat God's Word, or even want to? What occupies my thoughts and affections?
So, that is basically what I learned the first night! It was a very full weekend. I will post about the other messages later. Going into the conference I had prayed that the Lord would show me one thing to work on and fill me afresh with Him: He gave me what I asked for that first night and the rest was just icing on the cake...
I do have a major prayer request for you all: last week I had a major migraine. It was intense and hard to get rid of. And on Sunday, I had another really bad one. We were on the way back to the hotel and I almost passed out! I was hyperventilating and felt like I was gonna be sick. It was not a good feeling. Then, the next day I had another one-three in one week! This has never happened to me, and they were getting worse. There is a really cool story about the last headache that I had, but I shall share that in a later post.
Blessings!

Preparation

2008-05-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hello.
This week many big things are happening to me! Sejin Kim, an exchange student from Korea, who has been staying with the Abraham family, is spending the week with my family! It has been an adventure so far...she is taking classes at Wake Tech and is doing very well. She is a dear, and we love having her.
Cait is coming home from Chicago!!! YAY! This is a very happy thing for me. She is getting back Sunday at midnight or something absurd like that.
This ties into the next amazing thing happening to me this week: I'm going to New Attitude! For those of you not familiar with this, it is a Christian conference for singles over the memorial day weekend in Louisville, Kentucky. We are riding down in vans and I am so excited about what God is going to do in my life while I'm there. We leave at 6am on Saturday and we will probably get back very early Wednesday morning. And then, as if this week weren't exciting enough, Cait and I are heading to the beach on Wednesday...she will be driving most of the way, while I try and sleep. But, the only problem is, I can never sleep in the car! It drives me crazy, but I have earnestly tried- it doesn't work.
I did want to tell you all about something that I was reading in my devotions this morning. I was reading in Ephesians and Paul was talking about life in the Spirit and it struck me what he said in chapter 5.

"But be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:18-21

This is my goal and prayer for this weekend. I want a fresh filling, so as to be and do all these things that Paul was referring to.

Well, I'll post some graduation pics later this week. Blessings!

A Prom Post

2008-05-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

So, people have been asking me why I don't post more...there are two answers to this riddle. 1) I am super busy trying to finish school and working. 2) I don't have my own computer! Thus, I have only a little bit of time on Cait's (which rarely ever happens!) or juggle for time on the family computer, which is almost less likely than Cait's!

But, I thought I'd post about the Homeshcool Prom. It was May 3rd at Triangle Community Church. I went with Josh Abraham and we had a blast! It was my senior prom, and I was honored that Josh asked me. Here are some pics of the wonderful event. *Compliments of Cait!*

These are the flowers that Josh got me! They were beautiful. Thanks Josh!

This is my good smile and he didn't tell me that we were doing serious! Oh well...

And yes, we wore our Chuck Taylors! It was awesome and my feet weren't sore at all!

Isn's Cait amazing? She is so talented, I am blessed and honored to be her older, (and shorter) sister. She is in Chicago right now, being an intern with Sarah Anne Barlow. And I just want you to know that I love you and miss you! Even though you're having the time of your life, I can't wait for you to come back and share the memories with me. Only 2 more pics: We danced the night away!

I think we all looked amazing, and it was a fun way to say goodbye to high school-with all of the people I cherish. Including dear Michelle, the gerogous blonde in the blue. She and I decided to slow dance like we were in middle school...I think we pretty much got it down- sway right, sway left...(And I can't get that pic to work! Hold on.) We had such fun and ate too much good food. Who wouldn't want to be there?!

Okay, I am going contra dancing on Friday! I am so excited about going again. Only this time, I'm bringing my dancing shoes! I'm still recovering from the blisters I got the last time we went, which was over a month ago...if you ever plan to go, wear appropriate shoes. Aka NOT socks!Hope you enjoyed the pics! Have a blessed day!

Totally Random

2008-05-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

Hey all!
So, I have decided that I am going to write a little about me. I don't know who is reading this and doesn't know me well, but that is beside the point.

1) My favorite Bath and Body Works scent is Midnight Pomegranate
2) I love singing in the shower, the car and making people look at me funny! It is a very freeing experience
3) I am cutting my hari super short and funky next week, and if I didn't work at a bank, I would get a mohawk with blue and pink spikes! I'll post my new do when it is done.
4) I am crazy!

Well, there is more, but I don't know what else to write...I love you all and have a blessed day!
By grace we have been saved- Paul

Praise the Lord!

2008-04-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Happy Spring! Although, the weather man has been wrong the past few days....does anyone else ever wonder HOW they come to those conclusions about weather when they never come about!!! Well, I should be used to it, seeing as how it has been this way since I can remember- the weather never does what they think it will!

Well, as some of you all know, I just got back from a MASSIVE road trip to Kentucky last night. It was a lot of fun, but a very long drive. I left at 7pm on Friday night, and drove all through the night and didn't get lost! Once we got into Kentucky at 4am, we actually got lost and couldn't find the hotel for the girl that I was riding with- we drove around for 30 minutes! We could see it, but we couldn't get to it. We finally got to it, but I was supposed to go to my hotel- I nixed that idea and slept in Jenna's room. We got about 2 hours of sleep and then headed over to the conference. It was so amazing. God really spoke to me and I was blessed to hear the speakers. A little tired, but I had XS energy drinks and rhodiola (an awesome vitamin with energy!). I honestly didn't get tired until like 3pm as we were eating lunch/dinner at Outback....yummm.

But really, I was so encouraged and blessed by all of the speakers: I think my favorite speakers were a couple named Terri and Lorri Taylor. Lorri spoke about a recent tragedy that happened to them. Their 8,000 square foot house burned to the ground while they were 9 hours away on business- they rushed back, but they couldn't put it out. It burned for 13 days before going out and all their possessions were lost. Every picture, every book, every childhood memory was gone. As Lorri and her daughters dug through the ashes, one of the people helping with the mess ran over to her and handed her a little plastic card that they had found in the ashes...before I go on, let me just tell you that they discovered through analysis that their house had burned at 5,000 degrees! And this little card that was plastic had remained. The card said "The greatest gift that we have is the gift of Jesus." Lorri wept as she told us that even when all we have is lost, our greatest treasure is not a thing, but the gift of Jesus. This was moving for me and made me think about all the things I have to be grateful for. A home, but more importantly, the greatest gift, the gift of salvation. I hope this can help you pause and think about the goodness of God in your life as it did me. May the glory of the Lord be praised!

"Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices ; My flesh also will dwell securely. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol ; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. You will make known to me the path of life ; In Your presence is fullness of joy ; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever." Psalm 16. 9-11

* And a big thanks to Cait, who provided the photo!

The Craziness

2008-03-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

Hey all!
Sorry it's been a while since I blogged. Things have been totally crazy!
So, update- the play was amazing! Kudos to all the wonderful childrens that performed in it. They all did so well! And as assistant stage manager, I thought all the workings of the backstage went well too. Those kids are a good bunch.
My grandma went to heaven on February 29. She was a wonderful lady, and we are sad to see her go...and yet, she is having much more fun than you or I at this moment! She was a beloved mother, grandmother and friend. Please keep her family and my family in your prayers. We appreciate it.
My mom is currently out of the state; visiting with her family. They are having a service for her mother this saturday.
Oh, my friend Elizabeth Barnes is getting married next weekend!!! Yay! She will be Mrs. Elizabeth Ehersman on Saturday at like 4pm! Yeah...I'm still trying to figure out what I'm gonna wear. So many decisions.
I am kinda rambling now...so much is going on my head is full of fluff. But, I am very excited about the sinlges conference coming up in May over Memorial Day weekend. Right now, I just need some time with God and a refreshing time. I feel dry right now, and I don't know why.
Well, enough rambling!
ashleigh

Opening Nite!

2008-02-28T13:13:00.000-08:00

Hey all!

I just wanted to say that I am JACKED about Through the Looking Glass! We open tonight! I am so excited...God is so good to us. Everyone got onstage last night from my side and they all looked fantastic. I love this little rag-tag bunch of kiddies. They are fun and very trying when they are asked to be quiet...Pray for us tonight!

love,

ash

The Heart of a King...

2008-02-22T17:01:00.000-08:00

So, I said that I would be praying about these posts- well, almost as soon as I had done so in my devotions yesterday morning, God gives me about the next few posts in one morning's reading! He is so good.
I was reading in Proverbs and I came upon a verse that has fascinated me every time I read it.
The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will-Proverbs 21:1 I don't know how you read this, but it is very special to my heart. Our glorious God, who Sovereignly spoke the earth and galaxies into existence, and made us in His image, guides the hearts of the leaders of our world! How comforting it is to me that my best Friend, the God who saved me from my eternal punishment, is leading those who lead me. The first authority that comes to mind is my father. The two of us have had a bit of an ongoing argument over the past few months...let's just say, it was over a rather trivial thing, but I didn't want to let it go. My sinful, headstrong self rose up and demanded to be heeded- only Dad wasn't on the bandwagon. So, as I searched my heart (with much prompting from mom and the Holy Spirit) and realized that I didn't want to sacrifice my relationship with my dad, the authority in my life, to my selfish desires. A good decision, I think. All that to say, God showed me that my dad is the king in my life- and that God is guiding my dad and his decisions as surely as He guides the streams and rivers. That is a great comfort, once I got over the fact that sometimes, the guiding might not be in the direction that I want at that time.
As to the pic of the piano, it brought to mind the love of my life: CYT! I am so blessed that God is allowing me to be a part of it all...I love working with the kids and especially Ms. Natalie. It is the joy of my week...I am stage managing for the upcoming play. Please pray for endurance and strength for the crew...the kids are darling, but it can get trying after a little while. God is testing my perseverance. But I do love the children...it is a lot of fun.
Blessing to all,
Ashleigh

Why Follow the Herd?

2008-02-20T21:22:00.000-08:00

Well, this is a very exciting thing- a blog! Cait had one, and I just couldn't stand it. I had to have one. I am excited about this new thing, and I hope to encourage and uplift with this and future posts.
The name of my blog is simply put, the story of my life. I found this ad in a magazine that had a giraffe with a classy handbag and a silk scarf- and it said "Why follow the herd?" This was promptly cut out and stuck to my door. It has since gone through three moves and yet still remains important to me. It means much more to me than the simple rule of fashion that I generally follow- it is a way of life that we are called to by our Creator.
Romans 12.2 says "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
To me, this means that the world is not what we are supposed to be following. And even though the giraffe with a scarf might seem silly, it represents this command from God's Word. The Lord has been convicting me about being in the world, but not of it. Another scripture comes to mind: "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." (John 17:16) We are in it, and not of it- a very encouraging thing, if you look around at all the chaos and sin that resides in this fallen world. God has saved us and we now strive toward the day that we will see Him face to face, and no longer be "in the world".

Thanks for stopping by! Please keep Ms. Natalie Snapp and cast of "Through the Looking Glass" in your prayers- some are sick, and we all need strength for the play next weekend. Please visit www.spiritualtwist.com for showtimes and dates. The play will be held at Triangle Community Church in Cary, NC. Come and join us!