God. Is. So. Good.

I've spent the past year church-hopping, trying to find the best fit for me in this ever-changing part of my life. I've spent all this time hoping I find a church I didn't mind going to or that I could bear; I never expected it to feel like home.

 I met Matt & April Elliot through the Domain, and they have taken over the Youth program at Good Shepherd Episcopal in Lexington. I got pushed into trying out their youth group - and fell in love. I loved the easy going, small atmosphere it provided with kids my own age. So this Sunday, I tried their 9AM Eucharist.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, it feels like home. The small congregation, style of service and clergy welcomed me in the second I stepped inside. I've spent all this time hoping to find a force-fit when I never needed to have one in the first place; Good Shepherd fits like a glove :)
It felt like  the longest day of my life (as I'm sitting here writing this post about to fall asleep at 7:27PM..) but it was so worth it. I'm excited to see where the rest of this chapter takes me as a newbie-Episcopalian but I know this has been the "what's in store for me" for so long. I've found home. I've found where I'm supposed to be. 

I'm so thankful for everyone in my life who's had a hand in this step in my life. It's a new chapter, but an exciting one. 

All my love for a safe and wonderful week. Ash.

Heartbroken

Pulling up my Fox News app to read "Breaking News: At Least 12 Dead In DC Navy Yard Shooting" made me pause in the middle of my hectic Monday and remember those who put themselves in harm's way to protect this country everyday. President Obama put it very nicely today in his address to the American people responding to the day's events.

These are men and women who were going to work, doing their job protecting all of us. They’re patriots, and they know the dangers of serving abroad, but today they faced the unimaginable violence that they wouldn’t have expected here at home. So we offer our gratitude to the Navy, local law enforcement, and the doctors who responded with skill and bravery.

After today, there will be kids who won't have their parent to help them with homework. There will be families who will mourn the loss of their brothers and sisters. There will be husbands and wives who will be widowed. There will be weddings missed and support systems broken down. When you take lives, you take away more than a paycheck. You take mentors, role models, friends.

Credit: The Washington Times

It breaks my heart that 5 days after the anniversary of 9/11, we find ourselves, yet again, mourning the loss of more Americans who are gone far too soon.

To put it frankly, this world needs Jesus. I think that's one thing we can all agree on. I hope and pray that one day we can live in a society and communities where we feel safe entering work and sending our kids off to school.

Yes, I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38 & 39

No horrific act of violence can distant our hearts from the Lord. If that isn't comforting, I don't  know what is. 

God bless America. 

9/11 and Psalm 23

Although I was too young to fully remember 9/11 and tragic events that played out that day, I have come to understand the story and appreciate the heroes that embodied everything I hope to be on that day. Reflecting on that day, I decided to watch George W. Bush's presidential address the night of September 11th; at the end, Bush hopes and prays that the American people will be comforted by "a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages" depicted in Psalm 23. 

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

12 years later I still feel comforted and assured by these words. Today, I pray for the lives lost, the families changed, and the country broken on September 11th. Today, I'm thankful for our service men and women who put their lives at risk everyday to defend our country against terrorism. Today, I'm thankful to be American.

All my love, Ash.

Coming Full Circle

3rd post in 3 days.. I'm feeling on top of things and it's great :) Today I signed up for the Race for the Cure with my mom and dad; I've participated in the race multiple times before but after the past year, but it has acquired an entirely new meaning. I had never had the immediate connection in my family to breast cancer, but it had clearly impacted families around me. Being able to walk with my mom this year will be something I wont ever forget.

On November 12, 2012, I would've never pictured this situation playing out the way it has. I have a new found respect for my sweet mom and all the sacrifices she makes to keep my family afloat. Those 40 days put into perspective how important she is to me and how amazing of a woman she is. She put on her bravest face for me & my brothers, when I know it was an extremely hard thing for her to do for us. Hindsight is always 20/20, and sometimes I wonder if I'd be who I am without this past year. 

I'm excited to see where this year takes my family and more importantly, my mom. I hope we continue to realize how important our time together is and continually make her feel special for who she is. 

Here's a website for you to donate if you can't make it out to the Race for the Cure on October 5th, but if you can - do! 

  

Jeremiah 29:11 always gets it right:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

 I hope y'all race for the cure. Happy Tuesday & all my love. 

Sweet Reminders

After one of the longest/most stressful/test-filled Mondays I've ever experienced, I came home to some of my favorite type of mail on the counter: Domain mail! 

I've really been in this habit of missing my friends & all the little things from camp lately; it is no fun. I thought to myself on my way to school today how pretty of a morning this would be sitting on the back porch of Patterson, talking away with my girls. I miss it more than I realize, sometimes. The sweet reminder of how close I am to another trip was just what I needed to keep me focused on school & life back at home! I'm so excited to see what's in store for not only me but everyone involved. 
2 Corinthians 17:5 is really helping me out on a day like today.

"But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded."

Hope y'all have a wonderful week. Xoxo, Ash.

Homecoming Week Insanity and A Genesis Epiphany

Homecoming week is OVER. PTL for that. I spent 10+ hours everyday (including Labor Day.. ironic?) at school, running errands and making sure everything was fully prepared for the  pep rally, game & dance.. And lemme tell you I was EXHAUSTED. And I'm rewarded with 4 tests tomorrow.. Woo Junior Year! But, it feels good to constantly be busy this year to fill the void of time left from deciding not to tryout for the volleyball team this year. I'm really happy with my choice and can't wait to see all the different things I get to do this year.

And in the midst of typing this post, my phone reminded me to read my "Essential Jesus" Bible plan on my phone. (No, I don't keep up very well sometimes.. Especially this week!) The reading for today was Genesis 12:1-9 when God calls upon Abraham to leave his country, everything he's ever known, and Abraham obeys. He is faithful to his God and knows that he has a plan; He is sovereign. I plan to spend the next week listening more than I speak. Following more than I lead. I want to relentlessly pursue a relationship with God like Abraham's.

Hope y'all had a wonderful Sunday and have an even better week. All my love, Ash.

Here's a few pictures from the Homecoming game, I was nominated to be the Junior Class Homecoming princess!

My precious Homecoming date!

Halftime

Junior Class prince and princess :)