Disclaimer to my sweet friends: One of my favorite writers, Emily at “Chatting at the Sky“, posted an opportunity on her site for one blessed writer to obtain a scholarship to the annual “She Speaks” Conference in Concord, North Carolina by the wonderful Proverbs 31 organization led by the even-more-wonderful-and-uplifting, Lysa TerKeurst. (I think I might have just won a different contest for having the most links in one sentence…) I think most of you know of my dream to actually get this writing thing up and going but I recently discovered that I have a call to speaking as well. Not to mention the fact that women’s ministry has just recently been placed on my heart. Whew. There is so much I have yet to learn so I am going to reach out of my comfort zone and just do it. Yep. Just do it. Get me a Nike swoosh and set me free…Click here for more information about the incredible “She Speaks” Conference.
Unfolding. Yes. Unfolding. That would be me.
A few days ago, I stumbled upon this T-shirt from Wild Olive Tees and I stopped dead in my tracks. For this, my dear friends, is exactly what is happening within the soul of this sister here who is typing.
And on the back? One of my favorite verses: Philippians 1:6 which tell us “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
So hopeful. So exciting. What will be? I don’t know about any of you but just the thought of the good work He is brewing in me is enough to increase my heart-rate and make me feel like I just might die of the anticipation (which, of course , would be incredibly ironic and counter-productive but still…). What’s even better is the fact that He promises this to each and every one of us.
I don’t think it’s a big mystery that God works in, well…mysterious ways. However, upon recent reflection of my story, it is clear that God has literally been chasing me – yelling my name, pruning my branches, drying my tears. From the beginning. Literally from conception.
I recently shared my faith journey, my testimony, with my Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group. When I was initially asked to consider this, way back in the fall, I first answered with “No. I don’t think so. Don’t think I can go there.”
The ever-gracious coordinator asked me to pray on it and I said I would. Darn her. I love her. She has a way to make me move.
I immediately jumped in my mom van and as I was driving, I heard a loud and clear voice say “If not now, Natalie, when?”
Friends, I spent so long ignoring that voice that when I hear it loud and clear like this, I can’t silence it anymore. Even when I want to do so. Even when all I want to do is run the other way or make excuses as to why I can’t do what He is calling me to do.
I knew it was time. Wasn’t it obvious? If not now, when?
After a somewhat confusing childhood, I was ready to take on the world at the tender age of 21. I had it figured out. I knew how things worked and I knew the “plan” of where my life would be within five years.
However, as we all know, life just doesn’t always work out exactly how we had planned it to be.
At the age of 27, I found myself rejected by a husband who chose his drug addiction over our marriage. Almost bankrupt with the debt he left upon my shoulders. And did I mention a father who was literally dying in the hospital at the same time? Who had only been sober for the last six years of his life?
I was literally on my knees. It was more than I could handle alone.
I cried out to God and begged Him to show His face to me. Begged Him to teach me how to know Him. Finally, just finally, I listened to the call of my name that I had repeatedly heard up to that point but chose to silence.
While this personal turmoil was overtaking my existence, my professional life was taking off. In a way that was more than I could have ever imagined.
I had been an elementary teacher but was given the opportunity to leave the classroom for three years and focus on conducting training sessions in the area of literacy and science for fellow teachers. I traveled the state and worked with over fifteen schools and well over 100 teachers. Speaking in front of a group became “just another day at the office” for me.
While writing my testimony, I was awestruck by the several circumstances throughout my life that I now see as clear pursuits of God. One of my life verses became Jeremiah 29:11 which says “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Soon after I discovered this hopeful verse, I found Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” He had a plan for me? And it was good?
I started running. I prayed. I immersed myself in the Bible. I met with a spiritual adviser. I learned. I reached up. I found.
I met a boy. We started to date. I fell in love with him though I was slightly terrified by the idea of handing my heart over to him.
He proved to be worthy of that heart. He still holds it. Along with our three children. He loves God first with me a close second and our babies next. I am in continuous awe of that man.
That wonderful man has gifted me with the blessing to be home with our children as we raise them. They are young. I am tired. However, I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams and thankful even more.
And yet. There is a spark within my soul, a voice I cannot silence anymore. I am unfolding. I’m being called to something that I can’t ignore any longer. He has been setting me up all along. His plan has proven, in fact, to have been good. The pieces that didn’t seem to fit together earlier in my life are now neatly arranged in the nice little jigsaw of an unmistakable call.
I’ve already ordered the shirt. Should I be chosen as the “She Writes” scholarship recipient, I will be wearing it throughout the conference.
Maybe I better order another one. Just in case.
Oh, Natalie, I hope you win! You are a wonderful writer, and I think this could be your starting point on a great journey!
The verses you listed are some of my favorites, too, and ones that really encouraged me when I was a new Christian. I didn’t heed God’s call until after I had my first baby at the age of 24. I am trying to be a good role model for my kids, so they can have a head start on figuring out what it means to have a relationship with Jesus.
I’m rooting for you, girl!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Fragments =-.
Heather, thank you so much, sweet girl. Your words of encouragement mean the world to me so thank you.
I did not become a serious Christian until the age of 27. I don’t believe it really matters when you do it’s THAT you do. You are correct in wanting to give your children a jump-start as well – I am raising my children that way as well. Teaching them about Jesus is my most favorite thing about being a parent.
Thanks for your cheers! :)
Hi dear niece, Proverbs 31 is one of my favorite sites/organizations. Their Encouragement for Today devos arrive daily to my inbox and make my day. I have read about each one of the authors and would love to hear them at a conference. I am so excited to hear about this endeavor. What a great opportunity! xoxo Aunt Julie
Hi, Aunt Julie – I love them as well. We shall see, we shall see.
I just heard Susan Ehman and Susan Eller at the Hearts at Home Conference last weekend – they were fantastic.
You have nothing else going on (no weddings to plan or anything) – why don’t you just go with me? HA!
Wow, what a great post! I hope you win…!!
Sadie at heyMamas
.-= Sadie at heyMamas´s last blog ..Onto a new obsession =-.
Thanks, girl – we will see. God’s will will be done, I am certain of that. I know that sometimes doors close for a reason. Thanks for reading and commenting, dear Sadie!
Hi Natalie, Loved reading your story. Found your blog through Lysa’s scholarship contest post. You are a wonderful writer…I love the imagery of “unfolding”. I feel very much the same way at this stage of my life. Good luck! Great blog.
Lisa, thank you so much for reading and commenting! I am anxious to go through the list as well – what a great resource it is! I am looking forward to visiting your blog here in a few minutes…:)
Natalie,
I stumbled upon your blog through Mandy Pagano. She is a dear friend of mine. I love your writing and will be praying for this wonderful opportunity for you!! I too, am at the same place in my life and the anticipation is killing me as well!! The lord does have great plans for us we have to allow him to work and we need to be listening. Thanks for this post today. I too, am unfolding!!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Bridget! That Mandy is a dear soul, isn’t she? I hope to actually meet her in person one of these days. She is a gift.
Thank you, also, for your prayers. I absolutely believe that God will direct the selection committee to choose the three people who will benefit the most and do His work in the most effective manner. Even if I am not one of the three, I know that He always works for good. In my experience, doors close for a reason…:)
Good luck to you, Bridget, as you “unfold”. Please keep me updated on your story and how you see God unfolding you – I would love to hear about it. I love listening to the plans He maps out for others.
Holy cow! This keeps getting better and better…I am a huge fan of Proverbs 31 ministries! Lysa TerKeurst spoke at my church a few years ago!! I bought every single one of her books that she had on display at the time and I LOVE LOVE LOVE Radically Obedient, Radically Blessed!!!!! Now…I’m off to read the REST of your post since I stopped immediately when I say her name and just HAD To comment…=)
.-= MandyP´s last blog .."Not Me" Monday! =-.
And here’s part 2…I have tears in my eyes as I write this. And chills. How amazing that way becak WELL BEFORE you or I were ever born…God knew and orchestrated for us to “meet” through the blogosphere. Jeremiah 29:11 was my life verse for the longest time too! There’s a song by Mmichael W Smith where he speaks that verse in the background and it gives me chills EVERY TIME I hear it. Romans 8:28 is also close to my heart as it’s a relief to know that although I screw up (often) God can make it okay and use it to His benefit.
How awesome that I am getting to know you. How awesome that God wanted it that way. How awesome all of these “coincidences” that happen in life. I’m glad YOU are one of those “coincidences” in my life. =)
.-= MandyP´s last blog .."Not Me" Monday! =-.
First of all, I love that your comments today have two parts! :) You are too funny, Mandy – this is completely the way my brain works as well!
I firmly believe there are never any accidents and that God places people in our lives for a reason. I also feel blessed to have met you and am thrilled to call you my friend. Too bad we don’t live closer!!
I don’t know the Michael W Smith song but I need to check it out! It sounds wonderful. I love him.
As for Lysa, she is wonderful and inspiring. I am trusting God’s will will be done and the three that should be selected will be selected. I have not read Radically Obedient but I will check it out. My reading list in LONG LONG right now! I can’t keep up with all of the great titles that I want to read…I wish I could just not sleep and just read all night long but of course, my children are thankful when I have had a good night’s rest…And probably my husband, too.
Thanks for your sweet comments, Mandy. You are a gift.
You have such an amazing story to tell. I hope that you get to go. I have thought about it, so maybe. I love the shirt. That alone is super cool. I love that your story is one that unfolds, also.
If you decide to go, let me know! Let’s meet in person, Tracy! WOOHOO!!!
Just love this shirt! Maybe a birthday idea for Mimi? Keep that beautiful smile on your face, dear daughter!
Love you so much
Mom
Yes, mother. Thank you. I will see if the birthday fairy can bring you one, too.
You certainly have a gift with words, my dear. You are a strong woman and your testimony will bring many to Christ. I hope you are chosen to speak.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Beware the cuteness =-.
Thank you, sweet Michelle. I love how God gifts us differently – would love to possess your gift with images. :)
I am so excited for you Natalie! I know whatever you put your mind to do you will give it your best shot. I hope that you get to go! Love reading your entries. Keep them coming.
I’m learning new scripture that helps others stay grounded by reading your blog entries and comments. Very helpful to me.
Love ya Miss Natalie!
Lana
Lana. Thank you for your kind words. When I read “I’m learning new scripture that helps others stay grounded by reading your blog entries and comments” I am motivated and realize that I am writing for the glory of God. Truly. Thank you for sharing, dear one!
Hi Natalie,
I loved reading your post this morning What an incredible story God has given you! I pray that whether or not you win the scholarship, God would open doors for you to come to She Speaks this Summer. It would be such an honor to meet you!
Sweet blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Thank you, Leah. I appreciate your read! I also am in prayer that God will find a way to get me there. I believe He will direct who will obtain the scholarship so what will be, will be! It would be an honor to meet you as well, Leah. Thank you again for taking the time to comment!
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