The Sacred Wooing Invitation

“Such an intimate encounter with our Lord and Savior… it has changed my relationship with Christ.”

I wrote “The Sacred Wooing” as an invitation to the church to rekindle her “first love” purity for Jesus and as a witness to the blessing of walking wholly devoted to Jesus while empowered by grace.

I warmly welcome beta readers who are passionate about drawing closer to Jesus to review my newest novel, The Sacred Wooing (Experiencing the Bridegroom Love of Jesus), before it’s published.



*Fans of Francine Rivers (Redeeming Love), Paul Young (The Shack), and Sarah Young (Jesus Calling) will enjoy the biblical parable style of The Sacred Wooing, which also captivates fantasy fans with its epic storytelling.

*The words of Christ in this story reflect the universal and eternal longing in every woman’s heart for everlasting love, while also emphasizing the ongoing spiritual battle for the allegiance of men’s souls.

*This story invites readers to experience Jesus’s love as their bridegroom and to reconnect with their First Love (Revelation 2:4).”


Qualifications for Readers:

  1. Readers need to commit to reading the entire manuscript before its publication date. (Please be aware that publication dates can be more fluid than solid and require flexibility. This is usually to the reader’s advantage, as it often takes longer than predicted to finalize a book)
  2. Readers understand that they are committing to write their review on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub, and a social media platform of their choice during the first two days of the book’s release. (It’s okay if it’s the same review. As long as it’s your honest and hopefully positive feedback <3)
  3. Readers must not share any material from the manuscript with anyone unless given written permission by the author and/or publisher (this is copyright material).
  4. Readers must love Jesus and desire to love others with His love.
  5. Readers must be available to communicate with the author during the publishing process (I want to hear your thoughts and suggestions, and I will need you to be open, especially as the deadline approaches).

Opening Scene

The highest king sat with blinding light shining from him. Contrasting cumulonimbus clouds and radiant lightning swirled around him like a halo crafted from a tempest, subjugated by an unimaginably powerful force. His appearance was suffused with fiery amber gems. The clouds around him pillowed upward, creating vast, vaporous terrains rippling with the colors of the hemisphere. 

 Majestic flying creatures filled with spiritual power orbited the omnipotent king. Their multiple, feathery wings swayed across their celestial forms like silken curtains. The swooshing of their gargantuan wings caused the air to vibrate with tornadic winds. Their booming voices charged the atmosphere like thunder as they paid homage to the one they revered.  

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!”

Royal lords donned in flowing, priestly garments bespeckled with jewels bowed reverently as they circled the throne. Their transcendent voices harmonized into a swelling crescendo. The sound was akin to rushing waves, more resplendent than any music on earth. 

“You are worthy oh Lord to receive glory and honor and power! For you created all things! And by your will they exist, and were created!”

Seven golden lampstands flamed brilliantly, and incense rose like a sheet of fragrant mist from the scintillating floor.

The omnipotent king sat on his immaculate throne and held seven gleaming stars in his hand. They glimmered like fiberoptic pearls. His robe cascaded down as the clouds canopy the Amazon forest. His clothes shone whiter than fresh snow and a regal, sash hung like sunlight from his shoulder to his waist. The golden floor was transparent glass, mirroring everything above it with an aureate glow.

To the left of the king sat his father. He was the creator of all. They were unified in purpose and in heart. Their resemblance in soul and features were so akin, that having seen one, you would have known the other. From the father’s mouth came the spirit of life—the most precious breath. A single exhale from this spirit could form planets.

The seated father and kingly son watched for the son’s bride to prepare herself fully. The son had waited patiently for eons and excitedly looked forward to the celebratory day, the day of his gladness of heart. He had prepared himself in the finest apparel. The wine he would offer was the richest created, and he had earnestly desired to drink it with her in the kingdom. A feast in the heavenly clouds, surrounded by a balcony of translucent rainbows and shimmering, fiery jasper stones, had been set. The table alone was lengthier than a galaxy. It would be a greater feast than all royal weddings in created history. Serving angels stood ready to attend to the king and his beloved wife. All that awaited her. 

For thousands of years, the son had sent messages to her, and yet she was easily distracted and discouraged from her bridal preparations…


Story Synopsis

Heaven is prepared for the most joyful wedding feast, but only one thing is missing—the bride. Noelani, a mortal woman with the divine spark of eternity inside her, is troubled by a cohort of evil spiritual beings plotting her downfall. Battle-worn, she begins to lose her only connection to her kingly groom, her faith.

All seems lost until her powerful groom knocks on her door and invites her to take his hand on a journey that will bring out her deepest fears and cause her enemies to double their attacks. Will her faith endure to the end?

Signing Up

Hello everyone, if you’re interested in becoming a beta reader, may you DM me directly at nourishementthroughwords@gmail.com

Thank you so much for your interest! 

❤

Thank you so much for your time and commitment! I pray you are ushered into a deeper relationship with Jesus that brings wholesome love and restoration to your soul.

Matchless One (A Spontaneous Psalm of Worship)

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).

*For more, you may follow me on several platforms:

-Follow on Bookbub:
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Joyful Sparks of Christmas Praise

From my heart to yours, Merry Christmas. 🕯

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. -John 3:16-17 NKJV

“It is nearly impossible to believe God shrinking down to the size of a zygote, implanted in the soft lining of a woman’s womb. God growing fingers and toes. God kicking and hiccupping in utero. God inching down the birth canal and entering this world covered in blood, perhaps into the steady, waiting arms of a midwife. God crying out in hunger. God reaching for his mother’s breasts. God totally relaxed, eyes closed, his chubby little arms raised over his head in a posture of complete trust. God resting in his mother’s lap…” -Rachel Held Evans

Over 2,000 years ago, He came meekly perfuming wells of mercy as our representative, the Son of Man, our Passover (sacrificial) Lamb, the One who died in our place, the One who came to serve, seek and save the lost. He is the One who came to heal the broken-hearted and the sick, the One who came to be touched with the feelings of our troubles and humanness and offer the deepest empathy and compassion 💖:

🎁👑🤍 When God gives a gift…the blessings never end…they go into eternity 💛🥳🙌🏽❤! The gift of Jesus is grandeur than the expanse of the cosmos. His life is more costly than all the jewels and treasures in the world 🌎💎.

I will praise God forever for the gift of Jesus and the peace-giving gift of forgiveness and reconciliation He purchased for us all🕊👑!

I thank God for the gift of relationship with Jesus that brings endless abundance and life 🌱🪴🌳💐🌸!

God becoming human just amazes me time and time again.



I very often read and see things related to Jesus that cause my heart to leap forth in adoration, worship and excitement. Sometimes I feel like a child for how pure and sporadic my soul can leap into praise like someone lighting a match. Praise comes sparking out of me like fireworks crackling through a starry night. I react to the goodness of God with as much (if not more) glee and bliss as someone who has seen the most beautiful, wonderful thing. If you’ve ever been taken aback in awe and wonder at a sight, like a coming gasp at seeing the greatness of the Grand Canyon, then you understand my reactionary worship-born spirit.

“The first time He came, there was no room for Him. The next time He comes the whole world won’t be able to contain His glory.” -John MacArthur

Over two years ago, my heart sang when I saw this post quoting John MacArthur (the picture above)! I could feel first love fire 🔥 inside of me breaking forth in spontaneous worship 🙌🏽🕊💥👑🥰!

The words below began to gush forth from within me in reactionary praise:

“Oh, how I love Him and delight to worship Him.

I excitedly look forward to the day of His return and to worship before Him as never before where my body will never tire to pour out adoration, and praise, and tears of joy and gratitude and passion for this One great, glorious Man who is Truth, Light, Salvation, Love, and everything good we were created for. We came forth from Him. In Him God has rebirthed us and every leader comes from Him. Our only Life. Our High Priest. In Him, through Him, by Him, for Him!!

Hallelujah to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Faithful and True is His name. Hosanna in the highest heaven 💛👑💥☀️🤗😍!

I look forward to that day when His glory rises over the darkness like the sun’s stunningly, blinding rays pierces the irises of dimmed eyes. May glimmering rays of His glory be seen like shafts of lightning and flickers of candlelight in the hearts of born-again men/women on earth 🌎…those who have surrendered to His amazing love and Lordship and worship Him in Spirit and in Truth ❤🙌🏽.

Oh, for the glory of His name! There is no One so beautiful and magnificent or good than Him ✨!”


Below is one of my favorite Christmas songs. It beautifully captures the finer details of the incarnation of Christ and how natural, yet supernatural His appearing was. How closely He relates to us:

Lyrics:

It’s still a mystery to me
That the hands of God could be so small
How tiny fingers reaching in the night
Were the very hands that measured the sky

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Heaven’s love reaching down to save the world
Hallelujah, hallelujah, son of God, servant King
Here with us, You’re here with us

It’s still a mystery to me
How His infant eyes have seen the dawn of time
How His ears have heard an angel’s symphony
But still Mary had to rock her Savior to sleep

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Heaven’s love reaching down to save the world
Hallelujah, hallelujah, son of God, servant King
Here with us, You’re here with us

You’re here with us

Jesus, the Christ, born in Bethlehem
A baby born to save, to save the souls of man

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Heaven’s love reaching down to save the world
Hallelujah, hallelujah, son of God, servant King
Here with us

Oh, hallelujah, hallelujah
Heaven’s love reaching down to save the world
Hallelujah, hallelujah, son of God, servant King
Here with us, You’re here with us
You’re here with us

Songwriters: Joy Elizabeth Williams, Jason Ingram, Ben Glover. For non-commercial use only. (I own no rights to the music or lyrics of this amazing song)

Always remember that He is with you, no matter how you’re feeling or where you are. He is with you, and He loves you. Because you have Him, you have hope.

Have a blessed Merry Christmas 🕊❤🙏🏽✨👑

xoxo


If you enjoy reading devotionals full of worship, praise, and modern psalms, you will most likely love my book, Visions of Celestial Love (An Invitation into Healing Intimacy):

“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

Magazine Feature!

God has been doing so many amazing things!

I feel so incredibly blessed and honored to have been a part of this amazing book project spearheaded by Dr. Sherley.

My chapter, Created in Heaven Born on Earth, is the 1st chapter in the book. It is about the dignity and worth God places on every human being and how we have inherited value because we were created by God Himself, even if we weren’t planned by our parents. I pray this book brings great healing and ministers to the hearts and souls of every reader.

Recently, I was featured in an article on Making Headline News about my book, Romantic Rendezvous for the Soul. To read the article, click here!

Also, recently, I was added to an international catalog for my life coaching services. I am a certified life breakthrough coach and before 2024, I will be certified in New Testament Leadership. I offer coaching services with prayer counseling to my clients. If you have a God-sized-dream, feel stuck in life, would like a comforting source of cheering you on, a listening ear and a Jesus-loving encourager, I would love to partner with you- as your coach. Email me for more information: nourishmentthroughwords@gmail.com



At the beginning of 2023, with the encouragement of my pastors, I wrote down a list of things I was believing for the year 2023. I prayed about this list as I thoughtfully wrote each one down on a special card. So far, 5 out of 7 have come true.

I believe God loves to make His children’s dreams come true. He places desires and dreams in our hearts, and He does it so we can follow Him, full of trust, into a satisfying life where we feel fulfilled and pour out His goodness to the world around us. I want to encourage you to never let go of the dreams in your heart! The world needs you to fulfill the calling on your life. And nothing will ever make you happier than living a life of closeness with God while seeing your prayers answered and the power of Jesus in your world.

And then God answered: “Write this.
    Write what you see.
Write it out in big block letters
    so that it can be read on the run.
This vision-message is a witness
    pointing to what’s coming.
It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait!
    And it doesn’t lie.
If it seems slow in coming, wait.
    It’s on its way. It will come right on time
.

-Habakkuk 2:3 MSG

Crying Out For Eternal Beauty

One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord. And to meditate in His temple. -Psalm 27:4 AMP


David said he sought this one thing of the Lord.

I have this request too.

I imagine the tabernacle, knowing God has already torn the veil of separation through Jesus’s body. I want to bypass it all, all the form, all the ritual, all the religious nonsense and go straight into the chest of God and drink of the wine of his heart.

I want to know his inner thoughts, his emotions, his feelings, his mind, his very essence as intimately as his Holy Spirit.

I want people to look at me like they did the disciples on the day of Pentecost and see that I am drunk…not with the wine of the world, but the wine of his presence.

I am full and surrounded by the most pure, beautiful, powerful, amazing, intoxicating, clarifying, extravagant, enriching, life-giving, source and presence in all of existence…the love of God.

Father, I want to be so close to your thoughts that I can feel your breath coursing more deeply within me than my own blood.

I desire to fall in reverence under the brilliant splendor and beautiful weightiness of your holiness.

I long to know your divine truth in such a way that surrender is natural and easy. Because You are worthy of my daily surrender.

There is no treasure on earth worthy of more pursuit than You!

There is nothing more costly or precious than your Presence!

You are the King who breathes life into the dead. You are the Savior who laid down your life for your beloved.

You are unshakable living hope. You are everlasting security. You are profusely gracious and merciful. You are extravagantly giving and generous. You are full of sacrificial love!

You are eternal glory!

Whom have I in Heaven but You? And on earth, there is nothing that I desire besides You! -Psalm 73:25

You are worthy of my hearts’ affection!

You are worthy of my eternal devotion!

You alone are worthy!

Beautiful, wonderful, loving, glorious Jesus. Your presence is the cure for all of man’s woes.

I adore You!

King of all kings and Lord of all lords!

None can compare with You.


-If you enjoyed this prayer psalm, you may be refreshed by my book, Visions of Celestial Love (A Devotional Book to Draw You Closer to God’s Heart)

“Come, all you are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.” – Isaiah 55:1-2 NIV

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.

“Eat, friends, and drink; drink your fill of love.” – Song of Songs 5:1 NIV

*To purchase this goodie book, click here

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 doing also 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. 

The Joy in His Voice

“I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing.” -Jesus in John 15:11. 

🍁

When Jesus speaks to you, keep in mind that He is speaking to you to bless you, to lavish you with grace and truth, to give you rich life, to help you to receive His joy, love, freeing truth and peace in abundance until you are so full you are overflowing. 🍂

Jesus is wonderful and His nature is good. Therefore, when He speaks to you Who He is comes out…. pure goodness. 🌻

He wants to bless you more than you know. 🌼

Healing is in His heart of love toward you…🥰

Until next time, may this Autumn bring you great and soft reminders of the goodness of God’s heart toward you. May you count your blessings and continually keep your gaze on the things of Heaven, so your soul may experience the peace and delight of Heaven. 

Love,

Ashley

xoxo

P.S: If you enjoyed this small devotional, you would enjoy my book, Visions of Celestial Love (a cornucopia of a modern psalms, personal testimonies, devotionals, prayers and short stories). You can order a copy, by clicking here.

The Great Kindness of God

I usually don’t do this, but God has been so incredibly kind to me 💖.

In a short time God has provided for me:

1. A plane ticket to Ireland with no stops for a great price! (My dream vacation)

2. A delicious Thanksgiving meal and groceries delivered by two beautiful women who love Jesus and my family.

3. A brand new tablet (A friend was praying and felt like God asked him to buy me a tablet, complete with a cover and keyboard (I’m sure it was $400+)

4. Two expensive bar stools (dark wooden with white cushions)

5. A big dresser, polished white

6. A matching night stand

7. I found an old love note from Bible college that someone wrote to me on behalf of Jesus. It was 4 long pages of pure poetry describing God’s compassionate love and truth toward me. It left me feeling so loved and seen and cared for.

My old worship pastor in LB once texted me, “I think God spoils you Ashley.” When I showed my husband her text he chuckled and said, “He does. You get almost everything you ask God for in prayer.”

As I look back on my life….I see the kindness of God everywhere. I see a great, loving Father and His fingerprints of tender care, mercy, generosity and favor all over my life. I see His radiant smile, I see His fierce loyalty, faithfulness and undying love.

Just last month, I was probably given $1,000 from God through the hands of saints who hear Him and worship Him enough to follow Him (without me ever voicing a need for anything by asking people. I only asked God)

Sometimes as I drive to work (my dream job), I am amazed again by the sheer beauty of the ocean view I have as I drive down the mountain. I live in a place I prayed for. ❤

The love of God is sweet like melted sugar on my heart’s tongue. His love is the richest wine. His grace is the sweetest oxygen. His companionship the highest joy. I can’t imagine life without such a sweet, holy, faithful, powerful, kind-hearted Father. He has won my heart forever. I love His character. I love who He is. I love the way He loves. I often commune with Him in the secret place of my heart…and Who I find is the greatest Lover of all time, the greatest Father who will ever exist. He is such a good God! Such a personable God who wants a personal relationship with all of us.

I promise you, you will never meet anyone who loves you more than God. And He will show you His love. Once you meet Him and enter into a relationship with Him…He will be faithful to you always. Even if you let go…He will hold on.

2 I have seen you in your sanctuary

and gazed upon your power and glory.

3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself;

how I praise you!

4 I will praise you as long as I live,

lifting up my hands to you in prayer.

5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast.

I will praise you with songs of joy.

6 I lie awake thinking of you,

meditating on you through the night.

7 Because you are my helper,

I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.

-Psalm 63:: 2-7 ❤

Jesus has opened up heaven for us. He has opened up a way for us to enter into a loving relationship with our heavenly Father where we are free from guilt, shame and condemnation. The fountains of mercy and kindness that pour from God’s throne room are endless. His grace-gifts are given freely because of His great love for us and because of what Jesus has done for us.

I will praise You forever beautiful King and High Priest of Heaven! You are the One my soul loves! 🥰

xoxo

His Prophetic Plans

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. -Ephesians 2:10 NLT 🌈

I’ve been thinking about sharing this testimony for several weeks. I was recently hired as the Bible teacher for Monterey Bay Christian School. I will be teaching on the topic “Who is God” for the whole 2022-2023 school year! I cannot think of a greater topic to teach! The holy weight of this time has been like a cluster of sacred balsam in my chest, scenting my soul with exhales of heavenly joy.

I hope sharing my testimony creates a place of confident hope and expectation in your own soul concerning the words God has spoken over your life! He is faithful to his word, He is faithful to you! 🙏 (2 Timothy 2:13, Psalm 36:5)

What’s been amazing about this whole journey was all the ways God showed me things beforehand:

“When the Spirit of truth comes…he will declare to you the things that are to come.” -John 16:13 🕊

1. Almost 5 years ago, when I was pregnant with Eden, my husband was busy creating a map out of our future in ministry. Anyone who knows my husband, knows that he frequently hears from God. As he was penning the children’s ministry portion the Lord spoke to him and he sat with me at our friend’s table and said, “The Lord says, he wants you in charge of our future children’s ministry. He told me he wants you to develop a curriculum for discipling children around ages 7 to 13.” My job as the Bible teacher comes with developing curriculum for children in grades 3-8. Talk about accuracy in hearing from God on my husband’s part! ❤

2. Almost 4 years ago, shortly after Stephen and I moved to California for ministry I had two dreams about working at MBCS. I saw the deep blue wall downstairs with the painted eagle soaring in the sky. I saw myself in the staff room near the copywriting machine. I saw myself walking the halls upstairs. The dream felt so peaceful and so real that afterward, I started looking for job openings at MBCS but I never saw any. Eventually, I quit looking and started my own home daycare which I ran for 2 1/2 years. I figured if the dreams were from God, it would happen. And now, it’s happening! 😊

3. About 2 years ago, I went on a “spiritual retreat.” During my time there, a lady walked up to me and said, “I felt the Lord showed me a picture of you…I saw you sitting before children, and you had a filing cabinet, and you were giving each child a book. Each of these books, you had written yourself.” ❤ At the time she shared that with me, I didn’t think I would write children’s books…. but I’ve secretly written two so far and I know there will be more to come! ✍️

4. When I was first hired by MBCS almost a year ago, I took the job as a preschool teacher. I have loved working at the preschool. But during these past 9ish months some things happened where all my early childhood credits were not qualified for the state of California. I felt a bit frustrated but started from scratch again and began taking CA ECE classes. During my time at the preschool, a friend of mine who prayerfully saw the gift of God in me would tell me repeatedly, “you don’t belong here. You should be teaching the Bible somewhere and writing books.” I would brush off her comments, but she kept them up and she prayed over me many times for an opportunity for ministry work that both aligned with my gifts/talents and God’s calling. How amazingly God spoke though her and answered her prayers! 🥰

5. When the principal brought up to me the possibility of being the Bible teacher, I felt it was too good to be true. Even though several people asked for/about the Bible position (people I felt had more teaching experience and were capable/qualified), the principal chose me. And I am sooo incredibly excited and full of joy over having a job position that aligns with the holy passions God placed in my heart: being a part of weekly chapel, facilitating worship, writing, Bible teaching, prayer, teaching dancing, etc. Not to mention the big pay raise 😃

~There are so many more details I can share (including areas where I had to grow/mature). There were so many intricate details, confirmations and beautiful things the Lord did to set me up to bring me to this current place. I can think of few higher honors than to teach children/pre-teens about who God is. MBCS/MBCPS has grown to 200ish students (this is the largest I’ve ever known to the school to be). All I can do is praise God and thank everyone who has been a part of this journey! 😍

Whatever God has called you to, I promise it will be full of joy. His paths for you are full of who He is: joy, peace, life, love, abundance etc. God is good! He is beyond the goodness you’ve experienced. I hope this encouraged you about your future with Him! 🤗

You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. -Psalm 16:11

~If you feel inclined, I would warmly appreciate prayer for me that I would: truly hear from God as I teach and prepare lessons about Who God Is. That I will be sensitive to the ways God wants me to speak, interact and reach out to the students (May I always be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit). Please pray for the kids to know God personally, to receive his amazing love, to have a real encounter with Him (that the world can’t take away) and that they would see Him as He truly is. Above all, pray that God’s kingdom will come and that his will be done over all the staff, and families that attend MBCS. May all his good purposes prevail and may we always be lead of Him. 🙏👑

xoxo

~These professional and fun photos were taken by the amazingly talented Pairs Anderson. You can find her on ❤ : https://www.instagram.com/parisandersonphoto/

The Loving Worship of His Heart

“The truth of the gospel is intended to free us to love God and others with our whole heart. When we ignore this heart aspect of our faith and try to live out our religion solely as correct doctrine or ethics, our passion is crippled or perverted, and the divorce of our soul from the heart purposes of God toward us is deepened.”- Brent Curtis ❤

Father has been teaching me so much in this season about how important it is to walk in love. I feel like I get this lesson every few years and I have a feeling my whole life will be marked by it. Every time I dive into this lesson with Jesus, I get a deeper taste of how unified love is with God’s heart. It’s His heartbeat. And it doesn’t look like what I’ve been taught. Love looks like the life of Jesus. I’m starting to see His willingness to be crucified for us as a worship song…the clearest image and example of godly love. An act that yes, was for us, but ultimately an act that was like kneeling in the dirt with His arms up in shout-full praise and worship to God. His death brought forth life for us. 🌈

The command to lay down my life (selfishness and ego) is becoming attached to this eternal song in Jesus’s heart. I can almost hear it ringing from the cross, like music with His pulse as the drumbeat. A life truly surrendered and given to God. A worshipful marriage at the heart level. A unification that is so strong and powerful, that our identities become interwoven. A seal so permanent that it is more binding than two metals being molted together. A constant cycle of being loved and then loving in return until it leads to washing feet. Until selfishness is constantly denied. Until the ego is washed with truth. Until there is not just “me” but there is “us.” Until His Holy Spirit inside of me begins to do the work and I lay down whatever crown on my head at His feet in perfect knowledge that no one can boast in His presence…because the strength to perform is from Him living within (grace). It was never dependent upon my strength. Heaven’s miracles are all from His grace and truth -John 1:17. 👑

I’m realizing that the love of Jesus is not passive, mousey or weak. It’s not sickly sweet (it doesn’t allow for abuse). Yet, His love is not so hard that it cannot be moved. His love is not cold, religious or lifeless…rather it’s powerful truth and healing grace. It’s wisdom and self-control. It’s giving and wholehearted. Like a blend of ocean and mountain it’s hard to describe but it can be felt. It’s simply…perfect and beautiful. 🙏

1 John 3 & 4 ❤

It’s as simple as falling in love with Him.

I pray God takes you deeper into His heart. I pray you are taken inside the closest alcove of His friendship. And I pray He shows you His amazing love for you. I also pray you develop a closer relationship with Him. Like Esther was invited inside the treasury of the king before meeting with him in her preparation, may the Holy Spirit open up to the treasury of God’s heart and may you adorn yourself with the eternal jewels and characteristics that are most important to your Heavenly King. 

xoxo


For more words like this, check out my book, Visions of Celestial Love (A devotional book about the heavenly and fatherly love of God):

“Ashley’s book, Visions of Celestial Love is just that; a visionary work of epic proportions. It is glimpses into a loving and remarkable relationship with the creator of the universe.

You are invited to Dive into stories of love and compassion, healing and provision, loss and recovery, profound grace and faith. Ashley draws us in with her descriptive prose and unique style of writing.

There are so many stories to relate to in this book and I’m sure you will find your own story among the many that are told here. So, find your favorite spot, your favorite beverage, and curl up with “Visions of Celestial Love”! -Amazon Reviewer

The Source of All Holy Pleasure

Why do men try and be their own god? How can the created know or surpass the Creator? Why do men worship nature, science, the created order, physical possessions, and knowledge when God is the One who founded and thought of all those things?

Why do men worship their own pleasure even at the cost of hurting others when God is the source of all beautiful, enjoyable, pure, healthy and wholesome pleasure?

Men seek power, fame, sex, and wealth to fulfill them when God offers these as blessings through wisdom to certain people at certain times. Yes, God gave our skin sensors so we could feel pleasure, God gave us taste buds so we could enjoy food, God gave us wine, God gave us majestic mountains, green rolling hills, birds of color, rainbows, sky, rivers, good families, bountiful oceans teeming with life, honey, emotions, music etc.

God isn’t boring. He’s not dull, He’s not hateful, and He’s definitely not anti-fun. He’s the One who has blessed us with all these wonderful things to be enjoyed in their proper context. Not to be indulged in without thought, and certainly not to be enjoyed more than Him (thus making that thing your god).

Everyday I realize I need a humility check. I know nothing without God. My weakness is my greatest strength…because He fills my weaknesses with His strength. The pride of man is one of our greatest downfalls. God is the only One who can give man the eternal joy man craves. He is our greatest pleasure, and when we come to that conclusion we can enjoy His blessings as just that…blessings, and not gods. God is most beautiful ❤