A DREAM I HAD LAST NIGHT

Yes, this was just a dream but it makes you think..and it makes your spirit jump!

I was in the middle of what appeared to be a mall where chairs and tables were around a large fountain and people were eating there. There was people appearing to be in there 30s and 70s (these are the only ages I noticed). My husband and I were wondering around for a job for myself. I applied at a place where I would be able to sing songs. I told them I write my own songs and sing Christian music. The lady seemed interested, so she called my husband's phone, and asked if I needed lyrics or if I could sing the songs from memory. I told JP to tell her I could sing them from memory. She hung up the phone with my husband and somehow got on a loud speaker that traveled through out the whole mall and appeared infront of me behind a wooden podium and I could see the mockery in her eyes. She echoed throughout the whole mall saying these words "This girl right here stands for Jesus! She really believes that Jesus loves her so she makes up little songs about Jesus! Right here's the little Jesus Lover, over there she is! She claims that Jesus loves her.. Jesus Jesus Jesus!" She said it in a "mockery way" especially "Jesus" and she then started laughing. So ALL the people at the chairs and tables started laughing and giggling at me. I wanted to cry, BUT I DIDN'T. I just looked at Jp and told him I didn't want a job that wouldn't allow me to sing about my relationship with Christ. So I grabbed my guitar, some papers, my husbands hand, and started to walk out when I heard this 70 year old woman say a comment to her "cliche" of friends. She said "Did I hear correctly? Did that girl actually say she had a relationship with Jesus?" I turned around in anger, not knowing if the woman was being compassionate or just poking more fun at me... so I ran up to them, looked the group of women right in the eye and gave my testimony...the whole room got quiet and ALL EYES were on me. I told them what all God has done for me and how I love singing praises of my Lord. I told them about my journey to get where I was (there..in my dream) and how Jesus has totally touched my life. I began to cry as I told them how "he's my rock and he was always there when no one else ever cared..he cares about me!" I quit crying and began to feel strong as I told them: "He's my prince of peace, he's my savior, he's my counselor, he's my best friend, He held me tight when I would lay there and cry..I could even feel him wipe the tears off my cheek, I know he loves me and cares about me.. I can feel his presence even as I sing. I love singing praises to my father." The women began to cry and I could then begin to feel the way they felt. They felt regret, love, and understanding... all because of the testimony I gave them...All because I stood up for Christ.. All because I told them what Christ has lovingly done for me.

So I have a few questions:
1. Would you stand up for Christ even if people were laughing and mocking you?
2. Would you give your testimony to the lost soul mocking you, even if it meant you could save their life?
(these ladies appeared to be 70 years old.. (and don't get me wrong, theres ALOT of healthy 70+ year olds that will live many more wonderful years..!) but alot of times when you reach 70 your health begins to change.. and in the dream, my testimony could of been the last chance those ladies ever got to hear about Jesus.

I challenge you and MYSELF this week (or whatever week you read/hear this) and stand up for Christ. Go out of your way to tell someone about God. Pray that God would give you a person to talk to. He wants them too, and sometimes he uses us as the messenger..PRAY ABOUT IT..listen to God who will work through your heart and mind!

Chruch, shows, vacation, voice lessons, song choices and AMERICAN IDOL!

hey guys! so I don't know if anyone really reads these things.. but hey! if ya do.. thanks! but for me, its really just a way to get everything out. i've been so busy this summer even though I quit my job! things have been going on left and right like no one even knows!
I have been attending my church called "the bridge" for im thinking about two years.. of course, I had been going there on and off alot before.. but here lately me and my jp have been going every sunday and thursday. ive become pretty active in church.. i play in our band called "5til midnight" we do a variety of music.. we do oldies, southern rock, country, contemporary, bluegrass, blues/soul, metal??? (idk..if its rly considered that), and i even rap in one of our songs. lol next, were gonna branch out to opera..haha (jk) but overall, its fun.. it keeps me active doing the things I love.. and keeping myself focused on what really matters...my relationship with my Lord. we practice on wed nights, and have our service on thurs nights. many people ask why we do that?..well, because alot of our group has a home church on wed nights and sundays..so on sundays we dont have service until sunday at 2. people like to go to the bridge to relax and have a cup of coffee while they listen to music and a message. to me, i look at it as a coffee house for Christ. why shouldnt God have his own coffee house?..lol but anywho.. every service is recorded, so you can watch it on ustream..just search the bridge, pastor eddie day. ok!? so i have a few shows scheduled that are coming up.. for me it seems like everyone wants to schedule me on wed, thurs, or sundays!...lol so i turn down alot of stuff. cause my band is important to me, and so is my attendance to church. but the shows i can do are fun! and they always make me feel welcome (most of the time)..haha
We went on vacation the end of june and it flew by. We went to charleston, sc to visit jp's brother..adam. we rented kyacks and got to see dolphins and crabs! lol.. the day after we rode the kyacks..we got a phone call from the company saying we ruined their kyacks and left whiskey and beer bottles in them! they falsely accused us, and threatened to charge the damages to the credit card number we left..i guess everything got straightened out and they found out who did it because we havent heard anything. god always takes good care of us. you just gotta give your problems over to him and let him do the rest. sooooo, then we drove to gatlinburg, where we rented a big cabin. a few of my family members went and overall, it was a good time and a nice memory. my grandparents had a fun time. we took pictures, went to the comedy barn, went out to the ol mill, and alot of other fun stuff! its a memory none of us will ever forget.
soooo i started voice lessons. ive only had two lessons though. she went out of town for her vacation..so hopefully she'll have a good time too! she has taught me alot about using my voice, breathing correctly, and standing. hopefully, ill learn even more!
so july 13, 14, 15 i will be gone to pittsburgh, pa where i will be trying out for american idol. i believe it is possible, just gotta give my all.. God has a plan for my life.. this may or may not be it.. but im shooting for my dream.. and i know he supports me especially when i want to do nothing but praise him with my dream. god is good. and i trust he knows what is best for me. i finally decided to shoot for ai...so thats what im gonna do! you guys pray for me and vote for me when i make it to the top 10! yea, im gonna go ahead and say it! lol what i found most challenging is finding a song to show your style and voice in just a few measures. but if you can find the right song, your set... so ive narrowed it down to these:
1. Crossroads - Eric Clapton
2.Beautiful - Christian Aguilera
3. Stay - Sugarland
4. Folsom Prison Blues - JOHNNY CASH!!!
5. It Hurts Me To - Eric Clapton
6. Surrender - Third Day (if they will even know that song)

sooo..these are my choices. I'll let you know which one I chose to tryout with..
-Ashley

Headed down that road to catch a couple dreams.....