Ashley S.

I know some pretty amazing women. These women are driven, filled with faith, and I feel there is so much we can learn from each one and her personal journey. These church ladies break all molds and reflect God beautifully in so many different ways.

Today, I am introducing you to Ashley. I was so excited to meet her, as I have been following her blog for about a year and a half, now (I have been admiring from afar, for a while). I have her blog saved to my favorites, on my phone. Her blog is so beautifully and uniquely curated. Just from this, I knew the creator behind it (Ashley) had to be special. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to a young woman who is constantly inspiring others.

Ashley S.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34) Odd choice, I know, but sometimes, I need a reminder to take one day at a time.

“Sometimes, I need a reminder to take one day at a time.” 

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: I am currently focusing on listening to God’s plan; I’m looking to make some big decisions in the near future (hopefully moving to Berlin!). Waiting to see what doors the Lord leads me to.

Profession: I’m currently still in school, I’ll be finishing up my undergraduate degree in May! I’m just doing a regular retail job until then.

A one sentence bio of yourself: My personal motto is: “Seeking a great perhaps, fueled by coffee & grace,” and if you know me, you’ll know that this definitely describes me as a person.

“Seeking a great perhaps, fueled by coffee & grace.”

When did you first encounter God? I love when people ask me this, but it’s also not easy to answer. The short version is: I’ve had moments throughout my life where I’ve encountered God. I didn’t realize it was Him, until about six years ago. I accepted the Lord as my Savior on a beach in Florida, the summer before my junior year of high school.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? The Lord has really put incredible people in my life who encourage and push me towards Him. It’s very sweet how the Lord uses the love of others, to love on you.

“It’s very sweet how the Lord uses the love of others, to love on you.”

Just read/currently reading: Matthew chapter 6, I love studying the New Testament. Seriously– the historical context alone is so powerful.

Top three essentials: My phone, coffee or tea, and something to write with! I tend to write a lot, especially when I’m praying or listening to God.

How did God speak to you recently? Through one of my textbooks, ironically. (laughs) I don’t remember what I was reading exactly, but I do remember God speaking to me about how it doesn’t matter what presumptions others make about me, what matters is who I am. It was just a really sweet moment of God affirming who I am in Him.

“I do remember God speaking to me about how it doesn’t matter what presumptions others make about me, what matters is who I am.”

Hobby? I rarely have time for hobbies, but when I do, I usually enjoy hiking, photography, painting, or just reading something that isn’t a textbook!

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Stay in the Word, stay in the Word, stay in the Word– if you do just this, everything else, like finding a church and good fellowship, is easy.

“Stay in the Word, stay in the Word, stay in the Word.”

Favorite person in scripture? The Widow of Zarephath. I see so much of my mom in her story. The Lord asks so much of her, and in return, He takes care of her and her son. It’s really a beautiful story.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? When people see me, I want them to understand how loved they truly are.

Favorite season? Fall is, hands down, my all-time favorite season.

Favorite holiday? Fourth of July, and not because I’m overly patriotic, but because my whole family gets together for fireworks, and we make homemade Big Red ice cream. We only make it once a year, so it’s a real special treat.

“We make homemade Big Red ice cream.”

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Well, my family is not really one to keep traditions, other than the Big Red ice cream thing. However, since I live in a different state than my family, every time we get together, we always order pizza for our first meal. I don’t think we meant to make it a tradition, but when I would visit my parents from college, it was such an easy go-to meal, and I could pick it up on the way home— so, we ended up getting pizza every time I’d come home. Now, it’s sort of a tradition.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Honestly, I’d like to see the creation of the world, and how the past unfolded. I don’t have a specific question, but I do want to see how God made everything in such great detail.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: There is so much I’d like for people to be aware about, however, the most important thing is self-care. Please take care of yourself; make sure you are spiritually, emotional, and mentally healthy. When you’re well, you are able to help others around you.

“Please take care of yourself; make sure you are spiritually, emotional, and mentally healthy. When you’re well, you are able to help others around you.”

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? I’m so not a morning person. If I’m up before 9 a.m., it’s a miracle! On rare occasion that I am up, I usually go for a run and then have some quiet time with my tea.

What is on your nightstand? Currently on my nightstand is my bible, journal, laptop, and textbook– so it’s kind of overflowing (laughs).

For more Ashley:

Tumblr: Pretty-Simple.tumblr.com

Insta: @ashley_m._sanchez

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO.