Ambassadors of Grace

Welcome to part three of my series on grace. Today we are going to talk about being Ambassadors of Grace.

I often find myself in need of grace. I look at myself and realize that I fail. I fail at life pretty much every moment of every day. And in that I know that I need grace. I need God’s saving grace in my life to mold me and change me into the new creature He says that I am. I am unable to do it on my own. I need Him to do it.

However, I am not very quick to give grace. When it comes to others, I am quick to criticize and judge. I am quick to think negatively of others.

Gratefully the Lord has placed some special people in my life that have taught me about living as an ambassador of grace. First is my best friend Elizabeth. The Lord gave her to me as a lifelong friend at the age of 4 (she was three). Elizabeth embodies grace and mercy. She will forgive anyone no matter how many times they have hurt her. As her friend it has often made me defensive of her. 

Then there is my husband. He often views people with a lens of grace. He has the ability to give people a second chance when I am ready to write them off forever. And I have learned, that often he is right. I have learned to listen to his wisdom and perception of others.

The Lord has used these two people to teach me a very hard lesson (that I am still learning mind you). That lesson is how to walk as an ambassador of grace. I once heard someone describe it as being a grace dispenser. As someone who has received grace for the Father, I should in turn dispense grace to others (especially those who are my brothers and sister in Christ). You see, I don’t come by grace naturally. It is something the Lord has needed to grow in me.

So how do we become ambassadors of grace?

We seek God and walk in His Spirit. True grace can only be found in God. To walk in grace, I must be walking in God. I must be abiding in Him as I see taught in John 15.  Often those times I don’t want to even consider giving someone a second chance, I am living in my flesh. The flesh is what Paul calls the “old man” or the “old self”. To give grace to others, I need to be in the Spirit (as in the Holy Spirit). I can only do this when I am abiding in Jesus.

We realize that nice and grace are not the same. For some reason many of us have equated “being nice” with grace. I am sorry, but these are just not the same thing. Often being an ambassador of grace means doing the hard thing. Sometimes it involves speaking the truth in love. Walking in grace is not always warm and fuzzy and rarely involves roses and bunnies. Sometimes it hurts.

We move beyond ourselves. Phil 2:3 tells us that we should regard one another as more important than ourselves. As we seek to be ambassadors of grace we must consider others before ourselves.

We speak the Gospel. The Gospel itself is grace. We cannot be ambassadors of grace without speaking the Gospel to those around us. 

Being an ambassador of grace is not an option. If you are a believer, then showing grace to others is apart of your identity. It is something that was first given to us and that we should in turn extend to those around us. I encourage you to consider those around you and ask whether or not you are dispensing the grace that was first given to you. 

She is Going to the Chapel!

Today I am celebrating my sweet friend who gets married this weekend! She first came into my life about 4 years ago. My roommate Amy asked if I would mind if a friend of hers, could live with us for awhile. So, Denae moved into our duplex.  It didn't take us long to know we wanted her to stay.

Denae in the place that makes her heart beat: Africa

A few months went by and Amy got engaged, she got married and left us to start her new life. So it was just Denae and I. Denae and I lived together for two years. During that time she taught me so much. The greatest thing she taught me was how to be a servant. But she never talked to me about it, she lived it.  I cannot tell you how many times she served me. The way she served me always made me want to serve her right back. Denae also encouraged me in my walk with Jesus. As I watcher her grow in her love for Jesus and His Word, it encouraged me in mine. Denae also showed me tough love, she got in my face when I needed it. 

Denae with Greg and I on our wedding day!

Denae, your friendship has meant so much to me. I am beyond excited to watch you walk down the aisle this weekend and marry the man that God created for you. I am praying for you as your step into the new role that God has given you.

Scott & Denae. Photo Credit to AJ Photography

Please know that I am beyond blessed to call you my friend! God has used you in my life in so many ways and I know that He will continue to! Thank you for your obedience to Jesus. Thank you for seeking Him and walking in Him. Scott, you are beyond blessed to call Denae your wife, but I think you already know that! I pray that God will use you both to speak the Gospel to eachother and that in your marriage people would see Jesus and the Church. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for you!

* The last photo in this post was taken  by my friend Amanda of AJ Photography. You should check her website out!

Walking In Grace: Me, Myself, and I

Last week, we defined grace. This week I want to talk about living out grace with myself.

That may seem odd to you, but the Lord has put several women in my path recently that struggle to show grace to themselves. And I will be honest, I struggle with it too. My name is Ashlee, and I am a perfectionist. This means I have very high standards, this means I am very hard on myself. Even today as an adult verbal discipline is the hardest for me to receive. It crushes my heart for someone to tell me they are disappointed in me. And then I beat myself up about it.

 As I look at the young women God has placed in my life, I see they struggle with the same thing. I do not think this is something women struggle with alone, but it is definitely something the women God has placed around me struggle with. So how do we learn to walk in grace with ourselves?

Walking in Grace with Myself is NOT:

A free ride to live however I want. I see this often with believers my age, they think that because of God's grace they get a free pass to live whatever life they want. I have some bad news for them, this is not what the Word of God tells us. God is very clear in His standard for our lives. His standard is holiness. Peter reminds us of this in 1 Peter 1:15-16 “But like the Hole One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY FOR I AM HOLY”” Walking in grace here looks like me walking in obedience to who God has called me to be, while realizing I can only be that because of what He has already done for me. There is a dependence that I need here on God. Only by abiding in Him, do I have the ability to be who He calls me to be.

Seeking the approval of man over God. Yep, I am one of those people pleasers. I was a suck up in high school. I was that girl who did extra credit when she had a 4.0 GPA. Sick, I know. I continue to struggle with pleasing others, but this year God is reminding me heavily of Galatians 1:10 “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still striving to please men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”  When God first brought this verse to my attention it grabbed me. It shook me. It reminded me that I am to strive to please God, because I am His bondservant. It also contrasted the stark reality in my life that I often care too much of what others say of me and too little about who God has already said that I am in Him. To walk in grace with myself, means I seek the approval of God alone.

Self Abasement. My Bible Study girls and I are studying Colossians. And it is AWESOME. As we have studied, this word self-abasement (Col 2:18) stuck out to me. When I looked it up in the Greek, I was surprised. Self-abasement is a lowliness of mind, specifically in Colossians it refers to a false humility. When I understood what this meant, a light came on for me. I have several people in my life who belittle themselves. Now, God calls us to be humble, but this belittling is not a Christ-like humility.  It is a belittling that sees one's self as less than and loses sight of Jesus' death on the cross. For me to walk in grace with myself has nothing to do with a false sense of humility, but has everything to do with trusting Who God says I am in Him (See Col 2 & Eph 2 for more on this). It means I do not walk around beating myself up or punishing myself. It means I submit myself as a bondservant of the Lord, not myself.

 

Learning to walk in grace with myself, is something I continue to struggle with. But when I do I must change my perspective by remembering what I see in Scripture. This is the only way that our view of ourself changes. I must view myself on God's terms. For me it's important to remember what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:10, by God's grace I am what I am. Everytime we struggle, we must return to the Word and see the Truth again. To help us cling to this verse today. I made this for you!

 

 

My Summer Bucket List

If you know me, you know I love a good list. I have lived in the DFW area for almost 8 years. And there is so much of my city I have not seen. So much to experience. So, I started writing down the things I would like to do and see this summer. Things I want to accomplish. And therefore I give you, My Summer Bucket List:

Now let's review:

My first item is to visit the Fort Worth Food Truck Park. I have been hearing so many awesome thing about it. I have been telling my Lovie for months that I want to go. 

Next seems a little silly. But you see, contrary to my grandmother who can grow anything like Mother Nature, I have the black thumb of the family. I have tried my hand at tomatoes (which is truly my ultimate goal), I have tried the basic house plant. It never fails. They die by the work of my hands. Seriously it's gotten out of hand and I am determined to be successful. Any suggestions for this black thumb girl?

I have heard so many cool things about the Fort Worth Zoo. It was right down the street from me when I lived in Fort Worth. But I am somewhat of a tight wad, and well. I would never spend the money on myself to go. 

Nothing says summer to me more than fresh produce. I have been dying to check out the Dallas Farmer's Market. I figure since I cannot grow tomatoes the Farmer's Market is the next best thing. 

Former President's George W. Bush's Presidential Library is here in my area. It opened recently and I think it would be cool to check out. Now it totally doesn't hurt that my favorite dessert place Pokey O's is right around the corner from the Library. If you take a trip to Pokey's get two snicker doodle cookies with cake batter Blue Bell ice cream. Just trust me on that one.

Recently I realized I have a problem. I pin so many recipes to Pinterest and I have barely tried any of them. So this summer I want to try three new recipes. 

Ohh I love a good craft. Again I have SO MANY pinned and have not completed a single one of them. This has got to stop!!! 

Funny story about where JFK was killed. My husband drove around Ft. Worth one day trying to find the site, only to learn it was actually in Dallas. Ever since he first told me that story, I have wanted to see it. Again, just to experience my own city. 

Milk glass. What is that you might wonder? Well just head over to my Pinterest Board and check it out.  My goal for this is just to start a collection. That means I just need one piece. I love the hobnail patterns and the lattice work patterns. 

My last item is well, kind of sad. When I was in Seminary I bought myself a DSL camera. I paid a pretty penny for that camera and I still don't really know how to use it. Last month I spent hours reading blogs on how to use it and trying to understand aperture and shutter speed, etc. I'm hoping some of my college girls (who have professional experience) will give me some lessons this summer. I'm thinking it's going to take a few. 

Well, there it is! My Summer Bucket List. I will keep you posted on the adventures I hope to go on as I seek to complete each one.

Grace Defined

This is Part One of a Four Part Series on Grace. This week we will define Grace.

Grace is an awesome thing. Grace is a confusing thing. God’s grace often doesn’t make any sense to any of us.

Vine’s Dictionary tells us this about grace:

on the part of the bestower, the friendly disposition from which the kindly act proceeds, graciousness, loving-kindness, goodwill generally, especially with reference to the Divine favor or "grace," in this respect there is stress on its freeness and universality, its spontaneous character, as in the case of God's redemptive mercy, and the pleasure or joy He designs for the recipient; thus it is set in contrast with debt, with works, and with law.

on the part of the receiver, a sense of the favor bestowed, a feeling of gratitude, ("thanks"); in this respect it sometimes signifies "to be thankful,"

I have often heard of grace defined as unmerited favor. To truly define grace, we must turn to Scripture and let God tell us about His grace. Exodus 34:6 is an important place we see grace defined. Here, God is meeting with Moses and giving the Ten Commandments (the second time around after Moses shattered the first set). God comes before Moses and tells Moses about Himself:

Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship.

Did you notice what God said about Himself? He is compassionate & gracious. He is slow to anger. Did you notice Moses’ response? He made haste to bow low. God defines grace in Himself. It is His character. When we look at God’s Word we see grace in God’s character: Noah & the Ark, Saving Lot out of Sodom, giving Moses the 10 Commandments, choosing Israel as His chosen people, the giving of the Temple as a place of worshiping God & offering sacrifice, the giving of the land of Canaan, God as a warrior going before His people in battle, etc. Over and over again, we see God, who is grace.

In John 1:17, we see something else: For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. In John, we see grace was realized through Jesus.

Paul talks about grace through Jesus further in Romans 5. In this chapter, Paul defines grace. He tells us how grace came about and what it is. He says that while we were helpless, Christ died for us, He justified us by His blood, He reconciled us to God through His death, and He gave us life. Grace is what Christ did for me on the cross. Grace in Jesus is that while I was yet dead in my sin, Christ made me alive with Him. Grace in Jesus is that while I earned eternal death because of my sin, Christ gave me eternal life in Him.

How can we know what grace is? Grace, can only be defined in God and through Jesus. To know grace, we must know Him.

Grace defined…this is just the beginning. Join me next week as I talk about walking in grace.

Moving On

Last Sunday was my last Sunday in student ministry. I must confess. I cried. During our last small group I teared up so much (don't worry I was wearing waterproof mascara). But, I waited until after my girls left to really let all the tears out.

I walked out of my last small group saw one of our college girls. She immediately knew something was wrong. I told her I just had my last small group and just started bawling. I didn't have to explain. She just hugged me and let me cry.

 For the last six years I have spent almost every Sunday morning pouring into a small group of girls. This Saturday, they will walk the stage and become high school graduates. For the last 5 summers I have spent 7 days living with them in a dorm, singing with them at worship, and speaking truth into them every chance I got. I have gotten in their face and said things they don't like. I have told them the Truth more often than they probably want.

All of a sudden the day came. Our last Sunday together. And I couldn't believe how fast the time went. What would be my final words to them as their small group leader? What truth could I say? Did I say enough? How could I possibly say everything I wanted to in that small time?

Here are my prayers for my small group girls:

I pray that you saw Jesus more than me. I earnestly hope that I spoke God's Word to you more than my own. I pray that I got out of the way and Jesus took the spot light.

I pray that you know God is enough. When the day comes (and it will come) when you feel like everything you desired has failed and every person you know has failed and you don't know which way is up. I pray that you know that God is more than enough. He has not left you. He is still there. In the midst of that dark moment, reach out to Jesus. Seek Him. Trust Him. Allow Him to be your everything.

I pray that you know you can trust the Word of God. Our precious Father has given you everything pertaining to life and Godliness. You can find it in His Word. His precious Word that He has enabled you to have. And we take it for granted. Do not take His Word for granted sweet girls. Cherish it. Dive into it. Know it for yourself and allow it to transform you from the inside out. Trust His Word more than the words of men. Don't take man's word for face value, compare it to the truth of Scripture!!

I pray that you make time for Jesus. Like, everyday. Find a place and spend some time alone with Jesus each day. Make it a habit, apart of your daily life. Pray to Him (I like to write my prayers out in a journal). Listen to Him. Be in His Word, but don't just read the words, study them. They have the ability to breathe life into you.

I pray that you see the importance of the church. No, not the big building, but the body of believers God has given you. Find a new body to get involved in (hint: they often meet in a building). Do not allow laziness to set in. Do not attend Bedside Baptist Church every week. You need fellowship among believers. You need accountability that is only found in community. I know it is scary, but find a friend and go visit some churches. Don't get sucked in to the fun church, find a church that values the Word of God where you can get plugged in. Once you find this church, don't be a seat warmer, get involved. Be apart of the college group. Serve somewhere. Be apart of the bidy of beleivers God has placed you in.

I pray you see the importance of like minded community. One thing I am praying for you is that you will find friends who love Jesus. I pray that God will bring you friends like He brought me. Someone who loves you, encourages you, challenges you, and speaks Truth into you.

I pray that you know true life change only happens in Christ. You can try all you want to change yourself. But you will fail. You will feel like the worst person alive because you are living what you don't want and cannot live what you want. Here is the harsh reality, you cannot combat sin. You simply are not strong enough. That's why you need Jesus. Go to Him. Know Him. Seek Him. Allow Him to bring about life change in you. (This happens when you study the Word.) Stand firm in the promises He has given you. Resist the devil. Flee temptation. Allow Jesus and His Word to change you.

These are my prayers for you. I hope you know that you are greatly loved. I hope you know that we are never truly moving on, but forward. Moving forward toward God, toward looking more like Him, toward the plan He has for us. I pray that you will follow Him above all else! Know Him, follow Him, walk in a manner worthy!

And know, that when you find yourself at home, there is a church family who loves you and will welcome you home. We will encourage you and dive into Scripture with you!

Memorial Day: A Flashback

Memorial Day two years ago started off like any day. I slept in (best I ever sleep in) and my Lovie asked me out to lunch. No biggie just Chick-fil-a. By the end of the evening we were celebrating with friends and family over the ring he had just slipped on my finger. I shared all the details of that day here.

The planning began. And I finally understood that stress that I had watched so many of my friends deal with as they planned their wedding. I didn't really understand it until it happened to me. Learning to balance pleasing your family and pleasing your future husband. It was hard and awesome at the same time.

I spent much time in awe of what God was doing. In awe of how He was blessing us. We were blessed by four different showers. Yes, four. My living room and bedroom were filled with presents. If I had not been so blessed by the overflowing love we were being shown, I might have felt a little embarrassed.

If I were honest I would tell you singleness was something I struggled with. Greg and I dated for 3 1/2 years. I knew for a very long time that He was the man that God had for me. But I also knew that God had asked us to wait for marriage. He had said yes, but not yet. That waiting was painful at times. It hurt to answer the questions about when we were going to get married.

January of 2011, something changed. Without speaking it to each other, God confirmed in both of our hearts that the wait was coming to an end. And for me He started moving in my heart in news ways and and breaking down barriers.

Once the Lord confirmed the time was near. I became so antsy. I was ready. On my birthday, Greg took me down memory lane. He took me to where we first met, where we had our first date. I tried so hard to not get my hopes up. I didn't want to be mad if he didn't propose. At the end of the night I didn't walk away with a ring on. I tried so hard to not be disappointed. It's hard to trust in the Lord with His timing doesn't match yours.

In this the Lord showed me how I could trust Him. How I could trust His timing. He reminded me just how faithful He is. I do not know why I am still amazed when He works out things perfectly in His way. I do not know why I still doubt Him sometimes.

I pray that my story encourages you. Please know that God's timing is perfect. He will work out all the details. He knows best. You can trust Him.