Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Growth...

Wow, it's been way to long since I've posted on this blog... But I'm finally getting back around to it...

The other day, I was thinking a little about spiritual growth and also about horses and then something struck me. When a foal grows, it grows in spurts. His hindquarters grow first, so he appears to be built downhill and then his frontend will catch up to start the process all over again until the horse is full grown. Spiritual growth is kinda like that. Your physical maturity often grows first, and you seem a little downhill built, but then your spiritual growth catches up and you are balanced again... But what if your spiritual growth never catches up to the physical? In horse terms, they are built downhill and will not do well in any discipline. Now is that what you would want in your spiritual growth?

Monday, July 20, 2009

Contentment

So yesterday was my second horse show. I took my pony and did very well for not practicing like I should. Unfortunately I didn't take my mare, Dancer, because she isn't trained to load into a trailer and is a rather timid/nervous horse. My day at the show left me feeling less than elated, all I could think about was the fact that I couldn't take my horse to the show. As I was working on chores today, I was arrested in my thinking.
Here I was, moping about at the fact that my young green horse needs work, and forgetting that I was at a show yesterday with my pony. I've come so far in my riding overall, and yet I was only thinking about what I can't do. God reminded me to be content with what I can do, and to trust Him to help me to do what I can't.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

A conversation with God

With school looming in front of me, I've really been feeling the pressure to know exactly what I'm going to do with my life (that is, at least my school life). My heart asks questions, and luckily God gives me answers... Here's what my hearts been asking lately.

Me: God, I know You plan everything, but are You sure that You're planning my life? I mean, I feel so lost at times, am I where You want me to be?

He tells me: "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

Me: Yes, but I want to know my life plans now... Where should I go to college, what should I major in, should I even go to college, will I get married? I'm anxious...

And He tells me: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Me: Oh... forgive my doubts, Oh Lord, You will guide me through life even when I can't see the path.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Introduction

Well, I figure an introduction is probably a good way to start my blog (starting out is always so akward). I'm Ashley, I'm 16 years old and a Christian. I'm starting this blog to share my thoughts and lessons learned in Christ. The goal of this blog is to 'Shine Bright for Christ' as we are encouraged to do in Philippians 2:14-15. Check back for frequent (hopefully) updates!