The Townsend Faith Blog

(To hear Ashley's talk, click here:  Ashley's Talk ) Good morning brothers and sisters, I'll just give an introduction as to who I am.  My name is Ashley Townsend.  I am married to Andrew Townsend.  We've been married for about a year and have lived here the whole time.  Both of us work together, live together, we're pretty much around each other 24/7so if you need to get a hold of us just call the other person if you can't reach us. If you haven't already figured out the topic it's the women's role here on Earth and in the Kingdom of God. One day me and my husband went to the Provo temple to do sealings and I stood up from the alter and took about a step and then I passed out and woke up with every body's heads around me and I guess I was trying to sleep walk or something because my husband was pinning me down saying to just lay down and don't worry about it and the sealer came in with a little can of orange juice and some crackers

Two years ago I was in a town called Bartlett just Northeast of Memphis Tennessee.  I was serving as a missionary for the church, and was assigned to serve within the boundaries of the Bartlett Second Ward.  The ward had a fantastic Elders Quorum, filled with inspiring and spiritual men.  They achieved the impossible: 100% home-teaching.  Two months in a row! But what was more, the lessons I learned in those Quorum meetings have stayed with me, and I would like to share one with you. We were given a small quarter-sheet of paper with information on both sides.  One side has a large square with four squares inside of it. This was reportedly similar to a plaque found on Spencer W Kimball's desk while he was serving as the president of the church. The lesson our teacher was teaching was in reference to 2 Nephi 9:41. O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a s

In the office I work at some employees have become discontented with the amounts of bonus money they have potential to receive each month.  As a manager, though one that has little to no say in the bonus money, I listened to their concerns, and then brought them up with the department head. I discussed with him the valid points of my team's arguments, and related to him my feelings in the situation.  I told him I think it is sad that the bonus should be such a point of distress to any employees.  In it's definition, a bonus is something extra, not something to be disputed over in the first place.  I told him my budget never includes the money I may or may not receive in a bonus.  We were hired and accepted the job without the expectation of this extra money, but now that it is presenting itself as an option, suddenly everyone is all worked up about it's amount. He told me he agrees and wishes that it wasn't something people would complain about.  I told him, knowing

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, there are a lot of perks and benefits. For instance, the second after you are confirmed a member, you get this guide called the Holy Ghost. This guide is always with you and is there to help... guide AND teach. It tells you what is right or wrong, it prompts you of what should be done or where your should go, and it helps other people who  may not be members understand what is trying to be taught to them. It is an amazing blessing to have this guide. In church today we learned a few things of what having this guide really means. Not all people who have this guide understand how it communicates. It does not use a voice or even Morse Code, it uses the users own body and their emotions to communicate. Since this is the standard form of communication, many people get lost in translation or get mixed  signals. I know when the Holy Ghost is trying to talk to me by the feelings I get (usually a burning of the bosom) and the tho

I was listening to my music library on shuffle today and the Les Miserables song sung by the character Bishop Myriel came on. For those of you unfamiliar with the story, the hero of the story (Jean Valjean) spends an unruly amount of time in jail for stealing a loaf of bread, and, now out on parole, takes advantage of the good bishop's hospitality and steals some candlesticks. Jean Valjean gets caught by local authorities and is taken back to the bishop's house to verify the accusations of thievery . The bishop tells the men that Valjean was a guest in his home, and that the candlesticks were a gift (made of pure silver), and that Valjean forgot the rest of the gift, and then bestows upon him a whole set of silver dishware. The authorities, baffled, leave Valjean at the bishop's mercy. At this time, the bishop sings this verse: But remember this, my brother See in this some higher plan You must use this precious silver To become an honest man By the witness of the mart

I was going to make the title, "The Things That I Believe" but I decided that everything I will be posting, will be the things that I know. For example, I know that I am married to Andrew Townsend, and I know that I love it! I know that I have amazing family members, a great job, and amazing opportunities to grow! And, I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true church on earth (and in space) today. I was baptized when I was 8 years old. I had no idea what was going on because the only time I went to church was when my grandma Susan would take me, and that was only when we were in town visiting. I remember not liking primary, all of the kids were weird and different, and the teachers were just as odd. I didn't really start to be involved until I was 12, which is the age to go to Young Womens. At school, my friend Esther Erickson told me all about how great church was and how fun the activities were on Wednesdays. She invited me to come wi

On 14 Feb 2010 I was asked to speak on any topic of my choice. I chose to speak about the Atonement, and it seems appropriate to start this blog with this topic. We sometimes overlook the power of words. The ancient chant "sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can drive me into depression" comes to mind. In the Bible we read about the Lord creating the world in seven days, merely by the phrasing of words. "Let there be light". The priesthood operates on the principles of language; one does not just place his hands on another's head and expect them to be healed, or to receive the Holy Ghost. Words are spoken, and the powers of heaven are invoked. By this same token, words spoken over the pulpit in righteousness have the power to move hearts, and heal the broken-hearted. God willing my words will bring one of you closer to our Savior. I served 10 1/2 months in Arkansas, the rest of my two-year mission was served in Tennessee. There were at th