Vinegar and Oil

Last week I was given the opportunity to house/dog sit for an entire week. It honestly was so much fun. I was able to just come home, be alone, be in the quiet, and I had so much time to reflect and think.

If I’m being honest, I hate the quiet. I don’t like the silence. Whenever I’m driving I always have music or a podcast playing. I really don’t even remember the last time I drove in silence. The only times I like silence is when I’m reading.

I get very serious about my books. If I read a few sentences and I feel my mind wonder, I’ll go back and reread the section. I think a big reason for this is because I love to write. I know the time it takes to put your thoughts on a page. I want to make sure I’m taking in all an author has to say.

I’ve recently began reading the book, “Present over Perfect” by Shauna Niequist. I’m about a quarter of the way through and its been so fantastic. The whole premise of the book is her journey of leaving behind a frantic life for a calmer one.

There is one chapter that I read and went, “woah, this is too good not to share.” I actually reread it twice. The chapter is called “Vinegar and Oil.” It’s about prayer and something a friend taught her about the concept of prayer. Here is what she said…

…when you pray, pour out the vinegar first — the acid, whatever’s troubling you, whatever hurt you, whatever is harsh and jangling your nerves or spirit. You pour that out first…Then what you find underneath is the oil, glistening and thick…But you have to start with the vinegar or you’ll never experience the oil.

“You have to start with the vinegar or you’ll never experience the oil.”

Like Shauna, I feel guilty when I pray about things that are really trivial. I think to myself, “People are dying somewhere, why would God give this the time of day?”

I’m learning that this is so untrue. Shauna goes on to say what I need to tell myself everyday…

the God who loves me isn’t just looking for apologies and report cards. He wants me to bring the vinegar so that I can taste the oil. He has all the time in the world to sit with me and sift through my fears and feelings an failings. That’s what prayer is. That’s what love is.

SO GOOD!

God cares. He encourages us to come to Him with whatever we need from Him. After reading that, I’ve been trying to “up” my prayer game. I’ve been praying for anything and everything. Anything that will keep me in contact with God. Not to sound like a cliche Christian. But I really have felt 100% closer to God. I have realized that just having talks with Him is so comforting. Know that He cares, that He is listening.

I spew out all the vinegar in my heart and end up enjoying that precious oil that Shauna talks about.

Its okay to admit that there is vinegar. You pour it all out, to that all-powerful God who knows you and loves you. Maybe that’s what I’m afraid, what we’re all afraid of, to be seen by Him. But being seen by my Heavenly Father is so much better than feeling invisible. Bee seen, friend. Let Him see you, every flaw and fear, and enjoy that sweet oil that accompanies the love of Jesus Christ.

Verse of the Month – June

“Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4

Whenever I read this verse, I’m not always 100% sure what it really meant to “delight” in the Lord.

Like any good college student, I did some research. And what I found was that when this verse talks about delighting yourself in the Lord it means that our hearts truly find peace and fulfillment in Him. If we truly find satisfaction and worth in Christ, Scripture says He will give us the longings of our hearts.

Sounds pretty straight forward. If we find our worth in Christ, He’ll give us exactly what we want in life, right? I really don’t think it’s that easy. Does that mean, if we go to church every Sunday, God will give us a new car? No. If only it were that simple.

The idea behind this verse, that I have found, is that when we truly rejoice or “delight” in the eternal things of God, our desires will begin to parallel His and we will never go unfulfilled.

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Some people delight in money, Instagram followers, material possessions, and other temporary things of this world. Don’t get me wrong, I notice when I get a lot of likes on a picture and especially when I don’t. I look forward to “upgrading” my phone even though mine is perfectly fine. Those things we tend to obsess over never truly give us satisfaction, hence the reason we always seem to want more and more.

King Solomon learned this lesson in his pursuit of earthly treasure: “Everything is meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). On the other hand, delighting in the Lord is true treasure indeed: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).

We will never be deeply fulfilled or “happy” with the things this world has to offer. If we place our joy and hope in God first, He will meet all of our needs. He will even grant our wants, as our hearts’ desires begin to match up with His will. If we truly place priority on the Lord, chances are our heart’s greatest desire will not be a brand new car, but eternal treasures in Christ.

It isn’t easy to put all of our trust and delight in the Lord. It will be an everyday struggle we will have to live with. I know that personally I get so caught up in earthly things. Sometimes it requires taking a small step back and realizing that we wouldn’t even have the simplest blessings without God on our side. He will always provide above and beyond our expectations.

So this month I challenge you to look past what the world says you should have, and look at what Jesus says is truly important. Because at the end of the day, we will always want more until we remember that all we need is Jesus. “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14).

Once again, we have the wonderful Nicki Verbil providing us with a phone wallpaper that will remind us about the importance of Psalm 37:4 throughout this month. For more beautiful calligraphy follow her on Instagram: @nickicreates

Verse of the Month – May

Recently, there have been a lot of events in my life and incidents that have happened to the people around me that has made me think: “Alright God, where are you?” I think it’s totally normal to question God sometimes and ask where He is. A friend recently told me that God can handle our questions. He welcomes them because He wants us to talk to Him about the things we don’t understand. How awesome is that? God doesn’t think it’s bad to question Him and His motives. I love that or Father has that much love for us.

we have a God that wants to have an open and honest relationship with us when life gets crappy.

when things started to get rocky in the last few weeks, i didn’t want to turn away from God because i know that turning away isn’t ever the answer. so i turned to His Word instead, hoping that somehow I’d find something that would give me hope. i found this verse, “And He shall be their peace.” Micah 5:5.

That word “peace” really stood out to me. it seems like there needs to be more of that in our world. i have always loved that we as Christians call Jesus the “Prince of Peace.” I do honestly believe whenever i turn to God and not to something of the flesh, i am at peace.

All of us have those enemies that work havoc in our lives. it’s just the way life goes and that’s okay. The solution? Turn your attention fully on this Prince of Peace. It is from Him that peace fills our soul.

i think back to when Jesus was born and how all the waiting was over, the Prince of Peace had arrived! That is so amazing!!

So let’s go to Bethlehem again and find this One spoken of by the ancient prophet. Joining together with the other shepherds and wise men in Bethlehem is where it all changes. The Prince of Peace has come, bow before Him and let His work of peace work in you.

once again my good friend Nicki Verbil provided a phone wallpaper to be a reminder throughout the month of Micah 5:5!

Follow her on instagram for more gorgeous calligraphy: @nickicreates

Verse of the Month – April

Embracing the Season…Accepting Change

For the verse of the month I thought I would use a verse that I have been in my own life I have been needing to read over and over.

In the last couple months there have been a lot of “lasts” for me. For example…

The last time having my first day of school in college.

My last spring break.

My last semester of classes.

My last time living on a college campus.

The list could go on and on.

While “lasts” can be negatives they can also be exciting.

A verse that I really love is Ecclesiastes 3:1 which says,

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

I have learned to embrace and ending of a chapter and accepting the change that will occur once that part of my life is over.

I really do believe that having a relationship with God has been a large factor in helping me accept change and the “lasts” in life.

God has put me at the best college with the best people, I’m forever grateful for the experiences and the people that I have met at Grand Canyon University. He’s also taught me that season of life are here for a reason. Sometimes those reasons aren’t really made known to us until the season and the moments are over. Something that I have realized is that the quality of a season of life we might not realize until they are over.

And guess what? That’s okay!!

With the last couple weeks of my college experience coming up before student teaching, I’ve become so sentimental! I’m realizing that I’m going to miss everything about living on my college campus. The people, the classmates, my roommates, my job, and especially the close access to Chick Fil A. Can I get an amen??

I just really want to encourage you, friend, to really experience the season of life that you are currently in. Because these seasons will come and go, sometimes in the blink of an eye. I truly believe that God puts us in certain places at certain times for a reason. You might not now it right now. The season that you’re in might seem crappy and you might hate it. Just know that God can make a bad season or an impossible situation and turn it into a life lesson.

So, I encourage you to embrace the ending or the beginning of a season. To accept that change is good sometimes, even though it might not seem like it right now. And that God is with you through it all, ALWAYS!

P.S. Every month I have provided an image that you, the reader, can put as their phone wallpaper to remind yourself about the Verse of the Month! This month we have a special image that my amazing and talented friend, Nicki Verbil, created for us! She specifically made this phone background for us and I’m so excited about it! If you want to see more of the amazing art that Nicki creates follow her on Instagram: @nickicreates

What “The Shack” Taught Me

For the past couple months, I’ve been seeing the trailer for a new movie called “The Shack.” I had seen the book before, in my parents’ room, but I had never really heard of it before. But that one trailer in the movie theater sparked my attention.
My thoughts: “Okay. So this movie is about a guy who gets to spend a whole weekend with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit…WHAT?!?!”

I’m sorry, but that sounds like the best weekend of my entire life.

I was so interested in this movie and this book that my mom let me borrow her copy. I was aiming for finishing it before seeing the movie. Because, let’s be honest, most of the time the book is always better than the movie!! 

I’d also like to point out that, after seeing the movie this past weekend, the movie was phenomenal!! So, if you haven’t seen the movie or read the book, do it. Either way, you will be impacted in some way.

I will now admit something very nerdy about myself…I read “The Shack” in 24 hours. I know, don’t you have a life Ashlee? Yes, yes I do. But when a book takes hold of me, I can’t get enough of it! I started reading it one night and finished it the next. I could NOT put it down!! I was reading it every chance I got, devouring every word, and admittedly crying throughout most of it. 

This book is powerful. It is moving. It is a beautiful portrayal of God’s love for us. And it also causes you to struggle with the idea of tragedy, and what that can do to a Christ followers faith.

I began the book with an open mind, but I knew right away that I was going to be spiritually challenged and changed by this book.

Gosh, it wrecked me guys. It honestly wrecked me and I truly believe that it gave me a new and better perspective of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. 

There is one specific quote from the book I wanted to touch on. I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I’ll just give a quick background. So, Mack (the main character) is stargazing with Jesus (woah) and they begin to have a conversation about God and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is trying to give him some sort of explanation of these people that he has not been very close with the past couple years. Mack is very overwhelmed by all the information and explanation that Jesus is attempting to provide for him. He is sitting with Jesus, so as you can imagine, he is pretty much having an internal freak out from all that is happening to him at the moment. The Great Sadness hovers of him once again. The Great Sadness is what he calls the sadness and the depression he feels all the time as a result of the events of the past couple months. So, with the Great Sadness coming over him, he says:

“Jesus?” he whispered as his voice choked. “I feel so lost.” A hand reached out and squeezed his, and didn’t let go. “I know, Mack. But it’s not true. I am with you and I am not lost. I’m sorry it feels that way, but hear me clearly. You are not lost.” 

I kid you not, I started crying after reading that. I read it over and over and over until I believed it. Because I honestly have not believed that sometimes.

I sometimes forget that I am not completely alone sometimes.

I sometimes forget that although I can become lonely, HE is with me.

I sometimes forget that even though I don’t know what is ahead in my life, HE has gone before me. He knows and He has a perfect plan with perfect timing.

“I am with you and I am not lost.”

“You are not lost.”

After reading this intimate moment in “The Shack” I realized that although my life is not in shambles, like Mack’s was. I can sometimes feel a Great Sadness come over me at times. I can feel that although I know all the scriptures that tell me that Jesus is with me, I still feel lost.

“The Shack” taught me that even though I don’t get to have a weekend hanging out with the Trinity, they are always with me. Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit may seem distant, but they never have and never will be.

Although I feel lost some days. And on those days it doesn’t seem like Jesus is right beside me, He is. If you don’t believe me, read this scripture a couple times:

“10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

-Isaiah 41:10

Do not be afraid!! He is with you. If you feel lost, confused, angry, frightened, anxious…Jesus is with you. He has gone before you, He knows what is ahead and He is not lost. He never will be. 

Let that be a comfort for you, like it is a comfort for me today and every day from now until forever.

Verse of the Month – March

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.” Psalm 5:11

Why should we “rejoice?” Or “sing for joy?” Why should we praise God at all?

Because we have an AWESOME God!!

I have been recently reading through some of the Psalms. That book has always been the place that I turn to when I need a reminder of God’s love. Or when I need some encouragement that I’m not really alone, ever.

A couple days ago I stumbled across Psalm 5:11 and I felt like this would be the March Verse of the Month.

I would like to say that I always “take refuge” in my Heavenly Father. But sometimes that’s just not the case. I think, like many of us, we turn to earthly things or people to take refuge in. Which makes sense, because it feels so much better to get a hug from someone that is present in front of you rather than just praying to a God who isn’t physically there with you. I totally get that, I’m guilty of that.

But what I have realized from this verse is that God is the only one that can really calm us in the midst of the storms of life.

I love this verse especially because of the way that it describes God’s people and how they should worship Him.

“Let them sing for joy” and “those who love your name may exult in you.” That’s beautiful really…

Having joy in the Lord is both a duty and a privilege.

So let us rejoice and sing to the Lord this month!! Join with me friend and be reminded of the refuge we have in our perfect and loving Lord. In the morning, “sing for joy” that the Lord has blessed you with another day to face head on with confidence in HIM! And when you wake and don’t feel like you could get out of bed, “let all who take refuge in you (God) rejoice.” Rejoice in God, he has not left you and He never will. Because “those who love your (God’s) name may exult in you.” Don’t forget to sing and rejoice for God this month.

As a reminder, I have posted along with this blog a picture to make your wallpaper for the month. Whenever you open your phone remember Psalm 5:11 and remind yourself to rejoice, take refuge in Him, and sing with joy.

my favorite love story.

i don’t know about you, but i love a good love story. you know the classic tale: boy meets girl. boy and girl date. boy and girl fall in love. boy and girl have a huge fight. boy and girl make up and live happily ever after. 

that is a great story!! come on ladies (and some gentleman) you know you cried at the end of The Notebook when Noah and Allie died together in their sleep. UGH. i know i did. 

everyone loves a good love story. 

Just for kicks, here are my top 5 favorite love stories:

1. You’ve Got Mail

2. Sleepless in Seattle

3. Fever Pitch

4. Roman Holiday

5. Pride and Prejudice

if you haven’t watched any of these movies, do me a favor and watch them! your chick flick loving heart will thank you. 

since it is Valentine’s Day tomorrow i wanted to focus on the topic of “love.” because everyone loves a good love story. but what i didn’t say above was that none of those movies will ever be my favorite love story. my favorite love story of all time is the story that God has created with you and with me. 

Some people say that the Bible is a guide book, i think that’s true. Some people say that the Bible is a story about what God has done in the past and what He promises for the future well i believe that too. but what i’ve began to realize over the past few months is that the Bible is really a love story God has written about His love for us. have you ever thought of that before?

if you don’t believe me, here are a few examples of why this is a beautiful love story written about you and for you:

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, evenwhen we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved

and the list goes on and on and on…

God loves you SO much that He sent His only Son to Earth knowing that He would die for YOU. Do you know anyone that would sacrifice their only child for little ol’ you? 

the boy meets girl love story is cute and fun and makes our hearts feel the warm fuzzies. but the story that God has written for you and for me has humbled me. when i sit here and write this i’m overwhelmed with the love that God has for us. He created the Bible to tell you He loves you. He wants you. He is your biggest fan. 

sometimes, it’s important to remember that. so if you’re single this valentine’s day, or even if you’re not, i hope you’re reminded of the greatest love story ever told…God’s. 

Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness

Heal Our Land

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

I have a special place in my heart for worship music. I always try to start my day off listening to uplifting music that puts me in the presence of God. My favorite artists range from Hillsong, Elevation Worship, I Am They, and Kari Jobe.

Kari Jobe recently released an album called “The Garden”. She is one of my favorite Christian music artists. Her songs speak so much truth and she has one of the most beautiful voices. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to her new songs or really any of her music, I would HIGHLY recommend taking time today to take a listen.

One song that really stuck out to me was titled “Heal Our Land.” Again, if you haven’t listened to it here is the link to her lyric video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fq8ffjcEcU

The lyrics of this song are so beautiful and so true. They really hit home for me and I wanted to share my thoughts about them if you’re willing to read a little bit longer!

The part of the song I want to focus on is the chorus which says as follow:

“Spirit of God
Breathe on Your church
Pour out Your presence
Speak through Your word
We pray in every nation, Christ be known
Our hope and salvation, Christ alone”

When I heard the words “we pray in every nation, Christ be known” I got goosebumps. That is my prayer and I hope that would be your prayer as well. I don’t want this message of grace and of unending love to be just for the people of America…I want it to be for the entire world!! I pray that every nation could have the opportunity to feel the spirit of God.

I believe that is why I have such a heart for missions. When I went to the Philippines over spring break last year, I got to spread His Word to those children at the orphanage in Manila. I got to see their eye light up when they sang the worship songs they had memorized. It’s amazing to have that opportunity; it’s amazing to really be that light of the world that we as Christians always talk about being to the people around us. I want to be that light; I want to help every nation know about Christ.

When I looked up online what Kari Jobe had to say about this song and what it meant to her she said:

“The message of this song is a reminder that God is the One who heals, restores and makes whole…I’m so thankful that no matter what happens on this earth, Jesus is our eternity. One day, we’ll be joined with our Savior who died for our sins and our brokenness. And when I take a moment to think of His heart and how He sees things — how He desires to return for us and remove all pain and sickness in our lives — it fills my heart with hope. I pray that you will dwell on that truth as well in the days to come.”

I couldn’t agree more with her. God is the only One who heals, He is the only One that restores us, and He is the only One that can make us whole. No matter what happens, I know that God is in control and that He will do what He has always promised. And that is that He will never leave us. That He WILL make His presence known. For this reason alone, I know that He will work through us to heal our land.

Verse of the Month – February Edition

We all know a Negative Nancy (or Nate if its a guy). That one person in your life that you know, without a shadow of a doubt, they will have something negative to say about any situation they are put in.

Negative people will suck the life out of you.

In the last couple weeks, I’ve been noticing so much negativity in our country and in our world. I too have joined in on the negativity, I will admit it. But what’s so sad is that I sometimes forget that God is in control of it all. Of everything single thing that is going on around me.

For the verse this month I thought that focusing on making sure we are having those positive thoughts would be a great way to start off the month of Febrauary. In Philippians 4:8 it says this:

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (ESV)

I really do believe that there is power in positive thinking. The power in positive thinking for the believer is rooted in what we believe about God and His Word. We need to focus our minds to reflect on how God is always truthful and never lies.

If He says, “I will never leave you” than we know for certain that we’re never alone. If He says, “I make all things work together for your good” than we can take comfort in our trials and tribulations. The power of God in our faith walk is most reflected when we think on the truthfulness of God.

We live in a world where the line between right and wrong is continually blurred. It is so blurred to the point where I sometimes I don’t think people can see the difference anymore. The Word of God never backtracks on what is right. If you continue to mediate on God’ Word on a regular basis, it will equip you to live that righteous life that we all strive for.

We act on what we believe, so positive thoughts cause positive actions. If you want a positive life, begin thinking positive thoughts. It is easy to do so if you read the Word and meditate on all that God wants to do for you and through you.

Get alone today, and think about all the good, positive things God has done for you in the past, and all he has planned for you in the future. Make a habit of making a list of the positive things in your life throughout the entire month of February. Let’s make the month of February the most positive month out of the entire year. If you make a habit of doing that, I promise that the negativity in your life will seem to be put on back burner, and God’s truth and God’s promises will always be at the forefront of your mind.

Verse of the Month – January Edition

With the new year, there are many resolutions that are the basic ones that many people strive to achieve! For example: going to the gym more, eating healthier, etc. These are all great new year’s resolutions, which I probably should make for myself!

But what I’ve noticed is that most of these new year’s resolutions are mostly to “fix” our outward appearance. They focus on making oneself more beautiful, more fit, more appealing to others, etc. Again, nothing wrong with that. But my question for you is…

What are some resolutions you can make to improve your inner appearance?

What is this “inner appearance” you might ask yourself. Well, it’s what God focuses on the most. I really don’t believe that God looks at someone with abs and says, “Now that is my child, great job!” and looks at someone with a little belly and says, “Dang, she better hit the gym this year.” NO WAY! The God that I’ve read about as long as I can remember doesn’t care about your outward appearance, what’s inside your heart is what He is focused on.

To improve my inner appearance this year I want to focus on a certain Bible verse a month, and make that my “month verse.” Everything I do and everything I say I want to strive to reflect this verse.

I believe that God gave us the Bible for a reason. I believe that He wants us to really take these verses to heart and not just tweet them out or make them our Instagram caption every now and then. (Guilty as charged).

I would love to partner with you, whoever you are, to focus on this verse I’m about to tell you about as well. Maybe you don’t think this verse fits you, that’s fine, pick a verse that you think could be your motto this month to focus on. For me, I picked Philippians 4:6-7:

⁶ Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. ⁷ Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) (GW)

When I read this verse, I immediately knew that it would be my “January Edition” verse. Why? I am a “worrier” especially when it comes to the year 2017. This year is a big year for me. I will be graduating college, getting a “big girl” job, and living in my own place away from my family. Let me tell you, just typing those words out gave me a few more worry lines on my forehead. But then I read this verse and I felt a weight leave my chest. My first thoughts were…”Never worry about anything,” easier said than done God what else you got? But then I moved on to verse 7 which says: “Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.” “God’s peace,” how beautiful is that? Our God will take away those worry lines, and wrap His arms around us, and reassures us that we don’t need to worry about ANYTHING. When we give up our anxieties and our worries up to God he WILL guard our thoughts and emotions.

We don’t need to worry. God’s got us.

2017 may be a year that will be giving you a few more worry lines than you are used to. But hey, guess what, GODS GOT YOU.

He will never leave or forsake you.

He has plans for you.

He will not let you down.

So this month, memorize this verse, I know I will. Write it in your planner, make it your wallpaper on your phone, write it on the mirror in the bathroom if that helps. Whatever you need to do to make sure you remember that GODS GOT YOU. Because He does, He really really does.