I thank God that I have a mother who is confident in her own skin and tried everything she could to pass it down to me and my sister growing up, sharing with us stories from her experiences. She made us alert of this issue that runs through generations of women everywhere, experiencing this from other women before when she was younger, and helped us to be aware and alert when we see the issue and what to do with it. It's the issue of the "disappointed woman"; older women that take out their disappointments on younger women. Because of this, I have never felt the need to project my issues on younger women, but I get highly concerned when I see older women that do.

When tapped into the Holy Spirit, He will show you the hearts of people. He gives you the eyes to see things. At times, He reveals to you their unconfessed sin that they fight in nailing to the cross and try to hide in order continue performing the sin in the dark. That's why it's always better to repent because when you don't repent, the Holy Spirit exposes you. And when He reveals it to you, a responsible believer seeks His guidance on what to do with it. Sometimes, He reveals things so that you may pray for them, not just to be idol and nosy. 

A jealous spirit is a "stupid spirit", meaning, it causes those that are influenced by it to do the weirdest and most abnormal things, and it's usually a jealousy for something that is intangible, which is why at times people perform demonic behavior, witchcraft such as manipulation and control to try to obtain it. But because God is omnipresent and sees all activity, even what's done in the dark is exposed anyway. It is a dark spirit, and it will always fail in the presence of God.

Older women who are jealous of younger women have a void that was never filled, or a disappointment of an unfulfilled area of their life from the past and even at times the present. They take it out on the female that they are envious of, who may be younger in age, and have accomplished things that they wished they've accomplished but had a disappointment somewhere down the line. It manifests itself by being extremely over bearing, taking out or projecting their anger on them. They'll overcompensate their authority by doing things to abuse their leadership due to intimidation. And they are either extremely embarrassed or carry much shame due to pride when exposed or found in error. They even try to mimic their identity and embody their personality, and shamefully do it in the dark to save face for the public by trying to entrap and suppress them to elevate themselves as if it's them. They live their lives feeding off of negative energy, such as struggling to celebrate the advancement of their progress. Focusing on people more than God. They like you to an extent. Everything is a competition. Whatever you do, they have to do it too and have to outdo. They are never sincerely happy for anyone.  I guess the question is, "God what does a young female do with someone like this?" And God said, "You do nothing. Save yourself by abiding by the scripture of honoring elders, worship me, and run your race, and I will handle them. They are my project. It's my battle to fight. Forgive them and have compassion in knowing that all it is, is that they have unfulfilled promises, disappointments, prayers unanswered, and never allowed me to fill their void. They stayed at the childlike place of disappointment and never grew up...an older woman on the outside, that has an inner child crying on the inside. Pray for them that their eyes be open so that they too can experience a life of fulfillment." Allow God to fill your void today. Address it by asking Him where the void stems from, face it, speak the word over that area, declare healing, and begin walking out your healing on a daily basis until completely delivered, and set free. Don't turn back. From there you will begin to hear directions towards manifested promises and restoration of things lost somewhere down the line. But by no means should you stay at the place of brokenness and project it on the generation behind you. We don't need someone to project on us, we need a Naomi who looks out for a Ruth.


In Him,
Ashley 
Ruth 1
​
2019 (c) 

The root of jealousy is so simple, but yet extremely destructive. I believe the root is merely low self-esteem and lack of self worth. As a woman constantly finding myself in an arena of women, I've seen woman after woman be plagued by this deadly seed that destroys their realization of how valuable they truly are. And because it's blinding, it has the tendency to be subconscious. Too many women are snared by its poison and express their jealousy by way of competition, building a false sense of confidence by striving with other women and sabotaging those who may very well know who they are and love who they are. Striving to "out do" the next man or camouflaging themselves by way of becoming someone else are sources of energy they feed off of to give themselves some sort of being. But because they never face the root of their own self-hatred by embracing themselves, discovering who they are, valuing who they truly are, or finding out their very own identity, calling, purpose, and destiny, they never blossom. They settle at taking on the persona of someone else. The Bible clearly states in the book of Proverbs 3:30 (KJV), "Strive not with a man without a cause if he hath done thee no harm." So my question would be, what has this person done to you, to make you feel the need to strive with them? If your answer is "nothing", then I highly recommend meditating on this scripture until it roots and uproots the bad seed that has blinded you from your personal freedom, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalms 139:14 (KJV). The one you are striving with is not your problem. You are your own problem. God does not make mistakes. Therefore you are not a mistake. You are fearfully and wonderfully made just the way you are; you have just as great of value and purpose on this earth like everyone else. And I guarantee you, the other person is not thinking or fixated on you. If you get busy progressing yourself, focusing on what you love, and doing your purpose, you will not have any time to compete or be jealous of anyone else. As a matter of fact, instead of competing, you will find yourself truly celebrating and praising others for their beauty and awesome works without hesitation. And instead of trying to make everyone be just like you, racing, and comparing yourself, you will find yourself valuing the differences in others and seeing where they add to this life. Now, jealousy doesn't only hover over women, but if you look at the acts of jealousy in the Bible, you will find where King Herod was jealous of the calling that Jesus had on His life so much so, that he sought after him when he was born and killed every child of 2 years of age or younger, in hopes of killing Jesus. You will also see where Saul was jealous of the calling on King David's life before he became king, and sought after him as well. Jealousy makes individuals do the most bizarre and ugliest things. If only they knew that the victims did not choose their callings; God designed it that way. And if they could get a hold on their calling, they would realize that it's not the will of the Father for them to chase someone else's destiny, but to be content and flourish in their own. I challenge you today to discover and embrace who you are; and truly value who you are. Find your vein and territory, and make a difference in this world by working the very gifts you have to offer. If each one of us on Earth would wake up to this realization, there would be no rivalry and animosity; simply a powerful movement of change agents, ready to make a mark on this world. You are not waste or a mistake. You are hand crafted by God, and fearfully and wonderfully made.



2013 ©

It's okay to be known and have nice things, just as long as it doesn't own you. However, it's always a good reminder for those of us artists that have surrendered, dedicated our lives to Christ, and given up our will for His will, that we do not chase our dream strictly for fame...to be seen and known by man...chasing the temporary lavish things of this life. In doing so, you will find much disappointment and a roller coaster of emotions because it's only temporary and not fulfilling. It's full of temporary contentment in acceptance, and constant heartache in the rejection process. However, once we surrender our lives to Him, that sweet surrender, it is no longer about us. We have a different mission that causes us to be rooted, grounded, and fulfilled. But it's about something greater than us...partaking in a mission to help build into someone's life though our art and story...giving them hope and encouragement...bringing them life. It's not about the fame and the money, but it's about the passion, the call, and the destiny. There's much humility in understanding that God gave us the gift to share, to be used by Him to restore, encourage, and identify with someone else, as they face the realities of life. Therefore, we must fade to the back, and allow God to be famous. We're simply a vessel that He has chosen to use, and at the end of the day, He get's all the credit. If we're promoted and given a platform in the spotlight, it is by Him. It's because He knows that we are at a place, heart-wise, where we can handle the territory and platform without it "getting to our head" as if we made it on our own. And the lavish lifestyle, the money and such that is definitely okay to have and comes as one of the many benefits with the platform, doesn't own us. We own it. If anything, I wouldn't want to waste my precious years just trying to be made known by crowds of people that are bound to be fickle, as they will be your biggest fan one moment, and then forget you years later. In doing so, your fame is determined and laid in the faulty hands of man. However, I rather just happen to be known because God allowed it, and my validation comes from God who has the final say on my life and holds my true destiny. And if the crowd forgets my name within the next day or two, it doesn't matter because the passion, destiny, and calling will continue on until God has totally used me up and has called me home. I rather be known for Christ's good works and push His legacy. It's not temporary; it's fulfilling; and in Him you are never shaken by the crowd's validation and rejection :)


Ecclesiates 2:1-11. key verse: "Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun." Eccl. 2:11 (KJV)

2013 ©

God is a storyteller, an author. He fashions the intricate stories of our lives. The Holy Spirit is the writing utensil, and we are colorful words on paper. Pay attention. He is presently writing your life. And it's uniquely designed in the form of a testimony to touch someone else. Understand it. Embrace it. Have fun with it!
What is your story? Share it. Someone needs to hear it. Truth is beauty.
Life is a reflection of God's incessant working miracles. It consists of trial & error, growth, and lessons learned. It takes a lifetime in understanding life, yourself, the people that come and go, and His unfathomable mysteries. However, Christ is what makes it worth living. Trust Him...He knows what He's doing. His intentions are totally pure. And one of the many benefits is the journey!
So just rest in God... let Him write your lifestory...be aware of the adversary...and well, the rest is a walk by faith...
"And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts."
{Psalms 119:45} Ashley Card 2009 ©

We are the expression of the Father loving the Son. And because of His love, we are free from the opressions, timing, labels,& system of this world, and free to be ourselves. In Him, there is true liberty.

In Him,
Ashley
{Galatians 4:5}

Ashley Card 2009 ©

Hmmm...Need Water, Nelly?

Hmmm....Is your faith being tested?

In a "dry" season?

Need a drop of water? Lol hahaha :)

It seems the more we seek God, the more mystified our futures become.

The more we grow in God, the more our faith seems to be tested.

The more we think we understand Him, we realize we know nothing.

I could be wrong, but there seems to be an hierarchical order in the Body of Christ; different levels of his anointing are imparted.

Some may come with age... some may come with growth...some naturally inherited simply because He has called you by name...and others are depending upon your obedience and availing to the truth.

Who knows? I'm still seeking understanding myself lol.

As you grow to the different levels in Christ, it seems as if He reveals more of His mystery.

And then He begins to operate differently. That which used to work with you doesn't seem to work anymore.

It's as if you've temporarily reached solid ground. Then He removes the floor from under your feet, smiles saying..."Got ya!" Just like a Papa with a good sense of humor... AHHHH I LOVE IT!! :)

Embrace ambiguity; our finite minds will just not understand.

And if your eyes are finally enlightened to that clarity, lay hold to it in the midst of obscurity.

Don't doubt yourself. He will correct you where you are in error.

Stand in faith, and don't look back.

Press in and press on.

We don't measure the time, for only God knows the time. It's our duty to pay attention to the seasons.

So if need be, just stand alone. Wait on God.

If no one understands you, He does.

If no one feels what you are feeling.....He feels you.

Even when there's no confirmation, and your emotions have abandoned you....He has not left you. You are not forgotten.

In the mean time, cause your flesh to remain subject to His will.

Die to self.

Fall in love with His will.

Have the triumphant faith in knowing that despite of what happens...you are totally in Love with the Lord.

His will is best for you.

Why?

Because He is jealous for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps

The journey is understanding the unfathomable secrets of God's heart , order, and the mystery of His will.

But the good news is...HEY, you're saved, washed, and blood bought.

At least you're not going to Hell, and He sees that you're trying lol hahaha.

So relax... but don't get too comfortable.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." {Jeremiah 29:11}

May God Bless you according to your faithfulness and obedience to Him.

Hold it Down...
Ashley
Philippians 3:7
Ashley Card 2008 ©

God is the ultimate parent. He fills the void that earthly parents did not fulfill. If you were abandoned...He takes you in. He raises you. And the best part is...you receive the best parenting. Parents are His babysitters. The goal of the parent should be to emulate the ultimate parent. They should seek His wisdom in how to deal with specific situations, and scream for divine intervention in the areas that they cannot meet for their children. Parents are not perfect. They are human. And like everyone else...they are a product of their environment...

Children look to their parents for advice. Because our first source of information is authority...parents can sometimes give bias information and not truth. That's why at the end, we should take everything to the Lord.

Speaking from the heart of a woman, I've noticed that women who have lacked the affirmation of their fathers have a very skewed perception of love. They yearn for that male role model to shed light...that wisdom they desire. They stumble in the hands of men, seeking the love that their father did not give them. They cling to every intimate male relationship they can find...hoping that it will fill their void. Some girls are extremely clingy. They cling to every male for attention. They have a hard time in deciphering who is a friend, and who is their mate. So...They flirt with all of them. They want to be the center of attention, and will compete with any female to get that attention. If only they had a father to build their self-esteem...a father that took on the task of exemplifying the man that their daughter should desire instead of chosing men below her standards. Then there are the women who cope with their abandonment by remaining extremely guarded. They don't have a hard time deciphering who they do and don't like, but they are extremely picky all because they fear the reoccuring action of another future heart ache of male abandonment. Both are extreme versions of insecurity. And for those women that God has graced in finding a stable guy to lead their household in the future, somehow they either rush the process....or they don't how to properly love them.

My father was an excellent provider, but not emotionally available. He would give me excellent practical advice as far as future careers, finances, and etc.... But He never gave me spiritual advice. I believe he always had that male phobia (lol) of talking to me about romantic relationships. The only advice he gave me was that I need someone who will treat me like a lady. Therefore my mother gave me over to the hands of the Lord. My mother was single and self sufficient. She cooked, fixed cars, & etc... She is what you would call..."single and complete." So I grew up with the independent woman mentality, but at times...it cripples me. I observed the men in the church and how they treated their wives, and was able to get some sort of an idea of what to look for. However, because it wasn't consistent, I tend to forget. I told the Lord..."I didn't have that perfect father example to know what to desire in a mate. How should he treat me?

And like a loving father He softly whispered...."I got you Ashley. The man of God I have for you will emulate me. Look to me...Look to papa. The same mercy, grace, love, & etc... I gave you...he will as well." And because I am not perfect myself...I told the Lord " I need a mentor...a married couple" And the next day I went to a Bible study, and the lady leading the Bible study offered a mentoring program for young women away from home. God really loves me...He really takes care of me.

I do not claim that the one God has for you will be perfect. Some of us will find their mates before their time, and they may not be in the best shape at the moment. But it will be your responsibility to pray them out of their areas of instability. You do not necessarily have to be romantically involved right away. You can be a simple friend. Observe them along the way. Women...how does the guy treat his mother...does he have a temper? (red flag) Men...how does she treat her father...is she bitter? (red flag) The will of God is the will of God, and it stands and remains. So if it is in His will for you to be with that particular person, it will come to pass regardless. If you've come across 26 red flags in the relationship...it is best to let it go, until the two of you are a finished product. And if it was never ordained...at least you ended it before it became the relationship from Hell.

You don't have to receive any sort of emotional drama, disrespect, or anything that will cause your heart to be bruised. You can simply wait, until you feel your heart is ready. You're worth too much. And if they are the one...they'll meet you at the end.

For any male or female that has been emotionally abandoned by their mother or father, and you are having a hard time in deciphering what to look for in a future husband or wife. Let me drop this peace of advice....

look to Papa.

It is worth the wait...

May God Bless you according your faithfulness and obedience to Him.

In Him,
Ashley
Philippians 3:7
Ashley Card 2008 ©

Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the unfathomable secrets of God's mysterious ways...the secrets of His heart.

Hearken unto the voice of the Lord...

After deep meditation... comtemplation... and resting in His quiescent presence...I woke up one morning in total peace, hearing only the rushing cars flying down Centerville Turnpike. Three words weighed heavily in my spirit "standing in faith." I figured it was the Lord getting my attention...like a teacher, it was the Father's way of telling me "This is your lesson of the day."

After chasing the truth of God's word for years, I've finally reached a place where I'm walking alongside the Father. And though my walk has been trial and error, I feel no guilt in understanding that there is liberty in Christ to experience Him the way He wants each and every one of us to experience Him individually. Christ is relational; our Father is patient. If He knows that we are seeking Him whole heartedly, He just sits and waits for us to experience a quickening, a spiritual reawakening, a revelation that opens our spiritual eyes to the enlightment of our wrong doings. As Abraham was known to be the friend of God, All of us should feel that we too are His special companions. And His word is not just letters written on thin paper with leather binding, but it's organic...it lives. Where? Inside of us. His existence is our being. We breathe and eat the bread of life, and without it we become unfamiliar with our spirit man, that new being in Christ that is known to be our identical stranger that takes a life time in getting to know and understand.

Hmmm..."standing in faith." Okay God, what are you teaching me today?

The more I grow in the word of God, the more mystified my future becomes. The more I think I understand His ways, the more I realize I know nothing. The voice of the Lord is mysterious. He speaks, and we carnally place a judgment as to what we think the word He gives us is pertaining to. Then we misinterpret. Allow God to be God.... Let Him live through you.... Allow His prophetic sayings to manifest before you. Do not be rash to make assumptions on what He is saying to you. Wait for the confirmation and clarity. And while waiting for the confirmation...pay attention to the spiritual things, things in the spirit. If you pay attention close enough you will see your answer... your confirmation for what God is really trying to say to you. Once you receive that confirmation...STAND IN FAITH for its manifestation.

A lot of times God will give you a glimpse, a vision of something He has for you in your future. And like children we leap before our time. With each manifestation comes an adversary. Say for instance God promised you a position of leadership, and with that promise God will prepare you by allowing the adversary to test you by way of intense tribluation, that will prune you in preparation for your manifestation. But while in the process of waiting on God, standing in faith, and holding on to the dream while in the midst of the test, you follow these peculiar instructions of the Lord that make no sense to you. However, you have faith in knowing that it will lead you to this promised future that for now seems mystified. You step out with your eyes covered with a blind fold and your carnal mind not comprehending what exactly God is doing with you. When you get to that place in your life...that is evidence that your will is totally surrendered to the Father...and you understand what it means to "stand in faith."

Our futures are in the hands of the Lord. His promises are definite. It is up to us to totally surrender our will to Him, and not be afraid to stand in faith, knowing that the Father is faithful. What the Father has started, He will complete. And while we step out in faith chasing our mystified futures, do not be afraid. For His grace will shield us from running in error, and His mercies will bail us from sentence deserved along the way as long as we diligently seek Him and keep a repentant heart. the road to our destiny is a journey full of mystery...THAT'S WHAT MAKES IT EXCITING! :) So just rest in God...and well...the rest is a walk by faith...

"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."
{James 1:3}

Lord help us to not just say we are standing in faith, but know that we know that we are standing in faith. And though things may seem mysitified at the moment, may we not be afraid. For as long as we seek your face our future is in your hands. In Jesus name...Amen.

May God bless you according to your faithfulness and obedience to Him.

In Him,
Ashley
Philippians 3:7

Love Harder. Be a Blessing.
Ashley Card 2008 ©

Just when the heat turns up til it suffocates your lungs...

Your knees give out so that you can't stand...

Your body becomes so exhausted until you can't fight...

Your vision is blurred.

You've become faint.

And though you've done all you can,

You hit the ground in a prostrate position.

You're tired, and not an ounce of energy is left in your body to put forth any effort in fighting the good fight.

Then God steps in at the last minute, and performs the miracle.

Puzzled...you laugh & cry simultaneously out of shock & amazement!

Then the voice of the Lord whispers..."I had to let it get the best of you so you wouldn't take credit for anything, and I get all the glory."

"The contractions that a woman experiences before the actual labor, are a sign of the infants delivery. When your trial in life seems to get harder and harder, the labor pains and contractions draw closer within time frame, and the earthquakes are bigger and bigger. THEN LOOK UP! It's a sign that your blessing and deliverance is near." ~Creflo Dollar

May God bless you according to your faithfulness and obedience to Him.

In Him,
Ashley
Philippians 3:7
Ashley Card 2008 ©