Right now as we speak, I am on vacation. I have been counting down the days to this time. I am desperately in the place where I need to take some extra time just for me. I know when it’s time for a break, and that time is now.

As most of you know, my life is quite busy between all of my work, personal, and ministry responsibilities. Through all of this, God has shown me how to use my time wisely to accomplish the most in the least amount of time. I wouldn’t have it any other way because I am right in the center of God’s will.

I am looking forward to doing some things just for me. Things that have been on my list for quite some time now. Places and things that might not seem like much to others, but they are important to me. Some are things that I did as a little girl, yet find the draw to experience them all over again as an adult. So if you keep up with me on social media, you’ll see me checking in at some of these spots.

I’m at the place in my life where I enjoy getting out and living life. For the past few years, I have lived my life on the side lines as I allowed God the time and space to heal me from all of my brokenness, but now I’m finally ready to really begin to live again. Just like the lyrics from Danny Gokey’s song, I have told my heart to beat again. My past has been a tough one, but I choose not to focus on what I lost. I choose to focus on my future. I look with expectancy to the destiny God has for me. I have had many times that I didn’t think I could move forward, but I made myself get up and put one foot in front of the other regardless of how I was feeling. I am thankful for all of the tough times because they have made me who I am today.

You might be reading this and feel as if your life is over. I understand that sentiment exactly. There was a time that I felt the same way. It’s just a feeling, and that’s all that it is. Feelings will lie to you. That’s why we must replace our feelings with God’s truth. If you could only see just how far I’ve come, then you would understand. If God can go this for me, then He can do this for you. He is no respecter of persons.

So as I close out today, I want you to rejoice along with me. My life is becoming my life all over again. I know who I am in Christ. I am enjoying getting to know who Natalie is all over again. The things that make me tick. My passions and desires. The callings that God has placed on my life. All of the little things I like that somehow got buried along the way.

All kinds of adventures await me this week. I am looking forward to new discoveries ahead. This new found life that I live is awakening this week, but it won’t just stop here. It will continue into my future. I can hardly wait to share it with you. Why? Because I am a living testimony to the faithfulness and love of God. A testimony of a life that He birthed beauty from ashes. A testimony of what we think is the end really isn’t the end, but just the beginning. I am a testimony for God.