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:)

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

The List

Hello!! :)

I will not be doing day #2 today because I want enough time to spend with each "day" that I blog. But, I did want to post the questions for some of my friendlies that asked!!! Also, I want you to check out the blog that I got it from! I will be adding her to my blog roll, and I also want to share with you another blog that I am highly encouraged by- Ashley Venable's blog. I actually do not know Ashley too well, but met her through a friend this past year and have followed her through her blog. She is something else (wonderful) and truly a joy to follow when it comes to the blogging world and just an encouragement as a fellow Christian woman living our her life for our sweet Jesus! Christian women trust me on this, follow her blog!!

The blog that the project actually comes from is She Breathes Deeply. You should check out her blog as well, ladies! It is encouraging and fun to read!! :) I don't know about you, but I am all about the encouragement end of things so I highly reccomend.

Okay, now on to PROJECT 31!!! I am excited!

Here are the questions-THE LIST:


Day 1. What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2. What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3. Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4. Style 31. Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5. Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6. Jaded beauty. Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7. Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8. Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)? Share, please!
Day 9. What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10. What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11. Post a recipe. Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12. Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13. Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14. Style 31. Post an outfit pic!
Day 15. Write to encourage a friend. Inspire her beauty.
Day 16. Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life. Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17. Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18. Describe your personality.
Day 19. Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20. Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21. Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22. What are some needs that need to be met in your community? Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
Day 24. What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25. Style 31. Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26. What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27. Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28. Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29. Write about "a day in the life of me." (Pics are great!)
Day 30. Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31. Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!



So besties, ladies, and lovely's get ready, set... BLOG!!! Love you all!!

Ash :)

What is Beauty?

I am starting a new series of blogs. I have wanted to write quite a bit in the past few months, but have either been lazy, felt a little too vulnerable with the topics, or just wrote half only to be unispired to write the rest of it.

I saw on a friend's blog that she was doing 31 days of entries. The 31 is signifigant because it has do to with the Proverbs 31 woman. Lately, I have been thinking about what makes me, uniquely me, and other women, uniquely them. I will post all the entires in the next blog, but Day 1 of the blog asks the question- What does beauty meant to you? I think this is a good question for any woman to ask herself.

I have been thinking on this question for about 2 months now, after seeing it on my friend's blog. Beauty. It is one of the things that every woman deals with on a constant basis. We fight off what we feel we look like, or portray on a daily basis. If you are a Christian, you wonder if you are living what is characteritic of a Godly woman. If you are married maybe you think in the terms of whether you are living as a Godly wife should, and as a single, you think, am I doing this right? At least, that is what I think. What also comes to mind for me as a single woman is- am I alright just being me? Is there something wrong with me that I am still single when all my freinds are married. Hear me out before you start thinking that I have some major single issues. I think that there is always a image issue with women. I think we all handle it differently, but in the end, I think there is always something in us wondering if we could be better, look better, be funnier, wittier, more on-key and cool. The question that has come to my mind lately while feeling this way is- what good is that doing me, or what way is that making me better? The answer is it isn't. It isn't making me better, rather it is making me pick myself apart and try to be like others.

So, the answer to this question in my mind is simple. Beauty is being you. Unique and wonderful you. The Lord knows you and made you to be the wonderful person you are. Are you going to mess up? Heck yes. Are you going to have days where you feel like you should probably just stay in and eat your cares away with chocolate and watch "Say yes to the dress" for the 20th tim?. Probably...but those days are amongst the ones that make you who you are. The Lord has made us all unique and individuals for a reason. There is a reason HE choose to place us in our very routine we have now. He put us here for a reason and that reason is uniquely yours.

So, my challenge to myself, and to others is why keep trying to change who you are to fit in some mold that probably you have drawn up for yourself? Why not just work with what the Lord has given you and find all of your beauty in Him? I am talking to myself here, but this is something I feel the Lord is laying on my heart over and over again. So, be yourself and find you beauty in Him and what He has placed you in and around. Can't be too tough, right? Let's try together.

Proverbs 31:10-31


10 Who can find a virtuous wife?

For her worth is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “ Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Papa

My papa is getting surgery on Thursday. Or he is scheduled to get a surgery on Thursday. He has been scheduled for this surgery twice now, and both times he has gone in there has been something wrong with his health in addition to what he was going in for, so they had to postpone surgery. He is getting his defribullator replaced. I am not sure what all goes in to this surgery and I believe I may have even blogged about this back in August when he was to get it then. There is also a lot of stuff going on with school and such, and all I keep thinking right now is I know nothing of what is to happen, or what might transpire in the next few days, but I know the Lord will take care of me. He always has, He always will... and He continues to sustain me in the meantime. I think Papa is pretty scared about the surgery. Which makes me sad and just want to give him a hug and go hang out with him until the surgery. Then, I seem to think I am jumping the gun a bit... he may not even have the surgery, and could and will probably make it through fine. I feel selfish for worrying about work and some things that are in transition for me at work due to me probably having my job when others might. I should just be thankful. Today was just a day it would have been nice to come home to someone who I could have told about my day, but didn't have to, ya know? Just to come home and sit and maybe watch TV, eat and sit in silence with that person just knowing that they are there. But on the bright side that is something I look forward to someday having. Shoot, maybe I just need to get a roommate. ;)

So, if you do read this by Thursday, 2 things-
1. Will you please pray for my Papa? I know I have asked that a lot, but y'all have been faithful and it has always worked out. Love when the saints pray for my Papa. :)
2. Don't worry... I am not on the edge of some depressional down spiraling. I guess I just wanted to type it out. Emotional Ashley emerges again. :) A girl's gotta be honest with herself, and I can be emotional (for those of you that know me best that might be reading this you are probably thinking, oh ash, that is an understatement and laughing a bit). Let's face it... the Lord made me that way. And I am comfortable in it.

That is all for now. As they say in recovery... Thanks for listening.

Realization.

Something dawned on me this past week. I like where my life is at right now. I love my job, my friends, my relationship with my Sweet Jesus, my church, and my apartment. I love my red furniture and my robin-egg blue plates. I like that I can rearrange my furniture without consulting anyone to see if that will upset them, or that I can leave a cup out on the table and it not bother anyone. I am content. (Do you know how wonderful that feels to say that!?!?!!!) Do I want some things in the future that I may not have yet? Very much so. But, they are far from defining me. Do I have a lot of growth to do?! Ummm, that would be a big YES. The Lord has been above and beyond gracious to me this year though and has let me grow in crazy ways I honestly did not know would be possible. I feel as though He has something in the works for my life that I will be so very giddy about in the future, but in the meantime, He has me right where He wants me. Do I get lonely sometimes? Of course... I think every single 25 year-old woman might tell you that they get lonely time to time when they see that cute couple who can't stop staring at one another. However, this week I was reminded over and over again by the Lord how I was okay and how He has finally brought me in this season where I am content. It does not mean that things don't bother me, or I don't get down from time to time, but I know I am okay. I know that my relationship status does not define where I may have allowed it to in the past. I also know that there is no rushing God's timing no matter how much I may TRY to do so. So, as I sit here tonight typing on my school-issued MacBook, watching all sorts of girly television and drinking my sweet tea, I am thankful. No use in pushing God's timing even if that is all I have ever tried to do in my life. I am ever so thankful He has a plan for my life that I have yet to see or live out. Praise be to Him who loves this goofy, sometimes dramatic, type A, perfectionist yet messy girl and that He knows my heart better than anyone and still loves me. And here is to being content in this single season as long as he calls me to it.

Snow day post...

It has been awhile since I have posted anything, plus with these unexpected "snow" days, I thought why not post a bit! Last post I talked about the angst of waiting. That seems to be the theme of the current season I am in. However, I will say that since my last post my heart is way more at rest. There is no other explanation for that except the Lord's grace in my life. I have been in constant prayer of many things over the past few months, and the Lord has been gracious to answer or rather deliver. The feeling of peace that I have at this time is nothing short of Him. Let me tell you why...(and then the blog will get a bit lighter!)

1. There is a very big uncertainty about my job right now. If you know me well, or maybe even if you don't know too well, you know how much I talk about my job. To say I love my job might be the understatement of the century. I have wanted to be a teacehrs since I was 5...literally. I am in love with job. I am in love with my kids. I am in love with teaching. I am in love with developing relationships with them and getting to know them and hopefully show them Jesus. I am in love with encouraging them and seeing them grow. I am even in love with being at a school that has babies that are on the lower end of the economic scale. I love how I have grown from teaching. I love how Cheerleading (even though it has been a bit of a thorn in my side the past year or so) has allowed the Lord to grow me in ways I have needed to really grow in. All that said- there is a major budget cut going on in education right now. I must be honest and say I did not know that it would be as bad as it is right now. Nor did I realize how much impact it would have on my job. However, our superintendent came out with a new video speaking to all the AISD employees telling us that we are in a very bad spot due to a deficit we already had and now additional cuts from the state. We are losing a lot, including UTA stadium and many jobs and dissolving of many programs. One of the next proposed cuts are firing of 775 Probationary teachers. I fall under this category because I am in year 3 of my teaching. You are in probationary for years 1-3. This is scary. If they go through with this it will save them A LOT of money, but you will also be losing a lot of teachers that have a passion for teaching. (And I realize I may just seem to be saying this because I am in this category, but some of the best teachers I know with awesome ideas and drives and passions are in this category). They have also told us that if we do keep our jobs we will gain another section for teaching as well as lose a conference period every other day. This may not seem like a lot, but especially for those of us that may have to keep extracurriculars it will be a lot of extra work. Which in the grand scheme of having a job, I guess that really doesn't matter. All this to say...I feel as though I am in another time of uncertainty. Who knows what will happen. Maybe they will find another way to save money, but either way someone is going to lose a job. There is anxiousness all around me in the faces of my co-workers. I love the family that has been developed at my school and it is scary to think that that will change. BUT here is the thing the Lord is yet again pounding into my head- He has different plans for me than I might have for myself. And what i have to do and continue to do is Trust Him and wait. ACTUALLY TRUST HIM. I am venturing to say I think I am getting there. I have a crazy peace..and even though I get that stupid anxiousness of "Ash what if you write this and then lose your job the next day...what are you going to say then?" I have to say that the Lord is going to take care of me. I mean, He has, He will. He will find some way for me to make money. To have a ministry. He knows my heart...he knows my desires, and most of all His plan is way better than my own. And hopefully, I am still teaching next year. Hopefully at the school I am teaching at. The unknown is scary, especially because I truly truly love teaching so much! I am not just saying it...it brings my heart joy. But, the Lord knows that right? Right.

SOOOO, with that being said, I would like to list some things I am thankful for. Not in any particular order, what I am blessed to say I have and thankful for!!
1. Jesus!!!! This is obvious and my relationship is SUPER important and has been invaluable (obviously). I just love Him so much!!
2. My job. I love teaching. I love my babies. I love my girls. I love getting to be creative and dorky and the kids laughing at my jokes, when let's face it...I am not too funny. ;)
3. The relationships I have right now and the relationships that are developing. I love how the Lord works things out and brings new people in your life as well as the old to show you how GOOD and GRACIOUS He is. That is the best.
4. The new found patience the Lord is giving me. Who knows why he is being that gracious, but OH MY WORD, is it new and something that I am SO excited about!
5. School supplies. Yes, I said it... I love me some markers, post-it notes, highlighters and other various organizational tools.
6. Uggs- I probably post this everytime, but I mean it is SO cold outside. If you have Uggs you understand. If you don'...I am sorry. ;)
7. My planner and how it keeps me organized.
8. My Iphone
9. My church and the people in it.
10. A solid group of people that are around me. I know that I mentioned the whole relationships thing above, but the Lord truly has blessed me with the people that I get to call friends and family members in my life. I cannot even imagine doing life without them.

There is way more, but that is all I have for right now. ;) Here are some other updates before I go-
1. Recent Picture of Nennie-Bug






2. I had the opportunity to speak in the Blush Conference here recently. Please check them out and the website out if you have never heard of it!!! The Lord is going to do and is doing some mighty things through this ministry!!!








3. My long-time bestie from Junior High and High School got engaged!!!! Congrats to my little muffin! ;)








5. I heard a sermon recently about singleness, dating and marriage. One of the things that Adam talked about was how to wait in the Lord in your singleness or dating life...and that is preparing to be a wife by serving the Lord. I read this verse and it has just really caught me with how much there is to being a wife. I am not any where close to being a wife to anyone, but I think that this was a wise thought in the sense of preparing yourself to be a Godly woman, thus a Godly wife.
You can find his sermons (WHICH I TOTALLY RECOMMEND!!!) at www.redrevolution.com

Proverbs 31:10-31


10 Who can find a virtuous wife?

For her worth is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “ Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.


Lastly, this is more of request, but would you please pray for AISD? I don't know what to say to pray for exactly, but maybe just for the decisions that the higher ups have to make. And peace for everyone involved and with whatever happens. Love you guys so much! Thanks for reading my blog!!!!