Well...HELLO!

Here's to New Beginnings!

I guess to understand the beginning, you need to know the end. I do not dive into my past too much. Although there were many lessons learned, it's not a place I like to dwell. I have found that happens a lot with people who experience such a drastic change in their life. None the less, for all intensive purposes here we go..

Let's start at high-school graduation. Shortly after, I met the father of my children. 

He was a member of the military + I wanted out of Scottsboro.= We married in October. 

Our first daughter was born the next month. Subsequently, we had two additional children. This marriage lasted for a little over 9 years, and to keep it simple, definitely not wedded bliss. I will refrain from my opinion of blame or reasoning as to why the marriage fell apart, aside from this...I take responsibility for my actions, and feel if I did not it would be a lie. There are many actions, I am not proud of during this time period, however the most being that I completely shut God out of our marriage. My husband at the time had no respect for our creator, and we did not put any focus on the requirements set forth by Him for our marriage. It was a mess. 

After all the deceit, lies, and betrayal (on both sides), it was the words of my child that sealed the deal. One night, it was said to me, "Mommy, why do you let Daddy be so mean to you?"

Immediately, I was terrified. The thought of my children having this as an example for marriage was enough to invoke immediate action. 

Time passed and it was done. 

Following my divorce, mistakes were made, priorities were crazy. There was a sense of freedom. I loved the time it allowed me to spend with my children. However when they were with their dad, there was no telling what I would be doing or where I would be. I remember thinking, I can do what I want. My time is my own. My body is my own. I was SO wrong.

It was about this time, God showed up and he showed up BIG! 

And This Is The Beginning

My life began to change the night I officially met Corey McMullen. He was divorced himself, and had a daughter whom I have grown to love as my own. We were both in a place or selfishness. Neither of us proud of our Walk with God. Both with a passion for music and optimistic view on life. Both of us holding on to our independence. I wasn't ready to commit to anyone. I felt as though I needed more time to find myself. Little did I know, God had put Corey there to help me do it! 

It was a lesson in the rough. Corey didn't know he was suppose to be the one to help me. As our relationship developed, we began discussing our spiritual walk. Neither of us were happy with it, and felt that if our relationship was going to succeed, we would have to make this right in our life. Shortly after, we found Refuge church.  What a blessing that has been. 

We married in January and have been facing the world together with God at our side daily since then. Marriage is not easy, and I will be the first to tell you, just changing the partner isn't the answer. We are blending a family and living in two cities, both running businesses and are active in our church. We have 4 children now to raise. These are not however our problems, they are our blessings. Looking to God is the answer. We do it daily. We pray together, and search His scripture for answers we may seek. How Grateful I am for a husband, who is serving with me daily. 

If you knew me a year ago, and you were to meet me today, you would not know me anymore. I count this as my most prized blessing! It is also my reasoning for this blog. Hopefully you will find encouragement here and also insight to what my life is now. 

I have no clue what is to come in our lives, but I have never been MORE excited! God is good. Good things come to those who follow him. I feel that He is working in our lives, and I am so excited to see what He has planned. 

Bring it on 2014!

-Ashleigh McMullen