Quote of the Day

 "In life, lots of people know what to do, but few people actually do what they know. Knowing is not enough! You must take action."

~Tony Robbins

Personal Weaknesses Intro: A New Perspective

I read this passage in 2 Corinthians this morning during my devotional and it dealt with some of the same things I was talking about in my last post, my weaknesses and focusing on them excessively. Wow, God is so good and He really is a personal God. He knows what I am going through and all of my thougths and uses His Word to speak to me right on time! So in chapter 11 verse 30 the Apostle Paul states "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness." Paul boasted in his weaknesses, contrary to his opponents, and all the suffering that he endured for the gospel. He was showing how his weaknesses demonstrated God's power in His life.

I think that is a good example on how we should view our weaknesses. In 2 Corinthians 12:5-10  he goes on to say "On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me that he sees in me or hears from me. So to keep me from being conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, calamites. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 

This finally just hit me. I have been looking at my weaknesses all wrong! I have been beating myself up about them, blaming myself, and thinking I am worthless to God because of my weaknesses when God really wants to use them to show His power and mercy and grace. He wants me to stop the pity parties, the blame game, and the negative self-image I have about myself when it comes to my not so strongpoints. Paul begged that his "thorn," his weakness be removed yet God never did. Instead He informed Paul that His grace is enough for Him, it is available even for his weakness. God's power shows up in our weaknesses! Ha, Paul even said forget that, I'm gonna brag all the more on my weaknesses because that's when Christ's power comes. Oh how I want and need the power of Christ in my life!

I want to be content with my earthly weaknesses for Christ's sake like Paul was. Not saying that I don't have the desire to grow more into the image of Christ, but that I want to change my thoughts and attitude about them to less negative and more positive and hopeful. "For when I am weak, then I am strong." I must see these areas as places where God can show up and exert His power in me. For example, all my life I have seen my stuttering as a weakness, a problem to be ashamed of and to hide. But now I am starting to see how God could use that very thing that I let tear down my confidence to bless me and others! I believe He wants me to be a messenger to people, even in large settings. A motivational speaker and teacher. Even with my stuttering!

So in addition to highlighting the personal strengths that God has blessed me with, I also will be posting about the weaknesses that I have and stories about how God is showing up and using them for His glory. I believe some things in life we will always have to deal with and bear for this very reason. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Personal Strengths Intro: What are Your God-Given Strengths?

This is a question that seems easy to answer to some people, I mean who doesn't love to brag about themselves!

Personally, I don't. Actually I get a little embarassed when other people say good things about me. But now that I am not in school anymore and I am in the "real world," it's even harder for me to find my own strengths, other than the usual ones that coincide with education and such. Matter of fact, it seems like now I focus more on my weaknesses and the things I lack and need to improve. I would definitely say that I do a lot of self-introspection and most of the time all I can see are the negative things about myself.

But I really want this to change. As I am reading for work about whats called the "strengths-based" approach and how I can apply it with my clients, I am realizing this is something that I need to do for myself as well! The strengths-based approach emphasizes a person's strengths, the innate knowledge, resources, skills and abilities they have to accomplish their goals. It seeks to empower people and understand them based on their strengths, not their problems and weaknesses. People aren't seen as hopeless and helpless but as survivors and experts of their own lives and how to cope with the challenges in their lives.

I like this approach. It's different from most of the theories I learned in school. I guess I have adopted what's called the "medical" model in the helping profession, where the focus is on pathology and disease (problems and weaknesses). I have adopted that into my own life as I place more emphasis on the things I need to change verses my strongpoints.

Now I realize why sometimes this is difficult to do with my clients! I need to do it for myself.

Sidenote: That's why I love my field! I love the fact that I can learn about myself and in turn share it with people I serve and be a blessing to them. I also love that even though I am not perfect and I have a lot of growing to do, God still blessed me to be a part of so many different people's lives.

My roommate encouraged me to value every interaction with a person. Even if you have a 5 minute conversation with someone, make it count. Try to really listen to that person and make a connection, even if it's a small one. I want to make every person that I talk to feel special, feel loved. I want to highlight the good things about them, the God-things about them.

Ok, I'm going off on one of my tangents again, but bottom line is I am going to focus more on the good things that God has placed inside of me as well as others'. I am going to use others' strengths to build them up and empower them to change if that's what they want to do. You may be seeing more posts on this as I dive into my personal strengths and gifts. I am giving myself some space, this is MY sweet escape lol, to build myself up.

I suggest you take this journey with me as well. It'll be fun!

Thrift Store Fun

I hit up Salvation Army's 50% off sale on clothes today and walked away with only 6 items! Shocking! I usually stack up when I go there. Anyways I love these two skirts I bought and here are a couple of the shirts (the others are being washed right now).

Quote of the Day

"What we call failure is not the falling down but the staying down."
 ~ Mary Dickford

Album Review: Beyonce's 4

I bought the new Beyonce CD today, 4, and I really like it! Can you believe she actually recorded over 60 songs for this album!   It's a different sound for her. Kind of old-fashioned yet new at the same time. I can't quite describe it yet...

Favorite songs so far:
Best Thing I Never Had: This song is saying some powerful stuff, lol. Reminds me of Irreplaceable a  little, like "you just don't know what you coulda had." But on this song she takes it a step further!
 
Party: What's up Andre 3000?! Haven't heard from him in a minute. This beat is killer and so are the vocals. Kanye has a little guest appearance as well. Swagsauce? Swagoo! Lol.
  
End of Time: I just love the melody and beat to this one, military-rock style. It makes me wanna put on some combat boots and dance!
    
Love on Top: She is finally happy that baby boy has put her as a top priority. "When I need you make everything stop. Finally you put my love on top." Love the old-fashioned sounding melody.

Beyonce is at it again. Although I don't always agree with her fashion choices, this girl is super creative! Check out her interview with Billboard.

Beyonce Q&A: The Billboard Music Awards Millennium Artist Discusses Her Career And New Album Billboard.com

"What is this thing called Love?" Part III

Wow. I am constantly being reminded of how challenging it is to be in a romantic relationship. It seems like everyday I learn something new about myself, my partner, my relationship with God, and so much more. I know God is using this relationship as one way to shape me into the person he wants me to be. But boy do I rebel at times!

This past week I learned and experienced something else about love. And it's hard to put this one into one word. You see, when we are in a relationship with someone we love and enjoy spending time with, we want to be with that person as much as possible which is natural because we want to be around things and people that we enjoy and that make us feel good. But then that easily could turn into a form of selfishness and greed. Especially when someone or something else tries to interfere.

What I'm saying is there should be a balance in all relationships, even the really good ones! We have to allow the other person, and ourselves, to step away from the relationship in order to be a blessing to other people. It goes back to the elementary teaching of sharing. We are to share the ones we love because we want others to experience the love that we are experiencing. Makes sense?

For example, we should not be followers of Christ just for ourselves and our own well-being and enjoyment. We should not be selfish with the gospel message. We must share because we want others to have the peace and forgiveness we do. We want others to know the amazing love and mercy of God. Someone very close to me just told me my Christian walk is not just for me! My spiritual life is not just for me! It is to be shared with others, believers and nonbelievers.

Whew! I went on a tangent there huh? Lol. It's just all tying in together though about this whole love thing. Love is so not selfish. It is the exact opposite. It is self-sacrificing, giving.

One thing love isn't...Love is Not Selfish.

New Beyonce Song!

This song is HOT! Check out this cover by Heather Traska.

Her album comes out tomorrow!!!

Remembering Michael...

Going to this event this weekend at the House of Dereon celebrating the King of Pop!

One of my favorite MJ songs and videos. Man I wish I could walk like her! lol

Devotional Thought: A Gentle Response

Proverbs 15:28 "The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."

Everyday we have a choice to make as to how we will respond to others. 

Will we respond hastly with anger and frustration when we are upset, or will we take some time to think about what the godly response should be?

Will we say the first thing that comes out of our mouths, or will we think about how our words could affect the other person?

We learn from James 3 about how powerful the tounge is and how no one can tame the tounge.

If we choose to think about our response to people and even to life, I think this will make a big difference in our conversations and interactions. We can then choose to respond in a loving and gentle manner. People will be blessed by our words and not cursed. Our words will be uplifting and encouraging. Don't you think people will much rather listen and heed to kind gentle words than angry and rude words?

Remember: "A gentle tounge is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Proverbs 15:4

Let's choose today not to break anyone's spirit, or even our own. Let's choose to build each other up with our words and not tear each other down.

Must Haves

I met this local designer at an event I went to where she debut her earrings. So creative and inspiring!

To see more visit karmasoul.etsy.com

Stuttering Support Group Experience

Yesterday I went to the Stuttering Support Group that I found through the National Stutters Association website.  I loved it! I met some really cool people and it felt great to be open and honest about my stuttering. I believe that was the first time I felt completely comfortable talking with a group of people and not having to hope I don't stutter or feel embarassed if I do. I was relaxed. There was such a variey of people with different backgrounds including two psychologists, an internationals student, a musician. And everyone was so warm and accepting.

One thing that stood out for me was the way they talked about their stuttering. It was like they saw it as an addition to themselves, not something negative that they should hide. I have always thought of my stuttering as a problem I should be ashamed of and cover up. But they suggested that I should not look at it as a problem, but as a challenge, and not even a bad one at that!

One member who is searching for a job said he uses his stuttering as an advantage over other applicants since it makes him stand out and shows that he is adaptable. He says people always remember who he is and stuttering has never disqualified him from anything. Interesting, huh?

This group of people taught me a lot in so little time. There is a meeting every month and I will definitely be in attendance. There is also a national conference coming up next month in Fort Worth and I am super excited about going and learning even more about this unique challenge and meeting some cool fellow stutterers :)

26th Birthday Celebration

We went to this cool spot called Ra Sushi and had some delicious food. Then we headed over to a nightclub called The Horn for some live music and dancing! I had a blast!

 

Stay Tuned...

So much has been going on in my little world. I've been considering different avenues and ventures I want to try and I'm getting pretty excited at the many directions I could go. It's like my eyes have been opened to how big the world is and furthermore how big my God is! I'm ready to break free out of this tiny box I've enclosed myself in.

I'm not going to share everything as of yet. I am praying and waiting for God's leading. All I can say is you have more to offer this world than what you think. Dream big and trust God to grant you the desires of your heart if you are following Him.

Psalm 37:4-5 "Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it."

Natural Hair is Beautiful

OMG Look at that Hair!!

Devotional Thought: "Just Go With It"

I have always been a planner. Spontaneity, not really my thing. Not too long ago I thought I had my entire life planned from my education to my relationships to my career...everything was worked out in my head according to Ashley's Plan.

And then I woke up. I realized I am a part of God's Plan and not the other way around. So now I am learning everyday to submit to His plans and His will.

Still the trouble is I am okay now with trusting God for the big stuff; it's the little day-to-day things that bug me. When things don't go according to my plan and I have no control, I freak out! Let me share with you an excerpt from my devotional book that really hit home for me today.

"I hardly ever experience a Plan A anymore. Life and its upsets seem to gain momentum as I grow older. But I am much more able to cope when I have a workable plan. When the bottom drops out and everything is in chaos, I have two choices: Go bananas or be flexible enough to adjust to Plan B or Plan C or T."  ~Marabel Morgan

We must learn to trust God with every detail of our lives! I think this will help us all to become more flexible and more patient when things don't go our way or the way we thought they should. Sometimes it is okay to just go with the flow. I find myself having to constantly remind myself to stop, breathe, and just go with it. Because in every situation or circumstance, even if we don't like what's going on, we can still have joy. That's why I love this verse:

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I pray that we experience the peace of God at all times.

"Remember, when things go wrong, only your plan has failed; you haven't."

Unfinished Business

Are there any phone calls you need to make?
conversations you need to have ?
a thank-you card you should write?
a degree or job you've always wanted?
a past relationship that needs to be mended?
forgiveness that needs to be extended?
a dream yet fulfilled?
that passion you let die?
an apology?
a letter you never sent off?

http://www.myunfinishedbusiness.com/

I stumbled upon this website and was so intrigued. This man spent an entire year of his life tying up loose ends and trying to reconnect to things and people in his life that he felt distant from. He called his journey "Unfinished Business." Check out the website and the book. It's definitely on my purchase list!

So let's take an inventory of our lives and commit ourselves to a time of tying up loose ends, to handling that "unfinished business" in our lives.

Photo of the Day

Tracee Ellis Ross

Oh how I miss Girlfriends!

My Loves

Two of my favorite people in the world...and yes I consider my dog a person!

Just wanted to update you guys on my latest thrift store finds! I picked up these items from Plato's Closet and Salvation Army.

  

Fun Summer Hairstyles

"What is this thing called Love?" Part II

No one is perfect. We all hurt and disappoint each another. And it sucks. Big time. But I think we make the mistake of thinking or even hoping the other person is infallible. Why we set ourselves up for such disappointment, I don't know. And when they don't measure up, we are crushed. Crushed to the point where it becomes difficult to even look at that person let alone be in the same room.

But why are we so quick to dismiss someone when they fail or when they hurt us? Why are we so quick to judge and close up our hearts to forgiveness? Have we forgotten how broken we are? Have we forgotten about the incredible grace and forgiveness we have received? We have been forgiven by our Heavenly Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Our sins have been washed away by His blood. All the junk that we do, through all of our selfishness and disobedience, God still loves us and freely extends His grace to us each and every day even though we don't deserve it. We should do the same with the people in our lives.

Another thing love is... Love is Gracious. Choose to be gracious to someone today.

Countdown to 30-day Challenge

I haven't forgot yall! Two more days 'til the 30-day challenge. Run for 30 days straight. Wow. I need to get my Ipod geared up for this.

Let's Go Back, Way Back: Shades "Tell Me"

I cracked up when I heard this song on the radio this morning! I remember jamming this back when it came out early 90's. Talk about golddiggers huh, lol! I can't believe the lyrics! "Cuz ain't nothing going on but the rent!" Bahahahahaha! Too funny! Ok, I'm done.

My Top Five!

I have been forced to listen to the radio in my car since my CD player isn't working :( Don't even ask me how long it's been broken. 6 months! And get this, the Mazda shop is less than a block away from my house! Lol, I know I'm lazy. Well anyways, I have been getting some strange looks as people pass me up (you know I drive slow) cuz I go crazy dancing in my car. I love music and I love singing and dancing. American Idol, one day.  No scratch that. I'm too good for American Idol! No competition.

5) On the Floor by J-Lo

4) How to Love by Lil' Wayne

3) Never Gonna Leave This Bed by Maroon 5

2) Waiting for the End by Linkin Park
And....

1) Rollin' in the Deep by Adele
   
Don't judge! It's the Radio, lol.

GO MAVS!!!

The Time Is Now!!!

Photo of the Day

Grammy Award Winner Esperanza Spalding

Interior Inspiration

Beautiful.

Gasp! There is No Such Thing as Multi-Tasking?!?

No!!! I am the Queen of Multi-tasking! I watch TV, read, and talk on the phone at the same time while paying attention to it all! Well, at least I thought I was until after I read this article from Psychology Today...

http://www.psychologytoday.com/em/57851

Boo.

So, maybe I should stick to one task at a time. But what can you do when The Big Bang Theory is on and someone calls you that you really have been meaning to talk to and you have to study for an exam?

Devotional Thought: Momentary, light Affliction

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 "For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,  while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

When things in my life are not going the way I want them to be, I sometimes act like it is the end of the world. All I can see and think about is the situation I am going through and how bad it is and how sad I am. I totally let it consume me, forgetting what the verse above teaches. These troubles and obstacles (afflictions) I face in life are just what this verse says, momentary and light when looking through God's eternal lens. What believers battle on this earth is temporary. We should not let it harm us permanently. And what this verse says affliction produces for us far outweighs the present and the things I can see. We must focus on the unseen, the eternal, what God is doing in our lives and in those around us. I know God is doing great things in my life and some of it is behind the scenes. And I don't see it because I am so focused on the things I do see. I pray for new vision, God's vision for myself and for the world. May I see life and its' circumstances like He does.

Romans 8:18 says "For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." This world is temporary and our troubles are temporary. We have so much more to look forward to and keep our eyes focused on rather than just the mess that happens on this earth. We have hope! Hope for something better where there will be no more afflictions and sadness and pain in the new heaven and earth. Hope that we will be changed permanently with the resurrection of our bodies. The ESV Study Bible says "The ultimate glory that Christians will receive is so stupendous that the sufferings of this present time are insignificant in comparison."  I pray that when life gets hard and messy, I will meditate on this Scripture and on the promises of God. I pray that we believers don't get caught up in this present world and forget about what is to come. We are blessed through our circumstances! We are loved, forgiven, and redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.

Artist Spotlight: Heather Williams

Source

The love of Christ and His mercy and grace meets us where we are and fill us with immeasurable joy and peace. Listen to Heather Williams's story and how God transforms brokenness into something beautiful. Hallelujah!

And this song has been a favorite of mine for months now. The words are so powerful as she cries out to Jesus to come Today.



2 Peter 3:8-13 "But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells."

Revelation 1:7 "Behold, He is coming with the clouds and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen."

 

"4Evermore"

Such a good song..

Forever more...
Forever's a mighty long time but I really wanna spend it with you
I shine when you shine and there's really no substitute
Forever more...
Forever's a mighty long time but I really wanna spend it with you
I shine when you shine and there's really no substitute
Forever more...

Take a picture, I want you to remember
When I professed my love
Press the button, I hope it's still recording
Every word I'm saying to you
I'm telling you right now from this day on
I've already weighed out* the pros and cons
Baby, you're just the woman I want (I want)
I want (I want), I want (I want)
Making my plans just to be with you
Just you and me babe till the days are through
And I ain't ashamed love, to say I do (I do)
I do (yeah-he-eey...)

Pick a tree to carve our names
Let the world know it's not a game
Last longer than a wedding ring
Generations tattooed with the love we bring
From the seeds we sow
To the time it takes to grow
Long enough to show you
I won't let go of you
Cause without you I'm incomplete
Like this love song without this beat
I'm saying that you are the man I need (I need)
I need (I need), I need (yeah-heey)

I'm making my plans just to be with you
Just you and me babe till the days are through
And I ain't ashamed love, to say I do (I do)
I do (I do), I do (I do)

Uh, yeah, it's Phontigga, yo...
Take a picture off the wall, try to reframe it
Take all the color off, try to repaint it
If you want picture perfect, well we ain't it
Because we painted our own portrait
Of me and you that could never be tainted
Because real love and bodies are colors of the spectrum
Mix a few greens with your reds and your blues
Create some new hues, then you rehang it
Start over, even though your friends gon' doubt you
And all them other dudes tryna scout you
It gets so tiring, but I'd be lying
If I said that I'd be better off without you
And when I think of walking out you
Smile in a way that make me feel like I'd be lost without you
Me and you are the only threats to us
Till death do us I'm standing next to ya, uh

30-Day Challenge!

I am going to go ahead and admit it. I haven't been running for the past week and a half. I know, I know! I have been sooo tired and my stomach has been hurting and...ok, no more excuses, huh? But I'm gonna do better I promise! That's why I'm starting this 30-day challenge. I will run everyday for 30 days no matter what. They say if you do anything for 30 days it becomes a habit, or something like that. And I want to run without even having to think about it so it can become a part of what I do everyday. So I'm gonna try it.

Starting June 13th, the day before my 26th birthday, I will begin my challenge. I log on here my daily run. So you guys must keep me accountable! I also invite you to begin the challenge with me. You don't have to run of course, but anything you have been wanting to do, maybe a goal you set for yourself and you are having trouble staying consistent or even being motivated, join me on this challenge! Let's encourage and support each other.