There is something so beautiful about enjoying a private worship session with the Lord.
While I was listening to “The Lamb of God” by Jesus Image, my spirit was stirred by the Holy Spirit, and I began worshiping Jesus with tears streaming down my face. His presence and his love are priceless.
May your heart be awakened by the precious presence of God’s Spirit, and may you have your own personal experience worshipping Jesus. ✨
Can you see Him coming?
He’s brighter than sunshine.
More beautiful than light.
Blazing through the darkness.
Matchless One descending from His throne to come to earth.
The stars are His stairs.
He catches the eyes of all men.
His majesty arrests the heart.
His holiness pierces the soul.
His eyes, a blazing fire.
His approaching glory a torch of heat.
The lights of men are so dim.
Insignificant.
When He comes we shall bow!
Oh mighty King!
Rightful Lord!
Stunning Savior!
Beautiful One!
I fall to my knees.
Rightly casting the crown off my head.
Laying it before your feet like the cloaks laid before You as You entered Jerusalem on the donkey.
I throw my hands in the air.
Worship gushes from my lips
Praise erupts from my throat.
I cry out!
Lover of my soul!
Mighty God!
Everlasting Father!
Wonderful Counselor!
Prince of Peace!
There is none like You!
I weep and rejoice in the same breath.
Everything about You causes me to react.
I am made for You.
I am Yours!
Sweet Jesus!
Worthy of it all!
I am speechless by your majesty, too in awe of You to speak.
Yet I cannot remain silent.
I love You, Lord.
Lord of lords
King of kings!
My God.
My God.
My God!
Recent Testimony:
As some of you may know, my husband and I are expecting our third child (we are in love with this dear baby already). In November, I drove to the E.R due to signs of miscarriage. After many tests it was discovered that I had a subchrononic hemorrhage and due to the earliness of the pregnancy, there was nothing to be done. I was told to take things easy and rest.
Last week, not only did I get a sneak peek at my beautiful girl, but the ultrasound tech said the hemorrhage is completely healed /gone!
Thank You, Jesus for your faithfulness! And thank you to everyone who prayed for me! I am truly SOOO grateful.
I have been resting in this scripture:
“There will be no miscarriages or infertility in your land, and I will give you long, full life.” -Exodus 23:26
Thank You, Father God. I know You are the Creator of life. All life is a gift from You. I remember praying for my future children for years before I was ever married and when I was in Bible college (before I started dating my husband), the school worship leader gave me a hug and prayed for me. She said, “I don’t know why… but I feel like telling you that your womb is blessed. I’ve never felt the urge to say that to anyone.”
Little did she know that I had been speaking and praying blessing over my womb for years. And God was kind enough to assure me that my prayers were answered by speaking to her.
He is faithful and true
You can hold on to His promises. You can trust His character. His nature is good despite life’s storms and losses. I hope this encourages you.
For my book of poetry, modern psalms, and heartfelt devotionals on developing a rich relationship with God, click here (Visions of Celestial Love is free with a KU subscription).
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My greatest prayer for you in 2026 is to focus on the One who loves you most and who holds eternity in his hands. His love heals and redeems every bit of your history. His plans for your life are perfectly good! May you behold him. ❤️
Your eyes will see the King in His beauty. -Isaiah 33:17a
Your eyes, like honeyed glass, hold all the sweetness of love the world could never offer. Every glimpse of you causes me to catch my breath.
Your deep love is a sauna-sized ocean, more soothing and therapeutic than the warmest embrace. I could wade in your waters for eternity.
Your compassion is the hottest and most welcoming fire, crackling with undying grace. I desire to sit before your flames, linger near your light, and lean into your voice. Nothing brings me more delight than your nearness.
You are faithful love.
You are sweet peace.
You are solace for my soul.
You are a haven for my worries.
You shower me more than a steady rainfall.
You are oxygen to my lungs and blood to my body.
You are beauty to my eyes and sunlight to my inner garden. You cause all that is good within me to grow.
You are hope during my night.
How you have captivated me forever, my Savior and King.
How you have wooed me into eternity, my divine Bridegroom.
How you have delivered me, my Redeemer.
How you have me, Jesus!
Are you ready to taste of the sweet delicacies of God in a deeply reviving and personal way? For those who want to drink, for those who want to eat and be refreshed and renewed, Visions of Celestial Love is a feast between you and the King of Heaven, who loves you more than anyone else. He invites you to dine on wholesome, good, savory food and delicious, zesty, fruitful drink. He awaits you with a sparkle in His eye. He is ready for your company. He delights to have you as a guest.
“To actually read someone’s journal raw, unedited, and unfiltered is a real blessing. I also loved the scriptures at the end of every chapter. The author’s pursuit of God is relentless, extremely honest, and deep.”- Book Review
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? -Psalm 42:1-2 NIV
Have you ever felt dry on the inside?
The scent of strawberry marshmallow and the sight of golden accent lights greet my senses like a pleasant smile. Outside, the sky is a cool gray-blue, and the crisp, cool evening ushers in the approach of Autumn.
As the world around me quiets down, I turn my attention to my heavenly Father. In this turning of attention, in this still place, the ache inside of me is finally heard.
For months, I’ve been at a loss for words. My inspiration has felt dry. What once thrived like a watered garden now feels like a desert.
No poetry, bubbles from my soul like a warm spring. Inside, I sense the same familiar conflict that has troubled me for far too long. And yet, I long to feel the presence of Jesus and the Father’s Spirit inside.
Lord, where are you?
I yearn to meet you here again.
I hunger to dine with you in deep, intimate fellowship, where my heart is fed from your table of love.
I crave the peace that comes when my mind is filled with your thoughts.
I desire to meet with You, Jesus, in a way where the Word becomes flesh once again in the deepest place of my soul.
I know only You can satisfy. Nothing on this earth can quench the place of eternity in my heart, except You.
My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” -Psalm 42:3 NIV
Lord, I want to minister to others, to the person reading this right now, to the students that I teach, to my own children, and my husband… but I feel depleted and void of your resting presence.
I know I’m not alone in this.
I’m not the only person who has struggled to draw near to you and yet feel like there’s an insurmountable distance separating you from them.
Even someone as close to you as King David often poured out his heart in psalms, asking for your presence.
But Father, through it all, I know your Word is true.
I know you hear my every cry. I know you see my heart’s desire for you. I know you love me beyond my current understanding.
I know you will never leave me nor forsake me.
You are a Father who loves at all times.
And so, my prayer is not just for myself, but every child of yours who longs for a heart-fellowship with you.
Dear Father,
I come before your throne room of grace in Jesus’ name, and I thank you for the love you have proven through your Son. I thank you that you never wanted to be separated from us, so you gave us your Son.
I thank you that your Word says that if you did not spare us your Son, then how will you not with him freely give us all things.
Please help us to receive your soothing grace, your healing peace, and the beauty of your loving presence. May we fellowship with you deep inside our hearts. May you open our eyes to the ways that you continually watch over us. May you help us to wait upon you and know that you are God.
We trust ourselves to you. We acknowledge that you are our life, our hope, our strength, our joy, our truest love, and our only God. We trust you to help us to walk by faith and not by sight (or by our feelings).
Thank you for every promise in your Word. Thank you for all the miracles in our lives. Thank you for every blessing you’ve ever given us. Thank you that you are omnipresent, whether we discern your presence or not.
We praise you and we thank you for your faithfulness to us, for putting us in your Son, Jesus, and for sealing us with your Holy Spirit. We love you, Father.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
“Ashley presents us with a true cornucopia of modern psalms, personal testimonies, and short stories. She has set out to reveal and unravel some of the most complex heart issues mankind faces in our quest of understanding what true intimacy with God really looks like. Prepare to have your soul massaged and worked on as you read Visions of Celestial Love.” — Jeremy Minard
Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, and might set free those who all their lives were subject to slavery through fear of death. -Hebrews 2:14-15 BSB
Are you afraid of death?
This week, I received a text from a dear friend whom I’ve known since I was a little girl. She said that her mother had gone to Heaven and specified the time in the evening when she took her last breath on this side of eternity. It was a surprisingly short text considering the news.
She had written earlier asking for prayer for her family because her mom was “so ready to see Jesus.”
The night before, my mother-in-law echoed a similar statement as she sat across from me beside my sister-in-law while my husband sat next to me.
“I’m not afraid of dying,” she said calmly, “I know where I’m going.”
I investigated her warm, dark eyes and saw she was serious.
Her words reminded me of my late grandmother’s. A flash of memory crossed my imagination to the fateful conversation I’d had years ago, as I stared at my (then) last living grandmother.
I was holding my newborn, and my grandmother’s weathered countenance took on a bright enthusiasm as she recalled her vision of Heaven. She talked about glorious gold and colors too vivid to put into words. She spoke of how beautiful everything was and how Earth was a “trash heap” compared to what she’d seen in Heaven.
Her smile became dreamy, and she told me she was ready to see Jesus. Although I was dazzled by her courage toward death, the selfish part of me shrank. For as long as I could remember, her prayers had canopied over our family.
“Don’t leave us just yet. We need you.” I said nervously,
The fearlessness of my mother-in-law, my late grandma (who passed away shortly after our discussion), and my friend’s mom made me realize what a beautiful thing Jesus has done for us!
Through his resurrection, He has taken away the bitterness of death.
Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:
“Death is swallowed up in victory O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. -1 Corinthians 15:54-57 NLT
Jesus has paid the price to defeat one of our greatest enemies.
As children of God, we don’t have to fear death.
In fact, we shouldn’t fear death.
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” -1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
I didn’t see fear of death in my mother-in-law’s and my late grandmother’s eyes. More than anything, I saw anticipation. They were looking forward to seeing Jesus.
I can understand that.
The reality of seeing Jesus has the power to take away the fear of death.
Nothing is lost in eternity.
Christ has redeemed those who put their faith in Him, and we can trust that, as our King, our righteous Judge, and our Redeemer, He will ensure that nothing is lost. We can entrust everything and everyone we love to His care. We can have complete confidence in His power to save us, even from death.
Years ago, the fear of death haunted me like a shadow. I had just given birth to my first child shortly after losing four people I loved. Two of these were my teenage cousins, who had both been murdered in their home. I can’t properly describe the deep pain I felt in my heart. I was in my last trimester when I received this news, and I remember sobbing in the bathroom, running the water to drown out my cries.
Shortly after that, fear began to follow me. It tormented me day and night. I didn’t realize it was a spiritual attack at the time.
I fretted about Eden’s safety when she was a newborn (I’m being very vulnerable). I was also afraid of dying and leaving my baby, Eden, and my husband.
But more than anything, I feared dying alone. I dreaded facing the ultimate enemy on my own. I feared my loved ones facing this enemy alone as well. Death takes away the presence of the ones we love, leaving us alone with our memories. This, to me, was the biggest fear… until Jesus addressed this.
I woke up one morning before sunrise. A deep blue shaded the sky, and the atmosphere was peacefully still as my family slept soundly. The cold autumn air outside seeped through the windows, and I moseyed over to the piano downstairs before playing the keys. I could sense the nagging fear, stealing my peace. I prayed to Jesus, and He spoke to my heart.
“You will never be alone.”
I paused and knew He was speaking directly to my fear of death.
“There will never be a second of your life when I won’t be with you. Even in death, I will be there. I will be there when you close your eyes to this life, and I will be there the second you open your eyes in the next.”
His comforting presence enveloped me like a warm, heavenly blanket. His love melted away the fear that had frozen a place inside of me for months. The assurance of His constant presence gave me a peace I can’t fully put into words.
Since that day, the enemy has not been able to shake me with the terror of death. Jesus has truly set me free from the slavery of fearing death.
I know that I can face death because the Resurrected Conqueror loves me wholeheartedly, and He will uphold me.
He offers you this same gift.
Now, I look forward to seeing Jesus! I can honestly say, like my grandmother, I want to see Jesus.
Once, while I was worshipping at a dear friend’s house, whom I call “my second mother,” I felt so aware of eternity that death became as insignificant as a tiny ant. My friend and our mutual friend praised Jesus, and His holy Presence filled the room. Sometime during our late-night worship, I looked at my friends and wished I could be their age. They are in their early seventies, and I’m in my early thirties. I wanted to be their age because I knew, if things progressed naturally, they would go to Heaven first. I felt jealous (in a good way) that they had faithfully served God throughout their lives and were nearing the end of their race through life.
In that sacred moment, I wished I was older so I could be with Jesus sooner, but I hesitated because of my love for my family and my desire to fulfill God’s will for my life; I also knew that my husband and children wanted and needed me to stay with them.
I know that might seem crazy to people who don’t know the Lord. It may even seem out of place to some Christians, but as Paul said. “I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.…” –Philippians 1:22-23 BSB
I tasted the transcendent power of Psalm 73:25. “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”
And in that heavenly moment, I valued Jesus more than my own life on this earth.
(I hope you understand what I’m saying. I’m not looking for death or condoning the early end of my life. Rather, I have peace in the face of what I once dreaded. I pray to live a long life and fulfill God’s plans for my life on this earth, while keeping my eyes heavenward)
Like my late grandmother, my mother-in-law, and my friend’s mother (who passed this week), I understand where I’m going, so death has no real power. I know Whom I want to see more than anyone else: Jesus, The Life. And I dream of seeing His beautiful face!
As a newly saved teenager, I used to wonder if I was truly saved and going to Heaven. Instead of just trusting the scriptures, which assure us that we will be with Jesus forever, I wanted to hear it directly from Jesus, so I kept asking, “Am I saved?” (Jesus was gracious enough to help me in my unbelief).
One day, He whispered in my heart, “Yes, you are saved.” Not two minutes after He spoke that, an angel appeared in my room. I sensed his presence, and he told me the same thing, “You are saved.” Then he “disappeared.”
Before I even had time to process the angelic encounter, my cell phone rang, and I answered it. It was a Christian friend. “Yes?” I greeted.
“Ashley!” My friend exclaimed, “I was just talking to God and He told me you and I are saved!”
I could barely speak. Father God had given me three confirmations in under ten minutes!
I know I will be with Jesus forever. My future is secure.
I have a blessed sense of peace about eternity.
You can feel this way, too.
You are a favored and loved child of God.
Jesus died and rose again to defeat every enemy that would ever hurt you.
Dear one, no matter who you’ve “lost” or what grief you feel, He is there with you, and He is there with those you love, regardless of where they are. Through Jesus, we are united, even when death temporarily separates us. One day, we will all be together physically.
Not even death can separate you from those you love. If they are “with” Jesus, He will take care of them. You can trust His saving power. We can trust everyone we love into His hands. He is the Resurrection. He is the Life. He is our Redeemer. Nothing good will be lost.
The things you believe you’ve lost while battling in this world will be restored. Everything God intended for you to have will be redeemed. You will lack nothing good. Every cause of your pain will be washed away.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. -Revelation 21:4 NLT
I pray the Holy Spirit will use these words to bring your heart eternal comfort and peace.
You are secure in His hands.
xoxo
Enjoy this devotional video I created as an invitation for you to soak in the unconditional love and healing peace of God.
“When I read Visions of Celestial Love, it is as if I am brought down to my knees to worship. What the Holy Spirit has done in and through Ashley, He is also doing in me. What a wonderful experience. It is very rich. Thank you for sharing the treasure.”—Riko Suci Alam, CEO of Ligar Jaya and owner of Clove Garden hotel in Bandung Indonesia.
To read for free with Kindle Unlimited, click here!
Chapter 3 The Fateful Meeting
Noble couldn’t take his eyes off the woman across the cafe. Everything about her seemed to glow. Her thick auburn hair with honey-gold highlights cascaded down in lush waves, reaching her tapered waist. Her lips were painted with cool lavender lipstick. Plum blush lightly colored her cheeks. The hue complemented her vibrant, sun-kissed skin. She read a recipe book, drank coffee, and ate pumpkin pie.
A deep purple scarf wrapped elegantly around her neck, striking against her white, flowery blouse and brown fur-trimmed jacket.
He was surprised to find that instead of pants, she had on a pleated, white skirt. He guessed she must have leg warmers or thermals underneath. Knee-high, amber-colored boots snuggled her feet and lower legs.
Her eyes intently scanned the pages of her book. On her left ring finger was a golden band inlaid with aqua rhinestones. Noble sighed heavily as his attention rested on her ring.
She set her book down and took a bite of pie. Chewing slowly, she lifted her hand and rested her chin on it. She stared toward the kitchen doors with a forlorn expression. The flickering candlelight illuminated the beautiful maple syrup color of her eyes. Noble grinned, drinking in her image.
As if sensing his stare, she looked directly at him. She smiled in greeting. Noble averted his eyes, nonplussed she caught him spying. When he turned back toward her, she had returned to reading her book.
Why didn’t I wave or say hello?
Noble rubbed his palms against his pants, befuddled by his unexplainable reaction.
Wasn’t he just acclaimed for having “the public aura of alluring sophistication, subtle seduction, stylish wealth, and effortless class” in one of L.A.’s top tabloids?
Yet, for all his seasoned years, he was flabbergasted by her little smile.
Perhaps I’m still disoriented from Alyssa’s mixture?
There was no telling what she had put in it.
Noble tapped his fingers on the polished wooden table and studied the ruby walls of the café—decorated with paintings of lattes, bakeries, roses, and snowy hills with pine trees—in a failed attempt to get his mind off her.
Steam wafted in from the busy kitchen as the double doors flung open. Noble swung his attention toward the disturbance and picked up the acute fragrance of onion and ginger. A frazzled-looking woman hustled into the dining area and slumped against the wall. Her coily hair stuck to her smooth, sweaty, dark skin. Her chestnut-colored eyes were moist from the seasonings flying about in the kitchen behind her. She brushed her hair back with a slender hand, running her fingers through her tight curls.
Noble’s heart went out to her. He saw she was dreadfully tired. She looked his way in a daze, and without thinking, he smiled at her, lifting a hand in greeting. To his surprise she waved back.
She began inching her way toward him.
He sat up in his chair, his shoulders tightened. I hope she’s not one of my crazy fans. He gave a wry grin and made a mental note to remember to disguise himself for the remainder of his travels. Normally Alonzo catches these things.
She stopped an arm’s length away and tilted her head. Her lips parted and a soft gasp escaped as their eyes met. From her body language, he knew she had noticed the piercing, arctic blue color of his eyes. It was one of his most famed traits.
Noble shook his head to remove the escaping strands of his summer brown hair that hung over his eyes.
“Forgive me, but you have a charming smile.” Her voice came out timid.
The energetic current he had experienced outside began to rise. It was stronger and at his knees now.
He grinned at her compliment as his face unnaturally warmed. He pulled at the collar of his royal blue shirt before thanking her.
“I’m Trisha.”
“I’m Noble.” He held out his hand.
“No, you don’t want to shake my hands, they’re sweaty,” She warned.
He laughed, “You’re probably right.”
“Yeah.” She sighed and brushed her hands on her apron.
“Why don’t you sit down and take a break?” He offered her the seat in front of him.
“I’d like to, but it’s around 8 o’clock. The nightly crowd is starting to come in.”
“That’s a shame…I could use the conversation,” he mumbled without thinking.
Her eyes widened.
“That came out wrong,” he stammered. “What I meant was you seem flustered, and I could use someone to talk to. I’m feeling the way you look.”
“Well thanks for noticing my looks.” She quipped, before giving him a warm smile and sitting down. “I’m all ears.”
Noble feared he was too bold with her. His stupidity would only become more apparent if he spilled his guts out to her, a woman he had just met.
“Water?” he offered, motioning toward his untouched cup.
“Don’t mind if I do,” Trisha leaned over to take a sip from the straw.
She then rested her elbows on the table and asked, “Okay, pretty boy, what seems to be the problem?”
Noble arched an eyebrow at her words.
“I can be just as forward as you,” she said with a teasing smile before leaning back.
He chortled at her witty repartee. She had a spicy personality.
She sat comfortably and seemed eager to listen to him. A part of him wanted to dash out the door but her eyes seemed trustworthy. Even if she wasn’t, he reasoned, he could always just avoid this coffee shop for life.
He peered over at the beautiful woman adjacent to him. He slightly lifted his chin and nudged it in her direction. “Do you know her name?” he asked.
Trisha turned around in the direction of his gaze. “Purple scarf?” she asked with a twinkle in her eyes.
A small laugh escaped his lips, “Yeah, is she… with someone?”
“Yes,” Trisha replied. Her eyes squinted as if she was studying him for a change. She fell painfully silent when he didn’t deter from his interest in the other woman. In the space of the pause, she closed her eyes meditatively for a long moment. Then opening them, she voiced sheepishly, “Her name’s Rose,”
“Rose,” he breathed. She is just as beautiful as one.
“She’s a poet who collects paintings and wine. She wants to live on a vineyard and her favorite color, in no surprise, is purple.”
Noble smiled as Trisha described Rose before asking, “How do you know so much about her?”
“She comes here often… for therapy, goodies, or just to say hello. It’s her quiet hangout spot.”
“Therapy?”
“Mhmm… just like you. I’m her listening ear. I don’t know why it is but… almost daily someone talks to me about their problems.”
Noble stirred his hot cappuccino. “Yeah, funny, I guess. Maybe it’s your presence? You seem trustworthy.”
“Thank you.”
Noble sipped his drink before wrinkling his face at the taste. He’d forgotten about Greg’s warning. Trisha reached into the jam case, pulled out a few packets of sugar, and handed them to him.
“So anyway, do you know if she’s married?” he asked, hoping the ring she wore was anything but a wedding one.
“I think the ring pretty much speaks for itself.”
“Yeah,” he said under his breath.
His expression fell and Trisha reached out and briefly rubbed his arm. “It’ll be okay. God has someone special for you.”
He ignored her mention of God and sighed. “But I want her.”
“It’s not good to covet another man’s wife,” she said both gently and firmly.
“Perhaps,” he voiced, deciding not to speak his true mind to this woman. She obviously belonged to some kind of faith. “But it’s hard not to. I mean, look at her.”
Trisha nodded in agreement, “She is lovely.”
“Stunning,” he corrected, his tone like syrup.
Trisha took a deep breath before gazing out the window at the falling snow sprinkling down like white gold. The flickering light of the pink candles gracing the table danced on her skin, brightening her rich eyes.
“You know what’s stunning?” she asked. The soft quality of her voice was so low, he wondered if she was speaking to herself. She answered her question, “This weather, your blue eyes, this world, and… God.”
Noble followed her gaze out the window. It was beautiful. Yellow lanterns glowing below the starry night sky. The hills and mountains covered with blankets of snow made waves along the horizon.
“Sometimes we get so caught up in what we don’t have that we fail to see what we do have. We have a way of becoming calloused to our blessings and we lose the simple joy in everyday life.”
Noble turned to her, drinking in her healing words. “You put that well.”
She smiled in response.
Something about her expression made him forget his desire for a moment. “But I’m a man who knows what he wants. I guess that’s why my mom used to call me ‘picky.’”
“There’s nothing wrong with hoping or dreaming, but you shouldn’t let your goals become a source of torment on your today.”
Noble pressed his lips together, falling mute.
“Besides,” she continued, “contentment makes time seem to go by faster. If God has given Rose to another man, then she is not the one for you. He knows what you need and want out of life, and your wife. And don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll meet all your requirements…and his. God’s not going to give you someone you’re not attracted to.”
“How do you know?” he asked, half curious.
How can anyone have such confidence in God’s ability to act on behalf of someone they just met?
He hadn’t prayed to God in almost ten years. Rather, his faith had become more explorative, and he had delved into enough philosophies and religions until he had collaborated his own brand of muddied values.
“Because he hears and values your prayers…and you don’t look like the kind of man who could stay single for long.”
Trisha’s reassuring words melted over him like a balm in his heart. She folded her arms and sat back with a confident smile.
“I guess I don’t look like the kind of man who could stay single,” he jested, posing as if he were in a photoshoot. What she clearly didn’t know was that he had years of professional practice.
Trisha laughed heartily at his cocky pose and overly animated sultry smile. He noticed she had nice teeth and a bellowing laugh that seemed to start from her stomach and dive from her heart. He couldn’t help but join in. She laughed loudly before covering her mouth with a hand to stifle her cheer. It was one of the truest laughs he had ever heard. Usually, girls would laugh daintily around him, something he called “fake laughs,” but Trisha seemed almost as happy as a countryman who just won a new pig.
“All jokes aside,” he began as they quieted down, “your faith is admirable. Have you always felt that way?”
“It’s much less a feeling as it is a belief. And it didn’t get that way overnight, trust me. I’ve been waiting…patiently on God for some time now. But in this season of waiting, I’ve learned and experienced things I never would have. My faith is growing.”
“Like what?” he asked, suddenly curious.
“Hmm?”
“You said you learned some things. Care to give an example?”
Trisha gave a radiant smile, “Well, he’s taught me that patience isn’t the ability to wait, but the ability to have a good attitude while you wait. Not only that, but to wait faithfully, and full of hope while you expect the Lord. I…believe the verse is Psalm 27:13, and it says: What, what would have become of me had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living! Wait and hope for and expect the Lord. Be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.”
Her words struck his heart, and her faith and compassion reminded him of his mother. He loved the definition she gave of patience.
“I like that.” His lips curved upward.
She lifted her shoulders, as if shied by his looking at her.
“What are you waiting on?” Noble asked.
Her eyes widened and her shoulders fell, she seemed hesitant.
“What?” he asked, wondering at her reluctance. “If you can be my listening ear, then I can be yours,” he reasoned.
“You asked me to listen,” she countered.
“And now I’m asking you to talk.”
“Many things…and a who.”
“That’s not specific enough,” he voiced, unsatisfied.
“No pressure,” she said with a hint of jest and defensiveness in her voice.
“Of course not,” he said, inching forward. “Take your time.”
She was quiet for a while before clearing her throat. “Well, I want to eventually become a massage therapist and… have a family of my own.”
“Was that so hard?” he asked, giving her a sideways smile as she released a heavy breath.
“No.”
“I’m sure you’ll be a good masseuse and an even better wife and mother,” Noble glanced down before looking back up at her. “You should consider being a counselor as well.”
“I plan on becoming one, except I don’t want to get paid for helping people.”
“Why not?” he asked, befuddled. He saw nothing wrong with charging clients for quality counseling. “How do you expect to make a good living otherwise? Surely not working in a place like this.”
Before she could answer, a gusty wind blew in and with it a crowd of young adults with snowflakes on their clothes and boots, engaged in conversations, the smell of hot, spiked apple cider on their breaths. Trisha watched as the group of friends neared the counter.
“I really need to get back to work,” she told him.
“Wait, one moment more?” he asked. He was enjoying her company. It was the most meaningful conversation he’d had in a long time.
“Umm,” she said, considering his request. She chewed on her bottom lip and then appeared to be apologetic as her gaze went downcast. She shook her head and then suddenly stopped herself as if she had been interrupted by someone mid thought.
Noble noticed the way her eyes softened with a glow.
He began to sense an invisible stream around his waist. It was comforting and warm, like sunlight. He rubbed his head, wondering if he was experiencing some sort of last-minute euphoria from the substances he’d consumed the night before.
Trisha turned her gaze toward a coworker who walked out from behind the double doors and approached the counter.
“Who is that?” Noble asked, following her gaze.
“Paula, my bosses’ wife.” she said.
Paula hailed the group of young adults and began taking their orders. She glanced at Trisha for a split second and passed her an approving look. It was so fleeting and inconspicuous that Noble almost missed it.
Trisha slowly agreed to his request, “Okay… I can stay for a little longer.”
Book Review
"I just finished “His Liberating Flame” written by Ashley Thompson. It was hard to put down as the struggle from ‘salvation to sanctification’ was so amazingly described..."-Kathy Yoshimi
“His Liberating Flame ” is a captivating and unique “Cinderella” story written by the successfully published author Ashley Thompson.
The story begins in the opulent Los Angeles mansion of the “Prince Charming” character, Noble. He is a very rich, handsome, and internationally famous model. He came from humble, old-fashioned beginnings, but in his problematic condition, he is far from being considered a perfect catch, at least in the eyes of Trisha, the story’s “Cinderella” character. Her persona as a generous, selfless, and sexually pure woman with puritan beliefs is well established from the outset. Her best friend, James, plays an interesting role in the plot, leaving me very curious. What part will the trilateral relationship between Noble, Trisha, and James play in helping or hindering the romantic development of my anxiously expected “…and they lived happily ever after” ending?
Two antagonistic villains in the story are Noble’s ex, Alyssa, and his self-serving professional manager, Anthony. They are highly motivated by personal gain to hold Noble captive in the kinds of addictive behaviors that often financially benefited them, but were clearly and literally destroying Noble’s soul and future health.
The rich, descriptive language fully engages the imagination and tantalizes the senses!
In the early chapters, Trisha’s pure agenda is quickly established in her interactions with Noble. Her compassionate nature and gentleness melt him as she prays for his redemption. However appreciative of her leading him into his newfound life, Noble can’t help but see her as a potential love interest and challenge to conquest, filling the story with many twists and turns.
As she strives to make it clear to him that she intends to keep things on a friendship level, he remains very motivated in his attempts at winning Trisha’s affections by breaking down her boundaries and resistance to his flirtations. Her sometimes unpredictable responses kept me, as a reader, wondering if she would eventually be swept away by his signature irresistible charm and unwittingly become captivated by his less-than-noble agenda.
I highly recommend “His Liberating Flame” as a good read! And I look forward to reading the sequel, Book Two, “Embracing the Future”.
One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. -Psalm 27:4 NIV
Father God, I pray you would touch my heart
Awaken my heart
Warm my heart
Revive my heart
Stir up my hunger, arouse my thirst, and cause me to go deeper
Oh Jesus, I want to know you more
Let my heart be eternally connected to you
Make me a woman after your own heart
Usher me to abide with you more closely
Let me taste from the banquet of your love
Lead me through the rooms of your affections, thoughts, desires, and emotions
Lead me to the dining room of communion
Be like a warm hearth… a delightful fireplace, fragrant with sweet spices on a cold winter’s night
Be to me an inner heat
Be the air in my lungs
Revive me
Stir me with your compassion
Awaken me, Creator of Love
Touch me afresh and cause every cell and fiber of my being to adore you
Kiss the deepest place within me… the place of eternity, and let my inner being praise you
Warm my heart with your love
Defrost the slick glass of fear over my heart
Hold my soul
Soak my heart with worship
I want you deeply, Abba
Cover me with your Holy Spirit
Show me what it means to be a beloved of the King of kings and Lord of lords
Reveal yourself to me as the Holy Bridegroom
Unite my heart solely to worship you
Let me gaze upon the sweet attractiveness of your face
This is the one thing that I ask for
This alone shall I seek
After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ -Acts 13:22 NIV
~This excerpt was taken from my book, Visions of Celestial Love. May your soul be blessed by the Holy Spirit as you read.
It’s been one of those mornings, those really beautiful ones. I have the feeling of belonging to God. I taste the sweetness of His total forgiveness.
It’s a special kind of pleasure to sit by the window and watch rays of sunlight stream through the glass, touching Mom’s golden tablecloth decorated with picturesque mats of fruit in a translucent bowl. This morning, I awoke early, determined to spend time with God.
I sat down and read Matthew 5. There, the sweet humility that comes from being forgiven and loved freely came into my heart and melted away all the poisonous lies that the enemy had been using against me.
It’s amazing how sweet it is to simply bask in the knowledge that you are loved unconditionally and accepted without reservation. Just to know that you are a cherished child of God, whom He delights in, changes you. No work is required, no mustering of strength. Because you realize your strength is nonexistent. He has all the strength. He has all the power. He has all the love. And you are the center of His attention, and His chosen affection. You are His most beloved child.
I have been very replenished in the knowledge of His undying love and favor. I feel like I’m a lush grape hanging off the vine of all that He is. I don’t need to work to produce my own fruit or sap. He produces that for me. His veins fill me with the graciousness of all He is. His indwelling Spirit melts away all my diseases and fills my soul with beautiful thoughts.
Peace and joy are infinite, love is endless, and they trail within, making rivers and paths of life below hills lush with vegetation. I see golden paint in the sky fall upon the terrain of my heart and soul. I drink in water that graces the sky with rainbows. I am loved forever.
Dear reader, nothing is as sweet as knowing God loves you and will do all the work in transforming you. Don’t try to do it on your own, as is the constant trap of man. Trust in Jesus, not on your own merits or strength. Be like a child again. Realizing this all over again filled me with such sweetness that I rose, played worship music, and fixed my family breakfast. When we receive God’s love for us, it’s so easy to walk in unselfish love toward others.
My mom was pleasantly surprised to find blueberry-cranberry scones, hearty omelets, and a homemade smoothie fixed up in the kitchen. We broke out my dad’s gifted plum jam and ate merrily. It’s amazing how beautiful life is when you know you reside in the heart (in the very chest) of Almighty God…and you are able to call Him “Father.” It’s amazing when you carry the atmosphere of Heaven inside, because you are more conscious that you live under grace and favor than anything else.
I pray that this deep knowledge of His love be yours. I pray the Holy Spirit will make this a reality in your life. That you would fully accept and feel your completeness in Christ. You are accepted in the beloved. -Ephesians 1:6
To check out my devotional book, Visions of Celestial Love, click here.
“Ashley presents us with a true cornucopia of modern psalms, personal testimonies, and short stories. She has set out to reveal and unravel some of the most complex heart issues mankind faces in our quest of understanding what true intimacy with God really looks like. Prepare to have your soul massaged and worked on as you read Visions of Celestial Love.” — Jeremy Minard
"And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.” -Matthew 18:20 The Message Bible
There’s something so beautiful about having a heart that’s cultivated a deep relationship. Think about the nearest and dearest person to your heart.
Are they a family member in your home?
A friend you keep in touch with?
Or someone you’ve fallen in love with?
If you’re lucky, the person you cherish the most lives close to you. An ache happens when you’re distanced from the person closest to your heart.
I have discovered my heart is most at home with Jesus. He has become my special, significant other. Not only is He my Savior, but He’s also my Best Friend, Shelter, Lord, and heavenly Bridegroom. His love is all-encompassing and touches every relational need of my soul. I can breathe deeply and rest completely in His Presence. (He wants you to experience Him this way.)
A few days ago, I visited a friend’s house with others who gathered to spend time with Jesus.
She made savory Italian soup with soft buttery bread. Over supper, we conversed. One of the questions that popped up was why Jesus commanded his followers to gather over food.
“Maybe it’s because it builds trust? It’s like we’re depending on each other to provide nutrition and satisfy our hunger… this might make us more open.” I suggested.
“I was thinking similarly.” A man chimed. As he spoke, his short red-brown beard moved.
We pondered the question for a few more minutes, tossing around our ideas. Finally, after dinner, we moved to the couches for worship. Excitement built in me to converse with Jesus.
We sat on mahogany-colored couches around a long coffee table with flickering candlelight. The gold, orange colors of the sunset spilled through her windows into the room. White, pink and yellow flowers stood in a clear vase. I fixed myself comfortably on the sofa and closed my eyes as my friend softly sang a love song. Her sweet voice fragranced the atmosphere and I allowed my heart to lean into Jesus.
During worship, I spoke to the Lord in my heart, “Jesus, how can I feed you? I want to fill you as you’ve filled me tonight.” I sensed his presence and saw a beautiful image of him amid the room. I was feeding him, tearing bread and putting it in his mouth.
He showed me that when I do the Father’s will in ministering to others (the Body of Christ), that I am feeding him. Because each person I allow him to bless using me is a part of his body.
Later that night, we lifted each other in prayer. As we did this, we began to feel the love of God for one another. One of my friends was having terrible pain in her neck. By the end of prayer, she was feeling much better. Tears were shed as we shared words, we felt Jesus was speaking to us about each other. Prophesy began to flow, and healing took place.
There’s something so beautiful about cultivating a deep relationship with the Body of Christ. This is one of the ways we can cherish Jesus. In his presence, we begin to see the great value he has for our heavenly family.
I’m not sure who the dearest person is to your heart, but I encourage you to invite Jesus to be present in your relationship. As you do, your relationship will become holy ground. You will experience a deeper level of safety, closeness, and beauty. After all, no one loves you both more than him.
I pray your relationships are drenched with his presence. May his abundant life wash over you.
xoxo
~Click below to watch my video, A Love Sonnet to Jesus. This poem was originally taken from my book, Visions of Celestial Love.
I have blotted out like a thick cloud your transgressions and like a cloud your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. –
Return to Him
Don’t let guilt keep you away from God. Your heavenly Father loves your company. The Bible is sweet with the undying core of reconciliation that beats in God’s heart. God has made it clear that He has taken away our transgressions and He desires our company. He is speaking to you today, “return to Me because I have redeemed you.”
Since man’s creation, God has desired a relationship with us. Sin entered the world through Adam’s transgression and mankind has often been found “hiding in the bushes” because of fear inspired by failure. Yet, God never gave up on his original plan for us to know Him and enjoy relational harmony with Him. Ephesians 1:4 says, “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”
No matter what you have done, you are loved by God. We should repent for our sins (acknowledge them, commune with God about it in a way that is humble, repentant, and full of faith knowing that He will help us by His Spirit). However, we should never hide from our Father, like Adam did after he sinned. Jesus has paid the price for all the sins you committed in your past, all the sins you may struggle with today, and all sins you will commit in the future. You have everlasting forgiveness and redemption. You have his eternal love.
Prayer
“Father, I pray that you will help me to establish my heart in the doctrine of reconciliation. I pray that I will continually experience the incredible peace of Christ knowing that I am completely forgiven and made righteous by faith in his finished work. Thank you, Father, for your amazing love which motivated you to send your Son into the world to save us. Thank you for always drawing near to me when I draw near to you. Help me to not be afraid of your presence, but to realize that you are waiting for me with open arms. I love you Father and I thank you for all that you’ve done. In Jesus name, amen.”
It’s January and the daylight hours are still short. There’s something about the night sky that catches my eye and speaks to my soul of the glory of God. In the dark, the beauty of the heavenly bodies can be seen more.
Perhaps it’s in our dark seasons that we appreciate the beauty of God’s light.
Earlier this week I walked outside and stopped to look up at the sky. The full moon glowed radiantly in the dark velvety night sky. I was captivated by its milky white light in contrast to the darkness around it. A few stars twinkled and an airplane crossed the sky with blinking light. As I stood there, I found myself thanking the Lord for his creation.
I’m not sure where you are during this first month of 2025, but I want to encourage you, the Lord’s light can reach you even in the darkness. More than we can depend on the constancy of the presence of the heavenly bodies, we can depend on the presence of God.
Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol (the place of the dead), You are there. -Psalm 139:7-8 BSB parenthesis mine.
This verse points out the most assuring truth: God is always there with you. He is there throughout your life here on earth. If you could somehow travel to heaven, he would be there with you. When you die, he will still be there with you. You never have to fear being alone. You will never be abandoned by him. He is faithfully with you through his Holy Spirit.
As long as he’s with you, there will always be light in your life. Your Father loves you more than anyone else ever could or will. You are his precious child. Because he loves you so much, he has promised never to leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:10). There is something so comforting in knowing (and believing) that God will always be with me by his Spirit.
Admittedly, this year has started off roughly for my family and me. Several family members (me included) have battled sickness. In the throes of feeling terrible, two precious friends gathered around my husband and I and prayed for us. Shortly afterward, we recovered.
One night, I had another friend over and my sister texted. She told me she and my niece were feeling awful. The minute I learned of this; I stopped the conversation my husband was having with our friend and asked if we could pray for my sister and niece. We did so and I sent my sister the recording of our prayers. That same night she texted, “Gloryyyyyyy, hallelujah! The immense pressure and congestion I was just feeling instantly released from me.” The next morning, she video called me and with a huge smile reported that my niece was dramatically better. “She is playing and eating again.” God had healed them by his Spirit. Yet, my father remained sick for weeks even after much prayer. He was almost hospitalized. Days later, my husband got sick again and our youngest daughter hasn’t been able to breathe easily from her nose since mid-December.
In times like this, I’ve been tempted to question the presence of the Spirit of God with me. I’ve had a few crying and complaining sessions with my heavenly Father. Why isn’t life easier? Where is the power of God’s Spirit to heal?
I have had a sudden career change and two of my manuscripts (which I thought would be done by now) have been further delayed as more work needs to be done. I’ve been working on one of these books for over six years (you can imagine my frustration).
Where is the favor of God to open doors for publishing that I’ve been consistently praying for? My agent insists this is normal, but I’m not too convinced.
There have been times when I’ve wanted to give up and despair. Yet, I can’t because I know the Spirit of God is with me. He is also with you. His faithful presence infuses me with heavenly hope. I can look at the future and see light (despite the darkness) because the light of God is present.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.-Romans 15:13 NIV
What are your dreams for 2025?
I want to encourage you to share them with your heavenly Father. You are safe to share your heart with him. He wants to hear from you, even if it means you pouring out your frustrations, fears and heartbreaks with him. The Psalms are potent with the emotions of king David (yet God called him “a man after my own heart.”) For a video I made on worship and psalms to God (with golden flag dancing) click here.
He wants you to be transparent with him because you are fully accepted and completely loved by him.
Often, when I pour out the darkness in my soul to God, I end up leaving with praise on my lips. His presence has a way of touching my heart with light.
I pray this year; you will always remember your reason for hope, the Father’s presence. No matter what lies ahead of you, the light of the world is in you. May you become more aware of his closeness. May your heart rest in faith-filled confidence regarding his eternal love. May you not lean on your own strength but allow his grace to empower you. May you trust not in your understanding, but in his eternal wisdom and allow yourself to hear his voice so you can be led by his Spirit. Lastly, may the grace, truth and peace of God dwell within you richly.
“Ashley presents us with a true cornucopia of modern psalms, personal testimonies, and short stories. She has set out to reveal and unravel some of the most complex heart issues mankind faces in our quest of understanding what true intimacy with God really looks like. Prepare to have your soul massaged and worked on as you read Visions of Celestial Love.” — Jeremy Minard, Servant King Apparel
