10 Days . . .

I have ten days left . . .
and then,

CNA & Caregiver classes are over.

I have ten days left . . .
and then,

I'm on an airplane headed half way across the world.
To China.
For 33 days.                                (Some days, the thought can't even fit
                                                    into my mind, it's that big.)

I've already passed my State Board exam to become a certified nursing assistant. (woot!) Soon I'll take my State Board test to become a licensed caregiver. (hollah!)

I can honestly say, if I never use either of those certifications, this last year has been amazing. There were plenty of days I would NOT call my CNA classes amazing. Most days, actually. But I've grown more than I thought I could in one year.

I've met some wonderful people through this. From the elderly widower with incredible stories of his faith and his love and his life, to some beautiful classmates who have never failed to share their smiles.

I've also gone through stress, and relationship... strains. Some days I cried out in the pain, 'God, I can't take this if You don't take it with me!' I have even been mocked and out-right insulted for my faith and my life-style, but by God's grace I was able to look back into the eyes of those mocked me with love and forgiveness. And in the end, I was able to share my faith with those who scorned it. And I wouldn't take back the scorn for the opportunities, and I so thankful.

I hope when people saw me, they didn't see a brown eyed girl, with purple streaks in her hair, that was basically like anyone else. I hope they saw a girl that was in love with God, and wanted nothing more than to have joy in Jesus alone, her Savior.

I hope I showed them love.

Honestly, if I had the chance, I would talk with each one of my classmates individually, and tell them how much God loves them. Because He does. He loves you so much, that He longs after your heart. Longing that you would spend time in His love, getting to know Who He Is.

Seek Him.

Only in Him, is true, unending, unconditional love. His love is not based on what you do or if you love Him or even care about His love. He loves you because He is love. Because He created you, and He wants you to find purpose and joy and LIFE in Him.

If only you could see how much I want you know this. How my heart aches for His love. I long for His love to grow greater in me, and be increased in others! I wish I could tell you HOW WONDERFUL it is. There is nothing good in my life, that didn't come from my God! My life is an adventure with my Savior. He gave me joy, where there was once only bitterness. And the unknown in my future doesn't have me worrying, because I know, He knows how my future will play out. To Him it is no different than my past, and my present: in His hands.

You. Are. Loved. He loves you. 

You.

Are.

Loved.

Let this truth shatter every other lie that is fighting for a place in your head and life at this moment. I could write on forever, about how I'm so not perfect and life is hard.
But when my words cease, may you walk away with the thought that I am like you and we are loved beyond the pain.
It's that simple.
Beyond all else,  you are loved. He loves you.

Good Morning Lord

I got this in my inbox this morning. I hope it blesses you, as it did me.

Verse of the Day -- Psalm 25:14 The secret [or intimacy] of the Lord is
for those who fear Him . . .

Thought for the Day 

God longs to be close to you!

Mini Bible Study for the Day

How many Christians long to have a more intimate relationship with God?
The word "secret" in this verse is also translated "counsel" or
"intimacy." To fear Him means to obey Him. It means that because we
recognize the majesty and awesomeness of who He is, we long to obey
Him, or please Him, in every sense of the word.

Obedience is our gift of love to Jesus Christ, and He promises that in
return for our obedience, He will give us greater intimacy with Himself
and the Father.

He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me and he
who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will
disclose myself to him. --John 14:21 Every time--every moment--we consciously choose to allow God's Spirit
to be in control of our lives, we become closer to and more intimate
with Jesus Christ.

♥Ashlin

What Do I Know?

I just heard this song, What Do I Know by Sara Groves. And it really meant something to me, it touched me. It's a sad song, but it will probably mean a lot to you if you are grieving right now. At least, you'll really understand the emotions of it.
I have seen this, the way life ends "too soon" at 80 or 90 years old. I've seen it a lot doing clinicals in a long-term care facility. I was just talking with a fellow student about why we feel like an aging body that starts breaking down, why death, is so un-natural. Because God made us to live forever. We were created for an eternity.

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Precious in the sight of the Lord, Is the death of His saints.
Psalm 116:15

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18

Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
Revelation 14:13

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4

"O Death, where is your sting?"
I Corinthians 15:52-57
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed – in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

” O Death, where is your sting?

O Hades, where is your victory?”

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

A Poem

The night I first saw you
You were
Scared
       Hurt
              Angry
                     Lost
You wouldn’t look into my eyes
Your gaze was fixed
Downcast
You wouldn’t trust me
Wouldn’t dare
To think that I might last
Any longer in your life
Than those who scarred your past
I loved you, held you,
Gave you a piece of my heart
Gave it up forever,
Though I knew we might part
But you didn’t want
My love
Afraid it was an act
You refused it
Pushed me back
The words I spoke to you for healing
You fought like an attack
You were angry
I don’t blame you
I was angry for you too
Your hurt was deep
Your pain was vast
I didn’t know what I could do
But the God Who made
And loved
You
Is the God
Who’d see us through
With time
You came to trust me
Your numb, closed heart
Began to feel
And it was beautiful
When you smiled
God would whisper, “Spirit, heal”
But then, too soon
Came the fateful day
When we had to say
Goodbye
Yet that could not take my love away
I’ll know your name
I’ll see your face
I’ll love you still
Until I die

Waisting My "Young Years"

A lot of people say I should get a job (or two) and hurry up and enroll in a good college. They tell me, from a good heart, that I need to have savings and a sure source of income for an unsure future.

Well, I’m not juggling jobs and college for one reason: God’s ways are not man’s ways. And I want to follow His will above others, even my own.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold” Proverbs 22:1

I am asking God to give me a greater character in this life than a career.

(PLEASE UNDERSTAND: I am not saying that you are out of the will of God if you have multiple jobs and earning a college degree.)

But God hasn’t called me to do that. Right now, according to a lot of people, I look more like I’m wasting my young adult years. I’m not working very hard to save up for a car of my own, a home for myself, a career for my future.

Maybe God knows exactly what I need, and all the things I have are exactly that. That in turn means that all the things I don’t have, are things I do not need. It is possible that if I had a car, a high salary job, a career or college scholarship, then that is where my confidence would lie. Or maybe I would let my confidence lie in the bank. How much have I saved? Will it get me through what I need for this year, or how about this month? But money doesn’t help anyone, unless the Lord is their first provider. (Ps. 127:1)

Don’t hear what I’m not saying. I’m not saying stay home, and be a slothful bum who says “Oh, but God will provide.” I’m not saying we’re to do nothing and trust God. I’m saying we’re to do something; trust God! And if He calls you to go, go! And if He calls you to stay, stay! And if He says you need to work at this and not at that, then work this way and not that way!

For me, (and most believers and some point or another) that means trusting Him even when it looks wrong to everyone else. Even when it looks wrong to ME, I want to follow His will. Sometimes I think, “God? Doesn’t what they’re telling me make a little sense? Shouldn’t I be doing more? How can I help You when this is all that You have me doing? How can I bless others if I don’t work more? I’m so glad to be a daughter who can live at home with her family, but shouldn’t I support myself a little more?”

And He says  “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life.” (Proverbs 22:4) And, “whatsoever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Gal. 6:7)

The fruit of obedience doesn’t come in a day. But the seeds do sprout, and fruit will be harvested. It is stored up for the perfect season, and it does not rot away.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold” Proverbs 22:1

On My Heart

Lately, I have been thinking. Just sitting and thinking, working and thinking - spending a lot of time in thought... about a few things. Things that God, my Father, has been teaching me (again).

So, here are some things I have been learning (relearning).

1. I took this spiritual gifts test: www.sdrock.com/giftstest and I was wondering... if the Spirit of God has given me gifts in certain areas, how am I using them? What are my strengths, what are my weaknesses? I wonder what God is preparing me for, and how He wants to use me in the future. But then again, it may not be the future - it may be today. Is there some place I could be a vessel of God's grace today, but I am too focused on other things to see it? Father, I pray that I would have open eyes, that your Spirit would lead me. And that I would follow.
  
So what am I to do with this? The more I study the Word, the more I see, it is not that complicated.

"Trust in the Lord, and do good . . . delight yourself also in the Lord. . .  commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. . . Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." Ps. 37:3-7

To trust Him,

Delight in Him,

Commit my way to Him,

And Rest
in the Lord.

 

I guess I have floated accidentally seamlessly in to my second thought...

2. Ashlin, Study His Word!

"Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom." Ps. 51:6

There is no truth apart from God's word, and there is no wisdom except from the Lord. There is no life or growth unless the branches abide in the Vine. John 15:5. I have heard it said many times, you cannot be stagnant in your Christian walk; you are either moving forward or you are slipping back. It is foolishness to think otherwise.

"There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness." Proverbs 30:12

The Bible is like a mirror. If we do not look in it, we will not see our filthiness. Father, do not allow me to have blind eyes. Let me see my sin so that I won't stay where I am, but be cleansed by Your grace!
Go has given us such beautiful promises in His word for those who will seek Him.

"He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust; His truth shall be thy shield and buckler." Psalm 91:4

3. Prayer. God works in mysterious ways. For whatever reason, He has chosen to work through prayer. He has commanded us to pray. And He has shown us many examples of the power released through the prayers of His saints. Mtt. 14:23, 21:22, Lk. 18:1, Rom. 8:26, Acts 6:4, Prov. 15:8, James 5:13-16, Eph. 6:18, and Rev. 8:3-6 are just a few.
In my own life, He has shown Himself mighty through prayer and I give thanks for the recent reminders He hast sent me to pray.

I am so thankful for the family I have and the people God has placed in my life that encourage me and help me to relearn these simple truths.

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together, I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were lightened, and their faces were not ashamed." Psalm 34:3-5

C. S. Lewis

“The Weight of Glory.”

It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare.
All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics.
There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilisations — these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit — immortal horrors or everlasting splendours.
This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously.

- C.S. Lewis

  

 

 

Today . . .

. . . today would be a very nice day to stumble into Narnia.

I would love to enjoy a summer day in Narnia. To see the tall emerald trees glistening from the last recent rain, and to run through the green, green grass. Maybe I would meet a fawn, after splashing my feet in a happy brook, who would invite me to tea.



Painting by Pamela Goodman

Of course there would be plenty of tea, and a good amount of toast with butter or honey. Maybe he would bring out sardines and even some cake. But without doubt, plenty of cups full of tea.

I would like to stay in his little cave, he would tell me of how winter is gone from these mountains, rejoicing that the White Witch has been defeated. And we would both talk of how wonderful Aslan is.

I suppose the only thing I can do to make this possible is ignore that little thing some like to call reality, and stick close to my good friend Imagination.

 

 

But, then again, maybe that isn't necessary.


Wouldn't today be a wonderful day to steal away some time and view the creation of our great King with a vision unobstructed from sinful flesh. To stop and be immersed in His glory.


Thank You, Lord, for the glory that can be found in Your Word, in Your creation, and in the sweet fellowship with You and other believers.

Some days, there is no better thing to do then stop and tell yourself,
Life is beautiful.

Sure, life is hard. Sometimes I feel like. . . well, I've got this head cold, and I have no idea why things are going the way they're going or why things aren't going the way I think they should be going. I have no idea which way my life is going, and see that life will only be less and less predictable as I go on (and realize that I can't [and maybe shouldn't] predict any outcome in the first place.)

Having Jesus - no, Jesus having me, having called me before the foundations of the world to Himself, it is beyond comprehension. It is beyond belief. And yet I do believe, I know it is true. And if Jesus has you, you know He can never leave you, never let you go. And having Him (or, rather, Him having you) doesn't mean life will not hurt any less. But it does mean you will have joy so much more!

". . . I [Jesus] am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." -John 10:10b

Change and Peace

Seasons are crafty, changing in the most delicate ways, so subtle, one can find it hard to recall exactly when warm days left and long nights came. They creep in like a dream with all it's stillness that one can hardly notice it came.

Winter is coming, the year is winding to a close, and for many people that brings to mind the Winters and years past with all the joy, beauty, sorrow, love and hurt that may have been a part of them.

Life is sweet and beautiful and incredibly hard. When I think about life and am tempted to see failures and mistakes, I think of Philippians 3:13, that says, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead".
We don't have to worry about the future when we know that we are "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory." (Ephesians 1:13b-14)

I find myself looking back now and I think of how very different things were this time last year, and how His grace has carried me, brought through so much change. Some changes have been, at times, lighter than a breeze gently touching my face, and at other times seemed to have equaled a strong wind that so painfully stole away all breath from my lungs and I wondered how I'd recover. Yet still I can say through it all, He is faithful and loves me with a greater love and cares for me with a greater care than could ever be found in all of the worlds in all of the universe.

If the pain seems to much, I can find hope in the fact that my Savior has suffered far greater than I have, He knows and understands my weakness and can carry me in His unending grace so that I may endure. When it is easy and when it is hard, I can have faith and hope in His love. With each change, be it small or immense, I have learned of His good will, experienced His joy, and felt His very heart just a little more.

I don't know how the story ends, and yes, there are times in between that are difficult, but I can have faith, that it will be alright, because He wrote it. I know the Author. The One who promises that all things work together for good to those that love God, HE writes my story.

Yes, He is good. So, though I may not understand His timing or purpose, I don't need to, I only need to look back on His faithfulness over my entire life and be filled with faith, hope, and love....

So if I could speak to you right now, from my heart I would tell you that He knows you far better than you know yourself. That even though you may not understand why the Lord is doing (or not doing) what He's doing, trust that He sees from beginning to end, He knows when the small sparrow falls and He loves you more than many sparrows. Have faith that He can and He will work every moment you can't understand to His glory.

Look up at the crystal night stars. Our Creator has named every one of those star and yet He knows your name, your every thought, dream, need.

 

His love is unconditional, so infinitely truer than any love we can comprehend, and everlasting. He only is deserving of all our faith, hope, and love.

 

 

May you be filled with His grace and peace, dear sister (or brother) in Christ, this day, and ever day to come.

His Testimonies

"Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God." -R. Kelso Carter

You tell the Lord, "I am loosing hope!" He answers “Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord... There is hope in your future, says the Lord..." "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Jeremiah 31:16-17, Galatians 6:9

In the midst of your overwhelming circumstances... trust your Father in Heaven is with you saying, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." Isaiah 43:2

When you cry, "God, I'm overcome with guilt from past sins" Our Creator declares, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 43:25

You may pray, "Lord, help my faith to grow!" He says, "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3

"My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly." Psalm 119:167

Do not allow your feelings, emotions and circumstances to speak to you, but speak to yourself truth from the word of God.
"My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." - Psalm 62:5-8

"Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
listening every moment to the Spirit's call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all,
standing on the promises of God."

My Prayer Point of View (Part 1)

I was pondering today the parable Jesus told about a bunch of wise and foolish virgins waiting for their bridegroom.

"Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. -Matthew 25:1-13

There is no such thing as secondhand salvation. We might go to church every Sunday, and read our Bible every morning, but until we really have our own fellowship with our Saviour we aren't living a fruitful Christian life. I'm not saying hearing a sermon every Sunday and reading our Bible isn't profitable, but with out a life a prayer our intentions often end with un-intended results!

“Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees.” -Corrie ten Boom

Many times I have times I have made the primary focus of my growth Bible reading. I think many Believers, just like me, spend much of their energy on Bible reading and Bible studies and church attendance with the intent of spiritual growth. But when I made Bible study my principal focus, I became much more of a hearer than a doer. (James 1:22) The Word of God is the surest source of truth, but I began to realize that that cannot be my rock. Jesus, Himself, is my Rock! And the best root for spiritual growth is crying out to God as you seek Him. Even Christian acts of service and Bible study can be unknowingly fruitless, self-led, and for me, destructive without my calling out Jesus. (2 Tim 3:7)

Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. -Is 55:6

The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. -Psalm 6:9

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men -1 Tim 2:1

God just permeates His word with invitations to lift up your voice to Him. Ps 55:1-2, Is 24:14, Eph 6:18, 1 Kings 8:28, Ps 71:16, Ps 28:6, Psalm 55:17, Ps 5:2, Ps 142:1, Ps 130:2, Rom 1:9, Lam 3:56, Ps 143:1, 2 Sam 22:7, Ps 119:13, Ps 28:2 just to pick a few. There are so many more!

As I mentioned, I would spend time reading God's word but then I continued living a life of defeat. I was getting the Word but not living the Word. The Bible has so many phrases about having "eyes to see" and "ears to hear", but I realized that I was trying to open my own eyes and ears and the result was a spiritually blind and deaf me, thinking I was seeing and hearing all that God was saying to me. But the Spirit began to show me how futile it was to try to "see" and "hear" on my own. I came to the realization that only the Lord makes deaf hear, opens eyes, and softens hearts. And if we desire to soften our hard hearts we must each have our own private search for this.

"But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly" -Matt 6:6

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." -James 4:8

This is key if we desire an close relationship with our Heavenly Father. The depths of knowing God is beyond knowing about Him, it is knowing intimately Who He Is!

I've heard many people's advice on prayer be, "You're busy just like anyone else, so the best tips I can give would be to pray while you brush your teeth, while you're driving, when you take a shower." I don't think it is wrong to pray when you go on a walk or make breakfast or anything like that, but we must also make time for fellowship with God. He is the High King above all, He is the Creator of the universe.

If you were to get to talk with Queen Elizabeth II, would you even think about saying, "Well you know, Elizabeth, I need to get my exercise so let's walk and talk, okay?" Or would you ask her to talk while you brushed your teeth? The Lord wants to hear our individual voices lifted up to Him, just as any bridegroom wants to spend one-on-one time with His bride. He is the Master of our time. It is an honor and a privilege and a joy to be able to give Him whole-hearted one-on-one attention, and know that He is actually as pleased with us and that He takes as much joy in our communing with Him as we do. (And infinitely more.)

I encourage you to not just pray when you feel like it. But to "have an appointment with the Lord and keep it." Find a place where you won't be heard, and actually spend time praising, petitioning  and praying out loud. It won't be easy at first, but God promises to hear those who call out to Him, and to draw near to those who draw near to Him, and He cannot go back on His word! Soon you may learn to love your time with Him more and more so that you will wish it never had to end! I have experienced the joy in coming to Him, even when I don't feel like it. It is a beautiful thing to know that the God of the universe is mindful of me, I cannot fathom a love so deep!

Until next time,

Ashlin

Snares

“I do — oh, indeed I do — desire to live up to my profession, to be His, for time and eternity. But I am learning to see how very weak I am, and how easily Satan can conquer me even when I do strive against him. I do believe with my head that Jesus can, and will give me His grace, and I do not need to fear, yet somehow my heart seems to be hard and cold and not to take it in. Oh, if we were but there — where there is no more sin ! Oh do not forget to pray for me, and don’t ever doubt the love of your unworthy friend.” – Francis Havergal

When I do not strive, when I don't make great effort to fight the good fight, then my heart becomes hard and Satan can easily conquer  me.

At times, my heart is hardened slowly, it becomes numb so that I do not feel hungry for the fellowship with my Saviour each morning. I may not go in out right rebellion and sin, in fact it is almost always just the simple "non-actions" that begin my faltering. James 4:17 so plainly states that that is sin. Even as a Christian, "the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." (Mark 4:19) [emphasis added] It is so easy to get distarcted to kick off our shoes and watch TV, or spend our morning time with God sleeping in instead.

But when we are not focused on Christ what happens? When we are in the very action of obedience what consequences come?
We are given so many examples. When David comitted his sin with Bathsheba was when he ought to have been doing his kingly responsibilities and been out with his men at battle. When Peter obeyed Christ he could walk on the water, but as soon as his eyes were off of Christ and on the worries before him he began to drown. When Moses had his eyes fixed on what God could do he didn't fear when in the middle of a sea and the armies of pharoh. When they stoned Stephen he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” because of his faith!

When we set our hearts on Jesus, He promises to give us the strength we need to endure. Sometimes it’s through the very trials and weariness that we’re experiencing that God is using to help us find the strength to get through. Even when He doesn’t relieve our trials right away, we must have faith that He will give us what we need to persevere through them.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were able to look king Nebuchadnezzar in the face and bodly say, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” (emphasis added) Daniel 3:16-18

Whether God shows us a way around the fire or brings us thru the fire to safe ground we are to have faith. God uses the hardest time in our lives to bring us closer to Him. I have no greater desire than to become more like the One who has stolen my heart. And my Jesus uses hard times to stretch, mold, and prune me into the child of God I was called to be. "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. " 2 Corinthians 12:10

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

Through it all I can look to Him and give thanks! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9

I don't want to let the seed the Spirit planted inside me become choked by the cares of this world, and desire for other things. I want to be the one "which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."(emphasis mine)  Luke 8:15

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." 1 John 5:4

God is the one who prepares the light for the sun each day. Psalm 74:16  He can undoubtedly give us the strength we need to have victory all that He called us to do!

May your eyes be fixed on Him,
Ashlin

The 70 Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards, recorded 70 resolutions over a span of a few months in 1722 – 1723. Resolutions 1 through 21 were written in one sitting in New Haven in 1722, and he added to the list through August of 1723. He then read them again each week of his life.

These are very humbling. Also, if you have never heard of Jonathan Edwards you should look him up. He was very influential in the Great Awakening.

Without further ado (because he did write down 70 resolutions) this is what Edwards wrote:

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat Him by his grace to enable me to keep these resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ’s sake.

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad’s of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don’t hinder.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, “A faithful man who can find?” may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects.

34. Resolved, in narration’s never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved.

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it.

37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22, and 26, 1722.

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord’s Day. Sabbath evening.

39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking.

41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1723.

43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday.

44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it.

45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion.

46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.

47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning.

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of.

49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world.

51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned.

52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age.

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer.

54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved, to endeavor to imitate it.

55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments.

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin.

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity.

59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times.

60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination.

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc.

62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; “knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.”

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time.

64. Resolved, when I find those “groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those “breakings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear’, of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness.

65. Resolved, Very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness of which I am capable, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him, all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance, according to Dr. Manton’s Sermon on the 119th Psalm.

66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help.

69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it.

70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.

O How Often!

"How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37b)

I know I will never be able to understand the way a parent feels when their child is rebelling unless I become a parent. But I have recently seen some of the burdens placed on my parents for their children. It's consuming. Constantly worrying, and hoping that that child's heart will change. We probably don't even come close to comprehending the ache Christ feels for us each time we stray away.

When I was younger I decided to read through the entire Bible a few hundred times before I died. At least one hundred times before I became a mom. (I'm a very proud and naive person... I know.) And one of the first times I read through most of the OT all on my own, I was shocked to see the way the children of Israel behaved. The couldn't be happy for freedom out of Egypt! The weren't thankful for manna (which sounded like delicious food to me)! They weren't grateful the promised land but coward at the giants! The continually went to idols and false Gods! I couldn't believe them! I always felt happy with myself after reading about them, thinking, "If I had lived back then I would be one of the few smarter ones who were faithful to God." Oh how blind I was! (And still am.)

Constantly, constantly, I am live out those same attributes possessed by Israelites that I looked down upon so much. In Psalm 78:41 David says of the Israelites, "Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel."

Again and again I limit what the Lord would do in my life if only I obeyed.

Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

I am saved from ultimate punishment for my sins, and always I will be. But I do not want to waist my time here on earth. “Let me see what I have that will ‘abide the fire.’” – Susannah Spurgeon

Those works are some times compared to fruit on a tree; good fruit, good tree, or bad fruit, bad tree. Psalm 1 says that those who delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that giving fruit in it's season, it's leaf shall not wither, and whatever it does shall prosper!

When we plant ourselves close to the Living Water we will grow, and flourish. Just as He wills for us to do.

"Jesus died as He had lived–praying, forgiving, loving, sacrificing, trusting, quoting Scripture. If I die as I have lived, how will I die?" – Nancy Leigh DeMoss

(On a total different note -though it still is about plants- there is a seed give away going on that you might like. Gotta blog about it to enter so sorry for the randomness. =)

Nothing Much, Or Something Great?

'I want to do something great for God! But day after day goes by, and what am I accomplishing for my King?' Have you ever thought something like that. I have.

You can serve Him now, you don't have to waist your life in thinking of what you intend to do tomorrow as if that could make up for the nothingness of today.

God doesn't see little jobs and big jobs. He sees the heart of the worker. Jesus said, "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:10)

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." -Colossians 3:17

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.' ” -Martin Luther King Jr.

What are you called to be doing?
Washing laundry? Cleaning windows? Studying? Planning dinner for your family?
Glorify God through your day-to-day, doesn't-really-matter jobs. Because they do matter.

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might." -Ecc. 9:10

You don't have to wait for grand opportunities, or for a different kind of work, but simply doing the little jobs we have to do each day. Don't wait until you're a more experienced Christian to attempt to serve God. Serve God now, and "do it with your might." Put your whole heart into it!

"Have you ever realized that you can give things to God that are of value to Him? Or are you just sitting around daydreaming about the greatness of His redemption, while neglecting all the things you could be doing for Him? I'm not referring to works which could be regarded as divine and miraculous, but ordinary, simple human things - things which would be evidence to God that you are totally surrendered to Him." -Oswald Chambers

When we do our "little jobs" with our might it is not in our own self, But through Christ! Our "might" in the Lord of Heaven and Earth!

May we each day seek His help. Through prayer and faith, and when go though each day doing things for His glory and with all our might, then may we wait upon the Lord for His blessing.

When we serve Christ with our all nothing is done in vain!

Wilt Love Me? Trust Me? Praise Me? by Amy Carmichael

O thou beloved child of My desire,
Whether I lead thee through green valleys,
By still waters,
Or through fire,
Or lay thee down in silence under snow,
Through any weather, and whatever
Cloud may gather,
Wind may blow—
Wilt love Me? trust Me? praise Me?
No gallant bird, O dearest Lord, am I,
That anywhere, in any weather,
Rising singeth;
Low I lie.
And yet I cannot fear, for I shall soar;
Thy love shall wing me, blessed Saviour.
So I answer:
I adore;
I love Thee, trust Thee, praise Thee.

People, Problems, Prayer

I was gone for a while. Let me say, there are a lot of pros to not having the internet! I’ve had a lot of time to think and pray. And I’m not to sure if this blog post I’m writing will in anyway further your walk with Christ, though I hope it will. I think this is more of a vent for me at the moment. To tell the truth, the main reason for this blog was simply to write out things I hope to learn and am going through.

Now, enough sprawling thoughts, onto the post: People, Problems, Prayer.

The reason I haven’t had internet access is because I’ve been traveling. Albeit, I see strangers every day, seeing the many different people from all different places made me hurt. I hurt because I thought of the many souls who were lost and didn’t know what (or for Whom) they were searching, and the many more people who thought they had found the answers yet were just as lost as the others. It made me think of my cousins, friends, and others relatives who do not know Jesus as their Savior and Lord, going down a path that only brings them closer and closer to destruction.

All too often I come to loss. And I begin to wonder “Should I have started up a conversation with that person?”, “I could have shared the gospel with them. Why didn’t I?” “Why have the seeds I’ve planted never brought forth fruit?”

I know that God cares for each and every one of the sparrows, and He cares for each person abundantly more than any sparrow. The Spirit reminds me that no matter how much or how little I share ultimately it makes no difference, I am only a tool. It is His Spirit that draws people to Him, not me. If He uses me, praise the Lord.

However if I continue to obey the commission given to us (‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations’) I can believe He will be faithful to perform His promises.

"He continually goes forth bearing seed seed for sowing shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his with him". Ps 126:6 "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much" Lk 16:10 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Mt 7:7
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Gal 6:9

The words like 'faithful' and 'continually' pop out at me. I remember once, listening to a sermon, I heard something that made me think. The pastor said, 'Bareness is the soil in which God grows desperation and a sense of need.' A while ago I posted this video because it was such a wonderful reminder to me to never lose heart. If I sow and another reaps do they get the greater job? Certainly not! If another sows and I reap still I have done nothing, but the Lord works mightily through our weaknesses!

 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."

Bareness can be such a gift! It is like 'the gift of tears', the gift of drawing us closer the the feet of our mighty God sitting on His high thrown!

Praise God for giving us the powerful gift of prayer! The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much! (James 5:16b)

My Hiding Place

I am lost. . . He is the Way! John 14:6

I am weak. . . He is my Strength! Psalm 27:2

I stumble. . . He is a firm foundation! 1 Cor. 3:11, Ps. 62:1-2

I have failed. . . He is Victorious! John 16:33

I am a slave to myself and my sin. . . He has broken all chains. Romans 8:37, 2 Cor 5:17

I will run away. . . He will come for me. Isaiah 40:11,

I will leave you. . . He shall stay. Deuteronomy 7:9,

I am forsaken. . . He will take care of me! Psalm 27:10

I feel useless. . . He has a plan for my life! Jeremiah 29:11

I cannot see. . . He showed me His Light. John 14:19, Psalm 27:1

The Lord is so good! (And that's a huge understatement.) Spend time with your Creator today. Make Him your All in all. Seek His will for you in His Word, the Bible, daily. Come before His throne in prayer each day. Taste and see that the Lord is good!

The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
as long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.

Amen!

I have prayed that every one who comes to my blog and finds this video will be convicted by the Holy Spirit and understand the Truth. Please watch the entire sermon. It is well worth it. God Bless you! -Ashlin