We would love to hear your conversion story—when and how did God reveal Jesus Christ to you? 

I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was in third grade.  I was actually sitting in my bedroom all alone reading the Bible, and it became very clear to me that I needed Jesus, and I wanted Him in my life.  I remember coming out into the living room where my parents were and telling them how I felt.  I was baptized soon after.  Even though, I truly believe that I understood what Jesus did for me on the cross when I was young, it wasn't until college that a real relationship began with Jesus.  It was in college that I learned how to study the Bible.  Scripture is so powerful, and I don't thank God enough for opening my eyes to Him at such a young age.

When and how did you meet your husband? Can you briefly relate the story of your relationship from the time you met until you were married? Are there any funny or memorable moments you'd be willing to tell us about?

I feel like our story could be a blog post of itself.  I will give you the condensed version.  I met Lee my freshman year of college.  He was a sophomore, so in my eyes he was already cooler than me.  I remember the first time we really hung out in a group and I came back to my dorm that night and told a friend that he was someone I could see myself marrying.  Little did I know what would happen over the next year.  I ended up dating 2 other guys, while still being friends with Lee, but nothing more.  We dated for a few months, but it just wasn't the right time for me.  Now before you roll your eyes, I am being serious.  God had to do some serious reshaping of my heart before I could be in a serious relationship.  I'll tell you a secret though; I always knew it was Lee.  I tried again and again to deny it, but I always knew deep down that he was the one God had for me.  Sappy, I know.  As he would say, "Once I finally came to my senses" we officially began dating December 31st, 2007.  He proposed February of 2009, and we were married September 5, 2009.  He is my best friend.  He can always make me laugh, and seems to know just what to say or what not to say. 

 

Lee & Laura Ashley on their wedding day.

Let's see, I guess a really memorable and funny moment was when he asked me to marry him.  We were actually here in Wake Forest, and had literally just gotten to the Manor House.  It was freezing and I just wanted to get warm and stay inside, but he insisted that we go and look at the campus at night.  Seriously?  I remember thinking to myself, it's 9pm and 32 degrees outside and you want to go walk around Southeastern's campus!  But I knew that this is where God was calling him so I was trying to be the supportive girlfriend and finally agreed to go and walk.  On our walk, I was talking away and asking questions about the campus and different buildings.  I noticed he was being really quiet, and walking fast - almost pulling me along.  Finally we got to the gazebo on campus and he stopped.  I didn't know what was going on, but I could tell from Lee's face that something was about to happen.  He grabbed both of my hands and started talking....I couldn't tell you what he said, but before I knew it he was down on one knee and asking me to marry him.  I was so surprised and excited that apparently I never said yes, but pulled him up and made him give me a hug.  I later found out that during the entire plane ride he had the ring in his jacket pocket.  I asked him afterwards what he would have done if the metal detector had gone off in security, and he told me that he would have gotten down on one knee right then and there.  Now that would have been a story, but I love my story. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to single female students as they attend SEBTS?

Most of my best friends are single students, and I am so thankful for them.  I guess my advice would be, don't always look to the future (i.e. marriage, kids, next steps, ministry).  Take the time to see what God has you to do right here and now.  You have opportunities to do so many cool things that I and other married people cannot do.  Really plant your life where you are – in the seminary, in your church, in your small group, and in your community.

What is one piece of advice you would give to other wives on loving and helping their husbands?

Listen to them.  Especially if he is a student, take the time to ask how his classes are going and listen as he tells you.  Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, because most likely God is going to change much of your pre-seminary “plan”.  With that, be willing to be open to change and pray with your husband. 

What are you currently studying in your times with the Lord? What is one aspect of God’s character and the gospel you’ve learned about this past year?

A few months ago I started a daily devotional study by Beth Moore, titled Whispers of Hope. This devotional has been wonderful.  I am a person that needs structure in my quiet time.  This devotional has been just perfect.  I think my favorite part of it has been that it really focuses on prayer.  It has different prayer points, such as praise, repentance, and intercession, which have caused me to deepen my prayer time and intentionally think through what I am praying.  As a result of this, God has blown my mind through prayer.  I have watched Him answer my prayers, and change my heart in areas that needed to be changed. 

One aspect of God’s character that stands out to me is His faithfulness.  God is faithful to His children.  Just God’s faithfulness to me is overwhelming.  I have seen this in His merciful way of loving me, and showing me His truths.  I feel that each year the Gospel becomes more and more beautiful to me.  God has revealed so much to me in the past year concerning the power of the Gospel, from watching friends believe in Jesus to seeing believing family and friends deepen their walk with the Lord.  When I look back and see all that the Lord has done and taught me, it hits me (or really runs me over) with just how great our God is! Another HUGE aspect of God's character that I have learned is being selfless.  When you have a child, you instantly have another human being totally dependent on you.  After our first child was born in September of 2011, I began to learn a great deal of what selflessness really meant, and how selfless our Savior Jesus is.  It really opened up my walk with Jesus into a whole new level. For that I am so grateful.  

 Take a look at Holland Grace's moves!

Dancing Queen from Laura Ashley Harper on Vimeo.

 

How did you end up at SEBTS? What did you study? How are you using it now?

Well, my husband knew while we were in college that he wanted to attend Southeastern.  I knew the "plan" when we started dating, and though I never (and still don't) saw myself as a preacher's wife, I trusted him, and I knew that God had called us to SEBTS.  I took a few classes when we first moved up here.  I took Biblical Foundations for the Minister's Wife with Dr. and Mrs. Akin my first semester here, and then I took Philosophy with Dr. Little at 7:30 in the morning!  I still don't know quite what I was thinking in doing that.  The last class I took was Preparing for Missions with Lesley Hildreth.  What a wonderful class! If you are going overseas, TAKE THIS CLASS!   Even though I am not a full-time student, Lee and I talk about all of his classes.  Most of the time he has to stop and explain things to me, but it helps me to feel like I am a part of what he is learning.
My husband will finish up classes this coming May, and then we will move overseas as missionaries with the IMB for 2 years.  We are so excited and thankful to be part of the mission of God overseas.  This is something we never saw ourselves doing, but in the past 2 years, God has greatly moved in our heart for the lost around the world.  Like I said earlier, be prepared for the Lord to change your path.

What is your role in the Women’s Life Office? What’s your favorite part about the job?

My role in the WLO is Administrative Assistant.  I have been working in this position for over 2 years.  Hands down, my favorite part of my job is getting to know the ladies at SEBTS and serve them.  Whether it's helping complete a BWI app or connecting them to a ministry or church, I love getting to hear everyone's story and how God led them to SEBTS. 

Where do you attend church?

Our family attends the Summit Church.  We LOVE our church!  We lead a small group weekly, and being in community has taught us so much.  It's really shaped our minds and hearts on how we hope to lead a church one day.  I don’t know what we would do without our small group family.  They really are family.

Who is a Godly older woman who has influenced you, and what is the most important thing she has taught you?

I have many women that come to mind, including my mother and grandmother, but one lady who has influenced me greatly during my time here at SEBTS would have to be my boss, Denise O'Donoghue.  I have learned so much from just watching her in everyday life in how she works and handles situations.  She is always quick to refer to Scripture and is very sensitive to listening to the Holy Spirit.  I would have to say that the most important thing that she has taught me would be to listen.  Her days are full of counseling women and one thing that is constant is her ability to intently listen.
  

What would you ideal meal be?

Okay, so this is pretty detailed….I like love food.  No judgment, okay? :)

Pimento mac n’ cheese from Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, sweet potato fries (Village Deli has good ones), spinach dip, hamburger from Firebirds, and either vanilla bean cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory, or a big brownie with caramel and ice cream. Oh, and a vanilla latte from Jubala with dessert.

….and then I would have a tummy ache for a day.  But it would be worth it.

Laura Ashley, Lee, & Holland Grace this past Christmas. 

Come by and meet Laura Ashley in the Women's Life Office.  We are located in the Ledford Center on the 2nd floor.  Laura Ashley works Tuesday - Friday, 8am - 12pm.