{ joy }

Good morning and happy Sunday! So much to talk about and many blessings to share. We are currently 19 days, 14 hours, and 18 minutes away from flying to Haiti. 19 days away from sharing God's love. 19 days from sharing the birth of Jesus with strangers who will be family when we leave. 19 days from letting Jesus take over and lead our ministry..... 19 days from ME bursting with JOY! 

Everyday I wake up and am so amazed by the works and wonders God has done. The works He has done in me. The blessings in my marriage and family. The miracles HE has done for YOU! Don't get me wrong, I have my moments where I lose sight of God's love and get wrapped up in the troubles of this world. The more intentional you are in learning and reading God's word, praying, listening to the Holy Spirit, and excepting God's grace, the moments of losing sight start to lessen. Everyday you are growing into God's creation and becoming the child God intended you to be. With the fast paced holiday season upon us some may find this difficult. With the tragedy in this world all around us, YOU may find a struggle in this. 

The reason I bring this up is because I have recently experienced some struggle and thought you may have felt this as well. That horrible feeling we call "worry". My husband and I LOVE the movies. It's one of our favorite past times. The smell of fresh popcorn, excitement in the air, and the cold raspberry tea. Oh my, the raspberry tea!!! It's an awesome experience. I had a few brief moments where I lost sight of God's love. Maybe more than just a moment. Two and a half minutes to be exact. (which is really good for me) Walking into the movie theater full of joy, we purchased our over priced but worth it munchies for the movie and found the perfect seat. The movie goers started to flood in rather quickly. It was a packed house. Then it hit me, I started having racing thoughts of the tragedies that have struck in that same place I was sitting in. I started to feel enclosed and nervous. Fear and worry smacked me in the face! God turned this around rather quickly. After two and a half minutes of silent torture I commanded the sin of this world that had overtaken me in those very moments to be gone. I told myself that I am in the Lord's hands, not the hands of the sad, horrible, and unfortunate choices people have made. God can rescue you and free you of worry at any moment. Trust, believe, and have faith in Him. The more you strengthen your relationship with Christ, the joy and peace you can experience day to day is unexplainable at times. Last night we were at a rather large outside holiday festival and I experienced that feeling of worry again. In a matter of minutes by resting my faith in God it was gone. Do not let worry still your joy! If you are battling a similar situation I recommend meditating on God's word. Here is a verse I find comfort in :

2 Timothy 1:7

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind"

I had been wondering if I was going to let these worries attack me in Haiti. With my husband by my side; I rest in Jesus' hands and have no fear of the future. Therefore, praise God! 

Praise Report: 

With Haiti around the corner we our tackling the task of putting our travel bags together, last minute doctor visits and nurturing ourselves spiritually. We are still continuing to fundraise BUT we are right around the corner from meeting our goal in fundraising! My beautiful, big hearted, loving friend is hosting an online virtual fundraiser for Haiti. So to the ladies who are reading this.... jewelry. Fun, sassy, create your own jewelry. More specifically it is called "Keep Collective". With Christmas around the corner you may find something special for your loved one- designed by YOU. My wonderful friend is blessing Haiti with a beautiful gift. All proceeds earned will go towards the Haiti mission. So ladies or men, if your even slightly curious (I know you are!!!) Here is the link to creativity fun.

Keep Collective

To browse online, select "Ashley" as your hostess and place your order at anytime between now and December 14th. 

I pray everyone is finding an abundance of peace and JOY this holiday season. Love god and spend every minute you can with your loved ones. Rest your tired hands in Him and you will receive an overflow of grace.

James 1:2-0

"Consider it pure JOY, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

Happy Holidays and many blessings from ours to yours!

Ashley & Justin