Life Unexpected

This week has been one of the toughest, most chellenging weeks at UMHB thus far. I have received several unexpected announcements that really challenged my faith, but, at the samw time, have made me wake up and truly understand the power of prayer. I won't go into any details, but please pray that God will bless my loved ones and myself with peace and understanding.

Now, onto a happier note, how 'bout that snow y'all?!? Can you believe it snowed in Belton, TX, especially because it was 75 degrees two dayr before...nothing like some good 'ole bipolar Texas weather :) My friends and I spent the day playing in the beautiful snow, participating in a rather extreme snowball fight, and "sledding" at the conference center. I use that word cautiously because it was more like sitting on fast food trays (as in the plastic ones from Taco Bell, Whataburger, and other various chain restaurants) while someone pushed us down the hills. For those of us who were born and raised in the Lonestar state, this was a thrilling expereince, given we barely see an inch of snow annually. It was a day to remember. Plus we didn't have school! After a fun-filled afternoon, we all went our separate ways. Some took naps, some watched movies, but we all made sure to drink some delicious hot chocolate and thaw our hands :) Later that night, we all met up once again and headed to IHOP for free pancakes! It was National Pancake Day, so in celebration of the holiday, IHOP gave away shortstacks completely free...it was wonderful! What a great way to end a beautiful, memorable day :)

Songs

I apologize for the lack of blogging lately...school is pretty hectic right now, but I promise to update as soon as I have two seconds to sit down. I pray that you all have had a great week thus far and thoroughly enjoyed the snow :) Here are a couple of songs I love and I hope you enjoy them as well. May God bless the rest of your week and continue to provide you with peace and joy.

In Him,
Ash

This is my favorite song in the entire world! Sorry for the random video...it's the only one I could embed here. Remember to pause the music at the bottom of the page.




This is a song from Robbie Seay Band's next album.

To All My Wonderful Friends...

Make sure you pause the music at the bottom of the page. Love you all! :)

CLC

Over the weekend, I attended CLC, which stands for Crusader Leadership Conference. Here, we discussed each individual's strengths and talents using the program Strengths Quest. You take an assesment where it asks you various questions about your personality and daily life. As a result, it tells you your top five strengths. There are 34 total. It was so interesting learning about everyone's strengths and how each one exactly fits the person. Some people were surprised by their results, but when dissected, realized that each strength has so much more than the tital suggests. For instance, my top five are developer, achiever, responsibility, belief, and restorative. Over the course of two days, I have learned that each of these are embedded in my DNA. This is how God created me. These strengths are innate and part of who I am. I enjoy making to-do lists and crossing off each completed task. People can depend on me to accomplish every job, hopefully without making any mistakes, which is where my perfectionism and slightly OCD personality comes into play. I see great potential in each person and enjoy helping them with their troubles. I like to solve problems and in return, enjoy assisting my friends and family solve theirs'. And finally, I have high morals and values and choose to not go against them.

One of the most interesting parts of the conference was during a small group meeting. Our leader gave us a scenario and each person told how they would approach the situation. Not one person had the same approach, even those who had several of the same strengths. This is what makes us human. We all have our own ideas. Not one is better or more significant than the other. God made each of us our own individuals. It is up to us how we use our strengths and talents.

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Remember that this day is not intended to be about the candy or stuffed animals or silly gifts, but to remind those around us that we love them for who they are. So, tell your family, your friends, your loved ones that you love them and thank them for everything they have done for you.

May your day be filled with grace, mercy, and love.
Ash

Vintage Shopping

This post is seriously overdue but the past two weeks have been very long, difficult, and filled with lots of studying and emotions. Thankfully they are complete and this week will be relaxing and stress free...I hope :)

This weekend was lovely. I slept in and relaxed and did nothing that required extensive brain activity. On Saturday, Mary and I were productive and exercised. We rode our bikes around UMHB while speaking in a British accent. I must say it's quite amusing and becomes rather addictive after a couple of hours. We then decided to stop by Sonic. Why you may ask? Because it was happy hour of course! There's nothing like that first sip of a large diet coke. It's a moment filled with pure bliss. Some may regard my love for DC as unhealthy and altogether quite silly to consume that wonderful dark brown, carbonated product, but I say they can get over it. It keeps me sane on impossible days. When 2-4 in the afternoon rolls around you know where to find me 

Next, Mary and I figured we should browse through the antique shops given it is now February and we still have not been shopping in downtown Belton. This is where the real adventure begins. The moment I stepped into the first quaint little shop, I knew I was hooked. I immediately began to observe all of the various articles and furniture. I decided then and there that I am an antique lover. With that said, I have decided to change my room at home over the summer. I will do so with a vintage look but still keep a modern feel. I purchased a green vintage suitcase and a Rick Springfield album on vinyl. (He is one of my favorite artists!)

Upon rummaging through all of the knick knacks, I was in an alternate reality, one which consisted only of euphoria. Dramatic much? Who cares. With a large DC in my left hand and my wonderful finds in the other, I gladly handed the shop owner my debit card, which had been reimbursed just days before. Despite the fact that I spent the aforementioned compensation, I do not regret purchasing the items. They belong in my soon-to-be vintage room. Their destiny is now complete. Again, dramatic, I know, but let’s face it, vintage shopping is my drug. Well, that and large diet cokes during happy hour at Sonic.

I hope you all had a relaxing weekend and pray that this week will bring you joy and happiness as Saturday did for me.

Peace and love.