God... Through Our Own Eyes...

I attened Elevate Doral last week, let me tell you, AWESOME! It was smaller than the group at Cooper City, but it had a feel all its own. Smaller more intimate group. We did the usual meet and greet and dinner followed by the split of men and women. In our group we were following a book and the corralated questions. One of the questions was, If you could see an image of God in your life right now... What does that image look like. A few girls shared their answers, and it was then that i realized, who jesus is to me... how Jesus looks to me... everything about my relationship with Christ is different than the person sitting beside me. When i think about Jesus, I see him as he was to me when I first discovered him, and who he is to me now. If you have a chance, hit up youtube.com and check out the video EVERYTHING by Lifehouse.

It shows a young girl walking with God, following in him all the ways he shows her. Then a man comes, and pulls her a bit away from God. Then comes a man with money and they create a line between her and her God. Then comes a drunk girl, followed by a thin "model" esq girl. Each person stands behind one another, and with each person come a greater and greater distance between God and this girl. Finally it shows this girl down on her knees holding a gun to her head.. it shows as she throws the gun down and fights through these people in attempts to get back to Jesus. It takes a few blows and throws to the ground. At one point the girls falls on the ground and it loooks as though these people will devour her. Then Jesus comes up, and in an almost effortless fashion throws them to the ground and dusts the girl off.

That is my idea of Jesus. Every present. Even when I distance myself, he always will come in and be the hero. How do you view your Jesus?

Dark Knight

Im not one for movies with big hype around them. I'll usually wait until they come out in Blockbuster. Waiting in crazy lines, $10.00 before popcorn... no thanks. well i gave in and saw Dark Knight... It was AMAZINGGGGGG. Invest the 10.00, you wont be disappointed, I promise! :D

Broken...

Main Entry: bro·ken Pronunciation: \ˈbrō-kən\ adjective
1: violently separated into parts : shattered2: damaged or altered by breaking: as a: having undergone or been subjected to fracture bof land surfaces : being irregular, interrupted, or full of obstacles c: violated by transgression

When I think of broken, I envision myself as a 6 year old child dropping the glass that my mother told me not to touch... little did I know, that 12 years later, God would reveal to me a diffrent meaning of broken.

I have never been much of a boaster... but coming into my college experience I was overly confident that dispite the normal college behaviors, I could and would surpass temptation and keep my feet planted firmly on the ground. But I've learned something, as most people tend to do, that the enemy works in tricky ways, and sometimes... that ground that you think your planted upon really isnt a ground at all.. and when you least expect it... you fall.

I guess in a short month I have learned more about myself and my relationship with God that I ever have. Ive learned that just because you are strong, does not mean you willl not fall. It is much strronger of a person to run from temptation that to try and stand up to it... and that even when you think the world has turned its back on you, and your mistakes will swallow you whole... god places his hand on your shoulder and picks you back up.

Thats what Ive learned... that even in my moments when I leave God, he never leaves me. As Matt Miller once said, "Your either taking steps towards the cross or away from it". It took me a while to reach out to someone I trusted, but more importantly someone who would understand and not judge me. To that person, you have warmed my heart and made me realize things I wouldnt have realized without you.

Why Im choosing to write this now? Im not too sure... I just know that no matter how strong a person you are, or how strong your relationship with God is... away from church, the word and around wrong people, you will falll... you will break.... but when you do... god is always there to pick up the pieces. Dont judge, or lecture to those around you making poor decisions.. instead offer a hug and a smile and tell them you love them... sometimes... it can make all the diffrence.

Paitence is a virtue... that I don't possess

Throughout my life I have heard more times than I can count "Ashley be paitent" "Everything will happen in time" The bible teaches us to be paitent and to trust everything in God's hands and God's timing. I know from my life that all of us have certain spiritual strengths and weaknesses... paitence is NOT a strength of mine. Sometimes in life I feel like I wait... and wait... and wait. Have you ever felt like you've waited for things in your life, and no matter how much you want it, or how hard you pray it just doesnt come???

Scotty Kenneally

This is Mr. Scott Kenneally... I've decided to blog tonight about him. Because of his recent surgery he and his amazing wife Shannon have been on my mind... im thinking it.. so im going to share it... its my blog.. i have that power :D

One thing you have to know... The day I met Scott I instantly liked him. Have you ever met that one person in your life that you just connected with from the moment you saw them. For starters... our sarcastic, somewhat harsh humor is something we share. I am extremely sarcastic, as is he... we rag on each other constantly and its all in good fun. Also, we are not only bonded for life as brother and sister in Christ, but in Football and Baseball. We are die hard Red Sox fans... "Born into it" right Scott?? We both grew up in suburbs in Mass... and well... we just get each other. But this post is not to convey Scott's humor nor his incredible intelligence to love the greatest team EVER... no... for one Im going to go a little deeper into who he is and the impact he has made on my life.

This is the Scott i think of when i think of Scott Kenneally ^. Goofball....

Hospitals bonded Scott and I from the beginning of our friendship. My mother was sent to the hospital for 3 days due to complications relating to her diabeties. I didnt leave her side, and through this ordeal Shannon and scott were going through alot of health problems of their own.

At this point, I didnt know Scott all that well... Well sure enough... 6am here comes scott through the emergency room with 4 bags in tow. One filled with magazines, gum, mouthwash, a toothbrush, dedorant, face wash, and snacks. Another bag filled with soda, water and gatorade. A sweatshirt in one hand and a venti white chocolate mocha from starbucks.... The thing is, no one knows what Scott did for me that day. Thats not who he is... he doesnt boast about what he does for others... he just does it. Doesnt ask, just does. He is truly a living man exemplifying Christ.

Scott was hit by a drunk driver a few years ago while he was driving his motorcycle. Because of that accident his life changed forever. He met the love of his life... but his right ankle was severely damaged. After therapy and unlimited pain, he went in for repair surgery July 1, 2008.

Here is a picture of Scott's ankle, post-surgery. The sicko was probally taking this on his iphone as hes all drugged up. Keep in mind I first saw this picture when I was eating... yum.

The point of all this was my conversation with Scott today. We did the usually how are you, how are you deal. He talked to me about his pain and things throughout his day and I replied with my answers. I have had a rough few days and Scott is well aware of this... So while this man is bound to his pain in at times, unbareable pain, do you know what he asks me?? What can I do for you? What do you need? Do you need a break? Do you want to come over and talk to Shan and I?

i must say... it doesnt take much for me to be stunned, but scott is known for that effect on people ;). I know he will read this eventually and be modest and say its not that big of a deal... you would do the same.... It is a big deal. You and Shannon are truly an inspiration to me. We will be friends for life... thank you for everything Scotty. Love ya...

Heres A Thought...

I was thinking tonight about blogging. I truly never expected anyone to ever read my blog, now that I realized some people actually take the time to read it I thought, Hey... why not blog about people individually. Sometimes an entire day can be consumed with my thought on that one person. So for a little while.. once in a while... I will blog about one person.... Lets see the reaction!!

Mind too full to Sleep...

Do you ever just have those nights where you mind, heart, and soul just feel so completely filled? Tonight the culimnation of everything I have been thinking, dreading, hoping for, missing, wanting, fearing has finally caught up with me. God and I have a funny relationship. I am a control freak. Im a fixer. Im a worrier. I am all these things that God has made me to be, yet it is the opposite of what I should be. My biggest spiritual problem is letting go and letting God work. I think that if i can do it all, i wont be "bothering" God.

Im not the nicest person to be around when im upset, and lately I have not been myself. I guess i just need to throw myself into his word... trust... and let God do the rest. I know his plans are so much better than the ones I have for myself. Its just about waiting... praying... and being faithful. I have seen God bless my life in so many areas I have no doubt he will continue to care for me, I just ask for your prayers and encouragement... and thank you to those who still love me even when i can be a handfull.... i really do love you so much.