My Walk With Christ: My Testimony of "Stepping Out & Finding Out"

I have two testimonies to share somewhere down the line. For now I'll share one which seems more appropriate following the snippet of a daily reading by Joyce Meyer's I titled "Stepping Out & Finding Out."

One that manifested and took place was last Fall (2012). I was debating on going back to school. I didn't know what school I should attend, nor did a specific program stuck out to me that was geared toward my career choice or what I wanted to do. 

It's crazy how God works. Because last year (Before this all happened) I connected with a long time friend from grade school who had invited me to her church out of the blue (Which I am now a member of). I put it off once, and finally decided to attend church with her. Mind you, I already had a church home...we actually grew up in the same church but it was time to move onward as we were growing in our relationship with Christ.

Anyways, we connected through that one incident. I found out she was working on her PhD via online. Mind you "As Iron sharpens Iron, so a friend sharpens a friend" -Proverbs 27:17...let that marinate. So, I was like oh wow, online schools (certain ones) must be credible if she's attending one. This girl is always on her P's & Q's when it's about her business..school etc. So just hanging around her, hanging out at Starbucks to just meet up and chat on days she would be studying there kind of pushed me to look further more into attending graduate school.

What stopped me BEFORE was rejection. Being rejected because I didn't graduate with a high GPA or that didn't seem desirable for a grad school. After she and my best friend pushed me to apply, I decided to look into it. Fast forward, I found the school that fit me! I had to go through different procedures to be considered, but guess what?! Within a month span I was signing up for courses and starting my first Qrt!? Look at God!

You want to know HOW I know this was nothing but God? I'm not the best when it comes to academics and comprehending things. I'm just going to put it out there. I've never been a straight A student. Never ever. I was an average (C) student who knew they had potential despite what test scores said. I am now in my 3rd Qrt and I have earned nothing but A's in my classes!!! Can I get an Amen?! 

The fear of being rejected didn't stop me for long because I knew and I prayed on it as I went through the process of going back to school, all the way up to when I got accepted! I said "Let me step out on faith." and I did. I've stressed out a little here in there while being in the program, for the simple fact that my GPA must be at a B or higher. Each Qrt I say "Lord, if it's Your will, it'll happen!" Grades start to pour in and honeyyyyyy I praised Him and still do for getting past each chapter. He hasn't brought me here to leave me. I tell this to others all the time. Even as I share my testimony with others. It was nothing but Him so why would He just leave me to fend for myself? He does what He says He's going to do!!! "Don't be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. he will be with you, He will neither fail you nor abandon you." -Deuteronomy 31:8

Call me crazy! But I have gotten the hang of this "Stepping Out & Finding Out" thing. Wait until I share another testimony that not even my mother thought I would have done. Sometimes you just have to "go against the grain" and obey and listen to Him. Most of the time He's waiting on us to take a step "leap of faith" because He's always near to catch us, support us and LOVE us through it all.

So what do YOU need to Step Out and do? What is something you have been asking and talking to God about? The only way to find out if it's meant to be is to JUST DO IT! Don't allow fear to take over what maybe the blessing or breakthrough you've been waiting for.

Joyce Meyer: Stepping Out & Finding Out...

I found joy in teaching, and it was obvious I was good at it. I knew then that I had found my place in ministry.

Sometimes the only way to discover God's will is to practice what I call "stepping out and finding out." If you have prayed about a situation and don't seem to know what you should do, take a step of faith. Don be afraid of making a mistake. Step out and God will guide you.

Prayer Starter: God, I trust You, and I know that You will direct my steps, so I'm not afraid to step out and find out what You have for me....Amen

My Walk With Christ: Praying For Those That Have Hurt You

This post is in relations to previous posts Joyce Meyer: When Good Things Happen to People Who Have Hurt You and My Walk With Christ: When Good Things Happen to Those Who Have Hurt Us check those two out to get the full picture and purpose of what I shall share here...

Last year when I read Joyce Meyer's daily devotions plan and that reading popped up, I thought wow, how am I going to conquer this task? Different people have hurt me, how am I going to pray for them?

Now...today, I'm in a better place. I have made progress with the help of Jesus Christ through prayer. What I once thought was something that I couldn't really see myself doing is now something I don't struggle with so much now.

An example of my progress: Then, once I understood the importance of first forgiving others who had hurt me, and then began to pray about it. I started out by making a list of people that hurt me and went down the list and prayed for them as often as I could or whenever I thought about them (good or bad thoughts). When I started having bad thoughts about those individuals praying for them allowed me to move out of that negative energy and it showed. My heart was healing. The pain from the hurt soon evaporated from the mess they left behind. 

Prime example: I broke up with my ex in 2011. It wasn't something I wanted to do, but I knew I had to. I noticed he was going about his business once I broke it off with him, living life like it was golden, free and what seemed to be full of HAPPINESS with someone else. That somewhat hurt me more. So I began to pray for him...for happiness, safety, and different things I knew he was struggling with and needed in his life. Behold, those things I prayed for has manifested in his life. I can now say I'm happy for him. That my friend was NOTHING but God. My obedience to do what I knew He wanted me to do in order to be aligned with who He is was so awesome!

Today I still deal with a different type of hurt from that situation, but at the end of the day I can say with a smile "I'm happy for him!" That is growth. Exactly what Joyce was talking about in that daily reading I posted. I think the hurt that still lives within me is due to the progress I feel like I haven't made in my own personal life. It has nothing to do with him. But that's where patience comes in. I'm learning to become more patience and allow God to work on His own time and to become content but not idle as I wait.

Just because others around you, especially those that have hurt you are being blessed, don't give up on God. He hasn't forgot about you or what you're dealing with. As I say this, I am telling myself this as well. What may seem like something that has manifested for someone else overnight may have taken longer than we know. Your blessing will be exactly that...YOURS. No one can take, block, tamper with what the Almighty God has for His children. I hope this has encouraged someone. I feel so much better sharing this...

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Joyce Meyer: When Good Things Happen to People Who Have Hurt You

Have you ever seen someone receive a blessing from God and felt like they didn't deserve it? Have you seen good things happen to someone who has hurt you?

When a person who offended you gets a blessing, it can grate on you, at least it did for me until I learned how to forgive.

The Bible says that good and bad things happen to both the righteous and the unrighteous. When someone who's hurt you receives a blessing, it makes it even harder to forgive them, but you are still called to pray for them.

I want to encourage you today to bless the people who have hurt you by praying for them, even though you may feel hurt and irritated by them. When you pray for people who have hurt you, it's a choice you make. And forgiveness is based on your decision-not a feeling. But there's healing in that for you.

A forgiving lifestyle helps you become more like Christ. As you learn the importance of forgiveness and begin to pray for blessings for those who have hurt you, your heart will heal from bitterness, and your personal growth will lead you to the blessings God has planned for you.

Ways to Stay Connected With Me...

As some of you may know, Google is making changes on how you can stay connected to your favorites blogs. Google Reader won't exist after awhile.

Although its a hassle, please follow via Bloglovin regarding my blog posts...

Let me know how I can stay connected with you all if I follow & if not drop your blog link...

XoXo

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My Walk With Christ: When Good Things Happen to Those Who Have Hurt Us

It's hard to grasp why or how great or good things happen to those that have hurt us or others sometimes. But then it's like who am I to judge what someone else is deserving of? I don't know anyone's struggle, and neither do you. At times we feel as though we SEE the full picture of what's going on in someones life, but we only get a glimpse. 

And yes sometimes its hard to wrap your head around "Why my ex seems to be doing so well in his new relationship" or "How did she get that job?" I truly believe in a statement that was made...read below 

As Christians, we need to "operate out of love" as my mentor MiaMck says. We must be willing to give without expecting anything in return. That means that apology you've been waiting for, or for someone to own up to their mistake. We must be able to LET GO of grudges and stop allowing people to live for free with hate, lack of forgiveness, and depression in our lives. We have no room for that. When you're fully focused on your purpose that God has placed you here, you won't be stirred off that path. Distractions do come and go, but don't allow emotions to take over what God is trying to use you for.

This was something that has hit home for me. Later you will read a Daily reading that's from one of Joyce Meyer's daily devotions from the Bible app.

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Working on My Fitness| 26-Days of Squats Challenge

I'm going to keep this short & sweet!

I plan on starting today doing a squat challenge.

I saw where Youtube beauty vlogger Montana Deleon posted a picture on Instagram: @MontanaDeleon of her results of doing squats for 30 days.

The results are in the squats!

I plan on starting out today & ending 4/31

-Each day I will add 5-10 squats on top of the prior day

-Every 3 days I will rest *from doing squats*

Today I did 60 squats which means tomorrow I need to do 65 or 70.

Thursday will be a rest day & so on...get it?

Here's my before....

Ps. I'm 4lbs away from weighing 130!!!

I thought this goal would be enough for me, but I'm not where I want to be.

My stomach needs major work. So I'll be focusing on the ab workouts as well

Wish me luck!

Working on My Fitness| My March Challenge-Goals

Hey folks!
I know it's been sometime now. I wanted to update my fitness progress and this month's goals. My goal weight is 150! Once I meet that goal, my main focus is to tone, tone, tone! When I first started my fitness journey in 2011 I was around 163-162. I am now at 157. My weight has been going UP & DOWN lately. I'm becoming quit annoyed so I've put certain goals in place in order to stay on track. I'll name a few below. All in all, 2013 is when I finally reached the 157 mark. During the end of 2011 and the end of 2012 I wasn't as consistent as I am today. It's been hard getting where I am today.

One major difference is how my clothes fit. They are super loose. I'm losing inches in my waist & thighs. That's the main important part of this. I can't get so caught up in what the scale says. Numbers matter when I'm doing measurements. 

Onward....

March Goals: March 8th-March 30th

- 2-3 cups of green tea 

- raw veggies & fruits

-Juice or smoothies once a day

- workout 4-5days a week (the least 30mins)

- no gym days: 30min workout 

-plank everyday for 30 seconds

- a gallon of water

I can't wait to reap the rewards of being so consistent this month.

I have a few items/things in mind to reward myself...I'll share that in another post.

What are some of your fitness goals?

Have any healthy recipes you would like to share?

Comment below or email me to do a guest post <3

Thank You!!!!!

Hi Everyone! 

I've been gone, but still making time to post. Although I haven't really had time to post things related to me & what I'm up to etc. I've been busy. And it's been brought to my attention. There are times when I feel the need to step away...you know a hiatus. That hasn't been the reason for my absence this time around.

I've just been busy with life. School, work, church, living within my purpose, fitness & living a better life that God has called on me to do.

I was so into blogging 2011-2012, then it died down. Why? Well there isn't much time to do everything I like to do. I lost a little interest in blogging. One reason being is why I switched over from posting about my natural hair, & product reviews. My blog now is more geared toward my walk with Christ and different devotionals that hit home to me, & hopping you all could get something from them.

All in all, I am thankful for those that take the time out to read my posts, let alone leave a comment. I use to receive emails saying when each person left a comment, that soon stopped :-/ I don't know why...
So that's something I have to look into. As I'm trying to be obedient to God and giving Him the time I need to. I will be in my bible more which will allow me to share what I'm reading.

So if anyone feels a certain way, I apologize. Especially those that have been with me for sometime now, or like I mentioned read my posts. I try to comment back & also check out your blog as well. Sometime I'm pressing for time. Being in grad school, and attending church services anywhere from 2-3 times a week and a demanding school load is rough.

So that's what's going on with me :)

My Walk With Christ: Persistence Wins in the End!

Luke 18:1 out of the NLT version sparked me to do this post. It states:

"One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always PRAY and never GIVE UP."

How many times have we given up on a dream or goal that God has planted within us or put something on our hearts to only walk away from it?

How often do we give up on God because we think our timing is better than His plan?

Everything that I'm speaking of is directed to myself as well.

What stuck out to me in Luke 18: 1-7 was that this widow was persistent even though she knew that this judge didn't care about the people, nor did he fear God!

Like really? 

Why would you even feel as though what you come to this judge, or he would hear you out about it? Or better yet, harm you?

Fear was something that didn't live within this woman. She was PERSISTENT!

She wanted justice! It also says "The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, 'I don't fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice  because she is wearing me out with her CONSTANT REQUEST!" Luke 18: 4,5

Key word: "for a while" therefore she kept coming back, and he finally gave in!

Whew!

My message here is don't allow a situation, or the process to scare you from what awaits for YOU at the end. There will be times when things don't come easy & you will need to be persistent in doing what it is He has called you to do. But call on HIM!

You cannot have a testimony without a what? TEST!

"Then the Lord said, "Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day & night? - Luke 18: 6,7

I'm learning to be persistent in crying out to God about everything.

Seeking Him in all that I do!

Remember to keep going. He will always be by your side.

God bless <3

Joyce Meyer: You’re Not Built for Guilt

When I ask large audiences how many people spend their lives feeling guilty, my guess is that at least 80 percent of the people raise their hands. I was part of that 80 percent until I decided that I was not built for guilt, & I was not going to continue to allow a renegade feeling to rule my life.

I studied God’s Word about guilt & studied His character & nature until I was totally convinced that God is not the source of guilt.

I see guilt as an illegal invader that attacks our mind & conscience, attempting to prevent us from enjoying anything God has provided for us. Guilt has no legal right in our lives because Jesus has paid for our sins & misdeeds. If it is in us illegally, then we need to send it back where it came from, which is hell!

Refuse to let guilt steel your joy any longer. You must remember that you are not built for guilt. Deal with it aggressively anytime you experience it by receiving God’s love & grace.

Joyce Meyer: Every Day Is a New Day

God wants us to have joy in the midst of our ordinary, everyday life, even on the worst days of our life.

There were times in my life when I dreaded facing each day. All I could think about was my circumstances, wondering how Dave & I were going to pay the bills or get everything done that we needed to do. Sometimes I wanted to pull the covers my head & just stay in bed.

I was so wrapped up in worry that I was missing the point: God had created a new day, & He created it so that I could enjoy it.

Every single day is filled with all kinds of situations that could upset you, things like losing your car keys or getting caught in a traffic jam. But you can choose to be at peace & control in the midst of them.

When you & I take our minds of ourselves & our circumstances & put our focus on God & loving others, we are embracing an attitude that will bring honor to Him & enable us to view every day as an exciting, new gift from God.

Joyce Meyer: Dealing with Emotions While Grieving

People experiencing tragedy often go through stages of emotional expressions of sobbing & hysteria. These may come & go when least expected. Confusion, disorientation & fear are also common.

Depression & waves of overwhelming feelings are experienced by many. In times like these, I believe it’s wise to look at King David.

The Bible talks of how King David was feeling depressed but he resisted it. He didn’t sink into the pit of despair. He described how he felt, but he made a decision not to live by his feelings. He praised & trusted in God.

Most of us go through emotionally difficult times when tragic loss occurs. Those who are walking in faith come out of it, & they come out of it better than when they went in.

If you are hurting right now due to a loss in your life, I want to tell you that a new beginning is in front of you. Trust & praise God like David did. What Satan intends for your harm, God can turn around for your good!

Joyce Meyer: Finding the Answers and Power You Need in the Word

When people ask me where to start reading the Bible, I tell them there’s really no wrong place to start. You can study anything that’s going to help you.

When I first started studying the Word, I didn't have very good relationships because I didn't really understand what love was. So that’s what I studied.

As I studied the subject of love, I learned that it’s more than a gooey feeling. By studying what the Bible says  about love, I learned how to love. Then my life began to change.

Whatever you’re dealing with, you can find scripture about it by using a concordance. For example, if you’re dealing with anger or fear, flip to the concordance in the back of your Bible & locate those words to see which scriptures talk about those issues.

If you can’t think of anything right away, thumb through the concordance & pick a subject that grabs your attention. Begin looking at all scriptures referenced with this word & read them. Ask Holy Spirit to lead you & reveal truth to you.

No matter where you start, remember that the Word is alive & has something for you today!

Help Me Reach My Goal: Alzheimer's Disease Walk

Some of you may remember me sharing the story of someone close to me passing way from Alzheimer's Disease.

In 2004 I lost my father to this sickening disease!

You can check out my story: Alzheimer's Disease Awareness: Our Stories

I've made my donation & I need your help in meeting my goal. I will be participating in the 5k Walk to END Alzheimer's Disease this Saturday.

The funds are to fight against this disease.

Please repost, reblog, share this blog post with your friends & family.

You can make your donation on my official webpage HERE

Thank you! 

Ashley N.

Joyce Meyer: God is Untying Your Knots One at a Time

Picture your life as a jumble of shoestrings all tied up in knots, each shoestring a different color. Each knot represents a problem, & the process of untangling those knots & straightening out those problems is going to take a bit of time & effort. It took a long time to tie all those knots, & it will take some time to straighten them all out.

In our modern, instantaneous society, we tend to jump from one thing to another, but God never gets in a hurry. He never quits or runs out of patience. He will deal with us about one particular thing, & then He will let us rest for awhile, but not too long.  Soon He will come back & begin to work on something else. He will continue until, one by one, our knots are all untied.

If it sometimes seems that you’re not making any progress, it’s because the Lord is untying your knots one at a time. Let His patience develop in you,  & sooner or later, you will see victory in your life & experience the freedom you have wanted for so long.

Joyce Meyer: The Greatest Gift You Can Give

It's the most outrageous thing. The more I think about it, the more amazed I am. It gives blessings that are undeserved and withholds punishment when it is deserved.  It's absolutely the greatest gift you can give someone.

The gift is called mercy. See, Jesus came to earth and gave us mercy, so we need to learn to give mercy to others.

By Christ's example, we're taught to love and pray for our enemies. We're taught to be friendly to those who do not treat us as we would like to be treated. We are told to give to and care for the poor and helpless who will never be able to pay us back.

We can give to people who will give us gifts in return. But we're more blessed when we choose to give to those who cannot pay us back, that's giving mercy.

The greatest gift you can give God is to become more like Jesus. You can do that by treating others the way He treated you. Give those around you the greatest gift could ever receive from you: mercy.

Joyce Meyer: Stop Keeping Score

If someone has hurt you, don't spend the next 10 years of your life hurting yourself by hanging on to that offense. Most likely, the other person isn't even thinking about you, while you dwell on the incident for years. That only hurts one person, you.

When we walk in unforgiveness, we try to "keep score," viewing ourselves as better than the other person.

Back in the early days of our marriage, when Dave and I were fussing and fuming at each other, I would bring up stuff that happened years before and Dave would say, "Where do you keep all that stuff?" Well, I had a place, and it was all in there eating at me. And every new thing Dave did wrong would get added to this list, and it kept growing until it became a bitter giant in my heart.

When we walk in God's love, we find freedom by keeping "no account" of wrongs done to us. If you're hurting from the pain of unforgiveness today, ask God to help you stop keeping score. You can let go of your bitterness today.

Joyce Meyer: It's OK to Enjoy Your Life

Enjoyment is the fuel we need to reach the finish line of an endeavor with a good attitude. We may drive ourselves to finish, but somewhere along the way we will probably become bitter & get a chip on our shoulder if we don't lighten up & take a time to celebrate the journey.

Too many people work constantly & stress themselves out, feeling guilty about enjoying & celebrating life when God has clearly ordained & commanded both labor & enjoyment. Ecclesiastes 2:24 says that it's good for us to relax & enjoy ourselves in the midst of had work.

Our thinking has been warped in this area. Satan has managed to deceive us, & by doing so he succeeds in keeping people weary & worn-out, feeling resentful & taken advantage of because of excessive wok & responsibility.

We need times of refreshment & recreation as well as work & accomplishment, You should be diligent in whatever task God as placed in front of you, but make sure that you find a balance by learning to reward yourself & enjoy life. God thinks you are worth it!

***You can find this devotional plan, along with others from the YouVerison Bible app under Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life

Joyce Meyer: Take Responsibility for Your Happiniess

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that I cannot count on someone else to make me happy. God has given us the ability to take responsibility for our own happiness.

A lot of people aren't happy unless a certain person behaves a certain way, or unless a certain situations works out just the way they want it to. Every day we let our happiness depend on other people & situations, when in reality, God wants us to find our happiness in Him.

There was a time when I would feel sorry for myself if Dave went to play golf the day after one of our big conferences, I wanted him to go shopping or watch a movie with me. But God showed me that we have different ways of relaxing & unwinding.

That's just one example, but there are so many ways that we put unrealistic expectations on people & rely on them to keep us happy. God wants us to look to Him first & rely on Him for our happiness.

***You can find this devotional plan, along with others from the YouVerison Bible app under Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life