New Year 2011. Growth. Philippians 1:6

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

...HE who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

I'm excited that 2011 is here, to be really honest. God has taught me a lot and I mean A LOT of lessons this past year, which I am grateful for. But, I'm ready for this new chapter in life. I leave for CHICAGO on Jan. 6th, and I'm ready, excited and nervous. I'm ready to see what comes my way, and what God does in this time of GROWTH. I have a feeling :) that the "word" that God will be really testing me in, more than ever before, will be GROWTH. Growth covers almost every area in my opinion. We'll never stop growing, a friend and I kinda discussed that some tonight. We will never stop growing and learning. THAT fact, is an amazing and exciting one for me. I like being pushed, even when it's hard, in as much as possible. It's hard much of the time, but, it's amazing the outcome! :)

Keep looking up, friends! God bless!

Love in Christ,

Natalie JOY <3

Christmas season is here

So, Friends-the CHRISTmas season is officially here. I think b/c I'm so focused on being prepared as well as I can for Moody, I'm still not in the "mood". haha...last night Lauren, myself and some girls from Calvary went to see AVALON. I loved that--deff. God focused and Christmas-y! haha!

I hope that your Christmas holiday is full of love, laughter, and the realization of how blessed we you are!

Merry Christmas!

Natalie Joy

*Snow and change*

Woah! It's been awhile since I've blogged! Wow.

Well, the snow is here! It makes me smile and frown at the same time..haha. But, it's here! As much as I feel "in" the holiday swing, I'm "out" of it too, in some sense. haha!

I am trying to remind myself the REASON why I love Christmas so much, and the reason why it's so important.

Along with Christmas, many decisions are here for me to make -- regarding the future. I'm very excited to be going to Moody Bible in Chicago! God has been doing a lot in my heart -- I will admit it hasn't been the most fruitful time for me with God...it's been so for a long time. I honestly feel like that man in the Bible who had to have his friends hold up his arms in battle, b/c he was so weary. But, through everything, GOD has proven Himself to be ever so faithful, and I am amazed every time He shows me this reality.

In regards to moving to Moody, I am reminded of so many people in the Bible and through out history who strived for God's Hand and His calling-God told them to "go"-and they went. They went even though there were many question marks and concerns, they left everything and went with nothing except their belief in God and the knowing HE will be faithful and lead.

I feel like that is where I am at. I listened to the calling and obeyed God in applying to Moody and doing something I didn't the last time I applied, and God blessed that by allowing me to be accepted. Now, I am going, with literally nothing after I pay what I have for school, going jobless down there, and relying on GOD fully to lead me through every detail. Yes, this is growing up, but it will be interesting. No parents, siblings, friends, or boy-friend going, just me holding onto God's hand and trusting He will show me what HE wants.

This reality has come to me in the past couple days. God is faithful, in our high & lows, pure & sinful times, laughter and sorrow--GOD IS GOD AND I AM NOT!

What an amazing Creator I belong to!

God bless you all as you go through out your CHRISTmas season!

~Natalie Joy~

THE DAY I've been waiting for!!!!

I GOT ACCEPTED TO MOODY BIBLE! THE COLLEGE I'VE WANTED TO ATTEND SINCE I WAS 11 YEARS OLD! PRAISE THE LORD! :)

Monday::

So, latley God has really brought myelf and a few others through a LONG almost year dark "tunnel" if you will; and is now showing the LIGHT at the end! I'm really seeing the power of prayer, possibly the for first time in my personal prayer life! Committing to prayer and believing in the power of it-- is amazing and worth it.

Prayer is active and moving. I'm so guilty in the notion that it's just "there". Almost like a "have to" aspect of Christianity today. Think about it. HOW many people do you know, believers, who really demonstrate and show the exciting joy of prayer? Honestly, it's spoken of some, but I really know few people who really embody a vibrant prayer life. It's an interesting thought, and I hope that more and more believers will REALLY come to a dark tunnel or two, to see and be "slapped" in the spiritual face, with the REALITY of prayer!

Random:: but I was thinking this:: What would the world be like if everyone were true belivers? Yes sinners, but if ALL were Christ followers. Or to narrow it a tad, if everyone in America were a follower of Christ, what would the world and our nation look like?

Humm...!

Well, here is Monday.

Humility Check!

So, tonight (well really early A.M.) I was reading the book called, "A Young Woman After God's Own Heart" and was spiritually slapped in the face (for like the billionth time today)!

Why? Well, this book I am helping to lead (is that correct wording..? probably not but it's late haha) in the Jr. High girl's group my church has on Wednesday nights. The sections are on Prayer and to top it off, I'll be leading this study!

1) The area of a constant deep prayer life has always been such a struggle for me.

2) the subject that was focused on that prayer cultivates was JUST what I needed!

I cannot even explain the surge of thankfulness and joy that flowed out of my heart!

I am a person who sees the glass "half empty", if you know my meaning. I am in AWE at the moments when I am struggling NOT to lose hope, but feel like I am slipping and falling short (which I am always falling short..AKA I'm a sinner!), the Lord of ALL is gracious (yet again) to pick me up and show me His mercy and love! CRAZY!

I'm pretty sure this book is not just for "young teenage high school women" but for all who read it!

Honestly, when I am discouraged spiritually, I almost get mad or rather frustrated that God IS so merciful and compassionate. I am so thankful He is. But, I am nothing and I deserve nothing but HELL! It really just blows my mind, and that is why I think I get "frustrated". My mind and heart cannot comprehend God's AMAZING LOVE for such a person as me! Does that make sense?! He blows my mind! Why me? Why Love? Why forgive?

The song by one of my all time favorite groups Avalon put out a song called "Renew me". In this song Jenna sings:

Why do I live like I'm in chains

When You have set me free?

And why do I have to break Your heart

Before I fall to my knees?

I know it's time to pray for change

Give all I have to give

I want to love You better than this

I love this because it is so true! Believers everyday,every second, live by our desires and sin. Why?! Why do we live like we're in chains, when we have BEEN SET FREE?! And to think that God STILL forgives, loves, and has new mercies EVERY MORNING! It's AMAZING!

I must say, I love God's spiritual slaps in the heart! :) So glad He

tells it like it is!

Be encouraged! Our God is a LOVING FATHER! AMAZING!

~Natalie Joy

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, it is well,

With my soul, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath she'd His own blood for my soul.

It is well, It is well,

With my soul, with my soul

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

It was nailed trough his cross, and I bear it no more,

Bless the Lord, bless the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, It is well

With my soul, with my soul

It is well, it is well, with my soul

Larry King Show-Joni Eareckson Tada story

A Vision of K-12 Students Today

Joni's Corner Art Studio Ken.flv

A wonderful weekend! The LORD is GOOD!

What a weekend! Whew! Well, long story short this weekend my younger sister, and my parents and I went to IL for a summit. We are obviously affected with disabilities in our family, and for years we've been able to be a part of the world's biggest Christian disability ministry, which was started by Joni E. Tada. She's an amazing woman, and I have had the amazing honor of spending time with her and getting to know her more personally. She was involved in a diving accident that has paralzyed her, and recently just found out she has cancer. You may have seen some of her paintings also, she paints using her mouth! (AMAZING)

This weekend we headed to IL for a summit for churches and people wanting to start Disability Ministries in their churches. God calls ALL to be engaged in the church. And too many churches don't think the "learning disabled, wheelchair users," etc. are included. BUT, from our Savior Himself, we see that THAT mentality is wrong! People are different than us. No one is better than we're all just different than. God displays different aspects of HIMSELF through the disabled. And believe me, THEY bless YOU!

We attend the family camps for families with disabilities, that are held across America and recently across the world! This past summer I was able to be on the "other" side of reaching a family affected with disability. Anyways, it was an amazing time! There were Dr.'s and PhD speakes, and so many rescoures that were sold to eqquip churches and people with tools to minister! AMAZING!

On a more personal note, it was so nice to see dear friends whom have ministered to my family and myself over the years!

ALSO, I got to stop by Moody Bible Institute. I hope that the Lord will allow me to be accepted there for this coming January! :)

I hope you enjoy the photos and movies! GOD BLESS!

Pretty good day!

Monday-

usually I don't like Mondays. But, knowing that I would not need to get up for my English 100 class, made it somewhat better today. So, it was nice to go to only one class today! :) Then I got my nails done! :) I figured I would get them done b/c they're so weak anyways, and blah blah blah..lol! So yeah. Then I showed Courtney my new favorite store! One Girl's Treasure a vintage thrift store! :) I LOVE IT! hehehe!

And then, I bumped into a highschool friend and a friend of hers, whom I've met! So, pretty good one today! :) hehe!

Hoping that this week will be better than the last two!

God bless!

Nat

Sick...

Urgh! So, last night I got sick..no surprise!

I've had three cans of soup in less than 24 hrs. Sick=sleep for me. I sleep forever! I'm just praying and hoping I'm well enough for church and other plans I have for tomorrow!

This was my first meal last night...grrr!

Hope you all had a wonderful Saturday! :)

Natalie

ARTPRIZE 2010

THESE ARE ONLY SOME OF THE PIC. THAT I TOOK! I LOVE THE CITY!!!! :)

SO GLAD THAT MR.DEVOS THOUGHT OF THIS! ARTISTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD ENTER THEIR EXHIBIT TO POSSIBLY WIN A HALF A MILLION DOLLARS! I BELIEVE THERE WERE LIKE SOME 17,000 EXHIBITS!

THERE'S MY NAME!( I DID NOT PUT IT THERE THOUGH HAHA! THIS MADE ME SIMLE!)

THIS PIG SCARED ME SO BAD!
THERE WAS A WHOLE BUNCH OF CHILDREN. ADOPTED....THAT THIS ARTIST DID. THE COOL AND KIND OF CREEPY THING WAS---ANY POSITION YOU MOVED....IT SEEMED LIKE THE EYES OF THESE PICTURES WERE FOLLOWING YOU WITH THEIR EYES! KIND OF COOL HOW THE ARTIST COMPILED THEM!
THIS IS SOOOO CRAZY! AND NOTICE---THE COLOR GREEN IS NOT IN THIS ANYWHERE! CRAZY, HUH?!



And this is the piano that I sat down and played! It was SUCH a wonderful feeling to make music again! :) There are 20 pianos around the city that are painted.."free expression" like! The artist that came up with this is from the United Kingdom :)

FRIDAY! Oct. 1st, 2010

HAPPY FRIDAY!

I'm done with class for the day. As usual it was VERY confusing. But, with help from other students, I think I somewhat understand the presentation assignment and essay we are to do by Oct. 15th.

After class, I walked around downtown to take pics of the ArtPrize exhibits! I LOVE them! People from all over the world have created amazing at exhibits, and enter to win a half a million dollars. :)

The really awesome part of this, is that my English Prof. wants us to pick one of the exhibits that is signifiance to MYSELF, and write an essay on it! So, I picked the pianos that a man from the United Kingdom painted! There are 20 around the city, and anyone is free to play them! So, I stumbled acorss one, sat down, and played! When I got up an elderly couple clapped for me! I LOVED it! I miss my music with the piano, and I'm looking for a GOOD keyboard to purchase!

I will post my pictures of the exhibits probably later today! :)

God bless!

Natalie Joy

Last day of September?!

Hello!

I cannot believe today is the LAST day of September! Man, has it been a crazy and nonstop BUSY time! I am SO thankful that the weekend is upon us, as well. I updated this blog here today, because I really do want to blog more! :)


Today, I worked at the child care center (where I have worked at so far for about 2 years). I am in the midst of training a new employee. I never realize how many things there are to remember while taking care of children. I'm in the crawlers room. I LOVE to see babies first learn to crawl, eat new foods, and eventually walk! It is SUCH a blessing. I see myself in relation to God all the time. How they fall and cry and are picked up to start over. Or when the older toddlers purposefully do something wrong, and how even when disciplined, love is still spilled on them! Just like Christ is with me. It's humbling!


Tomorrow is my 3.5 Interpersonal Communications class. Augh. Trying NOT to have a bad attitude. It's a frustrating class b/c of the prof. but, I'm sure God has a reason why I am in the class! haha

God bless!


Natalie Joy

School Started Today!

So college classes started back up!
Excited and ready for some change.
I hope that the directon for college stuff keeps going in the right direction!

<3

Natalie

BEACH!

Today I spent the whole day @ the beach! What a wonderful way to just relax and "cool" off from life! Today was BEAUTIFUL!

Interesting..

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/29/my-take-why-christians-are-jerks-online/?hpt=C2


Let me know what you think!