Visions of Celestial Love – Page 2 – Nourishment Through Words

December 25, 2023December 25, 2023

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

October 31, 2023March 18, 2024

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.

September 29, 2023October 14, 2023

Upcoming Book: His Beauty for My Ashes

I’m very excited to share this chapter in the book, His Beauty for My Ashes!

God showed me a vision of Heaven and how He created me… and it’s my honest belief that He wants to show you your priceless value, acceptance, purpose and divine uniqueness so you can shine on the earth because the DNA of Heaven is inside of you…

HIS BEAUTY FOR MY ASHES Anthology with Visionary DrSherley Lefevre.

This book is a dedication to the resilient kings and queens transitioning from weeping to reaping. Crafted by fearless women who’ve conquered adversity, it’s your manual for empowerment, filled with testimonies, revelations, and biblical insights to deepen your faith. Get ready to rise above, triumph, and thrive!

Promo Video:

The expected publishing month is November 2023! Be on the lookout for more details soon.

To check out my previously published books, click on the books tab. I pray you are blessed by God as you read!

Reviews:

“Ashley Thompson’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

“Romantic Rendezvous is a beautiful invitation into intimacy with Jesus! Ashley has done a masterful job of creating stories that depict the heart of the Father. I have truly been blessed by this book! As I read each story, I felt the closeness of Jesus and had continual reminders of how deep the Fathers love is for me. From the very first chapter, I felt the flame of my heart be rekindled with God’s goodness and love. This book is a must read!” -Jessica Leon

My review is biased but Fallen Coins really reminded me of my childhood growing up with the author(My Sister) she would tell me many stories before bed but this one i remember i asked to repeat several different times. The characters brought back many memories of us playing and enjoying each others company as well as the situations we’d find ourselves in often due to our impulsive curiosities the settings paints beautiful scenery of a wonderful small village our protagonists find themselves in. This short story is a wonderful read driving the importance of obedience especially to our parents.” -Amazon Reviewer

September 22, 2023September 22, 2023

Finding Strength in the Father’s Arms

From the end of the earth, I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. -Psalm 61: 2 (a prayer of king David to God )

When your heart is anxious or overwhelmed, where do you go to find strength and security?

Lately my daughters have developed a natural gravitation toward their father.

In some ways, it’s like they are leaving their once tightly held need for my tender, maternal arms and now they are branching out to find strength and assurance in the strong, masculine presence of their father.

I know their young hearts are finding boldness, safety, and identity in their dad’s love and discipline.

Seeing Eden with her father today reminded me of a psalm of David.

David knew his power was limited but God’s power wasn’t. He knew where to go to find unstoppable victory, strength, wisdom and goodness. And so, because of his confidence in God, he was emboldened to go forth and conquer.

Because he was trusting in a good, majestic source of power beyond himself, he had courage to rule, worship, teach and wage war with enemies that were naturally stronger than him and whom had the rest of the nation cowering in fear.

There is a deep place where we can know God as our Father. There is a sacred place where we can cry from our spirits and breathe the same intimate name by which Jesus called God, “Abba…Daddy…”

Because of the intimacy David had with God, he accomplished feats that have become timeless in their fame.

David slaid a massive giant because of his confidence in God.

God can take care of your giant too.

Are you dealing with an impossible financial situation right now?

Are you heartbroken over a relationship?

Is there a disease that has waged war against your body or the body of a loved one?

No matter what you are facing, your Father is bigger….

There is security and incomparable strength in his loving arms.

May your close connection with your heavenly Father be a source of saving power and hope to your loved ones and those around you, in the same way that David was a beacon of hope and strength to Israel.

Seeing my two daughters with my husband also reminded me of the relationship I had with my father as a girl. He made me feel safe, secure, loved and protected because of the power of his strength, his unflinching discipline and expectations, his fierce loyalty to family above all else and his steadfast diligence in providing for his family.

It gladdens my heart seeing Eden and Elena discover something of God and their own feminine souls through their transforming and blossoming relationship with their dad.

Something deep is happening underneath the surface. Something I caught a heavenly whiff of as I snapped these shots and meditated on what it could mean for my daughters …

“…casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” -1 Peter 5:7 AMP

These pictures of Eden and Stephen were captured during our family beach walk

Years ago, I attended Charis Bible college and the school put on a spectacular musical about the life of king David. One of the scores is called, Whom Shall, I fear? In it, a young David boldly declares “the Lord, He is my strength, He is the stronghold of my life…whom shall I fear?” I want to share this scene with you and I pray your heart sings along in faith with the lyrics because God is the same yesterday, today and forevermore and He is your heavenly Father. To listen, click here. I do not own any rights to the music or play.

If you enjoyed this devotional, check out my book, Visions of Celestial Love (An Initiation into Healing Intimacy)

“A delightful book that reflects the praises from a heart that desires to abide closely with our Heavenly Father. Written in a style that summons us to experience a journey of deeper intimacy with a loving God. Ashley covers the foundation of the Christian faith that brings encouragement and assurance of God’s promises when faced with life’s challenges. Embracing our uniqueness and the safety of transparency before our Maker who cares about the most intricate details of our life. Yes, an invitation indeed from the One and only who can fill what are heart’s ache for.” — Jocelyn Reyna, Entrepreneur

August 20, 2023August 22, 2023

Falling in Love with Jesus

Have you ever thought about this, the Bible begins with a marriage relationship in a beautiful garden between Adam and Eve, and it ends with a divine marriage feast in Heaven between Christ and the church?

This is a glimmering preview into a new book idea I’ve had in my heart for several years now. This book is about preparing the hearts of God’s people for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7). It is a prayerful and worshipful journey of mine to create words that make others thirsty for Jesus and to fall in love with Him. I often pray that the Holy Spirit would use me to woo the Bride of Christ back to Jesus. Just as the Spirit of God helped John the Baptist turn the hearts of the children back to their fathers, may He rise up within my heart to help the Bride of Christ return to her First Love. May you be blessed by this sneak peek:

-This book is artistically based off the Biblical writings of: Songs of Songs, Isaiah 54, Esther, Eden, Ezekiel 16, and finally the Marriage between Jesus and the Church in Revelation.

Eden scene:

“How come the King makes it so I am always attended?” I asked my attending angel.

“Because you are his royal wife.”

“We are not married yet.”

“In your carnal mind time still exists.” He said without condemnation or rudeness, “You forget that the Word says the Lamb was slain before the foundation of the world. Before Adam sinned in this Paradise, Christ had already become the sin offering.” (Revelation 13:8)

I (Ariel, name meaning, Jerusalem) remembered that God symbolically showed Adam and Eve the promise of his eternal redemption through Christ when He slaid an animal to cover them with its skin. He covered their shame. He paid for their sin. He kept them warm…all with that one act to show them divine grace, mercy and sacrificial love. But it came at an ugly cost…the cost of innocent blood. (Genesis 3:21)

“It doesn’t seem like death could have ever happened in such a beautiful place as this…” I whispered thoughtfully.

The garden was vibrant with flowers and fruit and vegetables bright like polychromatic gems. Sparkling mist rose from the foundations of Eden like clouds of cream. The etherealness of it reminded me of the slow dancing clouds that descend like steaming, gauzy sheets of vapor over the amazon rainforests.

The rivers of Eden could be heard everywhere. The sound of moving water pleasantly rushed around my ears as if I were canoeing on streams with the clearest crystal waters fresher than artic rivers. One river had flecks of gold chaffing so plentiful that the gold clustered smoothly on river stones and when aureate sunlight graced the waters it gleamed so brilliantly it was like light on mirrors, refracting the brightest yellow.

I knelt by this heavenly river, feeling the soft, moist turf cushioning my knees. As I cupped this water in my hand, fine gold settled to the bottom of my palms like light glitter floating in water and it covered my skin completely like a layer of metallic lotion after the water had dripped from my hands. (Genesis 2:10-14)

All of the animals glowed like moonlight. They seemed to be infused with an otherworldly presence…as if divinity had been sewed into the delicate weaving ladder of their DNA. They were full of life. Holy life. They were full of peace. They never harmed one another. They lived in harmony with the earth and all of creation around them. Even through them, I saw Him. (Romans 8:20-23, Isaiah 11:6-9)

He was inescapable…

Even when He went off to judge, to reign, to deliver, to conquer and to rule as the mighty King of kings, and Lord of lords …He was always still with me. (Matthew 28:20, 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20)

In my own heart, I tasted the fragrance of his pure presence. His loving faithfulness was transcendent. Not even death could overpower or diminish it. (2 Corinthians 2:15)

It was like I was in a dream. Or a dream of a dream. But at the same time, no fantasy or dream, could come close to matching the beauty of Paradise. Undefiled, unadulterated…Eden. The highest hopes of man paled in comparison to the dreams of God.

In some ways, I felt like Esther, living within the gilded fortress and walls of the king’s magnificent palace, and his subsequent beautiful mansions speckling around his main palace. Within this main gate was his royal court made of pearl floors almost as clear as glass with thick curvy pillars crested and belted with rose gold that flamed into an amber color when torchlight came near.

All of this was encircled with water and delightful gardens rich with life, fruit, exotic animals, jewels, and every good delight known to man. Between two of these gardens was the king’s lush vineyard where grapes more aromatic than flowers grew in iridescent rows of emerald leafy vines….

The [Holy] Spirit and the bride (the church, believers) say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take and drink the water of life without cost. -Revelation 22:17 AMP

For previous books on the amazing love of Jesus, check out, Visions of Celestial Love and Romantic Rendezvous for the Soul.

"Ashley Thompson’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

"Romantic Rendezvous is a beautiful invitation into intimacy with Jesus! Ashley has done a masterful job of creating stories that depict the heart of the Father. I have truly been blessed by this book! As I read each story, I felt the closeness of Jesus and had continual reminders of how deep the Fathers love is for me. From the very first chapter, I felt the flame of my heart be rekindled with God's goodness and love. This book is a must read!" -Amazon Reviewer

Worship Him

He’s so beautiful, isn’t He? Look at Him, the desire of the nations. The world trembles for his presence again. (I don’t own any rights to this beautiful music or video):

Beauty – Bethel Music – YouTube

xoxo

August 3, 2023August 3, 2023

Weightless Peace and Childlike Faith

There’s a peaceful weightlessness about children that Jesus calls us to live in:💖

“…unless you become like a child, you shall not enter the kingdom of Heaven…” Matthew 18:2

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” -Matthew 19:14

Healthy children raised with love, security, and wisdom are:

-Whimsical.

-Have no stresses or worries.

-See the world for all its color and light. They have an untouched innocence that is beautiful and is the closest living reflection of Adam and Eve in paradise before the Fall.

-Trust with all their hearts.

-Feel loved.

-Are able to give love.

Because they feel and know they are taken care of.

We are children of God. We alone have the perfect, benevolent Father. We have a Fathe who is gracious, all-knowing, holy, good, and whose definition is love in its truest and purest form. We have a Father who never runs out of resources, in fact He is the richest, most powerful King and He generously bestows undeserved blessings through the finished work of the cross.

Recently Jesus has been encouraging me to rest. Rest is one of the deepest forms of faith because it requires us to have the humility of a child by casting all our cares, fears, and adult worries on the Lord. “Cast your cares on me because I care for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

It also requires us to come to the end of our own strength and instead depend upon the strength of the Lord (Zechariah 4:6). It calls for us to lay down our wisdom and understanding for his greater wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

It’s not always easy to become like a child when you’ve been an adult for long enough.

I find that popular culture promotes a self-sufficient, independent, get-it-done attitude. This is the opposite of the Gospel. This is the opposite of the Father-child relationship Jesus paints for us in scripture or the shepherd to sheep relationship the Bible often uses as an allegory of our own relationship with God.

Jesus himself did nothing but “what he saw his Father doing,” and he proclaimed that the works/miracles he did was really “the father doing the works.” (John 14:10) Jesus lived in dependence upon God as “Abba.” As I think Of Jesus’s own earthly walk, I am coming to grips with how rooted faith must be in God as Father. There is something so pure and life-giving when we call upon God as Father and trust him with the simplicity that we see children give their fathers.

I don’t know where you are today, but I pray you hear Jesus speaking to you through this. He is such a good Bishop of our souls. He is the Restorer of our souls. He is the binder of the brokenhearted. He is the “God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3)

In his presence is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11)

In this season, I’m needing to lean more into grace like a well-loved child. As a wife, mother of littles, teacher, student, and author, I wear many hats…but non eof these things, no matter how great a blessing they are define me. My ultimate identity is a loved daughter of God. And recently Jesus has had to remind me of this.

Let’s lean in together…there is more than enough room in the Father’s arms.

Prayer 🙏

Dear Jesus, I thank you for your son or daughter reading this right now. I pray for everyone who will read this. I pray you will lead us into your shalom for you are the Prince of peace. I pray the shalom of God will make us whole. I pray for divine strength and rest to enter our bodies by your Holy Spirit. I ask that you restore whatever is broken in our lives whether it’s physical, mental, emotional, relational, circumstantial, etc. I pray for you to “lead us beside still waters” and for us to be humble enough to allow you to lead us (Psalm 23:2-3). May we always remember that we are well-beloved, and may we continually experience fuller and fuller measures of your heavenly love until we are overflowing and learn how to drink of your bounty without reservation. For you cause the sons of men to drink from your river of delights (Psalm 36:8). We choose to rest in You, sweet Savior.

I have some exciting news! My 1^st children’s book is now available for purchase on amazon! This has been such a dream come true and I know Father God is leading me to write more stories for kids that will help connect them to their heavenly Daddy. You can check it out by clicking here.

Story synopsis 💐:

Four copper coins… four vastly different siblings… one task.

Aline is finally given the chance she’s been looking for, to take a trip down her mountain house into the quaint village of Chestnut. Her mother tasks her with the great responsibility of making a non-stop journey into town to purchase items for a delicious supper while keeping track of her younger siblings.

The journey is filled with delightful distractions, forested woods, and flowering mountains that easily catch the children’s attention.

Will Aline be able to resist the urge to disobey her mother and take a few fun detours? Will she be able to keep her playfully mischievous siblings in line and safely keep the coins?

Join these siblings on a whimsical journey of fun, competition, and games while they learn the beautiful truth that obedience brings good things. Ephesians 6:1-2

-Until next time, may you experience the abundant peace and love of your Heavenly Father in deeper and sweeter measures.

Ashley

xoxo

June 30, 2023January 4, 2024

Spiritual Father Figure

~Written in 2010 when I was single and (impatiently) waiting on God for a spouse. This encouraging testimony is included in my book, Visions of Celestial Love (A Rediscovery of God’s Grace and Love).

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you! –Galatians 4:19-20

Dear God I love this. I love how Paul considered the church of Galatians to be his child. He loved them affectionally and passionately. In pain did he carry and bear them in his heart. So deep was his love for them that he wrote a whole book of the Bible inspired by them. With every word he wrote and with every prayer he earnestly knocked on your heavenly door to share his zealous love for your children God. Such a righteous God-fearing leader did you bless them with and have blessed me with.

I cannot help but think of my own pastor when I read these two verses. He’s always glad to see me when I walk through the church doors. On several occasions he’s come up to me and said, “You’re such a good girl. God has a great plan for your life,” and “I appreciate your faithfulness it really touched my heart,” and “You’ve got a sweet heart there are many people who love you at this church.”

I’m reminded of that Halloween night God where I decided for “once” I was going to disobey you. I was angry with you God. I cannot deny it. Forgive me. I was making decisions from a wounded aching heart. I had asked you for something, something my heart so desired for. Many times I had asked you to bring him to me Lord. To bring me my godly husband. I’ve never had a boyfriend, and every guy that I was ever interested in, I turned down for his lack of commitment to You. Little was I thinking of my commitment to Christ, and that before any man He is my lover, my husband. The night I had cried on the couch when you told to me “wait.” Wait was not what I wanted to hear. Too many nights of tears and too many comments from others such as “you’re such a goody goody,” from secular friends finally created a hole in the strong wall of my faithfulness.

My sisters were going to a staff party and to their surprise I asked to join them. We went to my sister’s friends house. I found a comfortable seat in the backyard and sat quietly. I felt uneasy and out of place. As the night progressed a drunk guy went around offering people drinks. Never would I have gotten up and fetched a drink for myself…my spirit wouldn’t allow it. This merry guy high in spirits with short wavy dark hair approached me and held out a glass of some alcoholic drink. Immediately my eldest sister protested “Not her! She’s misses innocent.” Inside the Holy Spirit told me “no” but I was tired of listening to Him. My hand flinched as my body and spirit waged war against one another. Within seconds Omar, my sister’s Jewish and Egyptian friend whom I was attracted to, ran directly in front of me and held out his hands in a way that reminded me of Christ on the cross. “Not this one dude. She’s too young.” The drunken guy insisted but Omar didn’t budge “Not this one.” he said again. Finally after a few moments of debating the drunken guy gave in. As soon as he left Omar walked away too.

I pondered what happened in my heart and later I wrote about it. You kept me pure God by using Omar, an unbeliever, to protect me. I never was attracted to the drink but I was attracted to Omar and in the end you refused me both. The drink left in the drunken guys arms and Omar left with his own two feet. I remember telling this event to Pastor one night excluding my feelings for Omar and just like Paul he was perplexed about me. “Young lady don’t you ever go to a party like that again.” He said firmly. I told him “I won’t.” “Thank God that young man was there to stop you.” I nodded my head. Pastor then told me that sometimes when a good shepherd saw that one of his sheep was straying on dangerous ground the shepherd would take his staff and break one of the sheep’s legs and then carry the animal back to safety on his shoulders. “You see the sheep can only see so far. It would have never known if maybe a pack of wolves was there on the other side of the hill.” I wondered why he told me this.

He looked at me with serious blue eyes “If I ever see you straying on dangerous ground…I’m not lying, I would break your leg. Better your leg get broken than for you to be in the company of wolves.” Some would find my Pastor’s words threatening or inappropriate but I found them sweet. I thank God that I have a spiritual father who is zealous to have “Christ formed in me.”

To check out my book, Visions of Celestial Love, click here. May your soul be blessed by the reality of God’s love for you!

March 24, 2023October 27, 2024

Medicine for the Soul

“And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.” -Isaiah 58:11

I think it’s so easy to neglect the deep care our souls need.

In the busyness of life, in the deceit that other things are more important, and the constant distraction and to to-do lists, our heart connection with Jesus can be pushed to the side.

But Jesus is everything we need and our relationship with Him is the most precious relationship in all the world.

We need Him. He is our Life. He is our Truth. He is our Healer. He is our Savior. He is our Lord. He is our Counselor. He is the medicine our hearts need.

He is, I Am.

This has not been an easy year for me so far. Before the end of February, Stephen and I had 4 deaths of people we have known, cared for, and loved. And I haven’t made time to truly stop and grieve properly.

In the same breath, I saw revival break forth in a part of our nation that was beautiful. More personally, several of my Bible students had encounters with God in class that were healing, amazing and personally comforting. I saw students crying, embracing one another, bowing their heads in prayer, and reaching out to touch Jesus. One girl student described seeing Jesus as a majestic lion with a mane of fire, warm golden eyes and big, white, comforting wings. As she shared her vision of Jesus, my husband, who was in a different state, broke out in tears because the anointing of God was so strongly felt by him. That day of worship and prayer was so special.

To watch a video of two students sharing about their visions of Jesus, click here.

I’ve recently dealt with bouts of fear, one of them being job loss because of lack of finances in my school.

Then there’s been the familiar nagging of the spirit of the enemy coming against my own tender and sacred dreams. He has sought to sow seeds of doubt, hopelessness, and depression that the dreams I believe God has promised me will never come true. There’s been the excitement of hearing from my literary agent that a Christian publisher requested two samples of my work…only to have weeks of silence after.

This season has been full of paradoxes: joy, revelation, fear, doubt, brokenness, blessings, grief, breakthrough, and chronic struggles.

Through it all, Jesus has come after my heart. Through it all, He’s invited me to trust in Him. Sometimes I find myself running so fast, that it feels like Jesus must run up to me and tap me on the shoulder to get my attention.

A week ago, I searched inside myself and finally asked Jesus for help. When I slowed down enough, I realized what the underlining source of my running is:

I’m running to keep up a façade of perfection. I’m running from the broken places of wounding that have been buried for years in my soul (which is a real detriment because the enemy has used these hidden aching places to keep me in perpetual pain). I’m running from secret insecurities and fears that I just don’t want to deal with because it feels too hard for me to fix. And I haven’t wanted to be vulnerable and share these things with the Body of Christ (the church) because I feel too unsafe and for some reason, I think sharing my weaknesses and needs with others might be an unwelcome burden to them. It just feels too messy.

So, I’ve been running.

But Jesus is called our Forerunner (Hebrews 6:20).

He already has run the ultimate race for us. He ran and won the prize of eternal life. And He frequently reminds me that eternal life isn’t just for Heaven. It’s the life of God He provided for us through His death and resurrection (which many believers will more closely observe this April for Easter/Passover). He gave His life not just so we may go to Heaven, but so that we can have the kingdom of Heaven on earth which the Bible describes as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

Running to me represents striving. I never want to be in a place of striving because Jesus is our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). If I am striving, it means there’s an undercurrent of doubt or fear lodged in my soul that keeps me from trusting in God’s ability for my own ability. I don’t want to put my trust in this world.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” -John 14:27

Are you striving in any area of your life?

Are there any places of unrest in your soul?

Are you experiencing the beautiful, wholesome, healing, and powerful peace of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis?

If not, then I pray Jesus will tap you on the shoulder and draw you ever deeper into His heart until his peace becomes as common as your breathing. I pray you will experience the love of the Father in a way that fills your life with fullness, joy, blessings, comfort, hope, and everything good Jesus paid for you to have. His heart toward you is so good and He has a special place in His heart for you. Along with that, is a special plan for your life.

Lastly dear friend, as I have prayed for you, may you say a prayer for me? That I may receive the deep and sweet inner healing Jesus wants me to receive and that I may release my need for control for His amazing and loving Lordship? I don’t want to have an idol of control in my heart where His throne should be (James 5:16).

There is a place of rest He has promised us, and it is sweeter and grander than the Promise Land He gave to Israel (Hebrews 4). I’ve been in that secret spiritual place before. I’ve tasted the wonder and beauty of His kingdom on earth before and it is to this place that I constantly want to abide.

Just this morning a student in my class told me she was in a lot of pain. She confessed she didn’t go to bed until 3am because of how bad it was. I noticed she was quieter in class than normal, and she didn’t look very well. She told me her chest felt constricted, it was hard for her to breathe and that she was sick. I felt prompted to pray for her. Even though I was having an emotional morning and some doubt flared up, I pushed my insecurity away and offered her prayer. She said yes to receiving prayer and so I laid my hands on her and prayed for Jesus to touch her, I asked the Holy Spirit to minister healing to her body and spoke life over her body and peace and love over her soul. At recess she told me, “Mrs. Thompson, as soon as I went into my other class after you prayed for me, I felt completely better. All I needed was prayer.” I noticed her mask was off now, and later, I watched as she ran across the parking lot and played around with other students. She wasn’t short of breath anymore, instead she was full of energy.

A miracle had taken place. Jesus touched her body. This just happened today. And through this instant God reminded me that He is with me. That He loves people. That He never wants any of us to suffer whether it’s emotional, physical, or spiritual because Jesus paid for our healing through His death and resurrection (Isaiah 53). Even as I sit, in some emotional pain, the healing of this student brings me hope for my own healing.

Our Jesus is amazing. We have His life inside of us. We are born again from above (John 1).

~If you would like a prayer partner and life coach in helping you to reach your God-dreams, I would love to be that for you. Click here to learn more about my services as a life coach.

I would love to share this refreshing song with you about Jesus being the restorer of your soul by Sarah Hart Pearsons:

(I do not own any rights to this lovely song)

-For more words of counsel, and the grace of God, check out my book, Visions of Celestial Love, by clicking here:

An Invitation into Healing Intimacy with God

Bless you dear one reading this. Until next time, may the peace of God guard your heart and mind and may you grow in your trust of Him.

Warm Sincerity from Your Sister in Christ,

Ashley

xoxo

December 22, 2022December 22, 2024

Peace of Heart for The Holidays

~A reflection about the incredible forgiveness of God and the peace He has in his heart toward us. These thoughts were originally inspired during a family vacation where I stayed in a beautiful, big beach house.

“And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” -Hebrews 8:12

I’ve enjoyed living in this beach house.

I like how the clouds cover the sky and earth like a dewy mist. Moisture and coolness dampens the earth with watery life. The sweet, jubilant song of morning birds pierces the air like whistles, wind pipes and stringed music.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always like mountainous clouds. I’ve always liked clouds that washed the sky like ocean currents rippling with the light patterns of the sun. I’ve always enjoyed gray clouds that bring the earthy and refreshing scent of rain…they promise abundance and the peaceful tunes of falling water droplets.

I thought about the Holy Spirit and how He was as a cloud during the heat of the day during Israel’s travels (Exodus 13:21). They lived in a supernatural environment. An environment where the temperature was regulated by God. They were not scorched away during the day. They were taken care of as, “the apple of His eyes,” (Deuteronomy 32: 10).

He kept them warm. He was a brilliant, warm, welcoming, powerful fire by night, taking away the frigid cold. He was like a personal heater in each of their homes/tents, in the midst of the desert (where temperatures range from extreme hot to extreme cold, Israel never suffered with these extremities).

The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. -Isaiah 60:19

I thought about how God originally put man(kind) in a garden, in a wholesome paradise filled with pure pleasures, godly intimacy with Himself and each other, a safe environment where animals were not abused, nor people abused. Peace, joy, and godly love filled the environment and created the perfect atmosphere of heaven on earth.

He’s always tried to get us back to that place through us coming willingly to Him, trusting Him and following Him. He wants to give us this in Jesus, whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light. Let us come to Jesus and learn of Him (for He is our Lord) and follow our Savior through life (for He is our protection and salvation).

This is the rest of Hebrews 4.

This Holy Spirit also forget all our sins and remembers them no more (Hebrews 8:12).

In His heart, there is the perfect environment of love. In His heart, there is total peace about us. He has no grudges, no undercurrent of sinful disappointment, there is nothing in His heart that would hinder His healing affection toward us (Isaiah 54:9).

There is nothing in His heart against us (Isaiah 54:10).

His love flows freely toward you, like a rushing stream down a mountain without hindering rocks.

He comes for you full of mercy and everything good.

Be loved.

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” -Luke 2:14

This Christmas season, may you find yourself in the midst of the incredible peace of God. May you receive His favor and know that He is pleased with you by faith. May your heart be at rest as you rest in the bosom of your Lord.

May you remember, that Jesus didn’t come to condemn you, but to save you because of the great love of Father God for you (John 3:16-17). May you always remember the true “reason for the season.” The birth of Jesus is the greatest message of peace and reconciliation that the world will ever hear. Jesus came to reconcile us to God and He gave to us the ministry of reconciliation that we may be like Him in inviting others into this harmonious relationship with Father.

I also pray that our hearts will be as His, full of purifying mercy, full of freely given forgiveness, so that we may internally live in the divine peace He does. His heart is free from grudges, He has no bitterness. He has no sinful anger (there is a “righteous anger” that is good and godly to have, but I’m not talking about this).

There is such beauty and wonder inside of Him. May He lean over the post of the highest heaven and see our hearts as clear, crystal waters. May He see His reflection and image in our souls because we have chosen to forgive, live and love like He does.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. “-2 Corinthian 5:17-21

~For more writing like this, check out my book, Visions of Celestial Love:

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

November 11, 2022November 12, 2022

Finding Security in Christ

"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” - St. Augustine

When I was fifteen years old, I found myself in a place where I had no real sustaining joy in my life. Sure, I had fun and laughed here and there but I knew there was something missing in my life. Even though my outside circumstances weren’t bad and I seemed to be carrying on as a regular teenager, I was crying out for reality. I was seeking an unshakable place of solace to rest in. I knew everything in the world was changeable and thus unreliable and so I felt unable to ever truly relax on the inside.

I wanted a permanent resting place of peace. I wanted something to believe in that was bigger than any government. I wanted something that was truly good, faultless and pure. I didn’t know it at the time…but I was looking for someone holy.

I had grown up in church and I knew about God…but I didn’t turn to him to transform me into a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17). I didn’t realize it until later, but the reason I didn’t seriously consider turning to God was because I felt too sinful to approach him. I allowed shame to keep me away.

I continued to search for a place of refuge in the world. Inevitably, I discovered the world couldn’t offer me what I really needed. Because I couldn’t find this place of surety, I began to comfort myself with food addiction. As a result, I pushed the scale past 200 pounds before I turned sixteen. I began to experience minor depression. I felt ugly and as a result I wore dark colored clothes from the men’s department. I masked my insecurity behind anger and hiddenness.

Then one faithful morning, after years of ignoring God’s obvious pursuit, I moseyed on youtube to watch videos. In the side panel, was a video by a woman I had never seen before. Her name was Joyce Meyer and the title of the video was, Your Self Image and Your Future. Something about the video sparked my interest and I clicked on it. As Joyce began to talk, the power of the Holy Spirit became tangible in the room. Joyce quoted many scriptures about the love of God and how He created everyone special and beautiful on purpose.

What baffled me and brought me to my knees in His presence in true repentance for the first time, was when she said that He thought better of me than I did myself. The thought of God placing that much value on my life astounded me. Tears welled my eyes and I threw my hands up in true surrender. “God, I’m sorry I’ve been ignoring you for all these years,” I sobbed, “please forgive me! Jesus, please come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior.” I finally threw my life on His shoulders that morning. Abandoning myself completely to Him.

What happened next is a little bit unbelievable to some. I saw what looked like white translucent rain falling through the ceiling into the room. It was as if I wasn’t alone. Then I felt a cloud expanding in my chest. As it expanded I felt peace. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was filled with the Holy Spirit that very second. From that day on, a voice, in the form of inner promptings, started speaking from within me and leading me into an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

I discovered that Jesus wasn’t man made philosophy, He wasn’t prideful intellectual reasonings, He wasn’t trapped in a book or a church building He wasn’t reserved for only the “elect.” He wasn’t locked in the grave (thus being unreachable and untouchable by those who called for Him in the present) like every other deceased man or renown.

No, He is living. He is alive. He is personal. He is real life. He is reality. He is the greatest display of the love of God that ever existed and will ever exist. He is the benevolence of grace, the light by which we can see the heavens more clearly than the sun’s rising against a blackened earth after nightfall.

I soon discovered after that fateful encounter, I had new desires (proof that I was born again and had received the new nature) and unspeakable joy. After that, I read through the entire Bible, I had several angelic encounters, visions, I experienced inner healing and was even delivered from an unclean spirit of anger without any deliberate effort on my part. The Lord began to encourage me to buy bright colored skirts (purple was by far my new favorite color). Before, I had hated the idea of wearing skirts because somewhere deep inside I hated myself and didn’t think I deserved to be donned in anything lovely.

I listened to Jesus and soon my entire wardrobe changed. My mannerisms were transformed and eventually my brother started calling me a, “girly girl.” God filled with me such self-love that I began to exercise and eat healthy without anyone coaxing me to. My grades in school went up and for the first time, I was on the honor roll. Within a year I was at a balanced weight. I then became less self-centered and started helping others on purpose. I dove into ministries of all kinds and began a homeless ministry of my own. I began to live at church and soon my entire family was going with me…

~To read my full testimony visit: https://nourishmentthroughwords.com/2020/05/04/created-in-heaven-born-on-earth/

~To read my devotional book full of testimonies, poems and inspirational teachings, click here

“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 wha tis good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.” – Isaiah 55:1-2 NIV

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