Destiny's Story

Destiny, our daughter, is celebrating her 1st Birthday tomorrow! If you have met our precious baby girl, you know she is special. She is so sweet, kind, loving and beautiful. She is our daily reminder that we serve a miraculous God. Many of you may not know her story so in honor of her 1st Birthday tomorrow I wanted to share it with you all. I hope it touches some hearts and brings hope, healing and faith :)

We had her name, Destiny, picked out before Marco and I were married. That's how much we knew one day we'd have children. Two years after being married in 2008 I was diagnosed with PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome- which I still don't believe I have but that's a different story.) My hormones were very imbalanced & my cycles were very irregular. For many years I thought something was wrong with me and wondered what had I done to not be able to have children until one day I heard the Holy Spirit whisper to my heart, "I open and close wombs as I please. Was there something wrong with Sarah? Rachel? Hannah? Trust me, I am in control." That gave me so much peace. Over the next 5 years I had many trips to doctors offices and many prayers were prayed for healing in my body. Numerous doctors told me that it would be super hard, maybe even impossible to get pregnant because of the PCOS and my imbalanced hormones but I didn’t even give that a second thought. I knew one day I would have children when the Lord wanted me to. I started working with a natural health doctor. She also diagnosed my thyroid problems and I became gluten free. 

While walking through this process, I started to write a lot of songs. Two in particular were “LOL” and “Turn it Around.” These songs became anthems for me as I was believing for healing. We even shot a music video showcasing health care issues believing for a healing in “LOL.” Ask me for more info about that story later :) Anyways, these songs really helped me live in faith while believing for a miracle. For years I was working with this doctor trying to get all my hormones balanced so I would have regular cycles so one day I could have babies. I had numerous testings done for years. 

In early 2013, I had a doctors appointment to review some lab work because I had been feeling weird for a couple of weeks. I came in for my results on a Thursday. The doctor told me that she did not know what was wrong with me and that my lab results had gone crazy. She said she couldn’t help me anymore and that I needed to see a specialist because from these lab results she didn’t think I would ever be able to have children. BUT I knew something was different! Something was going on in my body. So that Sunday I decided to buy a pregnancy test. I knew coming home from the store that day I was pregnant. I did not care what the doctors said. I did not care what my test results said. I knew that God had touched my body and that He had healed me! My faith was not in doctors or what they said but in my miraculous, healing Jesus! After 5 long years of praying and believing for God to supernaturally touch and heal my body, I took 2 pregnancy tests and they were both instantly positive! It was after 8 years of marriage. I was in such shock that I needed to see the word “Pregnant” on the test so I went and bought 2 more tests!!! And all 3 tests were positive! It was crazy because we weren’t not trying to get pregnant. We were trusting that in the right timing the Lord would give us children, and honey that surprise was the right time! The first appointment I had at the doctor’s office they estimated me being 8 weeks pregnant but when I followed up that next week with my OBGYN I was 15 weeks pregnant!!!! God is so good! He gave us our little Destiny Renee that year October 22, 2013.

 A couple of other Testimonies:
1) A couple of weeks before I had the baby, I was getting scared of labor and God gave me a prophetic dream of Destiny- what she was going to look like, her smile, her sweet personality. I remember waking up from that dream so happy. She looked exactly like my dream.

2) I was 4 months pregnant while recording the "LOL Remix" crying in the booth because of the faithfulness of God and coming full circle. I was recording a song that was a fulfillment of what I had wrote as a declaration of faith. God had totally remixed my life!

3) One year to the day of recording "The Perfect Gift" on October 22, 2012 I had Destiny October 22, 2013. God truly gave me "The Perfect Gift."

I want to encourage you. God knows your story. He knows what you're going through. He has a plan and He is good, faithful and trustworthy. What He did for me, He can do for you!
 Let me pray for you:
Jesus, I thank you for all my brothers and sisters reading this. You know what they are going through. You know their situations and circumstances in every season of life and from every walk of life. I declare healing over their bodies for every disease no matter what it may be in the name of Jesus as the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy! I thank you that "He who promised is faithful" and you will complete EVERY promise you have made to your people NO MATTER the promise, NO MATTER how big or how small. By your stripes twe are healed and I thank you for touching them now. I also thank you for being our joy and strength. We declare your faithfulness over our lives. We love you Jesus and thank you for working in every life right now. In Jesus name, Amen.

I love you all so much my friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Xoxo, Natalie

Here is the video for "LOL"

7 Hebrew Words for Praise

Hey Villagers! I am so excited to be sharing this blog with you all. It's really encouraged me studying the 7 Hebrew words for Praise so I wanted to share it with you! I truly believe Praise and Worship changes us because we are in His presence. In His presence there is fullness of joy, everything is at peace. The world is alright. We are in communion with the Lord who is our life source. Sometimes in different seasons we can we feel stuck. Maybe we need a breakthrough. Maybe we need encouragement. Maybe we need a healing or just a simple touch from our Daddy God. That can be simply found when we begin to praise and worship our Lord! You don't know how to praise Him? Check out these different meanings for Praise:

1. Halal

Hallelujah means “Praise ye Jehovah”. Halal is a primary Hebrew root word for praise. Our word "Hallelujah" comes from this base word. It means "to be clear, to shine, to boast, show, to rave, celebrate, to be clamorously foolish." To be crazily affectionate about Him with entire being! A good example is how David danced before the Lord in 2 Samuel 6.

Praise (halal) ye the Lord, praise (halal) o ye servants of the Lord, praise (halal) the name of the Lord. Ps. 113:1-3

Praise (halal) the Lord! Praise (halal) God in his sanctuary; Praise (halal) him in his mighty expanse. Ps. 150:1

Let them praise (halal) his name in the dance: let them sing praises with the timbrel and harp. Ps. 149:3  

2. Yadah

Yadah is a verb with a root meaning, "the extended hand, to throw out the hand, therefore to worship with extended hand." This kind of praise and affection wins battles, like Moses with Amalekites, Aaron & Hur Ex. 17 or 2 Chron 20:19-21 Jehoshaphat was under attack and he let forth lifting hands in expectation.

 Give thanks (yadah) to the Lord, for his lovingkindness is everlasting. 2 Chr 20:21

So I will bless thee as long as I live; I will (yadah) lift up my hands in thy name. Ps. 63:1

Oh that men would praise (yadah) the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men. Ps. 107:15

3. Towdah

Towdah comes from the same root word as Yadah. Towdah literally means, "an extension of the hand in adoration, or acceptance." It is used for thanking God for "things not yet received" as well as things already at hand. Like a little kid holding out hands to receive gift from parents. I tell ya, when my baby girl holds out her arms to me in affection, there is nothing like that kind of love! It's thanking God before victory.

Offer unto God praise (towdah) and pay thy vows unto the Most High. Ps. 50:14

Whoso offereth praise (towdah) glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. Ps. 50:23

4. Shabach
Shabach means, "to shout, to address in a loud tone, to command, to triumph, to connect, to exclaim." An example of high volume praise would be the battle of Jericho... What does victory sound like to you?

O clap your hands, all peoples; shout (shabach) to God with the voice of joy (or triumph). Ps.47:1

One generation shall praise (shabach) thy works to another and declare thy mighty acts. Ps.145:4

Cry aloud and shout (shabach) for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. Is.12:6

5. Barak

Barak means "to kneel down, to bless God as an act of adoration." When used in the scripture it means "expecting to receive a blessing from God." There is something so awe inspiring and humbling when we bow down to our Maker. It’s a beautiful place of surrender and adoration, a place we hide ourselves in Him.

 
O come let us worship and bow down; let us kneel (barak) before the Lord our maker. Ps.95:6

Then David said to all the assembly, "Now bless (barak) the Lord your God." And all the assembly blessed (barak) the Lord, the God of their fathers, and bowed low and did homage to the Lord and to the king. 1 Chr 29:20

I will bless (barak) the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Ps.34:1

6. Tehillah

Tehillah is derived from the word halal and means "the singing of halals, to sing; perceived to involve music, especially singing; hymns of the Spirit. God is enthroned on the praises." This is the kind of praise God dwells in! Isn't that freakn' exciting?!

Yet Thou art holy, O Thou who art enthroned upon the praises (tehillah) of Israel. Ps.22:3

Rejoice in the Lord, o ye righteous, for praise (tehillah) is comely for the upright. Ps.33:1

To grant to those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise (tehillah) instead of the spirit of fainting, So they shall be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Is.61:3

7. Zamar

Zamar means "to pluck the strings of an instrument, to sing, to praise; a musical word which is largely involved with joyful expressions of music with musical instruments harmoniously. Ps.57:8-9

Be exalted O Lord, in Thine own strength, so will we sing and praise (zamar) Thy power. Ps. 21:13

Sing to Him, sing praises (zamar) to Him; speak of all His wonders. 1 Chr 16:9

Awake my glory; awake harp and lyre, I will awaken the dawn! I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord among the peoples; I will sing praises (zamar) to Thee among the nations. Ps. 57:8-9

Ok guys! Well there you go! I hope this blessed you and that you get your Zamar and Yadah on today!!!! Xoxo

Comparison- The Thief of Joy

Hi Villagers!!!!!! How are you all??? So I have a question for you today... Have you ever compared yourself to someone? As a creative person, I would be lying if I said I never compared myself to others. I heard someone say the other day “Comparison will make you discontent and insecure because 1) you are not where others are or 2) make you prideful because you see where your at and others are not.” This hit me so hard! Right between my comparing eyes! What a false sense of identity! True security and identity comes when you have absolutely NOTHING to prove and you content with the fact that you are a child of God, nothing more and nothing less. Psalms 139 talks about how we are fearfully and wonderfully made in our mother’s womb. Never does it say that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by what others think about us or because we have arrived in the world’s eyes. The success of heaven is completely different than the world we live in. It’s time that we become secure in who we are in the Lord and make room for others. I believe there is a time coming where generations will be more concerned about letting others shine than ourselves. There is room for everyone. Think how differently this world and our culture would be if we were so secure in our own identities and callings and made room for everyone’s gifts to be seen. Our churches would be different. Our music would be different. Our friendships and families would be different. Our movies would be different. Our whole culture would be different. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else and take a good look in the mirror. God made you just the way you are! You are beautiful, you are talented, you are intelligent, loved and best of all you are one of kind. Now shine bright :)

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Matt. 7:12 (The Golden Rule)

Alaskan Adventure

Over the last couple of years, Marco and I have ministered to many native tribes & reservations. Two weeks agoI had the honor to travel with my whole family to the most Northern city in the North American- Barrow, Alaska. We got to be apart of an amazing camp for teenagers of the Northern Slope, Impact Camp. We had so much fun!!!! Even Destiny had a blast :)  Marco taught a hip hop class. These kids are so major talented! They wrote a song, recorded it, shot a music video & performed it.... All in 4 days!!!!!!!! We will be posting the video so you can all watch it. For now, check out some  of video updates here: www.youtube.com/themarcolobos. Xoxo

Contentment

¹¹ "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Phil. 4:11-13

God wants us to enjoy every season of our lives. I believe learning to live in contentment helps us truly enjoy our lives to the fullest. Living in contentment Natalie Villa paraphrased means to be at peace during every life circumstance. Contentment is described as a state of satisfaction and also peaceful happiness. The Bible describes being content as "satisfied to the point of being undisturbed." I don't know about you but sometimes I struggle with this! Being content does not mean that we do not want things in our lives to change but it means we are satisfied in the Lord until change comes. We often think that the grass is greener on the other side, but let's be honest- the grass is green wherever you water it! Paul describes contentment best in Phil. 4:11-13 when he says, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.... I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." 

Sometimes I find myself having a hard time being content but there are some simple truths that I have found proven and true to help me stay content:

1- A grateful and thankful heart- when we are thankful for every blessing it shifts our focus.

2- Stop comparing yourself to others- when we stop comparing we can be thankful for where we are and what we do have instead of what we don't.

3- Trust God to meet EVERY need- God will meet all our needs as we trust in Him :)

4- Finding strength in Christ- we can do ALL things through Christ who gives us strength!

Ask of Me

Good morning beautiful Villagers!! There are quite a few times God tells us to "Ask" for things. This morning I am reminded to 2 of them:

1- "ASK and it will be given to you, Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you!" Matt 7:7

2- "ASK me and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the Earth your possession."
Ps. 2:8

What are you asking the Lord for today Villagers? Maybe you've been looking for some answers to tough questions, maybe you feel like you've been knocking on some closed doors forever! Well do not give up! ASK the Lord :) He is a good Father who loves to give good gifts to His children. I am praying for you all today. And I encourage you to ask the Lord for one more important thing today... His HEART. His heart and desires for you life, the ones around you and the nations. You have a very significant role on this planet. A God given mission. ASK today :)

Best of Me

I hope everyone had a wonderful Father's Day! I wanna take a minute to truly honor all the Fathers out there. And first of all I just wanna say.... I love my dad, Ken McNinch! You are the best dad!! Thank you for always loving and believing in me. You are the kindest man with the biggest heart. You have always put your family before yourself, and for taking care of us I truly honor and cherish you.

Fatherhood is so important and we need our dads! The Bible refers to the word "father" over 1,100 times. The role of a father is not a light duty, they are the main influence on a child's moral and spiritual development. Most of the time, the way we view our Earthly father is the way we view our Heavenly father. They are the ones that love us unconditionally, pick us up when we fall, give us courage to try again, train us, coach us, teach us, provide for us, defend us, inspire us, discipline us, impart wisdom and morals, plus so much more. When a father believes in their child, the sky is the limit for that child! Father's you are so needed and valued. We truly love you.

I was so excited to celebrate my amazing husband, Marco Lobos (fka Oracle) this weekend. This was his first Father's Day! To honor our daughter, Destiny, and fatherhood he released a music video yesterday on Father's Day. You are in for a special treat! Here is his video, I hope you enjoy it. I love you Marco! Thank you for being a wonderful daddy and husband :) Xoxo

 

 Marco Lobos "Best of Me"

Psalms 127:3-5 - "Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court."

Imperfect Edges

I am not perfect. Sometimes I fall. Sometimes I feel rejected and offended. Most days I have to chose faith over fear. Villagers, do you ever feel that way?

Recently, I had a terrible day. Ever have days where NOTHING goes right? That was the day I had. It was rough! I sat down at my kitchen table, started praying, and decided to do a little painting at the end of my horrible day. Sometimes I like to do little arts and crafts, it's fun and I can just relax. So I started to paint this little frame. Within minutes of starting my project, I was agonizing over how I was going to paint every little edge perfectly. The perfectionist in me started to get overwhelmed. It was going to take forever and could be impossible to get it perfect. In that moment I heard the Holy Spirit speak to my heart, "I love you Natalie, even with all of your imperfect edges." It was just what I needed to hear after my rough day.

Sometimes in life we face rejection and it can be painful- from family, friends, coworkers, anyone. I know it can be scary to let our "imperfect edges" show. God wants us to forgive those who hurt us. Villagers, I have good news for you.... God will never reject you, leave you, and He is more than enough for our hearts! We can always count on Him. The God who made the heavens and Earth, galaxies and other planets is passionately in love with you. Think about it, God loves us so much that He sent His own son to redeem us- that's how much He loves & accepts us. The Bible says we are co-heirs with Christ. We are adopted into the family & we have a wonderful daddy God who we get to call, Abba. He loves everything about you and even though people may not accept you, God will never leave you or reject you. His love is truly unconditional and has no limits. He is not surprised or scared by our flaws and loves us with imperfect edges and all! Villagers, I love you all so much and want you to know you are always wanted and accepted!! Xoxo, Natalie

I took you from the ends of the earth,
    from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
    I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Is.41:9-10

P.s. Here is my little frame :) Imperfect edges and still beautiful- just like you and me!!  

Behind the Song - "Turn it Around"

Happy Monday Villagers!!!!!!! 

Hope you had a great weekend. Wooooo! I am a little tired, we had a busy weekend! Marco and I had the privilege of attending the K-Love Fan Awards last night at the Grand Ole Opry. It was so fun! I love any excuse to get all dressed up :) It was awesome seeing so many amazing Christian artists and to celebrate what God is not only doing in Christian music but in our culture with movies, sports, and music. Matthew West & Candice Cameron Bure (DJ Tanner from Full House) hosted the evening and they were so funny! Good times for sure.

Marco and I in front of the Grand Ole Opry and inside the K-Love Fan Awards.

Behind the Song - "Turn it Around"

Well Villagers, I hope you guys are enjoying my first Blog Series, Behind the Song. We are almost done. This week I am sharing about my song, "Turn it Around." This is such a fun song! I really loved writing it and I love singing it. I wrote this song and "LOL" around the same time. I was in a pretty hard season but I started writing this song as a prayer and declaration that God was going to use every trial of mine for His glory! Proverbs 18:21 (KJV) states that, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat it's fruit." Our words have power! Sometimes we have to call things into existence the things that do not exist (Rom. 4:17) and we do that by faith. This song is a prophetic declaration in faith that God will turn things around- finances, relationships, health, everything that we need! Even know every time I sing it, I believe that it creates faith in people to believe God will turn things around.

While writing this song, I was in a place with my walk with the Lord where I was choosing to believe His goodness instead of present sicknesses, circumstances, and fears. Sometimes we feel like we are blindly choosing to believe God is good and faithful, but I promise that He is! It’s His nature. The Bible is filled over and over with examples of His goodness & faithfulness. I had never questioned the goodness of God before this time in my life. What I learned was that even in my trials God was still good, even if nothing ever changed and I was stuck in my troubles He would STILL be good because He is God. Even in the chaos God is still good because it's who He is. If you can get a hold of this concept, it will change your life. I know it changed mine.

Scriptures used to write it:

Gen. 50:20, Ecc. 3:1-14, Rom 8:28

Purpose of Song:

I hope people sing and declare this song as a prayer that God will turn everything around in their lives for His glory! I hope it encourages and strengthens hearts that God makes everything new and beautiful in His perfect timing. Sing this song in faith and watch God moves those mountains!!!!

Xoxo, Natalie

Happy Memorial Day!!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day celebrating our Veterans, Military and the freedom we have in our wonderful country. We celebrated by taking Destiny on her first boat ride- life jacket and all! lol she loved it! I want to say a BIG thank you to everyone who has served and fought for our freedom. Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed. We honor you today! We are SO blessed to live in the United States. It is also a great day to thank God and continue to pray for our country.

A little history about Memorial Day- The holiday was originally created to honor Union soldiers who had fallen in the Civil War. After World War 1, it expanded to honor all those in the military who have bravely served our country. In the 1800's it was called "Decoration Day" as loved ones would go decorate the tombs of fallen soldiers. On a day like this, I cannot help but thank the Lord for the freedoms that we have in this country. So many people have greatly sacrificed so we can be free. Let us never take it for granted. Ultimately, there is one who gave the biggest sacrifice in the history of mankind, Jesus! And He is worthy to be celebrated everyday!

So enjoy your cookouts, pools, lake days, loved ones and friends! Have fun eating your hot dogs & hamburgers! This is the day that the Lord has made, rejoice & celebrate! Thank you Jesus for freedom and those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Happy Memorial Day!!!!

 

Xoxo, Natalie 

Behind the Song Series - "Center of it All"

Good morning Villagers! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! One of my dear friends got hitched yesterday and I had the honor of being in her wedding. She was the most beautiful bride and you could feel the love all day long from the ceremony to the reception. Marriage is so beautiful and it's truly amazing how God puts people together. True love is always worth the wait Villagers! One day your Prince or Princess will come :) Congratulations Jordan and Sarah Fremgen!!!!

I hope you enjoyed last week's Blog about "Fast Lane" Villagers :) Today I am sharing about my song, "Center of it All." Xoxo

 Behind the Song - "Center of it All"

In 2008, Marco (my husband) and I moved from Las Vegas to the inner city of Nashville to be missionaries. We left everything. We left all our friends, family, our house, cars, our dog, our music label (Blood Bought Entertainment) to follow God's calling. It was a life changing and an experience I will never forget or trade. I truly felt like a disciple leaving everything to follow Jesus. Over those 3 years as missionaries, God really worked on my heart and stripped a lot of materialism from my life. I never realized how much of my identity was placed in clothing, cars, money and what I owned until the Lord had me lay it down. During that time, I started to write a worship song called, "Center of it All." My favorite line of the song is, “I would gladly give everything I have away for the chance to know you more.” This is truly part of my testimony. My heart is to follow the Lord and wherever He leads. 

Mark 10:17-27 really ministered to me while being a missionary. It is the story of the Rich Young Ruler. When you read that story, the Rich Young Ruler asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. In return, Jesus tells the Rich Young Ruler to sell everything and also gives him the chance of a lifetime- to come follow Him! What an opportunity! Sadly, the Rich Young Ruler would not do what Jesus told him. I can't help but wonder what would have happened to the Rich Young Ruler if would have sold everything he owned and followed Jesus that day.  Would he had been the 13th disciple? Would we be reading stories in the Bible about God using him for miracles? Would he have written a book of the Bible?? Unfortunately, we will never know. I never want material possessions or the condition of my heart to hinder my chance to know Jesus more and tell others about His incredible love. This has become the prayer of my heart and this story still convicts me often. While recording this song, I had a lot of fun working with the multi-talented, Victor Oquendo. He helped arrange and produced the song. He has a beautiful heart for the Lord, is a musical genius and a wonderful friend.

Scriptures used to write it:

Mark 10:17-27

Purpose of Song:

“Center of it All” is a worship song. I really hope people feel the love and presence of the Lord as they listen to it and a desire to know God more intimately. My prayer is that it changes perspectives as people worship along realizing what truly is important. I hope people get called into ministry, there is restoration to marriages and families, and people get God-given dreams as they listen to this song. I also pray that people will hear the call of the Holy Spirit, like the Rich Young Ruler, to follow Him :) Believe me Villagers, there is nothing more incredible in this whole world than following Jesus. Answer His call and you will never be disappointed :)

Behind the Song Series - "Fast Lane"

Hello Villagers!!!! I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day! Yesterday was my first Mother's Day. Marco and Destiny made sure it was very special- flowers, cards, balloons, a gift certificate for a massage, lunch! I am a lucky girl and could get used to this kind of treatment! I hope all you Mothers felt as special as you are. You are treasures from heaven.

Well my dear Villagers, over the next couple of weeks I will be sharing a series of blog posts about the songs off of my EP, "Fast Lane," titled, "Behind the Song." Every song I write has a story. I am so excited to share the stories and the Bible verses that I used for each song with you. I hope when you hear the stories behind my songs it will bring encouragement to you and revelation from the Holy Spirit as you listen to my songs :) So... here we go!

Behind the Song - "Fast Lane"

The story behind the song “Fast Lane” is the issue of insecurity. I would be lying if I said I never felt insecure. I believe that is something that everyone struggles with now and then, if not often, and I am guilty too. Our culture tells us how to dress, what car to drive, what type of music to listen to, and what material things we have to own to be accepted and even loved BUT the kingdom of God purely bases our acceptance in Christ alone. That is true freedom and some really good news Villagers! Being someone who struggled a lot with fear and insecurity, I understand the battle of wanting to fit in and having to own things to make you feel worthy of love and acceptance. While writing this song, I kept thinking about how much God loves us. He loves us so much that He sent His son to die for us and redeem us. And even a step further, God has "adopted" us into His family making us "heirs"! That is true love and acceptance Villagers. A fun fact about the song, “Fast Lane,” is that it was the only song on my EP that was co-written. I wrote the song with my amazing husband, Marco Lobos, and Pastor, Scott MacLeod. It was so fun writing with these two, and especially my Pastor! He is a lyrical mastermind.

Scriptures used to write it:

Mark 8:34-38, Eph. 1:6, Ps. 139

Purpose of the Song:

I hope this song brings freedom from insecurity and the revelation that the love of Jesus Christ is the only acceptance we ever need. I pray that girls listen to this song realizing they are beautiful, how loved they are by their heavenly Father, and how God perfectly designed them the way they are. I pray that guys listen to this song and realize they don’t need money, fame or power to be accepted but they find true identity in God alone. Villagers, be free to be you! You are so amazingly loved, talented, unique and ridiculously incredible!!!!

Xoxo, Natalie Villa

**You can buy "Fast Lane" on iTunes or Amazon.**

Welcome to Natalie's Villa!

Thanks for stopping by to check out my blog! You are probably wondering what this "Natalie's Villa" business is all about. I am a Pop Worship Artist and my heart is to disciple generations. There is a saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." Well I have been asking myself a question lately, if it takes a "village to raise a child," what is it going to take to raise a generation? I am talking about raising up a generation that knows God intimately, has moral standards, lives life abundantly and changes our culture. I think the beginning of that answer starts with community.

A Villa is defined as: a small community; a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage. My hope is that this blog becomes a place where people gather to form a village- a community of friendship, a place of discipleship and mentoring from topics ranging from God, Music, Cultural Issues, Marriage & family, to maybe even food!

Welcome to my Villa. It's a place you are always wanted and accepted. I am so happy to have you be apart of my family and village. I LOVE YOU VILLAGERS! Xoxo