Blog

Posted on

Proverbs 31

“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” – Proverbs 31:29 NLT

One of the greatest compliments my husband has ever given me was comparing me to the Proverbs 31 woman.

I used to hate that woman.

I thought she was an impossible standard. The far-fetched, wishful thinking of Solomon’s mother. Now, I realize that I only “hated” her because I secretly wanted to be her but felt hopelessly inadequate. She was pie in the sky, a pipe-dream.

I still remember the night Stephen and I swung out of dad’s truck. It was in winter and the wind whipped at our hair as we headed into the grocery store. He peered at me as I strode forward with determination to be in and out of there “as quickly as possible.”

“You’re like the Proverbs 31 woman.” He said.

I was startled and slowed my pace. At first, I wondered if it was a joke. But I knew Stephen. I knew he didn’t speak frivolously.

“Really?” I prodded unbelieving.

“Yes,” he answered directly. He then went on to tell me the reasons why.

Recently, this woman that I once “hated” has come up again almost a year later. This time not to haunt me, but to encourage and compliment me.

Listening to the voice of truth has often been like this for me. At first, the truth can come across as harsh and hateful but really the very core of truth is unconditional love.

When God’s truth meets your ears, do you hear love or hate?

The truth of God is meant to do one thing…set you forever free. Selfless love will always risk being persecuted or hated by the one it is trying to help. True love risks because love is more concerned about the person it is trying to reach. God’s love speaks to you, to give you wings above the storm. His truth is brighter than the sun. His truth is honey to the heart and strength to the soul.

I used to live in a perpetual state of victimhood. If anything in life seemed too hard, I would spiral into a rancid stew of self-pity. In our second year of marriage, Stephen came home from work to find me in such a stew.

I was sprawled out on our bed…my head muffled between my arm and pillow. A flow of tears trailed down my cheeks and spotted the pillow and my sleeves. I was in a dark cloud of “why me?”

Stephen unlopped his laptop bag and set it down in the corner. He sat at the edge of the bed and put a large comforting hand on my shoulder before rubbing.

I shuffled his touch away and turned my head. I secretly wanted his pity but didn’t want to make it so obvious.

He asked me what was wrong and I told him.

He was quiet for a moment and then said something that made me want to smack him across the face. He gave me the truth instead of sugar-coating me with a poisonous lie.

“Is that all?” he asked.

“What?!” I questioned, incredulously.

“Ashley, I love you but I don’t feel sorry for you and I won’t. I have compassion on you but not pity.”

I’m pretty sure I flipped around and glared at him.

His visage was calm, his body unmoving.

“You’re not a victim! And I won’t treat you like one. You’re the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath. God calls you a victor. He’s already given you victory in Jesus over this.”

He bent over to meet me at eye level. His cold blue eyes were serious and compassionate. After about a five-minute lecture, he left me in the room to go relax.

I thought he was the most insensitive, cruel creature that existed.

He doesn’t love me.

I was sure if he did, then he would meet my emotional needs by “loving on me.” Surely, he could have at least considered my excuses (I mean reasons) for being in the sorrowful state that I was. No, instead he knocked them all down with scripture of all things!

I hid in the room for almost an hour, trying to defuse my temper and come up with a reason why he was wrong. So wrong.

Looking back, I realize he did love on me! He loved me in the greatest possible way. He gave me the truth to light my path. He didn’t coddle the lies that I was believing, rather he exposed them. But because these lies felt like a part of me, I thought he was attacking me instead of what was hurting me.

I know it can be difficult sometimes when we hear the truth.

It may not come in the way we want it. It may not even seem true. But I encourage you that those who love you the deepest will speak the truth to you. They will risk your backlash, they will risk offending you, they will risk your misunderstanding because they want to see you free. They love you enough to not protect themselves from you.

God loves you so much that he will attack every lie that’s holding you in bondage. He will come after every self-sabotaging habit. He sent His Son (who was full of grace and truth) not to judge the world but to save the world. The truth always saves. At the risk of the greatest possible pain and public shame, Jesus spoke the truth.

He sits in Heaven with permanent marks on his wrists and a stab wound to the side, because he loves us. He loved us enough to point us back to God.

The book of Proverbs tells us repeatedly that the main distinction between the wise and foolish was their response to the truth. The foolish will attack or reject the voice of truth. The wise will thank the person who spoke truth over them and then begin to apply that truth to their life.  

Because of God’s truth, I now have three businesses. I chose to cast off my victim mentality and believe that I could do all things through Christ. I chose to forgive those who hurt me. I chose to forgive myself. Because of God’s truth, I have been elevated in ways that would have never happened if I held unto those lies. I feel like I’m walking in the way of my destiny. I’m living in my dreams. I feel fulfilled and satisfied. My life is extremely blessed!

My hands are more busy now than they have ever been. Yet, my work is blessed. My work is gratifying because Jesus has shown me how to co-labor with Him. My work not only profits myself, but my family and even people around the world. I have received so many praise reports and “thank you’s” from people that I didn’t even think I touched. I can look back after a long day and wipe the sweat off my brow with a smile. I smile as the sun sets because I know the fruit of this labor will last into eternity. I smile because grace is pouring upon my head and shoulders like fragrant water from heaven. I smile because, I’m finally learning to lay down my life to find it.

~I pray God speaks the truth to you today that will set you free. I pray you live out all your God-dreams, not out of selfish gratification, but through an intimate connection with Jesus. I pray you discover that you are the cream of the crop, more than a conqueror and beloved of God. I pray you stretch your arms out wide and welcome the warm sunshine of truth. I pray all darkness flees from your soul as lies are dismantled and exposed. I pray you take off and soar like an eagle above every storm in life. I pray you know the incredible joy and peace that comes from being loved on by God, from loving yourself, and then loving Him enough to choose His ways above your own. You were made to fly. Your life has eternal weight. You are a treasure worth the blood of Jesus. You are a co-laborer with Christ. You are a queen and priest in Him. No bondage or darkness is greater than Christ in you. Nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. God has a hope and a future just for you!

~For information on my Life Coaching services, click here. <3 We are better together!

Top photo by Rebrand Cities from Pexels

Posted on

Early Dust of Fellowship

~Dear God, thank you for loving me, and for guiding me, for creating time for me to spend with You. For touching my hands and moving my heart

Have you ever sat blissed out from the rich and loving voice of God?

My heart takes flight, my eyes water from His grace.

Oh, to feel His soft touch waking you up to fellowship.

To be broken and then healed after His arms hold you. After Jesus cleans and washes you inside from His glowing light.

Oh, to see the haze of golden love.

Oh, to look out the window and see the white sparkling fog kiss this grassy land.

The ocean carrying peace.

Oh, to hear the beat of His worship-playing drums.

To be His child, found in His heart.

What a blessing to hear The Truth.

To be dearly loved by The Way, and The Life.

I can hear the voices and the music of worship floating and surrounding me on the outside, taking me, then seeping into me and ringing inside of me.

What joy it is to fall on my knees.

This love is unexplainable.

I have no worries.

I feel no fear in His presence.

Two words from Him are more than a thousand from a lover.

What seed has He planted inside of me? It has grown into a fruit-bearing tree that sees a constant gauzy sunrise. The deep colors of plump fruit hang and grow on it; raspberry, orange, peach, and red-colored fruit glisten in His light. Jesus creates fog that collects into drops of water on its green leaves, and then drips to a moist, rich soil, so lush with life.

What waterfall of blessings is this I see in the distance, behind purple mountains warmed by Life?

Its waters pour from Heaven, from the throne of Almighty God. Blue waters of every blessing He has given me fall like fountain water.

Why do my arms lift effortlessly?

They feel His touch and an offering is being given. How can such a love exist?

I’ve been taken away.

I’ve been divinely called and so have you.

Here I rest.

Here I lay.

Here I eat of His Word, of His fruit.

Here I abide in Christ.

Here I stroll through Heaven.

Here I visit the tabernacle, His home.

Here I climb Mount Zion.

Here I hear the angels’ praise. Their celestial voices powerful, beautiful, yet they meet my ears with a calming hum.

Here I twirl with praise like ripples, I move with the current of everlasting love. I touch the golden-colored flowers; I study the blue of the sky.

I am delivered a pen and paper to surrender, to share this incredible Love with anyone who’ll listen.

He longs to take you here.

To create this land inside of you.

Search deep inside your Spirit.

You can see it.

You can feel it.

You can taste it.

Maybe differently, but you do.

It rocks your heart and opens your senses.

He fulfills you like no one or nothing ever could.

Seconds with Him are worth more than a lifetime of wealth.

Our God reins, forever His kingdom stands! My feet have never caressed such soft coco-colored soil as they have in this land. My eyes have never gazed upon something more beautiful.

Have you ever sat blissed out from the rich and loving voice of God?

My heart has been made into the house of Jesus.

~This devotional was taken from my book Visions of Celestial Love. To find out more about it, visit the Purchasable Goody page. To buy a copy, click here. <3

Posted on

Becoming His Imitator

~Written by Stephen McClelland. For more free teachings, visit his website by clicking here. Be greatly blessed and encouraged!

A very famous and rich man was going to die with no heirs. He knew his end would come soon, but he still had some time. Wanting to entrust his fortune and his great work to someone who would do good things with it he set out to find several capable individuals that had the potential to successfully manage his great fortune. He found four.

He sent each of them invitations to come and learn from him. Plain white paper within plain white envelopes. “My time is short. Please come and learn from me. I will sustain you and your family during your studies. Upon my death it must be that someone will assume my responsibilities.”

The first man received the letter. He spat and mocked the rich man’s word’s. “He lord’s his wealth over others even in his death. What arrogance he displays by thinking my contributions are not good and just without his instructions. I will not go. If he is a good man let his great wealth be distributed equally to all men and let them decide what is good for themselves.”

This man was ignorant, a word which comes from Greek, meaning to be without proper knowledge. He made incorrect assumptions on the intentions of the offer and of the character of the man offering. The rich man had selected him because of his good works and had intended to increase his understanding and ability to enrich the lives of others in a way far more valuable than simply giving them money.

The second man received the letter with joy. He wrote back, “While I mourn your end, we all must die. Nevertheless I applaud your life and generosity toward myself and others. Regretfully, important matters require my attention and I will not be able to attend to your instruction. If you have found me capable I would still accept your fortune and with it do my best to fulfill your wishes.”

The rich man crossed out his name. This man was an idiot, from the Greek word which means to be unlearned or without instruction. He could not have fulfilled the desire and responsibilities without proximity. Without instruction, how could he understand the purpose, the justifications, the motives, the passion, the proven methods? How could he take the place of a man without knowing the man whose place he would be taking?

The third and fourth man accepted the invitation and moved their families to be with the rich man. They lived together, ate together, traveled together, etc. The rich man spent every remaining day of his life pouring into them everything he knew. He considered his greatest riches to be that which he had inside him. His character, his wisdom, and his desire to serve others. He died leaving these to the two men, as well as all his earthly possessions.

The third man proved to be inobservant. He rejected some of the rich man’s teachings, preferring his own character and wisdom to that which he had learned. He proved unfruitful in fulfilling his position despite having knowledge and instruction. He chose not to follow another and to follow himself.

The fourth man was ridiculed by many for being an imitator of the rich man. “You act just like him. You’re trying to talk just like he talked; do you even try to walk just like him too? If we asked you your name, would you use his instead of your own?” But the fourth man didn’t care. He felt honored to be chosen. He was happy to live the rest of his life in the manner requested. The rich man had given him so much and this was all that he had asked for in return. He considered it the most wonderful bargain.

Have you not known of the goodness of Jesus? Then you are truly ignorant.

Have you accepted His invitation but are still unaware of how He instructed His followers to live? Then by the purest definition, you’re an idiot. Someone who has not been taught.

Have you been learning about Him but haven’t really applied it to your life? Another way to call someone inobservant is to call them a fool. The wisdom of proverbs says that a wise man will hear instruction and do it and become wiser still, while a fool will reject instruction and go his own way.

Finally, the word imitate actually comes from the Greek word for disciple. Are you trying to imitate Jesus, to be his disciple? It is also true that you might be ridiculed for it. Even the term “Christian” itself shows this. It means “little Christ” and was originally used as a way of mocking disciples because they were behaving like Christ Himself behaved.

Jesus preached the kingdom, and repentance. Jesus cast out devils and healed the sick. Jesus was connected with His Father in heaven and empowered by the Holy Spirit on earth. Didn’t His disciples also have and do these things?

Brothers and sisters, stop being students of Christ only. With love let me say: you were called to be imitators also.

Image by Adam Derewecki from Pixabay

Posted on

Seeing Jesus

~Written by: Stephen McClelland. For free sermons and resources you can visit his ministerial website by clicking here <3 Be most blessed!

This morning I was reading in Romans where Paul compared Jesus to Adam. By one man’s transgression many were made sinners, and in the same way the obedience of one man, Jesus, many would be made righteous.

It reminded me of the things that the Lord had shown me comparing the ministries of Moses and Elijah to Jesus. Jesus had compared Himself to Jonah and Solomon, saying that one greater than them was here.

So I asked for more.

Lord if the Old Testament is filled with types and shadows, how does Jesus mirror and outperform Joseph?

Now in some ways it’s obvious, but I still asked.

He answered! In answering He connected a lot of things that I had never thought of or heard preached.

——

Joseph was his father’s favorite son. His brothers resented and rejected him, even more-so because he spoke of them bowing to serve him. He had dreams of even his parents bowing down to serve him.

To get rid of him and to redistribute their father’s favor among them, his brethren sold him to foreigners. He was falsely accused and judgement was executed against him. After being put in prison, he was quickly put in charge of it. Nothing happened in the prison without his knowledge and oversight.

Eventually he was delivered from prison and seated next to Pharaoh. Pharaoh said that Joseph would be ruler over his house. Pharaoh would be greater only in the throne. Everyone was made to bow before Joseph.

He became the savior of Egypt, and then the savior of all the surrounding nations. Finally, when Jacob and his sons saw their own lack, Joseph became the savior of the very brethren that rejected him. He told them what they had meant for his harm, God in His greatness had worked for their good.

—–

Jesus was the Father’s favorite. His brethren resented and rejected Him. They hated Him even more because He was presented as the Messiah, the one whom they were to bow down and serve. Jesus responded to the critics asking them why David prophesied of the Messiah, calling him Lord, if the Messiah was to be one of David’s sons. That’s the direct equivalent of Joseph’s second dream.

In their jealousy they gave him over to foreigners. They begged the Romans to get rid of Him. He was found not guilty of any crimes but executed anyway. Then Jesus showed up in the underworld, the prison where the dead were awaiting final judgement. The moment He arrived He took over. He took the keys of death, hell, and the grave.

Three days later He came fully alive out of prison of the dead. He ascended to heaven where He was seated at the right hand of God the Father. The Father has given Jesus all authority in heaven and in earth. He rules the whole house. God the Father is greater in name only, as Jesus is God the Word, and has been from the beginning. Jesus being in the form of God considered it not robbery to be equal with God. At His name every knee will bow, those in heaven, those in earth, and those under the earth.

He has become the savior to the Romans that put Him in the prison of death. He has become the savior of all nations on earth. Scripture speaks of a time where all Israel will return and receive this great salvation. Caiaphas prophesied by the Holy Spirit that it would be expedient for one man to suffer so that whole nation wouldn’t perish. Caiaphas was one of the ones that resented Jesus and worked to have Him killed. What they had meant for evil, God in His greatness has worked for the good of all men forever.

—–

If you are lacking the substance of life you need to seek out this Jesus. He holds the keys to the storehouses of heaven.

Joseph distributed grain out of Egypt’s barns to the hungry. Jesus distributes Himself because He is the bread of life.

Joseph was given an Egyptian name: Zaphnath-Paaneah which means “Treasury of the glorious rest.”

Jesus said, “Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus is the glorious rest. He opens up heaven’s treasury to all those that seek Him.

What are you waiting for?

Top image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Posted on

Divine Romance

How can’t you help but fall in love with Someone who died and lives to give you everything?

In the deepening substance of intimacy with Him, I’m finding that “everything” is Him and the world is full of “nothing” when separated from Him.

He’s my hearts compelling.

The eternalized desire that wells in my soul.

This divine romance is more deep than my heartbeat.

His love is the source of eternal life.

I drift toward Him like plants follow the sun.

He is the substance that makes me truly alive.

His Presence is the warmth that causes my photosynthesis.

I find His love is all empowering.

The LORD appeared to us in the past: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion. -Jeremiah 31:3 Berean Study Bible

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. – 1 John 4:9 NIV

https://www.amazon.com/Romantic-Rendezvous-Soul-Pleasure-Makes-ebook/dp/B07L93M3S5/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PQEBAHTYZH55MYS7PS7V


Posted on

I Do

Click below to listen or watch:

Most people wouldn’t believe I wrote this sacred story while listening to Hero by Enrique Iglesias. So, what does Jesus have to do with that song? It’s simple…Jesus is the ultimate hero. There is no love that can save us like his.

This is a symbolic story that compares idolatry with spiritual adultery. “For your Creator will be your husband; the LORD of Heaven’s Armies is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth.” -Isaiah 54:5

Jesus, you are the Lover of my soul, my husband forever <3

“I do” doesn’t burden my heart like it used to. Now my heart is lifted because I stand in white and look up with sparkling hazel eyes into the eyes of my one true love, my beloved Savior, into the warm eyes of Jesus, my hero. 

I can picture myself standing and smiling, tears of gladness and peace flooding my eyes. I wipe them with a cloth He offers, rubbing off some of my wine-colored eye shadow over-laid with gold dust. My painted red lips make my teeth seem whiter than they are. Jesus gently takes my hand and tells me that I am beautiful. My white gown glitters like recently fallen snow in the sun, and fans out past my feet on the streets of gold. 

We are in a garden of trees dripping with succulent golden, red, and orange colored cherries. My Husband pulls out the ring, golden with love, and engraved with a red ruby representing His shed blood for me. His fingers flutter beneath my hand until they case my ring finger. 

“Do you love me?” He asks, His voice rich and deep like the oceans.
I nod my head “I do,” I say. He smiles and slips the ring on my finger. He opens His arms and I melt inside of them. His embrace is sweeter than honey, and I feel like I am falling into His heart. 

“Then love me every day,” He whispers in my ear. I shiver from His breath. His voice unlocks my heart. The key to my most sacred place has been delivered to Him by my hand. Choirs of Angels rejoice in the background between the trees, they are blurry to my vision. But all are beautiful, majestic and dressed in white robes with gauzy flowing sleeves.

Men love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. -Ephesians 5:25

Years later, and I find myself coming home to my faithful Husband after having yet another affair. The night is cold and white with snow. The winter sky is a dark blue and ample with stars, but to my broken heart, outside is dark with pain. I knock on the front door and He opens it, and lets me inside.

I walk in, the fireplace is burning, and herbal tea is inside the kettle on the stove. There beside it is soup made with healing spices like ginger and red pepper. Jesus closes the door behind me. I notice an empty box of Kleenex tissues by the coffee table. Had He sat there and cried? How long had He waited for me to come home? My heart sinks. Without looking at me, without seeing my expression He knows. 

“Did not my Spirit go with you?” He say’s looking at me with eyes that know my soul. And the two shall become one flesh. Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit? -1 Corinthians 6:19

Shameful tears spring from my eyes. “I’m sorry,” I mummer with a trembling voice. Ever forgiving He takes my coat and draws me warm water for a bath, and waits for me to get dressed. Shyly I meet Him in the living room by the fireplace. There He fixes me a bowl of soup and tells me He’s glad I’m home. I am found in His arms, and He strokes my hair and restores my soul. Mending it with His care He prays to God above. Truly He has saved me in all ways, spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical.

“I will stand by you forever,” He says. 

Amazed by His love I whisper, “Why?” I am so unworthy of it. 

“Because I’m in love with you,” He says. 

“As I am with you,” I respond. 

“No,” He answers. Feeling insulted I move away from Him, offense settling inside of me.

“You love Me, but you are not in love with Me because you don’t know My heart.” 

“I married You,” I say in defense. 

“Yes, after I died for you. After I freed your soul, and brought salvation to your spirit. After I delivered you to God above, and rescued you from the enemy whom you play games with. Why? Why would you run back to someone who had you in chains? Who hates you and means only to destroy you and break your heart? I have done nothing to deserve that. Sweetheart I love you. I’ve promised to take care of you forever.”

I am dumbfounded by the truth. Though His words are firm, His tone is coated with love and care that left me feeling as if He were hugging me, as if He had just kissed my heart. 

“Sweetheart, why would you visit a place that you ran from? There, you were dying in darkness. I sought you out and asked for your hand while you were consumed by bad habits, hot attitudes, temperaments, shortness of patience, a careless tongue, and lustful desires. So why, I ask, would you let him tempt you into your past again?”

I sit quietly rubbing my arm. A vision came to my heart. I pictured Jesus as a priceless treasure and I pictured myself walking away from Him to live in trash. Jesus scoots close to my side on the floor in front the fireplace. The sand colored carpet below me with sewn red roses seems softer now that He is by me. “It’s because you’re not in love with Me.” He breathes and touches my hand. 

“When I took you as my wife, I gave you one request…to love me every day.” He gazes in my eyes. The love pouring from His fills me with that amazing peace I felt when I first asked Him to come into my heart and be my Lord and savior. He opens His arms and I melt in His embrace. “So, love me every day. Taste and see that I am good,” He whispers in my ears and I shiver again. 

That night like every night that I am home He tucks me in bed and kisses me on the forehead. It was a holy kiss that seemed to heavenly remove my parading thoughts. After reading the Bible to me, He gets underneath the covers and blows out the dancing flames of the candles by our bedside.

I know past my soul, but deep in my spirit that I am home. He puts an arm around my waist and tells me goodnight. My heart is most comfortable by His touch, my mind is at ease with Him, and I am in harmony when I remain faithful to Him.

“Why?” I ask Him, confused as to why I would ever cheat on Him. “Why am I not in love with you?” 

Jesus takes a deep breath in then out before sitting up. He turns on our bedside lamp, and it gives off a yellow glow. I sit up as well. 

“Honey how much time do you spend with Me?” He asks. I lower my eyes. 

“I know You frequently ask me to spend more time with You.” 

“Some days,” He say’s slowly, “I don’t see you at all.” He lifts my hand to his lips and places a tender kiss on it. “On those days, I miss you. What could be more important than our marriage?”

I thought about it, and felt guilty to find that I placed things like television, video games and even foods over Jesus. I spent more time at work, school, and with my friends than I did with my Savior, whose uttered name rescued me from demons. Idolatry is not just bowing down to another God; it is placing anything and anyone over God. Not only had I cheated on Him, but I committed idolatry, I violated my body, my mind, and my heart and disgraced His body.

“Nothing is more important…I cannot explain my actions.” 

He rubs my leg. “I can darling,” He says offering me the truth.

“Then, please explain,” I ask. 

“You want the best in life my love, but you already have it. You want tangible love when you own the deepest there is. You seek things to make you happy when I offer you eternal joy, on earth and in Heaven. You don’t know yourself because you have not been made perfect in unconditional love. Your heart is like a body of water, some parts rage with waves, others stir, and yet others are lined with ripples. Every woman’s heart is made that way for a reason…so she can find Me at the center of her thoughts, of her heart, of her emotions, and so I can calm her waters, in a touch that goes far beyond the physical, but brings every part of her health. It’s the journey of falling in love that few have the patience to walk.” Jesus then puts His hand on mine. 

“Your path is colored by the times of day and night. It is laid with stones, and mapped with valleys, mountains, forests, deserts, and rivers so that once you’ve found Me inside you will never be lost on the outside. Let your journey be a testimony to others. All these things are necessary just like soil, sunlight, and water is needed for a seed to grow, and flour, eggs, sugar, salt, and milk is needed to bake. What is honey without nectar, without the bee? What is land without water? What is the sky without the sun and the moon?”

“Without You I’m lost…there is no me without You.” I say looking at Him, the Holy Spirit revealing to me the truth. “I was bought with a price, Your life. I am no longer the devil’s, nor the world’s, nor my own…I am Yours. My heart, body, mind, and spirit belong to You…. so why don’t You take me?” 

“My dear I am far too much of a gentleman to force you to love Me, and remain faithful. I will only ask you too, and take care of you when you come home if you choose to stray. My heart will never stop loving you, no matter what. Nothing you do could ever stop Me from loving you. I am Love and it delights My heart to love you.” 

I fall into His embrace and He cuts off the lamp before snuggling me. Our room curtains are drawn back and the night sky is glittered with stars. It is true once you have a constant well of joy, peace, and love on the inside you can enjoy the simple beauties of life. Jesus is the water that springs this well on the inside of me. Peace has flooded me. I lay my head on His chest and listen to the musical sound of His heartbeat. Like base drums, calming, steady, and deep His heart gives me all I could ever want and need. 

“I will,” I whisper, “Love You every day.”

~This short story was taken from me newly published book: Romantic Rendezvous for the Soul. You can read the first story for free on the Free Inspiration page. If you’ve been blessed by this story may you consider writing a review for it on amazon? Writing a review will expose more women to the book so that they can be blessed by it. Thank you so much for taking your time to do this!

“The stories in this book will invite you into a marriage relationship with Jesus showing you what it looks like to be loved without condemnation. Ashley brings you into personal conversations with the one who’s very name is Love. Sometimes life just gets so busy and I grow distant from the Lord that I don’t hear His gentle voice wooing me, calling me to His side. As I read this book, Jesus was reminding me of His great love for me, reminding me that He actually longed to spend time with me. If you are longing to know what it means to be loved and romanced by your creator, read this book and allow Jesus to romance you like only He can!” – Rachel Sklenicka, Licensed Minister, Graduate of CBC, Former Missionary to Russia

Posted on

Fear of True Love

Dedicated to God my King & Father forever, and to Christine Lenia, who’s been an encouraging and comforting light in my heart.

I understand why some people are so afraid of true love.

For true love is sacrifice, it is death to self, complete vulnerability and eternal commitment of the spirit, body and soul.

The physical equivalent would be to take out one’s heart.

It would be to open one’s shirt, revealing one’s chest, and take out your glowing, pumping, delicate life source, and offering it to a deeply beloved.

It would be to step back, not move and only watch what your loved one does with your fragile heart.

Whether they accept it by engulfing your heart in their arms, allowing your soul to seep into their skin forever, or throw it to the ground and trample on it—the equivalent of fiercely stabbing you in the chest with a double-edged sword—it is up to them.

Or worse yet, they cannot respond, not even allowing you the rest of death.

They can simply walk away, suffocating your heart, leaving it ice cold gasping for air and the warmth of running blood.

If this happen dear one give your heart to God.

Let His heart become one with yours.

In the healing, blazing yet gauzy light of His Spirit your ears will fill with the holy deep drumming sound of His heartbeat.

The river waters of His soul will be sweet to your tongue and softer than lavender oil on your skin.

You will forever live in the fragrant hands of a God whose eyes are warmer than cinnamon.

He will secure your spirit in His.

He will embrace you as a father forever.

~This small excerpt was taken from my book Visions of Celestial Love.

Posted on

Never Apart

It’s amazing when you know Someone loves you so much that even death can’t do you part….

…only Jesus

I’ve been realizing and experiencing the reality that I will never be alone another second of my life. This truth has been like a blanket of incense around my heart and wells of living peace bubbling up from the depths of me. xoxo

This Man is becoming the singular desire of my eyes, the One my heart flies freely into. This intimacy is intertwined so intricately and completely that I can’t separate my identity from Him. Where does He start? Where do I end? I look up and I see that I am swallowed by His affectionate heartbeat. I am beginning to taste Heaven even while I’m on earth. Heaven is Him, the Father and the Holy Spirit.

For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God – Colossians 3:3

“I and the Father are one.” -Jesus in John 10:30 

The only true and saving source of love is found on calvary…where Jesus died to His life so we can be reborn and have His life in us. Such love that the Father GAVE the closest thing to His heart! For you and me! He never withholds His affection, He never withholds His goodness! He never withdraws His grace. 

I pray He leads you relationally to that sweet place of abiding. May you see and recognize His faithful presence with you always. His love surrounds you. He paid everything He could, so you could be with Him forever. Such love!

~If you enjoyed this devotional, you might want to check out my book Visions of Celestial Love. It’s filled with poems, devotionals and short stories meant to draw your heart closer to Jesus. <3

Posted on

A Sneak Peek 2

~I am coauthoring a new book with my husband Stephen McClelland. It is a wonderful story of living with Jesus in the midst of adverse circumstances. The setting is early America, when slavery was still lawful. This is a rough draft sneak peak. Enjoy! <3

John’s picturesque wife Nancy, stood still and then trembled as she fought back tears. The light from the lanterns glowed softly on her silky, long, summer-blonde hair. She lifted her small pale hands off her son Luke’s shoulders and took a careful step back. She then clutched her sculpted hands into the fabric of her white gossamer night-gown. Pools of the elegant fabric hung loosely on her arms and fell down in ripples over her slender body. It collected like heavy mist across the floor. She could feel her fingernails digging painfully through the stylish fabric as she circled them down to pinch her flesh. It took all she had to restrain herself from throwing her body down over her father-in-law’s corpse. She wanted to pour out her passionate sorrow and disregard how undignified her cry might be. But she feared any display of her sorrow might frighten her and John’s son. I must be strong for Luke. I must!

            The more she looked at Solomon’s corpse, the more the anguish within her pierced her heart. She sniffled back a trail of snot that was threatening to trail down her nostrils. Lifting the back of her right hand, she pressed it to her pointed nose. Burning salty tears gathered behind her bright blue eyes. She gritted her teeth and crinkled her nose in an attempt to damn the emotional torrent within. Rebellious large tears soaked her long eyelashes and fell down her cheeks in streams. Her cheeks hued into a soft rose as her face became aflame with tension.

Within moments liquid began to drain freely from her eyes and nose. She kept rubbing at both, soaking her sleeves. Her spirally curls stuck to the salty fluid on her cheeks.

Luke could hear his mother weeping quietly behind him. He intuitively knew that she didn’t want him to see her, so he gazed ahead. His eyes were abnormally transfixed on his grandfather. He scanned the emaciated form and wondered why his grandfather had stopped breathing. He focused on his chest but didn’t see it softly rise and fall. No sound came from him. Luke had a terrible sick feeling down in his gut. He felt like his stomach was churning, like it had often done when he was a baby before he threw up.

Why isn’t grandpa moving? Why is mommy crying?!

A few minutes passed and he could feel his mother’s legs on his back. She bent down behind him and hugged a delicate arm around his chest. He could feel the wet tears on her cheeks as she pressed her hot face against his ear. She kissed him tenderly on his temple and whispered brokenly, “I’m so sorry sweetie. But grandpa won’t wake up this time.”

Why won’t he mommy? Luke wanted to ask, but only gulped painfully instead.

Photo by Ana Francisconi from Pexels

Posted on

Rousing her Heart

~This sneak peek excerpt follows the romance of Trisha and Noble. To read more of their romance story, click here. <3

Trisha’s face swelled with heat as her heart pounded against her chest. She couldn’t shake the fear—she couldn’t brush off the nagging thoughts.

The air around her was heady with the sweet scents of rich wine. Lush grapes dangled like gemstones against the green foliage.

She hugged her arms and her fingertips brushed against her wooly white knitted sweater. It was a sweet gift from Sarah.

Trisha’s eyes brimmed from the sentiment this pearly sweater had…Sarah’s honeymoon.

She thought about Sarah’s retelling of her and Kris’ romance. She imagined the happy 30 years of growth and godliness.

She thought about Noble.

Her heart ached so bad for him she gritted her teeth.

In desperation she prayed, Father, why can’t I shake him off?

She sniffled and wiped at her nose.

It was almost like God was fighting her.

Why did you want me to come here with him? Didn’t you know I would…suffer inwardly like this?

A soft voice spoke in her heart, what if I don’t want you to resist him?

Trisha shook her head.

Noble’s eyes flashed before her eyes. The way he looked at her last night.

His eyes glowed like bioluminescent water in the arctic. They were streaked with a passion brighter than the northern lights. He was more vibrant than the sun on water to her.

She felt his perusal like the clothes on her body.

His soul seemed to walk across the room and melt into her skin causing her cells to sing.

She was washed in wave after wave of the poetry of his heart. I love you, I love you, I love you was the undercurrent message of his presence.

She thought he would overpower her with his gaze.

What are you afraid of beloved?

Trisha fell on her knees and hugged herself. She gaped with effort to shut off her feelings.

“No, no, no.”

What are you afraid of?

“He hasn’t proposed has he?” she asked Jesus, “if he truly loved me the way…the way all of his actions seem to say, then he would have asked.”

She started crying, “Lord please? I’m dying with love of him! I ca-….I can’t invest my heart in someone so deeply if he isn’t committed to me? You tell me to guard my heart in your Word.”

Beloved, guard your heart from fear, not from courage.

Trisha shut her eyes and tears trailed down her cheeks. She felt them collect at the bottom of her round chin before splashing on her arm.

I love you.

“I know you do Jesus,” she said feeling Him comfort her.

I gave myself fully away to you without your love in return. And I would do it again. What joy I have in loving you.

Trisha recognized His meaning, “but Jesus you knew I would respond one day.”

What about those who never respond? Don’t I love them too? I died for my enemies.

“But you told me to guard my heart! You told me not to awaken love until its time. I read that verse many times in Song of Songs.”

Peace beloved. I see you are at the time of love. He will propose to you soon.

A small gasp escaped Trisha’s lips, “But I’m not ready…”

What are you afraid of?

The sound of someone walking distracted Trisha.

She wiped her tears away and looked around.

Sarah was in the fields coming toward her slowly.

Her lovely visage was colored with quiet care and concern…

~To be continued….

And when I passed by again, I saw that you were old enough for love. So I wrapped my cloak around you to cover your nakedness and declared my marriage vows. I made a covenant with you, says the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine ~ Ezekiel 16:8 NLT <3

“Through vivid descriptions and thought provoking stories, Ashley invites us to experience deeper intimacy with our eternal Bridegroom. Romantic Rendezvous for the Soul inspires us to throw off the complacency of busy lifestyles and passionately seek the heart of Jesus. This book is a beautiful reminder of the ever-present love, steadfastness and mercy He offers to each of us throughout our covenant relartionship.” -Keely Metcalf