It’s been quite a long time since I’ve written.

I mean, a couple of months. Honestly. And I’ll tell you exactly why this happened.

In the summer months, I got really caught up in comparison. I would look at other bloggers and see what they were doing, and immediately compare it to what I was doing. And as you know, or should know, that comparison is the thief of joy.

So as I was getting obsessed with stats and likes, I decided I needed to step back. This led me to quite the realization.

I realized that I am being called to something different. Even though blogging is a love for some people, for me, I want to do something bigger. As much as I think y’all are interested in what I think of things, I know there’s a lot of power in stories told by many people. Not just me.

So I had an idea for a project, and y’all will see this soon. I’ll be working on this blog and that lil’ something-something at the same time. And I am excited, but very nervous. I am giving this project completely to God, and I know that he will show up.

I know that he will close the door if he doesn’t want me to go down this route, but I am running with it until he shows otherwise. Fixing my eyes on him, and running the race.

Additionally, sophomore year started. And it has been absolutely WONDERFUL. I say that in all caps because it is fully deserving of all caps.

My three roommates are amazing and push me to Jesus so well. They are my people.

Additionally, my sorority has been fabulous. I am on a floor full of 60 other sorority sisters, and while it is a lot, it’s a time I will never take for granted.

My boyfriend is great as well. Running on a little more than two years, and it’s been lovely.

I will say that while relationships have been wonderful, the Lord has been teaching me that there is for sure some yuckiness in my heart. He’s taken a lot of things I idolized away from my life. And while it really stunk when he did that, I see now why he did what he needed to do.

I realized that I was doing things because I wanted recognition and influence, and I wanted security. I wasn’t fully doing these things for Jesus. And now, after a lot of confusion and conviction, I am fully giving these idols I once clinged so close to all over to him. And while I still struggle even today, God is ever so slowly changing my heart.

So that’s my life. I am back to writing once a week, and I couldn’t be happier. The break was wonderful, but now it’s time to get back to work.

With much, much love,

Ash