Time...where does it go?!

I can't believe it's been since July that I've posted! Nothing too exciting has happened, but it's a little freaky to think that more than a month has passed without me even noticing! Okay...I've noticed, but wow.

RLC and RA training went well and this weekend is opening weekend! We have nearly all of our students in already and classes begin Monday. It's nice to have the building buzzing again! This has definitely been the best year as far as my attitude and excitement and I'm really looking forward to a great year!

Andy's doing wonderfully as well. He's getting ready to complete the last week of training in Evansdale and then moves to "his" store in Cedar Falls in two weeks. Monday he begins classes for what will be his LAST YEAR! I couldn't be more excited for him! It's been a really long road and I'm so proud of him for sticking with it. I'm going to be overwhelmed when he walks across the stage in May :-).

As I look back at the preparations I made for opening and the joy I experienced as I went through training (yes, you heard right; I said "joy" and training in the same sentence) I have to attribute it to God's amazing grace. Throughout the last several weeks I've prayed for strength, wisdom, comfort, patience, and confidence. And God granted me every single thing I requested. I just couldn't help but take a minute to praise Him for allowing me such blessings!

And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us: and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. 1 John 5:14 & 15

Cake Decorating!

My first cake ever! This is the first cake from Course 1. I'm taking the class with a friend in Hobby Lobby. I'll keep posting as I create more cakes!

Ashleigh

Storm Damage July 2009

A crazy storm rolled in on 7.10.09 at about 4AM. I had seen lightening around 3AM and at 3:50AM hail hitting the ground to ceiling windows in our apartment woke both Andy and me up. Lots of people are speculating that it may have been a tornado, but nothing has been said for sure. Thankfully, it looks as though most of the damage was trees, with some property damage. I haven't heard anything about people getting hurt. The winds were so strong that they blew over a semi (the driver was sleeping at the time) and moved 9,000 lb helicopters at the airport. For more pictures, click the link "Storm Damage July 2009". 

Storm Damage July 2009

We're really thankful to be safe and inspired yet again by how much the community has come together. CF is really a great place to live!

In love,

Ashleigh and Andy

The Lord will keep you from all harm -- He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more. - Psalm 121

A great weekend!

Last weekend Andy and I had the opportunity to go to Bloomington, MN to celebrate our first anniversary! We had a great time at the Mall of America and really enjoyed getting away for a few days. It's amazing how much of an attitude shift a short vacation can produce! For a look at our entire album of the weekend, check out the link below (just scroll over "1st Anniversary Celebration! below)!

1st Anniversary Celebration!

This week Vacation Bible School begins at Cedar Heights Baptist Church. Andy took on the responsibility of Director, so he's been working very hard for months to put everything together. Luckily, we're working with two great women, Becky and Lynn from Follow Hard Ministries. These women are so energetic, enthusiastic, and inspiring! I'm so glad to have them facilitating VBS at CHBC again this year! The first night was a success and we're both really looking forward to the rest of the week. 

We received yet another blessing from God the Friday we left for MN; Andy got a job! He starts his training Tuesday to be the new assistant manager for the Arby's in Cedar Falls. We are so thankful for this blessing and are praising the Lord for it! Andy's excited to get working (as he finishes up his last year in college!!!!) and is confident Arby's will be a good fit. Plus, who doesn't love roast beef sandwiches?! haha. 

The last few weeks have been really great and we want to make sure to praise our God for all of the blessings he's bringing our way. 

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! -- Psalm 105: 1-2

Summer!

Well the summer is off to a great start! I had the opportunity to go to Arizona with my mom to see my grandfather, Gops. It was a lovely visit and I fell even MORE in love with Arizona! As soon as I got back home, I told Andy, "we need to start saving now; we're retiring to Arizona!". It was such a different experience and felt like a true vacation. We slept in, swam, and just took it easy. Plus, it was nice to see Gops, as I hadn't seen him since May of 2005. I'm really anxious to take Andy out to Arizona, to show him the sights and have him meet Gops. Hopefully that's in our near future.

Gops!

The view from Gops' house!

Last weekend, my "bestest" friend Stephanie got married. It was a beautiful ceremony and really really fun reception. They just returned from their honeymoon to Playa del Carmen and Steph said it was absolutely gorgeous. We're already planning a joint trip back in five years!

This picture cracks me up!

Next weekend Andy and I are heading up to Minneapolis, MN to enjoy a late anniversary celebration weekend. We plan to explore the Mall of America (which, when I saw the map, blew my mind!) and check out Underwater Adventures, an aquarium inside MOA. We were in downtown Minneapolis last October and really had a great time, so we're looking forward to going back again!

Summer work is going well for me, as the pace is much more manageable and I get to really focus on projects I enjoy. Andy's work is going well too; he's been umpiring a lot of softball and baseball games and just finished his second interview for an assitant manager position at a restaurant. He'll know more about that job opportunity next week. We're praying that something comes through!

I'll try to post pictures of our trips so far this summer, with more to come after our weekend in Minneapolis.

Spring 2009 photos

Follow the link below for pictures from Spring 2009.

Enjoy!

Andy and Ashleigh

Spring 2009 Album

Revive Me

It's the end of the semester. Tensions are high everywhere. Everyone is just done, done, done. I was given the opportunity to speak with an angry parent this morning. It managed to shoot my mood right down to the ground. Now, as I'm sitting at my desk, finish conduct paperwork (yes, conduct. One day before we close the building. Are the students out of their minds?) this song came on Pandora Radio (check it out, if you don't know what I'm talking about) and soothed my soul. I was instantly taken over by a calming patience. Praise God for small miracles.

Consider my affliction and please deliver me
Plead my cause and redeem me
Salvation is not for the wicked
For they don't seek your word
Great are your tender mercies Lord

Revive me, according to your loving kindness
Revive me, that I may seek your word
Revive me, according to your loving kindness
Revive me, oh Lord

You give me understanding
According to your word
Great peace for those who seek your face
I long for salvation
My lips shall praise your name
I rejoice in the treasure of your keep

Revive me, according to your loving kindness
Revive me, that I may seek your word
Revive me, according to your loving kindness
Revive me, oh Lord

For all my ways are before you
I let your hand become my help
My soul longs and adores you
Let my cry come before you oh Lord

Revive me, according to your loving kindness
Revive me, that I may seek your word
Revive me, according to your loving kindness
Revive me, oh Lord

Oh, Revive me
Revive me
-- "Revive Me", Jeremy Camp