When We Don’t Have the Words, He Does

June 11, 2020June 10, 2020 ~ Ashley ~ 1 Comment

I’m staring at the mountains rising up behind the screen of my laptop. The sky is impossibly blue, and the sun is shining. The breeze is cool on my face. It’s almost cold enough to grab my jacket. Birds are singing. Voices, music, and even some laughter are drifting over from neighboring campsites. This entire scene unfolding around me feels almost normal. Like any other day in any other time.

You could almost pretend there’s no global emergency going on. You could almost imagine it doesn’t feel like that impossibly blue sky might fall on our heads at any moment. You could almost forget the enormity of the grief and pain in the hearts of humanity this whole world over.

Almost.

I’ve agonized for days over what I should write for you. What words of encouragement could I offer to this hurting world? Every time I started, my words seemed to be painfully inadequate when held up against the light of statistics and headlines. Every sentence seemed sorely lacking. So I just stared at the mountains and the blinking cursor on my white screen while I whispered to the Lord.

The truth is, I don’t have the words our hearts need to hear. Contrary to what my Instagram feed might lead you to believe, I know I never have had the right words. But that’s not how I want the world to see me. I want to be seen as calm in the midst of chaos, stoic and courageous in the face of uncertainty and fear.

During quarantine, I’ve taken up cross-stitching. I worked for hours on a three-inch kit designed for kids. As a complete beginner, I painstakingly followed the pattern. When my colorful little llama was finished, I proudly held it up for my family to admire. My four-year-old was extremely impressed—until she turned it over and saw the back…

I’d love for you to click through to continue reading this post at The Glorious Table. Just click this link and join the conversation: https://theglorioustable.com/2020/06/when-we-dont-have-words-he-does/

Facing Down Your Gorillas

May 4, 2017May 4, 2017 ~ Ashley ~ Leave a comment

One of the benefits of homeschooling my kids is that once I’ve recognized my sanity is at the breaking point, I can spontaneously declare a field trip day. On one such day, when nothing seemed to be going well, we ended up at the zoo for the afternoon. It seemed all the baby animals were also over it and the mamas were reaching their own breaking points.

When we came to the gorilla enclosure, we were treated to a show. Two juveniles were having the time of their lives. They wrestled, threw dirt at each other, and chased each other in circles around their mama. My kids loved this big game of mischief and could not be happier watching those two get into trouble.

After a few warnings, mama gorilla had finally had enough of their antics. (Solidarity, mama.) The big silverback jumped up from where she had been trying to get some peace and quiet and lunged after her rowdy kids. Everyone thought it was hilarious—except my two-year-old.

All Abby could see was this angry gorilla charging full speed right toward us. Terrified, she pointed and screamed, “IS COMIN’!” She called out for her daddy and instinctively reached for his hands, practically climbing up his legs, trying to get to the security of his arms.

To find out what happened next and read how we all have to face down our own gorillas sometimes, click through to The Glorious Table here:
http://theglorioustable.com/2017/05/facing-down-your-gorillas/.

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What About Saturday?

April 14, 2017April 14, 2017 ~ Ashley ~ Leave a comment

Nothing helps you realize just how much you don’t know like a child’s questions. The approximately 1,200 daily queries from my ten-and-under set certainly keep me on my toes. If your role in life has brought you anywhere near young children, I’m sure you know what I mean.

My kids tend to ask their most philosophical questions after we’ve said our bedtime prayers and I’m on my way out of the room.

“Mom? What if you wake up tomorrow and realize you’ve been asleep for seventy-five years and your whole life has been a dream?”

“Hey, Mom? Do you think there’s Chick-Fil-A in heaven?”

“Mom! If I tell God a joke, do you think he’ll laugh?”

One night we were talking about the upcoming Easter weekend. I explained Maundy Thursday, when Jesus and his disciples shared the Last Supper and Jesus was arrested. We talked about Good Friday and all the events of that sad day when Jesus died on the cross. Then we wrapped up with the celebration of Resurrection Sunday when Jesus conquered death and rose from the grave.

“But, Mom? You talked about Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. What about Saturday? What happened that day?”

To continue reading about the truth that question brought to mind, please join the conversation at The Glorious Table. Click here: http://theglorioustable.com/2017/04/what-about-saturday/.

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Telling More Than Time – a JORD Wood Watches Review & Giveaway

March 12, 2017March 12, 2017 ~ Ashley ~ 2 Comments

{I was thrilled to partner with JORD Wood Watches for this sponsored post. We received a complimentary watch but all feedback, thoughts, and opinions are my own.}

See this guy right here?

Yep. That one.

This is the hardest working man I know. Not only is he a fantastic husband and incredible dad, he is the greatest nurse who cares for the most critically ill or injured children in our community.

He is kind and generous. He takes the time to notice others and really see them.

He’s the kind of guy who learns the life story of the bathroom attendant and then brings him a round of his favorite beer.

He is devoted to his family. Everything he does, he does with us in mind.

He is completely selfless and puts others above himself every time.

So when JORD Wood Watches contacted me to see if I’d be interested in a beautiful timepiece for my husband to try out, I absolutely jumped at the chance.

As a homeschooling mom of three with no personal income, I was so excited to be able to give this man of mine a beautiful anniversary surprise. This gorgeous Zebrawood and Dark Sandalwood men’s watch from the Conway series was just perfect for him.

Strong, steady, classic. Timeless.

JORD Wood Watches come in a beautiful package. — JORD Wood Watches come beautifully packaged in a gorgeous wooden keepsake box.

The JORD philosophy could not be more on point for my husband and our family.

The value of a watch is not in being able to tell how much time has passed, but in being aware of the need to make that time count. Moments are bigger than minutes and your watch should tell more than time.

-JORD Wood Watches

I could not think of a more perfect gift for someone who tries to make every moment count for something bigger.

The time he spends caring for his patients and comforting their frightened families.

The time he spends with our children, experiencing the world through their eyes.

The time he has spent putting up with me over the last 14 years. =)

All those moments add up to so much more than minutes. And JORD has revolutionized the way we think about the passing of time with these beautiful reminders to make our time count.

I wish everyone could carry this reminder with them.

And JORD does, too!

That’s why they want to give one of you a $100 gift code to go towards the purchase of a gorgeous timepiece of your very own.

JORD offers a great variety of both men’s and women’s watches, and you’ll be sure to find a beautiful and unique watch to fit your style.

Enter here for a chance to win! Everyone who enters but doesn’t win will still receive a $25 gift code as a consolation prize.

Wooden Wrist Watch

10 Things I’ve Learned in 10 Years of Motherhood

July 25, 2016 ~ Ashley ~ Leave a comment

10 things in 10 years motherhood

My first baby just had his tenth birthday. He was just born five minutes ago. And then I blinked. I can definitely testify to the truth of that old saying: “The days are long but the years are short.” I’m no expert, but I have learned some valuable lessons along the way.

Here are ten things I’ve learned in ten years of motherhood.

Expect the unexpected.
From minute one, motherhood has been full of surprises. Our firstborn was named and the room decorated in various shades of pink just as soon as we left our gender-revealing ultrasound. The kid was five minutes old before someone thought to tell us that she was a he. Our poor ultrasound tech must have had an off day. Oops.

Haters gonna hate.
No matter what we choose for our children, there will be plenty of people who passionately disagree with us. Breast or bottle, cloth or disposable, free-range or Pop-Tarts. I’m still somewhat shocked at how freely people will shame a mom for her choices. After ten years, my skin has finally thickened up and I’ve learned to own my decisions.

Coffee and wine.
The only two things I can think of that I get to enjoy on my own without sharing with my kids. They don’t even ask anymore. Cheers!

This, too, shall pass.
Whether it’s teething, potty training, or the crazy drama of threenagers, there are seasons of motherhood. I thought I would never leave the house without packing for a three-day safari. And then suddenly, I was carrying a cute purse again. (Would someone please occasionally remind me of my own words because we started over with a new baby last year. Ahem. See #1. Also, #3.)

Choose Laughter.
When they draw whiskers on their faces in permanent marker the day before family portraits. When I drop the diaper and the contents fall out in front of a crowd. When I’m carrying a screaming kid half my size all the way through Target. These are the moments that could easily send me into a mommy meltdown. It took some practice, but I learned to laugh. Especially when I realized these are the stories I’ll get to tell at their rehearsal dinners…

To read the remainder of this post and join the conversation by sharing your lessons and tips, please click through to visit Atlanta Area Moms Blog. While you’re there, check out some of the other great posts by some amazing mamas!
http://atlanta.citymomsblog.com/mom/10-things-ive-learned-10-years-motherhood/