Those off days.

Everyone has them, even the best of us. Off days.... Sleepless nights, sick baby, sick mommy, bad dreams that wake us up, crisis phone call that you were not expecting... And the list goes on.

So what do we do? Warren Wiersbe has a few pointers. Christian service isnt based on feelings, its based on obedience. Its the matter of the will and not the feelings. When we are motivated by our feelings we can be very undependable. We must endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3. Others are depending on us, the greatest ability is dependability. You have got to make up your mind that you are going to serve God, no matter what or how you feel. That way you can stop debating with yourself everytime you dont "feel like" doing something.

God already knew the off day was coming, He knows your life begining to end. So take the pressure off yourself, ask Him for the help and move forward! His grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Cor 12:9.

Keep that most vital appointment of each and every day: spending time alone with the Lord. He will refresh and strengthen you. So when those days come, whatever you do, dont sit around and feel sorry for yourself! Remember, this too shall pass! Give it to God!

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day" 2 Cor 4:16.
Day by day, even the off days!

Thanks God!
More to come, new jewelry in the works, and hair stuff too!

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Pushing through.

Sometimes you just need a good kick in the pants/butt. More like a very intense reminder that you (mostly me) need to do the job you have been asked/called to do. It's not that you don't want to do your job, however more like you need a reminder that you need to do it. So, with that said... Do your job! What has God called you to do? Whats in your hand? What talents and gifts has God given you to use to bless others, bring Him glory and share your faith?! Well, what are they? Go pray about. Then do something about it!
God made you for His glory and His praise. Every hair on your head He knows, every tear you have ever or will ever cry. He knew you before you were ever born, in your mothers womb, right now and in eternity, He knows you better than you know you! He made YOU! So don't think for one minute that you aren't ready for your job. God has prepared and equipped you/me for every good work, that we should walk in them. Amen. Let's do our job. :)

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Life. (exhale)...

Isn't it funny how life just happens? Time just goes by and before you know it, BAM! it's Wednesday... Where does time go? Why does it seem like I've been doing the same load of laundry for three weeks?! I do dishes everyday, and magically, they appear again! I'm serious.. Note to self, install hidden camera. Check.

But all joking aside, I find that when I fail to plan my day, my day plans me. And that's never a good thing! Stressful, overwhelmed and burnt out is not what God has for His daughters. When your load becomes to much to bear and then becomes a burden, something is out of line... "Cast your burden on the Lord and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22. Hmmm.. Let that one soak in for a bit. So, Lord you will take my burden? Why then do I insist on dragging it with me?! Another good one, pride and self reliance. Ouch! Am I speaking to just myself? Or can I get an amen?!!

If I don't start my day off the right way then I try and do everything in my own strength. Which is next to impossible. I have GOT to get in the Word and in prayer before anything else. Which isn't always easy. Being a wife, mommy, homemaker, church assistant, jewelry maker and part time super hero can take a toll on this girl if I'm not prepared. A soilder doesn't go out to battle without his camo and weapons, he would be taken out in an instant! Same thing here, gotta put on the whole armor of God! Everyday. Get ready for the day before your day takes you some place you don't want to go.

We make time for what is important, and the most important person should be Jesus, He is Lord. He is the only One who can sustain you and refresh you. Call on Him, He's waiting, with loving open arms. Pray that He would take your burden and renew your vision. He most definately filled me up today when I was down. Thank you Daddy. Make time, it's worth it!

Off to bed, back in action tomorrow.. ZZZzzzz... Much love, Ashley.

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Frames

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Necklaces

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Earrings

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Adventures

As I'm sitting here typing, my 5 month old little girl Abby is trying to eat my thumbs! Ah, motherhood. I love it!! Each and everyday is a blessing. I am so grateful for my family. My husband is the biggest encourager ever, thank you love! And my sisters pretty much rock my socks!
Time to roll my sleeves up and get to making stuff. Great day so far, started it out with our woman's bible study, the Sisterhood. Nothing sweeter than kicken off the day getting into the Word of God. Wonderful group of women, and growing! We are sisters in Christ, encouraging and building eachother up every step of the way in this journey we call life. You can't do it alone girls, grab the sister next to you and ask for help when you need it. God loves relationships, thats why He gave them to us! More to come, stay tuned.
Here's a few thing's I've got ready to sell, enjoy.

Doulos?!

Doulos Jewelry here we go!
This is the first post of, Lord willing, many to come. Why Doulos? In Greek the word Doulos means servant. Not just any servant, a bondservant. Some one who is a slave, yet they have been set free. Set free to do whatever they want, go anywhere they choose, live how they want, do everything their heart desires... Yet even though they have been set free to do whatever they want, they stay. They stay with the Master that has been so good and caring to them. That has given them life, love, breath, and purpose. This bondservant gives up their own desires of their heart and plans for their own life; for their Masters desire and will for them.

Why would someone, anyone for that matter, give up the choice to choose? Give up all their rights, all their plans, all the things that they think define them?
Because their Master... Knows them better than they know themselves. He made them with care and perfection, in His own image. For His glory. That the people around this bondservant, Doulos, would see that she is different in every way. Living for something greater than herself; for the One who made her. Being the light of the world, the salt of the earth, the city on a hill, using everything in her hand to point to the One who deserves all the glory. To show those around her that this life is so much more than what we see.

The Lord has made everything beautiful in His time. Every gift, every voice, everything.
Doulos, all for Him. Enjoy.