Does your thoughts imply love or hate?

Hello everyone! A friendly reminder that this Monday is almost over and we are one day closer to the weekend. That gets me excited. How has your day been? Well, mine... I am alive. Let's get this thing rolling.

I deal with individuals a lot on a daily basis working with the public and having to handle situations in an appropriate and according manner. Sometimes I wonder if people know how to ever say "thank you" or at least smile. As I am running all these thoughts through my mind I immediately stop myself and ask... what is nagging and complaining going to change? If people knew what goes through the minds of others then how hard would it be to minister to that person or try and show the true love of God? We need to filter out our minds and think on the things of the Lord at all times.

Check out this verse:

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phil. 4:8"

The Bible says we should meditate on God's word and to keep His righteous ways close us. If we are to live according to His ways then we must be in one mind and one accord. It goes far beyond the ordinary friendship and exceeds an everlasting, joyful intimacy that surpasses any earthly feelings. I get it, trust me, it's hard to control what we think sometimes. In matter of fact, sometimes my thoughts turn into rude gestures or comments and I always need to be on guard concerning my actions. WE ARE TO BE EXAMPLES IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST.  

In order to truly live in God's word and way of living we must first accept that this is more than a simplistic decision that has been made, it is in fact a lifestyle. Kind of like breathing... lol. Seriously. I am being so stern and open when I say that the Bible is really our diction... the way you can work around and through the storms and obstacles of life, allow it to be your map. Your thoughts are composed by the truths of your heart. Allow God to possess your mind and to be more like Him in every way. 

I always like to refer back to Jesus, as He was friends with the very betrayer himself, Judas, and embraced those who beat Him and mocked Him with love and compassion. "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do..." Luke 23:34  The words Jesus spoke with such pure love and compassion amazes me. This is the same way we should mimic and abide by. Be quick to forgive, love hard, be the willing vessel to show people how great God is. You NEVER know what someone is going through. Sometimes a simple smile will enlighten someones day. 

I challenge you this week to change your perspective on situations, thoroughly ask yourself the best way to handle challenges and focus your mind on heavenly things. I always stress how prayer is so essential and necessary..   Be open to God and let Him grow you in areas that may be difficult. Catch you guys later! 

Hey there! Super excited to officially start my own blog, I was actually pretty shocked as to how difficult it would be to find a name that was not already taken. It really gets your brain pumping and makes your cells twirl and expand on some ideas.

So, my name is Ashlea (ash-lee) and I believe my most profound quality and characteristic would be my awe-inspiring, undeniable, selfless and unconditional love for the Most High, Jesus Christ. I aspire to be more like Him daily and to share my journey and include every day life obstacles to connect with others and have a little fun along the way. 

I simply could not ask to live life any other way or any other direction I am being directed towards and every Monday I want to share obstacles I have come across and grown from and kind of give you guys insight on the typical yet not so typical life of a young lady trying to enjoy life while following and being obedient to God. It gets hard sometimes, but man oh man, does the Lord do some amazing things in those with circumcised ears, or in other words, ears that are keen and listening to the Spirit of God.   

I was not always so committed to the Lord but that all changed August 3rd, 2013. I remember sitting on my bed thinking about my life and just so happened to be telling God if I ever lost my Papa, who was living with us, then I am not sure what I would do or go on with life because he was such a strong spiritual mentor to me. Not too long after that a blood clot traveled to his brain and cut off his circulation and resulted in him passing away in our bathroom floor. An unexpected death that could have been resolved if he was not passed over as nothing serious by the doctors. 

I became so depressed and angry towards God that I contemplated suicide and was planning to end my life. For some reason a strong urge moved me into wanting to go to church the following day and that is when everything changed.

As I was crying in the pews and arguing with God and His ways of doing things a man walks up to me and asks if he could pray with me down at the alter and I agreed. Let me add that I started to let down my walls, asking God to fill all this emptiness that I was feeling and that He would somehow let me know my Papa was safe and in heaven, This was a personal prayer that had been running throughout my mind. 

As I am at the alter this man is crying, compassion is in his eyes and he tells me the Lord wants to tell me something, He proceeds to tell me God wants me to know my Papa is in heaven and that heaven is so beautiful and that I have to be strong for my family and not hurt myself. This amazed me and the thoughts started to flow through my head that this is what everyone says to comfort people when a loved one passes so I prayed for another sign and then he told me my Papa says no one teases him about his long hair (this is something all his grandchildren did) and it blew me out of the water, God gave me that personal response that I longed for and needed and it changed everything. MY PAPA IS IN HEAVEN AND BECAUSE OF HIS DEATH I AM BORN AGAIN.

Then I feel the presence of God overflow and overwhelm by inner being and I have been a sold out soldier to Him ever since, 

So, here I welcome you to my first entry and I am excited to share with you more things soon to come. Catch ya later!