California Top 5

Since arriving to my new home in Charlotte, I've been craving a few things from home. These are a few things that can't be found in North Carolina, no matter how hard I try. Not saying life doesn't go on without them, but there are some things I sure do miss.

Number 1. Tommy's Sushi

I'm sorry Charlotte and surrounding areas. There is something that even remotely comes close to Tommy's Sushi. Pass me a baked scallop roll, a spicy tuna handroll, and a crunchy roll that no one can seem to recreate with such magic. Maybe there is something in the water there, but I sure do love it.

Number 2. Family
I know I should have put this one first, but they already know how much I love them. And they also know how much I've struggled with finding sushi in CLT. I miss my family, but their constant love and support is felt across the country and I'm so grateful for such amazing parents. (Plus Maadi gets to see grandma and grandpa)

Number 3. A Sunset on the Beach
We do seem to get pretty incredible sunrises in NC, but I can't seem to get over the sunsets that light up the Pacific Ocean. I am trying to plan time on the Atlantic Ocean, but until then, I miss the ease of driving 20 minutes to the beach. I used to go there on a bad day, park in the same place, walk out to the beach and sit on the lifeguard stand thanking God for his beauty. I thank him in different ways because NC is really beautiful, but I am eager to see the Pacific Ocean.

Number 4. FRIENDS

I can honestly admit that I don't have a crazy amount of close friends, but I think that what I lack in quantity I make up big time in quality. My friends are AWESOME. They love, pray, and accept me for the crazy, out there person that only some people know me for. I can't wait to see all my friends!

Number 5. Warm-er Weather
I know the weather in January isn't the warmest for California, but it will still be noticeable compared to NC. It's not like NC gets crazy cold like, say Vermont, but I am getting used to waking up to 30-degree temps. Being able to wear a scarf for fashion and not function will be a treat.

California, I'll see you in a few weeks!

Worthless to Priceless

Have you ever felt worthless ? It's easy for the world around us to make those accusations. I will admit I'm feeling that way right now about my walk with Jesus. I sin again and again with stuff that is so clearly spoken against in the bible. Why do I do it? Amazingly, I found a guy that can relate to how I feel.

For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate...For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
-Romans 7:15, 19 (NASB)

Those words came from the apostle Paul who lived so vibrantly for the Lord. He shows us that even a man so passionate for Jesus had trouble with sin and the temptations of the world.

I shouldn't be surprised by this concept though. The same devil that tempted Adam and Eve, and Paul is the same devil that is tempting me and you today. The same tricks he used back then are working today in just a more modern facet. Well I don't know about you, but that gets me pretty pissed off.

I want to look at the temptations that are placed before me and laugh at them. Hahaha (feel free to practice now). I know it's never as easy as that (though I'm glad you practiced), but hey, maybe it will work! If i take a step back, look at the situation, maybe it might work? I might as well try a different approach than I have been because I haven't been living a life that displays Jesus in a positive light. I know, as with a lot of sin, it sounds fun at the time, but it bites. And Jesus knows it so well.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
-John 10:10 (NASB)

I want to choose LIFE. I want to choose it now and not tomorrow.

Now just to make sure we are clear, I am saying this all as a complete reminder to myself, but figured I would share in case anyone else was going through the same thing. I hope you see that.

I wanted to end with a great couple verses from Psalm 34. Remember we GET to praise the God of the universe. How great and holy is He!

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the Lord; The humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
-Psalms 34:1-4 (NASB)

Starting Crazy Love

This week I started reading a new book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. He has videos to go with the book that really make you think about the words from his book. As much as I love books, I'm definitely one that can relate to visuals. And while I only just finished chapter one, it really started to open my eyes to WHO GOD IS.

I have never been one to jump over to Revelation for my devotional. Not sure if I was confused or afraid of the final book in the bible, but it wasn't something I often flipped to by my own accord. In one of Chan's videos he references Revelation's author John describing what he saw when he got a glimpse of God.

"And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal." - Revelation 4:3-6

I can only imagine John trying to put such majesty into human words. Lighting and Thunder? WOW. It must have been amazing if those are the closest descriptions in human words. Doesn't it put into perspective the God we pray to every day? If I saw God in all his glory like John did, what would be my first words to Him? The two phrases that came into my head that I would want to say to Him are THANK YOU and I LOVE YOU.

Now that I think about really why I haven't read much of Revelation, it might have been that I was only thinking of God in an earthly way, but he is so much bigger. In the same chapter of Revelation, it talks about four creatures that resembled a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle. But these creatures had eyes all over their bodies. I think that freaked me out the first time I started reading the book. Now I can see how amazing and BIG God is. He isn't confined to what my mind can dream up, he is so much BIGGER.

My challenge today (and I'm going to be challenging myself in the exact same way) is to see God in a bigger way than maybe you've seen him in the past. It might make you fall on your face in worship, it might make you stand in awe. For me, its definitely opened my eyes to the possibilities of God. I don't ever want to put him in a box.

Have a great Saturday! Hoping I'll be able to share more tomorrow.

1 Year

I can't believe it's been one year. A year seems like a long time but memories from one year ago seem so fresh. I'm in fact in the same terminal that I was in exactly one year ago. With a semi-photographic memory, everything seems so vivid still. The emotion is still very there. The thought process is similar.

Thankfully this flight is for a good reason. I get to see my husband. I miss him so much and I get to be there with him during this super hard time. Looking back on the year, so many good things have happened. God has definitely ruled and reigned high and I couldn't imagine being here today without him. Whenever i hurt or an overjoyed, I get to openly and erratically get to talk to him all the time. And his blessings are ever-flowing.

I just hope that with the year that has passed, we can look ahead at an amazing future that God has laid before each and every one of his daughters and sons.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;I will turn the darkness into light before themand make the rough places smooth.These are the things I will do;I will not forsake them.
-Isaiah 42:16 (NIV)

Thanks be to God!

The Cross

The Cross and Resurrection

I just read an awesome little book called The Case For Easter by Lee Strobel. Once again, he used his journalistic skills to investigate the claims for the cross and resurrection, as to whether they actually happened. WOW. I am already a believer but if anything, it strengthened my faith and what I had already believed.

The three points he wanted to pursue were 1) whether Jesus actually died on the cross as the bible said, 2) whether the body of jesus was actually resurrected, and 3) whether he had actually appeared to people after the resurrection. These are three things that people could most definitely get stuck on if they are wanting logical, straight-forth answers about what happened from Good Friday to Easter Sunday.

As a believer already, the one thing in the book that hit me the most was the description of the crucifixion by a doctor and christian that Strobel interviewed. He had modern-day diagnosis' for what Jesus was physically going through. From his lashings the day of his death, what he was dealing with as he carried the cross to Calvary, and a descriptive explanation to what happens during a crucifixion. His descriptions where often hard to read, not only for it's gruesome nature, but because of what it all ended up meaning.

It was MY SIN that held him there. Yes it was the sin of all mankind, but that includes ME. It was hard to take. The verse that I have on my wrist is Galatians 2:20. “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." He gave Himself for Me. How amazing is it that Jesus, the creator of the universe, was thinking of me when he was going through the most pain a man could go through.

At the end of the chapter, Stobel posed a heartfelt question to the straight-shooting doctor: what would motivate someone to take on such a horrible death? His answer could be summed up in one word: LOVE. But this is what he said:

"Frankly, I don't think a typical person could have done it. But Jesus knew what was coming, and he was willing to go through it, because this was the only way He could redeem us - by serving as our substitute and paying the death penalty that we deserve because of our rebellion against God. That was His whole mission in coming to earth."

In one word, it was Love. Pure, unmatched love. How thankful am I for that love. I can't even begin to express. I hope you see how much Jesus loves you. And if you don't believe that Jesus died and was risen from the dead, take a look at The Case For Easter. It could show you what you've been missing. Be brave enough to see what God is trying to show you.

When I Am Weak...

"That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Cor 12:10

These words are very amazing and I keep hearing them lately. It's amazing to think that sometimes I act as if I can live this life on my own, without God. Then sometimes, I am jolted back into the real world...the world that I can't live this on my own and that is okay. Because as the verse says, when I am weak, my Jesus is STRONG!

It's hard to live each any every day with this mind set, but I pray that I can start each day knowing that Jesus is on my side. That he wants good and not bad for me. But I know that I can persevere no matter what, because HE IS STRONG.

Thank you Jesus. Amen.

The Truth

“[Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” - John 8:31-32

I am not a biblical scholar and I am not trying to be. In my blogs, all I want to do is explain the way the verse touched my life and hopefully it can open the eyes of someone else the way it did to me.

This verse captivated me with the last line. It says, "The truth will set you free." How many times have you heard this in a movie or maybe in a scolding? Usually in those instances it's talking about us telling the truth. In this instance, Christ wants to bring us into a place of sweet relief. That weight that you carry around will be gone, if you just believe in him.

Now when I read this it made me realize something about non-Christians, or at least ones that might be on the fence seem to look at Christianity. They see this relationship as the rules and the can nots in our lives. God didn't tell us to do these things because he didn't want us to have fun or enjoy life, he did it so we could live life to the fullest. If Joe Shmoe doesn't want to be a Christian because he wants to go out there and sleep with the whole town, that sucks. Christ knows how bad that will be in the long run.

For me, it's always been hard for me to see the long term in situations. We live in a place that constantly puts the "now" right in front of us. I fall into that trap a lot of the time. But when you come to a place where you are able to look at a scenario and say 'how is this going to affect me in 5 minutes, next week, 10 years', the scenarios change.

That's all for now. My a.d.d. is kicking in, but I hope you realize how awesome it is to have a relationship with Jesus and how loved you will feel by the creator of the universe.

I'm Back!

“[Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” - John 8:31-32

I am not a biblical scholar and I am not trying to be. In my blogs, all I want to do is explain the way the verse touched my life and hopefully it can open the eyes of someone else the way it did to me.

This verse captivated me with the last line. It says, "The truth will set you free." How many times have you heard this in a movie or maybe in a scolding? Usually in those instances it's talking about us telling the truth. In this instance, Christ wants to bring us into a place of sweet relief. That weight that you carry around will be gone, if you just believe in him.

Now when I read this it made me realize something about non-Christians, or at least ones that might be on the fence seem to look at Christianity. They see this relationship as the rules and the can nots in our lives. God didn't tell us to do these things because he didn't want us to have fun or enjoy life, he did it so we could live life to the fullest. If Joe Schmo doesn't want to be a Christian because he wants to go out there and sleep with the whole town, that sucks. Christ knows how bad that will be in the long run.

For me, it's always been hard for me to see the long term in situations. We live in a place that constantly puts the "now" right in front of us. I fall into that trap a lot of the time. But when you come to a place where you are able to look at a scenario and say 'how is this going to affect me in 5 minutes, next week, 10 years', the scenarios change.

That's all for now. My a.d.d. is kicking in, but I hope you realize how awesome it is to have a relationship with Jesus and how loved you will feel by the creator of the universe.

Being Thankful

The term family took on a new meaning over the past few weeks. People that were strangers turned into family, and it makes me think about how lucky I am to be a part of something so special.

When tragedy struck just over three weeks ago, the community surrounding the Schiermeyer family stepped up to help wherever and whenever possible in order to make the hurt lessen. I couldn't believe the amount of help that came in over the two and a half weeks I was in Vermont. I know Agnes, Benedikt and Daniel were blown away as well. Knowing the kind of people that are in that town, I am not surprised that everyone came out to help in a time of need.

After leaving Pownal, I suddenly realized the bond I developed with all the people and the blossoming new relationship with my soon to be mother-in-law. Although I wish I could turn back time, for obvious reasons, I am thankful for the blessings that God created out of something so awful. Even after the fact, I think about every little thing that He had his hand in and I am really taken back with amazement. “Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness” is something I have been saying a lot.

Looking ahead I can see a great party that will unfold with family and friends just a few short months away as everyone makes the trip out west for the wedding. I can't wait to laugh and enjoy the company of so many people that made me feel like a part of the family.

Just in Case

Just in case you didn't know, I have a wedding website now and I've been blogging there for my homies. Haha. Check it out:

www.ashleyandbenthewedding.com

A Lot Has Happened

Well, I hate to say it but I didn't live up to my word. Though I feel like I have a good excuse.

Two weeks ago, Ben and I were surprised with the cutest puppy in the world. Her name is Maadi and she is the coolest French Bulldog ever. The very next day, Ben decided to make it a double whammy weekend by proposing. That was a crazy weekend. One that I won't ever forget!!

I just finished up my first weekend helping out on the supercross tour. The weekend went well considering Pourcel won the lites and Villopoto the big bikes. We only had two guys out there since Chad is still hurt and the other two lites guys have had their own issues.

Now I'm in Minneola, Florida with my best friend Kristen enjoying a little down time. I haven't taken time off in a while. Yesterday, the team came over and we all ventured over to the tiki bar just down the road. Just as we got there it started to rain, but not too bad. Before long, it was like a typhoon coming across the lake. We were all drenched by the time we paid the bill. Isn't Florida weather fun?

I get back Wednesday and have the weekend off before traveling the next two weeks. Keep the craziness coming.

My Travels and the Blog

I have seriously been neglecting the blog and it's time to stop that! Right now! I am committing to load at least one post every time I am on the road and if I can in between. I am almost tempted to do a weight loss blog...because I really want to shed a few, but it is hard with little motivation (Ben could speed that process up a little bit if he wanted:) But I'm doing better:))

Right now I am heading out to B-E-A-utiful Primm, Nevada or Stateline as most people know it for Round 2 of the WORCS series. I think I might try and ride that rollercoaster thing. My main concern is that I have gotten too old for those things. I really need if I have already messed up my human motion sensors. I used to be so awesome at rollercoasters (if you can be awesome at something you just sit on and do nothing but hold on), but now I just feel like I'll be in bad shape quicker than Broc Hepler on a SX track. (P.S. I love Broc...he is a cool PA dude)

It is a little interesting going to the races with Ben also there working for another team. I want his dude to do well because it is the ultimate reward for a mechanic to see his rider win or do great. I'm just going to go with "do great" theory because I still want to see my guys take it all!! Haha. But don't get me wrong...it has seriously been a HUGE blessing from Jesus that we are able to see each other more AND he gets to work on dirt bikes. He loves it. He LOVE LOVEs it. He....ok i'll stop.

Now thanks to facebook, i can quickly upload photos and little messages, which makes blogging a little more obsolete for me when it comes to the Little things. Pun definitely intended. So now it is my vow to update you on the adventures of Ashley Little, just like I once did...before the time of Facebook.

I hope I don't die on the bigg rollercoast...but if I do, I LOVE YOU JESUS!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Just An Observation

So I'm sitting here in the jury assembly room and I just couldn't help over hear others conversations. I realized just from listening to two conversations, I mean catching every other word, that there are still a lot of people that aren't very tech savvy. I hope i spelt that correctly. Either way, I bought my Flip camera almost a year 6 months ago and I felt that I was late on the trend. But this group of ladies didn't understand what a Flip camera was. They were talking about the commercials, which seem self explanatory to me, but in reality some people do need bluntness.

As we go into a world that is embracing social media like crazy, I feel that it was an eye opener. That not everyone has it all together in the tech world, but with simple explanation I believe there is a desire. Facebook and such isn't very hard once shown the way.

Just wondering what you think.

Thanks Be To God

I have often taken things for granted. Or maybe I didn’t know how great I had it until a later time. Either way, it’s an interesting exercise to take a look at your life and be thankful for the things that we are blessed with. It’s especially good when we start to think we have it so bad with either a stressful day at work or when we get sick. We, or should I say I, start to feel bad for myself. There are so many people out in the world that don’t have any idea where their next meal will come from, or if their house will be taken from them, or if their loved one will make it through their battle with cancer. I don’t think it’s because Thanksgiving is around the corner, but it won’t hurt to start being more thankful for the blessings that God has given me.

To start, I am incredibly thankful for family. My family. They are so loving and faithful to be there for me when I need them. I am thankful for the love of my life Ben. He is the greatest and continues to show me more and more love than I deserve. I am so thankful for friends that I can truly call friends. I think it’s great to be able to still have connections with people even if you don’t see them all the time (although I would like to). I am thankful for my job and for Ben’s job. Sometimes it’s hard to go away on trips and be away from the people I love, but I truly do love my job. I’m thankful for the trials in my life. Without them, I wouldn’t be as strong as I am. Although I have to say, I haven’t faced anything like a lot of people I know.

If I wasn't thankful, how would I know I am blessed? I have so much to be thankful for!

And in all of these blessings, I know I have one person to thank. Jesus. My Jesus…who sacrificed himself for ME. He was thinking about me when he came down from heaven and he was thinking about me on that cross.

“16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence 20whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” 1 John 3:16-20

Surrender to Love

Surrender to Love

“Like loving parents who can look at their children with disappointment that in no way dilutes their love, the God in whose image such parents are made loves us with a love that is not dependent on our behavior. If at least some humans can do this, how dare we question God’s ability to do the same?”

This is a quote that stood out to me the most in the first chapter of Surrender to Love by David Benner. I have been fortunate enough to have parents that I know love me no matter what I do. Yes, they probably have been disappointed with me, but I have never felt like their love was in some way revoked or lessened. I think because of my parents I have been able to grasp the love Christ has for me isn’t conditional on my behavior. Yes, He may be disappointed and I know I have let Him down, but I still feel the love. I still can go to Him and know I have a big set of arms waiting for me wide open.

God is so good. I can’t even begin to express how deep that statement goes. I know that I don’t deserve it at all (which is God’s expression of grace) and I need to put forth a better effort in getting to know the God who loves me in every circumstance and situation.

I am going to try to blog about my experience with this book and what stands out to me. I’m pretty bad with finishing books and I hope this goal to write about it on my blog will help me push through so I can share all the amazing insights of God’s love here. Know that God loves you. I know it’s a hard one to grasp for some, but I’m learning that if we surrender to His love, we will find a huge relief in the way we view God.

God Bless!

Portugal

I have been so busy with working here in Portugal, I haven't had a chance to take pictures or blog for myself. I am finally going to at post some pictures, at least, and talk about the life here in Figueira Da Foz, Portugal.

I was a tad bit nervous about driving up to the city from Lisbon, since it about a 2 hour drive north. Everything worked out by the grace of God and it has been a great experience. I was able to get an apartment for a good price and it overlooks the beach. I was pumped because my place ended up being in walking distance from the team hotel. It also is right next to a wifi bar. SWEET!

The first two days I learned what the event, International Six-Day Enduro (ISDE), was all about. It's my first time and I am blown away at how gnarly all these riders are. I thought MXoN was impressive, these guys are riding for 6 hours a day for 6 days straight AND are the only ones that can touch the bike for mechanical fixes are the riders.

We now have two days left of competition and I am happy to have it winding down. Check out some photos.

This sign reminded me of Leandro Mercado.

This is a real sign for elderly crossing. The coolest street sign ever!

This was one of the Time Checks for Days 3 and 4. Right on the beach...so beautiful.

The beach is beautiful.

Apparently the beaches are PACKED during the summer, but now there are only a few people out...fishing!

I like the old architecture that we see in some of the towns we pass through. This was just one example.

France has a team mascot...the angry rooster. (I think:)

Ricky D. wasn't too pumped about his situation. Went out on the first day with bike issues.

Yes Johnny...you are crazy (with directions)!

Sweet lighthouse at on a bluff above the city. And its working!

What?

Jason's weird face at sunset.

My weird face at sunset!

Two thumbs up for such a great sunset!

Overlooking the city!

A coach's faith: Why Dungy helped Vick return

I don't know your opinion about Vick, but this story is one that so many people don't understand. Tony Dungey is an exceptional man and this story explains more about why he's so great.

A coach's faith: Why Dungy helped Vick return

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3 Day Rule Explained

I have recently rediscovered my love for the show "How I Met Your Mother" and this was at the start of the show. It starts with Barney answering the question 'Who made up the wait-3-days-to-call-a-woman-rule anyways?' Here is the answer:



By the way, he speaks the truth!

My First Time

Wednesday was a monumental day. That may be pushing it a bit, but I had another first in my life: a tattoo. As many of you have said, I never thought I would see the day that I would get one. I have always wanted one, but I have been deathly afraid. Who knowingly puts themselves through a torturous process like tattooing? Well, ME!

How did it all come about? I knew what and where I wanted to get it, a cross on my wrist, but I didn’t have a design in mind. I started to seriously look through some drawings and other tattoos and I found it, a wooden cross with cool detail. I wanted to put a verse with it and I finally decided on Galatians 2:20. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” I mean WOW. That verse is everything I was looking for.

I actually had been trying to get it done for two weeks by a guy who worked on some close friends. He ended up flaking on me two weeks in a row, so my friend Tiffany recommended another guy named Joe. I made the appointment and already had a better feeling about this guy. D-day was set for Wednesday at 5 p.m.

When I walked into the tattoo parlor, another guy was working on someone and I heard that noise, that buzzing and I was instantly more nervous. I met Joe and was glad to find out he was Christian too. He drew up my design and it was exactly what I was hoping for. Now it was time. I felt myself trying to stall. Ben was coming from work and wasn’t there yet. But the time was upon me and I wasn’t going to back down now. I kept telling him how nervous I was, but he kept reassuring me it would be fine.

When he did the first line, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I was thinking. I mean it hurt, but it was bearable. I gave myself a pep talk and I think it worked. Though I am pretty sure I was forgetting to breathe because about 10 minutes into it, I felt sick. It wasn’t bad or anything, I just was concentrating on the tattoo so much that I stopped breathing normal. Ben got me some water and a little piece of chocolate and I was fine (what a great boyfriend). Just a momentary lapse of, you know, breathing.

It literally was under 20 minutes from when I went back to his area to the finished product. I was thankful for that. He cleaned me up and I was out of there. The end product was better than I could have imagined. The detail on the cross is exactly what I was looking for and it’s the perfect size.

And that was it. I finally have my first, and most likely last, tattoo. Thank you all for the great comments on Facebook. I hope I proved I’m not just talk, but I am all about the action!