Happy New Year!

As I sit here and reflect on this year I honestly keep getting tears in my eyes. 2011 has been the best year of my life so far. I remember when it started hoping- praying, this would be the year God would turn some things around, that this year would have some highs and not just challenges as the past 4 years had been. But, winter was no different, it was hard, I was really struggling to praise God in all things, didn't stop though, I knew His plan to bless me was good, and I just had to be patient. The beginning of April hit and things were still not looking up, an elder (out of the blue- but not out of God's plan) asked if we could meet so he could pray with me. This is one of my favorite things, it always refocuses me and reminds how good (and near) the Father is. We met and he asked me what I wanted prayer for. I had been praying constantly for 3 things so I shared them with him:

1. legs

2. a roommate

3. a boyfriend

I know God is not santa clause, these were in no way a list of demands, they were a list of desires, if God had chosen not to fufill any of them that would not have changed my love for Him 1 bit, these were merely the desires of my heart.

I have been on eharmony the last few years on and off, with no positive results. The day after I met with the elders I got a new match, a guy named Justin. So I looked at his profile- tall, cute, love sports, loves Jesus. Thought he may be freaked out by the MS thing, but I thought, why not? So I sent him a communication (which I never do). We talked for a few weeks on there. He shared some things he has gone through as well. He said the ms did not bother him, but I had heard that before, so I was honestly waiting for the other shoe to drop- praying it wouldn't because this guy seemed fantastic. It didn't! We have been together since then and he has been the greatest blessing the Lord has even given me. 

So 1 prayer was answered, how was God going to answer the others? By continuing to teach me patience.  I had a good amount of savings at the beginning of the year, my dad's motto is "spend less than you make and do it for a long time" So financially I was doing ok without a roommate, but in June that was quickly not becoming the case. My parents assured me they could help if I needed it, but I did not want it to come to that. I was worried, and then, at the last second, God showed up (as if He wasn't there the whole time). Shannon, a girl I work with, emailed to make sure I was still looking. I said yes. She told Caroline. That was Saturday, Caroline started moving in Wednesday. She has been an awesome roomie! God is good=)

Still waiting to see how God is going to answer my prayers for my legs, but you know what? It's ok. Now does that mean I never get sad, or frustrated, or tired of dealing with this? No, I run the gammett of emotions. But I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God is good. He is faithful, and His plans for me are so much bigger and BETTER than what I think. I just have to be patient and wait to see what His hand will bring next. Bring on 2012!

Comments

[Tina]

Happy New Year to you, Ashley! I loved reading this post about your 2011. I commit to continuing to pray for your blessings to overflow in this new year. You are a treasured friend and roommate to Caroline and I am most grateful for your presence in her life. Thanks for sharing your heart. Love, Tina

[joy moore]

God continues to write your story in ways i could never have thought possible. When we met for prayer I never thought God would answer those prayers so quickly or so perfectly. I know that leg prayer is still in His plans and i can not wait to see how he answers that one. I am excited to see what he has in store for us in the coming year! love you

[Justin]

2011 was pretty good for me too ;-) We have so much to look forward to in 2012! Next on the list is that MS thing :-) I love you (too)!