Ashley's Top 11 Moments of 2011

Today is the last day of 2011-- I could write an inspirational post about learning to embrace 2011 and move forward in God for 2012 & What you did in 2011 is now behind you and you have 366 days to do something new Or you might have done or said some things in 2011 that you may want to forget-- seek God's face for forgiveness and be better in 2012.

But. I won't do that.

What I will do is give you my top 11 moments (and a bonus) of 2011-- how the Gilmores' survived our first full year in Durham. Ready? Let's Go.

11. In January, we put my Granny in a nursing home. She had been living with my mother for about 1 year and the progression of the disease was getting to much for my mom-- so, I flew home and we took her to Golden Living Nursing Facility in Merrillville. This was one of the hardest things for my mother-- but she overcame it. Unfortunately, the nursing home was not caring for Granny the way they should have-- so by Christmas-- Granny was back home-- with Mom. Pray for them.

10. Declaration for a new job. You can read more about that testimony, here.

9. Facilitating my first bible study. What an awesome and humbling experience! I watched Jeremy do it for years and it became easy for him and eventually me too-- We read 'The Power of a Praying Wife.' Great experience, great group-- so much, I did it again (with a great friend) this semester!

8. Deciding to take better care of my hair. Even though I have been natural since June 2008, I felt like my hair was never growing and that it was just as unhealthy as it had been with a relaxer. So with the help of a few of my favorite natural hair bloggers/vloggers, I resolved to take much better care of my hair. To moisturize, trim my ends and to have a head of healthy hair. It became an obsession, Jeremy asked me one day 'Is that all you do?' Never mind him.. How did I do?

My end of the year blow-out..

7. Engage in more bible reading. I love YouVersion for my phone! I'm telling you, technology has its bad moments but the bible for your phone?!  Yep-- thanks for that invention! YouVersion for Android has a variety of plans that allow you become one-on-one with scripture. One of the best things about this year was reading the book of Proverbs. I feel good not only to have read it but also to understand and apply it!

6.Facebook & Twitter. (Yes, honey-- I know you cringe at this one but read my explanation). While in Durham, I have friends but it's nothing like being connected to your home--your comfort zone. I became dependent on facebook and eventually twitter to know what was going on with people, to communicate, to update on us, etc.. Yes, my name is @ashleydgilmore and I have a social media problem. #SueMe (Share)

5. Phone conversations. This year, since we've only been home once, I've been blessed to have amazing phone conversations with my sistas from other mothers-- about life, relationships, our journeys and when I've needed it the most- honest encouragement! Love my sisters-- so much! Thank you!

4. Praying with and for my mother. It is extremely-- I mean, EXTREMELY hard being the only child of a disabled parent-- who has moved several miles away. My mother has had a rough year (financially, emotionally) but one thing she has done, is remain consistent. So-- I made it a goal to pray for her spirit and to help her understand that this rough year was just a season and that God has something better for her.

3. Jocelyn is potty trained!!!! Yes! Jeremy & I have never been more humbled and disgusted in our lives! Our little princess is now wearing big-girl undies and is extremely happy about it! We are grateful to her daycare for really facilitating this and making it easier on us.

2. Hearing Jeremy preach again. In May, we went home and Pastor Rose & the Second Baptist Church family opened up the platform for my seminarian-- and he preached with so much confidence and knowledge! He even used his Hebrew skills!! I was proud and honored to be his wife.

1. Favor!! With our finances! Lord knows this year we have had a financial drought! But-- over and over again, our bills have been paid, our daycare director being gracious, money is found/sent, the new job with a pay increase, no disconnections and most importantly-- we still tithed through all of this! I totally believe God honored our tithing in spite of being down to our last-- we are coming out the end of the year with all of our needs met and even some wants! Ex 33:17 (NLT) The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.

BONUS: This year-- I lost 16 pounds and 15.5 inches! Very grateful for discipline and a new attitude!

My slogan for 2012, "...What is impossible for people, is possible with God." Luke 18:27.

Happy New Year Folks,
~Mrs. G

The First Lady

I have finally come to the realization that I will add one more title to Ashley: Wife, Mother, Daughter, Granddaughter, Sister, Te-Te, Friend, Blogger and... Pastor's Wife/First Lady.

I have been dreading this title since May 23, 2004 when Jeremy preached his first sermon. From then on, every time he preached, I felt like I needed to look/act a certain way. I hated that stigma that the preacher's wife has to be (insert your adjective here). And when God spoke to me about supporting my husband, I listened but I prayed more about him working in prison and mission ministry-- meaning, I wouldn't have to deal with the expectations of 'church folk.'

Then.. it happened, God told Jeremy he was going to seminary at Duke and that he would eventually pastor. Much to my dismay, I heard the same thing and followed God and my husband. Thus, here are we, preparing for ministry-- in the church--as the Pastor and 'First Lady'.

Yep-- I don't like that title. At all. Why? Well-- I'm glad you asked.

When you become the first lady of something, people (church folk) expect you to do what they want you to do. (Ask Michelle Obama). They want you to look how they want you to look or what role they want you to play in church. Some of them have ideas on how they think you should raise your children-- see, I can't!

Now-- these were somethings I experienced as a child. As an adult, I have become more confident in who I am as Jeremy's wife, Jocelyn's mother, etc. But there's still this cloud that hangs over me when mentally preparing for this role. How will people see me, when I don't feel obligated to attend Wednesday bible study? Who will approach me if my daughter gets out of hand? What happens if I decide to not wear stockings with my skirt? What if I want to wear a big blow-out? (that's a blog for another day) Or...

How will I feel at the end of the day, when Jeremy is up preparing a eulogy for a parent who's lost a child? What will I say to Jocelyn when her father is traveling out of the country for ministry for a few weeks? What happens if I'm upset with Jeremy and have to put on a smile for the church?

These questions make me cringe. But today, I'm reminded, "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done," Phil 4:6. My role first and foremost is to be the woman of our home. Regardless of what parishioners think about me, my children-- and even my husband, my role is to support, love and encourage them. I'm not married to the church-- I'm married to Jeremy Gilmore and my first ministry is to serve God and to be what Jeremy needs me to be.

So, 'church folk'-- be a friend or a prayer warrior for your pastor's wife. She may be the first lady of the church, but she's his first lady everyday. And that is a ministry--all by itself.

JAG's first lady,
~Mrs. G

A Modern Day Proverbs 31 Woman

I have been blessed to serve as the Co-Coordinator for the Duke Divinity Spouse Group Bible Study. This semester, the Lord directed us to study Women of the Bible in the Old Testament and last night was our final bible study until January. My Co-Coordinator (S/O to Jessica :) suggested we write a remix to the Virtuous Women Proverb. With Debs, Megan and Karen, we worked at making sure our piece was familiar yet contemporary. The other two teams were amazing as well but I decided to share ours. Enjoy! And-- we hope you take something from it!

Who can find a good woman?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband trusts her;
because of her, he'll find success.
Together, they are content and joyous.
She's a worker, a good provider
She's not afraid to get her hands dirty.
She gives the best of everything.
She's the best at what she does and
she makes everyone look good.
She's selfless and reaches out to those in need.
Because of her hard work & elegant handy work,
her husband is respected in the community.
Because of her work in the home, her husband prospers.
Strength and dignity are her clothes
and she laughs at the time to come.
She's like.. "Bring It On!"
When she speaks, wisdom
When she she teaches, kindness.
Confident & gentle.
She's not lazy, she watches her household.
She's blessed among women, by her husband and children.
Charm & beauty won't get you anywhere.
Beware of Botox, it requires constant attention.
Inner beauty lasts forever.
The woman who respects the Lord, shall be praised
The results of all her efforts are her best eulogy.

Virtuous,
~Mrs. G

For Granted

My good friend Neva, reminded me this week about being thankful for small things. I have complained so much about the big things I have not been able to do this year that I have taken for granted the smaller things I have been blessed to do!

Let me just take a moment and list a few:
--Go to the beach, almost monthly
--Got a snazzy Android phone
--Co-coordinate and facilitate a Women's bible study
--Skype!
--Lost some weight
--Won some earrings, hair oil and a shirt
--Meet CurlyNikki
--We found not 1 but 2 churches!!
--Prayed for a new job and it was granted
--Favor at Jocelyn's daycare
--Grace with Jeremy's job(s)

And so many more!!

With Thanksgiving one week from today (yes, I know--where did the time go!!?), let's not only be grateful for food, shelter and heat; a car to get to work.. but for small things. Being late for work, to avoid an accident; the rain and wind, to feel God’s presence.

Stop taking small things for granted! Why you ask? Read here.

Grateful for the lil' things,
~Mrs. G

Consistently, Inconsistent

Over the past year, I've really beaten myself up because I'll start something and not finish it. For instance, I planned on posting this blog earlier this year and decided to blog about something else. What I've also noticed is that when I am inconsistent, I tend to miss out on something that could have been for me. *sighs loudly*

I am consistently, inconsistent.. often.

Especially with creative ideas, books I want to read or even calling someone. I allow other things to take me from what I intended to do. But it's weird-- I'm extremely consistent when it comes to facebook or tweeting.. or even watching shows that harm brain cells! You know--things that probably won't impact my quality of life? You get the picture.

Today, I made a vow to myself to be consistent with something, daily. If I start the laundry-- I probably should dry, fold and put them away, in one day.

How can I plan to plant a seed of consistency in our little ones, when I don't water my own consistent seeds?

Just wanted to encourage you to be consistent. Start something and finish it. If you have a letter that you need to write, put down the phone and write the letter. If you have a goal to start a blog-- come up with ideas and implement them. It may be a lazy spirit or a tired one, but find ways to regain energy and finish what you've started. You never know what value your consistency has on the next person.

Folding Clothes,
~Mrs. G

"In essence, if we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently." Anthony Robbins

On Being Different

I compare my life to women I know, daily.

Why can't my mother help me like her's can? Why can't I go like my sorors can? Why can't we have a house like so many of our friends? And what I keep hearing about these comparisons? #Ecclesiastes 11:5

I keep trying to fit in and to feel included...

I keep trying to be a part of the in-crowd...

I keep trying to do what they do... wear what she wears, look how she looks, go where she goes.

And then, I look in the mirror and it’s plain as day.

I'm Different.

Not because I'm the only child. Not because my mother is blind. Not because my husband is a minister.

But because God has His hand on me.

To be included... In His family.

To be apart... Of His 'in' crowd.

To do...what He wants me to do.

I'm called.

No, not to preach. But to be different-- set apart. To love me.. all of me. To be confident in who I am. I can't be like her-- my circumstances aren't hers and my life, is my life. Today, I boldly write that my calling is to be confident in who I am. To make my life meaningful, not because of what I wear or my family circumstance but by being a supporting and loving wife, a teaching and caring mother, an honest and devoted daughter/granddaughter and a great friend--regardless of how I feel..but because God called me.

Yep, I'm different. And I like it!
~Mrs. G

A Letter to My Granny

Hi Granny,

I miss you! It's been a very long time since we had a fruitful conversation--one where I share my joys and fears and where you implement your favorite and most anointed phrase-- "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand."

Life has been different these past few years. I find myself sad so often--because life changes so much! And while I appreciate and am motivated by change, somethings, like you, I never thought would or wanted to change. It hurts that God has our family going through so many things at once--I want to be you, but Granny,you have big..huge shoes to fill! :)

You would be happy to know, that I cook breakfast for Jocelyn on Saturday and Sunday mornings.. that she wears dresses to church and that her ears are clean. And, Jeremy has gained a little bit of weight. I still can't cook candy yams or make your dressing but I can bake a good cake and a mean pancake! I'm still taking care of Mom--not physically but emotionally, just like you taught me. I listen and pray, love her and laugh (with and at her).

I pray like you taught me and read my bible every morning-- I don't get on my knees like you did until your knees got bad (like 3 years ago) but I listen in church and don't turn around to see who's coming in the door. :)-- Even Jocelyn claps and shouts "Hallelujah" from time to time.

Oh-- I created a team for you for the Alzheimer's Association walk here in Durham-- Jeremy, Jocelyn, some friends and myself have signed up to walk for you and others who suffer from this disease. We even had friends who donated!! It's important for me to do something since I'm not a neurologist and can't find a cure for you, you know?

I hope I've made you proud, Granny-- you've taught me so much! I look forward to being you to my grandchildren in 25-30 years.

Be good and nice to the other ladies on your floor! I love you-- so much!

Your baby,
Ash

There's Power in Patience

Welp-- patience is truly a virtue. When relocating to Durham, as you know, I did not have a job. Within 20 days of us being here, I was hired as a Purchasing Assistant for Procurement here at Duke, ordering medical and athletic supplies for the health system and the athletic department. And to say the least, I was so unhappy because I felt like I worked hard to obtain a Master's degree and felt like I shouldn't have to start over in an administrative role. So--I looked for jobs, I cried- a lot and asked God, why is this happening? I applied to several jobs, took the Praxis 2 to become a licensed school counselor--anything to utilize my degree and to work a job where I was happy, mentally, emotionally, etc.

At the beginning of this year, I prayed and declared to God that by August 1, I wanted to be in a different position--one where I could utilize the talents God provided but also to pay back my school loans! :) And then.. July came and time moved so fast. I started wondering if I would ever leave this position. But the Spirit kept telling me to be patient.. to pray and to praise. And on July 7, I applied for a job that had its base in the Divinity School. I applied and after two interviews, much prayer and very little talking, I was offered the position! I am sooo grateful! And once again, I have learned a lesson in patience

The position is a Program Coordinator for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity. I coordinate a summer program that teaches rising juniors the purpose of worship, ordinances of the church in addition to procurement responsibilities. How cool is that?! It's sooo me!

I thank God that He heard my declaration for a new position by August 1; I praise God because He taught me to again, be patient and to depend on Him; I honor God because He taught me to fight for what I want. I'm grateful. I say this to say-- pray, praise and honor God--before while in the storm. And, most of all, be patient! What He does for one, He'll do for you!

Patiently Coordinating,
~Mrs. G

The Central Perspective-10 Years Later

This weekend the EC Central Class of 2001 will hold our 10 year class reunion. And due to circumstances beyond our control, I am unable to end this monumental event and I am sad about it. While I don't have the fondest memories of high school, my senior year is where I began to flourish and realize that life exists outside of high school. My senior year, I served as the editor of the school newspaper. I was instrumental in making sure our school newspaper was a source of fun, information and opinions. So as a tribute to my class I wanted to provide some headlines from over the last 10 years-- Cheers to the Class of 2001!

2001 8/26-R&B Singer Aaliyah killed in plane crash; 9/11- Terrorists strike the World Trade Centers in NY with plane crashes in Penn and VA killing 3,000.

2002 9/11-- 9/11- One Year Later: Now What?; 10/24/ John Muhammad and Lee Malvo AKA Beltway Snipers are captured after a terrifying 3 week shooting spree along I-95. Deaths: Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes.

2003 3/19-War in Iraq begins; 6/4Martha Stewart indicted for obstructing a federal investigation;12/13-Suddam Hussein, former president of Iraq is captured. Deaths: Nell Carter (Actress Gimme a Break); Nina Simone (Songstress); Barry White (Singer); Frank O'Bannon (Former Indiana Governor)

2004 2/1- New England Patriots win the Superbowl (and go to Disney World); 2/4-Facebook was founded in Cambridge, Mass at Harvard U; 2/12 San Francisco issues marriage licenses for same-sex couples; 11/19-Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers engage in a brawl, causing Ron Artest to be suspended for the rest of the season; 12/26- World's largest earthquake hits Southeast Asia killing 186,983. Deaths: 11/13-Ol' Dirty Bastard (Rapper)

2005-- Many of us graduate from College! :) 1/20-George Bush inaugurated into a 2nd presidential term; 4/25 Pope Benedict XVI succeeds; 8/29- Hurricane Katrina hits the Golf (including New Orleans, LA) killing 1836- several still unaccounted for. Deaths: 1/23- Johnny Carson (Late Night Talk Host); 3/22-Clemente Dominguez y Gomez (Spanish spiritual leader); 3/29-Johnny Cochran (Lawyer known for the OJ Simpson Trial); 4/2-Pope John Paul II (Pope of the Roman Catholic Church); 7/1-Luther Vandross (Singer)

2006 (My high school sweetheart and I got married!)-2/19-69 miners are killed following an explosion in Nueva Rosita, Mexico; 11/5 Former Iraq President Suddam Hussein is sentenced to death by handing; Deaths: 1/30- Coretta Scott King (wife of Civil Rights Leader, Martin Luther King, Jr.); 6/23- Aaron Spelling (Creator of Beverly Hills 90210); 12/30-Suddam Hussein

2007 Not much activity in 2007 to report about.. Deaths: 2/8-Anna Nicole Smith (Former Model/Socialite); 3/12 Antonio Ortiz Mena- Mexican Politician; 5/15-Yolanda King (daughter of Martin and Coretta King); 6/14-Ruth Bell Graham (wife of Billy Graham); 12/4- Pimp C (Rapper)

2008 1/2-petroleum (gas) hits $100 a barrel for the first time; 2/3-US Stock Market plunges 3% after inquiry into an economic recession; 2/19-Fidel Castro resigns; 5/3- over 100,000 killed by Cyclone Nargis in Burmar/Myanmar; 8/8-24- Summer Olympics held in Beijing; 11/4 President Barack Obama is elected 44th President of the United States--the first African-American to hold this office. Deaths: 1/22- Heath Ledger (Actor, Brokeback Mountain); 7/22-Estelle Getty (Actress, Golden Girls); 8/9-Bernie Mac (Comedian);

2009 1/20-the First African American President-Barack Obama is inaugurated in Wasthington, DC. 4/24-World Health Organization concerned about influenza traveling from US and Mexico (later known as West Nile Virus); 9/29-30 Earthquake triggers a tsunami near Samoan Islands killing 189 and 1,000 in Indonesia. Deaths: 3/18-Natasha Richardson (Actress/wife of Liam Neeson); 4/25-Bea Arthur (Actress, Golden Girls); 6/25- Farrah Fawcett (Actress- Charlie's Angels)/Michael Jackson (American Pop Star/humanitarian); 7/17- Walter Cronkite (Journalist); 9/14-Patrick Swayze (Actor-Ghost); 11/16-Antonio de Nigris (Mexican Footballer); 12/20-Brittany Murphy (Actress- Clueless)

2010 1/12-7.0 magnitude earthquake hits the island of Haiti killing 230,000; 2/12-28- Winter Olympics are held in Vancouver & Whistler Canada; 2/27-8.8 magnitude earthquake hits Chile, causing a tsunami over the Pacific killing 497; 7/28-Wikileaks releases over 90,000 internal documents concerning the war in Afghanistan; 8/10-World Health Organization declares the H1N1 Influenza pandemic over. 8/5-10/12-69 Chilean miners trapped underground for 69 days-- survived and were rescued. Deaths- 1/13-Teddy Pendergrass; 1/27-JD Salinger (Author); 5/9-Lena Horne (Actress/Musician); 5/28-Gary Coleman (Actor-Different Strokes); 6/3-Rue McClanahan (Actress-Golden Girls); 11/29-Leslie Nelson (Actor-Top Gun); 12/26-Teena Marie (Songstress)

2011 (the first half)- 3/11-9.1 magnitude earthquake hits Japan causing a tsunami killing over 15,000 and 8,000 missing; 5/1-Osama Bin Laden-terrorist and mastermind behind 9/11 is killed and buried at sea. 7/21-Space Shuttle Atlantis completes the NASA Space Shuttle program. Deaths: 5/15-Nate Dogg (Rapper); 5/23- Elizabeth Taylor (Actress); 6/23-Peter Faulk (Actor-Colombo); 7/23-Amy Winehouse (Songstress).

Reminiscing,
~Mrs. G

T-E-S-T-imony.com

DISCLAIMER: This post is in no way to show sympathy toward our situation but to testify to the Power of Prayer, Trusting God and understanding struggle is important. Please pray for us--that's all I(we) ask.

Durham has provided many ups and downs, lessons in Faith, strength in our marriage and leaning on the power of God. While it seems like we've had more downs than ups (to me), God has revealed so much to us. I feel like I've cried out for God more than I have in my entire life. Jeremy and I have worked extremely hard at Faith Traveling but I figure in order for me to understand God more, I needed to testify.

In the past year: we've met new friends, explored churches, worked jobs that we both appreciate and hope for better, established various relationships, listened and pleaded with God, found favor with our daycare, had multiple disconnect notices, two eviction notices, two impaired cars, one unhealthy spouse, one exploring toddler, two unemployed mothers, experienced divorces, witnessed births both near and far, skyped with loved ones, prayed for each other, shouted at each other, emailed, facebooked, youtubed and g-chatted blogs, scriptures, resumes, requests, and pictures.

Now--I've shared some of these Gilmore moments with you because the things that seem impossible (no place to live, one car, familial issues) God has provided. He has shown me that our testimony of faith, progress, struggle and favor may help the married couple who wrestle with leaving their family or that being uncomfortable comes with a price but a great reward at the end or that you have to do what you have to do, to grow in Him and most importantly, within yourself.

My hope in this post is to empower you to share your TESTimony or if you don't have a TESTimony, hopefully, our TESTimony will provide you with the skills to endure. I would love to hear your testimonies, so email me at gilmore06@gmail.com or leave them in the comment section. You never know who may be encouraged by what God is doing in your life.

TESTed,
~Mrs.G

Complaining 101

So... it's hard writing a blog. You know why?

Because people hold you ACCOUNTABLE! Yes--that's that ugly 11 letter word that we adults attempt to shy from.

I've blogged about faith and holding on; having a Dora like testimony and thanking God for showing up and showing out.

But-- I find myself complaining every. single. Day. About something. And, it scares me.

I do not like my job.

Our finances are under where they should be.

We've been in school all of our 20's! And will have tons of loans to back.

We're away from family and friends (physically, spiritually and emotionally).

And..the list can go on.

And then I looked in the mirror and I got scared. How can I write about holding on and keeping your faith when I complain about everything? And then God gently reminded me on Friday and said…

But you do have a job (people don't relocate and get a job in 20 days.)

I've supplied all of your needs and even some wants.

And in your 20's--you learned, grew and followed Me. And by your 30's you'll be done with school, debt free. (Hallelujah!)

You are a family.

So--in this lesson of Complaining 101--don't do it. You may soon find that once you begin complaining about what you do have, God finds it hard to bless you with more. (Luke 12:48b).

Lord, please forgive me for not appreciating what You have blessed me with. I apologize that I feel what I have, is not good enough or that I covet my friends because they have newer cars, homes or are close to their families. Create in me a clean and thankful heart. Thank You most of all, for showing me myself and for standing behind, in front, and around me when I forget that I am Your child. I rebuke a negative and complaining spirit and I speak words of life, positivity and thankfulness into my life.
Forgive me Father.

Apologetic,
~Mrs. G

Dora The Explorer

A few years ago, my ship moved to three different states, in a short time. My soror called her, Dora the Explorer. At the time, I thought Dora was a little Hispanic girl who traveled across the globe, just because she could. And then, when Jocelyn became older, she loved Dora.. so like many parents, I, unfortunately, began watching Dora with her. To my surprise, Dora was a little Hispanic girl who was bilingual and used her map, backpack and friend Boots to go on these excursions---getting from point A to C, by way of B.

Last week, as I sat down with Jocelyn and watched Dora, I was amazed at how this fantasy world is actually a metaphor for life.

Like Dora, we all have to get from one destination to another (from career to career, to graduation and even location to location) and we rely on our GPS, friends and family to support us get where we need to be. But how often do we actually explore and tackle the situations that surface in moving from A to C? For instance, Dora and her team, usually have to stop Swiper, solve the Grumpy Ol Troll's riddles and go through some act of nature (like climbing a mountain) to get to C. And while moving from A to B to C-- Dora, with a smile, stops Swiper (he goes away, sometimes coming back); She crosses some bridge with missing pieces--she stops, counts, finds the missing pieces and continues her journey. And when getting to where she needs to go, Dora celebrates! She sings and dances about her journey, names each problem and even mentions Swiper's name! How bold is this little girl?

So, what about you or I?

When we move to from point A to B, do we stop satan and keep going? Or do we internalize him, the problem and allow him to stay put? And when he leaves and comes back, what do we do then? When we've gotten through that hurdle, moving from B to C, do we stop or count the blessings that God has provided us? Even when we won’t stop to solve life's riddles and smile? Do we stop to help others along our journeys? What about when we've finally reached C, do we sing, dance and mention each trial—celebrating what we’ve overcome?

Maybe we should start being more like Dora and move from each point in our journeys with tenacity, strength, a smile and joy.. and moving from A to B to C, can be colorful and filled with more blessings, waiting to be explored.

Exploring,
~Mrs. G


My fellow peeps.. It's been over 2 months since I've blogged.. and I am sooo sorry! Life, finals, a growing toddler, travel and work have kept me extremely busy. But.. I’m back! :)

Strategic Relationships

Jeremy and I are people-people. We like people.. we smile, we laugh, we hug, we greet.. we like people. He likes everybody.. me on the other hand, I have to pray first because I like old friends, comfortable relationships and have gotten to the point where I do not want new friends because they're all over the place.. and not where we are! BUT! Since relocating and having to recreate new friendships, I've noticed that these relationships (whether I try to avoid them or not) are strategic.

For example (I like examples)- when we first got to Durham, I was so lonely!! My sisters (from another mother) called me every day to make sure I was ok. From that, our relationship became more of a support system and they were nurturing throughout the beginning of our D-town journey. (I love you ladies.. so much!)

Then, I got a job (within 20 days--when God shows up, He shows OUT!). At my job, I met a few co-workers, but one became a big brother, who was not only married to one of the best women I have ever met, but introduced us to their church, children and loved on Miss Jocey! They helped make our transition smooth at the job, finding a church, securing a babysitter and provided support and advice for our future and our faith walk. Now, this relationship was not by accident, it was strategic because, once we found more babysitters, doctors, a church, God has uprooted their family to a better opportunity.. Congrats, Gooden’s!

And finally, our Divinity School Family.. Now, this one relationship is definitely.. interesting.

There's a guy in Jeremy's program..let's call him Jeremy 2. Jeremy 2 plays an instrument, preached his first sermon in 2004 and has a wife, who's having a baby, June 30! Still don't get it? Jeremy (G), plays an instrument, preached his first sermon in 2004, has a wife who had a baby, June 29! The similarities in this relationship continue and are not only interesting..but designed by God.

And then there are the Divinity Spouses.. this group of ladies have become a backbone for me, not many of my friends are Pastor's wives in training.. so this common bond has fostered growth, support, studies and awesome learning opportunities. The fact that we're all going through the exact same thing, at the exact time, is not by accident but by God's divine coordination.

While meeting people has been important to me, understanding each relationship has become even more important. I realized, I don't want surface friends. I want relationships that help foster maturity, spiritual growth, laughter and support.

For you, if possible, take the time to evaluate your relationships, rather they be friends, boyfriends/girlfriends; husbands/wives.. if these relationships are not ordained by God, seek help to change that. Having toxic relationships is not helpful to you, your family and most important, the body of Christ.

Relational,
~Mrs. G

Ashley’s B-day Blog- 28 Questions

So, in honor of me turning 28—I have a few questions, I’ve always wanted to know. Maybe, I’m alone in this, but there are some questions that run through my mind, frequently. Now, these questions are not only meant to make you laugh but to think.. :) Here we go!

1. Why is facebook so addictive?
2. Will Mark Zuckerberg and I ever meet?
3. And, what is poking?
4. Do you really know all of your fb friends?
5. Why do people enter Wal-Mart through the exit doors?
6. Are equate products really just as good as the name brand?
7. Why is gas so high!?!
8. Why are grapes so expensive? $1.99lb is a little outrageous! Don’t you think?!
9. Do airlines really have to charge for luggage?
10. Does anybody else think the flight attendant on JetBlue, was right in his actions?
11. Whatever happened to Black Planet?
12. Why are college degrees the cost of a mortgage?
13. Why doesn’t Alzheimer’s disease have a cure?
14. Does anyone else believe in the birth order of siblings, middle child syndrome, only children, etc?
15. What is wrong with counseling?! I really don’t get it.
16. Is anyone still on MySpace?
17. Why aren’t there more hours in a day? Sometimes, these 24 hours are not enough.
18. Why are the Kardashians so popular? Where did they come from?
19. Anyone else notice, how we’re recycling decades? Platform shoes, big hair..just a thought.
20. Can reality TV go away? I know plenty of writers who could probably make a great sitcom?
21. Is it me or does gospel music sound too secular? (Not hating, just asking!)
22. What was communication like before texting?
23. Is George Bush a Muslim?
24. Will the Divine 9, ever stop competing?
25. Am I the only person that loves Youtube, The Young Black and Fabulous and CNN?
26. Is the Wii not one of the greatest inventions ever?
27. Has anyone else unlocked all of the training videos on the MJ Experience?
28. Are children not the best thing ever?

Ok, so I have a few more I’d like to ask.. but I’ll cut them off. Happy birthday to me! I’m blessed and grateful for this day! I have an anointed husband, a brilliant daughter, great family, blessed friends and most importantly, God’s favor.. Happy February 15th, 2011!

Blessed,
~Mrs.G