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

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