Twelve Days Until Christmas: Part 5

"On the eleventh day of Christmas, Bridgette gave to me: 11 Business cards"

"On the twelfth day of Christmas, Bridgette gave to me: 12 Chick fil A spoons"

My friend Bridgette had to help me out on the last two days, she is such a sweet heart! I am so glad to be home and am excited for this Christmas break.

Twelve Days Until Christmas: Part 4

"On the ninth day of christmas, Teeter gave to me: nine types of candy" (for our WINNING Gingerbead house!)

"On the tenth day of Christmas, my mother gave to me: 10 phone kisses"

Almost done! Only two more days!

Twelve Days Until Christmas: Part 3

"On the sixth day of Christmas, Lindsey gave to me: six frosted cookies"

"On the seventh day of Christmas, the TV lounge gave to me: seven Megamind viewers"

"On the eighth day of Christmas, Trinity Church gave to me: eight favorite songs"


I am getting so excited for the Christmas season, especially after going to church at Trinity this morning! Pastor Jim preached on Mary's faith in Jesus and it was truly inspiring. The part that spoke most to my heart was this: Faith says, "I'm trusting You with my significance." 
I want to have the responsibility of my significance in the hands of my Savior, who loves me and puts His glory in me. Mary took the glory that God had literally put inside of her, and gave it back to God. "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47)

Sweet Mary. I want to have a faith like yours.
"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" Luke 1:45

12 Days Until Christmas: Part 2

On the third day of Christmas Women of Ministry gave to me: 3 tasty treats

On the fourth day of Christmas B Dubs gave to me: four free wings

On the fifth day of Christmas my cell phone gave to me: five lovely calls!

My song is getting lame! However, I am just so excited about the verse that I am working on memorizing. It is about the best gift I have ever received:

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

When I read the words "We have seen his glory," tears fill my eyes. I have seen His glory! It is everywhere. I pray for eyes to see it. More importantly, for the eyes of my heart to see it. This Christmas season, I especially want to remember the glory that is visible because of all that Jesus has given me.

12 Days Until Christmas: Part 1

My mom has challenged me to write my own Twelve Days of Christmas Song, naming twelve gifts that I receive until the day I come home for Christmas break on December 9th. Slightly strange? Yes. But this gives me a chance to have eyes to see the gifts that God gives me each day!

For example, yesterday she gave me the first verse:

"On the first day of Christmas, my mother gave to me: a family photo with Zeke."

Today's is:

"On the second day of Christmas, SAGU gave to me: two ornaments"

Grace

This past week has been full of fighting and feeling quite defeated. I feel like every time I take a step forward in my relationship with the Lord, I move backward because of random circumstances around me. But in the midst of these perceived injustices, I hear the Lord saying, "You can not out grace me, Natalie. Keep giving." Oh but it is painful! It is so hard to want to give grace when I feel like I receive none. But that in and of itself is a lie. I have everything I need for life and godliness. And grace only increases.

I can't out grace Him. I can't out love Him. I can't out run Him.  I can't out fight Him.

I have found that sometimes the only way to find peace is to remember that I am very small, and He is very big. Very strong. Very mighty. Very beautiful. Very powerful.


You are stronger, You are stronger
Sin is broken, You have saved me
It is written, Christ is risen
Jesus, You are Lord of all


From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16

Christmas Decorations!

Honestly, this might be the most productive thing we have done all semester. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

I spent the evening with my beautiful and sweet friend Evin. Evin is my best friend here in Texas and she is always up for an adventure, late night coffee runs, and deep heart talks. Honestly, she is the biggest gift the Lord has given me since coming to SAGU, and I am so blessed by her and her heart for Jesus. In the short few months I have known Evin, she has taught me a lot about forgiveness and truly letting the Lord have his way in our lives. She also loves Texas with her whole heart, and has made it easy for me to love this place, too.


But back to decorating! Only 45 more days until the best day of the year! Love love love!

My roommate Heather and I's bags for the door

Those green things are mittens that I made! Ev did the bows!

The penguin is a gift I got in the mail from my beloved mom :) So precious.

The final product- 3 hours later :)