There are few things in my life that have actually been life changing. I really don't consider when I got married or when I had kids life changing, because they both felt so natural, like they came easily to me. When I think of something life changing it's something that you have to work at, learn how to deal with it, and try to understand how to go on with this new thing (good or bad) in your life.
When I was younger I was faced with a couple of life changing events. These events caused me to become super independent and I learned to rely only on myself (not always a good thing). When I met Zachary and we began to fall in love, this too was life changing. I had to figure out a way to be less independent, to let my walls come crumbling down. So, in my lifetime I had had only a couple of life changing events, until Zach left for the Navy.
I didn't think this event would be life changing, but boy was I wrong. I had become so dependent on Zach because I had let my walls fall down for him completely(which is a good thing!). Now it felt like I was having to rebuild some of those walls. I had spoken to Zach every single day for the past eight years; when he left for bootcamp there was no contact whatsoever. I never realized just how much Zach telling me he loved me everyday meant. I had taken it for granted, that's for sure. When I wasn't able to hear him say it everyday I started doubting it and wondering if his love for me was changing since everything else was changing for him and I was stuck in our 'old' life. I knew my love for him was growing stronger because I missed him so much. I had to learn to trust that our love was still as vibrant as the day we said goodbye and had our last kiss for awhile.
I had to learn how to coupe with everyday things on my own, whereas for the past four years we had attacked this parent thing together. It's the simple moments that I learned made the biggest difference in each day, because he was there to help. I had to learn to rely on myself again, and to be honest, I hated this part the most.
It took me years to adjust to living life with Zach. I had to learn to let go and rely on him and not be so independent. So when he wasn't here I felt like I was moving backwards. Like I was learning to be independent again. I didn't realize just how much I depended on Zach until he was out of the picture 24/7. I feel like he is literally my heartbeat. He is my everything, and learning to live without him, for now, was gut wrenching.
Now I get to see him and talk to him, and I get to start the process all over again. Learning to not be so independent, again. I feel like I was just getting to a good point with it and now it's time to change again.
I never realized just how difficult this whole military thing is when you have a family and kids. It is literally life changing. So I'm sorry to all my friends who I didn't support enough while your spouses were away from you. I think it's just one of those things in life you'll just never understand unless you've actually been through it. So, please pray for everyone serving in our military and their families back home that are going through life changing moments constantly.
God has given me the strength to go on while Zach has been away, and I want to share that with everyone I can. Sometimes when you have no strength left He blesses you with just enough to make it through.
♥
Ashley
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Perception IS Everything
Tonight I was discussing the appropriateness of something and the other person said, "Well, it doesn't matter how other people perceive it as long as we have good intentions." I didn't know really what to say, because I've always thought that as a Christian the way other people perceive me is crucial to the way I am sowing the seed of the Kingdom of God.
The definition of perceive is, "to grasp mentally, take note (of); observe." ((Webster)) So as we go about our daily walk with God shouldn't we be doing things that make other people 'take note' of God, not question whether we are a Christian or not.
God tells us in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
We want our lights, our faith, to shine in everything we do here on this Earth, not just when we are verbally testifying to others. We should be striving for the people around us to be perceiving us as light. That's the only way we will be able to share the Good News with them.
If I know something is questionable in the way it could be perceived, does that mean I go ahead and do it because my intentions are pure, they just might not be perceived as pure, but that's not my fault. Surely not! Let us always strive to do good and be perceived as light in this dark world. Let's not ride the fence of good and evil, and just hope we're perceived as good. Let us glorify God in all that we do and let the perception that we give off to others be that of love and of forgiveness; but mainly just let them observe (perceive) the Son reflecting through us.
♥
Ashley
The definition of perceive is, "to grasp mentally, take note (of); observe." ((Webster)) So as we go about our daily walk with God shouldn't we be doing things that make other people 'take note' of God, not question whether we are a Christian or not.
God tells us in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
We want our lights, our faith, to shine in everything we do here on this Earth, not just when we are verbally testifying to others. We should be striving for the people around us to be perceiving us as light. That's the only way we will be able to share the Good News with them.
If I know something is questionable in the way it could be perceived, does that mean I go ahead and do it because my intentions are pure, they just might not be perceived as pure, but that's not my fault. Surely not! Let us always strive to do good and be perceived as light in this dark world. Let's not ride the fence of good and evil, and just hope we're perceived as good. Let us glorify God in all that we do and let the perception that we give off to others be that of love and of forgiveness; but mainly just let them observe (perceive) the Son reflecting through us.
♥
Ashley
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Who Invented That?!
Today, I was watching a show on the Qubo channel with Adasen and they were traveling back in time to visit some of the great inventors of history.
They found the inventors for the lightbulb, the telephone, electricity, etc etc. This got me thinking about our bodies. Who 'invented' our bodies??
When anyone looks at a radio they know that someone in the past invented it. No one would question that or even think that some time in the past the pieces of metal somehow randomly formed the radio by themselves. Someone had to come up with the idea and then figure out what materials they needed to put together to make a music playing device. But when some people look at our bodies they don't say 'who invented this?' Isn't that just plain old common sense to ask who invented this super detailed body??
Who invented my eyeball so that I am able to see the world around me and allow me to see all the colors of the spectrum? Anyone would agree that the contacts you put in your eyeballs or the glasses you put on your nose were invented by someone to help us see better. So, why would we not ask, who invented the eyeball? Someone surely did with all the tiny parts that work together to allow us to see the world.
I think since doctors and scientist can't find all the functions of our bodies and how to cure them; they will always think no one was, or is, smart enough to have 'invented' us. I just want them to meet my all-powerful, almighty God. He's the only one smart enough to 'invent' our bodies here on earth. I just want them to spend one day with Him. Then they will understand that there was a Great Inventor at the beginning of time, and His name was and still is Jehovah God.
♥
Ashley
They found the inventors for the lightbulb, the telephone, electricity, etc etc. This got me thinking about our bodies. Who 'invented' our bodies??
When anyone looks at a radio they know that someone in the past invented it. No one would question that or even think that some time in the past the pieces of metal somehow randomly formed the radio by themselves. Someone had to come up with the idea and then figure out what materials they needed to put together to make a music playing device. But when some people look at our bodies they don't say 'who invented this?' Isn't that just plain old common sense to ask who invented this super detailed body??
Who invented my eyeball so that I am able to see the world around me and allow me to see all the colors of the spectrum? Anyone would agree that the contacts you put in your eyeballs or the glasses you put on your nose were invented by someone to help us see better. So, why would we not ask, who invented the eyeball? Someone surely did with all the tiny parts that work together to allow us to see the world.
I think since doctors and scientist can't find all the functions of our bodies and how to cure them; they will always think no one was, or is, smart enough to have 'invented' us. I just want them to meet my all-powerful, almighty God. He's the only one smart enough to 'invent' our bodies here on earth. I just want them to spend one day with Him. Then they will understand that there was a Great Inventor at the beginning of time, and His name was and still is Jehovah God.
♥
Ashley
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Grudgingly
I mess up as a Mom so many times per day it's not even funny! But, there is one thing I have done right that I can see shaping Adasen's heart already, so I wanted to share. Please, please note though that we are definitely not perfect and never will be.
Yesterday, while in the car Adasen asked me for a dollar. He just kept holding it and staring out the window, so I asked him what he needed that dollar for. He said,"I saw a lady that needed some money back there so on our way back I'm going to give it to her." I almost cried, but it was funny too because she was holding a sign for a pizza place, not homeless. :o) But it really showed me that even if that's all I get right in this parenting thing I'll be okay.
You see, every time we see a homeless person or someone asking for money we always stop to give them something and I let Adasen or Owen hand them the money or whatever we happen to have that day.
I've heard a lot of people say, oh they'll just use it on booze. Which is probably true, but I also know I'm not giving them my life savings, I'm just give them 10 bucks.
I used to think the same thing too, but I never knew what to do because I felt like I needed to be doing something. In 2 Cor. 9:7 it says to give, without grudging. I feel like back then I was holding a grudge against these people standing at corners, because 'they'll just spend it on booze anyway.' Thats a grudge. I just need to have the heart of giving and not worry about what the outcome is. Maybe it will be for booze but maybe it'll be for some diapers or formula, you just never know and that is OKAY!! After you've given without grudging you've done your part, don't even think about how they'll use it, that's between Him and that person.
So, I urge you fellow parents, to bring you kids up with a giving heart. Giving, hearts that give: money, time, clothes, toys, and most importantly love. That's really what you're showing that person, love.
♥ Ashley
Yesterday, while in the car Adasen asked me for a dollar. He just kept holding it and staring out the window, so I asked him what he needed that dollar for. He said,"I saw a lady that needed some money back there so on our way back I'm going to give it to her." I almost cried, but it was funny too because she was holding a sign for a pizza place, not homeless. :o) But it really showed me that even if that's all I get right in this parenting thing I'll be okay.
You see, every time we see a homeless person or someone asking for money we always stop to give them something and I let Adasen or Owen hand them the money or whatever we happen to have that day.
I've heard a lot of people say, oh they'll just use it on booze. Which is probably true, but I also know I'm not giving them my life savings, I'm just give them 10 bucks.
I used to think the same thing too, but I never knew what to do because I felt like I needed to be doing something. In 2 Cor. 9:7 it says to give, without grudging. I feel like back then I was holding a grudge against these people standing at corners, because 'they'll just spend it on booze anyway.' Thats a grudge. I just need to have the heart of giving and not worry about what the outcome is. Maybe it will be for booze but maybe it'll be for some diapers or formula, you just never know and that is OKAY!! After you've given without grudging you've done your part, don't even think about how they'll use it, that's between Him and that person.
So, I urge you fellow parents, to bring you kids up with a giving heart. Giving, hearts that give: money, time, clothes, toys, and most importantly love. That's really what you're showing that person, love.
♥ Ashley
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
No, Listen To This...
Tonight, in my three year old Bible class one of the kids brought up the fact that she got an 'ouchie' and she wanted me to look at it. Just as soon as she had said it the others 5 kids started in at the exact same time, 'no, look at mine.' 'I got this while...' 'Look at what I did last week.' 'Well, look at mine, it's bigger.' I just sat there listening and thought, isn't this how we all are still as adults? And it is.
I notice a lot that when someone is telling us about their children that someone will pipe up with the, 'well my kid did this...' I actually find this super annoying. Someone is trying to tell you a story that had a meaning and then it gets interrupted by someone trying to get attention. Who cares who's getting the most 'attention.' You will definitely get the person who is telling you that stories attention if you simply listen to them. They will notice that you have respect and an attention span and that you are a great listener.
So, this week if you catch yourself interrupting with a 'well listen to me story' just stop and put your listening ears on. :o)
♥
Ashley
I notice a lot that when someone is telling us about their children that someone will pipe up with the, 'well my kid did this...' I actually find this super annoying. Someone is trying to tell you a story that had a meaning and then it gets interrupted by someone trying to get attention. Who cares who's getting the most 'attention.' You will definitely get the person who is telling you that stories attention if you simply listen to them. They will notice that you have respect and an attention span and that you are a great listener.
So, this week if you catch yourself interrupting with a 'well listen to me story' just stop and put your listening ears on. :o)
♥
Ashley
Friday, August 17, 2012
Me, a pack-rat?! Never!
Growing up I lived with a Dad who hated to throw things away. There were stacks of papers that were never to be looked at again(most likely), piles in the garage of things we "needed", and just random things brought home because they were on sale.
Well, I did get the gene to get things because they are on sale (not gallons of salad dressing though!!), but I think the pack-rat part of my Dad made me the complete opposite! I love to throw things out. Haha. That sounded weird when I typed that, but I do!!
Zach and I will be moving, probably, within the next few months so I decided to start going through our home room by room and just throwing out (not necessarily in the garbage, but out of our home) as much as I possibly can. I usually find this trait good, but sometimes I look back like what was I thinking?! That was something sentimental or that was something important. But really I shouldn't worry about throwing stuff away, that is all that it is...stuff. I don't even like that word, let alone 'stuff' collecting in my home, yuck!
So just remember this world is not our home and neither is our stuff!
♥ Ashley
Well, I did get the gene to get things because they are on sale (not gallons of salad dressing though!!), but I think the pack-rat part of my Dad made me the complete opposite! I love to throw things out. Haha. That sounded weird when I typed that, but I do!!
Zach and I will be moving, probably, within the next few months so I decided to start going through our home room by room and just throwing out (not necessarily in the garbage, but out of our home) as much as I possibly can. I usually find this trait good, but sometimes I look back like what was I thinking?! That was something sentimental or that was something important. But really I shouldn't worry about throwing stuff away, that is all that it is...stuff. I don't even like that word, let alone 'stuff' collecting in my home, yuck!
So just remember this world is not our home and neither is our stuff!
♥ Ashley
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Stay-at-Home Momma
So, recently I've been struggling with the decision to work or to stay at home with my babes. I have been blessed to stay at home for the last three years, but our finances are catching up with us, especially my student loans. Yuck!
But God has clearly shown Zach and me that working full-time at this point in my kids lives is not what He wants me to do. Each time I say this though I feel like I'm putting myself up on a pedestal; like I'm better than Zach or whoever else would be with my children. I feel unworthy of this responsibility. I'm what's best for them right now?! Wow, I'm definitely not worthy of that title...
These thoughts have been causing me to second guess myself and God's answers to my prayers. He has put in my heart to stay at home with them, but I keep pulling away.
God, I'm so sorry that I have been second guessing Your plan for my life. I will see myself as worthy because that is how You see me. I will respect myself and my job as a stay-at-home mommy from now on. Thank you so much for these blessings in the form of children. I couldn't ask for more. Your plan is amazing.
♥ Ashley
But God has clearly shown Zach and me that working full-time at this point in my kids lives is not what He wants me to do. Each time I say this though I feel like I'm putting myself up on a pedestal; like I'm better than Zach or whoever else would be with my children. I feel unworthy of this responsibility. I'm what's best for them right now?! Wow, I'm definitely not worthy of that title...
These thoughts have been causing me to second guess myself and God's answers to my prayers. He has put in my heart to stay at home with them, but I keep pulling away.
God, I'm so sorry that I have been second guessing Your plan for my life. I will see myself as worthy because that is how You see me. I will respect myself and my job as a stay-at-home mommy from now on. Thank you so much for these blessings in the form of children. I couldn't ask for more. Your plan is amazing.
♥ Ashley
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Another Year Older
I feel blessed to be turning 27, and I definitely feel blessed that I have three 'men' to share my birthday with.
Ten years ago on my birthday I was wondering if God would ever send me the man of my dreams. I thought I had found him, but things weren't going exactly as I had seen them going in my dreams. I was head over heels for a boy and he just wasn't that into me. God was obviously stalling me, but I was thinking He was saying no to my happiness.
God has blessed me beyond anything I could have ever dreamed up back then. I have the husband of my dreams who still gives me butterflies and I have two extra little men of my dreams that I never imagined would win me over so quickly. :o)
God has such a better plan for our lives than we ever could dream up ourselves!! God has overflowed my heart with love; the love I was looking for was nothing compared to what I have received from the three men in my life! Amazing!!!!
♥ Ashley
Ten years ago on my birthday I was wondering if God would ever send me the man of my dreams. I thought I had found him, but things weren't going exactly as I had seen them going in my dreams. I was head over heels for a boy and he just wasn't that into me. God was obviously stalling me, but I was thinking He was saying no to my happiness.
God has blessed me beyond anything I could have ever dreamed up back then. I have the husband of my dreams who still gives me butterflies and I have two extra little men of my dreams that I never imagined would win me over so quickly. :o)
God has such a better plan for our lives than we ever could dream up ourselves!! God has overflowed my heart with love; the love I was looking for was nothing compared to what I have received from the three men in my life! Amazing!!!!
♥ Ashley
Monday, August 6, 2012
Seeking Advice
This title already makes my heart beat a little faster. I don't like to ask for advice, but I am at a point right now that I need some outside sources pros and cons.
Don't you wish God would just directly tell you what to do to lead your best life for Him?? I mean He doesn't have to make us choose that path, but it would make it so much easier when making decisions about this physical world.
When I went to college this was my plan: be a teacher, have kids and stay home with them, then be a teacher again. Well, I've obtained the middle goal and that's about it. I tried to be a teacher after I graduated, but that was the year that most teaching jobs were filled from the inside. I tried again for this school year and got nowhere either. I took the first year as a sign that God wanted me to stay at home with my little Adasen. So I did. Zach was still in college to get his bachelors degree.
Well, it's been three years that I have been blessed to stay at home with Adasen and Owen. My student loans will soon be coming due and Zach hasn't been able to finish his degree yet.
Does this mean I need to go back to school to become something else? I have seriously been considering going back to be a radiology technician. It will take me two years to finish this degree.
Even as I'm typing this I'm cringing. I want so badly to continue being a stay at home mom to my boys. Is God telling me no? I've been pondering this decision for about three months now, and I'm sick of thinking about it.
Financially, this is what I need to do, but does that make it "what I need to do??" This is where anyone's advice would be greatly appreciated!
What have you experienced in your life? How have you seen God direct you? Am I missing something? Please, I need some wisdom from you.
♥ Ashley
Don't you wish God would just directly tell you what to do to lead your best life for Him?? I mean He doesn't have to make us choose that path, but it would make it so much easier when making decisions about this physical world.
When I went to college this was my plan: be a teacher, have kids and stay home with them, then be a teacher again. Well, I've obtained the middle goal and that's about it. I tried to be a teacher after I graduated, but that was the year that most teaching jobs were filled from the inside. I tried again for this school year and got nowhere either. I took the first year as a sign that God wanted me to stay at home with my little Adasen. So I did. Zach was still in college to get his bachelors degree.
Well, it's been three years that I have been blessed to stay at home with Adasen and Owen. My student loans will soon be coming due and Zach hasn't been able to finish his degree yet.
Does this mean I need to go back to school to become something else? I have seriously been considering going back to be a radiology technician. It will take me two years to finish this degree.
Even as I'm typing this I'm cringing. I want so badly to continue being a stay at home mom to my boys. Is God telling me no? I've been pondering this decision for about three months now, and I'm sick of thinking about it.
Financially, this is what I need to do, but does that make it "what I need to do??" This is where anyone's advice would be greatly appreciated!
What have you experienced in your life? How have you seen God direct you? Am I missing something? Please, I need some wisdom from you.
♥ Ashley
Monday, July 30, 2012
Papa Ralph
I was blessed to be able to make it to Tampa for Ralph Walker Sr.'s funeral today. It was very last minute because Zach was trying to stretch a way to get me here. Something in me just needed to see him again before he was "gone."
Of course, he was already gone when I got down here, but just to be able to see that physical shell he was in while on this Earth brought me peace. I could say, he's gone.
Papa Ralph was placed into my life (and soo many others) at the exact moment that I needed him and Gran Shirley. I needed Ralph's strong hugs and unfettering love. I had been hurt badly by the men in my life before going to college and that is exactly why I 'ran away' to Florida College. I didn't realize I was running to exactly the right place.
God knows exactly what we need and who we need at each point in our lives. I am so grateful that Papa Ralph was here on this Earth while I needed him. I still feel like I need him, but he was done with his work on this Earth, and boy did he do an amazing job.
If only we could all strive to be the Ralph Walker in someone else's life.
♥ Ashley
Of course, he was already gone when I got down here, but just to be able to see that physical shell he was in while on this Earth brought me peace. I could say, he's gone.
Papa Ralph was placed into my life (and soo many others) at the exact moment that I needed him and Gran Shirley. I needed Ralph's strong hugs and unfettering love. I had been hurt badly by the men in my life before going to college and that is exactly why I 'ran away' to Florida College. I didn't realize I was running to exactly the right place.
God knows exactly what we need and who we need at each point in our lives. I am so grateful that Papa Ralph was here on this Earth while I needed him. I still feel like I need him, but he was done with his work on this Earth, and boy did he do an amazing job.
If only we could all strive to be the Ralph Walker in someone else's life.
♥ Ashley
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Joy
Sometimes there are just no words to describe the depths of your soul. Somethings in life hit you so hard there just isn't anything to say.
My two favorite places are both in Florida: Disney World and the Walker's home. While I was attending Florida College I worshipped with Ralph Sr. and Shirley Walker. From the first time I met them I knew they were special. They both genuinely care for each and every person they meet. Shirley is an amazing cook and Ralph was an amazing hugger. He hugged you like you were his pride and joy. He made you feel warm, welcome, comforted, strengthened, cared for, and loved all in just one hug. He gripped you so tightly so that you would know you were loved.
I've taken for granted these two places of unending joy. I've just assumed they would always be there for me to come back to and enjoy. Well, Thursday part of my happiest place on Earth was taken to his happiest place imaginable. When I heard the news I felt a void. I can still feel my hug from last July, but can it last me the rest of my life? I wasn't ready for that to be my last one.
Joy comes in many different forms and I was blessed enough to have known a real life walking, talking, and hugging chunk of joy. There isn't any other way to express what Mr. Ralph Walker Sr. was. He was joy. I only hope that a tiny bit of that joy was passed on to me so I can share it with someone else who never got to meet joy face to face.
Can't wait to get to see him again one day. Thank you, God, for the blessing of see you laters instead of goodbyes.
♥ Ashley
My two favorite places are both in Florida: Disney World and the Walker's home. While I was attending Florida College I worshipped with Ralph Sr. and Shirley Walker. From the first time I met them I knew they were special. They both genuinely care for each and every person they meet. Shirley is an amazing cook and Ralph was an amazing hugger. He hugged you like you were his pride and joy. He made you feel warm, welcome, comforted, strengthened, cared for, and loved all in just one hug. He gripped you so tightly so that you would know you were loved.
I've taken for granted these two places of unending joy. I've just assumed they would always be there for me to come back to and enjoy. Well, Thursday part of my happiest place on Earth was taken to his happiest place imaginable. When I heard the news I felt a void. I can still feel my hug from last July, but can it last me the rest of my life? I wasn't ready for that to be my last one.
Joy comes in many different forms and I was blessed enough to have known a real life walking, talking, and hugging chunk of joy. There isn't any other way to express what Mr. Ralph Walker Sr. was. He was joy. I only hope that a tiny bit of that joy was passed on to me so I can share it with someone else who never got to meet joy face to face.
Can't wait to get to see him again one day. Thank you, God, for the blessing of see you laters instead of goodbyes.
♥ Ashley
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
God is Huge
Tonight, as I was driving home from work, I couldn't help but stare at the moon. It was amazing tonight! It was a crescent shape and a deep yellow; and it looked massive!! As I looked at it, it hit me just how huge the moon really is. It's not just a circle up in our sky; it's a sphere! I don't know why it hit me so hard tonight. The shading was just perfect and you could tell it was definitely a 3-D object.
We are so tiny compared to everything that God has created. It is so awesome to just stop and think about how minuscule we really are. God allowed His only Son to come down to this teensie little place and die for all of us teenie little people. That is so astonishing.
Wow. Our God is HUGE!
♥ Ashley
We are so tiny compared to everything that God has created. It is so awesome to just stop and think about how minuscule we really are. God allowed His only Son to come down to this teensie little place and die for all of us teenie little people. That is so astonishing.
Wow. Our God is HUGE!
♥ Ashley
Monday, July 23, 2012
$$ FYI $$
I hope this doesn't come across as bitter because I'm not at all bitter about any of my guests tips; but I wanted to write a quick post about tipping. Yes, I know, I'm a waitress right now so I might be a little bias, but I know that before I started waitressing again I really didn't know the 'correct' way to tip. So, I thought I would just make a few points, bc I had a table leave me zero dollars today, and everything went great with their dinner...... So, here we go...
1. When I was hired I was told that a 'normal' tip is 20% and if I receive lower than that then I could have done a better job. {Some servers get really depressed about their performance if they don't receive 20% from each table; I am not one of them but a lot of my coworkers are.}
2. If there are two people at your table leave at the least $5.00 even if it's more than 20%.
3. When you leave 10% our managers take that as if we did something wrong.
4. The computer system calculates your cash tips made for the night by 20% of your cash sales. So if a guest leaves less than a 20% cash tip we are paying taxes on all 20%, generally.
5. Servers have to give some of their tips to the bartender and the hosts. So if you order a lot of drinks from the bar leave an extra few dollars bc we'll be paying the bartender for making those drinks.
6. Most of my coworkers aren't there for 'extra' money this is their full time job and they are making $2.00 an hour so definitely remember that when tipping.
7. If you come in 5 minutes before close and say how sorry you are and then don't leave a tip, it is taken as a slap in the face... We were there at least 45 minutes longer bc you were there... {happened to me tonight and I didn't feel anger just shock}.
And I'm done. :o) I seriously didn't know that 20% was considered a normal or an average tip until I was told this when I started working a few months ago. Most guests still think 10% is normal and that leaving that amount means I did a good job. Some servers do get upset by this, I'm not one of them. I'm just thankful to have a job and I just don't want all of those tippers in one night. :o)
♥ Ashley
1. When I was hired I was told that a 'normal' tip is 20% and if I receive lower than that then I could have done a better job. {Some servers get really depressed about their performance if they don't receive 20% from each table; I am not one of them but a lot of my coworkers are.}
2. If there are two people at your table leave at the least $5.00 even if it's more than 20%.
3. When you leave 10% our managers take that as if we did something wrong.
4. The computer system calculates your cash tips made for the night by 20% of your cash sales. So if a guest leaves less than a 20% cash tip we are paying taxes on all 20%, generally.
5. Servers have to give some of their tips to the bartender and the hosts. So if you order a lot of drinks from the bar leave an extra few dollars bc we'll be paying the bartender for making those drinks.
6. Most of my coworkers aren't there for 'extra' money this is their full time job and they are making $2.00 an hour so definitely remember that when tipping.
7. If you come in 5 minutes before close and say how sorry you are and then don't leave a tip, it is taken as a slap in the face... We were there at least 45 minutes longer bc you were there... {happened to me tonight and I didn't feel anger just shock}.
And I'm done. :o) I seriously didn't know that 20% was considered a normal or an average tip until I was told this when I started working a few months ago. Most guests still think 10% is normal and that leaving that amount means I did a good job. Some servers do get upset by this, I'm not one of them. I'm just thankful to have a job and I just don't want all of those tippers in one night. :o)
♥ Ashley
Saturday, July 21, 2012
According to Plan
Lately, I've found myself saying, "Well, if everything was going according to the plan..." yada, yada, yada. According to the plan?! What plan? Or better yet whose plan? Oh, that's right, I'm putting myself in charge of everything. How incredibly selfish of me.
This life, even, my life, isn't about me. It's about God. What does God want me to do? Where does God want me to go? What does God want me to say? I need to remember this when I'm thinking everything is not going according to my plan. I need to realize that maybe it isn't going the way I planned it, but maybe it's going exactly how God planned it.
So, remember, if you're thinking everything is messing up and not going according to 'the plan', maybe you're right on track with God's plan; you just can't see it yet.
"For I know the plans I have made for you. Declares the LORD. To prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11
God's plan for you is so much greater than anything you could ever dream up!
♥ Ashley
This life, even, my life, isn't about me. It's about God. What does God want me to do? Where does God want me to go? What does God want me to say? I need to remember this when I'm thinking everything is not going according to my plan. I need to realize that maybe it isn't going the way I planned it, but maybe it's going exactly how God planned it.
So, remember, if you're thinking everything is messing up and not going according to 'the plan', maybe you're right on track with God's plan; you just can't see it yet.
"For I know the plans I have made for you. Declares the LORD. To prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11
God's plan for you is so much greater than anything you could ever dream up!
♥ Ashley
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Life
Sometimes life just wants to throw you a curve ball! But you know what I'm going to swing!! Take that!!
God is so good to us! Really to anyone who is reading this. You have the Internet? Then you're blessed! Did you have something to eat today? Then you're blessed. I sometimes forget that my basic needs are being met and get caught up worrying about other wants that I don't have. God has truly blessed each and everyone of us.
He sent me a reminder a couple weeks ago in the form of a bird, a red bird. Red birds always remind me of my dad, and when I see them I think God's sending me a little encouragement. :o)
♥ Ashley
God is so good to us! Really to anyone who is reading this. You have the Internet? Then you're blessed! Did you have something to eat today? Then you're blessed. I sometimes forget that my basic needs are being met and get caught up worrying about other wants that I don't have. God has truly blessed each and everyone of us.
He sent me a reminder a couple weeks ago in the form of a bird, a red bird. Red birds always remind me of my dad, and when I see them I think God's sending me a little encouragement. :o)
♥ Ashley
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Teacher Moment
So, right now I am Adasen's teacher for Sunday school. This is one of my absolute favorite things to do!! This quarter I just started having a memory verse for them to do, for the first time (they are 3). So, tonight during bath time Adasen was reading a book to Owen and I heard him say his memory verse!! It was soo great!!! I was such a proud Mommy, but mainly teacher since we have only practiced during class. :o). I love being a teacher, and a Mom I guess. ;o)
♥ Ashley
♥ Ashley
Open Road
I feel like we, as a family, are at a fork in the road only there are, like, 20 different directions we could take!! It's a bit overwhelming!
Zach lost is 'must money coming in' job in January and hasn't been able to find a job to replace that one since then. I started working as a waitress in April to fill in the money holes. I've actually liked going back to work, although it was a huge adjustment at first, for me and the boys.
It is so hard to see which way God is pulling us! Does He want me to work full time or does He want Zach to?( Does He want us to stay in KC or go somewhere else and start up there... I need to just take a deep breath and step back from all the decision making and try to think, what will bring God the most glory? I haven't truly done this yet and I need to.
Sometimes when the people around us seem to be backing up and not being as encouraging as in the past, it's more scary to make decisions. But as long as God is behind us and encouraging us in His way then everything will be fine; everything will be fine!
I need to keep reminding myself.
"For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!" 2 Cor. 4:17
♥ Ashley
Zach lost is 'must money coming in' job in January and hasn't been able to find a job to replace that one since then. I started working as a waitress in April to fill in the money holes. I've actually liked going back to work, although it was a huge adjustment at first, for me and the boys.
It is so hard to see which way God is pulling us! Does He want me to work full time or does He want Zach to?( Does He want us to stay in KC or go somewhere else and start up there... I need to just take a deep breath and step back from all the decision making and try to think, what will bring God the most glory? I haven't truly done this yet and I need to.
Sometimes when the people around us seem to be backing up and not being as encouraging as in the past, it's more scary to make decisions. But as long as God is behind us and encouraging us in His way then everything will be fine; everything will be fine!
I need to keep reminding myself.
"For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!" 2 Cor. 4:17
♥ Ashley
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