6.30.2010

Feel like dancin'...

Neither Jake nor I have owned a car before, so, needless to say, we both feel pretty happy for the blessing that we received today, after a couple of weeks of worry over insurance. It was nice to see Jake's cousin and his wife again today. It wasn't nearly long enough, but we were fairly bursting at the seams to take our car out for a drive. Jake got the honours of driving it back, and although the drive was longer than normal due to an accident on the highway, I had to remind myself to be patient and enjoy the drive with my man. It felt so surreal, and Jake looked so good, driving both confidently and cautiously. He is most definitely a handsome man, and even more so with his hand on the wheel. I felt so blessed to be staring at him while we listened to tunes, soakin' up the rays while crusin' in our new, sweet ride. The most amazing sense of freedom, coupled with responsibility, accompanied me along the way. I was once again reminded that whenever I can walk somewhere, I must, to avoid getting into car laziness syndrome. I have given myself a 20 min. radius walking distance, and anything further than that I will drive the car. Plus, Jake and I now need to communicate even more, due to the fact that we're sharing a vehicle: who gets it when, who gets to drive, who has to clean it.... (that will be my job haha). We're looking forward to cleaning it out this week-end and getting some mirrors, a little garbage pouch, a car freshener, maps, and some kleenex, not to mention Jake is SO ecstatic to put together a little emergency package, complete with granola bars, matches, water, blankets, etc. I have wanted to own a car for the longest time, and I would not trade this moment for anything. Not only do I own a car, but I co-own it with the man I am about to marry in, oh, 122 days :)

It was my last day of work, and because of the highway accident, I was late by an hour and a half. But thankfully Susan understood, and she was just as happy to see our car as we were. I also had a meeting with my co-teacher for the English Training Camp next week, and feel a little bit better about how it's going to go.

Something that ticks me off: When I buy dinner, thinking a.)I don't have any dinner at home b.)I won't make dinner when I get home, and then when I get home, someone makes dinner and offers me some. I often wish I could have predicted the future and could know when someone will offer me food so I don't have to buy any.

Random question of the day: Why do people laugh when they're nervous?

Love,
Ashleigh

6.29.2010

Lesson planning...

I'm sure by now most of you know that I am procrastinator extraordinaire. I have been perfecting this art since I don't know when. However, it is times like these when I wish I had already learned my lesson on getting things done on time. I have had many months to plan my 6 weeks of English teaching, and of course, I start everything tonight, while the first lesson is merely days away. However, I am fully confident that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", for better or for worse, I'm in this with Him.

..............................................................................................................................................................................

Wow, I totally just got detained for the past ten minutes. That happens when you have too much on the brain.

Tomorrow, Jake and I get our car, and I absolutely can't wait. Praise the LORD for His goodness. Jake's cousin gave it to us, and other than doing the preliminary things to get a change of ownership, we really didn't have to pay much for it. I don't know how long it will last, since it is an older model, but I have no doubt that God's hand has been in this from the beginning. I feel so blessed, and am so happy that we didn't go with the first car we came across.
Tomorrow also marks the last day I work in the office for the summer. I have enjoyed working with Susan since January. She has been a great mentor, friend, and employer to me. I have not decided whether I will continue there after August, because I don't know what job I'll have (I'm hoping a full time job somewhere!)

Love,

Ashleigh


6.23.2010

Buying online...

I have had the urge to buy things online lately. Last night I wanted to buy this really amazing tank top from Aerie. I didn't want the $7 shipping fee when I can drive to the mall to get it. Tonight, it's all about the books, and I'm definitely going to buy some. It's just a matter of choice. There are SO many choices, and I can't make up my mind.

Today is sweltering hot, and the air conditioning in our house isn't working. It's not that I'm spoiled, I grew up without it and can manage fine. It's just that we don't have many screens on the windows, so we can't even open anything up to let some air flow through. Yet, a moment ago I heard some excited shouts from my roommates, possibly indicating it may be back on.

I discovered my love for Loreena Mckennitt's music, notably the song called "The Mummer's Dance". It is so beautiful, lilting, and haunting at the same time. It is like a mix of Celtic, Arabic, and Indian music all at once, and entices me with its tantalizing sound.

Love,
Ashleigh

6.22.2010

Insurance Woes..

I never knew what an ordeal it can be to find just the right insurance for a vehicle. In my naivete, I assumed that when you acquire a car, all you have to do is pay for it and drive away. I am growing up, and both Jake and I have been stretched while learning about some of the ins and outs of life. I am glad that they don't all come at once. The great thing is that God knows exactly how all of this is going to work out.

The "Timothy's" have been my book of choice in the Bible lately. For the past couple weeks, perhaps month, I have been devouring this amazing book that spends much of it's time focusing on godliness. I am amazed at how often, when reading God's Word, things jump out at you that you never noticed before. I have read the books probably 10 times each, and even today, I was still underlining new things. I can't even tell you what my favourite part is, because everything is just so good. As much as I can't wait to get a car, I realize that the best thing about taking the bus is the downtime. Often I will bring along a book to read while I commute back and forth from the gym. For the past couple of weeks I have been reading some Christian fiction books, but today I felt God nudging me to bring my Bible. I have never had a problem with reading my Bible in front of people, and although it may seem like a "supra" Christian thing to do, I have never felt it inhibits my study, nor does it make me feel like a boaster in front of others. (I really don't think some unbelievers even know what a Bible looks like, much less care). The commute on the bus is almost a half an hour, which gave me some great time to concentrate on God's Word and to mull it around as I desire to live out Paul's exhortations. One of the verses caught my eye: "Preach the Word! Be ready in and out of season, convince, rebuke, exhort in longsuffering and teaching." (2 Tim. 4:2) When I went for my G test on Thursday, I had an interesting religious conversation with my driving examiner. I didn't want to say too much so I wouldn't offend him, for fear he might fail me. However, when I thought of it afterwards, I shouldn't have worried, but should have been willing to preach the Word at no matter the cost. I also know that we should respect people's wishes, and not push the Gospel on them. His heart was definitely closed, and I didn't want to anger him by speaking about it further than he would have liked. I just want to be open to those times when I can preach the Gospel, without timidity and fear.

God is good, and I praise Him for His never-ending mercy upon us. Jake and I are celebrating 13 months together today. I feel so blessed!

Love,
Ashleigh


6.15.2010

Lead Me to the Cross

Savior I come
Quiet my soul remember
Redemptions hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as lost

Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, lead me to the cross

You were as I
Tempted and trialed
You are
Te word became flesh
Bore my sin and death
Now you're risen

To your heart
To your heart
Lead me to your heart
Lead me to your heart

~Hillsong United

In Memory of Craig Simmons

I didn't know you that well, but I knew you enough to know what kind of a person you were. God gave you the gifts of honesty and boldness, and he gave you a passion and a fire for his glory and to see his kingdom come. You loved missions so much, and I know that when you and Kristin went to Korea to teach English, that you would use that time to minister to the people around you, and to share your love of Christ.

I remember your booming laugh, and how you made everyone around you eager to hear what you had to say next.
I remember you getting so revved up for MissionsFest, especially when you were the chair for Global missions.
I remember your strength, and how full of life and vitality you were.

So I don't understand why God took you instead of leaving you here on earth to boldly proclaim the Gospel. Not to mention the fact that you just got married in August. Not even a year with your beautiful love.

Ah, there are so many questions and sadness in this tragedy. The people in your world will not be the same without you. Your wife, your family, and your close friends miss you and grieve deeply. It is our natural, human outpouring of emotion. You made such an impact on people, and have left a deep wake in your path. It is going to take a long time to be fully recovered from your beautiful life. And yet, God gives us a beautiful hope, that you are now with him, singing praises to His glorious name. You wouldn't want us to grieve for you, either. I can picture it now, you'd probably see us crying and say, “Guys, I'm with JESUS!!! Get over it! I'm in a place that is better than you guys will ever know until you join me here. So quit your crying, and rejoice that I'm with my maker!”

Indeed, you are with Jesus, and whatever reason He had for taking you home so early in your young life, His name gets all the glory.

Praying and trusting, for we have hope in HIM,
Ashleigh

6.09.2010

Chocolate rocks and smelly fish harbours...

Today I travelled to St. Catharines for work. It was cold this morning, so I was not prepared for the muggy weather that greeted us once we got to the harbour front in between sessions. Susan and I walked along the board walk, and found a cute little candy shop with more than enough signs about warning children of rotting their teeth. It was a rickety old place that smelled of more must and mould than your grandmother's attic. Trust me, my allergies flared up the moment we walked inside. But to taste the chocolate pebble rocks was all worth it. Pure chocolate with that candy crust on the outside was absolute delight!

We continued our walk down the boardwalk, and were greeted with yachts of all size, not to mention the nasty fish smell that rose up to greet our nostrils as we passed by. I comfortably confided in Susan that I would not make a very good fisherman's wife, which, unregrettably, I will never be :D

Also, I almost managed to successfully start AND finish an entire Christian fiction book my sister recommended to me. Ok, I only made it to halfway. Still.... It's called "Let them Eat Cake", by Sandra Byrd, and her book is witty enough to captivate my attention and down to earth enough to allow me to empathize with the main character. She is, in fact, in the same stage of life as I am, and therefore I am able to relate exceptionally well. I am enjoying this book immensely, and look forward to the other two that are waiting patiently side by side in my stack of books that I have yet to read this summer. Thanks Mel for raving on about them...they are definitely worth every breath you expelled to encourage my inspection!

Love,
Ashleigh

6.08.2010

Movies and Emotion...

I am amazed at the profound effect some movies have on my mood. I watched one tonight which made me feel so depressed and angry, not to mention left me feeling empty inside. I am so grateful that God doesn't leave me feeling empty, and no matter what hard times come, he NEVER leaves me feeling depressed.

On another note, my sister is now Melissa Wright...how crazy is that! I am so happy for her and Nathanael, and wish them all the best in their marriage. It was a lovely week-end, and we had great fun celebrating their wedding day with them.

Love,

Ashleigh

6.02.2010

Eating Healthy...

I have been trying to change my eating patterns, and have actually learned to love salads. I always thought it was strange to see adults, especially women, order a salad and be perfectly content with that. Or, as Jake fondly teases, be satisfied with my "celery stick". It hasn't gotten that bad yet. However, I do feel better about myself when I eat vegetables and watch my portion sizes.

Last night I took a step class at the YMCA, and it was quite envigorating. It was a total body work-out, and an hour in length. I am not in as much pain today as I thought I would be, however when I move in different positions, I can feel the muscles twinging. It's a good kind of pain. The right kind, knowing that you did your body good.

It's my sister's wedding in 4 days. I simply can't believe how fast the time flew by. I am going up tomorrow to help out, and it's going to be a busy week-end, but exciting none-the-less.

God is good. All the time. All the time. God is good!!!!

Love,
Ashleigh