Why? Why blog, you ask?
Because I have a story to tell, just like you.
Last week in church, we were reminded that when Jesus captures us we immediately have a story to tell. The real question is, why are we not telling it? While everyone’s story is different, in the end, the hero is always the same.
I want to use this blog to tell mine and Dustin’s story. Join me, will you?
I love the fact we never know what tomorrow holds. We have no idea where we will be living in April, May, June and beyond, but we trust in God and know fully He will always provide for and take care of us. We have no idea where we will be in a year but that’s OK. We leave all of these questions up to God and simply enjoy the ride. Rather than hoping for some happy future, we can enjoy NOW because of the trust we place in Jesus.
As most of you know, Dustin plays baseball for a living. While this is a true blessing, just like any other job, the game has its own stresses once it becomes your meal ticket. In striving to make it to the next level to keep your family afloat, baseball becomes a mental game. One day you’re up, the next day you’re down. It’s also a game of who can stay healthy. It’s one tear away from being over. God blessed Dustin with a talent to throw the heck out of a baseball, and hopefully, he will be able to use his talent to truly glorify God.
Two years ago, Dustin had complete reconstructive surgery on his throwing shoulder. We were upset about it at first, however, over time, we learned to trust God’s plan. That surgery (or really the time spent recovering from the surgery) has been one of the greatest blessings in our lives. Dustin and I developed a triangle relationship with God, allowing Him to be at the top and the two of us at each angle. We learned more in Orlando about ourselves than I thought I could ever know. We learned that God uses circumstances in our lives to bring us to Him and this was exactly what He did for us. Sometimes we have to be knocked down to force us look up. Maybe our relationship couldn’t have handled the baseball lifestyle. Maybe we would have given into the pressures that surround the lifestyle and maybe it would have damaged our marriage beyond repair. We needed God’s strength before we journeyed any further.
To wrap this up, I want to use this blog to follow our life. I want to cover everything from God, to marriage, to health and nutrition; from exercise tips, to healthy recipes I find, and to the books I’m reading. I’ll share how Dustin’s arm is feeling, how he’s throwing in his games, musings on spring training, where we are/will be and just simply tell my story. Basically, I just want to write, regardless of who is listening, even if it may be no one at all.
I’m excited for this journey! I hope you’ll join along!
Ashley
P.S. We found an amazing church here in Orlando called First Baptist Church of Orlando. We feel completely at home here and wish this church could travel with us as we take on another year of minor league baseball. Even though we can’t take the amazing grace of the church with us, we can and will take God… or rather, he will be taking us!
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