50 Questions that will free my mind- Part Uno!

Phase 1 of freeing my mind!!!

1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

HAHA I actually find this quite funny because I'm 25 which is easy to remember, but while I was 23 and 24, I remember having to calculate or think about my age before sharing it with others.  I don't know what that means. 

Which is worse, failing or never trying?

      2.  If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

For me, it's this simple.  I'm too much of a people-pleaser who is striving to let go and let God, however cliche that may be.  I do things I don't like out of worry and fear of regret.  Making a mistake and allowing it to be "ok"  is the hardest concept for me to come to terms with.  Yet I preach it to those in my life every day.  

     3. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

I hope not!  That's not the woman God wants me to be, but I know that in the past I have been more of a talker than a do-er.  Right now is all about radical change and keeping the fire burning for the Lord! As long as I do that, I won't fall into the pit of being just a talker.  If I ever am just a talker, I want to be a talker pursuing after God's own heart!

     4. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

I'd like for everyone to choose God.  I am aware of what the bible says about this though.  I want to see a generation rise up and take their place at the right hand of the Almighty!  I want to see less lukewarm Christians and more Christians on fire for God.

     5. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

To make others rich and fill me full of happiness at the same time: Sharing constantly. Loving liberally.  Passing out smiles on the streets.  

Well folks, stay tuned for the next segment! 

What did you find most interesting about my answers?  Are you going to answer the questions for yourself?

Take care,

Ashley

Source of questions

101 in 1001

So, this post is dedicated to my 101 goals in 1001 days.  To create your own, visit Day Zero.  I will pop back and update you on my progess! I'm so excited to get started!!!
Note: Many of these aren't written in measurable lingo, so I'll be editing that in as I go.  Don't worry, I'll still be dreaming big!  PS If anyone can help me achieve any of these of has methods or ideas- PLEASE SHARE!!!


(I'm not sure how to get them to stop showing up as links)

Write a letter to myself to open in 10 years (Actually since then I've gotten addicted to futureme.org and have written myself several letters, beginning one year from now.)

Leave an inspirational note inside a book for someone to find (I'll attach my note soon!  I haven't left it for anyone else yet!)

Answer the "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind" (getting started on this!  I will post them soon! Questions)

Fall in love (I didn't specify with whom or what?! LOL)

Improve my posture

Write a song

Take a Yoga class

Clean out my closet

Plant a tree

Go vegetarian for a month

Go to 5 different museums

Watch a meteor shower

Read all the books currently on my shelf

Go barefoot for a day

Buy something from Etsy

Write a letter to myself to be opened when the 1001 days is over

Join a book club

Ride a horse

Make money from my blog

Put away $10 for every goal completed

Create a budget and stick to it for 4 weeks

Get a notebook and keep track of quotations from books I love

Read 1 book a month

Identify 101 things which make me happy, or smile, and photograph them

Inspire someone to make a 101/1001 list

Write a list of 25 things I like about myself

Make a list of the 100 best experiences of my life

Take a free online class

Watch a play at a local theater

Research my family tree

Build a sandcastle

Make a chalk mural in the driveway

Stroll through a public garden

Create a scavenger hunt

Discover some new podcasts to listen to

Watch the sunrise and sunset in the same day

Make a handmade greeting card

Start a pressed flowers notebook

Fill a sketchbook with drawings

Learn 50 new things by clicking the random articles button on Wikipedia

Make a comic strip

Invent a board game

Try a basic meditation technique

Draw a self portrait

Build a massive lego tower

Make a list of the 100 songs I could listen to forever

Make a list of 101 quotes that inspire me

Make a list of 100 things that I am grateful for

Make a list of thirty recipes I want to cook and cook them

Make a list of 101 things I have already achieved

Write a children's book

Write a new list for the next 1001 days

Write a list of things that each person in my life has taught me

Write a list of inspirational things, one thing for each letter of the alphabetWrite to a Death Row inmate

Write a haiku

Write a personal mission statement

Go to a fireworks show on the Fourth of July

Ride a roller coaster that goes upside down

Visit San Francisco USA

Get a massage

Lose 25 pounds from my starting weight

Lose 40 pounds from my starting weight

Lose 50 pounds from my starting weight

Lose 75 pounds from my starting weight

Lose 100 pounds from my starting weight

Lose 125 pounds from my starting weight

Lose 150 pounds from my starting weight

Fly a kite

Turn off my phone for 24 hours

Release a message in a bottle

Perform a totally random act of kindness

Develop a better skin care routine.

Participate in a charity walk

Get a new digital camera

Take at least 5 photos a day for a month

Improve my relationships with family

Surprise someone with an unexpected gift

Start going to church again

Send myself an e-mail via www.futureme.org

Eat 5 things I've never tried before

Go white water rafting

Celebrate at least 10 random holidays

Go to the dentist for a cleaning

Go to bed before 10pm every night for a week

Take a photography class

Say "yes" to something I would not normally do

Go ziplining

Buy a fireproof/waterproof safe to put important papers and valuables in

Touch up room painting

Finish a scrapbook

Make a quilt

Make a T-shirt quilt

Study a devotional for 30 days straight

Simplify and organize 2 rooms

Buy an organizing scanner

Climb a 14er

Buy real wool felt

Get my passport

Buy a mac

Take a picture for each letter of the alphabet

Develop my own catch phrase

Take a photo of the same place every month for a year and then turn it into a calendar for the next year

Learn to count to 10 in 10 languages

Get my handwriting analyzed

Attend 10 different ethnic festivals

Learn how to say hello in at least 10 languages

Stepping out of THE boat!

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

   
       It's been about 9 months since my last post.  It feels like forever and a lot has happened to me since then.  Well, nothing has actually happened to me, I've happened to "it" so to speak.  I use these words and phrases because I believe that I'm not a victim in my life; I do have a certain amount of control over what is going on.  Actually, I can't say that this has been a season of achieving dreams, but I can say that it has been and still is a season of preparation in my life.  I can't say completely why this is, but I do know that that's what God has laid on my heart.  I'm no longer a woman who sits on the sidelines letting dust just settle around her.  I have had my share of shortcomings and trials, but as I sit here, I feel like I've grown stronger as a woman.  
     Right now I'm seeking to walk down a new path in my career.  I also finally mustered the courage to join a gym in February (It might not sound like a terrible feat, but for a very self- conscious, out of shape, and discouraged girl, it certainly was not easy).  I had been battling with myself internally for literally years.  I was and still am (sometimes) trying to find the best workout with being seen the least.  I've overcome a lot of these fears and this sense of shame, but I still cringe at the thought of getting on a workout machine amidst a bunch of super fit people.  However, the difference between then and now is that now I get over myself and just do it! My body does not belong to me anyway, it is totally God's and I've got to take care of it! Deep down, I do realize that it's just a confidence issue- I'm not some ogre or anything LOL (If I could just convince myself of this)
     God has also began a journey of healing within me.  I'm still not to the point where I can openly share much with people in my inner circle (It's weird- I feel much more comfortable talking to strangers about a lot), but many of my chains of the past are being loosed.  I don't know why I'm so afraid to surrender it all to God, I guess it's a deep down fear that I'll hurt worse because people will see the real me.  I'm working on coming to a place of loving myself. I guess the fact that I've had this realization is the beginning of the staircase that I need to climb in order to resolve the issues.  
        I've really been opening up to God more and realizing that I can and should be "raw" in His prescence.  Because of this, I can feel a real transformation within myself.  To be honest, I really don't know where to end this post.  I hope that you can understand my ramblings.  Honestly, this is more for me than it is for you.  I need an outlet and I don't do well with paper journals.  I hope you'll comment though!
Humbly yours,
Ashley!
PS How can I pray for you in this season?

Back in the Game!

~I think I'm finally going to have a week that I fulfill my goal! This week's goal was simply to log everything on MyFitnessPal. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. I have managed to do it 5 days in a row! I didn't go into this week having any expectations about it, just needed somewhere to start. Let me just say that I'm getting more out of it than I thought I would. I'm seeing how those little things I thought were healthy aren't so and how things I didn't think were that bad really are. It's weird, because this isn't my first go at trying to lose weight, but I think I got into this state of mind where I thought I had all the knowledge about it that I needed and that the problem was just with me actually DOING the things I knew. I was WRONG. I am learning a lot of new things about me, the food I eat, and how my body reacts to different things...and I actually like it...the learning process that is.

I also have a lot going on at work and in life in general. I have to keep reminding myself to stop and regroup and that I'm worth too much to stop taking care of me. Yes, it's easy to grab something quick and unhealthy to eat or not exercise while I try to take care of everything and everyone else. It's tough to get myself to slow down, look to God for guidance, reflect on my goals, eat mindfully, and of course to workout.  

I'm struggling with giving it all to god instead of taking on the pressure and weight of the world. . .I will make it though, one deep breath and prayer at a time, and so will you.

 I'm super glad you're still "following" me and I can't wait to hear what you think! How are YOU doing?

So, I KNOW I haven't blogged in forever!

And I know that has got to change! Actually, it is changing right now! First, I am going to tell you about something INCREDIBLE, then I am going to go back to writing my other entry so I can post it by tomorrow!
Anyway, there is this lovely young woman who has been inspiring me daily! Check it out RIGHT NOW! (Yes, I am bossy!)
Chef Katelyn's blog can be found here http://www.chefkatelyn.com/2011/08/07/bigger-than-your-mommas-booty-anniversary-giveaway/
If you're reading this Chef Katelyn: I AM SO THANKFUL FOR YOUR BLOG! 

Happy Sunday! *Off-Topic*

     Today, I woke up feeling really crappy. Not physically, but I felt emotionally defeated and depleted.  I know we all have days where we feel less than useful, but I’m tired of feeling like this.  Deep down in my heart of hearts, I KNOW that God loves me and that I am worth something to Him. 

     I think maybe a little too often I look for God in all the wrong places.  Well at least that’s what I believe God is revealing to me right now.  A pastor at a church I used to go to once explained it like this:

     So, I hear from Christians all the time about how they’re so tired of looking for the perfect man or woman to date/marry. They tell me all about their efforts and it usually goes like this. . . “Pastor Steve, I went down to the Red Tavern last night and there wasn’t a single wholesome Christian woman/man in sight!”

     Funny, right? Gee, I wonder why they didn’t find a mate with strong values.  (DISCLAIMER: Yes, I too go to bars and I’m not demeaning any one who enjoys it. I just know that it’s a pretty long shot to go there with pure expectations .  This story was purely about seeking the wrong thing in the wrong place- not to lecture about how immoral bars are! LOL)

Now, this is where I compare this tale to my own life.  When I need God the most, am I looking for Him in the right places? Do I go to a bar hoping to find Jesus? Not typically .  But, do I reach out to find God anywhere but UP most of the time? Unfortunately, YES!

     The natural reaction to anything should be to pray, praise, worship, etc.  What do I do? Let’s see: pick up the phone, call on other Christians and non-believers alike, talk to negative people, go shopping, smoke (not anymore!!!,) eat, drink, be falsely merry. . .well, you get the point, right?

    None of these things satisfy my desire and my longing for the One and True KING of KINGS! I have to stop looking in places I don’t belong!  God doesn’t care what I or YOU have done, His grace and mercy cover ALL. . .I know this, but why do I always try to run from grace?! It’s a darn good thing I’m not that fast! haha. No, even YOU can’t outrun Grace!

     So, right now, as I publish this unpolished blog, I want YOU to know that I’m praying for YOU and I’m praying for me. I’m also praying that God blesses me with faster legs (Gotta put something about my fitness goals in here haha- [outrun man, but not GRACE!]), but an even stronger heart.

I love you, Lord! Let my ways honor you and help me to seek You where You truly are and for who You truly are. . .

Just Some Thoughts. . .

     Ok, so I'm reading more of Jillian Michael's Unlimited tonight and I have so many things I want to remember and rely on!  I'm in chapter 3 and I've made several highlights.  Based on my reading and recent events/realizations, here's what NEEDS to be done!:

Realistic Dreams

     I have to be excited about the work when it comes to fulfilling my dreams.  If my dream aligns with what God wants and what I'm called to do, then the work to get there will be enjoyable. It won't always be flawless, but I should be able to look back and say it was overall good.

Faith in God

     Faith in God is essential.  I can't just depend on myself.  I have to ensue God's help if I'm going to bring my dreams and callings into reality.

Think Thoroughly and Envision Greatness

     Every thought is a part of shaping reality.

Avoid the Green Monster

     Don't be jealous, because it tells myself and others that I'm not good enough.  Instead, I'll use my desires and drives to be better at what I do!

Be Positive and PRAY

     Think positively about every situation and think and pray about what I have to offer to make things  better.

Just DO IT!

     Don't just think about doing well, kick bootay at it!

Plan & Prepare for Awesomeness!

I must plan and prepare for my dreams so that I'll be ready when opportunity, goodness, and fulfillment come knocking!

Let Go and LIVE!

Since everything I do is based on what I believe, I gotta get my head in the game! TRANSFORMATION happens NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(So what should I focus on first???)

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     Those are my "notes/ideas," (hopefully you aren't too bored!) now it's time to talk about my day.  Yesterday, I just couldn't get motivated!  In the evening, I finally managed to do an hour of Wii Fit.  Not bad, but definitely not my best! I'm going to start a food journal (I might blog it?), because everyone seems to be chatting about them.  I don't think I'll be a full in food blogger though!
     Today I slept in again! Summer kills! lol (I'm a teacher)   I'm trying to become a morning person again.  I'll let you know how that goes ;)   I'll try to add more pictures in the near future- just found my camera!  When I touch things, they always seem to disappear!
How are you?
Thanks for reading!!!
<3 Ashley

*Images were awesomely found at http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/