Awaken my soul, come awake

To hunger, to seek, to thirst
Awaken first love, come awake
And do as You did at first


ASHLEY, COMMANDING OFFICER.

I'm just gonna go with the pack here, and say, I cannot believe this year is over. I mean, weren't we just getting started here?!

Now, it's gone. Another year of life has passed us by. In it's place leaves a feeling of renewed hope and strength. Now, we all feel like we can start over. I can feel the perpetual weight leaving me as we speak.

2013, I can truly say that you've been the best of my life. The lessons I learned in 2013 are numerous and invaluable. I finally feel like I'm starting to be OKAY with growing up. I'm finally ready to start this new year and live out the adventure that it brings. I'm sure times will get tough, and I'm sure I'll know boundless blessings. Bring. It. On. 2014.

So, last year ( I still can't believe I'm saying that).
Last year, I vowed that it would not be just another year that my resolutions didn't come to pass. So, honestly and truly, I attempted them with all my might.

Here's where we got. We'll do my top 3.

1. Go to church. 
Well, we've been rocking out at Calvary Chapel since February 2013. Truly, this has been one of the greatest and most wonderful decisions we ever made as a married couple and individually. My life has been transformed. Going to church, learning the Bible book by book, word by word has been eye opening for me. I've never loved Jesus on this level and have never truly acknowledged His love for me. So, here we are.

We hardly ever miss service. I do quiet time at 4:30 am. I prayer journal on the daily, among many other monumental changes. I can actually feel and see God working in my life. It has been quite a ride. My heart continues to change, and I'll always remember 2013 as the year that God brought me to my knees repetitively. All I can think of is the song "How He Loves Us" and the line "...loves like a hurricane. I am a tree, bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy."

Guess what this love has done for me? It's not made me hateful and bigoted, It's made me love people again. The world was beginning to take that from me. God gave it back.

Truly. What a Mighty God we serve.

Calvary Chapel Lexington


2. Be a better photographer.
I have been given some AMAZING opportunities in 2013. I have shot with wonderful photographers. I've rubbed elbows with the finest and have eaten so much wedding food that I could probably tell you exactly who your vendors should be.

I've forged friendships and have improved my skills in immeasurable ways. I've invested time, money and stress into something I love.

Sometimes, I've been so busy with photography that I've found myself not having a day without it. It. has. been. awesome.

God only knows where I'll go with this, but I've been enjoying the ride. I'm not the best. I'll never be the best. But, I continue to learn from the best, hope for the best and try my best.

All in all, I'm incredibly happy with my hobby and where I've been going with it.

My Photography Page

3. Run a 5K and loose 15 lbs.
Check and KIND OF check.

I may not have lost 15 lbs, but I've gained pounds of muscle and monumental amounts of strength. My health has been on an upward roller coaster since June, after several episodes of vomiting and literally pushing myself to pure exhaustion. Some days I couldn't even sit on the toilet because my quads couldn't bear the weight. My body has been put through trials and tribulation of all kinds.

I've got a new found love for cross fit type movement, I've learned about proper diet and lifestyle and most importantly, when I look in the mirror...I actually like the person I'm looking at. I like who she is becoming and what she's done. I can't wait to see what the future holds as far as health and fitness.

Twisted Sisters Bootcamp

For those of you who can't help but keep reading...what's next?

I'll tell you what's next. SO SO much. 

But, here's the cliff hanger: I'll post more about resolutions and my plans to keep them...later this week.

Bahahahahahahahahahahahaha. No seriously, there will be links and plans and brainstorming. Just you wait and see. 

Song of the Day:

Fall Afresh by Jeremy Riddle

Verse of the Day:

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then, you will learn God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
-Romans 12:2