Homeboy?
Thursday, May 27, 2010

Lately, I've been reminded of a shirt that I just had to have.  You've probably seem them around and maybe you thought badly about them, maybe you didn't.  I know I didn't (at the time). I was a "new" Christian, so I thought I was rockin' Jesus' name boldly.  Jesus was not my "Homeboy."  He is my Savior, my Lord, my Redeemer, my everything.  Not some friend that I just label as a Homeboy.  Heck, Josh is definitely more to me than a homeboy (although it would be cool to have a shirt with a picture of Josh and saying "Josh is my Homeboy.").  I thought I was the coolest kid on the block with my fitted pink shirt.  I wore it to every Christian event that I could.  How embarrassing!  Thank God (literally) that my ex's Aunt knocked me across the head and was the only one bold enough to say something to me about it.  I was in fact rubbing God's face in the dirt and belittling His name.  What was I thinking?  I'll tell you what I was thinking.  I thought that shirt was proclaiming my conformation against the world and not being afraid to say Who I identified with.  I wasn't afraid to be pointed and laughed at by my old friends.  I was wearing a shirt that shared my beliefs . . . or so I thought.
I wish I could go up to every single person (including some Christian singers) that saw me wearing that shirt and shout to them all through a megaphone that Jesus is NOT my homeboy!!!  He is my life, my best friend, my confidant; the only reason I live!!!!  But . . . I can't.  The only thing I can do (besides throw that $30 shirt away) is to live what I truly believe.

Is Jesus your homeboy or is He much, much more?   

Posted byAshley C. at 8:11 AM 0 Love Notes  

Labels: Christianity, God

I have fallen in love
Friday, March 5, 2010

Today I have fallen in love with Josh even more.  Yesterday we had a talk.  Josh told me that he's really been praying a lot about us.  He told me that we should wait longer to be married.  After all of the time we've ever talked about being married, we were almost sure that we would be getting married in 2010 but after yesterday, I think that's changed.  He suggested that we wait a little bit longer to get our financial situation straightened out, have time to establish ourselves in our careers, and most important of all, become closer to God.  As ashamed I am to admit this, he asked me "have you been praying for us?" And I had to be honest. No! He looked me in my eyes and said "I am not comfortable being the only one in this relationship praying for us.  You need to be close to God."

I took his advice and I am going to pursue after God the way I never have before.

While in the car today I told Josh, "This is it.  I need to be the Christian girl I used to be."  He replied by saying, "No, you need to be the Christian woman you've never been."  That . . . that is the most loving thing that someone can tell you.  I thank God for my godly man. 

Posted byAshley C. at 9:24 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes  

Labels: Christianity, Josh, love

Settling down with a new Bible
Monday, February 8, 2010

How do you read your Bible?  I'm just curious because I want to try something new.  I think it's time to settle down with a new Bible.  On Sunday while I was sitting in church, I turned to Josh and asked him if we could go buy me a new Bible . . . today we did just that.  I already have several Bibles (The Message, an NIV study Bible, NLT Life Application), but I wanted something more "slim" and with only Bible text . . . no commentary on the bottom.  Lately I have been really thinking about how I have been slacking in my reading and need to start being more faithful to it.  So, I was thinking about buying some colored pencils and color-coding and linking related "touching" verses with the side margins.  I have no idea where to start though!  I was Googling tips on how to organize your Bible and color-code and all that.  I have an idea about what I want to do, so I will have to sit down and think long and hard about it and make sure it's right. :-]
I have just wanted to choose one Bible that is my favorite and start writing in that one.  I think it would be cool to have a Bible that is mine.  The Bible I found is a "slim," black leatherbound, NIV with silver page trims.  AND only $15 with my coupon!  I really like its simplicity.  I wanted to get my name engraved on it, but their machine was down.  Maybe next time we go to that store.  I really want it!
Also, while checking out, the employee showed me some $5 items they have on sale, one of which was Louie Giglio's Indescribible DVD.  Krissy introduced me to him and ever since then, I have loved his movies; they really get you thinking about God's awesomeness and how tiny, yet important we are to our Creator.  I thought this would be a great movie to have and share with people.  Haha, I get really excited about these kinds of things, so I think I automatically assume that everyone else will, too!  :-]

So, my question at the beginning wasn't rhetorical.  Really, how do you read your Bible?

Posted byAshley C. at 5:48 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes  

Labels: Christianity, God, good deals

It hit me
Saturday, November 14, 2009

Okay, so I don't have much time because I have to run to that silent auction I was talking about last night, but I just wanted to stop by and let you all know how that women's conference went.

So, it was about teaching women to become desperate for God, not for things of this world.  We (and yes, I do mean "we.") so easily become wrapped up in becoming desperate for people to like us, to be better than "that next girl," to have the nicest clothes, etc.  But as we all learn, those things fail us and off we are to the next thing to chase.  If only we learned to chase God that way!  God is waiting with open arms, waiting for us to come to Him with open hands, sacrificing our whole lives to Him.  The humiliating thing about me writing this post is that I am nowhere near what I should be.  I confess, I don't pray every day, I don't read His Word every day . . . I am not the best daughter He's asked me to be.  I have a difficult time giving Him my whole life, let alone just 5 minutes a day.  I think that if I lean back and look at what I'm chasing and becoming desperate for, I will very quickly realize that God really has no place in it.  I felt convicted last night, praying that I had the life that I wish I could have.  God is waiting.  I need to make the first move.

Okay . . . smooth, innocent transition . . .

On another note, today me and Josh ran to Old Navy to exchange some things and it hit me.  It's almost Christmas time.  The store was packed, the sales were a steal, and the Christmas music was playing loudly over the intercom.  When we got in the car, I popped in our Christmas jazz music . . . it hit me.  I already have some Christmas gifts planned out and I'm ready for shopping.  Now, all we need is the snow!

Posted byAshley C. at 2:06 PM 0 Love Notes  

Labels: Christianity, God, random, struggles

Time for change
Sunday, November 1, 2009

I can get used to this Daylight Savings Time adjustment! I know a lot of people hate when it gets dark early, but I love it! It just feels more cuddly and comfy.

Starting tomorrow, some things are going to be changing. First, me and Josh are starting our workout. Second, my mom was nice enough to buy me the colon cleanser I was talking about, so I will be starting that the day after it comes in the mail. If you can see a trend, my goal is to make my body better . . . to become more healthy. The other thing that I am changing is my spiritual health. As ashamed I am to admit this, I have not prayed in the longest time nor have I read my Bible. I feel like my spiritual being needs some changing, training, rebuilding. I have felt very polluted in the physical and spiritual sense, so I feel like it's time for some cleansing. I am cleaning off my iPod of all secular music and only adding Christian music and devotional Podcasts. I feel so much closer to God and my thoughts are more pure and godly when I hear music that He would actually approve of.

I guess you can call this a fast. A fast from secular music, fast food, laziness. Junk. This workout, cleanse, and Christian music should kick out the cravings, eh? No more sitting around being gross. It's time for change!

Posted byAshley C. at 4:49 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes  

Labels: Christianity, God, Health, struggles

Unforgettable Experiences
Monday, October 26, 2009

Two and a half years ago, I went on a missions trip with 7 others to Indonesia.  It was my first trip outside of the country.  I was honored that God chose me to go and be a part of His work on the other side of the world.  In my opinion, I do not feel that I was as effective as I should have been.  But, who am I to say that God hadn't used me?  I might not know how He has used me until I am in His Kingdom.  I made friends, lasting memories, unforgettable experiences, and so much more. 

Posted byAshley C. at 5:08 PM 0 Love Notes  

Labels: Christianity, God, prayer, summer

"That Christian"
Wednesday, October 21, 2009

I was absolutely blown away by what I witnessed today after class.

My school is very liberal, so it's very rare that you'll hear of or know a Christian on-campus.  There are a few Christian Student Organizations, but I cannot say whether or not they are successful because I don't go to either of them.  Now, when I was leaving school today, there were students standing outside with huge posters with very large red writing on them that said things like, "Masturbation is immoral," "Flee for sexual immorality," "Sex before marriage is sinful."  Now, am I the only one that sees something wrong with this?  In addition to that, the students holding these signs were ARGUING with a group of students about their signs.  They were literally yelling, not speaking gently.

Okay, first of all, I do not agree with the fact that these students are on-campus holding these signs up, pointing the finger at "those sinners."  As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors, not point the finger.  And the fact that the signs are only tackling sexual impurities is wrong, too.  College students are not all about sex (although some are).  Just like the general population, many college students are also financially irresponsible, slaves to alcohol, liars, cheaters, etc.  Just like everyone else!  It bothers me that people portray college students so negatively.  What makes us/them different from everyone else?  Why are those signs only targeted towards sexual impurities?
Second, those students were immaturely arguing with bystanders.  You would think a cult had taken over the campus!  People have their own opinions and others need to respect that.  Because those students were already putting themselves "out there," they seemed to feel that they were carrying a stigma, so they carried themselves that way.  They seemed like they were standing out there with their guards up and acting very defensive.  Obviously people standing around were curious, they should have been able to spiritually prepare themselves to witness lovingly and strategically spread God's Word.  Not throw it out there disrespectfully.

Don't get me wrong, I sincerely admire the boldness of those students, but I'd wish it had been handled differently.  Something tells me that what they were doing was not Spirit-led.  I really wish I had the "guts" to go out like that, wear my faith on my sleeve, and share God with others . . . but I'm not.  I'm too quiet and reserved when I'm uncomfortable.  I would never want to be "that Christian."  I want to be a Christian that people don't run and hide from.  A Christian that people respect and admire.  A Christian that is Spirit-led.  Never "that Christian."

*Please note:  This blog is very opinionated.  Please respect my views and know that I am not attacking any person or group in particular.  Only the situation that occurred today.  Feel free to leave comments below, sharing your thoughts and opinions.

Posted byAshley C. at 5:19 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes  

Labels: Christianity, God, random, school

The boldness is something to admire
Friday, September 4, 2009

Yesterday at school, there was a group table out in one of the hallways with a big banner, "InterVarsity." During the first week or so of school, every organization and group at the school is trying to get people involved in what they're promoting.
Over the summer, I really thought about joining a Christian organization through the school so that I can get myself involved, make some Christian friends, and fill in the gap during my days. Well, I was walking to the bookstore and was walking past the InterVarsity table and the one guy there stopped me and asked how I was doing. We introduced ourselves, talked about church, Urbana09, and of course, how to get involved. I gave him my e-mail and he told me he will be contacting me soon.

After I walked away, I thought about something that God has blessed him with. Boldness. I know that as Christians, we are called to evangelize and witness to the people around us. I was sitting in a lounging area in the hallway and was impressed with what I saw. So many people walking by with InterVarsity's paper. It wasn't like the guy was just throwing them at people, he was actually introducing himself, explaining what his organization was, and then giving them a paper. I deeply admired that. I don't think that I could ever be as bold as him. Not only was he witnessing, but was witnessing to a multitude of people: the "preps," jocks, rockers, and emos. When God called us to serve and evangelize, He didn't say to only witness to the people we found easy or convenient to witness to , but to be bold and simply do what He has called us to.

Unfortunately, InterVarsity meets on Thursday nights and I have work, so I won't be able to connect and fellowship during that time. However, on Mondays at 12, they have a big prayer meeting for the school and that's when I have my break! I figure that this is something that God has placed in my life for a reason, so I better heed to it . . . but, I get anxious when meeting new people . . . it's silly, but it really does cause an anxiety that I have been trying to fight. So, I am debating if I want to do this. I know, "just do it," but it's a big deal!

I'll let you all know if I end up just plunging into this or not!

Posted byAshley C. at 1:06 PM 2 Love Notes  

Labels: Christianity, God, random