August 21, 2011. I posted on Twitter:

Arias_Myles Ashley 

Alright. I'm prayerfully determined to memorize Romans. One week or less per chapter, hopefully. *nods* I'm going to.

21 Aug Favorite Reply Delete

Actually I said months ago on the Rebelution forums that I was going to. You see, it was a challenge someone posted. I thought "Hey, sounds fun!"
I've been doing AWANA since 3rd grade. (Yes, I am in high school. Yes, I still do AWANA. =P) I've memorized several verses over the years, finishing a book every year save 9th grade. It didn't sound too difficult. Yeah,  that's a ton of verses, but I was up to it.
I believe I even posted about it. February of last year. And how far did I get? Oh, about halfway through chapter ONE. Shameful, no? Yep, I fail.

I don't want this time to be like the last. This time I'm serious. I don't want to look back at this in a year and a half and wonder why I didn't do it. I don't want to have to ask myself why I couldn't step up and memorize some Scripture.
There's a difference this time, though. See that one word in that tweet? Nope, not "determined". I thought I was determined last time, but you see where that got me. A little bit of determination during a random spiritual high doesn't mean anything.
The word I mean is "prayerfully". See, that's the not-so-little detail that I left out last time.

I hope and PRAY. This time will be different.

Goals for 2011

1. Complete another year of high school.
2. Learn to eat healthier.
3. Exercise at least 3 times a week.
4. Get a job.
5. Grow closer to God every day.

Entirely routine, I know. But hey, it needs done.
The high school one I have no choice about. I don't even know how many years I have left, at this point; I'm just trying to get done.
Learning to eat healthier... mhm. Yeah. I'll let you know how that one goes =P I'm eating skittles as I type this. But, my body's gonna be in better condition if I take care of it. I don't wanna get fat =P Besides... I can't think of the reference at the moment, but there's a Bible verse that says our bodies belong to God. What other reason should I need to take care of myself?
The exercising I've been getting better about this last week. I'm tired of being out of shape. I don't care if I'm skinny, I still have flabby muscles =P
Definitely need to get a job this summer.... gotta have money for youth trips! =D
Aaaand that last goal is by far the most important.

Wow. Ain't that a boring sight to see. ^ My apologies, I have basically run out of stuff to post.

Speaking of life...
I think I may have decided on what I'm doing after I finish high school. Nothing's definite yet, of course, but I've been thinking about something for about a month now, and praying about it some, and I feel like I should. And it sounds like my kind of exciting. Interesting. Good for me too, I'm sure. True to my style, nothing easy =P
Well, I guess we'll see what happens later on. I'm actually excited about the idea though.

Voyage of the Dawn Treader

I got to see the new Narnia movie while my little sister watched Yogi Bear for her birthday.
The movie was amazing, Narnia was beautiful as usual, and if I cared what actors looked like I'd say Edmund and Caspian didn't look too bad XD The kid playing Eustace was perfect for the role.
I don't guess I can say much more other that I love the books, and I think the movie was very good. I haven't read the book in a bit, so I don't know if there were many differences, but I was happy how the movie turned out.

If only places like Narnia existed... xD

"People are so stupid."
"The world is full of idiots."

Do you know how many times I've heard stuff like that? It gets REALLY annoying after a while. Yes, if you want to diss the human race for something totally true, and you include yourself, then great. But what right do any of us have to say people are stupid, as if we ourselves aren't? We're all humans, for goodness sakes. Yeah, we're all about as dumb as it gets. Why else would this world be so screwed up? But really. You should know by now we're idiots, so stop commenting on the fact.

Animals, however.... *mumbles something about how our dog never shuts up*

Yeah, I did say it was 75* not too long ago... but now it's snowing! I kid you not. I wouldn't trade this fickle weather for anything. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going back out in it. And no, I'm not gonna wear a coat.

Yes, this will be a slight rant. You have been warned.

You know what annoys me? People who act one way at church, and completely different any other time. Or who try to be someone their not.

Really... if you're gonna go out and swear and do stupid stuff anyway, why bother acting different at church? If you're worried about offending someone then maybe you shouldn't do it.
And it's really hard to not hate someone who turned your friend into a person you don't even recognize anymore. But hey, that's life I guess... at least I've learned how NOT to act by looking at the people who were in the youth group before I was that old.

And it bugs me to death when you're online and see stuff someone you know has posted, and it sounds nothing like the person you know. Who are they impressing? Yeah, maybe people who have never met you think you really are that "cool" or whatever word you want to put there, but why should you make them like a fake person? You should be yourself. Somebody's gonna like something about you, so don't worry about it.

I'm not sure which annoys me more... people who used to be awesome to be around acting like idiots, or people being so fake it's sickening.

This can be applied to blogging, by the way, so maybe this post isn't a total loss =P
Be yourself! Somebody's bound to like your personality. If they don't want to read what you have to say, then they don't have to. That's their loss.

And friends? If you have to change who you are to fit in, then they aren't very good friends. There's gotta be people who already love you for you... don't go acting stupid, or you'll end up losing most of your friends. The fake ones will leave you out anyway, and the real ones won't want to be around someone they don't even know.

Thanksgiving '10

Yes, Thanksgiving isn't until Thursday. Mine started Sunday XD
I don't get to see any extended family on Thanksgiving, for various reasons, so I was really glad that I got to go to the dinner Sunday night at church. I loved spending the evening with my friends, and I just love my church family. I'm really blessed that God has put me here.

And hopefully I get to hang out with some friends again Wednesday ^w^

So yes, that is one thing I am thankful for this year. Thanksgiving shall be much less depressing X3


On another note... why in the world was it 75* out today?!

Meh... they're okay, but I need new white nail polish and some sort of detail stuff to do the black. And my face-drawing skills are lacking =P
But hey, I like 'em, for a first try.

Life Lesson #16541

Rap is of the devil. Screamo is absolutely evil, even if it is so overtly Christian that it makes you want to puke. Rock is only acceptable when it is oozing with a good message, though if it borders on loud it's out too. Contemporary Christian is not even a subject of discussion, because of course it's okay. Music from the 70's and 80's is guaranteed to be annoying, and most of the time you can't tell if it's a girl or guy singing. Popular new music will for sure be run into the ground, so even if you liked it at first, you will groan and change the channel as soon as the song starts for the millionth time.
Country music doesn't have to be as clean as any other genre, just because it's country. You could listen to songs about drinking, smoking, cussing, and women all day long and no one will say a word because that's just the culture. Heaven forbid we would listen to something like that of another genre though! There are a few songs that are not appropriate, but they are usually out-right horrible.
However, if you are listening to bluegrass, then anything goes. Songs, such as ones about how wonderful corn liquor is, that would normally be looked down upon at other times, are now turned up to their loudest volume as little children dance away. And no one says a word. There is no such thing as an inappropriate bluegrass song.

Disclaimer: This is all in fun... I do not actually mean any of this. By all means, blast that Christian screamo, and please do not listen to bluegrass songs about drinking. Thank you.

Pure awesomeness right here:

But I ain't paying no $40 or $45 for one. *sigh*

I can see myself being fat and half deaf at forty years of age... =P If I have a bad day, I just like to sit and blast music and eat some sort of sugary food until I'm hyper. I'm sure that'll turn out to be a lovely habit =P Isolation for a little bit helps as well, but apparently I spend too much time in my room.

On another note... I hate arguing. I really do. I really don't try to argue with people. But, with my siblings, I seem crabby to them sometimes, so they like to mouth me, and I answer them. Of course, then they continue to holler at me, and it seems like I'm arguing. And with some other people... I just get so tired of some things, that no matter how hard I try, it seems that everything that I say is in argument. I don't want to argue with them, and I know it's REALLY bad idea, but... I don't even know anymore. *sigh*
Anyhow... I will be listening to Anberlin and eating a sno-ball in about an hour =P

And you wanna know why I never talk to people about stuff I'm thinking? Because it ends up like this post! =P And then they tell me I need to get over it. Which doesn't help at all. Or they tell me I'm wrong, which I already know, and also makes things worse. So I usually try not to be down like this.

I did finish most of tomorrow's schoolwork today! ^_^ I'm really happy about that.

See? ^_^ Smiley faces! =) I'm in a good mood now! =D

^_^

"And in Your eyes I can see, and in Your arms I will be. I am not just a man vastly lost in this world. Lost in a sea of faces. Your body's the bread. Your blood is the wine. Because You traded Your life for mine. Just one in a million faces."

Now I'm listening to the actual song to make up for my horrible singing a couple minutes ago... =P

I'm thinking it's about time to go to another concert. I love 'em! ^^

Or, at least, I need to play guitar for some people... that's fun too. Hmm, maybe I'll drag my guitar upstairs later and play or something. I'm not in a bad mood, and I know my sister will bash my singing, so I'd better do it soon =P

Yes, I'm weird.

No, I'm not brave enough to wear that ginormous bow in public.

:P

Yes, I'm going to hopefully post some drawings later today.

Treason - Kutless

Did you listen to the song? Good.

Well what a song to start off with...

Kind of funny that this song came up, actually. I've not been so good about reading my Bible every day, sadly.

It all starts here with my disgrace

I give you my life then I run in haste
In this false life something needs to give

Yeah, I'm a Christian. Yeah, I try to act like one. But this is ridiculous.

Tell me a reason why this isn't treason
Tell me, tell me I'm wrong
I swear I'm back but then it turns out it's only a season
So tell me, tell me I'm wrong

How many times do we say we're going to do better, then fail?

With my two lips I will praise your name
Then I turn around and only curse and blame
I give in, strength is thin, adding to my shame

I guess it's because we're human.

Tell me a reason why this isn't treason
Tell me, tell me I'm wrong
I swear I'm back but then it turns out it's only a season
So tell me, tell me I'm wrong

Then I realize. I can't do this by myself. But you know what? Christ can help me.

Your blood it covered all my sin

You changed a traitor into kin
In this false life something needs to give

So you know what? Maybe now is when I start getting better about this. Because I really do feel horrible about it.

Tell me a reason why this isn't treason
Tell me, tell me I'm wrong
I swear I'm back but then it turns out it's only a season
So tell me, tell me I'm wrong.

Well this was definitely interesting. And you know, I don't think it was coincidence that this song was the first one that played.

I'll post again tomorrow! Have a great day!

Holy Worlds' First Anniversary!

" Fellow authors and Holy Worlders, greetings.

On September 20, 2009 this site was officially released. That date passed us a few weeks ago, and we scarcely noticed. However, this does not mean that we are going to neglect the exciting event of our first anniversary. Certainly not! We have simply postponed it until October 21, exactly one year, one month, and one day from the original launching. We intend to celebrate!

A celebration is being planned for every member of this fair community and anyone you can bring along! Be here by or around 12 PM Eastern Standard Time (11 AM Central Standard Time, 10 AM Mountain Standard Time, 9 AM Pacific Standard Time, and if you live on another continent you have to calculate it yourself,) on October the 21st in the year of our Lord two thousand and ten!!!

I am thrilled to announce that, on this most glorious day, we shall officially release Holy Worlds Christian Science Fiction, your sister site. It shall be a double birthday; the anniversary of one and the creation of the other.

So come prepared to be excited! Come prepared to be enchanted! Come prepared to break some records! Come and bring a friend! I promise you that there shall be surprises that you do not want to miss. "

---

Come join us! :D Even if you aren't a member, go ahead and come check out Holy Worlds and help us celebrate on the forums! :) And you can always register if you're interested. Hope to see you there! :D

Yep, that's right! :D I really am insane! lol

One month until NaNoWriMo!! Anyone else participating?

Mmmm, I love irony! xD It beats drama any day. I really have nothing to say about this whole situation other than that, the irony... mmm, I swear I'm literally rolling on the floor laughing inside.

That and the fact that people can know me for this long and still not really know me? Mmm. I have nothing to say to that. *little chibi me inside is about to suffocate laughing*

Anyhow...

I can't wait to spend the afternoon with my awesome friends! ^^ I hope everyone else is having an awesome weekend! =DD I love you guys!

~Ashley

whoo! almost 40 followers!! Thank you so much!! :)

You know, it's interesting... God knows we're going to screw up, and some people won't accept Him, but He still gives us free will. We aren't a bunch of robots, programmed to do everything perfectly, and to love Him, and do all those things we should do. Sure, He's there to guide us, and there are consequences for sin, but we still get to make choices. We choose what to do.

As a fantasy writer, I know how frustrating it can be when someone you've made decides they want to go off and do something else other than what they're supposed to be doing. No, I'm not saying characters in books are real... that would be a completely different post. Just listen to what I'm trying to say, here =P

I can imagine God, up there watching us, thinking "No, don't do that! Go over there! That'll work better! What are you doing?!" Now of course, I don't know what God thinks, for sure. And of course He already knows what we're going to do. But do you know how much patience that must take? To watch us mess up time and time again, and yet He continues to forgive His children and show us what the right thing to do is. He never ceases to amaze me.

I've missed several daily post things... guess I'm going to make up for that today. So sorry, ahead of time, for the posts about to flood my blog =P

Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life
Day 9: A photo you took
Day 10: A photo of you taken over 10 years ago
Day 11: A photo of you taken recently
Day 12: A song you want played at your wedding (or was played)
Day 13: A guilty pleasure

Hm.... looks like I may have to ask Mom if the ones about posting pictures of me is okay....

---

On another note... AWANA is tonight! ^^ Last week was awesome. And Wyntre's coming again! =D I hope Hannah can come too, but I guess we'll see.

I never did get any pictures last year... I'll have to see if I can get some sometime this year. I just need to borrow one of my siblings' cameras since mine is fat =P

EDIT: Alright, so I think I won't do the post challenge after all. Yes, I am a failure. But I'm really far behind and can't or don't want to do half of the ones I've looked at so far. FAIL. The end.

Listening to Kutless and drawing, then watching To Save A Life and practicing bar (sp?) chords. Yay! How is y'all's Friday night going?

EDIT: Okay, so... it's midnight =P No guitar after all.

And yes, I'm aware of the fact I was supposed to post a book review tonight... the book hasn't come in the mail yet. Not my fault =P It should be here pretty soon.

And yes, I'm aware I haven't even mentioned the fact I'm supposed to post said book review until now... but now you know. lol