Blog Party

I’m joining blog bash 2011 for their blog party’s, won’t you join us?

Courtney from women living well is hosting this awesome event and she wanted us to introduce ourselves.

My name is Ashley and I’m 27, married with 4 children. I am a lover of scrapbooking, reading, homeschooling and learning about the great I am.

I’ve been blogging for about 1 year, but only “seriously” for about 6 months. When I started I just wanted to get back into writing; something I have been passionate about since high school. In the last few months I have felt a tug on my heart to write more, and prayed fervently on where exactly God wanted me to go. You see, writing has always come easily to me; but sharing myself with people, that has taken some getting used to. Most of my life I have spent trying to hide who I truly was; cower away behind a rock and forget the pain I’ve endured. I’ve survived sexual abuse, an abusive step-father, a mental breakdown and date rape. Through all of these trials, I have humbly fallen to my knees and acknowledged that God is my refuge; it is in Him that I find strength. I only wish I could have seen Him through the tears that have fallen, through the bruises I’ve felt. But, I know that God, who began a good work in me, shall finish it upon His perfect timing. And His timing is always perfect.

Take for instance His perfect weaving of my relationship with my husband, the man that God brought into my path at the most inopportune moment. My partner while traveling on this earthly plain ….

He has showed me that there are good men out there, ones not set on destroying me; ones who dream of protecting me and loving me. He has shown me the love of our Lord and Savior and has brought to me more joy than I could ever have dreamed of. He has stood by my side as I found my walk and stepped into the role that God called me to…becoming a mother, a wife, a friend and a daughter. He has submitted to Christ and faithfully devoted himself to leading our family. And a family he sure has given me…..

We’ve adopted my nephew, Jordon (8) who has brought so much joy and tears to my life. He’s loud, loving, sweet and carefree and A HANDFUL! But I have enjoyed every second of the last 4 years and the lesson’s God has taught me along the journey. There’s Jaxson (4) who has been more of a delight then challenge every single day. He’s even-tempered, lovable, calm and care-free. He’s a delight and loves his baby sister to bits and pieces. There’s Hayley (2) who has been sassy and rough since the day she was born. She’s loud, proud and in charge. She pretty much runs our house. She has an attitude, yet has this sweet grin that will melt your heart; or possibly turn it cold depending on her mood. And finally there is Lily Grace (1) who has been without a doubt the blessing we didn’t know we wanted to badly. She is quiet, sweet, mellow and adorable. She is doted on by every single person in our home and her smile can wipe away any frown. I thank God each and every day for these beautiful blessings. I know that he blesses even the most sinful heart and I am living, walking proof. His grace has sufficiently wiped out my tumultuous past and His mercy reigns forth in my life.

And the most important aspect of my life is my incessant desire to walk faithfully with my Lord and Savior. I long to know Him intimately and to hear His voice in my ear as I walk along the way. He is my strength, He is my shield and I take refuge in His Word.

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come."

~ 2 Corinthians 5:17~

Blessings