whirlwind.

Wow.. everything is happening so fast. Still can’t believe I’m even here!!! It’s amazing. There’s so much to say. God is moving… it’s beautiful. I’ve experienced such a whirlwind of emotion this past week. I got homesick kinda… and i didn’t think i would! I’m okay though, it comes in cycles. This place is so incredible though- so I don’t miss home too often. I feel like the dust has settled. The excitement and craziness of being here is just becoming more of a reality to me. And i love it. My eyes are fixed. 

Found out yesterday that we’re all going to Thailand to finish out our lecture phase! We’re going all together- both teams..for like two weeks, then we’ll split up. One team going to Indonesia/Malaysia and one going to Bangladesh and back to Thailand (which is my team). Kinda can’t wait!!!!! but, also loving this lecture phase.. it’s so good. SO much to learn. 

This past week I’ve been spending a whole lot of time in prayer. I feel burdened to pray.. for so much. It’s been so powerful. I’m slapped in the face with the fact that I have to be nothing before Him. I have to die to my desires every…single…moment. This life not one bit about me! So i empty myself.

Realized that I am here to intercede. There’s sin on one side. God on the other- and a massive gap in between the two. and that is exactly where I am. I am in that gap- bridging it. Because that is why I am here. I’m chosen for that. “My house shall be called a house of prayer”…. WHAT if we actually lived this way? Let go of ourselves and emptied ourselves daily.. to be filled with His heart.  

There is nothing greater than this…. It’s the secret to His heart. He’s waiting for the church to finally become His bride. Sadly, we’ve lost the reality of the power of prayer. but wowwww.. it’s so powerful. Please grab ahold of this, my friends. It’s why we were breathed into and given life- to love, to carry eachother’s burdens…and to give them over to Jesus. 

There’s a lot of people that have given me words here… words from God. Here’s one (i share this to show you that God speaks. and He’s moving): 

“Ashleigh, precious daughter of mine. You are so beautiful to me. You are more precious than silver or gold- you are priceless. There’s no one else quite like you. You have a heart to know Me, and walk with me and that blesses Me. You are a flower in my garden and will be a beautiful aroma for me. You’re like a white rose with no thorns who is blooming beautifully. I rejoice over you with singing and as you abide in Me I will quiet you with my love. (Zeph. 3:17) You are my daughter. My princess, get prepared to be My bride. Dance to me, my daughter. Come aside with me and listen to me. Your life will bring hope and healing to many; reach out to the poor and needy with My love. I love you..and need you. Your hands will be my hands- your tears, Mine. The joy of the Lord will be your strength. Trust Me, my daughter. I love spending time with you. Hide under My wings when things get rough, and always remember the power of prayer. I love you”.

So this lady, Donna, is here speaking to us this week. She’s wonderful. Hears the voice of God and is teaching us how to do that. Every morning she prays for us and writes down what God tells her. That was what He had for me. I was so humbled.. so thankful for that. 

Every person that has prayed over me and given me words or visions from God, has mentioned a flower. At first I was thinking it was kind of weird and not fitting for me.but i love it. and every single one has mentioned the idea of my worship and prayer being like a pleasing aroma to Him. One mentioned a night blooming jasmine. How lovely…. Another thing that I’ve been noticing about my worship and time with Him is that I always end up weeping when He is present. I just…cry. And i started to get frustrated with it. But- God has confirmed that it is Him within me… once again the whole idea of bridging this gap between God and sin. Intercession. It’s a beautiful thing. 

So, this is where I am. I’ve lost myself. My old self. and I have a new heart. A new mind. A new set of eyes. New hands. and feet. This whole time is such a breath of fresh air!! i love it!

I miss you all a lot. a lot a lot a lot. 

Mmm.. just really powerful stuff. I’m blown away. My mind is exploding.. so is my heart. It’s so good. He’s meeting me.. in ways I’ve never known.