I decided to go to Blog Sugar for one main reason.
To be inspired.
You see, Blog Sugar is a faith-centered conference.
And that’s something I don’t talk about a lot on here–my faith.
Which has been bothering me. Because it’s a big part of who I am,
and of who I want to continue becoming.
I didn’t create this blog to be preachy,
and I don’t have plans of becoming a religious blogger.
But I do blog “my story”, and I feel it’s important that I’m always honest.
And the honest truth is, I’m a girl who:
prays before she makes a decision.
strives to make Christ the center of her home.
teaches Sunday school.
tries to read her scriptures daily.
knows that Heavenly Father has a plan for her.
and believes that she is a daughter of God.
These are my sacred truths.
And perhaps because they are so sacred to me,
I have not had the courage to write about them in this forum.
For fear.
Fear that there will be disagreement, or contention, or disrespect about what I hold so close to my heart. Fear that nothing I write will ever do justice to the testimony I have inside.
So I went to Blog Sugar in hopes of finding the courage to overcome my fear.
I hoped that when I met gals like the beautiful Casey and the inspiring Meg…
gals that don’t hesitate for a second to share their truths with the world…
I hoped that when I met them, I wouldn’t hesitate any longer.
But you know what I learned just minutes after arriving?
These girls, no matter how ridiculously fabulous they are {and trust me, they are},
they couldn’t overcome my fear for me.
But I knew who could.
Christ.
And I hadn’t yet given him the chance.
Enter my second A-ha moment of the month.
Sitting there, in the middle of a session on “juggling our busy schedules”, it hit me.
Like a ton of bricks.
Something I have known all along:
Fear is the opposite of faith.
Fear debilitates progress.
Fear crushes dreams.
And if I want to overcome my fear, I must do so in faith.
Because the reality for me is,
I haven’t always had faith.
In fact, I was an atheist.
And that’s a story I want to tell.
But not today…
Today, I’m just here to say:
I am no longer afraid to tell you about my journey to faith.
So stay tuned…
{more photos and the scoop on Blog Sugar to come soon}
Heather
Beautifully written. I think too often I forget how powerful my faith is, and I need to rely on it more. Blog Sugar inspired me in more ways than I imagined. Hearing the stories of other women and how it was their faith that led them down their respective paths was inspiring.
Melissa Munding
I COMPLETELY understand exactly what you’re saying. Christ plays a big part in my personal life too but I hold it close and rarely, if ever, blog about His influence for fear of becoming too preachy and turning people away. That was such a great part about Blog Sugar…to find THAT many women who are like-minded and living in faith. What a beautiful group to be a part of huh? It reminded me too that it’s ok to open up more often and share that definitive part of my life.
Anyway, I love seeing all the inspiration floating around! It was lovely to meet you. I was the one doing the photobooth : )
Rachel @ A Little Bit of Ray
I agree, it’s so hard to share my testimony. For one, it’s so dear to my heart and personal that I don’t want anyone to dispute it. For two, I don’t want to alienate anyone. I’ve realized I can’t please everyone and apparently so have a bunch of people after Blog Sugar. I’ve been interested in your conversion story so please do share! Faith is such an important aspect of my life I’ve decided not to sweep it under the table anymore. I find NieNie so inspiring. She’s so honest and willing to share her testimony. It’s something I want to do too!
Salena Lee @ A Little Piece of Me
I can relate to this especially the part here “Fear that nothing I write will ever do justice to the testimony I have inside.”
Heidi@TheCraftMonkey
We were just talking about this in my Sunday School class this weekend. Why do we hold back from sharing our faith with others. You ever have that “ah ha” moment where you know God is hitting you upside the head with a lesson. 🙂 So enjoying seeing all of the Blog Sugar recaps from my favorite bloggers! Looking forward to hearing more, thanks for sharing!
Amy D
Thank you for having the faith to share…I am looking forward to hearing more about your story.God is good~Be blessed.
Erin
Wow Ashley! Have you heard of Angie Smith’s new book What Women Fear? I highly recommend it! Also, the girls over at (in) courage.com are doing an online bible study about it and just yesterday encouraged readers to blog about their fears. Kinda cool how you shared yours today, God bless you!
Amy Cornwell
Amen! It’s so hard but don’t let Satan have that foothold. I can’t wait to see what you write 🙂
leslie
Hey sweet girl!
I just came to find your Blog about a week or so ago and LOVE,LOVE,LOVE your writing!
My 1st impresion of you was ” I Think this girl knows the Lord “
Jen
Thank YOU for being honest about your faith! I am finding more and more fabulous people and their blogs finally sharing their faith, and it’s been heartwarming. It’s satisfying to know that there is much more to blogs than DIY, decorating, giveaways, networking, etc, it’s about a complete extension of WHO we are and what we do, Christ and all.
I have found that my “Christian” posts get less traffic, but in the end, that is okay with me. I know it’s out there for people to read and I have to share my heart, which is mainly about HIM, right?
Thanks for being real.
Nancy
I didn’t get a chance to meet you on Sunday. But I remember walking by you and thinking how darling you were. But, after reading your post, WOW! I am so with you on the fear thing. Your statement that fear is the opposite of faith really resonates with me. You are right on the money. I have been wanting to read Angie Smith’s book too. I think it sounds awesome and maybe just what I need. Or maybe what my book club needs??? Stunning blog. stunning.
laura~eye candy event details
wow! Look at you go & being all BRAVE! Amen girl! I can so relate to this! I feel the same way you do & had something devastating happen to my family at the end of summer this year & I kept praying about the “why” this happened & what to do with it, so I prayed & decided to write about it on my blog, not to air my family’s ‘dirty laundry’ BUT to share with people what carried me through the whole process . . .GOD! Was it hard to bare my soul & tell something so personal – YES. But you know what, I felt convicted to share my story with my readers & now they know. Did some leave – yes! But guess what else happened? I had alot of people comment or send me emails saying they were so HAPPY to know I was their sister in Christ . . . so be strong girl. They LOVED the fact that someone they followed had the same beliefs as them! I LOVE your blog, read it all the time & THIS post was the first one I have ever responded on . . .what does that tell you? {wink} laura
Hannah
Woohoo! You go girl! That’s an epiphany we all must have 🙂
Rachel
Hey! This really hits home! Awhile back I was watching an interview with Glenn Beck and Dr. Keith Ablow. They were discussing a book they co-wrote. Dr. Keith Ablow said “”Don’t wait for a clear runaway for courage. Courage keeps company with fear and doubt.” I paused the tv, grabbed a pen and jotted it down. It has become somewhat of a motto now! Just thought I would share! Thanks for being so inspirational! <3
Shea
I cant wait to hear your story
Amy Griffin
I started to reading your blog a couple of weeks ago, and I did like it. But because of this post I will be checking everyday now. Have a blessed day!!
Lindsey S
Beautifully put, “fear is the opposite of faith” It is sometimes scary to relase fear and believe trough faith that everything will be ok. I often have to remind myself that God will never give me more than I can handle, that even when I underestimate my own strength, HE knows me better than I know myself. I agree that faith is often a difficult subject to talk about…especially if you are like me, often keeping such subjects private within my own heart and thoughts. Take care.
ana {bluebirdkisses}
You need faith to live life to the fullest. And you’re right, fear debilitates you and hinders your progress to move forward. I love how you have written this post, its lovely, and I can’t wait to read more and learn about your journey.
Chris
I feel like if I say anything less than positive here that I am representing Satan. Man, I hope not. Anyway, what I feel I need to communicate is I think it’s important to recognize that there is an additional place that your fear may be coming from. The fact is that there WILL be people who will run for the hills when you discuss your faith. They will succumb to Satan’s influence and their fear will give them that push from behind to flee. I know this because I used to be one of them. Here’s where you have to dig deep: is it worth it? Is it worth losing some followers that do not have the courage (and I love the Glenn Beck quote entered by Rachel) who run for the hills and away from being your follower,to be free to expound further on who you are? I think it takes great character and maturity to do that and I give you maternal props for making this choice.
Courtney
Even though you don’t often talk about your faith, it shines through and you are truly an example!
Babblin' Brooke
Yay! I’ve been waiting to hear about your journey to the LDS faith after reading that you were once atheist. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store. I also just recently came to the decision that I need to incorporate my beliefs more into my blog. After all, we are COMMANDED not to fear. It’s hard but it’s something I need to work on…
Tiffany
Wow!! This is my 3rd post i’ve read about blog sugar! This sounds so cool, and very inspiring!
I’m new to blogging, and in the beginning of blogging, i was always sharing what God has been doing in my life. I kinda strayed from that the past month or two because back then when I talked about God I had no comments. So it made me scared that people just didn’t like reading it. And so I decided to not get too deep and just avoid it. And that brought more followers and comments.
But I realized now, I need to go back to my roots. I’m like you. Following Christ is a huge part of my life, and I shouldn’t be scared at what others will think or say. With this post from you and several other ladies about Blog Sugar, I’m now encouraged to be more BOLD and just let it out 🙂 thanks for sharing!
Also, cannot wait to hear about your journey from Atheism to Christianity! I read Lee Strobel’s book, Case for Christ. He was an atheist too before he found the truth. 🙂
Venessa P
You just took a huge step forward! I’ve gone back to school to finish my degree and it was hard the first time to tell someone about my faith, but once I did it, it got easier. It will for you, too. God will help you. You just have to be willing to follow His promptings! 🙂
Kristina S
I can’t wait to hear the rest of your story. It is so hard to talk about our beliefs when we hold them so close to our hearts. When I hear people say something bad or poke fun at my beliefs it hurts me inside and I hate it. I wish we could all have the strength to voice our beliefs to anyone that wants to know. I have never commented on your blog before, although I have been reading for a while, but I just had to let you know that I understand how you feel and I commend your bravery. I had a slight suspicion you were LDS 😉
kim
I have seen thing in pictures on your blog and new we were of the same faith and have wanted to hear your conversion story. I can’t wait for you to share!
Breakfast with Tiffany
Thank you for sharing this! I’ve been struggling with the same thing lately. I want to delve deeper into my faith and share more about it on the blog, but I’m been afraid of offending people or losing the few followers I have. Thanks for the encouragement!!
Amanda M.
I can’t wait to hear your story. I admire you so much for sharing just this bit, and for what is to come. You write beautifully and I know your testimony/journey will be amazing to read about.
Jessica
This was beautiful. Thanks for sharing this 🙂 I agree with the comments above too, your faith does shine through even when you don’t talk about it up front but rather through your day to day blog posts.
Monette
Ashley, don’t be afraid! Your blog is a great opportunity to let the lost know the Lord. Don’t let satan discouraged you. Jesus is the only way to get to heaven according to the bible. It is the best gift you can ever offer to your readers who are lost. I will pray for you this week for the Lord’s leading and boldness to share the truth and that the Lord will be glorified and that is what matters. You can do it! “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. Philippians 4:13 Have a blessed day!
Alissa Circle
This is beautiful Ashley and so well written!! I loved meeting you at Blog Sugar, thank you for being so kind to me. You are truly a beautiful person inside and out.
xoxo,
Alissa
PS there’s a picture of us up on my blog.
Sabrina
I must say that though we don’t share the same religios beliefs, you’ve really inspired me to want to go back to church. Your lifestyle seems so uplifted and that’s something I want. I know church can help me get that feeling. So thank you for the inspiration.
Anna @ The Guiltless Life
Wonderful post. I can’t wait to read more and don’t feel you should shy away. Though of course you should feel comfortable sharing. I am a Protestant Christian and haven’t shared too much about it on my blog either but mainly because it hasn’t come up. It really dictates the way in which I live my life and the person I am and that all comes across on my blog, but perhaps I should make more of an effort to be explicit about it. I just don’t like to put labels on things as I worry that people find them divisive. I think the way you write will be just perfect, because you’re extremely open and people won’t want to put that down. I admire your courage and your faith and can’t wait to read more about it!
Rachel
Thank you for sharing! You are honoring God with sharing your light. He only has plans to bless you and I am thankful that you opened up (more :)). God is the main strand in our family. We may not share the same beliefs, but we are part of God’s family. As a sister, I pray that you will be encouraged and blessed by sharing. You are an amazing daughter, wife, mother, and friend– oh and Blogger 🙂
Maria Kiser
Beautifully written. I am a new follower of your blog and really enjoy it.
I can’t say that I am an atheist, but I am also really not sure where I am at as far as faith and believing. I was raised Baptist, but as I got older, lost more and more faith in everything each time something terrible happened in a church I was a part of. The man that baptized me (and his wife) are in prison for the rest of their lives for torturing their adopted daughter for YEARS. After finding out about that 10 years later, I gave up on any sort of religious beliefs. I want so badly sometimes, to gain some part of it back and have just not succeeded. I am glad you have found your own faith and happiness!
Melissa M
Maria KiserMaria,
I fear that I don’t write quite as eloquently as Ashley (she has an incredible talent!), but I read your comment & just wanted to tell you that I hope you find what you are searching for. And that you are being thought of as you make your journey.
Melissa
Alice Robotham
Maria KiserHi Maria, I didn’t plan to get into a religious discussion when I went browsing for craft ideas….but I read your comment & just had to join in.
Faith and happiness don’t come from religious beliefs. They come from knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and saviour. Don’t make the mistake of judging religion by it’s mis-use. There is NO-ONE who is good enough. We ALL need forgiveness. I am so sorry to hear the story you related. The world is a messed up place at times! But remember …being a ‘good’ person doesn’t make you a Christian. Being reconciled to God by faith in Jesus Christ does.
God knows you. He made you. He loves you. He’s just waiting for you to come to him.
Pick up your Bible (look at the book of Romans) and ask God to show you HIS truth. He just might surprise you and do it!
Shannon K
Today was the first time I had ever visited your blog from a pin I saw on Pinterest. Jesus christ is my savior and all too often it doesn’t get shared in my world either because of the same fears. But He obviously has been weighing this on your heart because its what you are meant to share and I am so glad this was the first blog on here on my first time visiting because I now share a faith connection with you are on my daily RSS feed! Cant wait to hear your story!!
rjb
http://angiesmithonline.com/2011/09/with-him/
I immediately thought of this post when I read yours!
Andrea
so excited to hear more of your story as it relates to this area. 🙂
Jamie
Wow what an amazing post! I’m ashamed to say I don’t write about certain things on my blog out of fear even though my faith is a big part of my life too. I want to be able to summon the courage as well. I think you’ve found the answer – prayer! Christ can help us over come our fear. <3
Thanks for the post!!
Jamie
For Love of Cupcakes
ashley
this is why you’re my favorite. seriously. <3 ashley from TSP
Bethany
I can’t wait to read your next post on this! I think is wonderful that you are facing your fear, and doing so, you will touch a lot of lives with your TRUTH. 🙂
Andee Eve
Hey girl!
So great to see you @ blog sugar…I wish we could have had more of a chat. I think we only said hi on the way to the bathroom. : )
I hear ya on the journey to boldness in faith.
And I’m so excited for you to take the leap.
Plus I can’t wait to read your story!
xo
Andee
Aleisha
Thank you for sharing this, sweet Ashley! Well written and so beautiful. Fear is not of God…and you’re right, it’s the opposite of faith. Don’t be afraid to share; you never know who you will bless and inspire.
Karen
That was so beautifully written!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Kara
Another blog post that totally hit home for me. Thanks Ashley. “Fear is the opposite of Faith” You are SO SO right.
Cyndi
Thanks for sharing this! You’re right, we should never be afraid to share what we believe and let our light shine. I’m very excited to hear your conversion story!
kathy
Great post. So heartfelt and honest. It is a strange balance that we each need to find somewhere in the middle of fake and preachy and afraid to share. Sounds like you are right in the middle and just waiting for an opportunity.
I have noticed a lot of Mormon bloggers have a graphic or a link that reads “what i believe” and then, if you are itnerested you can look. that way if you wnat to know someons faith or theology, you can check. Maybe it shouldnt matter, maybe it should.
I saw you on Sunday and thought I’d like to be friends but was having a calm and look on being insightful kind of day after 4 hours in the car and learning of a loved ones death I wasnt really into smiling and making small talk. Bummed about the timing:(
Candice
I am looking forward to hearing your story! Faith is something I am struggling with and trying to learn more about at the moment. Whilst I have always believed, I have found myself questioning some things in more recent years but I am trying to find it again.
Alice Robotham
CandiceQuestioning things is GOOD. DO IT. If this Christian business is the truth then it needs to be able to stand up to intelligent queries. If it doesn’t stand up and prove truthful and consistent then it’s a farce and not worth our time or effort.
There’s a great book “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel. An athiest & investigative journalist, he set out to disprove Christianity by investigating things like – How reliable is the New Testament? Does evidence for Jesus exist outside the Bible? Is there any reason to believe the resurrection was an actual historical event?
It’s a good read & addresses lots of questions….& He shares how his search brought him to this conclusion: Jesus of Nazareth really is the Son of God.
Mary Susan McConnell
I just found your blog and your words about fear and faith came at just the right time. Thank you for being honest and real in a true (non-preachy or self-righteous) way. I am joining your blog right this second!
Heather G.
Ashley, this post is great. I’m in the same boat as you where I really don’t mention my faith on my blog, but know that I should.
I LOVED getting to chat with you and give you a hug! You are gorgeous and such fun!!
Blair Lingbloom
I can’t wait to hear your story! 🙂 I’m sure God has written it beautifully, and it’s just waiting to be released!
Susan G
Ashley-first off let me tell you how much I love and appreciate your blog. What I see is a beautiful happy young wife and mother who seems to have it all and has the perfect life. But when we get personal glimpses we get to see things that you struggle with justice the rest of us. I love how you can help us put things into perspective. I too am interested in your conversion story. I was born into the church but did go through a period where I fell away and have come back but I struggle daily with rebuilding my testimony and my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I know that this will take time and effort. Thank you for your words to help and inspire me. You will never know how much you have helped me.
Jennifer
Just came across your blog a few months ago. I have really enjoyed it every since. There is nooo other blog that I follow and enjoy as much as yours. I appreciate your honesty and transparency! Thank you! You have soo much to offer. It has made my day to hear that you are a believer.
Your sister in Christ,
Jennifer
No. 17
Hey Ashley-I am so glad we were able to meet, if only just briefly.
Thank you for your honesty…and willingness to share your heart.
I’m blessed that you were there…
Buddy
No. 17That kind of thninikg shows you’re on top of your game
misty
Such a beautiful testament to your faith!!!! What courage you have, you continue to inspire me. I am not religious, but I am spiritual. I admire when one puts God first no matter what. That’s what its all about. Trusting in something bigger than ourselves and being an example to others. You are such a bright spirit, keep shining.
Love,
Misty
Blog Sugar Recap - Little Miss Momma
[…] me with so many of these photos. love you girl. To read my first post about Blog Sugar, click HERE. And now, get ready for photo-overload. (Lindsay, Me, […]
Kelly
Oh Ash! I love you! I can’t wait to here all about how you came to be so incredibly fab. xo Kelly (Zaks sister)
summer
So crazy that you just wrote this post. I was sitting at Women’s Conference listening to Elder Uchtdorf’s talk and felt so strongly that I wanted to share it because of the amazing message that it gave to us as mother’s a women, but am totally scared of being to preachy. I loved reading this and appreciate your openess. Thank you for all your inspiration!
Rebecca Lopez
AWESOME! It’s far to often that in todays world so many of us are not as vocal as we should be about who we are, and our relationship with Christ. My relationship with Christ started as a child, but once I discovered the freedom that is “moving out of your parents house” I lost myself. Made some unwise choices, but upon having our first child realized that what I was missing in my life was my strong relationship with Christ! He had been nudging me for several years, and I finally felt his tug. Our family has had to learn the lesson of FAITH in incredible ways over the past 7 years. It’s important to me that our children learn the love of Jesus and of his incredible mercy and grace in our lives. It’s my priveledge and my duty as a parent to live a life that honors Christ for them. I want my boys to grow up being incredible men of God, and that starts with us. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to reading more about your story! 🙂 And if you weren’t already so adorable and beautiful, you just went up a notch in the world of some of my most favorite Classy ladies!
the Blah Blah Blahger
This.Is.RAD.
Erica @ Acire Adventures
Beautiful! Honestly, I really hope that one day soon we get to hear the story of your faith. All good people, no matter what faith they have, will be accepting of yours. I read the Dalai Lama’s biography a couple months ago (though I’m not a buddhist) and I loved what he said about religion. He said that it is good that there are different religions because there are so many different types of people. The point of religion doesn’t have to be to make everyone else share the same views because it just won’t happen. Instead, we need to all be compassionate for other people and their beliefs because the basic foundation of all religions is to grow spiritually and provide a good moral framework for living. So I hope that you will find the strength to share what matters so much to you because I’m sure it will be a deeply inspirational post for everyone with an open heart. 🙂
Jill
Wow, I am really anxious to hear your story and I’m so glad you are willing to share it! I think sharing your testimony is one of the greatest blessings through blogging. You never know the impact you can have on someone and the ability to connect with someone and possible change their lives. Go for it!! You’ll never have regret sharing what you believe!!
Courtney
I completely agree with you. I have a hard time bringing up faith in conversations and on my blog.(which has been sadly neglected lately) I don’t want to be preachy. That is not the type of person I am. I can’t wait to hear your story. By the way…I love your blog.
jackie
i’m excited to hear about how you started loving jesus 🙂
BZeedik
boo ya girlfriend! brave and true 🙂
xo
Tawny
I totally feel ya on this. I just recently started my blog and the thought of sharing my faith on it has definitely crossed my mind. I have the fear as well. I just know I will have to pray about it and trust in Him. So glad I read this reminder :).
Thanks!
Jana
I can’t wait to hear your story! I totally understand about sharing your faith! Why is it, that we can talk to friends and coworkers about anything but when it comes to sharing my testimony, I freeze up? It’s something I’m working on!
hannah singer
ashely, i wish we could’ve met at blog sugar! it was auch an amazing event!
looking forward to learning more about your journey here. xo
Jen
Thank you so much for having the courage to write this! It is speaking right to my heart at a time when I am trying to find the courage to do the same thing. Thanks for continuing to be an inspiration! I will be here to read your story whenever you decide to share it!
Veronica Carpenter
For some reason I have been getting emotional clicking away on your blog today. You inspire me. It’s clear that you have beauty inside and out. You are creative and you dream and you are real. I have been desiring that creative outlet, and every time I get on your site I am inspired to GO FOR IT! Thank you!!! And I have felt a connection to you from the first time I looked at your blog. It would make perfect sense that part of that is because of the faith we share. Again and again, Thank you for sharing yourself with us. I look forward to hearing more about your journey. Have a beautiful, blessed day!
Leah
Love this.
Kristen Duke Photography
I can’t wait to read more! so true, fear IS the opposite of faith, take that leap!
Elaine
I spent many years heavily involved in ministry before I became a stay at home mom…the contrast of my life between now & then has been a huge adjustment for me…my avenues of ministry feel now limited to whatever my day to day is w/ my 2 kids. I’m not at all complaining, but I do miss “being out in the field”, amongst people & I wonder all the time…how can I reach/affect people now? What a blessing for you to have this opportunity to share your faith in such a forum that indeed reaches more people than you’ll ever know. Knitting together a love for crafting & such w/ the occasional testimonies of the things that really matter in life. May God continue to give you faith, not just to share what your faith is, but to just openly express your love for Him. God is good =)
Connie
I love when I stumble across a blogger that I find to be a christian. I always add them to my favorites list. I’ve been thinking of starting my own blog and the fact that you overcame your fear to talk about your faith gives me inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren
thank you for posting this! Looking forward to reading more!!!!
Marj
I love your blog and I can’t wait to hear your story !!
Kenyon
Hi Ashley! After one of your recent posts in which a picture you posted showed your sons in front of some distinctly LDS art, my heart jumped a little. “Is she Mormon?” I’ve only been reading your blog a little while so I didn’t know, but I had a few clues that you were. So I did a search on your blog…and surprise! You are! It felt like a good friend of mine just related to me in a way I never knew she would. So thank you for your courage to share your faith. It’s refreshing.
HERVE LEGER
Replica Herve Leger It is one of the best fashion houses in France since 1985.