wet nails

The best way to dry nails - update the 'ole blog.

I selected a bluish-grey color for this week. It reminds me of autumn. Rather, it mirrors the color of the sky for the next several months. I don't mind the gloom. Clouds are an introverts friend. Especially after today - cloudy, leaves changing color, rain splattering again the window. It's the mood to feel inspired my friends! ;)

Currently listening to the album "Le Fil" by Camille. Although I'm a few years behind in discovering her, the album has awakened a new love for French pop music! Thanks Aline for the tunes!

This week I'm working on preparing a talk for an upcoming purity conference. Although I am passionate about the seriousness that surrounds purity/self-worth/image/etc - - I chuckle that I now find myself in the position of being the poster-child for purity. I would be mucho blessed for prayers as I prep for these conferences.

This is what I have so far. "Hi. My name is Ashley. I'm 23 years old and a virgin"...

How's that for an attention-getter?? ;)

damien és rosie

you stay there. i'll sit here.

we'll both unzip our hearts.

the american. a hungarian.

words and worlds apart.

a poem for an old friend.

debacle

Loooong day. I've been encamped at a Starbucks in Nowheresville, USA accomplishing a multitude of important tasks all afternoon. Currently closing in on hour #5, I'm curious as to if my backside will be permanently influencing the landscape of this cushion. 

Musical indulgences of the afternoon: Eluvium, Mum, Dustin O'Halloran, Damien Rice, Erin Austin, and the like. 

Quote of the Day: "The thing is to understand myself, to see what God really wants me to do; the thing is to find a truth which is true for me, to find the idea for which I can live and die"...as penned by Danish thinker, Søren Kierkegaard...

Daily Debacle: Yes, I am using the word "debacle". It's a new fav to toss randomly (yet strategically) into everyday conversation. 

Anywoo, the debacle today is why (oh why) do we choose to get into a tizzy over the most meaningless things? Today, I very snarkily (a derivative of the word "snarky") snapped at the barista in Starbucks. Why? Long story short...because she wouldn't give me the treat receipt discount even though I had already purchased a drink hours earlier (but misplaced the receipt..obviously my fault). After paying full price, I sat myself down and preached myself a little sermon. "Ashley, are you kidding me? That's the battle you're choosing to fight today? Out of all the injustice in the world, you're choosing to argue for 'the treat receipt cause'??" Exemplifying the love of Christ...(insert sarcasm here)...

After a quick heart evaluation, I humbly marched myself back up to the counter and apologized. Simple interpersonal interaction? Yes, yet...coupled with a myriad of underlying lessons to be learned. Goes to show how this journey is continual growing process...

Speaking of legitimate causes. Check out http://mycharitywater.org/jth

Love God, Love People.

to commence

to commence: to begin

it's definitely the beginning of something, i just have yet to figure that one out. have you ever felt the need to detach yourself from the routinely grind of life? to embark on a fresh adventure, filled with...uncertainties?

as strange as it may sound, that's the direction in which i am currently heading will full force. just this past week i left my job of 2 years for some serious R&R. i'm not typically one to leave life up to so much uncertainty. i much rather prefer to have those 'ducks in a row', yet when the Lord moves us in a new direction...we best follow.

what i've concluded is that i am due for a much needed sabbatical. it's so easy to get caught up in the busyness and routine that we begin to miss out on some key elements in life and begin to lose focus of the TRUE calling that God has for us...thus the Lord has made it clear to me that it's time for some reevaluation and rest...

what might you ask will i be filling all this time with?

well...QT with the Big Man upstairs (aka. ample amounts of time for communion with the Lord), cultivating my gifts (creative endeavors), savoring God's creation, physical rest, edifying the mind (aka. sitting down with a good book and indulging!), having fellowship with those people i love, etc.

i don't know why the Lord led me into this season but i am confident in His plan...

psalm 37:7..."be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him"

risky business

I love adventure. Or at least I think I do. Perhaps I thrive more on the thrill of discovering a new destination or experiencing/participating in that which I typically wouldn't ever do...

Anyways. I've noted that although many might believe me to be adventurous in deed/action, I've found myself at times to be less likely in heart. God has recently caused me to become aware of how I often times delude myself into believing I am adventurous in heart...

Now I'm not saying adventurous = stupidity. No, no, no. My desire is to live my life as fully alive; thus why I love to meet new people, experience new places, try something I've never done before, etc...

But God has been allowing me to face risks of the heart. Now scripture says that, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" (Proverbs 4:23). I am a firm believer in protecting your heart (especially us women in relationships). However, protecting your heart doesn't equate shutting others out at the chance they might someday cause pain. Relationships are a risk. And yes, discernment is needed in regards to whether the continuation of some relationships is healthy. However, risk of the heart is sometimes necessary as it calls for complete reliance and trust in God...and His plan for our interpersonal relationships...

"I hold it true, whate'er befall

I feel it, when I sorrow most

'Tis better to have loved and lost

Than never to have loved at all"

-Alfred Tennyson (1850)

Ponder that.