Angela

Angela is here to stay with our family for four weeks. She is such an amazing girl it just overwhelms me when I think about the whole situation. Sus so much more than what I expected, which is how God usually shows us things (greater than our expectations). She really enjoyed the music and skit at church last night which is really cool that they did a skit because i think it was easier for her to understand. Today she opened her presents but she was more excited to give us gifts. I was so excited that she made us stuff and the fact that she was excited to give was just breathtaking. She gave us each 3 cards: one that played music, one that had a funny picture, and another one that she liked the picture. she got me a snow globe and a journal. one of my cards was Ukrainian which was pretty cool. Everything she does I am amazed by. I am so curious about her life, I want to know more but I know i have only been home for a few days. I know that she has four brothers and one sister. I went to see my mom for Christmas and daddy and Kristina said Angela was ready for me to come back!!!!!! She was very open tonight and you could just tell she was comfortable. I get so excited about her and how amazing she is that my mind always wonders and starts saying "she has to go back" "you will not ever see her again" This really upset me today because no one is wanting to see her leave however we have strength in God for whatever comes our way. <3

Lately.

Where do I start?
Well, it is Advent season and I have been doing a devotional series with She Reads Truth. I have got to experience this in a special way because my family has been blessed to be able to host an orphan from the Ukraine. Her name is Anzhela and she is 15. She came to stay with us the day after I got to Colorado (I am here visiting some family).  She is going to stay with us for four weeks. So during the season of us waiting and celebrating the birth of our Savior.  I have been anticipating her arrival and realizing how amazing it is that God put it in this season. I will tell you about her when I meet her.  In the meantime I am in Colorado with my aunt, uncle and their three children. I haven't seen them in about two weeks so it is nice to be catching up with them.

Romania.

Where do I start?

If you do not know already I was just in Romania on a mission trip with my church. We were working with orphans and just loving on them the whole week. We threw the kids a summer camp and the team does this every year, but this year was my first experience.  

I am so thankful that God gave the the opportunity to experience what I did in Romania.  I experienced His love on a entirely new level.  He taught me patience, humility, and so much more. I am so grateful to have such an amazing team. The kids....wow. They just were the perfect example of  love. This was the biggest thing I noticed during the week. The kids had this outlandish capacity to love on us despite all they have gone through. This just brought me to tears just about every day.  When the kids first got there some of them just came up to me and gave me the biggest hugs.  there was a young lady, Olivia, who would come up to me any time she saw me and would just swallow me in her arms and give me a sweet kiss on the cheek. she would always say, "I Love you so much".  God showed me in that very second that His love is greater than I can ever try to imagine. In my mind I was thinking, "How could this girl love me? She does not have people telling her that they love her on a regular basis. She does not have a family that cares for her and she is alone. Yet she still chooses to love me." This sweet girl made me realize how much God loves them and me so much. Even through the unimaginable times they live through, their hearts can love because He loves them.  Now that I am home I miss Olivia's hugs and her I love you's more than ever and I cant wait until next year to see her  again. 

I will have more stories and pictures up soon. 

Recently

It seems that I have been busy all summer, but in a relaxing way (if that makes any sense).  The past three days we have been at ATLANTA FEST, which is a christian music fest. I saw Toby Mac, Lecrae, Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp, Jamie Grace, Rush of Fools, Disciple and Many many many more! I think my favorites were Rush of Fools and Casting crowns. Rush of Fools lead singer had a case of "I cant talk" so the back up singer lead us all in worship, but they were praising God so much and You could just feel is presence in that field, It was just an amazing worship experience.  Later on that night Casting Crowns was up and after the first song Mark Hall began to loose his voice. He told us he was not going to give up because it just meant that someone Really needed to hear God and there was no way the devil was going to make him back down.  So the crowd began to take over which was amazing, because it was echoing and just sounded beautiful.  They said that day a total of 4 artist had lost their voices but in the end God won and he always will. Mostly I have been preparing myself for Romania (trying to do it myself). I have realized it is not for me to get ready but to step back and let GOD get me ready! I get in the way to much and I think that he is trying to show me.  

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the LORD's praise, for he has been good to me.

Psalm 13:5-8

There are only 12 days until Romania!!!!!!!!!! WOW! I am excited, scared, anxious and ready! Please pray for our team and for me. 

PICTURES! 

Only 21 days!!!!!!!!!

Wow, I thought it would take forever to get close to the day we leave, but now it is only three Weeks away!  Todays psalm is psalm 21:

I went to the gym today and listened to a band Shane and Shane. I absolutely love them and how they worship God! I get so excited when the song "without you" comes on. when I was listening to more of their songs I discovered
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSaGkS_f37Yg&v=SaGkS_f37Yg&gl=US
love love love it!!!!!!

I am exited to be going to Romania and I am preparing my heart before I leave! :)  I have a few favors.
-pray for out team, so that we will be servants for God.
-also that we  become humbled.
-we get all of our funds in before we leave
-we travel safe and sound

Graduate...oh that's me!

Class of2012. I have heard this for the past 12 years and never realized the big deal of the class.  But the class of 2012 finally graduated, I thought it would never get here!
I thought I would be extremely stressed but I laid my worries and anxiety aft the feet of Jesus and held his hand tight!
I imagined all of my family being together for graduation little did I know it would not exactly turnout how I pictured. I have been asking my Memaw to come to graduation since the beginning of April but she always avoided giving me an answer. On the other hand Kristina's mom was coming down from Illinois, which was pretty exiting. however I was still bothered that my Memaw was not coming.
So the week of graduation started and we got quite busy. With senior night, baccalaureate, practice, Kristina's mom coming, and church.  (let the festivities begin) 
Ok the morning of graduation the school hosted a grandparents breakfast. Kristina's mom was going with me and we were getting ready. Well I turn around and my Memaw is in my hall way. I was so surprised! I could go in about how excited I was but there is still a lot more to share.  While shedding tears of joy I realized Kristina's min wasn't feeling so well. So she decided to stay home and get some rest. after w got back from breakfast she still was not feeling well and she Todd me that she just wanted to go back to sleep so I left her alone. Once Kristina got home she checked on her mom and she could not talk or move. I automatically thought she had a stroke but I had to push that to the back of my head because we needed to get her in the car. I couldn't lift her so Memaw got her other side and I pulled the car up to the door. once they left the emotional break down began! I was  thinking the worst, and thinking they weren't going to make it to graduation (which should hasn't not even gone they my head). Finally my Memaw told me to pray which I know is a powerful thing. I also r read my last day of my anxiety devotional which flat out told Mr not to worry about what happens because no matter what happens God its still glorious.
they did not make it to graduation but that was okay it is just a silly traditional ceremony. I was just glad to know that her mom was okay.  she just had a very critically low blood sugar. But she its up and moving now. 
Yesterday we had my party which was fun we cooked way to much food though. It was nice to have my family and s some friends together after a stressful day.
God showed me that things don't go according to our "safety zone". But every stressful situation made me lean on him more and more which caused me to have no stress at all.
So thank you God for such a humbling graduation!

Where have I been?

*School! Who knew senior year would be so stressful. Well I only have a few weeks left of it! (YAY! Could not come faster!)

*Thanks to everyone who helped support me financially for my trip to Romania, You have raised me all of the money I need! Thank you all so much! :)  67 days till we leave!

Sorry for the shortness but it is a little late so my pillow is calling my name! :P

Psalm Countdown.

If you haven't already figured it out, I am going to Romania this summer on a mission trip.  I am beyond excited and thrilled that God has placed it on my heart to go! On our first team meeting we started doing a Psalm countdown. (I had never thought about doing this but I think it is a WONDERFUL idea!). We started 110 days away from the trip at Psalm 110. We read a Psalm a day backwards.  It is amazing over the past few weeks how much God has taught me.  I have been keeping a journal for everyday (even though I am missing April 1) and at Day 100 I thought about taking a picture everyday, so that I can make a scrap book later on (but I forget sometimes but i still take them ever now-and-then.  

Psalm 98

I was at Toccoa Falls College on a Preview Weekend when I took this picture.  I hiked up to Little Falls with my roommate and new friend Clessie and we saw this Rock formation.  It is hard to tell in the picture but there is a perfect square cut out in the rock and it makes it look like a chair or steps. We were thinking how cool it would be if they did Baptisms there a long time ago. I just thought it was neat.  

Psalm 87

This was at Jekyll Island Georgia.  We were on spring Break and since my dad has a weird schedule and I had class we decided to take an overnight trip to the beach.  It was so nice and quiet there (the island had no bars) It was a very family oriented vacation spot.  It was just a beautiful place that God created! I was so blessed to spend time there with my family!

If you ever have a big event or anything that you can do a countdown to, I absolutley recommend doing a psalm countdown.  It will bring you closer to God and you can share your excitement with him while spending more time with him!  

Passion "White Flag".

I was asked by a friend of  my dads to do a review on the White Flag album from Passion.  Go check it out and check out his blog!
http://redlettergeneration.wordpress.com/2012/03/20/passion-white-flag/


I plan to be adding new posts soon!

Countless Blessings today.

I anticipate the mail (EVERYDAY) when I get home, hoping that I will get some snail mail or support for my trip!  So, Today when I walk into the kitchen there is an envelope in my name on the counter, more support for my trip! So after that I counted up all of the donations for my trip which equaled $1,199. I was thrilled  that God has blessed me with this amount.  Then my night proceeds with a fun dinner with my family.  After dinner I go to my desk because I need to check my email for the day.  20 new messages in one day (mostly junk mail) but I had a message from the church with my total amount for my trip, which said I have a total of $1,005!  This is not counting what I have not deposited to the church yet! So as of right now I have a total of $1,669 thanks to Gods blessings! With this said I am so excited and I am getting pumped up for this trip! GOD IS SO GOOD! :) 

I know, I love

I know God.

I know my name.

I know the shame.

I know God.

 

I know God.

I know His name.

I know His Fame.

I know God.

I Love God.

He loves my name.

He loves my shame.

I love God.

I love God.

I love His name.

I love His Fame.

I love God.

I know I love God.

I know He loves me.

Romania Update.

Sofar I have raised $635. This seems so very small compared to the total of $2,800.  To me I am getting scared that the money will not come in,but I know it will.  I only have a few weeks to get my 75% in.  I need you guys to pray that I will be able to have enough support for this trip.  I do not want to worry about it anymore because I want to begin to prepare my heart for this trip. I am so excited (on top of this worry) for this trip. I am so thankful for the opportunity to love on these children.   I know that God will provide. I have even started selling crafty things hoping it will all add up.  Please keep praying for our teams unity,health, and support.


P.s. If you would like to help support me send me an email: ashleylightfoot@ymail.com or on Facebook!

My Main Squeeze

^ This is me and my daddy, I love him with all of my heart!  He is the funniest and the most awesome person I know! I am so thankful to have him in my life and that God made him MY dad. I love you daddy and thank you for everything you do for me! 

*********************************************************************

^ This is my mom. (I Love this picture of her for some reason) She is the best, I love her more than anything, well besides God but I am very thankful to him that she is my mom. Thank you for everything you do!  I love you mommy! <3

^ This is my step mom. She does not like pictures so this is the only one I could get out of her.  I love her so much and am so thankful for everything she does for me.  My favorite thing about her is how much she has grown with her Faith in God. I love you Kristina! <3


I love you guys so much you have no idea! I am beyond thankful for y'all!
Love,
Your Daughter
Ashley

James.

I help lead a discipleship group for middle school girls ,and we are taking an in-depth study on the book of James. The Girls have a notebook and each week they will memorize 2 versus, depending on the length, and at the beginning of the week write down the verse and their thoughts about it. Through the week they learn and memorize it and then at some point towards the end they will write the verse down again and their thoughts. I am so excited for these girls to be doing this! One because when they share their thoughts it is amazing to see God working in them (some of the things they say are so mature and I would NEVER think that a 12 year old girl would say something like this BUT God works in them everyday!)

The first chapter of James has been on my heart all week and I am so excited that I got to share it with a few people!

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."           -James 1:2-3

My favorite part is the word OPPORTUNITY, because anything that happens and you see it in a bad way you can turn it into an opportunity to share Gods love, or just to put your faith in God alone.  So the one thing I have stuck to this week is taking that opportunity and giving it to God.

Humble Yourself Before the Lord.

I have noticed recently that I complain a lot, and I mean A LOT.  Only because it was pointed out to me by my dad, and at first I didn't think I did.  Well now that it has been brought to my attention I realized how much I did.  Tonight we went to Waffle House for some Chocolate Pie for my step moms birthday.  I noticed the waitress was complaining about not getting enough tips from her last shift.  I thought to myself  "Wow, there are so many people that are looking for a job and you are complaining about not getting enough tips? Just be grateful for what you have because there are so many people without jobs right now!" 

This is when I realized I was being extremely hypocritical! I do the same thing she was doing and I was too caught up in what she was complaining about to realize it was God telling me to Humble myself.  I do not think I have felt more hypocritical in my life.  I mean, I complain about something not going my way, the way something turned out , etc.  Why should I even think about complaining! God has blessed me with so much and no matter what I know that everything is from God Himself and there should be no reason to complain about that! So, from now on I am going to work on not complaining!  

"Humble yourself before the LORD ,and He will lift you up"

James 4:10 

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

2 Chronicles 7:14

So about that meeting!

I went to the Romania Mission Trip meeting this morning! I am so excited! They Go to an orphanage  and just love on the children there.  We would be giving the children a summer camp (one like a church retreat or something like that).  We will just continue to "do life" with them the whole week. We will get to share Gods word with them and show them His love! How awesome is that! I hope I get to go because I want to show these kids the love that is out there for them.  Please pray for the Romania team!

Strange coincidence? I think not!

Story time!
Tonight at church when the announcements were scrolling on the screen before service I noticed one stuck out to me.  I did not pay much attention to it at the moment.  During worship we sang a song that was talking about giving everything to God and letting him take hold of us.  I was getting a little emotional, I didn't understand so much at the time why this happened either. Well church ended and I am in the car and I see I have a message from my best friend.  She said they raised over $2,000 dollars for a Brazil mission trip they are going on! I was so excited for her and them as a team! (side note keep them all in your prayers!)  Then I glanced down at the church bulletin from the service and see that announcement that grabbed my attention before service.

"Romania (orphan ministry)   June 29- July 8     Application Deadline January 31

           *(Informational Meeting on January 22 at 10:30 in the conference room" 


I was thinking "WHAT IS THE DATE TODAY!?" an automatic panic that I missed the meeting! It is tomorrow! And right after I read the bulletin my friend sent me another message saying "you should go on a mission trip if you get the opportunity"  Then I am confident that I just HAVE to go to this meeting tomorrow, I just feel that God wants me to go to it.  So I ask Katy to pray for me.  Then I send my cousin a message asking her to pray for me during this meeting because I am not to sure what to expect.  Then her response just BLEW MY MIND!  She said she had already wrote my name down to pray for me, but at the time she was not too sure of why, she just did.  But once I asked her  to pray it was all clear to her, and to me.  I dont think at all that this was all a coincidence but I think GOD Himself placed these events in order just to get my attention on the subject. In fact I dont just think I KNOW!
I just have to take a moment and thank God for showing me this tonight. It is an amazing feeling I have right now and I am so glad for it!

Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote, "God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?" 

 Hebrews 13:5-6 -The Message 

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 

Psalm 8:3-4

New surroundings.

"Walk with the wise and become wise;
              associate with fools and get in trouble."
                          - Proverbs 13:20

Things have changed so much in the past month, I think due to prayer.  I have made new friends, that are good influences on me.  I have gotten closer to my family and to God.  My surroundins have lessened the amount of stress I carry with me, and I am so thankful for that.  Sorry that this post is so short but I just felt like I should share this.

"Never stop praying."

            -1 Thessalonians 5:17