Hey there!
My name is Ashley, and I kind of have a thing for words—and Jesus.
Words can inspire, encourage and unite, or they can defeat, diminish, and divide.
My hope is that the words I have to offer will inspire us, encourage us, and unite us in the love and truth of Jesus Christ.
Right from the start I want to make sure my intentions are clear for this space. My number one goal for writing and sharing my words is to give glory to God—to tell of all the wonderful things He has done and continues to do.
“Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.”
I’ll be honest…I often hear that voice, asking “who do you think you are to put your words out there and think they will matter to anyone else?” For far too long, I listened to that voice, that lie, because it sounded like me. As I continue to break free from that lie and many others holding me back, I can now finally hear and see with clarity. That voice, though it sounded like me, wasn’t me, and it wasn’t God’s voice either. There was absolutely NO love, no kindness, no grace. That’s not the God I serve!
I’m done listening to the enemy and letting him think he has any ground in my life. DONE! So, I will boldly use my words for His glory and the good of others. That’s my part to do, and I’ll trust that God will do what only He can do with His part.
My husband is a pastor at City Church of Bartlesville (in Oklahoma), and we are gearing up to launch our church’s first campus in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. A small, rural town in northern Oklahoma made famous by the Pioneer Woman that is filled to the brim with people and families who need the hope only Jesus can give.
I grew up in church as a pastor’s kid, spent time in a ministry internship after high school, and attended and graduated from Bible college. But the greatest training ground for ministry and God’s calling on my life has been learning to live and grow in the mundane, ordinary days of life as a wife, mother of 3, and various other “titles” for the past 12 or so years.
I’ll wrap this up with maybe what I should have said first: I am a Christian, firmly grounded in the truth and grace of God and boldly living my life as a woman on mission for His glory. I cannot stay silent, and I will not give up. My story matters. What God has done in my life matters. Just as your story and what He has done in your life matters.
I want this to be a place that allows space for others to tell their stories. We’ve all got one, and sometimes we just need someone to give us permission or a little nudge to share it. I would like to know your story — how God has moved in your life and where He’s taking you.