Being YOU is so much fun...



I know you've heard people say that being yourself is simply the best thing you can do-- well, they didn't lie! 

Hey guys! I'm so happy and blessed to have another day I wasn't promised. Another day to be myself, spread the love of Jesus and to be able to sit here and type out some thoughts worth sharing. 

When I take a look around, I see so many awesome people. God is just the best. He created each person so carefully with broad, beautiful, amazing, and colorful personalities. Each individual has traits and qualities that match up to none other and are so unique. Whenever you are someone say, "you are one of kind", believe it! There is none other around like you. WOAH. That's a lot to wrap my head around. Haha!

It's crazy to me how some people just don't get to hear how truly worthy and downright great it is that they are existing and how they are impacting someone. You are just a bundle of skittles and bunnies with cute fluffy tails. That's the best, right? (it made more sense in my head)

To be honest with you guys, I'm not writing this to butter you up or sound all sappy... but sometimes all we need is a person to express just how cherished you are, And literally, every single person I know, whether if we agree on our views, morals and lifestyle, or not, I truly love and care about. I couldn't imagine not having these super rad people in my life. They all matter. 

This is why it's super amazing whenever we embrace our personalities, the beauty of it-- it's so great. Don't hide the true you, that's selfish! We all want to love you and be acquainted with that special person God designed you to be.

Man, that word... designed. God thought you were important enough to become a someone on this planet. How sweet is that? 

So, even if this didn't relate to you at all, I felt like I should speak about this. 

Remember: YOU are cherished, valuable and irreplaceable.
If I haven't told you this before, I LOVE YOU.

         Man, my heart has just been heavy today. Like, can I just spit some reality and already obvious truth into your life? If anyone ever told you being a Christian would be easy, they LIED. We live in such a small, tight, narrow way of life... even Jesus said it's the road less taken, the path less formed. Some days I just want to scream and (if I was in shape) run... and keep on running. I know I am babbling, so let me make things a little more clear.

Some days I wake up and i'm just like... dude, what are you doing? If God really had His hand over you then why is all of this happening. Why are you crying yourself to sleep almost every night and your confidence in who God says you are is dying daily? It's funny how life works. What's even more comical, is how God works. I swear right when I feel like giving up He pulls me through. I think the hardest thing for me that I had to do was swallow my pride and pray for my enemies. For the people who have hurt me... Don't get me wrong, that took a lot. It wasn't easy. All of my flesh just wanted to get into someone's face and try and throw down with those who tried and break me. But can I just be real?

My mouth has always been an issue. At times I feel like my attitude is on some other level, my flesh tries to come at me from all angles, it hits even worse whenever I haven't been in the Word. I've always wanted to see myself as a woman of God and the moment I started listening to the noises coming from the crickets, I lost focus of who I was... only for a split second. I get angry, maybe a cuss word slips in my mind, I find myself idolizing women who have that perfect hourglass figure and perfect hair that falls so perfectly down their back. I lie when I say "i'm fine" or "it ain't nothing". Heck, some days I feel like I die a little more on the inside because I struggle with my identity in Christ. I put up a front here and there, don't want people thinking i'm weak minded or can't handle when life shoots it's bullets at me. But please... just let me be real.

Hello?! Can I just speak for myself and say I am not perfect just because I call myself a Christian. And just because sometimes I question God and His ways does not mean my relationship with Him has shifted down a level. I'm not saying this lifestyle that I have devoted myself to is too much on me. You won't catch me reverting back to my old ways or throwing in the towel. What I am saying though is I am human. YOU are human for feeling this way. God knew what He was doing when He called you into a mission and spoke promises into our lives. God don't make mistakes and He's for sure not going to forget about you if you struggle accomplishing everything you are called to me, 

So each morning when you wake up and you feel like the last straw is coming, literally, put that lame ol' devil back in his place. He has no authority over you, whatsoever. Times get rough, they get hard, I can't even begin to tell you how many times I have just wanted to hide and shut everyone out. I'm trying to just be real and as honest as I can... keep on keeping on, seriously. Kick butt and know that God's you. This is a crazy roller coaster we're on... but praise God because His plan has purpose. Those hard times result in growth, Stand your ground and don't waver. God is good.

Black & White

Bloom and don't lose color...

As I was conversing with a couple ladies tonight, I realized, that insecurities are a BIG deal. We all have them, young, old, men and women. But why? I find myself being so hard on myself. For instance, my weight, hair, makeup (why can't it ever be like the girls on pinterest?) my smile, goodness how my thighs are like America when sitting... but when we are so hard on ourselves then what happens?

1. After analyzing my actions I realize that I speak these things over my life, I speak them over everything and anything God has created me to be and I shift these things in a whole new direction and my focus becomes self centered and these insecurities cause depression and anxiety to seep through.

I HATE FEELING UNCOMFORTABLE IN MY BODY.

But, as a woman of God (in no way perfect) I have challenged myself for the next couple of days, and maybe you should try as well, to start proclaiming GOOD things over yourself. Even if you don't believe it, speak it. 

Things always take a turn when your brain actually hears what words come out of your mouth. YOU are beautiful. YOU are perfect the way you are. YOU are flawless through Jesus Christ.

2. It's important to remember who you are. And just remember your identity is found in Christ (Ephesians 1:5) Allow Jesus to redefine your mind and completely transform anything that is not of Him. ALLOW. You won't regret it.

3. Having insecurities is perfectly fine... but don't let it define you. Overcome these bad boys by praying and being open to God and letting him do what He is wanting; which is to help you and give you strength, encourage you and build you up on a solid rock. 

I struggle with this daily, but I am being open to God and He understands that. I love you guys and am praying that God builds you up in every way. Be blessed.

Hey you guys! Goodness, it feels like it has been a crazy, long and strung out week for me-- am I alone in saying this? There is something I want to share before I go into this topic today, The Power of Your Testimony. 

I want to start off by saying GOD IS SO GOOD. I just am so happy to be a child of The Most High! I went to a revival last Sunday and boy-oh-boy did I need that rejuvenation and push from Yahweh. So many great things happen during a good worship and a praying heart. Check this out, i'm praying, asking God to hear me out, I basically told God I was upset because I felt like I was going to get a crappy (future) husband who is no good, a less than basic life, I'm not going to be anyone and so on... 

Shortly after a young girl says God wants to tell me something. She said, "I don't know know anything that is going on in your life but God wants you to know that He loves you and He won't let you down." So much emotion and love overwhelmed me at this moment and I immediately told God I was sorry, because God loves all His children and only has the best for them. The Lord's ways are so perfect and never fails. God owes me nothing, yet He told me He wouldn't let me down. That's so amazing. 

Today I wanted to write about testimony's. The power of them, how they affect others and the movements these words can impact on people. So many people go through struggles and it is hard, life will not ever be easy and predictable. It is so important that we speak up when it comes to the things we have overcame in our life through Jesus. We can be that shoulder for someone, that brother or sister that guides them in the right direction, that has been there and wants to let others know, i'm here-- I got you. Allow me to be your mentor and show you that giving up is not an option.

I have heard so many times that the past should stay in the past... not exactly. We as Christians need to let it be known we are the least from being perfect and that we, in fact, need a Savior to make us whole and complete. Displaying who we were into who we are today and where God has brought us from. It is simply beautiful sharing the difficulties that we have conquered, be that light to someone. That glimpse of hope. Let it be known that there is healing in His name-- to deliver you and set you free from drug addictions, pornography, lust, envy.. maybe you feel alone and unloved. There IS a God who is willing to set you free. Be that willing person who let's God show His true love through your story and by being obedient.

I wasn't always a devote Christian. I hit a sudden a complete change... a radical change. There was no warnings or slowing down, it was literally all in one whack. I went from partying, trying to fight over stupid things, sneaking out and being a rebellious child and people had a hard time wrapping their minds around how this happened, I have heard one too many times that there was no way I changed so fast and it had to of been fake. But that is what's so cool about God. He creates my story, it's His rules. God took someone (me) who was broken and lost and consumed in the world and made me into someone who had purpose in His name.

Always remember where you have come from and where you are going. Use your testimony as a tool and aid to others who need help. There is a lost and dying world out there and people are fading away spiritually. YOU can lead someone to into that overcoming mind set. 

Our background is what makes us special, and these obstacles has helped shaped us into who we need to be in God's Kingdom. I want to encourage you to not give up and to open up to one another. You never know who may need to hear and know that there is a way through the storm. Until next time, guys!

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!