Ashley's Thoughts

It's Really Finished

One of my greatest accomplishments in life has been getting an education. When I was "forced" to go to school as a kid, I enjoyed it, but I never excelled at it.

After I was given the opportunity for higher education, I really fell in love with learning. I have a few ideas of where I would want to go in the future with my education but for now I'm taking a break.

With that said, I always had something to look forward to with school. First the challenge of the classes, then receiving the grade, which in then in turn becomes a diploma. After I got the diploma, I was looking forward to getting the frame to make it all nice. Now that came today...and so I'm finally just finished. Nothing else to look forward to academic wise. But, experience wise I have all the time in the world.

So, this degree closes out 2009 goals....and now it's time for 2010!

A Poem-Grandpa's First Christmas in Heaven

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,

With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear,

For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear;

But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring,

For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart,

But I am not so far away. We really aren’t apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones. You know I hold you dear,

And be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.

I send you each a memory of my undying love.

After all, love is the gift, more precious than pure gold.

It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do,

For I can’t count the blessings or love He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.

Remember, I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

-Found in the Reminisce Nov/Dec 2009 Issue

MASS: WE PRAY THE VIDEO GAME

Seriously???

3 Questions

Today I have been thinking about the church, the positives and the negatives with it.

Basically I have come to the conclusion that I need to find out the answer to three questions:

1. What is the purpose of the Church?

2. What is the purpose of a Christ follower?

3. What is the pastor's job?

Once I figure the answers out, I think I can go further in my thinking. Anyone have any opinions on the answers to the three questions?

One Christ Won City Praying for Change Video

One Christ Won City: Praying For Change from Ashley on Vimeo.

Jaxon's 6th Halloween

Jaxon Halloween 2009 from Ashley on Vimeo.

Baltimore and Philadelphia

Last weekend I went on a mini vacation and hit up Baltimore and Philadelphia. The time spent in both places was great and I'd love to go back again some time.

In Baltimore we went down to the Inner Harbor. By far, my favorite place was the HUGE bookstore, if I lived there, I'd be a regular there. The boats were cool to look at and I think the other things there would be fun to visit as well.

In Philadelphia we visited the historical sites. We saw many different places but my favorite was Independence Hall.

Thought I'd post a few pictures from the places we visited.