A Night to remember

 

All day today I couldn't wait to get home and write this post. 

So let me tell you about my Jesus before I burst! 

My sister and I had just gotten back from a trip to Nashville, TN with some friends. 

We pulled into our driveway at home and she says, "We have to go!"

 So we get in her car and she takes me to the home of our sweet friend, Judy. 

Judy, along with some of our friends, had planned two Valentine's day fundraiser parties this weekend for people to gather and worship and to raise money for my school to YWAM Louisville.  

I had no idea! 

We walk into her beautiful home and I see the faces of my lovely brothers and sisters in Christ. The house was wonderfully decorated and filled with yummy food.

Our friend Seth shared from John 15:13, 

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." 

He talked about how our lives as Christ followers are a continual act of laying down our lives, desires, and dreams for the dreams of the King. And how when we do that, Jesus is most glorified and we can be most satisfied in Him.

Reluctantly but thankfully I walked to the middle of the room as my sisters and brothers surrounded me and prayed with one voice, all at the same time. 

This was so powerful and touching as I heard many voices lifting up prayers and intercessions. 

God was pouring His love on me through my friends. 

After we prayed together, I was sitting with my sweet friends Jen, Izzy, and Jess, and they encouraged me to open the donation box and see what was inside. I responded with "No! I can't do that." I could see several dollar bills through the hole and I was already so moved by the night, I didn't think I could open it. 

Again, they urged, "Open it!"

 I really felt as though I couldn't. 

"Courage dear heart."

The room had gotten quiet and I agreed to look at what was inside. 

My friend Izzy took the bills as I counted the 20s that were inside. Together, and with everyone in the room watching, we counted 100 after 100. Tears started to fall as I saw Jesus moving before my eyes. The last bill with one nickel was counted...

$2,000.05

In the words of my friend Sarah, "Won't He do it!" 

Jesus provided the money and then some that I need for the lecture part of my school that I have to have before I leave at the end of March!!

Now you tell me, what's impossible with God?

We thanked God and sang "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow." 

I was telling my friend Jo about how God is too good and too real and too big for my human mind to comprehend. She responded with, "God is so good and real and He is working and moving. It's beautifully overwhelming isn't it? I don't think our human minds are meant to comprehend all of it."

 

This is Jo, she took all these epic photos! (I almost spelled photo with an "f" here just now. I'm typing too fast!)

My girls wearing my sweatshirts here!:

 "Courage Dear Heart." 

This is Jess. She is a lovely soul if I ever knew one. She was a huge part in organizing the parties!

My lovely Jen

Our friend Katie made this beautiful cake. She rocks literally every dessert she makes.

Getting ready to sing a new song to the Lord!

Crazy photo bombers

Just some of our friends here! There are several more who didn't make it on Sunday and who aren't in this picture. Jesus is surrounding me with many supporters from different places.

 So blessed by these humans! 

And last but not least, the beautiful Miss Judy. 

What God is doing here is bigger than me, than you, than all of us! I see Him working and molding and transforming the hearts and lives of my friends and my family in Christ. I see Him calling them higher and calling them to His throne, feet, yes, even to His very heart. 

And there's nothing else they want than to serve and love and be loved by Him. 

Because to them, He is Who He says He is. And He is worth it all.

Beautifully overwhelmed.

"I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!"

 Psalm 27:13

~Ash

Dear Mimi,

Can you believe it?? Just when I thought He couldn't get any better. I wish you were here to meet all these people and for me to tell you all about last night. I want to share with you that in this season of my life, Jesus has blessed me with two grandmother figures, both named Judy! I have been able to share my cool God stories from YWAM and how He is speaking and leading and moving with them. They both remind me of you in different and special ways! I just have to tell you that last night was full of love, it was angelic, and the Holy Spirit moved! I couldn't help but go to the bathroom and weep and get on my knees and sit in awe of Jesus. To thank Him and talk to Him. He is so evident in all of this. Evident in how He's leading me to this school and eventually to Thailand! Ahh, I never thought I'd get this far! More than anything, I want to remember Jesus character and love from this night. 

Also, while we were in Nashville, we went to a coffee shop called the Frothy Monkey and they had a latte called "the hummingbird latte". You best believe that I ordered that drink as soon as I saw it haha and it made me think of you. Also, while we're at it, did you know Christopher Plummer from the Sound of Music died? That was sad to hear. I was with my friend Celina that day so we watched the whole movie in his honor. I told her how you are the reason I love that movie so much. Well, this is getting long so I should probably go but I just wanted to tell you those things. Missing you extra lately. I love you more...

*The creation of this blog was inspired by dad, thanks dad!!