Ashley W.

Today, Ashley speaks to us about the Enneagram book she has been reading, love’s unselfishness and God’s consistency.

Ashley W.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: Numbers 9:15-10  (About the cloud covering the tabernacle)– the presence, power and authority of the Lord. 

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Learning to trust God’s timing, saying no to things I feel God does not want me to pursue, in trust that He has a reason 

Profession: Great question (currently in progress, after leaving teaching. I will always be a teacher, at heart.)

A one sentence bio of yourself: I am a creature of joy, creativity, organization and a consistent pursuer of beauty. 

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I encountered God through the Bible, in high school, reading the book of John and believing it. I began to change and my character began to refine. 

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Seeing how consistent God is in showing up, even when I am not sitting with my Bible and journal, every morning, like I was able to in the past few years. My habits and rituals to connect don’t change His presence, His promises or His faithfulness to me. 

“My habits and rituals to connect don’t change His presence, His promises or His faithfulness to me.”

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I just read A Road Back To You, a book about the Enneagram. There is a theory about personalities based on our vices that has been developing for years in the Christian community. The hope is that you identify your number and through this, you can help yourself identify your natural bent in difficulty and your habits or tendencies in normal life. 

Top three essentials: Journal, camera, water bottle. 

How did God speak to you recently? I have been driving a highway loop talking out loud to God and through this process, I also hear back. 

Hobby: Calligraphy, painting, writing, baking, cooking, photography, knitting, sewing, jewelry making… you name it. 

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong:

1) Set a time, every day, to pray/journal or read the Bible (or all three— and stick to it).

2) Worship. This can look a million ways, but ultimately, it is something that offers yourself up to God. For me this looks like dancing, playing my keyboard or singing to God without a specific plan  

3) Declare your identity over yourself in confidence, especially in seasons that get tough.

“Worship. This can look a million ways, but ultimately, it is something that offers yourself up to God.”

Favorite person in scripture? So hard to choose! I like the women, of course. I love how Naomi was faithful to her family and how that turned out for her, in the end. I love Esther and how sensitive she was to use the right timing to get her needs met. I love Mary who had to have been thought of in just the worst of ways in a time where children before marriage had to have been so taboo! Not to mention it was God’s baby. What a strong woman! 

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? JOY. That God is good always and that love doesn’t have selfishness attached. 

“Love doesn’t have selfishness attached.”

Favorite season? Fall.

Favorite holiday? Christmas! YAY!

A dream you have? Selfishly: flip houses;

Selflessly: land where people live in tiny houses and are taught trades of which they then sell the products, to get back on their feet. 

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Family looks a little different for me, but I try to see my twin on our birthday, every year.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? What were some of your favorite memories of our relationship?

Thing you want to raise awareness about: I will say the importance of emotional intelligence in early childhood. 

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Right now, I teach children online, who live in China.

What is on your nightstand? Books, a jewelry dish, a little plant and a little light.

Define Christianity in a sentence: The absolute adoration of the work of Jesus and the decision to walk in belief of salvation by choosing Jesus, as a way of life and love, every day. 

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