Category: Faith

(Photo cred:  Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash)

Why is unpacking the pits?  There is all the anticipation of getting ready for a trip. And then it’s over. And while packing can be stressful at times, unpacking is the worst. Am I right?

Each time I unpack I question why I feel the need to bring SO much stuff on vacation. I mean, I get needing some choices, but three choices per day is a bit excessive. And come on, I NEVER wear those shoes so why now all of the sudden the urgency to bring that pair along?

What type of unpacker are you?  Are you the get-it-done-so-fast unpacker?  It doesn’t matter where all the stuff is put up as long as you can’t see it anymore.  Sound familiar?

Or are you the leave-it-sitting-for-weeks unpacker?  You might as well wait to use it or wear it before you put it up, right?  Plus, it’s all neat and tidy in that suitcase sitting in the corner.

Or maybe you are the take-your-time-and-do-it-right unpacker. You do the tough stuff now like wash and fold the clothes, and you go ahead and put away the million travel items you can’t leave home without. Is this you?  If so, I’m giving you a high five right now!🤚🏻

(Photo cred:  Me on my iPhone)

I started thinking about this as I stared at my unpacked suitcase  (one that is still sitting neatly in the corner). Unpacking is hard because there is work to be done. It takes extra time to do it well. Most times it requires a lot of washing and sorting before the items can be put back where they belong.

But isn’t this concept a lot like life?

What needs unpacking in your life?  What are you keeping stuffed neatly inside your “suitcase” because unpacking it might require work, be stressful, or even cause some anxiety?

This summer has been a time of unpacking for me (emotionally and not physically obviously). I’ve been looking inside myself and unfolding some wadded up mistruths about myself and my identity. It can be overwhelming at first and can certainly take way more time than shoving it in a corner, but the real truths I’m learning about me from God are oh so beautiful…and hard…but liberating!! 🙌🏻

Philippians 2:12-13

“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

I am not alone. God is ready to help me clear out my suitcase and unpack some things.  But it’s my choice to get started. And from there, that’s where I must give control to God (fully) and allow Him to restore my soul and put my stuff in order, where it belongs…and not hidden in a suitcase.

He transforms me.  He gives me grace. He wants to use my life for His purpose. And He wants the same for you.

(Photo cred:  Andy Fitzsimon and Dan Gold on Unsplash)

What needs unpacking in your life?  Will you make the choice to start today?

Ashley

~Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

Expect more?  Well this sounds interesting.  I bet you might be thinking…please explain to me why I should expect more. More what exactly?

In my mind, I know how my life should play out, and I believe I know what should happen.  I have a plan, I am prepared, and I want control over my outcome. I can see the way life should look clearly in my mind. How about you?  Well, let’s talk through this together.

Where should we start?  It’s best to start straight from the Source, the Word.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

 

 

 

 

(Photo cred:  Morgan Sarkissian on Unsplash)

Does anyone else’s mind play tricks on them?  The mind is such a beautiful thing, but it can also get us into trouble. Just like our bodies are what we eat, our minds become a reflection of what we feed them. So what is your mind full of?  Are you feeding it the good stuff or caving into cultural cravings?

God calls us into training so that our minds may be fully given over to Him. Transformation starts with the mind and this requires an intentional choice.  So how do we train our minds?

Anytime I think of training I think of running. I have a love/hate relationship with running, but it’s my sanity.

Here are my Top Tips for Training:

1. Commit to actually doing it
2. Set a goal
3. Map out a plan
4. Just do it!  And do it even when you don’t feel like it…especially when you don’t feel like it.

These same principles can be applied to a transformation of the mind.

1. You start with a CHOICE. I am going to surrender my mind and my control to God.
2. Goal?  I want to completely surrender control by placing my full trust in God and allowing Him to work out His perfect plan for my life.
3. How?  This is your plan. What will you commit to doing every day to surrender to Him?  For me, it has been getting up early and giving Him my first fruits of time. I spend time in scripture, prayer, and journaling which has deepened my relationship with Him. I get to experience with my heart what my head already knew.
4. Commit to the follow through and do not allow life to get in the way. I’m learning that in order to live life fully I must seek Him FIRST…not just when I am in crisis or when it’s convenient.

(Photo cred:  Unsplash)

We are running the good race. We can choose the course of the world and find ourselves running ourselves ragged in circles with no finish in sight. Or, we can run God’s course and run right into His arms.

Philippians 3:14

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

And remember…It’s not a sprint but an endurance race. However, make sure you are stretching yourself outside of your comfort zone. Take moments to just breathe in the air and take it all in.

Don’t forget to nourish yourself daily with the food of the Spirit. There will be times in the race where you are stuck on the side sucking in air just wondering when the next breath will come. You may have to stop running and walk…or even crawl for a bit. Other times you may be sprinting effortlessly.

(Photo cred:  Kolleen Gladden on Unsplash)

The point is, never lose sight of the promised finish line where God will welcome us home. Set your mind on the eternal victory that He has promised His believers. Everyone’s race is different. Cheer each other on. Lift each other up. God is running this race right beside you, yearning for you to notice Him.

But do NOT allow the road bumps and obstacles of this life to overwhelm you.

Keep training, friend. God wants your mind focused on Him so that you can experience and EXPECT MORE…. hope and peace. I miss out on so much because I lose my focus and allow my expectations to define my experiences. I get distracted by how I think life should be. I get stuck in comparison of others and seeking worldly hope. Power, prestige, wealth, popularity…none of this will give me what my heart desires…only You, Lord, are my prize at the finish line.

Help me to expect more HOPE in You!

Ashley

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

~Psalm 118:24

(Photo cred: Mohsen Shenavari on Unsplash)

Do you ever find yourself wondering exactly what IS your life’s purpose?  At this point of contemplation you most likely are buried under a mound of laundry, or cradling a fussy baby, or maybe you have just watched your baby walk off into a life of their own and you are dreaming of the days of laundry and fussy babies.

All I know is that most of us find ourselves questioning our purpose in the middle of this confusing world. Now that I’m in my 40s and can better appreciate the gift of precious time, I desperately want to be confident in my purpose. Been there, too?

As I reflect on my own life, I find myself going to a place of doubt. Don’t get me wrong, I am super blessed with an amazing family, successful career, and the best support system. But should I be doing more?  Should there be more to my career?  Why am I tired and unmotivated at the moment?  Am I reaching the top or wearing myself out in the process?

(Photo cred:  Will Prada on Unsplash)

*STOP*  God calls us to be still.  Am I striving to be fulfilled by a purpose as defined by the world or by His purpose?  The world tells us we need more power, more prestige, more accolades, more recognition, MORE…MORE…MORE.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready to hop off this hamster wheel of “more.” God promises that we are ENOUGH in Him. Know what that means?

It means we must stop defining our life’s purpose through the lens of the world and start defining our purpose through the lens of TRUTH.  

Want to know your purpose?  It’s to love the Lord, share His Truth, live it out, and love others. PERIOD.

I was recently talking with a girlfriend who found herself asking this same question. What is my purpose?  I think she also questions the importance of what she’s currently doing. Funny thing is…I’ve always admired her as a fun mama with such kind, well-mannered children. How does she do it?  Not only does she do motherhood so well, but she works part-time in an assisted living facility with patients who have reached their final stages of life. In her true fashion, she talks about how much her sweet patients have shown her about life and walking in faith. And yet, I know what a blessing she is for all of them. Her sweet smile lights up a room, and her kindness seeps out of her pores. What a gift!  You see, my friend has a specific and God-given purpose to raise her children in love and Truth, all while spreading His goodness to others.

(Photo cred:  Cristian Newman)

God calls us to serve Him, share His goodness, and love well in all sorts of ways. I am reminded to be intentional in my daily walk and life with Him.

Does someone come to mind who has impacted your life and is living their purpose well?  My challenge to you is to tell them!  Write a note, pick up the phone, share with them what a blessing they are to you.

Ashley

Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

(Photo cred:  Ben White on Unsplash)

I recently briefly shared my struggle with anxiety but have yet to go into more detail about the journey. Inviting people into your life struggles can be overwhelming and intimidating. And yet, that is EXACTLY what God is calling us to do. That is what community and accountability are all about.

With this on my heart, I was at a point in my personal study of scripture where I had a choice about what’s next. I finished reading 1 Corinthians recently and reluctantly started 2 Corinthians. (Don’t ask me why I wasn’t excited to go there, but yet I felt like that’s where I needed to be.)

Yes, as always, God used His living, breathing Word, to further implant His Truth about my anxiety on my heart. Before I get to 2 Corinthians, though, I want to talk about Philippians where Paul tells us that he has learned to be content no matter what his situation. And let’s just say his situation was difficult to say the least. My breath prayer verse comes soon after, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) This verse I uttered countless times during a period of extreme difficulty in my life. At the time, I didn’t really feel it, but I said it anyways.

While my circumstances most definitely change, God does not. Ever. He is with me, with You, through EVERYTHING. How many days do you think, I cannot go any further?  And yet, God says His strength is enough. He’s calling us to tap into it because He knows we cannot do this on our own.

In 2 Corinthians chapter 1, I was reminded that God provides comfort in all my troubles, but He does not stop there. There is no period yet. He goes on to say I am comforted SO THAT I can then turn around and comfort others from this gift that I have received. I must allow others into my life, share my journey and my struggles with them, and be bold and brave.

Why?? (There’s that question again) SO THAT others can see God’s Hand upon my life. SO THAT I might not rely on myself or become prideful but rather understand God’s redemptive work in my life.

As Christians, you and I have been sealed by the Holy Spirit.  We don’t have to wonder or be afraid of how this all ends. Our hope is actually a guarantee of what’s to come, eternal life in heaven with Him. We can know this daily and daily I’m reminded that I NEED Him.

What gives me so much comfort, and honestly leaves me a bit overwhelmed, is that the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is the same Spirit that now lives within me.

Romans 8:11

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”

(Photo cred:  Billy Pasco on Unsplash)

God is ready to meet you and I right where we are SO THAT we can be transformed in and through Him. He wants our focus to be on Him and not the things of this world. So is it?  How am I spending my resources?  Where does he fit into my life?

I needed to inventory my idols, and when I did, the following three idols came to mind much too easily:

Anxiety

Technology/Social Media

Busyness

God wants my first fruits. He doesn’t want my leftovers.

Lord, help me to invest ALL of me into our relationship SO THAT my life will show others Your glory and promise.

Amen

Ashley

~Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

How many times do we ask ourselves this question in a state of exasperation?  Why??  Well, this morning, it was the first thing that came to my mind.

You see, as an adult, I have had to battle anxiety, and the frustrating part of all of it is that my anxiety can show up at the most ironic times….like my days “off.” Why now? What am I afraid of?

I am so thankful for mornings where I can be lazy with no time constraints. Yet what is the FIRST thing I do this morning? I spend 30+ mins scrolling through social media so I can just “relax.” (Yeah, right.)

While I’m doing this, I’m constantly analyzing how much time I have until I need to get moving so I can get my to do list done. Why can’t I just put my phone down and enjoy the quiet? Why do I have to continually be filling my time with something? How do I shut off my brain??? It’s the anxiety.

Interestingly enough, in true God fashion, my scripture reading this morning was from Philippians 4. Verses 6-7 say, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Why anxiety for me? Maybe it’s a blessing? Just maybe, God is using my anxiety to remind me to how much I need Him in my life, no matter the circumstance. Through giving my anxiety to Him daily, I will find my road to peace. It is my anxiety that keeps me close to Him. And it is only through Jesus (not scrolling through social media) where I will receive complete peace and rest.

Verses 8-9 tell me:

Make a choice.
Pray with a thankful heart.
Train my thoughts to focus on helpful things.
Practice Christ-like behavior.

THEN the peace of God will be with me.

(Photo cred: Amy Treasure on Unsplash)

In Him,

Ashley

Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

It’s been just over a year ago now that I heard a sermon by my good friend, Rev Mark Gooden, on how God calls each of us to come to His table. It was shortly after this sermon that my FB group called Come To The Table was born and soon thereafter my blog Come2theTable.

As I reflect on this past year, I am amazed at how God has used this idea to grow me personally…but in ways that were not what I expected. You see, in my mind this idea was going to become a platform for me to reach the masses for God. At the time I was reading all sorts of books by Christian authors who had managed to create big brands…so why not me?  This was just the beginning, and I knew it. God DID have great plans for me.

And He does…just not in the way I had imagined. You see, all along God knew what lay ahead. He WAS calling me to His table, but a much smaller one than my mind had envisioned. This table would not be on a stage in front of filled auditoriums or be full of best selling books (told you I had dreams). No, this table was perfectly set for me.

Several weeks ago I made the decision to give my relationship with Christ my first fruits. This means waking up early during the week to pray, to spend time in the Word, and to journal. Since the weather has been nice, I have been sitting on this tiny little porch off our bedroom that can only hold a very small two person table. It’s the perfect spot for some quiet time.

On a recent morning, I was able to thumb through my journal and was reminded of where this journey began. And as I was reminiscing about Come To the Table, it suddenly was so clear in my mind that THIS table is right where God wants me to be….no audience, just the two of us.

He needed and wanted me to sit with Him alone, at our table for two. It is at this table where He prepares my heart and has started the transformation process in me. In sharing what I am learning through our relationship journey, I hope I may help others see Him more clearly as well.

Where are you meeting with God in your life?  Is He inviting you, too, to a small table just for 2?

Know when you meet Him there the Holy Spirit will work through you to walk more in sync with Him.

Will you come to the table?

Ashley

Psalm 118:24

”This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

(Photo credit:   Biel Morro on Unsplash)

Just when I think the road ahead is smooth and straight, life throws in a few twists and turns. Several months ago I found myself at a one of life’s crossroads. I was having a hard time reconciling my reality with my faith.

In looking in my rear view mirror, I can see God was actively loving me through a crossroad, just as He always does. I can turn around and see His footprints along the path and can recognize that I was traveling alongside God who would use this specific journey for His purpose in my life. I can see the many crossroads of my past and am able to appreciate how God led me through each one in His own time and for His own purpose.  My reality was growing my faith in preparation for His purpose.

While crossroads can be overwhelming, they can also fill your soul in ways you never thought possible. I am someone that craves depth in my relationships with others. But have you been in a place in your life where busyness got in the way of true connection with others?  Are you currently craving a more intimate relationship with your spouse?

As I reflect on my marriage, I realize that the season of life we are in with young kids can leave me craving more…more alone time, more communication, more spiritual connectivity.

While I didn’t realize it immediately, God began fulfilling this spiritual craving in my marriage in the midst of a very uncertain time for us as a family. We felt God calling our family to pursue a new direction in following Him but could not understand why.  We were intentionally seeking patience (not a gift of mine) in order to clearly see the path He was paving for us, and hoping we would come out of the crossroad with our circumstances unchanged and on the same path. Until we didn’t.

Hours and hours of conversation with one another led us to prayerfully discern our next steps, re-evaluate our beliefs, and turn to the Word. The result?  An unexpected crossroad that led to a new path, but one that has left us closer to each other, and more importantly, closer to Him!

(Photo credit:  Tim Gouw on Unsplash)

Do you find yourself in the midst of uncertainty?  Are you questioning why you are stuck in a crossroad and anxious to be on the other side?  I have no doubt God is using this time to prepare you for the other side. This period could be a short red light on your journey of life or it could be a more epic traffic jam. But no matter the length of time, God is calling all of us to depend solely on Him, the one true Navigator.

Is He calling you to be still in the moment? (Someone teach me how to be still please.) Seems simple, right?  Trust me. It’s not. I recently was encouraged to be still and clear my mind for 2 minutes at a time four times a day. My brain has such a hard time shutting off. But when it can, it is so freeing!!  God wants me to let go of the steering wheel, quit fretting over all the traffic and noise, and allow Him the control so I can truly focus on the beauty of life. Sounds amazing, huh?  So why do I have such a hard time letting go? (Que Frozen’s “Let It Go.”  Stuck in your head?  You’re welcome!)

(Photo credit:  Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

I will take each day one step at a time to try and release control over to You, Lord. May you continue to pursue me and encourage me to lay my fears and anxieties at Your feet. Help me to be okay with not seeing beyond the next step and to be confident in knowing You are walking alongside me. Thank you for Your eternal promises, promises we may not fully grasp this side of heaven. Lord, continue to guide me through the crossroads of my life as I use these times of transition and reflection to grow more spiritually in tune with You.

In Your Name,

Amen ❤️

~Psalm 118:24

”This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

1.  Surrender of Control 

If I got bonus points for attempting to control all that life throws at me, I would be acing this test called life. Anyone else struggle with letting go (cue Elsa and you’re welcome for now having that song stuck in your head)?  

(Photo credit: Gabriel Benois on Unsplash)

Because life often throws curve balls our way, I think we hold on to anything and everything that we can control. But let’s address this lie of control. It’s a bit like trying to hold a fistful of sand. Your fist starts off full of sand, but all the while the grains are just slipping away…until you are left holding nothing. Have you ever felt defeated or hopeless?  Are you too busy grasping at the worldly things around you?  So. Much. Energy. 

You know that saying…God will never give you more than you can handle?  I beg to differ, and maybe you will, too. But whatever you do, please do NOT use this phrase as a source of encouragement for someone in the depths of despair. 

You see, I feel like the WORLD gives us more than we can handle. Sin is a part of this life journey, so that means we will at times find ourselves in the face of darkness. I believe God allows these moments because He understands we can’t handle them on our own, but HE certainly can. He uses the darkness to pull us toward the Light. He so desires for us to trust in Him and acknowledge that we are not enough and certainly are not in control.

Will you join me in laying down the need for control at His feet? (This will be a daily re-commitment for me.)

2.  Faith in His Word

Have you experienced God’s Word being challenged by the world?  My heart has been heavy recently over the liberties being taken with Scripture. Let me be forthcoming in saying that I believe the Bible to be fully inspired by God, a living and breathing Word of God, and just as relevant today as it was when it was written.

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” ~Mathew 6:14-17. 

We are consuming so much of the world that it can become daunting to filter through it all.  What is truth?  Does being socially acceptable matter? What is important?  

(Photo credit: Nicate Lee on Unsplash)

When life has me going in exhausting circles, I need to remind myself to hop off the dizzy disc and dive into Scripture to recalibrate. But why even get on the dizzying ride to begin with?  You see, I think God is continually calling our names, longing to be in a constant, daily relationship with Him. This keeps us grounded.  His Word helps steady us in a dizzy world.

Am I willing to put down my phone, turn off the TV, find a quiet place (or just a place), and open His Word?  Each time I do, He fills my soul. ❤️

3.  All of Me

God can’t use little ole me, right?  I mean, who am I?  I certainly am not a Biblical scholar and my weaknesses often consume me. What could He possibly need me for? 

We must STOP focusing on US and instead turn to Him. We have to open ourselves up to Him. He needs YOU for His Kingdom. You and I may not be changing the world in arenas or on a stage…but we must start changing the world one person at a time…right here in our own communities. It starts with saying YES to God and allowing Him to transform our lives. We can’t sell ourselves short because that means we don’t have enough faith in Him to do ALL things in our life through Him.

(Photo credit: Nathan McBride on Unsplash)

If I’m honest, I’m wrestling with where God is leading our family in community with Him. How is he calling me to serve Him? Am I willing to be uncomfortable?  To change the projected course?  How do I best honor Him in the mundane?  What I do know is that He wants ALL of me and not just my leftovers. 

I’m going to end with a prayer.  You see, I’m learning to be okay with the wrestling because it is through the pulls and tugs that my spiritual life is growing. 

Dear God,

You have asked me to take off my dirty, stained clothing in order to put on Your beautiful and perfect garments. Who doesn’t love new clothing?  So why do I cling to these old rags?  Once I start to identify these stains for what they are, I can begin to recognize that they are no longer a part of who I am. Lord, help me to ditch these stained garments for the pure linens you are offering me in Your Name. Thank you for continually reminding me that I am worthy of this transformation. 

In Your Name I pray,

Amen 

Ashley

”This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!” ~Psalm 118:24