Auntie Em! Auntie Em'!-Part 2

The Whirlwind continues as I attempt to get settled at home. I quickly realize that, for some reason, what I was able to fit in my dorm all these years is in no way, shape or form going to fit into my bedroom at home. Unpacking has always been a duty that I loathed with a passion!

Two weeks before I left the Academy, I had been contacted about a possible job opportunity at a local hospital 10 min away from my house. The job had not been posted yet, so I sent in my resume, prayed and left it in God's hands. 

Two days before I left, with everything else going on, I had actually forgotten about the resume and the job. Until, that is, I got a surprise phone call from the hiring manager. He wanted to set up an interview with me right away! My heart sank as I knew I was going to be in NC the following week. However he told me to give him a call when I got back. Long story short...3 interviews, 1 back ground check (FYI: fingerprinting is not as fun as it sounds) and a ton of praying later....God gave me the job! It is a receptionist position at Pinnacle Pain Intervention at Tripoint Medical Center in Concord, OH. I answer phones, check in patients, schedule appointments, and enter patients files into the computer system.


I am also currently taking courses at Great Lakes Bible Institute in affiliation with Grace Church of Mentor. I am able to take one course this summer on Christian Ethics and a Biblical Worldview. Learning a lot, let me tell you! 


Well, that seems to be about it for now. I will do my best to keep you "posted" -LOL!...I'm probably the only one who thinks that's funny...


Keep fighting the good fight. I continue to thank my God for every remembrance of you.



-one who has been given much

  Luke 12:48b

 

"Auntie Em! Auntie Em!"-Part 1

Hello Everyone!

You may be relieved (or deeply saddened depending on who you are...) to know that I have actually NOT fallen off the face of the earth! :) May I just say that my life these past few months has been much like riding a roller coaster  in the middle of a  Tornado!

So here is your latest update of Miss Natalie K.:

May and April were pretty much one giant whirlwind trying to get my office cleaned out and everything ready for my replacement. The Academy of Arts also hosted several events that I floor managed. I have to admit, when that final week came, it hit me like a wave of shock. I could not believe how fast the year had gone. 

The last week of May I  watched my friends walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Utter joy filled my heart as I saw all their efforts rewarded. My heart was touched beyond words as one of my heroes publicly gave her blessing for my pursuit of God's will, I don't think she will ever know how much that meant to me. My breath took as the entire audience stood in applause in agreement with her blessing. And then the tears came, as complete and utter wonder filled my heart...to think that God has chosen to use the chiefest of sinners....there are no words to describe that moment of realization. My Savior is worthy of all praise, glory, laud and honor. I am only a tool to be shaped and used in the Masters hand.

As I said goodbye to some of the greatest men and women of God who will ever walk this earth, I praised my God for His goodness and love. What a privilege I have been given to live, learn, and grow in such a ministry! I can honestly say that no matter where God sends me, I will never forget my Academy Family. I am the person I am today because of what I learned from them. Oh how I long for the day when we shall all stand with Christ and rejoice for all He has done through His incredible family!

So, after graduation I attended my last service (for awhile anyway), at Faith Baptist Church. Long Story short...pretty sure I almost flooded the van with my tears on the ride home. I cannot express in words how much I am going to miss that church! God has taught me so many things about Himself through the heart-rendering messages, the spirit-filled music, and the incredible children of God. My heart broke as I said goodbye to my brothers and sisters who I had grown to love so much in the past year. 

Monday morning, I left for the GFA family conference at the WILDS in Brevard, NC. (Gospel Fellowship Association is the Mission Board I will be under if the Lord continues to direct me as a Foreign missionary) I was given the blessing of meeting dozens of missionary families who were on furlough and deputation. The magnificent beauty of the campus served as a balm to a emotionally weary spirit. That week I realized that no matter what the origin, culture, or language (including that of the USA) God is my center. His glory is the reason I live and His presence is the atmosphere I live in. 

That Saturday after the camp, I traveled back North with my Aunt and and what looked like everything in the state of South Carolina jam packed into the back of her truck. Suddenly, a strange feeling came over me: I was leaving....but this time I was staying home.... I cannot even tell you the rush of emotions that came over me. The most prominent emotion: gratitude. Again, so thankful for all He has and will continue to give to me.

I arrived in Ohio on Sunday evening. Again, all I could feel was gratitude and joy as I was reunited with my incredible family.

Read the next post to find out what happened next!

A Gift for the King

22 years ago today, a very interesting journey began. An incredible journey that is not yet over. In fact, the journey has really only just begun!  

22 years old...when did that happen?!!?!? Wasn't it yesterday that I jumped into the car with my brand new "Barney" backpack (don't judge me, I was five) and screamed: "I'm going to Kindergarten!!!!?" 

Or, was yesterday when I went to church camp for the first time and almost jumped out of the bus and started running so I could get there faster?

Wait! Didn't I just finish walking down and aisle in a green cap and gown with a tassel hitting my face?

No, no, yesterday was leaving for college! Hugging my parents goodbye with tears in my eyes. 

So....where did it all go? What happened to the tiny little blond (yes Brennan I said blond! Read it!) in pigtails jumping up and down on her parent's bed screaming: "Christmas is here! Christmas is here!"

My breath catches inside of me as the floods of memories run through my mind. All the spectacular birthday parties my parents threw for me, all the amazing "cousin days," the CRAZY "Spence Family Parties," Vacation Bible School,  Bible Clubs, Camp Peniel, the list could go on forever!

Again, there are no words to describe the wonder I feel toward the goodness of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I realize now how precious each of those memories are! And I will strive to cherish every one that the Lord has graciously given me.

Traditionally, on one's birthday they receive gifts and good wishes. But, looking back on the life that the Lord has given me-I have everything that matters, all that counts for eternity. 

Today, I would like to give my Savior a gift. This gift  has already been purchased for me, but it is all I have to offer to my Lord. 

"To You my precious King, I give my life, my heart, and my will. Tis all I can do for the ONE who has given all for me. Thank you for giving me the gift of life 22 years ago today!"

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."-Matt. 16:25
  -one who has been given much

  Luke 12:48b

An Unexpected Lesson

The other night I decided to stop by one of my favorite hang outs-the laundry mat! As I was waiting for my clothes to finish drying, I noticed this little boy running around with the rolling laundry baskets. 

I laughed to myself as I watched this little guy tirelessly run around with these baskets begging for attention from anyone who would give it.


When he noticed me smiling at him he grabbed two carts, wheeling them side by side, and stopped right in front of me and said:

"This is a train, and I'm gonna need one ticket please!"

As I looked at his huge smile, my heart began to melt. I pulled out an imagenary ticket and dramatically plopped it into his hands.

His eyes widened the size of saucers as he raced off to grab another cart.

Sure enough, he came back rolling three carts side by side.

"Am I gonna have to give you three tickets now that you have three carts?" I asked.

He looked up at me, eyes full with laughter, and said:
 "Yup! After all, I am pushing thirteen wheels!" 
(Each cart has 4 wheels, and he had 3 carts)

I held in my laughter and smiled at him.
"How many wheels?"

He looked hard and long at those carts.....
"thirteen!"

I picked up the steno pad I had brought with me to pass the time and patted the seat next to me.

"Come here, let me show you."

His eyes lit up as he saw me pull out my pencil and pad of paper. He wiggled his little self right next to me so could see my drawing. I drew out the three carts, each with four wheels, to show him there were actually 12 altogether.


He nodded excitedly and asked me if he could draw me a  picture. He drew me and him sitting on the bench doing math. This little boy was pretty smart, I might ad, he caught on pretty fast!

Eventually, we ended up playing hangman. My first puzzle was "Jesus loves you." When he finally guessed it, he looked up at me and said: "Oh! I love Jesus SO much!"-Again, heart melting!

A couple more puzzles later he wrote: "I want to go to your house." Hook...line...and sinker...I was in love with this little boy!

Right there and then, it hit me. Love. It's actually quite simple. We humans tend to make love this complex thing that doesn't make sense and can't be figured out. But, if we step back and really take a look-love is sacrifice of self. 

I write this not to sing my praises, for it is by God's grace that I choose anything good. But, what if I had chose to ignore? What if I had just kept on staring at my steno pad trying to think of something to write (ironic huh?). That little boy would never have felt that he mattered. He mattered to me and he mattered to Jesus. 

Often, showing love is just taking your eyes off yourself and focusing on the person in front of you. Showing them that they have worth. Not only are they worth something to you, but they are worth everything to Christ!

I walked out of that laundry mat that night completely full. (not just my clean clothes bag either:) I was full of joy. I truly felt that through the Holy Spirit's leading, I was able to make a difference. Maybe not a huge one mind you...but a difference all the same. 

Jesus Christ showed the greatest example of love. Even though it cost Him far more than we will ever be able to understand, He gave everything for us. His throne, His power, His Father... 

How can I, the object of such love, not show the same love to others. My ever present flesh is constantly telling me that self is more important. My flesh strives to make Christ's sacrifice look small and insignificant. But we must not yield to temptation! Never forget the cross. The death of the innocent to save the guilty is the greatest act of love that this world will ever know! 


To show love is to crucify self, yield to the Spirit, and give all to Him.

And there is no greater fulfillment of joy on the face of this earth, I assure you! 

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."-John 15:13
-one who has been given much

  Luke 12:48b

"And We All Fall Down!"

The last few posts have contained some rather serious material-decisions, prayer requests, and struggles. So, I thought you all might enjoy one of my many, what I like to call, "teaching moments." I call them "teaching moments" because the Lord uses them to teach me many of His attributes. One of them being: humility. Apparently, I have quite a bit of learning to do, because my ever-patient Father is constantly bringing me to my knees...literally!

So, here the story goes, hope you enjoy!


As I have mentioned in previous posts, I currently work at the Academy of Arts Ministries in Taylors, SC. One night, my troupe (the wonderful people who I work and live with at the Logos Theatre) and I decided to visit downtown Greenville and distribute fliers promoting our upcoming production.


We split up into groups of three and four to cover more ground quickly. My group consisted of two of my very good friends, for the sake of the story,  we will call them "Kirk" and "Lisa."

After handing out many fliers in the downtown area, Kirk, Lisa and I decided to walk down to Reedy River Park to see the falls.

At this point in the evening it began to turn very dark. I offered to take the remaining fliers from Kirk so he could drink the hot chocolate he recently purchased.

As we descended the numerous, steep stairs, I cautiously took each step very slowly. For those of you who know me, you are probably thinking of a time when I tragically lost a battle with stairs. 

That being said, as I stepped safely and rather victoriously, I must say, off those stairs I felt rather proud for "beating" the stairs at their game.

I began to pick up my pace to catch up with Lisa and Kirk because my slowness had caused me to fall behind. 
Please remember that I have approximately 200 fliers tucked safely in both arms at this moment-or nothing that I am about to say to you will seem at all wondrous! (sorry Dickens, couldn't resist...)

Just as I turn the corner into the grassy knoll that leads down to the falls, I hear Kirk say to Lisa:

"Watch out for that spot right there, it's a bit rough."


To my great chagrin, I heard this warning one millisecond too late. Without a chance to even release a proper scream, both feet slipped up toward the sky and I was sent careening down the slope, head and hands first. Thankfully, the muddy bank cushioned my fall.


When my sliding halted, and I landed in a "Super Man" position; I was showered by the dozens of fliers, which so gracefully flew from my hands when I left the ground.


As I looked up at the shocked and somewhat frightened expressions of my friends, something inside of me snapped. Deep from within me came a screeching, show-stoppin cackle that would make the "Wicked-Witch-of-the-West" proud. My body began to tremble as the deep guttural laughter continued. Large tear drops rolled down my face as the image of me bouncing through the mud played over, and over in my mind.


After the shock wore off, Kirk offered me a hand up. I was shaking so badly from hilarity, that I barely made it up all the way before I was doubled over again in laughter.


Kirk and Lisa told me later that when I started laughing, a couple on a nearby bench looked up at me, looked at each other, and got up and left. Of course, this only sent me into a new round of hilarity as I could only imagine what was going through their minds!


I know that story would be SO much funnier if you had been there, but I share it because....

1. The Lord knew that day I really needed a laugh. A knock-out-drag-out-feel-like-your-heart-is-going-to- burst-laugh. We all know the saying "Laughter is the best medicine." Well, that "teaching moment" was medicinal to my heart. It is the best feeling in the world to know that God went out of His way to make you smile:) 
2. God reminded me that I am human. That so often, when I say "I got this journey covered!"-that is when I fail to heed His warning and I fall hard, for all the world to see. But then, the Lord graciously shows me what I missed and He picks me back up. Suffice it to say, for the time being, humility is in check.

So dear reader, my hope is that this story resulted in a smile...or maybe even a laugh:) I know I will never forget the lessons He taught me that night. And I will praise His name for continual joy and lessons learned each day!

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand."-Psalm 37:23-24 

-one who has been given much

  Luke 12:48b

So many pathways...one Guide.

So you all know, that meeting (read previous post) was one very small step to the very long journey that I have ahead of me.

I am realizing that when God says "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you"- I Peter 5:7. He is actually asking me to take all the things that I love and cherish; all my dreams, plans and wishes--all my cares, and cast them upon Him. To actually give everything over to Him with open palms. He will take care of my life. My God cares for me.

There are many factors and variables that will be coming into play in the next few months. I will do my best to keep you "posted" (forgive the pun).

Here are some of the goals/ decisions that I, with God's grace and wisdom, will be making in the future.

• Then Mission Agency would like me to receive more education and training before I start deputation-going from church to church to raise the support I need to sustain me while on the mission field. So, finding an affordable program/college, that the board will approve, and is close to home, is number one on my "to-do/prayer" list.

• In order to pay for the education mentioned above, I will need to find a well paying, close to home job. 

• In order to obtain a job, I will need to obtain a driver's license (trust me, long story that's really not that interesting) and a car to get me there.

• During this time, the Mission Board and I will be seeking the Lord's will on the right field for me. Because of all the training I have received at the Academy of Arts Ministries, I feel the Lord wants me to serve in a place where I can minister to the lost through the medium of Sacred Drama. 

• If all the above factors come together, then we will most likely start to pray about a short-term missions opportunity-most likely 6 months to 1 year.

• The next step will most likely be deputation

As you can see, lots of steps! However, I know with all my heart that I will not be taking these steps alone. Nor will I ever have to step blindly. My Lord has promised "and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen"-Matt. 28:20b. 

My Father holds my future, He knows the thoughts He thinks towards me. I can do nothing but praise His name for His goodness, His mercy, and His promises that cannot fail. 

As always, prayers are MUCH appreciated!

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."-Jeremiah 29:11

-one who has been given much

  Luke 12:48b

What's next? Good question! Read the next post to find out!

 

Sound Mind

Last week, I met with one of the directors of the Mission Board that will, Lord willing, commission me to a field of service.

It's hard to explain the emotions that were going on inside of me before I walked into that meeting. I confess that one of the main emotions I was fighting was fear. It's amazing what fear can do to your brain! I mean I was actually thinking to myself, what if they listen to me speak for five minutes and then say something like: "Um, don't call us, we'll call you." or "Thanks, but no thanks." Or what if I fall flat on my face as soon as I enter the door or get tongue-tied and forget my name, or breath in too much air and start coughing uncontrollably (to those of you who have known me for awhile, you are laughing because you know I have at some point done each one of those things in front of a crowd). 

Good grief! No wonder the Bible says that "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."-2 Timothy 1:7  These fears were obviously not from God, but from the one who wanted me to fear unnecessarily so I could be made useless for the kingdom of God.

As I walked up the stairs to the lobby, I felt a peace that passeth all understanding. I could feel all the prayer that I had asked for that day from my friends and family. I knew that no matter what happened, God had my life in His hands and I could "Trust in the Lord with all [my] heart and lean not on [my] own understanding. [I would] in all my ways acknowledge Him and He would direct [my] paths.-Proverbs 3:5-6 

The Lord graciously allowed me to express the call He had given me for the foreign mission field. I was able to share my testimony and ask my questions with clarity and soundness of mind. It actually was and incredible blessing to get advice and encouragement from a fellow missionary who shared my excitement and passion for the mission field. We were able to map out the next few steps I'm going to need to take.

I praise the Lord for answered prayer and His everlasting presence in my heart and life. I can always trust in Him, no matter what!

-one who has been given much

  Luke 12:48b

Read the next post to find out what steps are next

A New Call

As stated in my last posting, I have been working for The Academy of Arts Ministries since September, 2008. The Headquarters are located in Taylors, SC at the Logos Theatre. 

The Logos Theatre produces 10-15 full-scale productions each year. All the productions are Biblically based, portraying the lives and stories of Biblical characters and Missionaries; as well as, patriotic themes and hard issues such as Abortion. 


This past year (2011) The Logos Theatre produced the portrayal of Lottie Moon-The Pioneer Missionary to China. As I watched this brave and coragous woman's story come to life, I felt a very familar tugging at my heart. 

This tugging came each time I heard a missionary speaker report on the work in a foreign land. I felt the tugging each time I read of the great Commission Christ gave His disciples before He left this earth. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."-Matthew 28:19-20

But this time, just like every other time, many idols that had grown in my heart forced me to drown out the tugging and pricking of the Holy Spirit. I could feel myself pulling away from the Lord as I knew I was not truly obeying His will for my life.

About a month later, our church in Taylors was hosting a Missions Conference. Everything inside of me was screaming not to go. I knew conviction was inevitable. But by God's grace, I went. A missionary from the island of Yapp, Micronesia spoke that evening. I have never seen someone so on fire for God and so burdened for the lost.

At one point in his message, he pleaded with each individual to consider the lost and dying world. To this day I promise that man looked straight at me when he spoke these next words. "The people are hungry, and searching. But, there is no one to show them Who it is they hunger for and search after."

At that moment something inside of me broke...my will. I knew God was calling me to answer that plea. I knew it was time to yield to His perfect will for my life.

After many weeks of praying, studying, and receiving wise counsel; the Lord has graciously shown me that His will for my life is to leave the Academy of Arts Ministries in May of 2012. And to then begin a new journey to pursue the foreign mission field.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."-Mark 16:15 



-one who has been given much

  Luke 12:48b

Read the next post to find out what the next step is for me.

Given Much

My Savior Jesus Christ deserves a lifetime of praise and gratitude for His gift of salvation! Yet, he continues to bless me in uncountable ways.

I have had the privilege of being raised by two godly Christian parents, who love their God with all their hearts, souls and minds, and other as themselves.

I have been given incredible Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and Sisters who I am extremely close to. They all have supported and loved me my entire life.

I was privileged to attend a Christian School for thirteen years.  I was taught the foundations of Christianity and challenged to grow in my faith everyday.

After high school, I was called to The Academy of Arts Ministries. Founded in 1971, their mission is to preach the Gospel through Drama; the two greatest passions of my life. I have never grown as close to God or had sweeter fellowship with the people of God, outside my family, 
in the four years of service at the Academy of Arts Ministries.


Sometimes I find myself asking: "Why Me? Why did God bless me in so many ways?" 


As I look at the world around me, I acknowledge that my life could be very different. So why wasn't it? Then, the following verse comes to my mind: "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."-Luke 12:48b

Because I have been given much, the Lord requires much of me. This is the purpose of my life: To accomplish much for the One who has given all for and to me.

-one who has been given much

  Luke 12:48b

Read the next post to find out what God has recently called me to do.

My life in one word...GRACE!

At 5yrs old no one had to convince me that I did bad things that hurt good people-trust me it was pretty obvious to everyone! What I didn't realize, was that not only did my stubborn and selfish ways hurt my family and friends, it broke God's heart. I was breaking the law of the God who made me and loved me. One day, my Mom showed me through God's Word how He had sent his Son, to pay the price for my selfish and prideful sins. 

Mom explained that my sin had to be punished by death. The only way to cover my sins was by someone's innocent blood. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God (Jesus' blood) is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."-Rom. 3:23. Because God loved me, He didn't want me to spend eternity in hell (where death without God leads to). So He sent His only Son, Jesus, to take my punishment. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."-John 3:16

Jesus suffered a painful, lonely death on a cross for the sins of the entire world.

But, He didn't stay dead! After three days in a borrowed tomb, God raised Jesus back to life! Now He lives in Heaven with God the Father. Jesus promises in His word that He is making a special place for all who accept His gift of salvation. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."-John 14:2

I could hardly contain my joy when my Mom gave me this incredibly Good News. How could anyone love ME that much? I could feel the Holy Spirit knocking, pleading for me to open the door to my heart. 

In July of 1995, I knelt beside my bed and asked Jesus to forgive me for all my selfish and prideful ways. I confessed to Him that I believed He took the punishment for my sins and that He was now alive and reigning in Heaven with God. 

Now I have victory through Him everyday, in Life and in Death.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God"-Ephesians 2:8

-one who has been given much

Luke 12:48b

Read the next post to find out why I chose to right this blog.

The Purpose of this Blog

"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more"-Luke 12:48b

This blog's purpose is the same as the purpose of every human being: to bring glory an honor to the God and Savior of the world-Jesus Christ. My prayer is that any who reads this blog will be turned to Jesus Christ. I pray their heart will rejoice in what my Heavenly Father is doing in my life and the lives of those around me.

Because God is so incredibly faithful, I would like to strive to be faithful in sharing His goodness as often as possible. Please understand that I am not claiming to be perfect, or a "Super Christian." I am simply sharing what God is doing in my life by His grace and mercy.

I would love to hear from you! If you would like to share a Bible verse that has encouraged you, a prayer request, or something you have learned in your personal walk with the Lord, please write to me! I will do my best to respond when necessary. May God bless you as you walk upon this earth. I pray that your walk be close with the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Happy Reading!

-one who has been given much

  Luke 12:48b

Read the next post to find out how I came to trust Christ as my Savior.