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Will I Still Be Okay?

Last night, as I was doing my quiet time, the Lord began asking me a few questions. They were some really hard questions, and I still don't know my answer to them. 

My devotion was on living with an eternal purpose in mind, which is something I've been hearing a lot in the past few days. Matthew Henry writes, "It ought to be the business of every day to prepare for our last day." Do we live in a way to make every moment count? Chris Tiegreen, the guy who wrote my devotional, writes, "Understanding life's uncertainty can lead to a remarkable shift in values." Are my priorities lined up in such a way that I'm showing how uncertain every day is to the people in my day-to-day life? 

Tiegreen ends yesterday's devotion with this challenge: "Begin living in the light of eternity, and understand the life God has given us." Am I really living in the light of eternity? Am I living with an eternal perspective? 1 John 2:28 says, "And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at His coming." 

Did you catch that last part? "we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at His coming" Last week, I went to church with Caroline in Auburn (actually in Opelika, but that's not the point). The pastor preached on this verse. I want to live every day so that I am confident that if Jesus came back that day, I wouldn't be ashamed at how I was living. I would be so excited, and I could say, "Here I am, Lord. Take me." 

Last night, as I was doing my devotion, I was thinking and praying about all these thoughts. That's when the Lord starting asking me questions. Like one that I tweeted last night. At the end of the day, are we willing to be okay with the fact that God accomplishes the desires of our hearts differently than we imagined?

Am I? Am I okay with that? Will I be content? There are some desires in my heart that are huge. Like getting married. Being a mom. Meeting my BM. But what if the Lord accomplishes those desires in ways that are different than I imagined? I'm currently reading this book about a girl who had some of those same desires, and the Lord is using her in different ways than she imagined. Is that what the Lord is going to do?

At the end of the day, will I give all the glory to Him if He does it differently than I want Him to? I sure hope so.

Christmas is in a MONTH!

YAY! I am SO excited for Christmas this year. I think I'm really excited about it because I have my own house that I got to decorate and because of the awesome parties that will take place in this house. But, before I get too carried away with Christmas, I need to write about Thanksgiving.

I really didn't think this Thanksgiving was going to be that eventful. It was our second annual Thanksgiving at Leah's house, and there weren't many plans for a crazy Thanksgiving. We got there, took our group picture without too many complications, and then we all spent the rest of the afternoon eating and talking. I was probably a bit upset about the fact that there wasn't any ham there. (We had a TON of food, two turkeys, and lots of dessert. Yet there was no ham. I was a bit disappointed, yet I've learned to be okay with that when none of my family and few of my friends actually like ham.)

Well, the day got a little crazy when Leah's cousin's dog got out and half of us went looking for him. (I may or may not have been the reason why he got out.) After knocking on a random neighbor's door, traipsing through some people's yards, climbing over some rocks and up a hill, and Leah going under some barbed wire, my dad called to say that the dog was found. I'd say that was a little eventful. Then, we got back to Leah's house, and what was there? Oh, just her sister and two horses. What did I do? Oh, just rode one in the front yard. No big deal. Check out Leah's blog to see the pictures!

That night, Leah and I were some of the crazies that took part of the Black Friday shopping. We got some AMAZING deals! Even though we had some really awkward moments, I'd say the night/early morning was a major success. I've also come to the conclusion that me + Leah + event will more than likely always end up in us having some sort of crazy story and that we shouldn't be surprised when it happens.

Back to Christmas...my house is DECORATED! Ah, I love it. I really am enjoying this whole decorating a house thing, especially when it comes to Christmas time. Leah put some pictures up, and hopefully the next time she's over she can take some more. I'm looking forward to the Christmas parties that are going to take place in my house in the next few weeks! Also, I'm seriously almost done with my Christmas shopping. Thanks, Black Friday Specials! I've knocked out four people already, and I've made a dent in a few others.

I'm spending the rest of my Thanksgiving break reading this:

and getting really excited for Christmas by pinning things like this: 

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I really love this picture.

So grateful for these girls! 

thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays where I so WISH that my family had traditions that we held every year. But, last year we went to Leah's house so that our families could celebrate Thanksgiving together. We're doing that again this year, and I'm thinking that it may become our new tradition. I'm totally okay with that!!

This year, I'm thankful for...
--my house! Even though it means that my grandma is in an assisted living facility (which really is a blessing), I'm SO thankful that my parents are cool enough to let me live in it!
--my NEW great job. I was talking to a friend today, and I said, "I don't even feel like I'm at work when I'm here. It's so fun." Thank You, Lord, for letting me have this amazing opportunity!
--my great family. I have such amazing parents, and I don't know where I would be without them. My extended family (i.e. my aunt who is making me a t-shirt quilt--YES) my BD, his family, my BM's parents, and every other family member. I love them all.
--my precious and sweet friends. I so love every single one of them. They are amazing blessings in my life, and I would not be the person I am today if not for them.
--all the sweet babies in my life. I love, love, love that the Lord lets me be "Ash-Ash" to some of the most adorable babies/toddlers in the world (not that I'm biased or anything...). What an awesome blessing that the Lord gives me even though I don't have "real" siblings!
--our precious and gracious heavenly Father for loving me enough to give His Son for me. How great is our God?!

What are you thankful for this thanksgiving?!

I'm Thankful For...

...some really sweet friends. The past two nights have been filled with the best friends a girl could ever ask for. Monday night had my group of friends from church, and last night was all of my friends from high school. I so love the holidays because it means that almost all of my best friends are in town. They are the best, and I'm so blessed by them!

So thankful that these two are some of my best friends!

This was supposed to be a play on awkward family photos, but it's just funny. 

We SO miss Drew this semester!

Awkward space in between the two of them made for a great photo. 

Great friends. 

Love these guys. 

Unfortunately, I didn't break out the camera last night. But, we'll be hanging out and taking lots of pictures during our Christmas party that's going to be at my house in a few weeks. I'm super excited :) But, I was left with a few gifts on my phone from last night. 

two of my favorite people in the world. 

seriously. 

life would be so dull without them. 

I'm trying to spice up the blog a little bit with a new background and other stuff. I'm still working it all out, but thanks to Chelsea I'm doing better than I was before!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

I give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify Your name forever. - Psalm 86:12

war eagle, hey!

I love Auburn. I know I've mentioned it a ton before, but I adore Auburn University, Auburn football, and almost anything orange and blue. The only thing (besides the good Lord Himself) that got me through this week was the fact that I knew I would be headed to Auburn on Saturday. Add in a last minute sleepover with Caroline, and I was really excited about the weekend. The only thing I wasn't excited about was waking up at 5 so that we could hit the road at 6.

Apparently I was so NOT excited about waking up that early that I didn't. I was supposed to pick my dad up at 6:15, and at 6:25 he called me and woke me up. Needless to say, we left at 7:15 instead of 6:15. We ended up getting to Auburn around 10:30 their time, and everything worked out great. Headed to Momma Goldberg's for some delicious nachos for lunch then it was time to head to Jordan Hare Stadium!

Side Note: In this post, I said I was going to cut out sweet tea and coke for the rest of the year. Only water. I was doing fine. I had gotten through my caffeine headaches, and I was good. Until Saturday. I ordered lunch at Momma G's, and I asked (and paid) for a bottle of water. The manager comes out and says, "Ma'am, I'm sorry but we don't have any bottles left. And our tap isn't working either, so there's no water I can give you. Want a coke?" I was a bit bummed, but I had to drink SOMETHING with those monterrey jack nachos, so I caved. And again, just like that, I'm back for the rest of the year. Oh well. I tried. 

I just love this place. 

Look at all that pretty orange and blue. 

Auburn wins!

Good day with just my dad :)

After the game and some shopping to get some new Auburn things, which you can never have too much of :), my dad dropped me off with Caroline, and I hung out with her for the rest of the day/weekend. I hadn't seen her since Labor Day weekend, so it was good to spend some time with her. We went to church this morning then ate lunch in Atlanta at Mary Mac's Tea Room. It was so good. If you love Southern food and you're in Atlanta, you must check it out! 

My two precious friends Leah and Hannah have joined and rejoined the blogger world! I'm excited! Leah's blog is for her photography-ness, and Hannah's is for her life and such. I love these girls tons (even though we don't get to see Hannah all that much) but I'm glad they're blogging now! Check them out :) 

Super excited for Thanksgiving break this week, seeing old friends, and lots of good eats!

weekend recap.

It's been a not-so-busy-but-really-fun weekend.

I got up super early on Friday so that I could take these sweet boys to school (okay, it was only 8 a.m. but I really like my sleep, especially on Fridays):

I mean, seriously?! How cute are they?!

Saturday, I watched Auburn play a TERRIBLE game. I mean, it was awful. Georgia had some amazing plays, but Auburn was just not playing the game. My dad said that he thought the band was out there playing. I agree. 

That night, my family was supposed to go to the Brandon Heath concert with Leah and her family. But, Mr. Bob wasn't feeling well, so I went with my parents and we brought Chelsea along. 

After the concert, my mom got Brandon Heath's set list so that we could give it to Mr. Bob. He collects them. She told Chelsea and I that it was "our challenge" to go and get the set list signed. We lived up to that challenge and then some. We got Brandon Heath to make a video for Mr. Bob which you can watch here. It was SO sweet!

I got my Erin Condren planner in the mail on Friday! I love it! I really don't think I'll buy another planner ever again. It's great! 

It's the last full week of classes before Thanksgiving. I'm so ready to be done. My schedule for next semester will hopefully be where I only have classes Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Great? Great. Dear friends who I haven't gone to see this semester, it WILL be happening next semester! 

Also, I got the series Band of Brothers yesterday at Target. It was on sale, and I couldn't pass it up. I LOVE it. Random fact about Ashton #9547823: I love World War II. Anything and everything about it. It's my favorite time in history to study and learn about. 

Check out Hillsong's Christmas album. This song is by far my favorite from the whole album! So good!

Have a fabulous fall filled Monday! 

weird.

“We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.” 

― Dr. Seuss

tuesday.

Tuesdays are my LONGEST days at school, but not my longest days during the week (that's Wednesday). My first class is at 8:30, and my last class is over at 6:10. Ugh. I really don't like Tuesdays at all.

But, this Tuesday wasn't too bad. I had an appointment, so I didn't go to my 11:30 class. Then, I finished my FINAL project for my music class. I'm DONE. Finished. Ah, the feeling is so liberating.

My mom and I went shopping for Christmas decorations yesterday. I'm so excited to get to decorate my house for Christmas! It was pretty successful, although there are still a few things I need to get, like my annual ornament. Every year, I've always gotten an ornament (this is definitely a tradition I'll continue with my family). Usually my ornament somehow says something about that year. So, this year I'm trying to find a house ornament since I moved into my new house this year (props to my mom for that idea).

I saw this at Hobby Lobby tonight. 

SERIOUSLY? Are you kidding me, Hobby Lobby? 

So dumb. 

with Momma Connie last week at the Fall Family Fest at WBC :) 

Today, I was talking with our Teaching Pastor at church. The man has a LOT of wisdom, and I respect him a lot. He said something that really stuck with me. It was this, "Is your desire for what you want greater than your desire for what someone else needs?" I just thought that was awesome, and I think it can be applied in SO many different relationships. 

How cute is this little pumpkin head?

He made it at school yesterday, and this is what I got when I told him to "pose". 

Love. Him. 

best friends.

so thankful they're my people. 

Source: etsy.com via Ashton on Pinterest

ACS people, get ready. 

This is coming. 

Third Annual Christmas Party. 

Tonight I watched one of ESPN's films: Roll Tide/War Eagle. So, so, so incredibly good. Oh my goodness, I love Auburn football. I love the rivalry between the two teams, and I'm glad to be on the Auburn side :) Can't wait to go to Auburn next weekend with my dad! 

Charles Barkley said this on the film (referring to the Cam Newton accusations): "Alabama accusing Auburn of cheating is like Snooki telling Halle Berry she's ugly. Are you kidding me?" That Charles Barkley. He's a good man. #wareagle

I think I mentioned that I am just LOVING Ben Rector and his music. I really like his song Hank. I'll leave you with a few lyrics from that.

when you find yourself alone in times of trouble

reach inside you and above you

there's nothing He can't heal 

ahhh, November.

November screams to me Thanksgiving and fall. I love it. It finally seems to be getting cold, and the leaves are changing and falling off of trees. I. Love. November. 


This past Sunday, Leah took pictures of my family for our Christmas card. And, my parents need some new pictures of their favorite daughter in their recently renovated house :) Here are a few of my favorites:

coming your way this December!

love my dog.

(and that box!)

if only Lucy were looking at the camera...

I decided to cut out Coke and Sweet Tea for the rest of the year. If you didn't ready this post from earlier this year (go read it), then let me just remind you that I had planned on only drinking water this year. But after a few mishaps (you really need to read that post), I caved and went back to my Coke. So, when I saw lots of people posting about No Shave November (which I'm not doing; so ridiculously gross that some girls do that), I decided I should give something up for November, which then resulted in me giving up something for the rest of the year. Good idea? 

Wrong. I had the worst caffeine headache on Wednesday. I even had to leave work early. I've been fine since then, but I'm already looking forward to JANUARY 1st when I can drink Coke again. And the fact that I'll be TWENTY on that day! So bizarre. 

Secret Church was last night. David Platt has such a gift. I am super thankful for that man. Even though it was a loooong night (we didn't get done until about 2 AM, Eastern time), I was convicted and challenged in many different ways. The Lord used that time to really speak to me. A few of my favorite thoughts from the night: 

Jesus never preached a message urging people to make marriage their ultimate priority. He urged people to make Him their ultimate priority. 

To resist the idea of authority and submission is to resist God Himself. 

Where there is persecution, that means God is at work. 

Your spiritual life is primarily what is expressed in your home, not what is expressed at church. 

Orphans are easier to forget until you see their faces and know their names. 

The life that counts is the life that is consumed with the next life. 

Divorce is not good because God will never divorce His people. 

"I must trust Him to make it possible for me to honor Him in my singleness." - Margaret Clarkston

Remember to set your clocks back an hour! Enjoy your weekend, friends.