Good Morning!!!
There's so much I want to share with you this morning.
Israel Houghton's latest CD "The Power of One" has many great songs on the album. There is one in particular that tugs at my heart. Its called "Every Prayer." The song speaks about how when we pray, God hears us.
If you're like me, you've said to yourself, "Is God really hearing me?"
The song is a great reminder that God DOES hear your prayer! Just think about it, if God created the oceans, mountains, birds, and created YOU: then He's definitely paying attention to you.
Remember in the first chapter of Joshua, God said "I will never leave nor forsake you." The best part of the song is when Mary Mary and Israel sings "There is an answer on the way, My God has done so many great things."
And that's so very true, God doesn't lie, He doesn't give out false promises or hope. As long as we have faith in what God can do, then we will see God work on our behalf (but our HEART has to be 100% committed to God).
I'm going to leave you with this scripture:
138:3 " As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength."
Have a blessed day! And remember to smile b/c God has written you a special part to play in Life!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
So Beautiful!
Good Morning!
As we start this new day, I wanted to share with you a scripture that truly ministered to my spirit. This reaffirmed the inner beauty inside of me (and for you as well)
Let's take a look at
Ephesians 2:10
" For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
For those who are in "transition," ie- a young working professional, a soon to be college graduate, or whatever it may be in your life, I'm always thinking about my purpose in life.
Ephesians 2:10 speaks to who we truly are and what our purpose is in life. "We are God's Masterpieces." This means that God uniquely created each and every one of us to be "His Masterpiece." We are God's "mona lisa," and "Beethoven's Symphony."
To simply put it, you are so. Beautiful! A wonderous work that God has created "to do good works."
This is the second part of the scripture states "so we can do the good things God created for us long ago." God has AWESOME plans for our lives. We are created for a purpose and that is to do "good things" that God has planned for us.
So the bottom line of today's message is this: You are beautiful masterpiece created by God, to good things that He has planned for you.
God Bless & Keep You,
A Beautiful Mess!
PS-if you have a prayer request email me at shuler.ashley@gmail.com
As we start this new day, I wanted to share with you a scripture that truly ministered to my spirit. This reaffirmed the inner beauty inside of me (and for you as well)
Let's take a look at
Ephesians 2:10
" For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
For those who are in "transition," ie- a young working professional, a soon to be college graduate, or whatever it may be in your life, I'm always thinking about my purpose in life.
Ephesians 2:10 speaks to who we truly are and what our purpose is in life. "We are God's Masterpieces." This means that God uniquely created each and every one of us to be "His Masterpiece." We are God's "mona lisa," and "Beethoven's Symphony."
To simply put it, you are so. Beautiful! A wonderous work that God has created "to do good works."
This is the second part of the scripture states "so we can do the good things God created for us long ago." God has AWESOME plans for our lives. We are created for a purpose and that is to do "good things" that God has planned for us.
So the bottom line of today's message is this: You are beautiful masterpiece created by God, to good things that He has planned for you.
God Bless & Keep You,
A Beautiful Mess!
PS-if you have a prayer request email me at shuler.ashley@gmail.com
Sunday, August 9, 2009
THINK BIG, DREAM BIG!!!!
Hello everyone,
Israel Houghton---Your Latter Will Be Greater
I know what you are thinking, "this blog is on "chill" mode!" And you're right. In fact, i'm just trying to balance work and play (and struggling with the play part). But let's get down to the real topic at hand. Lately, there have been so many topics I want to write about but its sooo hard to choose. So, i'm going with my gut on this one.
Say it with: THINK BIG, DREAM BIG---there's no idea too small or too big for you to into reality!!!!
During work, I received an email from one of my co-workers who was on a business trip in downtown New Orleans. He and his other team members were a mission trip to investigate the ongoing homelessness crises from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita.
As I was watching the interviews of homeless persons, I began to think: How did we get here America? Five years after the Hurricane catastrophe, the state and local government is now stripping away the "right to housing" from these individuals. Why isn't anyone outraged (minus the homeless advocates groups) about this? Who is standing up for these people?
This got my blood boiling!
This is when I had my "ah-ha" moment. I thought to myself, I could be an activist/lawyer. Now, back to the title of the blog post: THING BIG, DREAM BIG. As a young working professionals (just shy of 2 years out of school), we are often trying to find our place in this world. I myself, have been praying left and right for God's direction over my life.
I used to think to myself, "I don't know if i'm equipped to do this or do that". I was crippling myself and missing out on opportunities that God had for me. I realized one thing: what right do I have to place limits on myself. God has already placed everything we need inside each and every one of us.
Later on that day, I prayed to God and I said, "There is nothing I can't do without you God." I often remind myself: With GOD all things are POSSIBLE. God takes what we see as an IMPOSSIBILITY and places it in our path for us to accomplish."
Check out these awesome links:
Israel Houghton---Your Latter Will Be Greater
New Orleans Forced Evictions Mission
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
It's Been WAYYYY TOOO LONG
Ladies and Gents,
I've neglected you. Yes, its been too long and the summer has been a little crazy for me. But I promise to blog more inspirational words of wisdom your way. So let's get to it:
Today's Lesson is something that I really set the tone for the day. It comes from Phillipians 3:4-9. I am going to highlight a few key verses with my analysis of why this could radically impact your life.
4-5Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
8-9Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
In verse 4, the Apostle Paul is encouraging us to "celebrate God everyday and wrap ourselves around him (in and out). After reading this twice, I said to myself, I have to do better than just praising God for 10 minutes of so. God requires that not only to celebrate who are God is, but we have to do it in more ways that one. Am I "reveling" in God in my assignments at work?" "While I'm volunteering?" or when a situation arises? How is my praise glorifying God?!
The next few sentences (v.6-7), "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life"
These verses put a smile on my face: Instead of worrying, "what is that going to do for you?" I need to just pray and let my Praise be the forefront of my prayers and then I will begin to see do a "new" thing inside of me.
The bottom line is: If we focus on the positive in life, the negative will never have a hold on you and your struggles will only seem like little mole hills. The Key is not believing in yourself, but believing what God can do through you!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday's Cause: Everybody Wins!!!!
Hello Beautiful People,
Today's Cause is a DC Non-Profit called Everybody Wins! This organization is devoted to promoting children's literacy and a love of learning through shared reading experiences with caring individuals. These experiences enhance children's self-esteem, expand their possibilities for success in school and life and enable adult volunteers and communities to experience the rewards of enriching young lives.
One of their programs namely "Power Lunch Program," which operates in 14 Title I Public Elementary schools, links eager young minds with caring adults, who give an hour of their time each week to read and talk with children over lunch. Power Lunch is based on the belief that the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.
I love their mission and their investment of children (the future leaders of the next generation!)
Let's stay involved in our communities, We can make a difference together!
Check out the website below:
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Thought of the Week: God's Calling on Your Life!
Happy July! Was it just me who thought that June seemed a bit crazy and busy? This week's "Thought of The Week" comes straight from a mini-conference I went to at my church. The theme of Vacation Bible School was "Under Construction." The first thing that came to mind was "Bob The Builder, Can He Fix It? Bob The Builder YES HE CAN." The purpose of our 3 day journey was to go deep inside ourselves and discover what needed to be "fixed" up in order for God to move forward in our lives.
In the Young Adult Class, We talked about "our calling" in each of our lives, as it relates to what needed to "fixed" up in order to walk in God's Calling for each of our lives. We had many thought-provoking discussions, which we sometimes uncomfortable but yet necessary for me to face. I used to think that God's calling on your life meant you had to do something in the church. It was explained to me that God's Calling for your life is not restricted to the church, because people outside of the church need your talents and gifts.
One of the "projects" that God has placed on my heart is to open up a community center for youth. Where would I do this? When Would I do this ? I Have NO IDEA. In my head, I have a perfect set: a full court gym, classrooms, and even a few bedrooms (for those in emergency situations). I would have offices for nutrition, educational resources, teen pregnancy, and parental resources. This would be a safe plans for young people to discover their talents and make plans to attain their dreams. For those who are having those hard pressing issues, their will be on-site psychologists and therapists on staff. For the parents, we will have workshops for finances, education, and raising your child. I get so excited just thinking about it but I had to confront my worst fears and worries about "how is this going to happen? Will this happen?
I learned a few things from this mini-conference:
a) God has given you everything you need to walk into your destiny, God has placed those gifts inside of you. So don't doubt what talents you have. Just ask Him to teach you how to use it
b) You don't have to do it alone. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. We can't make it in this world alone. That's why God stands with us in the good times and especially during the more pressing times. He drops people in our lives that are meant for us to learn something from them.
c) Jeremiah 29:11 "For I Know the Plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for good and not for harm, plans to give you a hope and a future." I love love love Jeremiah 29:11. Alot of people might think its redundant (i've thought so myself), but it truly captures the essences of what our lives are about. God has GREAT & AWESOME PLANS FOR YOUR LIFE. These are plans that will not harm you nor will it set you back. These are plans to give US a HOPE and a FUTURE.
d) TRUST ME! Proverbs 3:5 "Trust In the Lord with ALL your Heart, and Lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path." This is something I am learning about daily, How to Trust God with all of my life? If I only trust God with half of me I can't expect for God move radically in my life. I was awestruck by that statement (a future post about trusting God will come this week). So the bottom line is this, God has a calling in your life. You are probably thinking, "What the heck is it?" Start with writing down what are you passionate about, what are your gifts and talents, then start praying about it.
Once you align your thoughts with God's thoughts, you will be unstoppable!
In the Young Adult Class, We talked about "our calling" in each of our lives, as it relates to what needed to "fixed" up in order to walk in God's Calling for each of our lives. We had many thought-provoking discussions, which we sometimes uncomfortable but yet necessary for me to face. I used to think that God's calling on your life meant you had to do something in the church. It was explained to me that God's Calling for your life is not restricted to the church, because people outside of the church need your talents and gifts.
One of the "projects" that God has placed on my heart is to open up a community center for youth. Where would I do this? When Would I do this ? I Have NO IDEA. In my head, I have a perfect set: a full court gym, classrooms, and even a few bedrooms (for those in emergency situations). I would have offices for nutrition, educational resources, teen pregnancy, and parental resources. This would be a safe plans for young people to discover their talents and make plans to attain their dreams. For those who are having those hard pressing issues, their will be on-site psychologists and therapists on staff. For the parents, we will have workshops for finances, education, and raising your child. I get so excited just thinking about it but I had to confront my worst fears and worries about "how is this going to happen? Will this happen?
I learned a few things from this mini-conference:
a) God has given you everything you need to walk into your destiny, God has placed those gifts inside of you. So don't doubt what talents you have. Just ask Him to teach you how to use it
b) You don't have to do it alone. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. We can't make it in this world alone. That's why God stands with us in the good times and especially during the more pressing times. He drops people in our lives that are meant for us to learn something from them.
c) Jeremiah 29:11 "For I Know the Plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for good and not for harm, plans to give you a hope and a future." I love love love Jeremiah 29:11. Alot of people might think its redundant (i've thought so myself), but it truly captures the essences of what our lives are about. God has GREAT & AWESOME PLANS FOR YOUR LIFE. These are plans that will not harm you nor will it set you back. These are plans to give US a HOPE and a FUTURE.
d) TRUST ME! Proverbs 3:5 "Trust In the Lord with ALL your Heart, and Lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path." This is something I am learning about daily, How to Trust God with all of my life? If I only trust God with half of me I can't expect for God move radically in my life. I was awestruck by that statement (a future post about trusting God will come this week). So the bottom line is this, God has a calling in your life. You are probably thinking, "What the heck is it?" Start with writing down what are you passionate about, what are your gifts and talents, then start praying about it.
Once you align your thoughts with God's thoughts, you will be unstoppable!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Wednesday's Cause: The Colour Sisterhood
Let's get right to it! I present to you this week's "cause": The Colour Sisterhood
By definition sisterhood is "empathy that one woman (or one company of women) might feel for another". The Colour Sisterhood represents a company of down to earth, everyday women who desire to make a difference and make the world a better place - in essence it is a foundation seeking to "place value upon humanity".
The Sisterhood seeks to champion the cause of the orphan child and widow, to come alongside women (near and far) who are facing challenge, and it ultimately seeks to influence nations with the goodness and answers that are to be found in God.
The invitation is not exclusive and is open to any willing heart seeking to bring solution to today's many injustices.
In being faithful with what is in our hand to do NOW, we believe that many doors of opportunity will open, where we as Sisterhood can influence nations and bring hope. There are countless lives just 'waiting' to be loved and believed in.
There is one very important lesson that I learned from The Colour Sisterhood, which is the drastic need to pour out compassionate to others. This is more than just a simple service project, this is a heart to heart connection. Its about reaching out to others and giving your time and talents in order to make a radical change in different communities.
Check out: The Colour Sisterhood Today!
http://www2.hillsong.com/sisterhood2/home.asp
The Vision:
The Colour Sisterhood is emerging as a powerful story of unity and alliance.
By definition sisterhood is "empathy that one woman (or one company of women) might feel for another". The Colour Sisterhood represents a company of down to earth, everyday women who desire to make a difference and make the world a better place - in essence it is a foundation seeking to "place value upon humanity".
The Sisterhood seeks to champion the cause of the orphan child and widow, to come alongside women (near and far) who are facing challenge, and it ultimately seeks to influence nations with the goodness and answers that are to be found in God.
The invitation is not exclusive and is open to any willing heart seeking to bring solution to today's many injustices.
What We Do
Here are a few initiatives that we apart of our program
1. Orphans & Children to the Rescue
A large part of our mandate as a Colour Sisterhood is to take care of the orphans and children.
2. Sisters to Come Alongside
As a global sisterhood we seek to stand alongside women in our communities and across the globe - telling them that there is a God in heaven who loves them and a company of women who believe in them.
3. Nations To Believe In
There is one very important lesson that I learned from The Colour Sisterhood, which is the drastic need to pour out compassionate to others. This is more than just a simple service project, this is a heart to heart connection. Its about reaching out to others and giving your time and talents in order to make a radical change in different communities.
Check out: The Colour Sisterhood Today!
http://www2.hillsong.com/sisterhood2/home.asp
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