#IStillBelieve #TellYourStory

A couple of hours ago, my husband and I went to an advanced screening to see I Still Believe.
In case you haven't heard anything about it, it's a new movie based on Jeremy Camp's early years as a musician, sort of. I was choked up most of the movie trying to hold back tears. I left the theater with a headache because I fought the tears. I knew if I let them loose, I wouldn't be able to stop. Thinking about it now makes me want to cry.

Without spoiling the movie, I'd say One big takeaway for me is that we should all tell our story and if only one life has changed because of it, then what we've gone through would all be worth it. God gets the glory. Often what we go through isn't for us, but for the growth of others, to draw them closer to Christ. Depending on the level of difficulty, this can be a tough pill to swallow.

But as I pondered my takeaway, I started to think of my story. What is it that I could share with the world? What is it about my life that would draw someone closer to Christ? I don't have a sad, heartbreaking story. But is that the only thing that draws others to Christ? Heartbreak and difficulty?

God has kept me. What do I mean by that? I've done some crazy things in my life, but not too crazy. There've been times when I've crossed the line, but I quickly turned around. Imagine life with a toddler who you're constantly yelling, "aht aht!" Yea, those aren't real words, but we say them to get the toddler to change direction. Too hot! Too dangerous! Too cold! Too sharp! Too close to the edge!

Many years ago after starting college, I can recall one of my "church mothers" calling to check on me as I was heading out of town to do something I shouldn't have been doing. Maybe she knew. Maybe she didn't. But I believe that was a warning from God to turn around. I was going too far left. Did I turn around? Literally? No. But her call changed the course of my weekend, I think. "aht aht!"

I can recall when my college classes first began and I wanted to hang out on the plaza. Don't judge me. Everything was fresh and new and I wanted to see what was going on. My new friend wouldn't have it. She looked me squarely in the face and said she wouldn't go with me because she wasn't majoring in Plaziology 101. "aht aht!"

Wrong guy for you. Let him leave. "aht aht!"

The next time you might kill yourself and your friend driving drunk. Be sober. This is not the life I have for you. "aht aht!"

Turn around and take heed to your friend's story. I sent her to you for a reason. "aht aht!"

I have many "aht aht" stories...stories where God let me know many times that He was right there with me when I wanted to do something crazy, but instead, He gave me the courage and grace to turn around. The more I think about it, I guess these were immature times when I hoped God wasn't quite watching and I wanted to test the waters. But God is faithful and I'm thankful for that.

God has kept me. God has proved to me over and over again that He's with me and that He hears and answers my prayers. There are many times that He answers prayers that I haven't even taken the time to pray about. Faithful. He loves me and I am so grateful that He shows me over and over again.

No matter what your story is, I encourage you to share it and the love of God. You don't know who it may help. If it can help only one person, then it would all be worth it. And no matter what, keep the faith. :-)

God has kept me and He'll do the same for you!

Go see the movie and take some tissues so that you won't walk away with a headache like I did. #IStillBelieve

Out of the Shadows (Love, Lies & Consequences Book 4)

My tenth book will be released in seven days! I'm really excited about that, but I'm also somewhat sad. Out of the Shadows (Love, Lies & Consequences Book 4) will wrap up this series for now. Who knows? I may revisit this series in the future, but for right now, I must move on. This is my first complete series and I'm excited to share it with the reading community. All major characters stories have been told, if not, there will be spin-offs into different series.

I've spent the last few years developing Raegan, Rico, Caleb, and Chloe's characters and I believe this is a satisfying end. I'm almost certain this is an ending you didn't see coming because I surely didn't. Who would've thought it would end this way when I started writing this series several years ago. One fun fact about this series is that I never planned for four books. When I started, I committed to writing two books in the series, but as time went on and book two developed, I knew there would be a book 3. With the way book 3 (Shattered Vows) ended, I knew there had to be a book four!

Join me in wishing these characters farewell (for now) by purchasing your copy of Out of the Shadows (Love, Lies & Consequences Book 4)!

Here's the blurb:
A year after Rico's death, Chloe is still working to piece her life back together after learning of his betrayal and sickness. Though she wants to be with Shane, she senses that it may be too soon to move on, given that she is broken inside. After recommitting her life to God, she learns to love again, but just when she thinks she's over the past, Raegan resurfaces. Rico's lies initially introduced them to one another, but Chloe's mother has an even bigger lie that has remained hidden for over thirty years. Can Chloe handle it? Will she allow yet another secret to keep her from experiencing the love that Shane is so willing to give?



If she allows God to mold her heart, out of the shadows of her pain will come love, forgiveness and a sense of peace unlike she's ever known.

Kindle:http://bit.ly/Shadows10
Autographed paperback via PayPayl http://bit.ly/LLC4Shadows
Autographed paperback via Square http://bit.ly/LoveLiesCons4

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Mothers - A Gift from Above

Mothers are very special people...it's almost as if God designed them to be His special helpers because they take on so many tasks. When I think of a person being God's hands and feet on earth, Mothers come to mind. Even if you've never birthed a child, you may have mother-like qualities, and for that, the world is a better place.

Becoming a Mother has changed my life in several ways. I've learned that I was pretty selfish before, but there is no way you can be selfish with little humans depending on you. (Well, I guess you can. You can secretly eat snacks by sending the kids off on a wild goose chase. For example, you can say, "Go find my other house shoe." All the while, you have it. That's enough time for you to scarf down a couple of cookies before they return saying that they couldn't find them. haha. Not saying this is something I do, but just wanted to point out that you could possibly still be selfish, but not in a way that is harmful to the kids. Most of your time, money and energy goes to them and there is no room to be selfish there.) I've also learned that God speaks to me through many of my daily interactions with my children. And because of that, I penned my recently released devotional, "The Life Your Spirit Craves for Mommies." I hope you'll pick up a copy for yourself or for another special woman in your life. 

Below is an excerpt from my book. You may purchase a paperback copy here: www.natashafrazier.com. E-books here: amazon.com/author/natashadfrazier

Week 5 - Always There

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. (Psalm 139:7-8)

On several occasions, I have muddled through my purse to search for something, only to find a toy or half-eaten snack that belongs to one of my children. Or I have simply placed a hand in a jacket pocket for comfort, and felt something else that belonged to one of them. Purse, car, or any other place that they’ve been,  generally something in it reminds me that they’ve been around. These little reminders of them put a smile on my face, reminding me of the joy that comes with being their mommy.

God is everywhere and He often lets us know this in little ways as well. It could be a prayer that you’ve whispered to Him. He shows He is there and He listens by confirming that through a conversation or a sermon at church. An answered request of which you’ve mentioned to no one but Him. Maybe you’ve had a rough day and He sends someone along to encourage you. Or a song on the radio speaks to your heart at just the right moment.

It is such a joyful time when we experience God’s little reminders. No matter where we are or what we’re up to, He is always there. There is no place that we can go that He is not. There is no greater joy in knowing that God is omnipresent and that He is constantly proving that and His love for us.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, I feel an unexplainable joy in receiving reminders from You, knowing that You are forever with me and that You love me. Thank You for the ways in which You show that You care. Even in knowing everything about me, You still love me and have chosen me for Your purpose. I am eternally grateful and will forever praise Your Holy name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Further study: Psalm 139