Well, during my time at Moody the Lord has taught me what it means to be a leader and to take on responsibilities that I never thought before coming to Moody that I could take on if it was not for the strength He provided me with to accomplish the given task. I would like to explain what I mean by providing you, my dear readers, a few examples of places God has put me in order that my faith muscles might be stretched and my confinement in Jesus Christ would grow.
Also, before I go any further in my blog there are a few things I would kindly clarify (to whatever extent I can in blog post): (1) the goal of my postings are meant to reflect what God is teaching me about myself, what I am learning about Him and others, etc.; (2) this is a safe place (I feel) for me to process what is on my mind in hopes that the the Lord will use it in another's life; and (3) I ask for your grace when (and I am sure it will probably happen) my posts do not make too much sense, when I do not use proper grammar, or whatever other mishaps you may come across (I am trying to get over the fact that I am not perfect and cannot fear what man might think of me). While I know most of you reading my blog will not judge me, I would, also, ask that you would be in prayer for me as I write my blog posts. My ultimate purpose in continuing my blog is to bring God glory in my writing, so that it can touch others lives (or so I pray that it does).
With that ground being covered, I would like to discuss with you one way this year (out of many, of course!) that God has stretched my faith. In October of 2013, I started to work at the Dailey Method (a barre studio). I never heard of this exercise studio until I read about it in an e-mail I got from Kgrace Childcare (a babysitting agency). I was looking through my e-mails one day in fall, and I came across an e-mail in from Kgrace that read something along these lines: The store owners from The Dailey Method in Lincoln Park are looking for part-time people to be of assistance as the front desk staff member or as a caretaker in the children's room. I was so excited to "hear" about this job opportunity! As some of my friends know, I enjoy working out because (1) it is a amazing stress reliever and (2) I find it freeing to exercise, especially when I go on long or short distance runs (I will go into more about the importance of running in my life hopefully in another post because it is one of the many ways God has brought healing in my life from past trauma). Quickly, I e-mailed the store manager and told her that I would be interested in a job position at the Dailey Method. I anticipated the response from the studio manager since I was anxious to learn more about the Dailey Method.
Thankfully, the manager got back to me and asked when I would be available for an interview. I was thrilled to read that she wanted to interview me! Without hesitation, I e-mailed her back with a time and day, which, sadly, ended up changing for a few weeks due to unforeseen circumstances. However, by God's providence I eventually had a set time I was planning on meeting with her. Once I arrived, at the studio I was amazed to see how open and peppy it looked (yes, I said peppy, which is another term for fun!). As I further scanned the studio and the people, I became even more excited at the thought of me having the opportunity to work there. Eventually, the manager sat down and she asked me a few questions about myself: What is my major in school? What do you like to do for your free time? Once I answered those questions, as well as a host of others I was asked the question, "Why would you like to work at the Dailey Method"? At first I did not know what to say other than I find pleasure in exercising because it strengthens by body, so I would like to work in a place where I could, if given the opportunity, be an instructor for classes, be a front desk worker, or be a childcare provider in the kid's zone. In any way I could, with whichever job I would be given, I wanted to encourage women (and occasionally men) to live healthy lives by engaging in physical exercise. Proceeding my response, the manager said she was in need of front desk staff, so she would like to offer me that position. I accepted the offer. Just to give you a bit of a teaser now, I could not have imaged what God had in store for me after I had made that decision.
My new manager (and just so I do not have to keep writing "my manager", I will giver her the name Nat), Nat, showed me all the responsibilities I would be in charge of as front desk worker. Each responsibility did not seem too overwhelming until she explained to my that I would need to answer incoming calls and call back clients who left voicemails. I knew that when I had initially accepted this job I would need to talk with clients as I checked them in for their designated class; however, I was frightened to think I had to muster up confidence, which I did not have much of at the time, to talk to strangers over the phone. This, indeed, would be a part of my job that I would learn to trust God with. From that first day of training until now I am encouraged to see the way in which God saw my fears and how He has lovingly showed me I can trust Him with everything--even as I simply picked up a phone to talk to another I probably have never met before.
Over the course of several months of being an employee at the Dailey Method, I have formed friendships with dear co-workers who make me laugh, remind me of the power of prayer, as well as remind me of the darkness of sin that lurks within each human beings. I ask the Lord constantly while I am at work, How do You want me to minister to this co-worker today? How can I be praying for this co-worker or client(s) who seem to be struggling with depression? There are so many more questions that come to mind, but in everything, as I previously noted, I have learned that I need to trust God to guide my answers, or somehow speak through me as I quietly sit and listen to another as they verbally confess their emotional pains.
I would like to end this post with a brief prayer: Oh, Father, how I have enjoyed being an ambassador for you at the Dailey Method, but some days I grow weak. Abba, I need you to speak through me as I talk to clients and co-workers. And as I listen, in tune my heart with Yours, so that I may take part in the pains and joys of another. I recognize that it is not I who live, but Jesus Christ who lives in me (Gal. 2:20). Continue to impress this truth on the tablet of my heart--both now and forevermore. All glory and honor belong to You--my King and my Lord!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Monday, March 4, 2013
Please pray for our team
Colossians 4:3-6 ~ That God may open
a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ. Pray
that we may proclaim it clearly, that we will be wise in the way we act toward
outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. May our conversation be always full
of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 1:22-23 ~ That they will continue in their faith, established, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.
Colossians 2:2 ~ That they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know Christ.
Please pray for Thai nonbelievers
Colossians 1:6 ~ That the gospel
will bear fruit and grow in their life as they hear it and that they will truly
understood God’s grace.
Colossians 2:13-15 ~ That they will be
alive with Christ, have their sins forgiven and their condemnation taken way.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
How He love us, oh, how He loves us!
Hi Everyone,
It has been way too long since I have last posted and my-oh-my has there been a ton of changes that have occurred in my life.
I am now attending Moody Bible Institute in Chicago after a long year of doing online classes. There is a ton I still need to process when it comes to my first year online with Moody, but I would like to share that another day. As of tonight, I would like to share a bit about the ministry trip to Thailand that I am preparing to go on with 7 Moody students, 1 Columbia student, and 2 leaders from Moody (March 8th-24th).
Over the course of the past two months, I have started to meet with the team in order to train for the Thailand ministry trip. A majority of the meetings have consisted of laughter and excitement for what God has in store for us, as a team, Thai believers, and Thai nonbelievers. Since it is late at night and I need to go bed at somewhat reasonable time (yes, I know it is college, but I still need to be maintain a healthy sleeping schedule) I will explain a bit of what happened at the meeting tonight (6-9pm).
As always, our team met in the Commons and then headed to the activity room near Joe's. I was rather excited for this meeting because this time we would be talking about prostitution, which I have a passion to fight against by raising awareness, providing intervention, and giving support (signing petitions in order to make the government more aware of the seriousness of this ever-growing issue, etc). I know from here I can keep on talking about my passion for this special field of ministry, but I would like to still try to stay on track and explain how the night first started out. Well, Levy and Nok (the two leaders of our team) began to ask us questions to see how we all were going. Once we all talked amongst one another and let each other know how we were doing, Nok went through a bit of the schedule for the trip and then took out copies of a worksheet that had some Thai language on it. She likes to go through Thai language lessons most every team meeting, so we do not head to Thailand without being familiar with numbers, and how to ask questions (e.g, Hi, my name is Ashley. What is your name?). Most of the questions that we are learning to ask are intended to help group members be able to become better acquainted with the Thai people by seeing how they are doing. Also, we have been learning to ask certain questions, such as Can I have this dress for a cheaper price? so we are able to bargain for better prices when we are in the market place. I found out that for the most part, bargaining prices in Thailand is rather common . Today, we learned how to say the word beautiful, which in phonics can be translated as suay. I cannot way to say this word to the girls I will meet in the bars that are located in the red light districts of Bangkok; and for any of those who don't know, red light districts are apart of urban areas and consist of brothels, strip clubs, prostitution, etc.
Once we finished up our Thai language lesson, Nok and Levy had us run through our group skit again that we will be doing at different places we visit in Thailand (churches, schools, etc).
Once we finished going through our skit, then Levy put on a documentary about sex trafficking. This documentary was not as shocking to me because I have watched a documentary about sex trafficking before, but still it was heart wrenching to hear the stories of former and current prostitutes who are struggling in life and feel like prostitution is their easy fix to make money or was an "easy" avenue to take in order to make a quick buck. I was encouraged because at the end of the documentary, some of the women who were interviewed began to speak about God's love for them. As they began to speak about God's love, tears began to stream from their eyes out onto their cheeks. As one of the former prostitutes (forgive me for referring to her in this way, I forgot her name) was talking about the love of God she began to weep. This kind of weeping that I saw that beautiful woman experience at that moment was a way of healing from past hurt and brokenness. I could sympathize with those emotions of sadness, joy, pain, etc., because I, too, have experienced abuse, so I know the hurt that trails after it. However, I also have learned and experienced the love of God in my own life, so I can sympathize with the tears of joy that I am sure that woman had shed. God's amazing love is so overwhelming! :)
I will write more tomorrow, Lord willing, so I will now close out this written entry with a song called How He Loves by David Crowder Band
It has been way too long since I have last posted and my-oh-my has there been a ton of changes that have occurred in my life.
I am now attending Moody Bible Institute in Chicago after a long year of doing online classes. There is a ton I still need to process when it comes to my first year online with Moody, but I would like to share that another day. As of tonight, I would like to share a bit about the ministry trip to Thailand that I am preparing to go on with 7 Moody students, 1 Columbia student, and 2 leaders from Moody (March 8th-24th).
Over the course of the past two months, I have started to meet with the team in order to train for the Thailand ministry trip. A majority of the meetings have consisted of laughter and excitement for what God has in store for us, as a team, Thai believers, and Thai nonbelievers. Since it is late at night and I need to go bed at somewhat reasonable time (yes, I know it is college, but I still need to be maintain a healthy sleeping schedule) I will explain a bit of what happened at the meeting tonight (6-9pm).
As always, our team met in the Commons and then headed to the activity room near Joe's. I was rather excited for this meeting because this time we would be talking about prostitution, which I have a passion to fight against by raising awareness, providing intervention, and giving support (signing petitions in order to make the government more aware of the seriousness of this ever-growing issue, etc). I know from here I can keep on talking about my passion for this special field of ministry, but I would like to still try to stay on track and explain how the night first started out. Well, Levy and Nok (the two leaders of our team) began to ask us questions to see how we all were going. Once we all talked amongst one another and let each other know how we were doing, Nok went through a bit of the schedule for the trip and then took out copies of a worksheet that had some Thai language on it. She likes to go through Thai language lessons most every team meeting, so we do not head to Thailand without being familiar with numbers, and how to ask questions (e.g, Hi, my name is Ashley. What is your name?). Most of the questions that we are learning to ask are intended to help group members be able to become better acquainted with the Thai people by seeing how they are doing. Also, we have been learning to ask certain questions, such as Can I have this dress for a cheaper price? so we are able to bargain for better prices when we are in the market place. I found out that for the most part, bargaining prices in Thailand is rather common . Today, we learned how to say the word beautiful, which in phonics can be translated as suay. I cannot way to say this word to the girls I will meet in the bars that are located in the red light districts of Bangkok; and for any of those who don't know, red light districts are apart of urban areas and consist of brothels, strip clubs, prostitution, etc.
Once we finished up our Thai language lesson, Nok and Levy had us run through our group skit again that we will be doing at different places we visit in Thailand (churches, schools, etc).
Once we finished going through our skit, then Levy put on a documentary about sex trafficking. This documentary was not as shocking to me because I have watched a documentary about sex trafficking before, but still it was heart wrenching to hear the stories of former and current prostitutes who are struggling in life and feel like prostitution is their easy fix to make money or was an "easy" avenue to take in order to make a quick buck. I was encouraged because at the end of the documentary, some of the women who were interviewed began to speak about God's love for them. As they began to speak about God's love, tears began to stream from their eyes out onto their cheeks. As one of the former prostitutes (forgive me for referring to her in this way, I forgot her name) was talking about the love of God she began to weep. This kind of weeping that I saw that beautiful woman experience at that moment was a way of healing from past hurt and brokenness. I could sympathize with those emotions of sadness, joy, pain, etc., because I, too, have experienced abuse, so I know the hurt that trails after it. However, I also have learned and experienced the love of God in my own life, so I can sympathize with the tears of joy that I am sure that woman had shed. God's amazing love is so overwhelming! :)
I will write more tomorrow, Lord willing, so I will now close out this written entry with a song called How He Loves by David Crowder Band
As you watch this video and listen to the music, please pray for victims and survivors of sex trafficking. Pray for rescue and restoration. Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Psalm 91
Lately, I've been dealing with a lot of fear and it has gotten to the point where I am too afraid to accomplish certain things or even start them. For example, I am supposed to re-do my Moody essays, but I am so afraid that I won't do them right that I find myself pushing them to the side. My fears have brought me to the point of tears...it has been plauging my life, but I will not stand for it any longer! My God is greater, stronger, wiser, all-knowing, etc. Still...even though I know that about my God, I am caught up in fear/ worrying/...Within my misery, God got my attention. During my devotions two days ago I opened up my Bible to a random page and it opened at Psalm 91. The first two verses of Psalm 91 says, "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” After I read both of these verses, I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to write them down on a note card to memorize. So I did...:)
I began to read over Psalm 91 and these two verses over and over. Through my head I continually wanted to remind myself that God is my dwelling place--someone who I could run to no matter what and most importantly, someone who I could trust with ever part of my life, including my fear problem. Two days after coming across this Psalm, I was searching the set-apart girl website, and came across a sermon by Leslie Ludy's husband, Eric Ludy. The sermon I found was called fearless. Even though it was a one hour and 33 minutes long, I knew I needed to take time to watch it because the title drew me in. As Eric began talking, he began to explain how it is a sin to fear. I thought to myself, “Wow, I didn’t know it was a sin to fear…oh dear…I’ve been sinning a whole lot then.” After the sermon was over, I fell at the feet of Jesus in prayer and asked Him to empower me to stand strong against Satan attacks. I want to be a young woman who follows her King, and lives life to the fullest. Through God’s power, I will not be a slave to fear—for my only master is Jesus Christ.
Recent update: Today, Satan has been attacking me with waves of fearful thinking, etc. Instead of dwelling on my fears, I am choosing to take those thoughts captive immediately, and bringing them before the Lord. God is my strength--I am not in this fight alone. :)
Verses that I’ve been meditating on:
Psalm 91:1-2
Psalm 24: 1-The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it…
Songs that have been helping me through this time:
Our God is greater, our God is stronger--God you are higher than any other! –Chris Tomlin “Our God”
Kristian Standfill- “My hope is in the Lord”
God is good, all the time! J
I began to read over Psalm 91 and these two verses over and over. Through my head I continually wanted to remind myself that God is my dwelling place--someone who I could run to no matter what and most importantly, someone who I could trust with ever part of my life, including my fear problem. Two days after coming across this Psalm, I was searching the set-apart girl website, and came across a sermon by Leslie Ludy's husband, Eric Ludy. The sermon I found was called fearless. Even though it was a one hour and 33 minutes long, I knew I needed to take time to watch it because the title drew me in. As Eric began talking, he began to explain how it is a sin to fear. I thought to myself, “Wow, I didn’t know it was a sin to fear…oh dear…I’ve been sinning a whole lot then.” After the sermon was over, I fell at the feet of Jesus in prayer and asked Him to empower me to stand strong against Satan attacks. I want to be a young woman who follows her King, and lives life to the fullest. Through God’s power, I will not be a slave to fear—for my only master is Jesus Christ.
Recent update: Today, Satan has been attacking me with waves of fearful thinking, etc. Instead of dwelling on my fears, I am choosing to take those thoughts captive immediately, and bringing them before the Lord. God is my strength--I am not in this fight alone. :)
Verses that I’ve been meditating on:
Psalm 91:1-2
Psalm 24: 1-The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it…
Songs that have been helping me through this time:
Our God is greater, our God is stronger--God you are higher than any other! –Chris Tomlin “Our God”
Kristian Standfill- “My hope is in the Lord”
God is good, all the time! J
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Christ and poetry
http://dreaminsoul.com/blog/2011/09/creativity-masterpiece-spoken-poetry-by-amena-brown/
Amena Brown is the women who inspired me to do Spoken Word. She is a very talented young lady who's goal it is to have God glorified through her poems.
My own love for poetry started when I was a young girl. I so enjoy thinking deep and writing my feelings, thoughts, emotions, dreams, etc..on paper. It speaks volumes through the pages. Word are so powerful. Dictionary.com defines the word, word in the following way: a unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning. Words are composed of one or more morphemes and are either the smallest units susceptible of independentuse or consist of two or three such units combined under certain linking conditions, as with the loss of primary accent that distinguishes blackbirdfrom black bird.Words are usually separated by spaces in writing, and are distinguished phonologically, as by accent, in many languages.
Wow what a mind blower!! Thank you Lord for words:) Thank you that we can use words in many different ways. Thank you that words can speak powerfully through Spoken Word poems...God you are SO good (ALL the time).
Amena Brown is the women who inspired me to do Spoken Word. She is a very talented young lady who's goal it is to have God glorified through her poems.
My own love for poetry started when I was a young girl. I so enjoy thinking deep and writing my feelings, thoughts, emotions, dreams, etc..on paper. It speaks volumes through the pages. Word are so powerful. Dictionary.com defines the word, word in the following way: a unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning. Words are composed of one or more morphemes and are either the smallest units susceptible of independentuse or consist of two or three such units combined under certain linking conditions, as with the loss of primary accent that distinguishes blackbirdfrom black bird.Words are usually separated by spaces in writing, and are distinguished phonologically, as by accent, in many languages.
Wow what a mind blower!! Thank you Lord for words:) Thank you that we can use words in many different ways. Thank you that words can speak powerfully through Spoken Word poems...God you are SO good (ALL the time).
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Journey of Life
I am only, but a dust still God uses me to do great works for His kingdom
I doubt, have little faith, hide away, feed into my self-pity
Yet God sets me on a high Rock
He continues to guide me in the direction He wants me to walk
He doesn't give up on me even when I give up on myself
He upholds me with His righteous right hand
I continue to fail time and time again
But He continues to show me grace
I am left speechless before His grace
Who am I but a young girl journeying through this life with troubles, hurt, sorrow...the list goes on...on...and on
From the darkness He shines a glorious light
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Awaken
Broken
Humbled
His love is patient, kind, gentle, unwavering, unique...
A love worth holding on to
Lord You NEVER let go of me
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Your perfect love is casting out fear."
Trials roar and temptation peaks around the corner but God you are nearer then my breath
You are closer than it all
May my journey of life be but a song of praise to my God and King
I mess up but You use my mess ups for Your glory
Thank you Lord for directing my steps
I commit my ways to You
"Trust in Him, and He will act."
I doubt, have little faith, hide away, feed into my self-pity
Yet God sets me on a high Rock
He continues to guide me in the direction He wants me to walk
He doesn't give up on me even when I give up on myself
He upholds me with His righteous right hand
I continue to fail time and time again
But He continues to show me grace
I am left speechless before His grace
Who am I but a young girl journeying through this life with troubles, hurt, sorrow...the list goes on...on...and on
From the darkness He shines a glorious light
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Awaken
Broken
Humbled
His love is patient, kind, gentle, unwavering, unique...
A love worth holding on to
Lord You NEVER let go of me
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Your perfect love is casting out fear."
Trials roar and temptation peaks around the corner but God you are nearer then my breath
You are closer than it all
May my journey of life be but a song of praise to my God and King
I mess up but You use my mess ups for Your glory
Thank you Lord for directing my steps
I commit my ways to You
"Trust in Him, and He will act."
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