As woman, we all have that tendency to pick ourselves apart. Although some women might be more forthcoming with what they see wrong with themselves, I still believe most women, if not all, scrutinize about the way the look, feel, or may be perceived. Some women may mask this with overconfidence, wearing clothes that show off their figures, or buying things that make them feel better. Others might completely obliterate any good qualities that can be perceived from others because they have such a low view of the beauty of who they are. I tend to be on the pendulum that swings from one extreme to the other.
Jaded beauty these days is much of what we look like, how we are perceived and even more so, what we want to be perceived as. Do you want to be perceived as someone who does not care what people think, or do you want to make sure everyone takes notice of you and who you are? The thing is, I think we all long to be known as women. We long for someone to come along, take notice and not only be drawn to us, but rather be CAPTIVATED by us. We do not want them to just see our outward beauty and be taken by that (even though that is nice to think about) but we want them to notice all of us. We long for someone to see our quirks and love us just the same as they did before they found out about them. When thinking about the word "jaded" I start to think about where we have gone wrong in deciding what makes someone beautiful. We don't necessarily look at unique qualities within a woman, but rather compare them to ourselves and think what we might do to make ourselves better or more desirable than the next. We play the "comparison game" rather than looking at ourselves and working on inward beauty.
I know that when I see someone who is physically more fit than I am or skinnier, has that amazing body we may all covet, I struggle with comparison and then try to come up with a plan to be the next Victoria Secret beauty. I don't want to be ordinary, but rather extraordinary. I want others to think I am the best....aww, jaded beauty. Jaded beauty can also be looked at as pride. Thwarted pride or just all out "I am the best looking woman in here" kind of pride...either way, we are all jaded. We don't try to make our inward beauty shine because we are too worried about what others may think, or how we feel our bodies look that day, or what size we used to be, or that blemish that ever-so-suddenly appeared on our face when we have something really big we need to look GREAT for that particular day. We scrutinize over how we can do better and look better and how today will be different and we will feel differently tomorrow if we just do something different tomorrow (make ourselves better).
I would wager to say Jaded beauty is not something new that has just happened in this century. Sure, we have a new definition of beauty than they had in the 19th century, but have we really changed our thinking over how to be beautiful? I don't think so. Yes, we may have sky-high ads of the "perfect" Jenn Anniston drinking her smart water with her long luscious hair that makes us feel a bit down on that extra cupcake we indulged in today, or not working out in a week. But do you not think that they may have had beauty standards back in the day that were similar, just maybe not posted on billboards?! (And don't get me wrong, I love me some Jennifer Anniston...just saying the girl looks great in all ads BUT it is posted everywhere ya look). I guess what I am getting at here is honestly, until I start looking at what is inside me and what the Lord has made me to be,do I honestly get closer to the "beauty" model that I am supposed to be longing after. I still struggle with it on a daily basis, and probably more like an hourly basis on a bad day, thinking about how I look, how i am perceived and other such things that are really not important to my quality of life in the long run. However, it is still there... the way you fix that is finding your worth in something that is not of you. I honestly do not think there is a way to find worth unless you are looking at the Creator who made you. He knows every hair on your head and made you unique for a reason. We all have a purpose for being here, and in that, I think we should rejoice. He has made us unique. He didn't make us all look the same, act the same, or have the same figure, because (as I think of it) it would be BORING. What is unique about everyone being the same?? So, why do we long for that on such a constant basis?
Maybe, you are different. Maybe you don't really struggle with the whole beauty issue. That is AWESOME if that is so. But, for me, I must say I struggle with this very frequently and the only way I find solace in this situation is by realizing that the Lord did not call me to be a size 2 for my life mission. He called me to "work with willing hands, have a heart that people can trust in, dresses herself with strength, opens her hands to be poor and reaches out her hands to the needy, strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at days to come, opens her mouth up with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue, she does not participate in idleness and most of all she remembers CHARM IS DECEITFUL AND BEAUTY IS VAIN BUT A WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD IS TO BE PRAISED." (paraphrased a bit...from Proverbs 31).
Oh, to be that woman.
Love you all!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
"Kep" Keplinger...how I miss him SO.
There are many times in life where we are faced with hard things. I believe as you get older, you tend to experience these more so than when you did when you were younger. At least, I think that it may hit you a bit harder because you are older and understand it more thoroughly than you might have at a younger age. Monday, the 27th, on my grandparents 57th wedding anniversary, my Papa left this Earth to be with my heavenly Father. I don't really have much to write in this post, because most of it is below. This is what I had the privilege of saying about my Papa, who meant and still means, so very much to me, at his funeral. I thought it would be cool for my friends to get to read how awesome of a man he was. So here, sweet friends, is a blog dedicated solely to my sweet Papa- "Kep" Keplinger. :)
Hello, my name is Ashley Keplinger and I am the second oldest grandchild of my sweet Papa, Kep.
There are a lot of things that I could tell you that were funny about my Papa and I’s relationship. Perhaps, I could tell you how I never really knew his name was not “Kep Keplinger” until this past year. I know a 25 year old should know that, but I just thought his parents did not feel like being creative and wanted everyone to remember his name. I never knew that he just was not too fond of his first name, so he went by Kep. I could tell you that he always had a witty joke to offer when you were down, and could make light of any situation, and then in turn tell you how it would be okay and to have HOPE that things would turn out okay- to believe that things would work out because God had his best in mind for you. I could tell you many funny stories about my Papa, but I think I would rather tell you the most important thing that he left with me. This would be his faith and determination he had in everything he did. I watched my Papa grow more in the Lord the past 10 years than I did in my entire life. I watched him encourage others through extreme adversity and hardships and at all times have a smile on his face and a joke to offer.
“You can’t help but fall in love with him”. A doctor said this about my Papa on the day that Pop decided he was tired of all his treatments. It was interesting to me on the last days he was around how much every doctor and nurse seemed to really be moved by my Papa, and how much emotions and heart were involved in what they were doing. One of the male nurses, Mark, bought a cake that said “Happy 57th Anniversary Mom and Pop” on the last day we were at the hospital. The man that turned off his defibrillator machine, who was obviously close to Papa after 10 years of working with him, teared up when turning off his unit. Some of the doctors and nurses seemed truly surprised when he decided to quit treatments. You see, the thing about my Papa is he was not one to ever give up. In fact, in my entire life I do not think I ever saw him give up on something. And to be honest with you, I do not believe that he gave up the day that he decided he did not want any more evasive treatments, or drugs making his heart pump.
I believe he was ready to go home. Not his house home, but rather home to be with our Sweet Jesus. The day after he decided to be moved to hospice, Romans 8:18 was one of the verses that was found in my devotional. As I read on, I felt the Lord was saying, Look what your Papa gets to encounter! He gets to encounter ME!
Romans 8:18-24 says-
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us. For creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope, that the creation itself will be set free from bondage of decay to obtain the freedom of glory of the children of God. For we know that whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
I believe this passage sums up what the Lord did through my Papa. I truly believe my Papa was a living, breathing example of the gospel being lived out. Although we groan inwardly and ache for what is to come, we wait with HOPE for what is to come. We have HOPE that there is something greater calling us and in the end we will be restored and get to be with Him who made us and loves us so. As my Papa’s body was giving up the past 10 years, my papa “hoped in what he did not see and waited with patience”. What a testimony and what a GREAT gift the Lord gave to my Papa. I believe suffering is allowed so that we can see something greater and get something more out what has been given to us. Although this thorn in his side was given to my Papa, he fought the good fight. So, at this time I know that I grieve for myself, my precious grandma, my family, and his sweet friends, but I know right now my Papa is not grieving. I truly believe he is in a much better place than he was when he was with us. He has fought the good fight and he Won! He with our Lord Jesus Christ in Glory!!!!
In ending this I believe my Papa would share this hymn with you rather than say one more thing about him. He was never one to boast about himself. I would always sing to and with my Papa, so bear with me as I try to do so and leave you with this- “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim. In the light of his glory and grace.”
Thank you.
Love you guys,
Ash
Hello, my name is Ashley Keplinger and I am the second oldest grandchild of my sweet Papa, Kep.
There are a lot of things that I could tell you that were funny about my Papa and I’s relationship. Perhaps, I could tell you how I never really knew his name was not “Kep Keplinger” until this past year. I know a 25 year old should know that, but I just thought his parents did not feel like being creative and wanted everyone to remember his name. I never knew that he just was not too fond of his first name, so he went by Kep. I could tell you that he always had a witty joke to offer when you were down, and could make light of any situation, and then in turn tell you how it would be okay and to have HOPE that things would turn out okay- to believe that things would work out because God had his best in mind for you. I could tell you many funny stories about my Papa, but I think I would rather tell you the most important thing that he left with me. This would be his faith and determination he had in everything he did. I watched my Papa grow more in the Lord the past 10 years than I did in my entire life. I watched him encourage others through extreme adversity and hardships and at all times have a smile on his face and a joke to offer.
“You can’t help but fall in love with him”. A doctor said this about my Papa on the day that Pop decided he was tired of all his treatments. It was interesting to me on the last days he was around how much every doctor and nurse seemed to really be moved by my Papa, and how much emotions and heart were involved in what they were doing. One of the male nurses, Mark, bought a cake that said “Happy 57th Anniversary Mom and Pop” on the last day we were at the hospital. The man that turned off his defibrillator machine, who was obviously close to Papa after 10 years of working with him, teared up when turning off his unit. Some of the doctors and nurses seemed truly surprised when he decided to quit treatments. You see, the thing about my Papa is he was not one to ever give up. In fact, in my entire life I do not think I ever saw him give up on something. And to be honest with you, I do not believe that he gave up the day that he decided he did not want any more evasive treatments, or drugs making his heart pump.
I believe he was ready to go home. Not his house home, but rather home to be with our Sweet Jesus. The day after he decided to be moved to hospice, Romans 8:18 was one of the verses that was found in my devotional. As I read on, I felt the Lord was saying, Look what your Papa gets to encounter! He gets to encounter ME!
Romans 8:18-24 says-
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us. For creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope, that the creation itself will be set free from bondage of decay to obtain the freedom of glory of the children of God. For we know that whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
I believe this passage sums up what the Lord did through my Papa. I truly believe my Papa was a living, breathing example of the gospel being lived out. Although we groan inwardly and ache for what is to come, we wait with HOPE for what is to come. We have HOPE that there is something greater calling us and in the end we will be restored and get to be with Him who made us and loves us so. As my Papa’s body was giving up the past 10 years, my papa “hoped in what he did not see and waited with patience”. What a testimony and what a GREAT gift the Lord gave to my Papa. I believe suffering is allowed so that we can see something greater and get something more out what has been given to us. Although this thorn in his side was given to my Papa, he fought the good fight. So, at this time I know that I grieve for myself, my precious grandma, my family, and his sweet friends, but I know right now my Papa is not grieving. I truly believe he is in a much better place than he was when he was with us. He has fought the good fight and he Won! He with our Lord Jesus Christ in Glory!!!!
In ending this I believe my Papa would share this hymn with you rather than say one more thing about him. He was never one to boast about himself. I would always sing to and with my Papa, so bear with me as I try to do so and leave you with this- “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim. In the light of his glory and grace.”
Thank you.
Love you guys,
Ash
Monday, June 20, 2011
Day 5-To the ONE that makes my heart come alive...
Sweet Jesus,
This last year and half has been something that I have not expected. I did not expect many of the things that happened or came to pass in my life. At first and throughout many of the struggles I was very opposed to them and did not want to accept what was going on in my life. I cried out of help over and over again and there were many tears that were involved in the process. I believe you allowed those tears and hurt so that you could come rescue my heart. You allowed many things to happen in my life this past year so that I could see your Grace and also so you could show me some things that I lacked and needed to learn. You allowed some of my hardest life-lessons and heartbreak this year, but through that you showed up so completely. You showed me more than ever who you are and who you are not. You showed me characteristics of yourself that no one else possesses. You showed me how easy it is for me to look for my worth in worldly things, such as a boyfriend, my work, my kids at school, and image of what I feel I should look like instead of finding them completely in you. You showed me what it is to have a heart that is completely broken but truly only wants what YOU want...not what I want. You showed me a dream can be broken and yet a new one can be built. You showed me that even when someone betrays you as a friend that you are there and can love me so completely when that happens. You have showed me that I must have love for others even when that is the least of what I would like to do. You have showed me there is a line between letting others walk all over me and standing up for myself. You have instilled in me and continue to show me what the fruits of the Spirit are. You continue to show me where I am lacking and how far you have brought me. You continue to show me that I am a work in progress yet you have made me believe you love me the same. You loved me for who I was yesterday and today, not some future version of myself. You finally have allowed my heart to come to a place where I believe this. You have made my heart come alive. You have showed me that I do not need a man in my life for this to happen. You have showed me that ALL I REALLY NEED is YOU. All of the extra things that I have in my life are blessings from you so that I can see and show more of you. You have allowed such growth, even when it was excruciatingly painful. You have allowed those scars to shown, but you have produced fruit from these things. You have brought me to a place where I am finally OK with where I am at. It is not dependent on what is happening around me and my circumstances, but rather on your love and recognizing that you DO NOT CHANGE and will not change. Even when everything around me is crumbling down, you stand strong. For that, Lord, I am thankful. You are the one that has truly made my heart come alive, and for that I am eternally thankful. Thank you for loving me and helping me realize I do not need a husband (or other things I may have made as an idol) to make my heart come alive... I need you.
Love you,
Ashie
This last year and half has been something that I have not expected. I did not expect many of the things that happened or came to pass in my life. At first and throughout many of the struggles I was very opposed to them and did not want to accept what was going on in my life. I cried out of help over and over again and there were many tears that were involved in the process. I believe you allowed those tears and hurt so that you could come rescue my heart. You allowed many things to happen in my life this past year so that I could see your Grace and also so you could show me some things that I lacked and needed to learn. You allowed some of my hardest life-lessons and heartbreak this year, but through that you showed up so completely. You showed me more than ever who you are and who you are not. You showed me characteristics of yourself that no one else possesses. You showed me how easy it is for me to look for my worth in worldly things, such as a boyfriend, my work, my kids at school, and image of what I feel I should look like instead of finding them completely in you. You showed me what it is to have a heart that is completely broken but truly only wants what YOU want...not what I want. You showed me a dream can be broken and yet a new one can be built. You showed me that even when someone betrays you as a friend that you are there and can love me so completely when that happens. You have showed me that I must have love for others even when that is the least of what I would like to do. You have showed me there is a line between letting others walk all over me and standing up for myself. You have instilled in me and continue to show me what the fruits of the Spirit are. You continue to show me where I am lacking and how far you have brought me. You continue to show me that I am a work in progress yet you have made me believe you love me the same. You loved me for who I was yesterday and today, not some future version of myself. You finally have allowed my heart to come to a place where I believe this. You have made my heart come alive. You have showed me that I do not need a man in my life for this to happen. You have showed me that ALL I REALLY NEED is YOU. All of the extra things that I have in my life are blessings from you so that I can see and show more of you. You have allowed such growth, even when it was excruciatingly painful. You have allowed those scars to shown, but you have produced fruit from these things. You have brought me to a place where I am finally OK with where I am at. It is not dependent on what is happening around me and my circumstances, but rather on your love and recognizing that you DO NOT CHANGE and will not change. Even when everything around me is crumbling down, you stand strong. For that, Lord, I am thankful. You are the one that has truly made my heart come alive, and for that I am eternally thankful. Thank you for loving me and helping me realize I do not need a husband (or other things I may have made as an idol) to make my heart come alive... I need you.
Love you,
Ashie
Monday, June 13, 2011
"a general wearing out process"
Noah Calhoun- "I don't think of it as sick. I think of it as a general wearing out process."
Did I just quote The Notebook? Yes, I did. This quote has been coming to my mind in the past week. It has been a tough past week- my sweet cousin was in the hospital because she was going into premature labor, and it took a few days to figure this out and make sure the baby was okay (she is not due until the end of July). Two of my very favorite people in the whole wide world are moving across the country (denial was happening for quite awhile, and now it is actually happening) and to top it all off Papa is back in the hospital. The quote has more been coming to my mind about Papa. I have written about him many times, and maybe it gets old that I write about him so much, but I do love him so. This time around he went in because he could not breathe very well. Come to find out he has lots of fluid around his lungs, but not because of what you might think of. All the food and drink that he is in taking has been going straight to his lungs, not his stomach. Needless to say, this is not good. They told him he must be on a feeding tube. He was not too happy about this, but when they told him what the alternative would be for him, he decided this was the only choice (which it was). He has been in a lot of time this time around. He has also been more stressed and anxious (which does not happen very often) and his feeding tube has come out about 4 or 5 times now. It stayed in all day today, so that is a praise. They must keep him on a feeding tube in order for him to digest food, and for it to go to the correct place, without it his outlook is bleak. They want to do a surgery on Wednesday to put a port in his stomach, but this will be somewhat risky due to the condition he is in. They want to keep him on a feeding tube for at least 6 weeks to see how he does with this. However, his left lung is not cooperating. His left lung has fluid surrounding it and they cannot remove it with lasiks. So, their plan is to inject a needle into the tissue around the lung and try to remove the fluid. I am gathering that if this works, then he will be able to have the surgery on Wednesday, which seems to be crucial, as well.
The quote has come to my mind, because his body is wearing out. It seems to be "a general wearing out process". He is the most precious person. The other day I came home from a trip, and even though he was feeling absolutely horrible and just needed to rest, he tried to turn around in his bed and ask me about my trip and some adventures I had partaken in in the past week. He also made a few jokes. One thing about my Pop, his humor is intact. I would like to ask you something-- please keep him and my grandmother, Norma, in your prayers. She is trying to stay strong, he is trying to do the same as well I believe he is just tired. The last thing I want is to lose him, but I desire for him to not be in pain and also just have a peace about the situation. Please pray for peace for both him and my grandmother and if they choose to do the surgery that it goes well, and that it does not put him in further pain or make him any more uncomfortable than what he is. I would really, really appreciate your prayers.
While we are at it- would you mind praying for my cousin Laura? She is at home now, but they will have to watch her now that she has gone into premature labor. Their baby Kennedy seems to be just fine, but please pray that the rest of her pregnancy is healthy and that Kennedy comes on time and when she is fully developed and that Laura is not stressed until then about the process. I can only imagine what was going through her mind last week.
I love you guys. Thanks for always listening, and more importantly, thanks for always praying.
Ash
Monday, June 6, 2011
Day 4- Favorite Outfit
I am not going to lie... I don't know if I have a favorite outfit. I mean, I definitely have favorite pieces that I wear, but a favorite outfit I have probably not had since I was about 10. When I was 10 I got to go to the Limited too (any of my girls remember this store?!?) and pick out an Easter outfit. I took a couple of pieces that were not thrown together in the first place and put them together. To my surprise and utter GLEE, the Limited too managers decided it was an awesome idea to put those pieces of clothing together and then decided to make it a window display. I felt like a fashion stylist. And to that day I have decided that I must always be shopping to find the newest looks that someone might have glanced over (this may or may not be how I justify shopping sometimes)....;). All that to say, here are a few of my favorite things. Quite honestly, after having to be in dresses and heels the past week for things after school or things such as graduation, I am fully convinced I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal. Dressing up is fun, but not something I want to do everyday.
This is my go-to outfit for summer. A t-shirt and shorts.
I love Uggs. This is far from a confession if you know me. I love them and will not apologize for it. Trust me, if you put your feet into some, your life would be changed. Ask my besties...they have been converted. I know that I cannot wear these in the summer, that would be quite stupid, but they are fav in winter. In or out of style, I will be true to you, Oh Uggs.
Lastly, would be my cream coat, my black skinny jeans and my anthro boots. Again, a winter-ish outfit, but it is one of my very favs. Unfortunately my beautiful and C-U-T-E cream coat was stolen while in New Orleans. So RIP cream coat... I hope your new owner loves you even though they stole you. I realize this is not the most flattering of pictures of me...but it is about the outfit, right?!
Well ,that is all for today. I apologize if any boredom came from this post, but I had to post Day #4! Hopefully Day #5 will be much more interesting!!
love you all.
Ash :)
This is my go-to outfit for summer. A t-shirt and shorts.
I love Uggs. This is far from a confession if you know me. I love them and will not apologize for it. Trust me, if you put your feet into some, your life would be changed. Ask my besties...they have been converted. I know that I cannot wear these in the summer, that would be quite stupid, but they are fav in winter. In or out of style, I will be true to you, Oh Uggs.
Lastly, would be my cream coat, my black skinny jeans and my anthro boots. Again, a winter-ish outfit, but it is one of my very favs. Unfortunately my beautiful and C-U-T-E cream coat was stolen while in New Orleans. So RIP cream coat... I hope your new owner loves you even though they stole you. I realize this is not the most flattering of pictures of me...but it is about the outfit, right?!
Well ,that is all for today. I apologize if any boredom came from this post, but I had to post Day #4! Hopefully Day #5 will be much more interesting!!
love you all.
Ash :)
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Day 3- Who Inspires Beauty?
This might be a strange post. The question that has been posed is- who inspires beauty? I think this is a great question with many possible answers. I thought about talking about all the great women in my life- my Mimi, my Mom, people like my old youth minister's wife Amy Dean. All of these people have inspired so much within me and have helped mold and shape me into who I am today. I have chosen 4 people. The first three people I have chosen are my three best friends- Nicole, Elise and Robin. These three women have closely walked with me in my life and inspire great beauty. Each one of them are different, but lovely all the same. They all love the Lord with all of their heart, mind and soul. All three are now married and each honor God in their marriages. They are all Godly women, whom I have had a GREAT joy in walking with. These women hold me accountable, love me, have cried with me, and are SOOO funny! They are some of the most wonderful women I know with such great passion for our God and King.
Nicole has been one of my best friends since the 7th grade. This girl has so much joy in her heart and is one of the kindest people I have ever known. We became close after both not being invited to a sleepover our 7th grade year. Ever since that sad night, we have been the best of friends. Her encouragement and love for the Lord, and sweet spirit inspire beauty. She is one of the most lovely people I know and she is a Godly woman that most definitely shines from the inside out (even though you can see she is SO beautiful on the outside)!!!!
Elise has been one of my best friends since my senior year in college. She is one of those people that I instantly bonded with and the Lord has only grown our relationship stronger since that day! Lise is one of those friends that I will be friends with until the day I die. She is one of the most amazing women that I know. She encourages people daily and is one of the most selfless people I know. She loves her husband so much and has impressed me with how wonderful she is at being a wife. She may not think that, but I have to say, her example of her relationship with her husband and how she prays for him and really desires to be a Godly wife is inspiring. The thing about Lise is she values her relationship with the Lord above all. She encourages others in this as well without condemnation. I find this rare. She is true gem and one of my favorite people, and I am blessed to call her my best friend.
Robin is another one of my sweet besties. I think sweet is synonymous with Rob. I love her so much. She has also been one of my best friends since my Senior year in college. She has lived near me the past two years, and has been my lifeline. She is moving to Iowa soon.... which to be honest with you, makes my heart extremely sad. You see, the thing about Rob is everything about her inspires beauty. She loves the Lord with all her heart, is extremely smart and lovely and witty and just an incredible friend. She would be there for you even if it was the most inconvenient thing for her. I have been so blessed by her friendship. She has listened to me during some of my hardest times and has stuck by me and made me feel better. She is realistic yet kind and caring. I love her so very much. She is also pregnant. As if it was at all possible, pregnancy has made her even cuter and more beautiful. She has got that glow if you will. :) She is another friend I cannot see ever not being friends with.
These three women are some of the most wonderful people I know. It is a pleasure to know them, to grow with them, and to be their best friends.
The last set of people (which may seem like the weird part of my post) I would like to shine the light on would be my students. I will not be posting a picture of all of them, but I just have to say they inspire beauty. They inspire that deep hearted beauty within me. I see all of their personalities and sweet spirits, or even their rough-around-the edges just need Jesus selves and I am inspired to live and be better. They inspire beauty because I see them and want to be better. I want to be a leader. I desire to be a good role-model and show them the love of Jesus. So, my babies, as I call them, inspire true beauty.
Love you all.
Ash:)
Nicole has been one of my best friends since the 7th grade. This girl has so much joy in her heart and is one of the kindest people I have ever known. We became close after both not being invited to a sleepover our 7th grade year. Ever since that sad night, we have been the best of friends. Her encouragement and love for the Lord, and sweet spirit inspire beauty. She is one of the most lovely people I know and she is a Godly woman that most definitely shines from the inside out (even though you can see she is SO beautiful on the outside)!!!!
Elise has been one of my best friends since my senior year in college. She is one of those people that I instantly bonded with and the Lord has only grown our relationship stronger since that day! Lise is one of those friends that I will be friends with until the day I die. She is one of the most amazing women that I know. She encourages people daily and is one of the most selfless people I know. She loves her husband so much and has impressed me with how wonderful she is at being a wife. She may not think that, but I have to say, her example of her relationship with her husband and how she prays for him and really desires to be a Godly wife is inspiring. The thing about Lise is she values her relationship with the Lord above all. She encourages others in this as well without condemnation. I find this rare. She is true gem and one of my favorite people, and I am blessed to call her my best friend.
Robin is another one of my sweet besties. I think sweet is synonymous with Rob. I love her so much. She has also been one of my best friends since my Senior year in college. She has lived near me the past two years, and has been my lifeline. She is moving to Iowa soon.... which to be honest with you, makes my heart extremely sad. You see, the thing about Rob is everything about her inspires beauty. She loves the Lord with all her heart, is extremely smart and lovely and witty and just an incredible friend. She would be there for you even if it was the most inconvenient thing for her. I have been so blessed by her friendship. She has listened to me during some of my hardest times and has stuck by me and made me feel better. She is realistic yet kind and caring. I love her so very much. She is also pregnant. As if it was at all possible, pregnancy has made her even cuter and more beautiful. She has got that glow if you will. :) She is another friend I cannot see ever not being friends with.
These three women are some of the most wonderful people I know. It is a pleasure to know them, to grow with them, and to be their best friends.
The last set of people (which may seem like the weird part of my post) I would like to shine the light on would be my students. I will not be posting a picture of all of them, but I just have to say they inspire beauty. They inspire that deep hearted beauty within me. I see all of their personalities and sweet spirits, or even their rough-around-the edges just need Jesus selves and I am inspired to live and be better. They inspire beauty because I see them and want to be better. I want to be a leader. I desire to be a good role-model and show them the love of Jesus. So, my babies, as I call them, inspire true beauty.
Love you all.
Ash:)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Project 31- Day 2
Question #2- What makes you uniquely YOU?
I am sure I could do this post many different ways, but in midst of lacking creativity, here is a random list of things about muah.
I am a coffee-drinkin', skinny jean wearin', Jesus lovin', Harry Potter fanatic that happens to get to do something that I am absolutely in love with every day.
I have been so excited about doing this particular blog post for so long. I have thought of fun things I could mention about myself or funny anecdotes I might tell. But when it comes down to it, I don't have a lot to say. There are so many things that make up who I am. The main thing that makes me who I am though is Jesus. It is my relationship with Him. It is the relationship that He has so graciously allowed me to have with Him that makes me who I am. Now do I deny that I am creator of amazing birthday raps, creator of the Friday song for my kids at school, and maybe a crazy driver!?!? No! But, those are not the things that make me. They are things that maybe set me apart. But in the end, I am being made, shaped and molded by my creator. He has grown my affections for things I never thought 10 years ago I would have a love for. He has grounded me to a place where I am more grateful and less childish and selfish. (I say less selfish due to this being an issue that is being worked on ;)). But I really do not think that I could say that I am who I am, without mentioning my Christ. Some might call that "overly religious" or she is one of those "weird Jesus-lovers" but I am telling you, He has brought me through so much, rescued my heart and then taken it, mended it and fully hidden it in Him, that to not tell you about what He has done in my life and not brag on Him would not be a good reflection of who I am now.
So, I leave you with a few fun facts.
1. I am my father's daughter. I love to read and write and debate (when I have a good argument. Until then, I will not put in my two sense). I am a thinker and a lover of culture and of people. I love to see what can happen when people are thrown together and watch how people react to one another. I like to solve problems and fix things. I like to help.
2. I am also my mother's daughter. I am the first one to make a stupid comment that I will not catch was stupid until after the entire car has started laughing at my seeming ditsy comment. I like to be goofy. I love to love. I want to make sure you know I love you, and that I will keep loving you as long as I have breathe. I don't like division and I long for everyone to see the good in each other. I desire for my babies to see how much I love them and I wish I could take everyone of them in and let them know they are dearly loved and there is something much greater than any of us that brought us all here. I love flowers and beauty and say "Thank you Jesus" when I find a parking spot. I love to come home and veg out watching Friends or The Office. And I like to try to be funny even if it is just for a pity laugh from the people that mean the most to me in my life. And most of all... I will keep touching you until you tell me to stop. I can't help it. I am touchy. I feel like that is the way you will know you are loved by me. It is my love language....so deal with it. ;)
3. I love to read. I have loved to read since I was little. I read all the Anne of Green Gables series when I was in the 3rd grade and devoured books ever since. I guess it works out that I now get to teach some of the literature that so dearly love.
4. I live for Christmas season. It is my favorite. I love Christmas music, the decorations, the beautiful coats worn during the cold weather and the seasonal drinks at Starbucks.
5. The Fall and Spring are two of my favorites as well because it reminds me of the goodness of Christ. Whether it is the old making way for the new, or the something growing and shedding it's old skin, I love love love the changing of the seasons.
6. I love school supplies- always have, always will. I am enamored with school supply stores and it makes my heart happy to have a new purple or pink pen.
7. I love Harry Potter and will not be ashamed of it!!! They are one of the most well-written series ever written and until you have read them all, I do not believe you can argue with me about this.
8. I love fashion. If this at all makes sense, it stirs my affections for my creator. I find people so innovative and creative which brings me back to how creative our amazing God is. And do not write me off as just "another Dallas girl that is into THINGS". Where I could see myself easily getting caught up in that if I do not check myself regularly, I truly appreciate the designer and what it took to make the piece. I love the patterns, the textiles and different textures they use to communicate their view of design. It intrigues me.
9. I am independent. I do not need anyone to complete me, but it excites me to think of the future possibilities that the Lord has for me.
10. I love to study. Yes, I am that person. I enjoy studying. I love to read and write and take notes. I want to go back to school and I desire to be a life-learner. It is in me forever...maybe that is why I desire so greatly for my kids to WANT to learn!!
So in ten not-so-brief thoughts here I am. Love you all and thanks for reading.
Ash
I am sure I could do this post many different ways, but in midst of lacking creativity, here is a random list of things about muah.
I am a coffee-drinkin', skinny jean wearin', Jesus lovin', Harry Potter fanatic that happens to get to do something that I am absolutely in love with every day.
I have been so excited about doing this particular blog post for so long. I have thought of fun things I could mention about myself or funny anecdotes I might tell. But when it comes down to it, I don't have a lot to say. There are so many things that make up who I am. The main thing that makes me who I am though is Jesus. It is my relationship with Him. It is the relationship that He has so graciously allowed me to have with Him that makes me who I am. Now do I deny that I am creator of amazing birthday raps, creator of the Friday song for my kids at school, and maybe a crazy driver!?!? No! But, those are not the things that make me. They are things that maybe set me apart. But in the end, I am being made, shaped and molded by my creator. He has grown my affections for things I never thought 10 years ago I would have a love for. He has grounded me to a place where I am more grateful and less childish and selfish. (I say less selfish due to this being an issue that is being worked on ;)). But I really do not think that I could say that I am who I am, without mentioning my Christ. Some might call that "overly religious" or she is one of those "weird Jesus-lovers" but I am telling you, He has brought me through so much, rescued my heart and then taken it, mended it and fully hidden it in Him, that to not tell you about what He has done in my life and not brag on Him would not be a good reflection of who I am now.
So, I leave you with a few fun facts.
1. I am my father's daughter. I love to read and write and debate (when I have a good argument. Until then, I will not put in my two sense). I am a thinker and a lover of culture and of people. I love to see what can happen when people are thrown together and watch how people react to one another. I like to solve problems and fix things. I like to help.
2. I am also my mother's daughter. I am the first one to make a stupid comment that I will not catch was stupid until after the entire car has started laughing at my seeming ditsy comment. I like to be goofy. I love to love. I want to make sure you know I love you, and that I will keep loving you as long as I have breathe. I don't like division and I long for everyone to see the good in each other. I desire for my babies to see how much I love them and I wish I could take everyone of them in and let them know they are dearly loved and there is something much greater than any of us that brought us all here. I love flowers and beauty and say "Thank you Jesus" when I find a parking spot. I love to come home and veg out watching Friends or The Office. And I like to try to be funny even if it is just for a pity laugh from the people that mean the most to me in my life. And most of all... I will keep touching you until you tell me to stop. I can't help it. I am touchy. I feel like that is the way you will know you are loved by me. It is my love language....so deal with it. ;)
3. I love to read. I have loved to read since I was little. I read all the Anne of Green Gables series when I was in the 3rd grade and devoured books ever since. I guess it works out that I now get to teach some of the literature that so dearly love.
4. I live for Christmas season. It is my favorite. I love Christmas music, the decorations, the beautiful coats worn during the cold weather and the seasonal drinks at Starbucks.
5. The Fall and Spring are two of my favorites as well because it reminds me of the goodness of Christ. Whether it is the old making way for the new, or the something growing and shedding it's old skin, I love love love the changing of the seasons.
6. I love school supplies- always have, always will. I am enamored with school supply stores and it makes my heart happy to have a new purple or pink pen.
7. I love Harry Potter and will not be ashamed of it!!! They are one of the most well-written series ever written and until you have read them all, I do not believe you can argue with me about this.
8. I love fashion. If this at all makes sense, it stirs my affections for my creator. I find people so innovative and creative which brings me back to how creative our amazing God is. And do not write me off as just "another Dallas girl that is into THINGS". Where I could see myself easily getting caught up in that if I do not check myself regularly, I truly appreciate the designer and what it took to make the piece. I love the patterns, the textiles and different textures they use to communicate their view of design. It intrigues me.
9. I am independent. I do not need anyone to complete me, but it excites me to think of the future possibilities that the Lord has for me.
10. I love to study. Yes, I am that person. I enjoy studying. I love to read and write and take notes. I want to go back to school and I desire to be a life-learner. It is in me forever...maybe that is why I desire so greatly for my kids to WANT to learn!!
So in ten not-so-brief thoughts here I am. Love you all and thanks for reading.
Ash
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