If you’re anything like me, you have a catalog in your mind of some pivotal moments in your life when different people may have said “you can’t…”
Some of those defining moments have stayed with me, influenced me, kept me from believing that I am who God says that I am.

But the more I have discovered about Jesus and the more I learn of His thoughts towards me, what once were deafening and defeating statements, are replaced by the Truth of God.

I’m calling on all my girlfriends to rise up and be a part of a revolution. That together, with one voice, the earth would hear us, as the sisterhood of God say, “yes, we can.”

Dare To Be is a call for women to stand and say “I am who God says that I am. I can be what God says I can be. I can do what God has asked me to do.” If we could begin to see what God sees when He looks at us, how would that change our lives, marriages, families, communities and the world?

When Jesus asked Peter to walk on the water, I’m betting there were many “I can’t” thoughts that initially crossed his mind. But because Peter dared to believe and trust, Jesus accomplished the impossible through his life. He wants to do the same through us. Jesus didn’t say, “I’m sorry, Peter, but water-walking is for Messiahs only.” No, he said one simple word: Come. God is daring us to do impossible things by faith.

This is what I am asking of you. Throughout the week, I want you, daughter of the King, to dare to believe & live 1 thing God has called you to be.

1. Write it on a piece of paper. Then sign your name.
2. Take a picture while holding the sign. Tweet or facebook the pic with the hashtag #daretobe
3. Live it out.

We’ll make a weekly collage of all who are Daring To Be. I want to see your face among what will be a beautiful collection, and I’ll be excited to feature you on my website.

So, what will you DARE TO BE? Love, kindness, hope, courage, joy, peace, justice, freedom, empowered, uncompromising, forgiving, whole….

“I can do all things through CHRIST…”(Phil 4:13) – and so can YOU!

Join us for a Dare To Be event. Check dates and locations here.

So I was looking up the definition of Valentine and I liked this one:

Valentine = A gift sent as a token of love

So I’m asking you – will you be my Valentine?

Since February is the month of “love” I’m hoping you will show me the love by helping me reach my goal. On February 26, I will be running in the Disney Princess half marathon. Myself, as well as a team of over 150 girlfriends, will be running for those who are enslaved in human trafficking. We will run for freedom. You may not be lacing up your shoes and running along side me, but you can still be on my team.

You can join me in two ways:

1) Pray – for those of us who will run the race. Pray for endurance and strength, and that we will be a beautiful, united witness for freedom in Jesus name.
2) Give – my prayer is that you can help me reach my goal of raising $50,000. I have about $20,000 to go. What are you waiting for? I know it will be a gift sent as a token of love. Click here to show your support: http://bit.ly/As589c

So I’ll ask you again: will you be my Valentine? Your gift is tax-deductible and will go to support the work of Abolition International. We are an organization that provides hope and restoration for the victims of human trafficking.

I’m grateful for each of you. Thanks for helping run for those who aren’t free … yet.

Much love,
Natalie

What do I do to pass the time on a flight? Here you go.

This is a brilliant record. The lyrics, the music, the artists – all combined I believe this is one of the BEST records ever made. Just the list of artists – WOW. What a lineup and an honor to see my name listed among all of those great artists. Do yourself a favor and take some time by yourself and listen to it in its entirety. I promise you will not be the same when it is finished.

So maybe I’m a little biased. (*wink*) My genius husband co-wrote every song with the genius Nichole Nordeman. He also co-produced it with the legendary Brown Bannister. So I had the incredible privilege of having a sideline seat while this was being created. What a process. I may have had a few moments where I was not as supportive – Bernie stayed up many nights and gave up a lot of time with his family to help create this masterpiece. For weeks and weeks he was living on 1 or 2 hours of sleep a night. I remember thinking, “for what? this is too much work for just one record!”
And then I heard it. Every lost hour of sleep was worth it. This isn’t just a record. This is the Story of all stories. It makes the Bible come to life in a way I have never experienced. And I seem to find a part of myself in every character and every song.
My song on The Story is called “Alive.” What a thrill for me to take on the voice of Mary the Magdalene and sing the story of the resurrection. And I am also excited that “Alive” is being sent to radio in a few weeks. Be sure and call your local station and request it.
Alive. That one word changes everything. That one word gives me a future and a hope. That one word gives me freedom and peace.
I am His because He is….ALIVE.

To quote Nichole Nordeman’s lyrics – “What kind of Love is writing my story till the end with mercy’s pen? Only You…”

Check out “The Story” record and let me know what you think.

All for the glory of the Author of my story……..

Check it out on iTunes now!

Natalie