Hey!  I'm writing from Guatemala tonight.  :-)  After tonight I will not have internet access for the rest of the time.  I just got on here and noticed that my posts got mixed up somehow, so my entry about the mission trip with specific prayer requests is down below the one about vbs.  Please scroll down and see it if you haven't yet. 

Thanks so much, those who are praying for us.  I'm having a great time so far (so far we are just visiting haha - the work starts soon!)  We are well and safe and enjoying being here.  Please continue praying. 

Love you all and God bless! 
~Ashley

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Hey Everyone! 
Well, last night was the last night of VBS at our church.  I had a lot of fun working as one of the "music time" leaders.  Here are a few pictures from the week:

Me, my friend Shannon, and our pastor's wife

Daniella and me

Drama (Jesus praying while the disciples sleep)

Music and dance time! 

And guess what?!  Some of those pictures were taken with....da da da daaaa.... my new camera!!!!!!  Remember the package I was waiting for?  Well, it FINALLY got here a few days ago!  It's a Nikon D80.  I'm so excited and have been having fun experimenting with it.  :-) 

The Guatemala trip is going to be here before I know it... I should probably start packing at some point.  haha.  Actually, I've packed a very few basic things, but not much!  I have spent a lot of time this week working on VBS preparations for the trip - counting pencils, dividing crayons into ziploc bags, etc.  The other night, my mom and I spent two hours cutting out and sorting stickers.  Wow, was that exhausting and mind-numbing!  :-)  But it's all coming together, and I'm looking forward to the trip.  God blessed me with this verse this morning:
"You will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands."  Isaiah 55:12

God bless, and have a great weekend!
Love, Ashley

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Hi Blogging Friends,
Well, I've been keeping you updated on the preparations for this trip and now it's time!  We fly out this morning (I'm in a hurry! I had this blog post typed up last night and it got deleted!)  We will be gone about a week and a half.  Please be praying for us while we are gone!!  I ask for prayer for:
*Safety
*Good health
*Team unity
*Our families at home
*Most of all, for God to be glorified in all of it
Our plans for the week include some small construction projects, VBS, a women's conference, a pastor's conference, and evening outreaches. 
Also, we have a team member going who has some serious health issues, so please keep that in your prayers too. 
I love you all and hope you have a wonderful couple of weeks!  I'm sure I'll be taking lots of pictures so you can look forward to a long, pic-filled post when I get back!  Thanks so much for your prayers!
God bless,
Love, Ashley

If You ask me to go... I'll go but I cannot go alone
Cause I know I'm nothin on my own
But the power of Christ in me
Makes me strong...
-- "In Me," by Casting Crowns

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Hi everyone, 
I have a couple little pieces of news from my life, but first I want to tell you about an important day that's coming up this week.  Many of you probably know about the "global food crisis" that's going on all over the world right now.  Food prices have gone up so high that people living in poverty are not even able to buy the basics like rice and wheat.  I read one report that said food prices have doubled in the past year.  The World Food Programme is calling it a "silent tsunami" because it is affecting so many people (millions), causing them to go hungry. 

Compassion International is calling for a day of fasting and prayer for the global food crisis on Wednesday, June 25.  Obviously, anyone can participate, whether you're a Compassion sponsor or not.  We can donate money to charities and give food to food banks, but prayer is the best way we can help.  Our dollars will only go so far, and our canned food will only reach one or two people, but our prayers are to an Almighty God, who rules the universe and cares about all people.  Prayer is not limited, so let's pray about this crisis...pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are hungry.   
Also, let me say this:  if you decide to fast on the day of fasting and prayer, know that a fast doesn't have to be going completely without food.  It certainly can be, if that's what God leads you to do, but there are many ways to fast.  You can fast from certain kinds of food, like chocolate or junk food, or you can fast from TV or computer or anything else that would be a sacrifice for you.  Pray about it first... God will tell you what to do. 

This made me think of these lyrics from an old Jaci Velasquez song:
We live in a dream if we really think
Everything's all right
This world is in need crying out to be free
We gotta shed some light....
We can make a difference
We can make a change
We can make the world a better place
(from "We Can Make a Difference")
Praying is the biggest way we can do that!!  Please join us in prayer on June 25. 

<><><><>

Now for some other news.  First, I got an email yesterday asking if I would like to be a Featured Homeschooler in Heart of the Matter Online!  What an honor!  I'm really excited about that, so now I've got to sit down one day this week and answer my interview questions.  I'll let you know when I'm "posted" on the website.  :-) 
VBS is going on at our church this week.  I'm one of the music and dance teachers.  This is my first year working at our VBS, and it's fun!  :-) 
Speaking of VBS, preparations for Guatemala are coming along pretty nicely.  This afternoon, Marissa and Daniella helped me separate crayons into little ziploc baggies - 4 crayons per bag.  They had fun helping and were so sweet - I kept hearing things like, "I want to give them a pink one",  "I hope this one goes to a girl", and "Can we give them 5?"   Then when we were done, Daniella (7) said, "I wish I could be there to see their face when they get those crayons!"  :-)  I assured her I would take some pictures to show her.  Marissa (11) and Daniella both also want to use some of their own money to buy a pack of pencils to send down.  It makes me smile that they are both so eager to bless the children in Guatemala. 
I'm getting more and more excited about the trip, the closer it gets.  8 more days!! 

I hope you all have a wonderful week! 
Love, Ashley

"Let the little children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  Matthew 19:14

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Hey Everybody.
Boy, how time flies.  I can't believe it's 12 days until we leave for Guatemala.  And less than that until my sister leaves for dance camp... then I won't see her again for about three or four weeks.    The "lazy days" of summer seem like a distant memory!!  Our summers are pretty much anything but lazy. 

Anyway, we're getting ready for the Guatemala trip.  The VBS is still a looong way from ready, though.  Shannon and I decided that this planning/organizing thing is just not our gifted area!!    Writing the lessons is not coming along as quickly as we'd hoped.  She was supposed to write one lesson and I the other one, but we're a little stuck, so we're going to try to meet together soon to work on them.  I had ordered little slinkies from Oriental Trading for the goody bags, but when they got here, they're so little they don't even do anything that a slinky is supposed to do.  So I'm having to send those back and pay extra shipping to order something different for the goody bags.   But the good news is, donations are coming in from the church and the homeschool group.  That is a praise!  People are bringing crayons, pencils, stickers, and candy.  (When you're planning VBS for 300 kids, you have to have some of this stuff donated!) 

(this is in my bedroom floor - VBS stuff everywhere!)

Yesterday as I was reading my Bible, God spoke to me Psalm 46:10, "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  That stood out so strongly to me, because I've been pretty stressed about getting all this VBS stuff organized in time, and it was like God was saying to me, Don't stress.  Relax.  It's in My hands.  I am God and I will be exalted in Guatemala! 
It's good to know that it's in His hands, not mine.  Please do keep praying for us, though, as we finish these last couple of weeks of planning.  Thanks so much. 

Tuesday afternoon, my family and I worked outside in the front flower beds for a while.  I was surprised, I actually enjoyed it!  I usually don't get into yardwork too much.  I took a couple of pictures of the flowers we planted.  This one turned out the best:

Speaking of taking pictures, I started doing the Summer Creative Photography Challenge.  The assignment is to take 2 pictures every day - one a self portrait, and the other of something random you come across.  I've only done one day of pictures so far, but I think it's going to be fun. 

Before I go, let me leave you with another great verse I read the other day.  I can't remember at the moment where it's found, but here it is:  "You will hear a word behind you, saying 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever you turn to the right or to the left."  I LOVE that!!  That is such a great assurance. 
Have a wonderful day,
Ashley

"Cease striving and know that I am God..."
Psalm 46:10

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Well, we all know today is Fathers Day, but it's also my mom's birthday!!  So today is a double special day for us!  I wanted to do a blog post in honor of both of them. 

I'll start with my mom.  She is one of my best friends!  :-)  Every night, she and my sister and I sit in the bed and talk for a while before we go to bed -- sometimes we talk just about everyday life and stuff that's going on, sometimes about more serious life stuff or the Bible, and sometimes we end up laughing hysterically about basically nothing.  Then, just before she leaves my room, she prays aloud for me and my sister. 
My mom has been homeschooling us since I was in 2nd grade (I graduated 3 years ago, so that makes what, 15 years of homeschooling?), which I'm very thankful for, and has taught me so much.  She is almost always the one I go to for advice when I have a problem, and she is great at encouraging me and other people too. 
Happy Birthday Mama!! 
(You can go here to wish her happy birthday) 

And now for my dad.  He is a great friend too!  :-)  I have fun joking around and rough-housing with him, but I can also talk to him about serious life and spiritual stuff, too.  I can go to him for advice about things, and he has helped me wade through math and algebra lessons more times over the years than I could begin to count!!  He has taught me so many things. (Everyone says I look just like him, too. :-) )
This summer my dad and I will be going on our third mission trip together to Guatemala.  I'm so glad that experience is something we can share; that he wants to be there to protect me, but loves being there to minister as well. 
Happy Fathers Day, Daddy! 

I thank God for Christian parents who led me to the Lord, and who strive to follow Him in their lives! 
~Ashley

"Honor your father and your mother..."  Exodus 20:12

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Hi everyone!  I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while!  Life has been quite busy the past couple of weeks.  But I'm here to update y'all, complete with pictures.  :-) 

Last weekend was my sister Briana's last ballet recital.  They did Aladdin this year.  Ballet has been a big part of our lives for 18 years, so it was sad to know it has come to an end.  I'm thankful for the praise dance team at church, and enjoy being on it, but I still miss ballet sometimes.  Anyway, the recital was good and she had a great time. 
Briana did her solo in the pre-show on Saturday.  She chose the song "No Greater Love" by Rachael Lampa, and she and I worked together to choreograph it.  It turned out so beautiful!! 
Here is a picture of her solo, and one of the Aladdin dances. 

The day after the recitals were over, the four of us girls went to my grandparents' house so my mom and dad could go on a special just-the-two-of-them trip.  I'm glad they got to go and had a good time.  :-)  Check out my mom's blog for pictures of their trip to Charleston, SC. 
We also had a good week at my grandparents'.  They live on a lake in a quiet community.  We went to the pool, played badminton in the yard (I love badminton!!), rented a couple of movies, played some board games, and went out on the paddleboat.  A couple of mornings I went out and sat on the back deck to have my quiet time... it's so nice out there by the lake in the mornings, with the birds singing and geese honking.  :-) 
All right, ready for some more pictures?  Here we go! 

Me with the little girls at the pool

Gram, Briana, and Marissa roasting marshmellows

Fishing wasn't a very successful activity this time... but I like this picture! 

Kacie was very interested in the ducks!

Me, Daniella, and Briana on the boat

Now that we're back home and it's twenty-something days until I leave for Guatemala, I have A LOT to do!!  And I'm not sure where to start!!  :-)  Please pray for my friend Shannon and I as it's basically the two of us planning the VBS.  We have a basic plan but are still lacking specifics.  As Shannon said, "God knows everything that these children need to know, and we just want to be on the same page with Him about it."  I really appreciate your prayers as we get ready for this trip!! 

I got a lot of comments on the recipe I posted for June... has anyone tried it yet?  We make that almost every time we go to my grandma's house! 
Have a good week!
~Ashley

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Lemon Cream Dessert
from my Gram... this recipe takes several hours to get completely done.  It's very sweet, but perfect for summer!

FILLING:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup plus 1 Tbs. cornstarch
1 1/2 cups cold water
3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
3 Tbs butter, cubed
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
1/2 cup lemon juice

CRUST:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup cold butter

TOPPING:
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioner's sugar
2 cups cold milk
2 small pkgs instant vanilla pudding mix
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 carton (16 oz) frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed.

FILLING:
Lightly beat egg yolks.  In a small saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; gradually stir in water until smooth.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened.  Remove from heat.  Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks, then return mixture to pan, stirring constantly.  Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir for 1 minute.  Remove from heat; stir in butter and lemon peel.  Gently stir in lemon juice.  Refrigerate until cool. 

CRUST:
In a bowl, combine flour and nuts.  Cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs.  Press onto the bottom of a greased 13x9x2 inch pan.  Bake at 350* for 15-20 minutes or until edges are golden brown.  Cool on a wire rack. 

TOPPING:
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioner's sugar until smooth; carefully spread over crust.  Spread with cooled lemon mixture.  In another mixing bowl, beat milk and pudding mixes on low for 2 minutes; beat in vanilla.  Fold in half of the Cool Whip.  Spread this mixture over lemon layer.  Spread with remaining Cool Whip.  Chill for about 4 hours before cutting.  Enjoy! 

Let me know if you try it and what you thought!  :-) 

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As you can see by my ticker above, it is one month, one week, and two days until we head to Guatemala.  I'm very excited... but there is SO much to do before then!  I ordered something for myself the other day - something I'd been wanting anyway, but definitely wanted to have before I go to Guatemala - and I hope it will be here soon!  Can't wait!  Just for fun, I'll keep you in suspense as to what it is until it gets here... unless you want to play a guessing game, that is.  :-) 

This morning I read a passage of Scripture that I've read many times, but I saw something a little different in it today.  It's in Matthew 16, where Jesus asks the disciples who everyone else is saying He is, and then He says "But who do you say I am?"  Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, God's Son, and then here's the part that grabbed me this morning.  Jesus says to him, "Blessed are you, Simon...I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church..."  It seems to me that not only did Peter state who Jesus was/is, but then Jesus told Peter who he (Peter) was!  In a way, I think Jesus was clarifying for Peter his identity (as Christians, our identity ultimately comes from Jesus), and giving him a glimpse of what God had in store for him. 
Sometimes I feel like that's what I need - for God to tell me who I am.  I forget, and need to be reminded.  I especially need to be reminded that who I am in the world's eyes is not important - it's who I am in my God's eyes that really matters.  And it's in how He sees me that I should find comfort and confidence.  That's still something I have to work hard on, and often fail at. 
Something we discussed in Bible study awhile back has encouraged me to pray more often:  Lord, broaden my vision of who You are, of who I am, and of what You have planned for me.  I will say that I really don't know what all He has planned in my future, but I sure am excited!  :-) 

Before I go, a funny-- The other day, I was reading a chapter book to Marissa (the old "Horse Crazy" series that I read when I was little), and Daniella was listening in, too.  I got tongue-tied and accidently substituted the word head for the word hands, and said "Matt shoved his head into his jeans pockets."  The girls sure got a kick out of that!!  haha. 

Also, please remember to keep Jordan and Sarah and their family in your prayers, during this hard time of grief.  Thanks. 
Love, Ashley

The universe is vast beyond the stars,
But You are mindful when the sparrow falls.

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I mentioned a week or two ago that I was helping work on decorations for a friend's wedding shower.  Well, the shower was yesterday, it went great, and I have pictures!  :-) 
This is one of the little paper birds that we made about 80 or so of.  They were all different colors and hung in the little branches in vases, as centerpieces on each table. 

These cute napkin rings were made of different colors/patterns of fabric, and one of the ladies made the paper flowers that were scattered on the tables. 

Here is the whole table.

I wasn't sure how it was all going to come together, but it turned out really pretty.  We used a colorful patchwork quilt as a tablecloth on the gift table, so it really all pulled together as a colorful, country, "Tennessee" theme.  :-)  And, God gave us the sunshine we prayed for, so it was bright and cheery! 

This is all the hostesses (the ladies who decorated, made food, etc.) and my friend Lizzie, the bride-to-be, in the center.  (I'm the second one from the right). 

And here's Lizzie opening her gifts.  I was in charge of writing down the gifts so she could send thank you notes. 

This "party" was really a combination wedding shower and farewell party.  Lizzie has been here in TN for 2 years, working as a short term missionary for the North American Mission Board, and as her assignment is just about over, she will be returning home very soon.  She has been such a blessing to me and to our church while she has been here!  Lizzie is one of those people you just enjoy being around because she's so sweet and just real...one of those people you talk to on the phone and hang up with a smile because she's a great encourager.  She has helped our church get started in ministering to international students, and has really been an example to me.  I'm thankful that God brought her here for a couple of years! 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The man leading the Guatemala trip said this morning that it's time to start planning the VBS we will do down there.   He asked me and two of my friends to start planning and getting stuff together... so it's time to get to work!  :-)  And believe me, it's a LOT of work!!  If you think of it, you can pray for us -- we have to come up with a theme first, then write lessons, find and copy appropriate coloring sheets, etc.,  plan crafts and collect the supplies (for 200+ children).  But it's all fun!  :-)

God bless,
Love, Ashley

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Today is my sister Marissa's 11th birthday!

She is growing up so fast!!  She loves shopping, sparkles, pink camoflauge, and horses, and is very smart.  :-)  I enjoy girl-chatting with her, and I'm glad she's my sister! 
Happy Birthday Marissa! 

PS: please keep praying for Jordan and Sarah and their family - if you don't know what happened, scroll down to my previous entry. 

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I just found out that two of my best blog friends, Jordan and Sarah (dixiebeauty and dixiefiddler) lost their dad last night in a car accident.  This seems so unreal, and I am heartbroken for their family.  I know how much they love their dad because they talk about him often.  Please be praying for this sweet family.  Click here for more info on their mom's blog. 

Jordan and Sarah and the rest of your family, I am crying with you and praying for you.  I'm so sorry.  I pray that God will be "the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort" (2 Cor 1:3) to you at this time. 

~Ashley

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Hmm, I think I hear a spring rainstorm coming on!  It just started raining, and I heard thunder rumbling off in the distance.  I like spring rains!  (as long as they don't ruin some fun outdoor plans...) 

The praise dance team danced "Lord Have Mercy" this past Sunday.  It went well.  There were several comments from church members about how powerful it was...even though a few of us weren't sure we liked the dance all that much.  So we thank God for how He used it!  Unfortunately, I don't have a video of this one.  Sorry!

I am almost done with college for the semester -- I have a test tomorrow and then I'm on summer break!  Hard to believe it's almost summer already...  Anyway, and that also means I'm halfway done with my degree!!!  :-) 
Philosophy has definitely been a challenging class.  People sure have some WEIRD ideas!  The last week or two has been better, though, because we were on "philosophy of religion," on arguing for the existence of God, proving the truth of the Bible, etc.  That stuff is pretty interesting to me.  (especially much more interesting than proving that I exist and that what I see is actually there and not just an illusion...which is what we studied for most of the class.)  But anyway, reading about the logical proofs and reasons that the Bible is true and that Jesus is God and stuff like that intrigues me. 
And I really, really, really want to go to Israel!  But that's kind of another subject...  :-) 

We went to the zoo this week - that was the first time I had been in about 5 years!  It was fun.  I'll try to get some pics up soon. 
Have a great weekend,
Love, Ashley

God will bless what He initiates,
What depends on Him for its success,
What is done according to His Word,
And what is done for His glory.
-- Watchman Nee

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I was tagged by Sarah (dixiefiddler). 

1. Favorite color - blue, pink, and white
2. Least favorite color - green and yellow
3. Color of pants – blue
4. Color of shirt – white and yellow (yeah even though i don't like yellow! haha)
5. Color of favorite CD – brown (Casting Crowns) and silver (one I burned off the computer)
6. Color of dream car – umm... maybe silver?
7. Color that you want your mom to dye her hair – I don't want my mom to dye her hair.  :-) 
8. Color of computer – black and silver
9. Color of best friends brother's eyes – my best friend doesn't have a brother... but another real good friend does and his eyes are dark brown. 
10. Color of dream pet zebra – I don’t think I’ve ever dreamed of owning a pet Zebra, but how about black and pink. 
11. Color of phone/ipod – my cell phone is gray
12. Color of the last thing you ate – yellow (cookies)
13. Find what color you answered with the most than divide it by blue – silver... and blue... makes... light silvery blue? 

Last night, I spent five hours over at our neighbor / friends' house, helping make decorations for a friend's bridal shower.  There were three of us working together, and even after as long as we worked, we didn't get done!  We are making little paper birds to hang with fishing wire from tree branches (in vases), and felt flower napkin rings.  I should have snapped a pic last night of the crafts so I could show you, but my camera was in my car and I didn't want to go out and get it.  :-) 
Anyway, our fingers were sore from all that tracing and cutting, but we had a nice time.  Actually, we spent about 30 minutes (while the rest of the family had gone somewhere and the three of us were there alone) praying out loud while we worked.  One of the ladies said that we needed to pray for so-and-so and for such-and-such, so she said, "I'll start praying and y'all chime in if you want to."  I had never done something like that before -- praying aloud with a group while still working on the projects we were working on.  But it was kinda neat.  :-) 

The praise dance group is dancing at church tomorrow.  It's actually not really a dance... more of sorta like a prayer.  It's mostly arm movements.  It's called "Lord Have Mercy." 

Before I go, I'll post a couple of pics I took this afternoon of our flowers.  The irises are so tall!  They're about waist-high to me.  I love the other ones too (I think they're called climantis? (sp?)) 

Talk to y'all later...
Love, Ashley

PS: I just posted my first "monthly recipe," so scroll down and check it out!

"Lord, have mercy;
For we have placed
All our hopes in You."
-- Lord Have Mercy

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"Hamburger Hash"

1 lb.  ground beef
1 1/2 Tbs. onion powder 
3 lb. potatoes
3/4 -1 Cup water from boiling potatoes
6 Tbs. flour
2 Cups milk
2 tsp. salt

Boil potatoes, and reserve 3/4 to 1 Cup of the water when you drain them.  Brown the meat and drain grease.  Combine the potato water, milk, flour, onion powder, and salt.  Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it is the consistency of gravy.  You can also add 2 cereal spoonfuls of grease OR other beef flavoring for extra flavor. 
Combine potatoes, meat, and gravy and heat together. 
Serves 6. 

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Today, May 1, is the National Day of Prayer.  Read this poem I received in an email from DaySpring:

No ocean can hold it back.
No river can overtake it.
No whirlwind can go faster.
No army can defeat it.
No law can stop it.
No distance can slow it.
No disease can cripple it.
No force on earth is more powerful or effective than the power of prayer.
-- by Linn Carlson

Just wanted to remind everyone to pray today for our country, our soldiers, President Bush and other leaders, and the upcoming election.  "Finally, brethren, pray...that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified." (2 Thessalonians 3:1)  We are blessed to have a National Day of Prayer in our country even though America has turned away from God in so many other ways. 

~Ashley

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Thanks for the birthday wishes for Daniella.  She had a good birthday.  :-) 

Guess what?!  I got to talk to Sweet Ruth a couple days ago!!  We have emailed lots of times, but that's the first time we've talked on the phone since she left.  It was SO good to talk to her!  I had bought an international phone card - $3.00 for 13 minutes.  So it wasn't a long conversation, but it was good to get to talk for a few minutes.  It sounds like she and her family are doing pretty good and adjusting well - please keep them in your prayers, if you think of it, as they seek God and build up their new ministry. 

Guess what else?!  I am going to Guatemala in July!!  I was seeking an answer to whether or not God wanted me to go this year, and He has been faithful and good to answer me.  I say that as testimony, as well as to encourage anyone else who is waiting for His answer in a situation.  He hears your prayers and questions - keep seeking HIM FIRST, and waiting, and He will show you His path in His perfect way and time.  "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you."  Matthew 6:33. 

Okay, that's all my news for now... now I'm going to eat breakfast (waffles!)  I got several positive responses to the recipe idea, by the way, so I'll plan to start posting recipes soon.  It will probably be at the beginning of each month (AFTER I get the monthly devotional sent out, for those of you that get it! :-) )  Have a wonderful weekend and God bless! 
Love, Ashley

"When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,
Your consolations delight my soul."  ~ Psalm 94:19

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My youngest sister, Daniella, turns 7 years old today!! 

Daniella is sweet, curious, filled with energy, likes hugs, adores animals, and loves to sing! 
We brought her home from Guatemala one week before her first birthday, so last week was her 'Gotcha Day,' celebrating being home 6 years!  I'm thankful she's my sister!
She is so excited about her birthday today, and having her very first party with friends this weekend. 

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No se que escribir.  Entonces quiza escribo una carta en espanol.  Puede lee y entiende este?  jajajaja.  En este manana voy a iglesia.  Llevo una falda negra y una blusa azul.  Mi hermana lleva una falda blanca y una blusa rosada.  Pero no es importante.  El pastor habla en la iglesia de Los Actos capitulo tres, y el coro canta una cantada bonita se llama "O La Sangria."  Soy en el coro. 

Okay, sorry.  I didn't know what to write, so I just started writing in Spanish.  haha.  I need to practice my Spanish some more.  I know a lot of vocabulary, but my communication is still at a VERY basic level.  Actually, I went into one of the Hispanic stores here last week, bravely intending to converse in Spanish, but when I walked in the door I chickened out and spoke English the whole time.  Oh well.  I've got to go back in there sometime this week, so maybe I'll try again.  :-) 
The deadline to sign up for the Guatemala mission trip and turn in the deposit is coming up this week.  If you would, please just pray that I will hear God's voice when He tells me for sure whether or not I am to go.  Thank you so much. 

I was thinking about beginning to post a monthly recipe on my blog... would that be something you readers would be interested in seeing?  I'd mix it up -- entrees some months, desserts some months, etc. -- just some of my family's favorite recipes.  Let me know if you'd be interested in me doing that. 

Well, I'm gonna run and leave this short and sweet today.  :-)  Briana is working on a PowerPoint presentation for college (and having lots of fun with it) and she wants me to help her choose some music to put on it.  Then I might scrapbook for a little bit.  We'll see. 
Have a great week. 
~ Ashley

You alone are my strength, my shield;
To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my heart's desire,
And I long to worship Thee. 

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I'm sitting here with Briana watching videos from when she went to Triple Threat Camp last summer.  She has been going for 4 years, but this summer will be her last, I think.  She really enjoys it.  In case you didn't know, by the way, "triple threat" means singing, dancing, and acting.  So anyway, she decided to pull out the video this afternoon, so I've been watching parts of it with her. 

Most of the rest of the afternoon, I've been helping my mom look online for a place to stay when we hopefully go to the beach late this summer.  It's kind of hard to find a place that's beachfront, sleeps 6 people, has a pool, and isn't too awfully expensive!    (haha - we don't have too many criteria!) 

Thank you, all of you who have been praying for me and my discussion with Mike, and also for my Aunt Lara.  I appreciate your prayers a lot.  Speaking of which, don't you think it's amazing how we can pray for each other?!  I stop and think of that every once in a while.... and I think it's something we take for granted a lot of times.  I know I do! 
One of our pastors was talking about prayer on Wednesday night, and he talked about how prayer is the way we can help people all over the world from right here where we are.  You know, I can be right in my bedroom, and reach across the globe to a missionary in Africa, by praying for him or her.  That's pretty amazing.  I believe that's one way the body of Christ all over the world can stand united as one in the Lord -- by lifting each other up in prayer.  I know too often I'm not as faithful as I should be about praying for people I know and their specific requests, but I want to do better at that, and really be a prayer warrior.  That's so important! 

I hope you all have a blessed week - I'm looking forward to this week.  Last week was good overall, I think... (can't really remember, haha)  Friday was kind of blah and yesterday was good!    Lately, especially, I've been trying to think of every day as a once-in-a-lifetime gift.  That's kind of hard sometimes, but a good way to think of it. 
Anyway, have a good week!  (and please do let me know if you have any specific prayer requests)
Love, Ashley

Lord the worship we bring
Is more than songs that we sing;
It's a reflection of our ever-changing lives...
To You our life songs raise.  
-- Casting Crowns

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