Struggle & Illness.

I must admit I have been struggling a bit, to leave it all at the Cross.
The devil has also, physically, been attacking me.
My husband was away last week and then on Sunday I was hospitalized with some infection. The doctors never did figure out what I had. I came home on Wednesday and finally today, Friday, am feeling better.

This scripture verse came in my email today from an online devotional I recieve. When I saw it, it made me think of how bad "physically" I have felt and also how down I have been.

Jeremiah 17:14, "Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." (NIV)

You are the one I praise..let us not take our eyes of the prize!!!

God bless you,
Ashley

Trials

What do we do in the face of trials?
What are we supposed to do?
I am dealing with this very thing.

James 1:1-6 (NIV)

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Will you believe today?

Blessings,
Ashley

The Authentic YOU!

I have the privalige of living overseas in Japan while growing up and now as an adult in Germany. We also have the honor of attending a German Nazarene church now. The sermons are in German, but translated for us English speakers. It has been a great way to share in German culture and see that God is truly everywhere.

Last night our American, Cass, preached for the first time, so the translastion was reversed for at least this one time. No matter the language the sermon was touching.

I have to admit the sermon was exactly what I needed to hear. It was about being the Authentic you - or 100% who God created you to be.

The whole jist was that if we are being more than who God called us to be we are pretending and if we're being less than who we are we're hiding and that God is the way to be 100% because he accepts you at whatever stage you are at.

Reference John 14:6, what does that verse say to you?

Are you pretending or hiding?

I leave you with that.

Ashley King

Women's Minsitry

As the weather turns to fall here in Germany I start to think. I am always thinking I guess, but the gray rainy weather has really got me thinking and then this morning after talking with several women on IM I had a thought. Well the thought actually came to me while I was loading laundry in the dryer. I was thinking about as I have grown in my Christian walk I wanted a ministry. You know, I always felt ministry was out there in maybe a class or some sort of Christian group. Then as I have grown I realized ministry can be one on one or something you say to encourage another person. It really hit me this morning as I said good night to several women back in the states. I had shared Christ in one way or another with them and shared in their lives. This is what Jesus did and does for us. Jesus was never big or flashy, he just came along side people - took them as they were and ministered to their hearts through words and actions. So, I encourage you, if you are feeling down or like you do not do much, look toward the woman that is your neighbor or whom you see at the grocery store - women like these can be your ministry with a simple smile or a kind word, remember just do what Jesus did.

Blessings,
Ashley

Food for Thought..

(I received this in my email devotion this morning.)

Reflections:

What experiences or hardships have I experienced that I can use to help another?



Will I be bitter about my past, or use it to connect with someone else who needs Jesus?



Power Verses:

Ephesians 1:11, "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will..." (NIV)

Matthew 25:40, "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" (NIV)


Take time to reflect on this.

Blessings,
Ashley

Note to Self!

Mothers are managers let's face it.
We may not have employees but we have Husbands and Children.
We may not get paid in cash, but in sweet words, hugs, and kisses.
As I was cleaning this morning I was tempted to grumble.
I tend to do that.
But then I thought to myselef, you ought to be joyful, you have it pretty good girl.

So, my thought for today is, "Are you joyful?"
Think of everything YOU HAVE and meditate on that.
And if for some reason you can't think of anything today, think upon the fact
if you know Jesus as your Lord and savior you ahve eternal life.
NOW that's soemthing to be joyful about!

Blessings,
Ashley