wordless wednesday

there is a peace

It has been said that the word "peace" is one of the most beautiful words in the English language. My favorite definition of peace is this:

Peace:
-Freedom from disturbance; quiet, tranquility-

What disturbances are we free from? We often say, "can I have some peace and quiet?!" or "finally, some peace and quiet." So we can have peace from noise and the chaos of the world we live in and that is all around us. But what about the chaos that is inside us? Do you ever feel like there is a raging battle inside your head and you are willing to do anything to bring peace to the argument within yourself? That is probably the kind of disturbances that I deal with the most. When I begin to over think a situation, when I begin to worry and stress out, when I dwell on a problem and can think of nothing else, those are the times when I need peace.
Yeah but Ashley, a person can't just snap their fingers and get instant peace. It just doesn't work like that.
You can say that again. But you know what a person can do? Ask God. Yup, it is that easy. Tell God your problems, what you are worried about, and the things that are bothering you. Tell God that you are tired of the constant battle that is raging inside you and that you want to stop the worrying and that you want peace. The kind of peace that will only come from Him. Tell God that you have tried finding peace on your own, but failed. Tell God that you are sorry for not trusting Him and that you need His help. You can't do it without Him. And then....let go. Let go of the reins of life; hand them to God. It's hard, I know. I'm sorry to say that it will be something that you will constantly have to work at. You don't just pray one magic prayer, and the everything is fixed forever. But day by day, little by little, if you really meant what you prayed and if you really believe that God is in control of your life, the worry will fade away. God cares. He is the only one that will ALWAYS listen and ALWAYS be there for you. And He loves you more than anyone else ever could. Just knowing that gives me a peace that I couldn't get anywhere else.

Below is a song that we sang in church yesterday. It is what inspired me to write this post, and is now one of the songs that I play about 12 times a day. It would be best not to watch the video, but to just listen to the song and focus on the words. The pictures tend to distract me. (and..... just so no one is confused.....it is a woman singing.....not a man.)

DIY braided hippie headbands

Good morning! I don't know about you, but for me, it is a messy hair kind of day. Nothing goes better with messy hair than a cute headband. I found a tutorial on Alisa Burke's blog on how to make these cute little braided hippie headbands. I love the whole bohemian style look, so these headbands are right up my alley.

Alisa Burke has the cutest little blog that is full to the rim of artsy creative stuff. She is such a great artist and I can't help but be jealous. ;) Please go check out her blog. The link for the headbands is here.

 

Hope you have a wonderful day!

because.....

.....when you stop and look around..... life is pretty amazing.

 

 

 

You just have to remember to stop, otherwise it may pass you by. <3

 

 



wordless wednesday

steady my heart

I read this in my quiet time today:

"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God.

How unsearchable His judgements

and untraceable His ways

For who has known the mind of the Lord?

Or who has been His counselor?

Or who has ever first given to Him, and has to be repaid?

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.

To Him be the glory forever. Amen."

Romans 11:33-36





Sometimes we are so focused on the problems in life, on our worry, on our unhappiness, that we forget how wise and great God is. God's ways are untraceable! Who could even try to understand the mind of God? "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things." That verse is just so powerful. God is in control of everything! Why should we worry? Why should we try to backseat drive? We need to fully give our lives to God and let go. What in the world can we do that the God of the universe can't? "To Him (alone) be the glory forever." Amen.

tough first day...



First day of class was tough. Lots and lots of writing this year.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed, and I still have two more classes left to attend!

But you know what???

(look below)



I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Phil 4:13

Makes you feel a bit better doesn't it?

God's word is such an encouragement!

What I'm wearing:

headband, necklace, and shirt- Forever 21

jeans and shoes- Rue 21



crack-tastic crackers!

Hi friends! Today I have been making some snacks for my small group tomorrow night.

I found the recipe for these "Crack-tastic Crackers" a few weeks ago, and I must say, it was a big hit at the last pool party I went to.

Here's what you do:

Mix together the 1 1/4 cup of oil, 1 packet of ranch dressing powder mix (not pictured), and whatever seasonings you want. (i wanted to try 3 different ones, so I divided the oil into 3 different bowls)

Once all your seasons are mixed in, begin dipping the saltine crackers into the oily mixture. You want the crackers well coated, but you might want to drain them some so that they don't get soggy.

Once you have them all coated, stick them in the oven at 250 degrees for 15mins. They look like the ones above when they are done.

The recipe uses about 4 sleeves of saltine crackers, so it makes quite a lot. That's it. It's very easy, only takes about an hour, and is great for a quick snack for a large family or for a party of any sort.

What are some of your favorite snacky party dishes?

take me to the state fair

Ah, state fairs. There is just something about them that just brings a smile to your face.

It could be the:

good food....(that is bad for you)

the loud country music....(in case you were wondering, the dude below is Thomas Rhett)

the bright lights....

people watching....



the cotten candy.....

but....I'm pretty sure that out of all those....it had to be....

spending time with good friends. 

well hello there!

Hello and welcome to my new blog! Thanks for checkin it out!

My name is Ashley and yes, as the title hints at, I am an artsy person. (an art student actually)

 I do have another blog called Live for Today,

 (which you are free to visit and look at) but I won't really be using that one anymore.

I'm heading in a new and different direction now.

So if you like art, creativity, and fashion, please follow me! We can live the artsy life together!