Ashlie Miller

By Ashlie Miller

Summer colors of red, white, and blue will begin to unfurl in some yards this weekend. The air will smell more deliciously charred as burgers or steaks sizzle on the grill. Many will welcome summer with Memorial Day weekend. After a grueling school year or a midyear break in work, vacation days await us just around the corner. 

Yet, Memorial Day sits there on the calendar like the stony monuments and grave markers associated with it. It is easy to carry on without a cursory glance or mention. Those who mean well but still miss the day’s significance will no doubt thank veterans – who should be thanked regularly – but fail to remember what this day means. So, the reminder that this is a day to recount significant, costly, life-ending devotion to freedom is necessary. 

In the ultimate act of selfless sacrifice, many men and women succumbed to their last battle on earth, more than figuratively. We pause to remember those whose lives were cut short on the battlefield or perhaps years after their time of sacrificial service from wounds and illnesses acquired because of duty. I think of soldiers like my father, who, after serving in the 1970s, developed fatal brain tumors, possibly as a result of deadly chemical exposure. His life was cut short – at age 33. Others have dealt with prolonged injuries leading to a slow, agonizing death.

These soldiers and military leaders counted the cost of their duty, but enrolling at such young ages, I wonder how many truly realized what they were in for. So young, many of them were still teenagers. Still, they pressed on. They served. They fought valiantly. What a privilege to recall their heroism annually on Memorial Day. 

In the book of Deuteronomy in the Bible, as Moses prepares the Israelites to enter their promised land, he recounts the journeys and battles, the losses, victories, and failures of the parents of the generation about to enter. If you are not aware or need a refresher, those entering the promised land were the children and grandchildren of those rescued from bondage in Egypt. Their ancestors were prohibited from entering because of their hardened rebellion, resulting from their disbelief in God as protector and provider.

Moses wanted the people to be keenly aware of their failures as much as their victories. After all, we each wear more battle scars than medals. Moses did not want them to forget God’s faithfulness or their own wandering heart so they would not slip into sinfulness, rebellion, and, more importantly, be far from the One Who loved them and wanted to give them the best – yes, a promised land, but also an eternal dwelling with Him. 

Remembering the heroes of the past is vital to preserving the value of what it means to be American today, not just to recall past victories and defeats as though they are myths and legends. Remembering the presence of God in our past battles – whether we won or walked away with battle scars – is crucial to our faithfulness to God. In both cases, reflecting and sharing these stories can give us courage, confidence, and hope for the next step in our journey or for those walking near us.

How will you share stories of courage and faithfulness this weekend – patriotically and spiritually?

Ashlie Miller and her husband Chad are parents to five children in Concord, NC. You may contact her a mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

By Ashlie Miller

Do you have a bluebird box? I received one a few years ago. I needed to research the best place to put it, so I just set it on the back of the mailbox post, and for the last few years, it has remained there. We have witnessed several visitors over the last three years.

Sometimes, a cautious peek reveals nothing more than a nest. At other times, there is a clutch of three turquoise eggs. Sadly, some have not made it to hatchlings. Perhaps another creature preyed upon them. But there are glorious times when little chirps reveal success, and we anxiously await the weeks leading to their departure. 

This year, my watchful youngest two and I were honored to observe the stages of parents and their brood. After weaving the nest, the parents perched in the nearby crepe myrtle with anticipation. Another peek inside the nesting box revealed tightly closed eyes and mouths opened wide, hoping for a bite that mom or dad had foraged and later gray, downy babies sitting contentedly inside, getting plumper. 

Two weeks ago, as my youngest two and I made our way to the minivan, low-flying bluebirds swooped down upon us like fighter jets. We ducked for cover and ran for the van. How odd! We thought. We knew this was uncommon, so we sat and watched. Ah, the treasures that await the patient observer!

For the next 10 minutes, we witnessed parent birds encouraging the babies to launch from the nest. Leading by example, they would go through the quarter-sized hole, give a chattering pep talk, and then fly back out of their box. At other moments, perched on our house, they watched for the potential threat of the humans and predators –  darting close to the classic gold Honda Odyssey, keeping us at bay.

Finally, one little fellow found his wings. Clumsily, down onto the ground, he fell. But Mama and Papa bird chirped either encouragement or warning – which, I am not sure. Within seconds, little Junior was fluttering in the air. Success!

It could be because I have my first high school (and homeschool) graduate, but this lesson was timely. Mama and Papa prepared cautiously for our eldest’s arrival. Immature, still learning as parents, much less adults, we tried our best to provide and nurture him while he was young, to keep him fed through his teen years, and to comfort him in tumultuous times of misunderstandings, grief, broken relationships, and hard lessons. As he has finished his final homeschooling days, we must rest in our efforts to give him both caution and encouragement, probably leaning too much on caution at times because of dangers we see, have experienced personally, or allow to rule unnecessarily. We will have to continue to push him positively when things look too scary for him to face, sharing how we have done it and pointing out potential obstacles while reminding him that this great big world is awaiting his impact and contributions.

Thank you, Lord, for providing care for the little bluebirds. You see each one that falls. How much more do You love those You made in Your image? Help us to trust Your care and direction for our little fledglings. 

Now, pardon me, there appears to be another brood awaiting their turn growing up and preparing to leave the nest!

Ashlie Miller and her husband parent five in Concord, NC. You may contact her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com. 

By Ashlie Miller

What is the last movie you went to see that moved you to tears because it somehow was relatable to your own life? For me, it is the movie Unsung Hero, which debuted two weeks ago at number 2 at the box office. The story focuses on the Smallbone family’s transition to the States from Australia in the Contemporary Christian Music industry. While that aspect gets the story moving, the unsung hero revealed in the story is the one who moves the audience to tears and to hope. She is Helen Smallbone, a devoted wife and mother to 7 children. 

As I watched the movie, I resonated with “Mom” – making the best of uncertainty and seemingly hopeless situations, speaking life and courage for her family’s sake, hiding frustration and fears while screaming them into a pillow. It hit close to my heart because most of us have experienced this as a mom or wife. 

Then, I began to recollect memories of my mother, particularly during childhood. She was wed to my dad, who had a terminal illness, was widowed in her early 30s, co-parented on meager incomes, and watched her mother live with dementia. My mom wasn’t perfect. She would worry and have concerns; we, as her children, also gave her plenty to be concerned about.

I wonder when she had to scream into a pillow. I can recall that maybe twice, she got in the car and went for a drive to cool off, but I am sure she had other ways to release. I feel that connection deeply when I have had to do that myself – to escape smothering realities momentarily and to avoid overreacting regretfully.

I saw her grow just as I grew. I see myself growing, even as my children have grown. Mom and I started off as those hollering moms – you know, the ones that have to raise their voices to get their children’s attention. Thankfully, when my oldest was young, the Holy Spirit helped me grow in that area. If that was an area of weakness, so was my patience. I would say the same for my mom when she was younger. Yet, I witnessed growth in her and myself. 

Do you see the pattern? Moms growing as they parent. God has a beautiful way of sanctifying His people. It can look different for one than for another. Not all need to be mothers to experience this. But, and I speak with some bias, there is nothing quite like the sanctification a mother experiences over the years as she submits to the process and her Lord. I realize the latter part of that sentence is not en vogue, yet there is no denying it. I know what I witnessed in my mother. Sometimes, friends, family, and even my children glorify God in their remarks of good character changes they have seen in me over time. That is enough. 

Consider taking your unsung hero to the theater to see the movie this week. She will feel that you get her. If that is not possible, at least take a moment to reflect on their strength through weakness, allowing you to benefit from their love and care.

Ashlie Miller is in the process of sanctification in mothering 5 children. You may email her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

By Ashlie Miller

While many colors flood the landscape in spring, green may be the most welcome color – the lushness of life after the grays of winter, the sweetness of new baby grass, and flowering trees turning green, ready to embrace summer. Although blues are my favorite hues, greens are a close second. Some studies on color indicate that being surrounded by this secondary color can also refresh our mental health. 

As positively as green is viewed in nature, often it does not get the same treatment when it comes to people we view as green – inexperienced, immature, maybe naive. Certainly, the green of youth is a right of passage. Dues must be paid, after all. It is unfortunate, though, when we who are slightly more seasoned pass judgment on their vigor and passion with an air of condescension. There is so much joy and life to share and to glean when surrounded by “green.” 

For example, my husband and I attended a wonderful retreat at The Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove in Asheville, NC, last week. We enjoyed gathering with other church planters and sending churches to be equipped and encouraged. A talented and passionate young worship team led a crowd of mostly not young leaders in songs of reflection, worship, and praise. 

One song from their set was a popular modern worship anthem that we sang several times, often with our vision blurred from trails of tears:

I trust in God, my Savior

The one who will never fail

He will never fail

He didn’t fail you then 

He won’t fail you now

I sought the Lord, and He heard, and He answered

That’s why I trust Him.”

Moved by those truths in their own lives, these green worship leaders resonated with the message of their songs. How does a twenty-something know these truths? I can remember. I remember being on a worship team at that age, never imagining what God has for me now (which is NOT twenty-something). I remember the early days of marriage, the cancer journey of a spouse, the need for material provision, emotional comfort in distress, guidance for the journey, and how God was faithful then and is faithful now. 

It moved my spirit to see an auditorium of fellow believers who could each testify to the same truths, even if in different situations and stages of life. I hoped that just as the young team ministered to us, our worship and remembrance of God’s faithfulness also ministered to them, encouraging them for their uncharted unknowns. 

Last fall, I encouraged you to spend time with someone in the autumn of their lives. This season, I encourage you to spend regular time with someone in the spring of their life. Surely, you have wisdom to share, but some green, bright young men and women have a passion that can also invigorate and encourage you! We need each other. 

Ashlie Miller enjoys the beauty of green in nature and in young friends. You may contact her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com

By Ashlie Miller

A few weeks ago, many sky-watchers cleared either a couple of hours in their day or made a day trip to a nearby state in the path of totality, ready to see the elusive and exclusive solar eclipse. Having experienced the one in 2017 with my family on a day trip to South Carolina, we did not make plans this year – no trips, no special glasses.

However, we pulled out the kitchen colander and looked at the shadows cast by the trees to see the crescent shapes that were unique to this event. There was still that unmatched eeriness in color, light, momentary stillness, and quiet in nature. Neighbors came out on their lawns simultaneously, one couple sharing the cereal box to see the pinhole shadow and a young mother and daughter sharing other observations – a brief moment of standing in awe together. Rather than feeling we missed out for not being in the path of totality, this still provided a sweet moment I will not soon forget.

Can I  keep the same joy and excitement over other things in my life that are only in the 85% completion category? Sometimes, as a mother eager to launch children into the world one day, I can quickly get frustrated when they are not where I want to be in various aspects of their maturity. I want them to be where I am now, or at least where I think I am. That, however, is not always an accurate self-evaluation. I’m afraid I can have an overestimated opinion of myself, like many post-modern humans. 

Thankfully, the voice of reason, often outside the home, will speak words of encouraging observations of how well my children are getting along – reflecting respectful manners to others, their engagement in lessons and sharing thoughtful responses, helpful attitudes of serving others, healthy work ethics, or sharing talents that bring joy to others. 

As I grow and hopefully mature in character and spirit, I easily get frustrated over where I lack – slipping into cynicism or an analytical attitude, trusting others (sometimes even God) to fulfill their word, my impatience, lack of efficiency in a given day. Yet, as I look back, I see I have grown in those areas and others. A card arrives in my mailbox with words of gratitude for my spirit. Another mom at co-op remarks on my “chill, laidback attitude.” My husband gently reminds me that the work I did on a given day was more important than what I planned to do. I sometimes stand agape when I read or hear words like that. They are celebrating my growth while still being incomplete. 

I bet there are areas in your life as well that are worth celebrating – little steps toward significant growth. You likely see it in the lives of others as well. No, they aren’t perfect, but there are changes from who they were. Don’t wait for perfection; you will miss out on beautiful celebrations!

For Christians, those changes and transformations foreshadow what one day will come in eternity. God promises that we will one day be like Jesus. I can’t even begin to imagine that, but what a celebration that will be!

Ashlie Miller and her husband Chad raise their 5 children in Concord, NC. You can contact her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

By Ashlie Miller

My neighborhood walks often look more like a saunter while I stop to snap a picture of this iris, that azalea, or those clematis. I enjoy sharing them with friends in my Facebook stories to encourage others to observe their adjacent yards or share with those who cannot walk their neighborhoods. Together, we share our admiration and memories associated with certain flowers. 

The fantastic thing is that from house to house, in the same ecosystem, the flora highlighted by owners can vary greatly. One home may choose NC native plants in a well-kept lawn. Another may choose a symmetrical design with carefully cultivated plants usually found in other countries. Yet another may have an award for creating a habitat to welcome and protect local creatures – a natural lawn. Even the actual plants, like irises lately, might be in full bloom on one street today, while just around the corner, nestled in a shadow, irises are only beginning to bud. While it could create opportunities to be dissatisfied with one’s yard, it also gives one a chance to celebrate the beauty in a neighbor’s yard. 

Flowers are one thing; grass is another. Ask my husband, who may be the chiefest of sinners in coveting the green grass of a neighbor. Ours has taken much effort, to no avail. Rejoicing over a neighbor’s grass is a little more difficult than admiring their flowers.

Why is it more difficult to rejoice when others have a victory or win in life? When someone gets a promotion we hoped for, is accepted to the college or program we had our eyes set on, becomes engaged, or announces a pregnancy, and we are still waiting, how much effort does it take to rejoice with them?

Romans 12:15 couples our need to rejoice and weep with others. Though empathy and sympathy may open the door for weeping together, why would Paul need to instruct rejoicing with others? 

– It guards against my covetousness and envy, readjusting my gaze from the provision to the Provider who also loves my friend.

– It keeps my pride at bay. Instead of wondering why they got what I feel I deserved, I can humbly consider how God allows a common grace for all humanity.

– I become less egocentric. I begin looking for goodness that is always happening all around me in the lives of others.

As you get your steps in, consider slowing your pace to a leisurely stroll. Pause to look at the gifts in another’s yard, and if your neighbor is outside, ask how life has been for them lately. You may find an opportunity to rejoice not only in their plants but also in the beautiful things happening in their lives. 

Ashlie Miller often gathers more photos than steps on her walks. She and her husband are parents to 5 children in Concord, NC.

By Ashlie Miller

What do you do when you think of someone you haven’t seen in quite some time? Do you reach out to them and let them know? Do you stop and pray for them? Thankfully, a friend who thought of me out of the blue stopped and prayed for me last week and then texted me to let me know. Though a good friend, she lives many hours away. We usually see each other at funerals these days, and we only text occasionally, yet she was thinking of me. 

The text read, “Thinking about you and praying for you.” She reminded me that the Lord knows my requests and hears me. Nothing on social media would have alerted her; I am private about my personal needs. We have not been in contact about ongoing struggles or prayer needs. How, then, could she have known? I believe it is because we share someone extraordinary – the Holy Spirit, who ministers to us as we pray and read God’s Word.

In the Kingdom of God, this is a common occurrence. Many Christians from all walks of life pray fervently – moms, dads, grandmas, singles, teens, and professionals. You may feel alone and think no one notices or considers you, but remember, you can be a part of a community of believers. The love that overflows from their relationship with God will cause them to notice others, pray for them, and perhaps help them, if possible.

Sunday morning, on my walk, my playlist reminded me of the song “Someone Is Praying For You”: 

When it seems that you’ve prayed ’til your strength is all gone

And your tears fall like raindrops all the day long

He cares and He knows just how much you can bear

He’ll speak your name to someone in prayer

Romans 8:26-27 reminds us: 

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” Wow, the Spirit intercedes – prays – on behalf of the believers in Jesus!

As the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf, and as other believers are faithful to pray and read their Bibles, it is clear that the Holy Spirit can breathe the names of others who are struggling to fellow believers. But it’s not enough to just know this, we must act on it. When we trust that those random names were put on our hearts for a purpose, we can reach out, encourage, and even sometimes be tangible help to those in need. This is our responsibility as Christians, and it’s a privilege. Sometimes, the answer to someone’s prayer is us!

Ashlie Miller is a pastor’s wife and serves at Mission Bible Church in Charlotte. She and her husband, Chad, are parents to 5 children.

By Ashlie Miller

Do yourself a favor and read the paper while sitting outside today. If you are close to such spectacular sounds, sit and listen to the high trill of birds. As I sat down to begin writing on my porch, the overlapping chatter of many songbirds filled the air.

Growing up, I remember hearing that birds sing to praise the Lord. Many of their calls are for basic, daily survival. However, we can observe their behavior and see that everything created can bring glory to God. As it says in Psalm 148:7-10, “Praise the Lord from the earth … small creatures and flying birds!” God made things for His glory and praise. Isn’t it remarkable that in Him receiving glory, we can enjoy the beauty and wonder of creation?

Birds sing continuously and loudly. From the early hours of first light, I can hear them rousing the neighborhood with their melodies. In the midday, I hear their symphony while I enjoy my lunch. Depending on the bird, their songs soften or increase in the evening. They are simply doing what they know to do – communicating for various reasons and needs – resulting in an echo of songs that resonate in our hearts.

We, too, can attend to our everyday activities as an offering of praise and worship when done with the joy, purpose, and acknowledgment of the work God has given us to do at that moment. We can worship continuously by ensuring that everything we do is done with all our heart as serving the Lord (see Colossians 3:23, 1 Corinthians 10:31).

Often, I am tempted to do things with a grumbling spirit, which Philippians 2:14 warns us about. I can groan and complain as I rage clean the house – “I guess if I want it done, I’ll have to do it myself!”… “Either no one sees this mess, or they think someone else will clean it up!” Or I can be thankful that I have a large family to serve, that I can serve them another day, and that one day they will be getting similar opportunities to serve selflessly. Do I always succeed? Not nearly. But I can grow a little at a time.

Imagine a day when Christians will eternally worship on a renewed earth using our abilities and interests in unfettered, non-distracted, uninterrupted ways! Our gifts and talents will resonate with beauty, adoration, and glory more purely to God – to work as we were originally intended all those years ago in the Garden of Eden as God dwells with us.

But until that day, much like the birds flitting about, singing, and chirping to our ears’ delight, I pray my daily mundane is more than a monotonous tone of duty and instead reflects gratitude and satisfaction in completing a task with joy. May it sound as lovely as a songbird and less like unsuccessful attempts to stifle grumbling.

Ashlie Miller is slowly growing past rage cleaning as she puts away the dozens of glasses and cups left out each day by her 5 children.  You may contact her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

By Ashlie Miller

“Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” – Martin Luther.

I have a growing love of botanicals – their colors and fragrances, the intrinsic detail of each plant, each petal. It is astounding! Yet, I have mixed feelings about receiving plants as gifts. Upon receiving them, my eyes gleam with hope, but then, reality sinks in. I have to feed, water, and protect this living green thing. I have managed to keep five children fed several times a day, in clothing that mostly fits, and put to rest as needed, but I make no such promises with plants. Did I neglect to water you? Did I overcompensate by drowning you? What are these spotty things on your leaves? It looks like you have left us, so do I toss you or hold out false hope?

I found an amaryllis bulb from two Christmases ago that I had tossed into the garage, forgetting what it once held. Upon visiting my stepdad this past Christmas, I saw that the bulb given to him the previous year was flourishing. I asked him, “How did you manage that?” and wondered if there would be hope for my poor, neglected bulb. Of course, I forgot to follow up when I returned home. A month passed before I found it again, but when I did, I finally planted it in a pot with dirt, showering it with water. When I say “planted,” I mean I stuck it in dirt, not even fresh dirt  – something from a bag I found hidden in the shed. Sigh, even my efforts seemed half-hearted. However, in recent weeks, I beam with delight, seeing something green sprouting and flourishing – currently 10-12 inches of greenery. It feels like a resurrection!

I am sure many readers have green thumbs or at least enough dirt under their nails to prove they know what they are doing. Does it astound you when a plant comes back from what seems to be the perils of death? Maybe you rescue plants from the clearance shelf or even the dumpster. You may have even purchased those resurrection plants (Rose of Jericho) through Amazon to witness such a phenomenon. I think deep inside us, we love the idea of life coming from seeming death. What a lovely reminder during the Easter season – the Resurrection season! Not only was Christ resurrected from actual death, but the same power that raised Him can also transform those of us dead in Christ, miserable in the existence and bondage of sin. The same power will give Christians a true, bodily resurrection, not merely a spiritual resurrection.

Romans 1:16 – which by now the avid reader knows is a favorite verse of mine – points to nature’s general revelation of God’s attributes. That knowledge compels us to learn the special revelation of ideas like redemption in the truth of God’s Word. Through general revelation in nature, these signs of resurrection in what is seemingly dead – a resting plant bulb – are a pale comparison to He who was truly dead and fully resurrected. But it is something to learn from and to point us to God’s Word.

As you nurture diseased or seemingly lifeless plants to health this spring season, may your heart and attention be directed to the resurrection that has occurred in Christ and that which will happen for believers in Christ. What an opportunity to worship as we work, grow, and cultivate!

Ashlie Miller and her husband Chad do a lot of weeding, nurturing, and pruning….but mostly on their 5 children in Concord, NC. You may contact her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

By Ashlie Miller

Like Aesop’s fables, spring trees and plants tell stories of something worth learning or remembering. Some tales have emerged from folklore tied to Christianity, but I love the symbolism many admirers of creation have developed to share the gospel story. One such tree I only learned about recently is the Judas Tree (the Eastern Redbud). A friend noticed a photo of this tree on my Facebook stories and gave me a short lesson on its legend. Much like the story of the dogwood tree, which reflects the crucifixion of Christ, the Judas Tree reflects the tragic narrative of the one who betrayed Christ. I will let the reader take the time to Google this folklore as it is pretty interesting.

Judas is a tragic being in the Christian narrative. One chosen to follow Christ and, in the end, not only sold the Messiah for temporary treasures but then regretted it to the point of ending his life. Imagine kissing your Teacher, your friend, and also the one whose last point of touch with you was to serve you by washing your dirty feet. His Teacher said, “What you do, do quickly,” almost as if Judas could only do such betrayal issued by the Enemy in haste. Isn’t that always the way with the Enemy? He whispers hurry and haste because he realizes that if we slow down, pause, and consider what we are doing, we will have instant regrets.

After seeking an opportunity to betray Christ (see Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and John 13 for reference), after going through the motions of the Last Supper, after kissing the One whom he would betray as a signal that “this is the man,” the weight of sin and wrong upon his heart is worse than that of those 30 coins he throws at the feet of the chief priests and elders. It’s too late. He cannot turn back the clock on the events he set in motion. Regrets. Is it repentance?

Others who are much wiser and more eloquent than I have written on the difference between regretting and repenting, so I will not expound on it here but rather remind the reader. Judas is a picture of one with regrets. His actions are external. They lead to such great sorrow that his only control over the situation is an external, physical fix – returning the money, verbalizing his mistake, and then ending his life tragically. He cannot change the outcome or his future.

How is that different from Peter? Peter may not have betrayed Christ but he denied him. Repeatedly. The one so quick and loud with words and boasts of promised faithfulness to his Rabbi was hiding in the corners when it was crunch time, marring his talk with cursing, distancing himself in the heat of the battle as he warmed by the fire.

But Peter’s battle is internal and emotional, and he is unable to make amends on his efforts. At a final moment with Christ (John 21), we see a private conversation between Peter and the Messiah, one of a repentant spirit that leads to change.

Both men sinned greatly against the One they followed so closely. With one man, efforts made to cover sorrow over a mistake led to tragedy. With the other, a contrite spirit led to freedom, experienced through repentance and forgiveness. No longer living in constant sorrow, a man changed to set the world ablaze with the gospel.

This Holy Week, let us take a walk or drive, notice the Judas Tree, and then ask ourselves, “Am I living a life of regrets I cannot fix? Or am I ready to surrender in repentance and know the freedom found only in forgiveness that will lead to a change in my life?”

Ashlie Miller is a homeschool and co-op teacher and wife of a lead pastor church planter. You may contact her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.