Remarkable Secrets

It is always a delight to receive an invitation from someone whose company we enjoy. Certainly we have been invited by God to know Him, to experience Him, and to be a part of His plan. To refuse such a request seems unthinkable. The eternal, majestic God of the Univerise wants to converse with me--how can I say no?

Yet, I find myself decling God's invitation. Why? Because I am selfish; I am lured away by my own desires. I do not seek His Kingdom first; I do not seek His face. I allow myself to be distracted. I am too busy.

The Lord says, however, that I do not have to live this way. I can change. He has extended to me a wonderful call. He has given me His Spirit to enable me to accept His invitation. I can choose to enter into His secret chamber; I can choose to spend time with friends interceding for what God lays on our hearts and for what will bring Him glory.

I want God's very best. I want to know Him, and I want to see Him act. 

"Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come." Jeremiah 33:3

How tragic to miss out on any of God's remarkable secrets because I never took enough time to answer His call.

-Cynthia Heald

It's funny how after rejecting my bible for so long I stumble upon this.  God can make Himself heard, yet He desires a hearer reaching out to Him. Thus the command to “call to me!” God seeks to speak to an upturned face not a preoccupied back. 

John 13

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Right. 

Sometimes I forget that Jesus has already paid my price and I am here to do his work-  not complain about the work/life He has given me because He already told me it wouldn't be easy.  But I get to walk through it with the most understanding counselor of all. 

Worry is like a rocking chair, it is always in motion, but not going anywhere.

Whiskey flowers sway like a breath,
in the woods of our freedom they’ve stood to the test.
But you’ve fought a long time; some think it’s been too long.
But I dread this day ahead, oh I dread this day ahead.


I wouldn’t talk to you; you sat there wanting me to.
I wouldn’t listen to you, you dreamt I’d hear the truth.


The birds sing in a glorious fashion,
I move slow and talk fast as if to avoid what will happen.
But I’ve fought a long time, maybe it’s been too long.
Cause I dread this day ahead, oh I dread this day ahead.
Give me your tired, your poor. Your huddled masses.

Here are some photo's my best friend Nicole took when James and I announced our engagement at church.

I edited them and made them into a collage on photobucket!

James' family brought that super sweet cake and precious cake topper.

                      .happiness.                                 

Oh, happiness there is grace enough for us.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
I felt so brokenhearted and angry 6 months ago on my birthday. I am still putting piles and piles of letters, pictures, presents, and loose ends away that it's hard to forget and move on. I am at a standstill. Time has gone by so quickly and sometimes that is the only remedy. But when things go by so quickly and it seems that everyone has gone back to normal it's harder to move on and forget. I once heard someone talk about forgiveness . We can forgive each other but it's hard to forget because that memory will forever be there. 
Why search for love that was so far away and out of sight? I realized my search for love should have been in our heavenly Father alone. 
So I'll stand, with arms high and heart abandoned to the one who gave it all. 


God tells us, A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps Proverbs 1:33
I know it is wise to have goals in mind, but for now I will take one day at a time. I have so many new adventures awaiting me soon: a wedding, a marriage, school, a degree, new job, new family members. I am going to try to focus my attention on the unconditional and unchanging love that has always been there for me :) 

here is a special message from James and Ashley..

Dear family and friends,

If you are getting this, you are very important to us!

I have exciting news! On May 19th, we were engaged. James took Ashley on a planned treasure hunt  (aka, we went geocaching) in Coeur d'Alene Idaho. We had perfect weather, a great view, and a wonderful time. It was pretty much magical.

here is a link with a picture of the view :)

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=533b1c0b-0699-4a3a-8136-a30b2088690c

James hid a personalized cache box with a message-in-a-bottle inside! The message was a poem he wrote, and the last line read "A question comes, sweet, soft, and still...I hope the answer is- I will". Ashley was completely oblivious to what was going on, especially when James awkwardly got on one knee...Ashley asked "what are you doing?" and then the next thing she knew James was proposing!  She said YES!

We still do not know about wedding details but we plan to wait at least a year before our wedding. Any questions, suggestions or warm wishes are totally welcome!

We thank you for taking the time to read this and we hope you know we love and care about you all :D

God bless,

James and Ashley <3

"But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness."

James 3:17-18

New Beginnings :-)

"God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come into the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants." John 3: 19-21

Amen. If people only knew what their hearts truly ached for. Not the drugs, alcohol, boyfriends, girlfriends, money...or any temporary high.  But a personal relationship with our Saviour Jesus Christ. 

I started a new job recently. At the Isabella House in Browne's Addition. I prayed God would place me in a new place where I can be helping women and that is exactly what he did! I loved my coffee job; but it was time for a new beginning. 

"Every blessing you pour out I'll turn back to praise"

Thank you Jesus, you know my heart so well.

I soon will be able to register for fall classes at Eastern, woohoo! I can not wait to be back in school.

Last week Joyce Meyer put on a free conference in Spokane, I was lucky to be able to attend 2 nights! The topics were mostly about trials and getting through them. She is awesome; she has a very simple way of explaining Jesus that just opens your eyes to what you have been missing. One of my favorite things she talked about was a person's testimony. She mentioned that we often forget what that word even means. The first part of the word signifies the tests Jesus puts in our own personal lives as a challenge to overcome. Without the test there would be no testimony...just the monies :)

Busy week

I did so much this last week. I saw two plays, Steel Magnolias(amazing) and Romeo and Juliet. Both were pretty good but Steel Magnolias won my heart. It was about these sweet women who met together during their hair appointments and talked about the ups and downs of their lives. It was hilarious; I haven't laughed that much for a while. 


I worked a lot, luckily I started back at my nanny job which has been a true blessing. It was really nice to be back there around those two kids, they make me smile. Hands down, my new favorite thing to do with them is go roller-skating! Both had birthdays within the last month so they are each a year older! I also was offered one day at my coffee job, woot. 


I had a few days off where I was able to relax and spend time with James and his family. But the best time I had was when I took James, Ryan, and Joel with me to the skating rink for round two. We totally went while the 13-16 year olds were there on Saturday night and it was packed. So much rap, big hair, and tight pants...sounds like the 80s but let me reassure you that is what is hot right now. It was fun to remember the old days by skating away holding hands with James. And, I wasn't even that bad at skating!

Hobbies continued.

I got super tired while I was writing my other blog so I stopped. I fooled you huh? You thought I only had 4 hobbies. Well I have more!

Crocheting: I love to crochet. Although I can pretty much only crochet scarves, washcloths, and...scarves-I love it. I enjoy how simple of a pleasure crocheting is and it can be done while accomplishing other things at the same time. Important things like, watching my favorite bad tv show, or while relaxing and reading, while spending time with family, friends or my lovely boyfriend(who now knows how to crochet!) I really hope to improve in my skills here; it would be nice to actually crochet in a circle and make a hat :)

Hobbies.

I guess I've been trying to figure out what my hobbies are. Yes at 24 I think it is time to gather up a few. Lately I've been scouring my mind and remembering what makes me happy. Some of these ideas I think I enjoy may end up a flop but at least I'm reaching out and exploring!

Gardening: I have talked about gardening for years and this year I have attempted it! woohoo. Actually I did try to garden last year but between living with 6 girls, and 2 puppies- not much survived. The poor spearmint didn't survive this year...I'm not exactly sure what happened but I'm thinking it was just too early and cold to even plant it indoors. The tomatoes(roma and cherry) and lavender are growing incredibly fast. James and I planted everything on a Monday and everything except the spearmint was growing by Sunday.


Dogs will eat your hard-earned flowers. Or knock them down the stairs. Which ever comes first :)

Photography: I was given this camera, Minolta 7s Hi-Matic by my grandma Chris. I have to special order a battery for this baby, so it's serious business. Back in the 60's(oh yeah, it's vintage!) when this was created, a mercury battery was used but those are no longer allowed to be made in the US due to environmental concerns. This camera also serves as a deadly weapon; it's basically a brick that snaps pictures. When I first went to college, photography was my chosen major. Sadly, I'm not good enough to be professional so I'm settling on photo-capturing as a hobby.  My goal would be to take some good pictures of things I love and frame them for now. I hope to someday have my art hanging some place other than my own bedroom.

Coffee is my luxury hobby. Who doesn't love a yummy latte on an icky, raining-so-much-it-makes-the-bottom-of-your-pants-wet day? I sure do. I especially love getting coffee in good company. Having a good friend to sit around with at a neighborhood cafe is one of favorite things to do.



Reading is another favorite. For now I am able to enjoy novels and fun books on facts but in the fall I will definitely be hitting the text books. I however, am very excited and blessed to be able to afford and attend a university! I love being able to read the Bible. God's word is so powerful and fulfilling; He offers me guidance, love, and wisdom all in one book.

We have growth!

All the plants we planted inside are now growing, yay!

James and I did some major yard work for a few hours today...the flower/veggie garden was so over grown  . We spent most of our time raking, digging, piling, and dumping. We started our compost pile too, so we hope and cross our fingers that will start decomposing into our much needed "free" soil. I say "free" because if you know what it's like to compost you know that takes hours of labor as well.

Going back outside again tomorrow morning! Hope we can finish weeding the garden beds tomorrow.

with a high of 57 on Monday...

...James and I are starting a veggie slash flower garden at his families home. We started roma and cherry tomatoes, lavender, and spearmint indoors so far. We have a lot of work cut out for us. We planted 50 tomato seeds without realizing they had to be spaced out 3-4 feet from each other. So we're thinking we will transplant them into potters and try to sell some at a local farmer's market. Our next step will be to start a compost pile from yard waste and scraps. We both are rookies at gardening but are very excited to be starting a potential hobby together!
Here is a cute video on starting veggie gardens:
http://www.howcast.com/videos/177903-How-To-Plant-a-Vegetable-Garden

There are so many tragic events happening around the world. We have been in the end times for a long time now and I know one thing for sure- God is love, he is not fear. We do not need to fear these events but live each day for our Savior and know he is going to protect us and has our best interest in mind.
Matthew 24:7 says, "Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come."
My Bible has a little description that says "The fact is whenever we look for signs, we become very susceptible to being deceived. There are many "false prophets" around with counterfeit signs of spiritual power and authority. The only sure way to keep from being deceived is to focus on Christ and His words. Don't look for special signs, and don't spend time looking at other people. Look at Christ."

Look at Christ.

a couple days off feels so wonderful

Resting, day dreaming, and spending time with people who love me are my favorite things. and crafting! I have been crocheting a ton lately. I love it sooo much. I mostly make scarves, or as Nicole would say "sku-rafs" :) I made an attempt at little purses but the stitch I chose was too big so things would fall out. Not much of a purse ;) I also made a tiny ipod nano case, it's cute.
I will try to post pictures of my work sometime.

I went to the university to meet with the psych director but I guess she called in sick today. I will try to visit again tomorrow to work out my school plans for the near future. Yay! Even just being at the school made me feel better and reassured me that God's plans are falling into play. Thank you Jesus <3

Valentines Day

My love and I <3

It's 4 am

Why amI still awake? I've had to work the last 5 days in a row closing at my coffee job and I think that has thrown my sleep schedule off. I'm researching the flip, I kind of want to invest in one because it would be very convenient to have around. Plus it's so cute! I'm not sure that I need one though!

I'm checking back into school and I am so excited! I will be able to graduate in one year and I cannot wait to start a career :) I will be completing my major with a BS in applied developmental psychology and with a minor in psychology. I hope to start volunteering soon with some organizations that will help start me in the right direction. God is so good.

I really do enjoy my coffee job-I get to meet and talk with so many people I would have never normally had the chance to know. It's been so interesting the way strangers will open up and share their wonderful, funny, sad, offensive, positive and uplifting stories with me!

Life lately has really been wonderful, full of great people and interesting strangers of course. I feel so blessed to have people who love and cherish me. I love the Pendleton's. They have opened their home and hearts to me and well...they are the family of my favorite guy, James <3

I will count my blessings because this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.