Feeling Patriotic

Okay, so I had the most amazing day yesterday. First, The Grammy’s decided to do a Salute to Gospel Music, honoring some legendary figures who have made so many contributions to the Gospel music industry. They held it at the Lincoln Theater in Washington DC and decided to honor The Winans, Sandi Patty, and Walter and Edwin Hawkins. They brought special guests in to sing a tribute to each of the honorees. This is where I came in.  So, when they asked Sandi Patty if she could have anyone come and sing a tribute for her who would it be, she said…. (drum roll please) ME!

When I was a little girl singing Sandi Patty songs into my hairbrush, if you would have told me that I would be singing for her one day at a Grammy event I would have said you were crazy. What a special night. I sang Love In Any Language, an oldie but a goodie ;-) Did I mention Patti LaBelle was there? Oh yes, in all her glory and she raised the roof. And Sandi showed why she was the female vocalist of the year for 11 years in a row as she sang We Shall Behold Him. It was so awesome. (For all my young friends on here, you may not know Sandi’s voice, but she is a legend. Just ask your mom*wink*)

And if that weren’t enough, check out what happened earlier in the day. There was a press conference at the Capitol. The president of the Grammy’s spoke, several members of congress and a few senators and…..ME! Yep, I was playing with the big dogs. It was so very surreal. I asked myself a million times in my mind, “what am I doing here”? Surely there was someone more important and eloquent than I who could have spoken, but God opened the door for me and I nervously walked through it. Something very cool is happening this September. Thanks to The Gospel Music Channel president, who had the dream and determination to make it a reality, every September from this year on has been proclaimed by the United States Congress as “Gospel Music Heritage Month.” How cool is that? I spoke about it on behalf of the Artist community during the press conference at the Capitol. I am so grateful for such a memorable day.

It’s easy, isn’t it, to get caught up in the snags of life. Wishing for something more, something different, something better. And often, God drops little surprises from Heaven that make us smile and the journey a little easier. That was yesterday for me. If we’re not careful, we may miss our daily God-moments. Don’t miss yours. And hold on, because a blessing is right around the corner. 

with a grateful heart….

Natalie

 

  • Lyndsay

    That’s so awesome Nat! I’m so happy for you, and glad you had an awesome day! You deserve it girl! It’s so cool that you could sing the tribute for Sandi Patty! Thanks for the encouragement too. Sometimes we all need a reminder to count our blessings, or look for those daily God-moments you talked about. I know I do anyway.
    Much Love girl,
    Lyndsay :)

  • http://godsprincess08.blogspot.com Dani

    Hey Natalie,

    WOW It sounds like you had an awesome day! I am so happy for you. You have encouraged and inspired me so many times. You deserve it all. Thanks for the reminder to not take forgranted the lil moments God gives us. You are awesome!!
    ~Dani

  • Jenny

    Wow, thanks for sharing your yesterday with us! That’s so awesome, and I bet you were “star-struck” upon seeing Sandi Patty as well as Patti LaBelle! I would’ve melted or something!

  • Jacqui

    Congratulations Natalie, on everything you did…that’s awesome! I’m glad God gave you these opportunities, you really deserve it. I have to say, it amazes me how much faith you have, and how you make everything you do about God…I don’t know if I could do it! I believe in God and love him, but sometimes…it’s just hard. So I really admire you for that lol.

  • http:confirmtheworkofourhands.blogspot.com Shelley

    How awesome for you! Definitely sounds like you had an exciting time!

  • http://www.candjrupp.blogspot.com Jessica

    Natalie,
    This is AWESOME!!! When I saw you for the first time I just knew that God was going to use you in huge ways to be a light and this is proof of one of those ways! I was just at WoF in St. Louis and it was so beautiful to see the friendship you and Sandi have developed! I used to listen to her when I was little and she always blew me away with her incredible voice! I also had the joy of being only 4 rows away from the stage at WoF and got to watch you and Sandi hold your twins during Nicole’s concert! It was so beautiful to watch!
    I love ya!

  • http://www.DPLUM.org D PLUM

    Sounds like you definitely had an awesome time, Natalie… AND IN MY FREAKIN’ BACKYARD, BASICALLY! Dang! How’d I miss that? :-) Oh well, maybe next time…

    Funny… I don’t get a chance to lead worship as often, now that I’m pastoring… but I got started as a teen in the contemporary Christian realm by learning to play Sandi Patty stuff… glad she was honored!

    Natalie… your RELENTLESS CD is off the charts!!!! Lovin it… just wanted you to know! ;-)

    Darren Plummer
    Mosaic Church DC, Lead Pastor

  • Lindsey

    Natalie that is so aweosme i am soo glad for you!!! I know what you mean by the little suprises that happen along the journey causeit has been happening to me!! Thanks for eerything you do ou are awesome!
    Lindsey

  • http://www.myspace.com/adrianafrost ana

    Wow, i’m so happy for you girl!
    I’m not surprised she would pick you! your amazingg!
    ok, so…december…revolve…this time i’ll meet you! dang, your my inspiration..love you!

  • Cassie

    I am so happy that you got to sing a tribute to your favorite singer! that is amazing..
    god bless

    ♥Cassie♥

  • http://www.bradruggles.com Brad Ruggles

    Boy, talk about a throwback! I remember rollerskating to Sandi Patti, Michael W Smith and Wayne Watson. The “good old days” of CCM. :-)

  • http://redcedar.wordpress.com annie

    Fantastic! Thank you for spreading the blessings around.

  • Jennifer

    I would choose you too. I love your new CD. It is so cool to hear my two girls, ages 5 and 2 sing along. My 2 month old son will be singing along in no time. My 5 yr olds fav song is “Make it Matter” and my 2 yr olds fav song is “better hands now”. Mine would have to be “Perfect People” God has used your songs in an awesome way in my life in the past 2 mo. My son had to stay in the NICU and I recalled a story you told about the song “Our hope Endures” and then the message of “better hands”. I knew Jesus was right there with him holding him and watching over him, even though i couldn’t. Wow! Thank you for allowing God to use you. Your book is a blessing. You shared so much and I know that God is blessing you for sharing your story and giving Him all the glory. It is a great example of how to let go and give God whatever stronghold plays the part of 1st love in your life. I admire you for being real.

  • victoria

    You are very blessed!=)

  • Karen

    Hi, I saw you at the Women of Faith conference in NJ. I went with my 2 sisters and my mother. It was my first conference but not my last! It was the fist time I’ve heard you sing. I immediately fell in love with your voice. I got the Relentless CD at the conference. My favorite song is right now “In Christ Alone”, but I do love all the songs, it really is a great CD. What a powerful song and voice. Every single time I hear it I have to cry.The only other artist that has ever made me feel this way is Sandi Patty. At WOF I was blessed enough to have seen my 2 favorite singers under one roof! You and Sandi Patty. Thank your for blessing me with the sound of your wonderful voice! Keep your eyes fixed on him and keep singing!
    Love and Prayers-Karen