Thursday, July 8, 2010

another year older...

posted by Ashley

It’s hard to believe that yet another year has gone by and I am now 24 years old. Some of you who are reading this may be rolling your eyes by now because to you, 24 is young. I’m not going to disagree with you, either. I still think I’m young, but I am honestly amazed at how quickly time has gone by thus far. I keep hearing that time will continue to speed up as you get older, and I am really starting to believe it! As I sit here, I can’t help but look forward and wonder how God will use this next year of my life. I have to say, a mission trip to Jamaica is an incredible way to start year 24 of my life!
I want to share with you some personal goals I have set for myself this coming year (maybe because I’ll need some accountability!). First, and foremost, I look forward to finding an internship position and receiving my master’s degree in professional counseling from Liberty University. This period of my life has taken longer than I had anticipated, but I couldn’t be happier with how God has worked everything out in His perfect timing (though it often felt like He was working against my personal schedule!). I also plan to learn how to play acoustic guitar this year. Ambitious? Absolutely! I was the kid who was involved in dance, soccer, karate, piano, and many other activities in my childhood, but somehow managed to quit everything except singing. I’m at a point in my life where I want to become a stronger musician and singer, which means I have to put forth effort while remaining diligent… this could be interesting! I also hope to begin mentoring this year. Being the wife of a youth pastor, I have really been searching for my place in that particular ministry and mentoring just seems like something I could really love and enjoy. I don’t know who the girl(s) will be, when this will begin, or even how to approach this but I do know one thing for sure: God is in control and He will lead me to the teenager in need of a mentor.
I am so excited to see how this year turns out and I hope to share that journey with you. As you know, I will be serving in Jamaica on a mission trip next week, so you won’t be seeing any blog posts from me (until the following week). If you think of it, please keep our team in your thoughts and prayers as we travel and help lead ministries. I can’t wait to share my experiences and photos with you all when we return! Have a great weekend!

Happy HAPPY B'day!!!!
posted by Gretchen

And of course I have to wish my FAVORITE daughter a very Happy Birthday!!! I too cannot believe that she is 24 today (glad I am not aging, right?).

I am so proud of all of her accomplishments!!! She has turned out to be such a wonderful young woman!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEEP!! Love Ya!!!

Ashley  picnic

2 comments:

Joy Junktion said...

Happy Birthday Ashley!!!
We will definitely be praying as you venture to Jamaica and minister to God's people there.
I love that you have set goals for the year and I believe you will accomplish them all:)
You are awesome!!!

Jodene said...

OMGosh, that is just the cutest photo ever. What a sweetie she was! (and still is of course).
You must be so proud of her Gretchen, it is obvious she has been raised in a wonderful loving home and has a lot of strong values that will help guide her through life.
I hope that your 24th year is a wonderful one Ashley, and good luck on reaching all of your goals. I have no doubt you will succeed!