Good Eats...

Well, what a full week-end! I don't entirely feel like writing tonight; I have a book that is waiting to be read. I am also very tired. However, I had a wonderful day, that culminated the end of a great week-end.

I traveled with Susan and Mr. Marv to Lindsay, so that they could have a meeting there. There was a lovely conversation that ensued on the way home, and I feel very blessed for the people that God has put into my life.

Tonight, however, was a very fun night of dessert at a fine dining restaurant with two wonderful ladies. I was saying to Laurie and Christina that we have never hung out together before, but it has always been one or the other. It was a lovely evening, delicious chocolate truffle cake, and specialty coffees (which I, thankfully, did not try!). Such a blessing to spend time with friends, and relax in a safe environment. I am grateful for relationships that have developed over the years of being in college.

Tomorrow is registration day. I am only taking 1.5 classes this semester: Islam, and my internship course. It's going to be strange barely going to the college for classes, but I'm getting ready to move on. I am looking forward to graduating this coming year, finally.

Time for bed...

Love,

Ashleigh

Running Between the Rain Drops...

I cannot take credit for today's post title. I was heading downstairs to lunch, when Carolyn called out, "You'll have to run between the raindrops!" Needless to say, I haven't left the building, but it was an interesting enough concept to blog about.

I briefly pondered how one might attempt to perform this nearly impossible feat. I was picturing myself dodging this way and that, at lightning speed, making it to my destination without a single drop touching my head.

Unless I am Superman, there is no way I could make this happen.

Isn't this kind of a picture of how we try to make it through life? We sometimes try to run between the raindrops of what appear to be mere nuisances, annoyances, or struggles. We don't want to feel the water touching our skin, as if it will burn through us like acid.

How often do we take time to think of those things as blessings from God? What if the raindrops are from him, causing us to stretch, to grow, to learn, and to reshape us to have more Christlike character? When we allow ourselves to get wet from our struggles, we cry. We have pain. We cry out in anguish and frustration, asking God why we're soaking, chilled to the bone.

And yet, we learn.

We mature.

And our dependency upon our Great God and Saviour blossoms, and He shall renew our strength.

Isaiah 40

Love,
Ashleigh

David Guetta...

I can't believe I'm writing a blog about a music artist. However, this guy is so talented, and has been working with major artists in the industry lately, creating INCREDIBLE dance hits. Wow, I'm totally impressed with the songs. Of course I don't agree with all the lyrics. My alibi is that I am merely judging from a dancer's perspective. As a Christian, I do not necessarily endorse every bit of music that he creates or produces. Many of his songs are simply amazing beats to dance to, like this one, which happens to be the first one I heard.

Thanks to whoever has been praying for me lately, my allergies have been MUCH better today. My eyes have been watering far less, and aside for a short break from the computer, I am doing well.

It's time for bed, though.....although I do feel like dancing for a little bit longer...

Love,

Ash

The Eyes of Night...

I should be in bed, but there's so much on my mind, so many things to do. I have been thinking about all I have to do, but forget about it as soon as I remember. I finally decided to write them down as they fly into my head, and came out with a list as long as my arm. However, I've slowly been plugging away at things tonight. Jake and I got our passport photos taken, and he looks as handsome as ever. I was debating about whether to go to Wal-Mart or not, but in the end picked Blacks; I'm glad we did, because we received a free passport case with our photos! God is good in providing the little things.

I am also excited tonight because we got our beautiful wedding invites from the printer AKA Jake's brother Josh. My lovely friend Katie designed the border beautifully, and Josh put it all together, as well as drawing up the maps. He knows some people since he is in graphic design, and ended up giving us the invitations for free! What another blessing, and I am totally indebted to all the people who have been by our side throughout this whole engagement. I have been busy getting ones ready for people at the school, and thinking with sadness about all the people that we can't invite to the reception. There is only so much one can do, and sometimes you can't have everyone you want there.

My allergies have been bothering me so much in the past few days, and my eyes have been watering and blood shot. Tonight is the first time in a while that I actually feel ok, but my eyes are still burning. I am so excited for the week-end. I am envisioning Jake and I spending the day addressing and stuffing invitations, and just resting and relaxing from this long week. He started a new job working overnights, and today his body refused to let him sleep. He was so exhausted, so please keep him in your prayers.

I still have not found a full time job, but I have been working full time in the office for Susan. I am so grateful for this job, and although I am tired, I will keep persevering. Please pray that I will find a job soon, as I am getting somewhat discouraged. However, I know that the Lord guides my path, and He will provide for me as He has done in the past. Blessed be His Name!

Love,

Ashleigh

The Diamonds of Time...

I watched an Old Spice commercial where the actor was trying to appeal to women, so they would make their partners buy Old Spice. At one point, he was making a case for how good Old Spice made him look by letting dozens and dozens of diamonds flow through his hand. In other words, women whose partners use Old Spice could have all those diamonds.

Without going into Old Spice and its effectiveness for producing a spate of diamonds, I was once again reminded of how time slips through our fingers, just like those diamonds. In the moment it is shiny, glittering, stunning, there is only one of its kind.

As Dad and I spent most of the day together on Saturday, we revisited some of the time that has passed, and shared some memories, while creating new memories at the same time. We went hiking for about two hours, wading through small, leafy jungles, and exploring cool, moss-covered rocky caverns, enjoying some of the greatest pieces of God's creative masterpieces. We drove and drove, stopping only for an iced coffee at Tim Hortons, laughing at random and curious people, and then relaxing for another couple hours at the bustling beach. We talked about a variety of things, and caught up on some much needed father-daughter time; of this, one does not quickly forget. I am grateful for those diamond moments, those sparkling, precious, rare pieces of articulated beauty. Thank you, Dad, for suggesting this wonderful week-end, complete with time spent with other family as well.

Thank you, my Jesus, for this start of a new journey...

Love,

Ashleigh

Camping...

This week-end I'm going camping with Dad. I'm not really sure what to expect. We don't really hang out that much, nor are we from a "camping family". Nonetheless, I am excited. I'm bringing my guitar, and we're going to sing, and we'll probably read our Bibles together. I just hope I don't get bitten by mosquitos. I don't even know where we're going, but at least it's nearing fall so there won't be too many bugs. I have turned into a city girl, and I don't mind. I just love people, and having all the amenities nearby.

For the past couple days I have been doing something that I hope I can keep up as a habit. I wake up, make myself a pot of green tea, a bowl of oatmeal, and sit at the kitchen table to read my Bible. It has been very refreshing, and I even wrote a corresponding journal this morning. I know the importance of keeping a spiritual journal, so this is something I want to keep on doing. I just need to give myself more time to do it, and if only I could fit a run in there somehow...

Love,
Ashleigh

Music and Thoughts Therein...

I don't quite understand the connection between music and emotion, or even writing, for that matter. However, I started listening to Canvas by Imogen Heap, and within moments I was inspired to write. Sometimes when I listen to music, certain chord progressions and harmonies cause me to feel such depth of emotion from somewhere inside, somewhere I didn't even know existed. It's amazing how God designed us so perfectly and intricately. (Psalm 139:13-16) It's like listening to a French horn. I feel this pain of sweet emotion well up within me, mixed with a warmth and happiness at the sound of such a mellow instrument. How I love what music does to me.

Many people laugh at me, because the moment I hear music playing, I start to dance. I feel like I should be an interpretive dancer. It's like my body doesn't want me to stay still. The music is the paintbrush, and my movements are the canvas, creating a masterpiece of dance for all to see, and for the glory of God. It seems there are limitless ways to express the emotions we feel, and thankfully dance is one of those blessed forms. I don't dance enough anymore...

Love,

Ashleigh

We Start to Dance...

Imagine a rain shower.

The droplets faintly soak into your skin, and the air is warm, damp.

You start to dance, overpowered with an incredible urge to thank God for this beautiful weather. Nothing will stop you, swaying this way and that, jumping into every puddle. Your face lifts towards the tears of heaven, desiring to feel His strong hands touching your moistened skin.

In time, your clothes become heavy, encumbered with the water. It becomes hard to walk, hard to stay warm, hard to dance.

Just when you think you cannot take one step farther, you reach home.

When the rain showers of life try to take our joy, remember that we need only take one step to come home to the open arms of our Father, receiving His warmth and love, and relishing the real JOY that only comes from Him.

Thankfully, He never gives us more than we can handle.

I want to delight in Him more.

Love,

Ashleigh

Looking Ahead...

I have often found it difficult to live with a group of girls. I think it lost its appeal after my first year in college (and not because my roommates were awful...first year was the best!). I just find living with other girls tedious. There is so much passive aggressiveness that goes with it; we never find the strength to be honest with each other, so we talk about each other behind our backs. What a great way to try to create community(mega sarcasm implied). It's a terrible habit we've gotten ourselves into.

I loved sharing a room with my sister. We had a system, and we loved listening to the same music. We stayed up talking into the wee hours of the morning, and bonded over many nights of tears and laughter. Sure, we had our fights, but she was the best roommate I could have had. It just hit me: we will never be roommates again. Everything has changed; she is married, and now I'm getting married in a short 71 days.

Once October 30th comes around, I will be roommates with Jake. For the rest of my life. Sometimes it makes my head spin a little bit, and my heart soar up in the clouds somewhere. I will be with my love, living in each other's space, and being able to spend quality time without having inhibitions. Jake and I have often talked about the things that we're looking forward to once we become roommates, and there are lots of them! But we will be more than roommates. We will be marriage partners. Our souls and hearts and bodies will be connected in a sacred union before God. This means I need to put aside that passive aggressiveness I'm used to using on girls. I will need to be open and honest about my difficulties, about my struggles, and I won't be able to run away and hide when I need a moment to myself or when I don't feel like talking anymore. We'll be doing real life. Together. Living out our beliefs in a Christian marriage that has been blessed before the sight of God.

In some ways, I find this to be a daunting task. I am afraid of what kinds of things Jake will find in me once we start interacting with each other on that deeper level. I am afraid of what insecurities will come out, or what I will start to say or do. On the other hand, I am definitely looking forward to it. I am excited to see how God will grow our relationship, and how much more I will begin to mature.

When I think about being married to Jake, and living in the same place with him every day, I am reminded of God's grace and his endless mercy. I never imagined what it would be like to be patiently waiting for my wedding day to arrive. It's been a crazy journey, my friends. I have grown a lot, and changed, and my mind is slowly starting to think like a wife.

I don't think one ever becomes fully prepared to be a spouse on the day of their wedding, but I'm ready for it. I desire to learn how to become more humble and willing to take responsibility for my actions. I desire to learn how to love Jake as my husband and to respect him and submit to his leadership. I desire to grow in faith and maturity with my God, who will always be a direct source of comfort and help in times of need, and who is the Creator and Maker of all things, including my relationship with Jake.

May God continue to lead Jake and I on this path that leads us to a sacred covenant and union with Him.

Love,

Ashleigh

Beauty in the Breakdown....

I watched a movie tonight, and the when the end credits started to roll, this song came on by Frou Frou, called "Let Go":

drink up, baby down
mmm, are you in or are you out
leave your things behind
'cause it's all going off without you
excuse me, too busy you're writing your tragedy
these mishaps
you bubble wrap
when you've no idea what you're like

so let go, jump in
oh well, whatcha waiting for
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in the breakdown
so let go, just get in
oh, it's so amazing here
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in the breakdown

it gains the more it gives
and then it rises with the fall
so hand me that remote
can't you see that all that stuff's a sideshow

such boundless pleasure
we've no time for later now
you can't await your own arrival
you've 20 seconds to comply

so let go, jump in
oh well, whatcha waiting for
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in the breakdown
so let go, just get in
oh, it's so amazing here
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in the breakdown

Love,

Ashleigh