Nat in Love

<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Cómo Prevenir Que Las Fresas Se Pongan Mohosas</a>)</h2>

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<p>Ever go overzealous with your meal planning/grocery shopping, thinking you'll cook healthy all week... and then end up with a bunch of spoiled veggies and fruit in the fridge??? Haha I've been there a time or two (ok, more than that)!</p>

<p>One of the things that usually goes bad pretty fast are strawberries, which is bad news for us since we love them at our house!  Sometimes I go crazy on buying so much fruit though, that halfway through the week some of the strawberries start to go moldy. I hate throwing away food (and wasting), so I came up with a little mom hack that makes a 2lb container last all week and sometimes even two weeks!</p>

<p>If you're tired of your strawberries getting moldy in your fridge, here's what you can do:</p>

<p>• Keep an empty strawberry container, clean it, and save it.
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• Next time you buy strawberries, when you get home or sometime that same day:</p>

<p>1. Take off the green leaves/stem
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2. Separate the strawberries into: the ripest ones in one container, and the greenest ones into the other container (that you had saved)
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3. Place both containers in the fridge, and eat all of the ripest strawberries first before opening other container
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4. When you're done, save one of the containers, clean it, and save it for next time.</p>

<p>I've done this for about a year or so now, and I haven't had to throw away strawberries since!</p>

<p>If you don't have the space for two containers in your fridge, an alternative is to clean the strawberries in water with white vinegar, dry them, and place them back into the original container.</p>

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<div class="espanol"  id="post-txt-es">

<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Cómo Prevenir Que Las Fresas Se Pongan Mohosas)</h2>

<p>¡Próximamente en Español!</p>

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How-To Prevent Moldy Strawberries

( Cómo Prevenir Que Las Fresas Se Pongan Mohosas ) Ever go overzealous with your meal planning/grocery shopping, thinking you'...

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Elegancia Corporativa</a>)</h2>

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<p>What's the first thing you think of when someone says "work clothes" or "business attire?" My mind usually goes to boring and matronly clothes - or like 80s power suits! Haha. For some reason dressing for work can easily become a hassle, like another item on our work to-do list along with meetings, projects, and so on. I worked at a corporate office for 9 years and I didn’t always know what to wear to work. My first couple of years at the job were definitely a trial and error phase; it definitely took me some time to figure out what worked for me while still looking appropriate for the job! Working in an office environment usually comes with a dress code, yet I want to show you how you can look professional and still have fun with your style!</p>

<p>When putting a work outfit together, I usually <span class="highlight seafoam">start with a key piece</span> and work the rest of my look around it. For today's outfit, the star item is definitely this cute Jules & James dress. I like to mix soft and hard when it comes to my outfits, and I love the serious (even masculine!) plaid pattern of this dress with the feminine details. The ruffles on the shoulders are super cute and playful, and it also has pockets! I mean, what more can you ask for in a dress?! I also decided to add a belt to give me more of a waist since I'm 5'1 and 0 curves (ha!). This dress would be great for a regular workday, as well as to make a stylish and professional impression when attending meetings or even giving a presentation!</p>

<p>Once I had the main part of my work look with this awesome dress, I added a black blazer to make it even more professional (and because my office was always so cold). <span class="highlight seafoam">Adding a blazer or structured jacket</span> is an easy way to step up your professional look for a meeting or important event; it adds some of the classic suit look into any outfit without actually wearing one!</p>

<p>With the dress and blazer down, I moved to one of my favorite parts of my outfits - the shoes! I wore these black, strappy high heels because I'm addicted to heels! People at work could always tell I was coming their way from the clacking of my heels! Ha. Depending on your preference and schedule (you may be on your feet all day), swap the high heels for flats or wedges for more comfort. Just be sure you choose flats or ankle boots that still look professional so they don’t bring down your look into casual wear!</p>

<p>My work look was never finished without a bag, and a big bag for that matter! I tend to carry big handbags to bring my whole world with me, including my iPad or laptop if I was going between meetings; I sometimes carry snacks too! This bag is also from James & James, and it’s not only cute but also a great size to carry everything I need for the day!</p>

<p>To wrap up this professional yet chic look, I sprinkled some jewelry with gold and black tones. I chose this Jules & James necklace and earrings combo because I love a good chunky necklace! I needed something that didn't compete with the dress' pattern, but still added a little extra to the outfit. The earrings are classic studs, but they still stand out with their gold color and large size. To finish it off, I mixed and matched a few bracelets from Jules & James’ awesome bracelet bar!</p>

<p>And voila! There you have it - a look that is professional, functional (with pockets and warm for those cold office environments!), and yet stylish! I hope my look encourages you to have fun with your outfits for work as well! And remember, <span class="highlight seafoam">no matter what you wear, wear it with confidence and with a big smile</span> - those two can go a long way!</p>

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<p class="txt-ref">
OUTFIT:<br />
Dress: Jules & James Boutique<br />
Blazer: Target<br />
Shoes: Elizabeth and James<br />
Bag: Jules & James Boutique<br />
Jewelry: Jules & James Boutique<br />
</p>

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<p>This post was brought to you by Jules & James Boutique. To shop this or similar looks, visit their store in Carrollton, GA or shop online through their <a href="https://julesandjamesboutique.commentsold.com/store" target="_blank">website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/julesandjamesboutique/" target="_blank">Facebook group</a>!</p>

<p>Special thanks to <a href="http://www.indieefox.com/" target="_blank">Indiee Fox</a> for the photos! McKenzie, you're amazing!</p>

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Elegancia Corporativa)</h2>

<p>¡Próximamente en Español!</p>

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<div class="disclaimer">
<p class="txt-ref">Some links may be sponsored or affiliate links (which means that if you click the link provided and complete a purchase, then a small amount of commission is earned). All opinions, ideas, and styling are my very own.</p>

<p class="txt-ref">Nat in Love is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.</p>
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Corporate Chic

nat March 14, 2019 collaboration fashion Jules and James work appropriate

( Elegancia Corporativa ) What's the first thing you think of when someone says "work clothes...

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Respondiendo a las Controversias</a>)</h2>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV93KetlIhBQibXA-WgJLmlnRMX6Xeg9ilucjfwNLkiddfy6wa1HCOU9ibCs9aMqAcVmWGnq9ExNIQp9NnKdEMva_TIzunoymYOvLWln_gZlwGDoXPzU8GyL7C3h1jnQS_RYsXTAKo59zG/s1600/012719-responding-to-controversies-post-header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="img-full-w" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV93KetlIhBQibXA-WgJLmlnRMX6Xeg9ilucjfwNLkiddfy6wa1HCOU9ibCs9aMqAcVmWGnq9ExNIQp9NnKdEMva_TIzunoymYOvLWln_gZlwGDoXPzU8GyL7C3h1jnQS_RYsXTAKo59zG/s1600/012719-responding-to-controversies-post-header.png"/></a></div>

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<p>I'm an emotionally intense person - you may not know that if you meet me in person though. I have years and years of experience of holding in my emotions and thoughts to myself. It started as a defense mechanism, for sure, but now it's more of a conscious choice to make sure that when I speak or write, it actually means something and it doesn't just add to the noise. That's one of the reasons I don't always chime in on controversial topics or news. I'm not someone to post, share, or comment just for the sake of giving my opinion or jumping on the bandwagon.</p>

<p>It's been a few days since New York passed the bill regarding abortion, and I've been going back and forth on whether I should comment on it or not. My heart is broken and distressed, but, again, I don't want to post just to post and add to the noise. I've felt God stirring something in me, so I'm cautiously writing this and praying that my words may not be in vain.</p>

<p>I've read articles and posts on both sides, and while it didn't change my opinion on abortion as a whole (regardless of this bill), here's a theme that I saw that actually gave me Hope: this event is giving people a reason and boldness to speak up and share their story and their faith. I read story after story from women from all walks of life about how they had an abortion (some by personal choice and some by pressure/force), how they considered it (or were pressured to consider it), how they helped other women who considered abortion, and others about how their babies are miracle stories. Here's my point, no matter where you are on the spectrum - Your. Story. Matters. Not only that, but God can use it for His glory and to bring others to Him!</p>

<p>So if you're hurt, confused, broken, outraged, or whatever you're feeling, here are some things that have been on my heart this week:</p>

<p>Let us live and speak (and post on social media) in a way that reflects that we know that God is sovereign and good. Outrage and shock factor may get people to click and respond, but what else will that do? How will that bring others to Jesus? If you feel called to speak and have a passion about it, what shall we say then? Here's what I feel like God is telling us: "Stop calling people murderers, selfish, ignorant, or terrible people -  share your story of redemption instead. He will take care of the rest!" Calling people out in judgement will do zero for the Gospel - well, it will drive them farther instead! Show them what God has done in your life. Sharing our times of failure and pain, and how God brought us through it, has more power and influence than throwing out insults and judgement ever will. If you had or even considered abortion, share your story. If you haven't, share your story. Whoever you are and whatever you've been through, share your story. When I think back at the people that had an influence on my faith, you know what they didn't do? Judge, belittle, or call me out harshly. They shared with me their own story of God's help and redemption. They invited me in to their failures, doubts, fears, sins, and shared God's truth in love. It made all the difference between me running away and choosing to listen/follow!</p>

<p>When we share our story it:
<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Brings us healing and relief.</h4>
<p>I've read so many stories of women who had an abortion and kept it in silence for years because of shame, guilt, fear of judgement, and so on. Even though some of them followed Jesus later on in their lives, when they finally shared about it, they felt such a relief because keeping it in ate them inside! Confessing our sins and sharing what God did in our lives brings freedom to our own soul!</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Opens the dialog and the door to compassion.</h4>
<p>When you share your story, you're making it "ok" for others to share theirs. You may still disagree, but communication can help to avoid misunderstandings and wrong assumptions. Like I mentioned above, reading so many stories did not change how I feel about abortion, but it filled my heart with compassion and made me want to be part of the solution, and not just judge without knowing these women.</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Makes us relatable and invites other to lean in.</h4>
<p>When people think you are perfect and have it all together, they may never reach out when they're struggling or need help; they may feel like you don't understand their pain. When we drop the curtain of perfection and we let others know that we are human too, others will want to see what you have to say out of curiosity and out of our human need to find that we're all in this together. When you are relatable, you're inviting others in instead of judging and pushing them away.</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Allows God to work through us and our story.</h4>
<p>By sharing your story, your times of struggle/pain/doubt/bad decisions, and how God saved you from all of that, it allows God to use that to reach others. If God could do that for you, it creates even the smallest drop of hope that He could do it for others too! Even if you feel like your story is not that "great" or impactful, trust that God can use it to reach someone else with it!</p>

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<p>Here's what we need to remember during this controversy (and when the next one comes, because it will) - People are always watching, and when things like this happen, they're paying attention to what Christians will do - will they speak truth with love or with judgement? Will they wrap their arms and support those that are hurting, or will they attack and reject them? It doesn't mean we'll say it's ok or condone it, but it's OUR choice of how we react. Let's react with love.</p>

<p>So however you feel about this bill, about abortion in general, or any other topic, before we bark and throw words of judgement to those on the other side, let's stop and think before we talk/write. Let's talk truth with love, and let's share our story trusting that God will use it for His glory!</p>

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Respondiendo a las Controversias)</h2>

<p>¡Próximamente en Español!</p>

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Responding to Controversies

nat January 27, 2019 faith life lesson lifestyle

( Respondiendo a las Controversias ) I'm an emotionally intense person - you may not know that if you meet me in person thoug...

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Pensamientos de Cumpleaños</a>)</h2>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JYTRQAGhKxbacZANR3uicn0X0bbvTfk6OJTh28uLvKgjJ1kHgDh2DFiHZD4dZ178WZtOfzcSmJVrIjGy0tAbEw_rBXY6OyV-wz9mIx9VoRcTxAdj8EDnZi40rjrl_Z9xmWi819L0c5sO/s1600/010519-birthday-post-header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="img-full-w" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JYTRQAGhKxbacZANR3uicn0X0bbvTfk6OJTh28uLvKgjJ1kHgDh2DFiHZD4dZ178WZtOfzcSmJVrIjGy0tAbEw_rBXY6OyV-wz9mIx9VoRcTxAdj8EDnZi40rjrl_Z9xmWi819L0c5sO/s1600/010519-birthday-post-header.png" /></a></div>

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<p>It's January 5th - just another day... or is it? Today is actually my birthday, a day I usually dread every year. Last Fall, I joined an online writing workshop with the goal of fine-tuning my writing voice and lessening my over-editing/analyzing tendencies. The very first writing prompt was a simple question and yet it brought me such a breakthrough: "which was your favorite birthday to date, and why?" I wrote the following words one morning and I submitted it to the group. I did my best at writing it and stopping before I edited it for hours or days, like I tend to do. It was not perfect by any means, which is hard for this recovering perfectionist; I've even thought of more things I'd like to add to it since then! Haha. I'm fighting the urge to edit it (ie. rewrite it), and I'd like to share with you what I wrote last September.</p>

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<p style="padding: 0 45px;font-style: italic;">I have thirty-one birthdays under my belt, and yet I don’t have any favorite birthdays to recall. Sure, I can remember or pull up photos from past birthday celebrations with cakes, gifts, and even unicorn piñatas, but none of them truly left a lasting impression on me. You see, during most of younger days, I felt alone and different (not in a good way!), and I lived with a constant sense of fear and rejection. Tired of feeling hurt, I eventually learned not to expect anything from anyone in order to avoid more disappointments. That same distant and protective approach soon extended to celebrations and holidays as well; those “special” occasions became just regular days for me. So then if people forgot or didn't make a big deal about my birthday, it didn't hurt as much! Even to this day, when I have finally moved past those painful and negative times, I still struggle with letting go and getting excited about birthdays - but it’s time for that to change! I finally want my future birthdays to be different; I want to intentionally celebrate for my own enjoyment and to feel grateful for another year of God’s faithfulness and mercy over my life. Not only will this be healthier for me, but I know that I also need to change for the good of my husband and kiddos. They could also benefit from some excitement and wonder, which have both been lacking in our home! So while I may not have a favorite birthday to this date, here’s to new beginnings - filled with more joy, excitement, and gratefulness!</p>

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<p>What I wrote last September ended up being more than a simple writing exercise. It was theraupic for me, and it helped me put my thoughts in order as to why I've hated birthdays all this time. Furthermore, understanding the "why" has helped me with moving forward in a new, healthier direction! Since writing those honest and kind of depressing words, I've remembered several times how I said I'd make this upcoming birthday actually something I looked forward to.</p>

<p>So here we are, January 5th, and I'm 33. Wow. That sounds and feels OLD! Haha. Nevertheless, and unlike most of my previous birthdays, I'm so grateful to have lived up to this point and survived/overcome so many hardships. I certainly feel like the most free, confident, loved, and inspired version of myself to date - which is a big deal for me! I truly can't wait to see what 2019 will be like and all the ways that God will continue to guide and stretch me!</p>

<p>Here's to me and my birthday! I'm unapologetically celebrating today with my little family. We're doing simple yet meaningful things together like: baking sugar cookies, making a German chocolate cake, and going to dinner together. Everything else, if there's any, is simply "icing on the cake!"</p>

<p><b>Now it's your turn - Which was your favorite birthday to date, and why? I'd love to hear about your relationship with birthdays!</b></p>

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Pensamientos de Cumpleaños)</h2>

<p>Hoy es el 5 de enero - un día más ... ¿o no? Hoy es mi cumpleaños, un día que normalmente temo cada año. El otoño pasado, fui parte de un taller en línea para escritores con el objetivo de afinar mi voz de escritura y para disminuir mis tendencias de sobre-edición/análisis. El primer ejercicio de escritura fue una pregunta simple y, sin embargo, me trajo gran claridad: "¿cuál fue tu cumpleaños favorito hasta la fecha, y por qué?" Escribí las siguientes palabras una mañana y las presenté al grupo. Hice todo lo posible por escribirlo y detenerme antes de editarlo durante horas o días, como tiendo a hacer. No es perfecto de ninguna manera, lo cual es difícil para esta perfeccionista en recuperación; ¡Incluso he pensado en más cosas que me gustaría agregarle desde entonces! Jaja. Estoy luchando contra la necesidad de editarlo (es decir, reescribirlo), y me gustaría compartir con ustedes lo que escribí en Septiembre del año pasado.</p>

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<p style="padding: 0 45px;font-style: italic;">Tengo treinta y un cumpleaños en mi existencia y, sin embargo, no tengo ningún cumpleaños favorito que pueda mencionar. Claro, puedo recordar o sacar fotos de celebraciones de cumpleaños anteriores con pasteles, regalos, e incluso piñatas de unicornio, pero ninguno de ellos realmente me dejó una impresión duradera. Verás, durante la mayoría de mi infancia, me sentí sola y diferente (¡no de una buena manera!), y vivía con un sentido constante de miedo y rechazo. Cansada de sentirme herida, finalmente aprendí a no esperar nada de nadie para evitar más desilusiones. Ese mismo enfoque distante y protector pronto se extendió también a las celebraciones y a los días festivos; esas ocasiones "especiales" se convirtieron en días regulares para mí. De esta manera, si la gente se olvidaba o no hacía gran cosa por mi cumpleaños, ¡no me dolía tanto! Incluso hasta el día de hoy, cuando ya finalmente he superado esos momentos dolorosos y negativos, sigo teniendo problemas para relajarme y emocionarme con los cumpleaños - ¡pero es hora de que eso cambie! Finalmente quiero que mis futuros cumpleaños sean diferentes; Quiero celebrar intencionalmente para disfrutar y sentirme agradecida por otro año de la fidelidad y la misericordia de Dios sobre mi vida. Ésto no sólo será más saludable para mí, pero también sé que debo cambiar por el bien de mi esposo y de mis hijos. ¡Ellos también podrían beneficiarse de un poco de emoción y sentido de maravilla, los cuales han faltado en nuestra casa! Entonces, aunque no tenga un cumpleaños favorito hasta ahora, es hora para nuevos comienzos, ¡llenos de más alegría, emoción, y agradecimiento!</p>

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<p>Lo que escribí en Septiembre del año pasado terminó siendo más que un simple ejercicio de escritura. Para mí fue terapéutico, y me ayudó a poner mis pensamientos en orden del por qué no me han gustado los cumpleaños todo este tiempo. Además, entender el "por qué" me ha ayudado a avanzar en una nueva dirección más saludable. Desde que escribí esas palabras honestas y un poco deprimentes, he recordado varias veces cómo dije que haría de este próximo cumpleaños algo que esperaba con emoción.</p>

<p>Así que aquí estamos, el 5 de enero, y tengo 33 años. Wow. Eso suena y se siente VIEJO! Jaja. Sin embargo, y a diferencia de la mayoría de mis cumpleaños anteriores, estoy tan agradecida de haber vivido hasta este punto y haber sobrevivido/superado tantas dificultades. Ciertamente me siento como la versión más libre, segura, amada, e inspirada de mí misma hasta la fecha, ¡lo cual es algo inmenso para mí! ¡Realmente no puedo esperar a ver cómo será el 2019 y todas las maneras en que Dios continuará guiándome y estirándome!</p>

<p>¡Que viva yo y mi cumpleaños! Jaja. Hoy voy a celebrar felizmente con mi pequeña familia. Estaremos haciendo cosas simples pero significativas como: hornear galletas de azúcar, hacer un pastel de chocolate alemán, e ir a cenar juntos. Todo lo demás, haya algo o no, es simplemente agregado.</p>

<p><b>Ahora es tu turno. ¿Cuál fue tu cumpleaños favorito hasta la fecha, y por qué? ¡Me encantaría saber sobre tu relación con los cumpleaños!</b></p>

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Birthday Thoughts

nat January 05, 2019 birthday holiday lifestyle

( Pensamientos de Cumpleaños ) It's January 5th - just another day... or is it? Today is actually my birthday, a day I usuall...

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Revisión del Año 2018</a>)</h2>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhVZP_Z1kl2ojsXIAnFAM-QE6dD3u5Yxk1NLSnhGcSg3KqelLKbJyZhsNUs-bqZIreoMW4J5giveazKB87BiT_GaI5Vkla6cSOpvMlji9_DmulHnD4BUbiN9YSM2OO4ICiElrGfWgToWX/s1600/010419-2018-post-header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="img-full-w" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhVZP_Z1kl2ojsXIAnFAM-QE6dD3u5Yxk1NLSnhGcSg3KqelLKbJyZhsNUs-bqZIreoMW4J5giveazKB87BiT_GaI5Vkla6cSOpvMlji9_DmulHnD4BUbiN9YSM2OO4ICiElrGfWgToWX/s1600/010419-2018-post-header.png"/></a></div>

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<p>Yes, I know it's already January 2019, but hang with me for a few! Haha. The last few of days of 2018 were a blur (like most days with young kids...), so before I really get started on 2019, I'd like to take a quick look back at 2018 - the fun and the hard times!</p>

<p>As I was thinking about this the other night, I realized that I was making my list mostly for this post, to check it off my list. I felt convicted that I had not even thanked God for 2018 even though I posted on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/natinloveblog/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> stories about what I was thankful for. What a humbling moment! So as I laid in bed, I started thanking God in prayer, and I felt asleep shortly after with such a sense of peace.</p>

<p>Now that I've talked it out and truly thanked God personally, here we go - the good and the bad of 2018:</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">School</h4>
<p>Coen finished his Pre-K year on a high note. He matured so much during his first school year!</p>

<p>Fall semester of Kindergarten was hard (see below), but it was so much better compared to Pre-K that it felt like a victory! Haha. Plus, his teacher is incredibly communicative/proactive - which I love! I was also able to understand and encourage friends who are now going through similar school-related issues, like we did last year. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but at least I'm here for support!</p>

<p>You can see <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/search/label/school" target="_blank">school-related posts here</a>.</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Trips</h4>
<p>We took a family trip to Pigeon Forge over the Thanksgiving break. We had such a fun time at Dollywood, Alpine Mountain Coaster, The Island, the Apple Barn, to name a few places. Plus, we ate so much good food too!</p>

<p>We visited the Atlanta Zoo many times (as you can see on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/natinloveblog/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> photos). Having a season pass made the visits less stressful since we were in no rush to squeeze all the exhibits in one day! The kiddos' favorites were usually the reptiles, lions, elephants, and the petting zoo.</p>

<p>We also went to Six Flags several times, especially over the Christmas break. Coen finally grew over 42 inches this year, and we're all excited he can finally ride some of the "big kid" rides now! Haha.</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Holidays</h4>
<p>I made some progress on enjoying holidays instead of dreading them, mostly for the kiddos! We even took them Trick or Treating for the first time... Ever. They loved it, of course!</p>

<p>We enjoyed a calmer Christmas break than last year, and we made a lot of memories as a family of four. We loved making cookies together (you can <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/12/christmas-sugar-cookies.html" target="_blank">read more here</a>), drinking hot chocolate, watching Christmas movies, and just being together.</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Work-related</h4>
<p>I fell in love with writing in a new way. I started writing again in the Fall of 2017, but 2018 was when I really found my voice and calling through writing. It was therapeutic at times, and it was so rewarding to write pieces that resonated with some of you!</p>

<p>I contributed to <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/search/label/Flourish%20Motherhood" target="_blank">Flourish Magazine</a>, regularly on their online blog and once on their printed magazine. It was such a growing and encouraging opportunity, where I got to share with fellow Mamas and also practice my writing skills!</p>

<p>I collaborated with Whit on a few logos, and it felt great to create for others again! We have another logo in the works right now, and I've loved making it!</p>

<p>I found my path/voice on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/natinloveblog/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and I found peace about growing organically and not following the numbers for numbers sake. I have enjoyed making creative photos and digital compositions, and marrying them with raw and transparent life lessons!</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Self/Faith</h4>
<p>I grew so much as a person and in my faith in 2018. It took going through some hardships, but I had a lot of breakthroughs regarding my past and why I am the way I am. It was so freeing and empowering!</p>

<p>God continued to teach me about anger, love, patience, [insert the fruits of the spirit here! Haha]. But for real, all of the hardships below brought me to a stronger and wiser place because God lead me through those times. I can't boast in my own strength, not even one bit.</p>

<p>I built stronger friendships - something that I'm not naturally good at! I have several girls I know I can count on and have my back through good and bad times!</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Marriage/Family</h4>

<p>I can confidently say that Whit and I are at the best point in our marriage to date. Communication was key this year, and I'm still learning to communicate instead of assuming or having wrong expectations! He was also my support and voice of wisdom during my family crisis; God used him to bring me peace and clarity so many times when I couldn't think straight.</p>

<p>Whit got ordained in January. He's been in ministry forever (he felt called to ministry back in Middle/High School), but it was an honor for his current leadership to back-up/support his calling.</p>

<p>I continue to fall in love with my sweet and spicy kiddos on a daily basis. They're growing so fast, and I'm trying hard to enjoy these times and not wish them away for an "easier" age! I have loved being home with them and I'm thankful to be able to have this opportunity. God continues to provide for us, even with me being home full-time!</p>

<p>I went through a two-three week depression slump in January; probably the first one in a few years. Three different things hit me back to back, some of which weren't a big deal, but all of them together were a lethal combination on my already weary heart. During that time, I did the bare minimum to keep things going; I had zero energy or happiness, and all I wanted was to sleep. It was such a hard time.</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Family</h4>

<p>Family issues came up again in the Spring and then hardcore in September-Present. I'm still processing everything and figuring out what the future looks like. When the people you care about hurt you and those you love, it can truly break your heart. (You can read more <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/09/finding-hope-in-gods-faithfulness.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/10/today-is-day.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</p>

<p>I'm still learning to show more love and grace when Coen misbehaves. We had some rough moments this year, and my anger flared up at times, which was not good for either of us!</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">School</h4>

<p>Spring semester of Pre-K for Coen was still hard - better than Fall 2017, but still challenging. It wasn't until the last week or two when he finally got "green" (good) days consistently!</p>

<p>Fall semester of Kindergarten was better than Pre-K, but still not completely smooth. Coen even had to start "group counseling" at school to work on social skills; it will be good in the long-run, but it was a hard pill to swallow at first!</p>

<p>You can see <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/search/label/school" target="_blank">school-related posts here</a>.</p>

<br />
<p>Well, that was lot longer than I had originally planned! Haha. It started as a quick <a href="https://www.instagram.com/natinloveblog/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> post, but here we are with a long blog post! Haha. 2018 was such a year - there were more "yay" moments, but the "oh no" ones were incredibly intense/heartbreaking and lasted longer. Looking back, the year feels like such a blur, so it really helps me to get some closure and learn from it by doing a summary like this. Now I'm ready to start thinking and dreaming for 2019!</p>

<p><b>How would you describe your 2018? Are you ready for 2019?</b></p>

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Revisión del Año 2018)</h2>

<p>¡Próximamente en Español!</p>

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Year in Review: 2018

nat January 04, 2019 holiday lifestyle yearly recap

( Revisión del Año 2018 ) Yes, I know it's already January 2019, but hang with me for a few! Haha. The last few of days of 20...

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Galletas de Navidad de Azúcar</a>)</h2>

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<p>One of our family's favorite things to do at Christmas is bake (and decorate!) cookies together. Both my husband, Whit, and I grew up baking cookies with our moms, and now we get to pass on the tradition to our kiddos!</p>

<p>We are both practical, let's-just-get-it-done type of people, so we tried making sugar cookies from a mix. They were... ok? We used the Betty Crocker mix, but it wasn't easy to roll and cut the shapes for some reason. Maybe we did something wrong or maybe that's just how that dough is like. Either way, we were not too impressed, so this week we decided to make some cookies from scratch!</p>

<p>First, we googled some recipes and made sure we had all the ingredients - they're pretty basic items. Once we were ready to make the cookies, we did what any techy family would do - use our <a href="http://bit.ly/NLxGoogleHomeHub" target="_blank">Google Home Hub</a> to follow the recipe! It was our first time using the Hub for a recipe, and it was wonderful! It tells you the recipe in easy step by step - both on the screen and spoken. We really enjoyed using the Home Hub, and the cookies turned out great too!</p>

<p>The kiddos enjoyed helping mix the ingredients, cut of the cookies with Christmas-shaped cutters, and decorate the cookies. Their favorite part was definitely eating them, of course! Haha. They also enjoyed using their new aprons. They both looked really cute wearing them, and I liked that they didn't get their clothes dirty! Haha. You can get them on <a href="http://bit.ly/NLxRecipeSugarCookies" target="_blank">Amazon here</a>.</p>

<p>Here's the recipe we ended up using from <a href="http://bit.ly/NLxRecipeSugarCookies" target="_blank">Good Housekeeping</a>:

<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Sugar Cookies</h3>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Ingredients</h4>
<p>1 c. butter, softened<br />
1 c. sugar<br />
1 large egg<br />
1 tsp. almond extract<br />
2 tsp. vanilla extract<br />
3 c. all-purpose flour<br />
3/4 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. salt</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Instructions</h4>

<p>In large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In separate large bowl, with mixer at low speed, beat butter and sugar until blended. Increase speed to high; beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Reduce speed to low; beat in eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract until mixed, then beat in flour mixture just until blended, occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces; flatten each piece into a disk. Wrap each disk with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.</p>

<p>Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove dough from refrigerator. Place dough disk between two sheets of parchment paper, roll dough until 1/8-inch thick. With floured 3-inch to 4-inch cookie cutters, cut dough into as many cookies as possible; reserve trimmings. Place cookies, 1 inch apart, on two ungreased large cookie sheets.</p>

<p>Bake until edges are golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough.</p>

<p>Let cookies cool. Decorate as desired.</p>

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<p>That's it! They were easy and they taste really yummy!</p>

<p><b>Do you enjoy making cookies during the holidays as well?</b></p>

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<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Shop this Post</h4>
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Kids Aprons (I bought the 2-pack in black):<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2LzK0Ci" target="_blank" title="Kids Apron"><span>Kids Apron</span><br /><br /><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0741R9F91&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=natinlove06-20&language=en_US"></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=natinlove06-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B0741R9F91" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" width="1" />

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Galletas de Navidad de Azúcar)</h2>

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Christmas Sugar Cookies

nat December 24, 2018 food kids lifestyle recipe. family

( Galletas de Navidad de Azúcar ) One of our family's favorite things to do at Christmas is...

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Hoy es el Día</a>)</h2>

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<p>
As you may know by now, especially if you read my previous blog post ("<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/09/finding-hope-in-gods-faithfulness.html" target="_blank">Finding Hope in God’s Faithfulness</a>") or if you follow along on social media, I've been taking a small break to take care of myself as I face some family problems. Every day I keep telling myself that I'll share with you a bit more when I'm ready and more emotionally stable.
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<p>
Today, I listened to Annie F. Downs' podcast episode with Tim Tebow about his new book, "<a href="https://amzn.to/2CKYCMC" target="_blank">This is the Day</a>." Hearing Tim talk about his book, I felt convicted and challenged to stop putting my life on hold until everything feels perfect or until I feel put together to do what God places on my heart. I have missed plenty of opportunities and passions throughout my life simply because I didn’t act on them, and that fire I used to have faded and I simply moved on.
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<p>
I started Nat in Love as a place to share what I love - from style, motherhood, technology, and my faith. While I love creating curated content for my social media feed, my main goal is to transparently share with you my life’s exciting and tough times, and how God shows up through it all! I don’t want to repeat my "putting things off" move, so Today is the Day that I let you in on my current struggle and how God is sustaining me through this heart wrenching time.
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<p>
My family (parents, sister, and myself) has such a dysfunctional history. The last wave of issues started almost two months ago, which I referenced on "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/09/finding-hope-in-gods-faithfulness.html" target="_blank">Finding Hope in God’s Faithfulness</a>." Just recently, though, I learned even more dark secrets that have rocked my world. Since it involves other people I won’t share details just yet, but imagine all sorts of betrayal, trauma, abuse, broken relationships, and heartbreak. I've been cycling through the different stages of grief like you wouldn’t believe. Just when I feel like I've finally gotten to acceptance and I can move on, something new arises, and I'm back into a loop of sadness and anger.
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<p>
Right now I'm angry. I am tired of feeling manipulated and hurt, over and over. To be completely honest, being angry makes it easier. I just got out of a couple of days of pure sadness, and it was hard just getting through the day. So while I know I can’t stay in anger too long or I may harbor hatred that I can’t shake off, which is a sin, it’s given me the strength and boldness to take some necessary yet tough decisions. So that’s where I am today. I am doing my best to keep my head above water, and doing what I can to look out for my well-being. It’s rough, it’s messy, and it’s still not over.
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<p>
Hopefully now you have a bigger picture of what I’ve been going through - emotionally. While I could wrap it up here just as a life update, and maybe some of you can relate to my pain, I don’t want to end it just yet. You see, during this awful emotional rollercoaster, where the end doesn’t seem near just yet, God has been with me along the entire ride. I reminded my sister last night of this verse that I’ve hold on to with my dear life since I was 15, when the first wave of chaos (that I was aware of!) hit my family:
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<h3 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam">
Even if my father and mother abandoned me, the Lord would take me in.
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<h4 class="post-sub-title highlight seafoam">
Psalms 27:10
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<p>
Even when our parents/loved ones fail or betray us, the only thing that can give us hope and rest is knowing that God will always sustain us; He is the only one that will never leave or forsake us. Knowing this gives me hope yet again during this time of pain and confusion! I have seen God’s care in so many ways: love and support from friends and family, wisdom and courage to make the right choices, joy and peace when I see sadness all around me, and clarity as to why my upbringing has always felt inexplicably dark. While it doesn’t make the pain or the circumstances disappear, feeling God’s closeness and confirmation during this time has made all the difference to push me forward!
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<p>
So as I share with you my heartache today, here’s my takeaway for you:
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<p>
1) Know That You’re Not Alone - If you’re going through some hardships in your life - family-related or not - know that you’re not alone in your struggle. Pain is pain, no matter what type of pain it is. Also know that even in the darkest days, there is hope. It may not always look the way or in the timing that we want, but God does not leave those who love him abandoned. Just like Psalms 27:10 says, especially in the Spanish version that says "with everything" God will take us in! Take hope in that promise!
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<p>
2) Start Today - Just like I’ve been feeling like I needed to share about this experience, and I kept putting it off to protect myself, I want to ask you the same question: What have you been wanting/needing to do that you keep putting off? Do you feel called to do something and you’ve been to scared/busy to do it? Today is the day - take one step, no matter how tiny or big it may be. Don’t delay it or you may miss the opportunity to do it at all! 
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<p>¡Próximamente en Español!</p>

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Today is The Day

nat October 29, 2018 faith life update lifestyle

( Hoy es el Día ) As you may know by now, especially if you read my previous blog post (" Finding Hope in God’s Faithfulnes...

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Encontrando Esperanza en la Fidelidad de Dios</a>)</h2>

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<p>Have you ever read a book or watched a show so many times that you anticipate what’s coming next, and you even memorize/quote it? This happens to me all the time with my favorite shows, especially with Friends and Scrubs; my husband and I quote them all the time! I’ve also done this sometimes with the Bible since I’ve been to church most of my life and I’ve heard the same Bible stories over and over. Just like my favorite shows, there have been times where I think, "yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that scripture before. It's nothing new, I’m good."</p>

<p>This past week in our "Life Group" (i.e. Bible study/hangout at a friend’s house), we talked about <a href="https://my.bible.com/bible/111/1KI.17" target="_blank" title="I Kings 17">I Kings 17</a> - a scripture I've known all of my life. In this chapter we find two stories where God took care of Elijah (a prophet): 1) God gave him food (birds brought him bread and meat every day!) when he lived in the wilderness during a drought. 2) God gave him food and shelter through a poor widow. Even though she only had a little bit of flour and olive oil to make one last piece of bread, God kept providing and those items miraculously did not run out. Some time later, the widow’s son died and she was devastated/mad, but Elijah prayed to God and the son lived again. As her son came back to life, the widow praised and believed in Elijah and God.</p>

<p>After we finished reading the scripture in our group, my husband opened the discussion, and our friends went back and forth with their comments. Since I already knew these stories, and I was having a hard time "keeping it together" thanks to some sickness and really heavy family issues, I just sat there quietly. One of my friend’s comments hit me hard though - she mentioned how it was funny/surprising that even though God had provided over and over with the widow’s flour and oil not running out, when her son comes back to life that’s when she says, "Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth." in verse 24. The fact that she says that "NOW" she knows Elijah and God are the real thing, it’s like all of those other days when her food "magically" didn’t run out were not enough, but NOW she believes!</p>

<p>When my friend was talking about that part of the story and how we do the same thing with God, I just felt this intense feeling of God’s presence. I have always identified myself with Elijah - not that I’ve had birds feed me or that I’ve raised someone from the dead (which would be both crazy and cool! Haha) - yet I saw myself as the God-seeking character that prayed and saw God providing in times of need. Well, this time I felt God convicting me, saying something like: "Hey you! This is you right now! You’re the WIDOW this time. You are so wrapped up in your 'son’s death’ (my family’s problems), that you have forgotten about all of those times that I made your ‘flour and oil not run out.’ Don’t you remember how I have provided and delivered you before? Don’t you remember how I healed your broken heart time and time again? Have you forgotten about all of the times I was there and I made a way when it seemed impossible? I am the same God now that I was during all of those times! You may feel weak and broken right now, but I am still strong and all-powerful! I will ‘raise your son from the dead’ and you will praise my name once again!"</p>

<p>As I felt such a burning feeling in my spirit, I knew that God was right! I was so focused on my current tragedy that it was clouding my hindsight. I was forgetting all of the many, many times He has provided and come through before. He has made my "flour and oil not run out" more times that I can count, and yet in this moment all I could see was my family’s problem and uncertain/foggy future!</p>

<p>If that wasn’t enough of a reminder to trust Him and His faithfulness, the very next day I found even more conviction and strength as I listened to "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnmSkVMs0MA" target="_blank" title="Hindsight song">Hindsight</a>" (a song from Hillsong Young & Free’s latest album "III"):</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">
"I don’t need to know what the future says<br />
'Cause if the past could talk it would tell me this<br />
My God isn’t finished yet<br />
If He did it before He can do it again<br />
So I’ll trust Him with what comes next<br />
For the God I know is known for faithfulness<br />
Yeah, my hindsight says<br />
I can trust Him with what’s next<br />
For the God I know<br />
Is known for faithfulness"
</h4>

<p>I needed to do just like this song says - trust God not because everything looks great right now, but because He is with me and He has always been faithful! Even though I still don’t know how my family stuff will work out or what it will look like in a week, month, or year, I know this: "My God isn’t finished yet. If He did it before He can do it again"!

<p>It’s moments like these when I realize just how close God is to us. I was guilty of thinking that I already knew that story so I wasn’t even trying to see how God could speak to me through it. I had forgotten that the Bible is God’s "living word" (<a href="https://my.bible.com/bible/111/HEB.4.12" target="_blank" title="Hebrews 4:12">Hew. 4:12</a>), and it’s relevant no matter how many times we’ve heard it before. And even though I was wrong in forgetting this and not trusting Him completely with my current heartache, He still decided to gently remind me that He’s in control and that I needed to set my eyes back on Him!</p>

<p>I don’t know what you’re going through, or if you identify with Elijah or the widow. If you find yourself, like me, forgetting or taking God's goodness for granted, I encourage you to look back at all of the times that God provided and made a way before; just like He did then, He can do it again today!</p>

<p>PS - If you have no idea what I’m talking about, that’s cool too. If you are ever curious and want to chat about this God that I talk about, I am just <a href="http://www.natinlove.com/p/contact.html" target="_blank">a message</a> away. I don’t have all the answers, but I can share with you what God has done in my life and how I know He’s the real thing!</p>

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Encontrando Esperanza en la Fidelidad de Dios)</h2>

<p>¿Alguna vez has leído un libro o has visto un programa tantas veces que anticipas lo que va a pasar, e incluso lo memorizas/lo repites? Esto me sucede todo el tiempo con mis programas favoritos, especialmente con Friends and Scrubs; ¡mi esposo y yo los mencionamos todo el tiempo! También he hecho esto a veces con la Biblia ya que he ido a la iglesia la mayor parte de mi vida y he escuchado las mismas historias de la Biblia una y otra vez. Al igual que mis programas favoritos, han habido momentos en los que pienso, "sí, sí, he escuchado esa escritura antes. No es nada nuevo, estoy bien".</p>

<p>La semana pasada en nuestro grupo de la iglesia (nos reunimos en la casa de unos amigos para convivir y estudiar de Dios), hablamos sobre <a href="https://my.bible.com/bible/149/1KI.17" target="_blank" title="I Reyes 17">I Reyes 17</a>, una escritura que he conocido toda mi vida. En este capítulo encontramos dos historias en las que Dios cuidó de Elías (un profeta): 1) Dios le dio comida (¡cuervos le trajeron pan y carne todos los días!) cuando vivía por un arroyo durante una sequía. 2) Dios le dio alimento y refugio a través de una viuda pobre. A pesar de que ella sólo tenía un poco de harina y aceite de oliva para hacer un último pedazo de pan, Dios siguió proveyendo y esas dos cosas milagrosamente no se agotaron. Algún tiempo después, el hijo de la viuda murió y ella estaba devastada/enojada, pero Elías oró a Dios y el hijo volvió a vivir. Cuando su hijo volvió a la vida, la viuda alabó y creyó en Elías y en Dios.</p>

<p>Después de que terminamos de leer la Escritura en nuestro grupo, mi esposo abrió la discusión y nuestros amigos intercambiaron sus comentarios. Como yo ya conocía estas historias, y estaba pasando un momento difícil gracias a una enfermedad y problemas familiares, simplemente me quedé callada. Sin embargo, uno de los comentarios de mi amiga me impactó mucho: mencionó que le parecía gracioso/sorprendente que, aunque Dios había proveído una y otra vez haciendo que la harina y el aceite de la viuda no se acabaran, cuando su hijo resucita es cuando ella dice "'Ahora conozco que tú eres varón de Dios, y que la palabra de Jehová es verdad en tu boca." en el versículo 24. El hecho de que ella dice que "AHORA" sabe que Elías y Dios son verdaderos, es como si todos los otros días donde su comida no se agotó "mágicamente" no fueran suficientes, ¡pero AHORA ella cree!</p>

<p>Cuando mi amiga estaba hablando de esa parte de la historia y de cómo hacemos lo mismo con Dios, sentí un intenso sentimiento de la presencia de Dios. Siempre me he identificado con Elías - no que haya tenido pájaros que me alimenten o que haya levantado a alguien de entre los muertos (¡lo cual sería una locura y maravilloso!) - pero me he visto a mí misma como el personaje que buscaba a Dios, que oraba, y veía a Dios proveyendo en momentos de necesidad. Bueno, esta vez sentí que Dios me estaba corrigiendo, diciendo algo así como: "¡Oye tú! ¡Ésta eres tú ahora! Eres la VIUDA esta vez. Estás tan absorbida en la 'muerte de tu hijo' (los problemas de mi familia), que has olvidado todas esas veces que hice que tu 'harina y aceite no se agotaran.' ¿No recuerdas cómo te he provisto y ayudado antes? No recuerdas cómo sané tu corazón roto una y otra vez? ¿Has olvidado todas las veces que estuve allí e hice un camino cuando parecía imposible? ¡Soy el mismo Dios ahora que cuando estuve en todos esos tiempos! Puedes sentirte débil y quebrantada en este momento, ¡pero yo todavía soy fuerte y omnipotente! Yo ‘levantaré a tu hijo de entre los muertos’ ¡y alabarás mi nombre una vez más!"</p>

<p>¡Mientras sentía una sensación tan ardiente en mi espíritu, supe que Dios tenía la razón! Estaba tan concentrada en mi tragedia actual que estaba nublando mi visión retrospectiva. Me estaba olvidando de todas las muchas, muchas veces que Él ha provisto y me ha rescatado anteriormente. Él ha hecho que mi "harina y aceite no se agoten" más veces de las que puedo contar, y sin embargo, en este momento todo lo que podía ver era el problema de mi familia y el futuro incierto/nebuloso.</p>

<p>Si eso no fuera suficiente como un recordatorio para confiar en Él y en su fidelidad, al día siguiente encontré aún más convicción y fuerza al escuchar "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnmSkVMs0MA" target="_blank" title="Hindsight song">Hindsight</a>" (una canción del último álbum de Hillsong Young & Free, "III"), que se traduce:</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">
"No necesito saber lo que dice el futuro<br />
Porque si el pasado podría hablar me dijera esto<br />
Mi Dios no ha terminado todavía<br />
Si lo hizo antes lo puede hacer otra vez<br />
así que confiaré en Él con lo que viene a continuación<br />
Porque el Dios que conozco es conocido por su fidelidad<br />
sí, mi visión retrospectiva dice<br />
Puedo confiar en Él con lo que sigue<br />
Porque el Dios que conozco<br />
Es conocido por su fidelidad"
</h4>

<p>Necesitaba hacer exactamente lo que dice esta canción: confiar en Dios no porque todo se ve bien en este momento, ¡sino porque Él está conmigo y Él siempre ha sido fiel! Aunque todavía no sé cómo se resolverán las cosas de mi familia o cómo serán en una semana, mes, o año, sé lo siguiente: "¡Mi Dios aún no ha terminado. Si lo hizo antes lo podrá hacer otra vez!"</p>

<p>Son momentos como éstos cuando me doy cuenta de cuán cerca está Dios de nosotros. Era culpable de pensar que ya conocía esa historia, así que ni siquiera estaba tratando de ver cómo Dios podía hablarme a través de ella. Había olvidado que la Biblia es la "palabra viva" de Dios (<a href="https://my.bible.com/bible/149/HEB.4.12" target="_blank" title="Hechos 4:12">Hechos 4:12</a>), y es aplicable sin importar cuántas veces la hayamos escuchado antes. Y a pesar de que estaba equivocada al olvidar esto y no confiar completamente en Él con mi angustia actual, ¡Él todavía decidió recordarme tiernamente de que Él tiene el control y que yo necesitaba volver a poner mis ojos en Él!</p>

<p>No sé por lo que estás pasando, o si te identificas con Elías o la viuda. Si te encuentras, como yo, olvidando o dando por sentado la bondad de Dios, te animo a mirar hacia atrás en todas las ocasiones donde Dios proveyó e hizo un camino para ti; justo como lo hizo entonces, ¡puede hacerlo de nuevo hoy!</p>

<p>PD - si no tienes idea de lo que estoy hablando, no hay problema. Si alguna vez sientes curiosidad y quieres hablar sobre este Dios del que hablo, solo estoy a <a href="http://www.natinlove.com/p/contact.html" target="_blank">un mensaje</a> de distancia. No tengo todas las respuestas, pero puedo compartirte lo que Dios ha hecho en mi vida y cómo sé que Él es verdadero.</p>

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Finding Hope in God's Faithfulness

nat September 19, 2018 faith life lesson lifestyle

( Encontrando Esperanza en la Fidelidad de Dios ) Have you ever read a book or watched a show so many times that you anticipate ...

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(<a href="#post-txt-es" title="Leer en Español">Cómo Prepararse para la Escuela</a>)</h2>

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<p>Summer is wrapping up and the inevitable is before us - a new school year is here! Today's post is all about the things I wished I would've known last year before starting our first year of school. Since Coen had mostly been at home with a sitter up to this point and I grew up in Honduras, school was a brand new chapter for both us! You can read how I <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2017/11/prepping-for-pre-k.html" title="Prepping for Pre-K" target="_blank">prepared for Pre-K</a> as best I could, yet I still had a lot to learn throughout the year!</p>

<p>Whether this is the first year of school for your kiddo(s) or the second/third/nth school year, here are some of my tips on how to prepare for a new school year:</p>

<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Ask Questions Early On</h3>
<p>Not being familiar with the school system in this country, I was unaware of many things that other parents probably already knew. I had a lot of questions that I wanted to ask, but I held back sometimes thinking some questions were dumb or maybe I would bother his teachers too much. Looking back, I wish I would've have asked anyway instead of worrying and missing opportunities.</p>

<p>If you have a question, even if you think it's simple or dumb, ask anyway! Here are a few of questions I wish I would have asked earlier in the year:</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Lunch Visits</h4>
<p>Coen's school lets parents come in for lunch to visit their kiddos. I don't remember this being a thing at my school in Honduras, so I was surprised this was an option here! We didn't visit Coen until late into the first semester because 1) we didn't know how much it was encouraged and that Coen wanted us to come, and 2) I didn't know I could have brought Adi with me. Once I finally asked his teacher if Adi could come (and she said yes!), we really enjoyed visiting Coen for lunch. It was nice getting a little sneak peak of his school life and his interaction with others. If I had known (asked!) before, I would have gone earlier and more often!</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">More Feedback</h4>
<p>Depending on the school, your kiddo, and your own preferences, you may want/need more feedback on a regular basis. I wanted a lot of information, probably more than most parents! Haha. For Coen's class, we got information on Fridays and anytime there was a major issue. On a daily basis, though, I didn't get much feedback other than what the teacher would briefly tell us at car rider pick-up and what Coen would tell me (which didn't always make sense!). At the end of the first semester we had our first parent teacher conference; as I shared my concerns, his teacher asked if I wanted daily feedback. I wanted to say yes, but since she had told us Coen was progressing (and I wanted to seem chill - which I clearly wasn't!), I said no. When the second semester started and Coen was still having behavior issues, I finally asked for a daily behavior chart. Having that regular report was the beginning of our breakthrough, and by the end of the semester he had two weeks of "all green smileys" (good) days! Maybe if I had asked earlier things would have been different, but I'm glad I asked at all!</p>

<p>If you need more information, don't be afraid to talk with their teacher. Ask for a conference, see if it would be possible to get more regular feedback to work on particular areas. Don't be scared or shy to ask how you can help your kiddo!</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Objectives for the Year</h4>
<p>Are there specific objectives or milestones that the teacher wants your kiddo (and the rest of the class) to learn by the end of the semester/year? Last year I was so focused on what I wanted or expected Coen to learn, especially when the behavior issues started to happen, that I completely missed this one! I plan to do better this time and I will ask his teacher if there are particular items we need to complete by the end of Kindergarten.</p>

<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Be Proactive At Home</h3>
<p>You can never prepare for everything coming your kiddo's way, but here are some important things I wish I would have focused more time and effort on before Coen started school. Even now, a year later, we continue to talk and encourage him in these areas as they are valuable lessons no matter what age someone is!</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Teach Kindness</h4>
<p>I mentioned on "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/07/lessons-from-our-pre-k-year-part-i.html" title="Lessons from Pre-K" target="_blank">Lessons from Pre-K</a>" how I didn't expect Pre-K kiddos to be mean that young (including my own kiddo!). Coen had not been that rude or gross at home before starting school, so I had no idea it was going to be such an issue. Last year showed me that it's never too early to teach your kiddos to be kind. Don't wait until your kiddo starts acting rude (or someone is mean to them), to teach them 1) how to be kind to everyone, and 2) how to respond when someone disrespects or even bullies them!</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Teach Emotional Intelligence</h4>
<p>Most of Coen's behavior issues (being rude, calling names, hitting/kicking, etc.) were not usually the root issue themselves, but a reaction when he couldn't express his emotions with words. I'm sure this is a lesson for all kiddos, but it's especially hard for strong-willed people that feel everything very intensely (like Coen and I)! When Coen wanted someone's attention and approval (which is natural), instead of talking to his classmates or just moving on, he would start bothering them and even getting physical. When he was upset or mad, he would get stuck in that emotion and use his hands/feet, instead of verbalizing and resolving the issue. These days we're still working on using our words and controlling our emotions, but it's starting to get easier the more he becomes aware of it. I've also tried to be transparent with him as I learn the same thing myself; I believe it helps him see that he's not the only one who struggles with this and that we are growing together!</p>

<p>Whether your kiddo is emotionally calm/controlled or easily charged, work on helping them process their emotions and communicate with words. It may be gradual, but it will pay off not only for school but for their entire life!</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Teach Inclusivity</h4>
<p>Coming from a mixed family, I naively believed that Coen would naturally understand that skin color, languages, and any other outward appearances made zero differences. Before school, we didn't actively talk about races or skin colors, thinking that maybe if I didn't make a big deal about it, Coen wouldn't treat it as something weird or different. I did not anticipate just how exclusive Coen would become as soon as school started. Since he had not made any comments about disliking others based on their looks before, we were shocked and hurt when he started saying that certain kids were "bad" because of their skin color!</p>

<p>As soon as he started talking that way and reacting with anger and dislike for anyone that was not like him, we began to tackle this at home straight on! I realized that even though he was growing up in a culturally mixed home, we still had to instruct him to love everyone. We have continued to talk and instruct him about it ever since! Even though Coen has grown a lot in this area, a key conversation happened this summer when he made a comment about not wanting to play or talk to someone of a particular color. Whit looked at him in the eyes and asked him, "what color do you think you are?" Coen replied, "white." Whit went on and told him how he was not actually white, being Honduran American. He also told Coen to look at me and tell him if he loved me even though I wasn't white; Coen's eyes got really big in shock. We continued to explain how his behavior was rude and hurtful not just in general, but especially to me. It was a hard but necessary moment!</p>

<p>So no matter what your family or school looks like, don't avoid the subject but intentionally instruct your kiddos to love everyone. Casually bring it up as you see people that look different than them, and remind them that looks make no difference in how "good" or "bad" someone is. Don't make my mistake and assume that they will just "pick it up" by seeing family members or friends that look different from them. Hate and exclusion can be easily learned, so make sure you instruct and model love for everyone - whether they look like them or not!</p>

<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Trust and Let Go</h3>
<p>I like to have control when things are shaky or unknown; having to trust (in Coen, teachers, etc.) and let go of my worry is not easy! Even though I'm still learning, a major breakthrough came when I felt God telling me to put Coen's future in His hands (read "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/05/victory-over-mom-fail.html" title="Victory over a Mom Fail" target="_blank">Victory over a Mom Fail</a>" for more). Up to that point, I was trying so hard to do everything I could not to "mess him up," but I was actually hurting him instead of teaching him to grow!</p>

<p>If this area is also hard for you, take baby steps! Learn to let go one day at a time as you find new ways to champion and trust your kiddo. More importantly, learn to entrust your kiddos in God's hands. You will find peace when you remember that God knows what is best for them, and that He will guide and protect them!</p>

<p>While I'm constantly learning about new ways to love, instruct, and champion my kiddo, these are some of the things I wish I would have known before Coen started his first year of school! Parents - what are some things you wish you would've known before your kiddos started school? Teachers - what are some things you wish parents knew before starting a new school year?</p>

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<p>* To shop my Back-to-School must-haves, check out my "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/08/back-to-school-2018.html" title="Back to School Shopping" target="_blank">Back to School: Kindergarten</a>" post. *</p>

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Cómo Prepararse para la Escuela)</h2>

<p>El verano se está terminando y lo inevitable está delante de nosotros - ¡un nuevo año escolar está aquí! La publicación de hoy se trata de las cosas que yo hubiera querido saber el año pasado antes de comenzar nuestro primer año de escuela. Ya que Coen había estado mayormente en casa con una niñera hasta ese momento y como yo crecí en Honduras, ¡la escuela aquí era un nuevo capítulo para ambos! Puedes leer cómo me <a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2017/11/prepping-for-pre-k.html" title="Preparándonos para Prekínder" target="_blank">preparé para el Prekínder</a> lo mejor que pude, ¡pero todavía tenía mucho que aprender durante todo el año!</p>

<p>Si este es el primer año de escuela para tu(s) hijo(s) o es el segundo/tercer/undécimo año escolar, estos son algunos de mis consejos sobre cómo prepararte para un nuevo año escolar:</p>

<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Haz Preguntas Desde Temprano</h3>
<p>Al no estar familiarizada con el sistema escolar en este país, no estaba al tanto de muchas cosas que probablemente otros padres ya conocían. Tenía muchas preguntas que quería hacer, pero me contuve a veces pensando que algunas preguntas eran tontas o que molestaría demasiado a sus profesoras. Mirando hacia atrás, desearía haber preguntado de todos modos en lugar de preocuparme y hasta perder algunas oportunidades.</p>

<p>Si tienes una pregunta, incluso si crees que es simple o tonta, ¡pregunta de todos modos! Éstas son algunas de las preguntas que me gustaría haber hecho a principios de año:</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Visitas en el Almuerzo</h4>
<p>La escuela de Coen permite que los padres vayan a almorzar con sus hijos. No recuerdo que esto era posible en mi escuela en Honduras, ¡así que me sorprendió que fuera una opción aquí! No visitamos a Coen hasta a finales del primer semestre porque 1) no sabíamos que era algo que nos animaban a hacer y que Coen quería que fuéramos, y 2) no sabía que podía llevar a Adi conmigo. Una vez que finalmente le pregunté a su maestra si Adi podía venir (¡y ella dijo que sí!), disfrutamos bastante de nuestros almuerzos con Coen. Fue bueno tener un vistazo de su vida escolar y de su interacción con sus compañeros. Si lo hubiera sabido (¡preguntado!) antes, ¡hubiera ido más temprano y con más frecuencia!</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Más Información</h4>
<p>Dependiendo de la escuela, tu hijo(a) y tus propias preferencias, es posible que desees/necesites información más regularmente. Yo quería mucha información, ¡probablemente más que la mayoría de los padres! Jaja. En este año nos daban información los viernes y en cualquier momento que hubiera un problema grave. A diario, sin embargo, no nos daban mucha información, aparte de lo que la maestra nos decía brevemente al recogerlo en el carro y lo que Coen me decía (¡lo cual no siempre tenía sentido!). Al final del primer semestre tuvimos nuestra primera conferencia con su maestra; mientras yo compartía mis inquietudes, su maestra me preguntó si yo quería un reporte diario. Quería decirle que sí, pero como ella nos había dicho que Coen estaba progresando (y yo quería parecer tranquila, ¡lo cual no estaba, obviamente!), le dije que no. Cuando comenzó el segundo semestre y Coen todavía tenía problemas de conducta, finalmente solicité un reporte de conducta diaria. Tener ese informe regular fue el comienzo de nuestro avance con Coen, y para el final del semestre tuvo dos semanas de días buenos ("con todas las caritas verdes"). Tal vez si hubiera preguntado antes las cosas hubieran sido diferentes, ¡pero me alegra que por lo menos pregunté de todos modos!</p>

<p>Si necesitas más información, no tengas miedo de hablar con su maestro(a). Pide una conferencia, mira si sería posible obtener información más regularmente para trabajar en áreas particulares. ¡No tengas miedo ni timidez de preguntar cómo puedes ayudar a tu hijo(a)!</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Objetivos para el Año Escolar</h4>
<p>¿Hay objetivos o metas específicas que la maestra quiere que tu hijo (a) (y el resto de la clase) aprenda antes del final del semestre/año? El año pasado yo estaba tan concentrada en lo que yo quería o esperaba que Coen aprendiera, especialmente cuando los problemas de comportamiento comenzaron a suceder, ¡que perdí por completo este punto! Planeo hacerlo mejor este año y le preguntaré a su maestra si hay elementos particulares que necesitamos completar antes del final de Kinder.</p>

<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Se Proactivo(a) en Casa</h3>
<p>Aunque nunca puedes prepararte para todo lo que le ocurrirá a tu hijo(a), aquí te comparto algunas cosas importantes que yo desearía haber enfocado más tiempo y esfuerzo antes de que Coen empezara la escuela. Incluso ahora, un año después, continuamos hablándole y alentándolo en estas áreas, ¡ya que son lecciones valiosas sin importar la edad que tengamos!</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Enseña Bondad</h4>
<p>Como mencioné en "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/07/lessons-from-our-pre-k-year-part-i.html" title="Lecciones de Prekínder" target="_blank">Lecciones de Prekínder</a>," yo no esperaba que los niños de preescolar fueran tan “malitos” (¡incluyendo mi propio hijo!). Coen no había sido tan grosero ni asqueroso en casa antes de comenzar la escuela, así que no tenía idea de que iba a ser un problema. El año pasado me mostró que nunca es demasiado temprano para enseñarles a los niños a ser amables. No esperes hasta que tu hijo(a) comience a comportarse de forma grosera (o que alguien sea malo con él(ella)) para enseñarle 1) cómo ser amable con todos, y 2) cómo responder cuando alguien les falta el respeto o incluso los molesta.</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Enseña Inteligencia Emocional</h4>
<p>La mayoría de los problemas de comportamiento de Coen (ser grosero, llamar nombres, pegar/patear, etc.) no eran en sí mismos la raíz del problema, sino una reacción cuando él no podía expresar sus emociones con palabras. Estoy segura de que ésta es una lección para todos los niños, pero es especialmente difícil para las personas de personalidad fuerte que sienten todo intensamente (¡como Coen y yo)! Cuando Coen quería la atención y la aprobación de alguien (lo cual es natural), en lugar de hablar con sus compañeros o distraerse con otra cosa, él comenzaba a molestarlos. Cuando estaba molesto o enojado, se quedaba atrapado en esa emoción, y usaba sus manos/pies en lugar de hablar y resolver el problema. En estos días seguimos trabajando en usar nuestras palabras y controlar nuestras emociones, pero se le está empezando a ser más fácil ya que está más consciente de hacerlo. También he tratado de ser transparente con él ya que yo estoy aprendiendo lo mismo; ¡creo que le ayuda a ver que él no es el único que lucha con ésto y que estamos creciendo juntos!</p>

<p>Ya sea que su hijo(a) sea emocionalmente tranquilo(a) o que sea fácilmente alterado(a), trabaja para ayudarlo(a) a procesar sus emociones y comunicarse con palabras. Puede que sea gradual, ¡pero valdrá la pena no sólo en la escuela, pero para toda su vida!</p>

<h4 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Enseña Inclusividad</h4>
<p>Viniendo de una familia mixta, ingenuamente creí que Coen entendería naturalmente que el color de la piel, los idiomas y cualquier otra apariencia externa no hace alguna diferencia. Antes de la escuela, no hablábamos activamente sobre las razas o los colores de la piel, pensando que tal vez si no le daba mucha importancia, Coen no lo trataría como algo extraño o diferente. No anticipé cuán exclusivo se volvería tan pronto como comenzara la escuela. Como él no había hecho ningún comentario del aspecto de la gente anteriormente, ¡nos sorprendió y dolió cuando comenzó a decir que ciertos niños eran "malos" por el color de su piel!</p>

<p>Tan pronto como él comenzó a hablar de esa manera y a reaccionar con enojo y aversión hacia cualquiera que no era como él, ¡comenzamos a tratar con ésto en casa de inmediato! Me di cuenta de que a pesar de que estaba creciendo en un hogar culturalmente mixto, todavía teníamos que instruirlo a amar a todos. ¡Seguimos hablando e instruyéndolo sobre ésto desde entonces! A pesar de que Coen ha crecido mucho en esta área, una conversación clave pasó este verano cuando él hizo un comentario sobre no querer jugar o hablar con alguien de un color en particular. Whit lo miró a los ojos y le preguntó: "¿de qué color crees que eres?" Coen respondió: "blanco". Whit continuó y le dijo que él no era realmente blanco, siendo Hondureño Estadounidense. También le dijo a Coen que me mirara y le dijera si me amaba a pesar de que yo no era blanca; los ojos de Coen se hicieron muy grandes al estar sorprendido. Continuamos explicándole cómo su comportamiento es grosero e hiriente no solo en general, sino especialmente para mí. ¡Fue un momento difícil pero necesario!</p>

<p>Así que no importa cómo sea tu familia o escuela, no evites el tema, sino instruye intencionalmente a tu hijo(a) para que amen a todos. De manera informal, menciónalo cuando veas personas que se ven diferentes a él(ella) y recuérdale que las apariencias no influyen en cuan "buena" o "mala" sea la persona. No cometas mi error y asumas que simplemente "lo captarán" al ver a miembros de la familia o amigos que se ven diferentes de ellos. El odio y la exclusión se pueden aprender fácilmente, así que asegúrate de instruir y modelar el amor para todos, ¡ya sea que se parezcan a ellos o no!</p>

<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Confía y Déjalo Ir</h3>
<p>A mí me gusta tener el control cuando las cosas están inestables o son desconocidas; ¡no es fácil para mí tener que confiar (en Coen, profesores, etc.) y dejar al lado mi preocupación! A pesar de que todavía estoy aprendiendo ésto, un gran avance vino cuando sentí que Dios me decía que pusiera el futuro de Coen en sus manos (lee "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/05/victory-over-mom-fail.html" title="Victoria Sobre un Fracaso de Mami" target="_blank">Victoria Sobre un Fracaso de Mami</a>" para los detalles). Hasta ese momento, yo estaba haciendo todo lo posible para evitar "arruinarlo," ¡pero en realidad lo estaba lastimando en vez de enseñarle a crecer!</p>

<p>Si esta área también es difícil para ti, ¡da pasos de bebé! Aprende a soltar poco a poco al encontrar nuevas formas de apoyar y confiar en tu hijo(a). Más importante aún, aprende a confiar tu hijo(a) en las manos de Dios. ¡Encontrarás paz cuando recuerdes que Dios sabe lo que es mejor para ellos, y que Él los guiará y protegerá!</p>

<p>Mientras sigo aprendiendo constantemente sobre nuevas formas de amar, instruir, y apoyar a mi hijo, éstas son algunas de las cosas que me gustaría haber sabido antes de que Coen comenzara su primer año de escuela. Padres - ¿Cuáles son algunas cosas que desearían haber sabido antes de que sus hijos comenzaran la escuela? Maestros: ¿Cuáles son algunas de las cosas que les gustaría que supieran los padres antes de comenzar un nuevo año escolar?</p>

<br />

<p>* Para comprar mis artículos favoritos para el regreso a clases, mira mi publicación "<a href="https://www.natinlove.com/2018/08/back-to-school-2018.html" title="De Vuelta a la Escuela: Kindergarten" target="_blank">De Vuelta a la Escuela: Kindergarten</a>". *</p>

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How to Prepare for School

nat August 08, 2018 how to kids life lesson lifestyle mami life school

( Cómo Prepararse para la Escuela ) Summer is wrapping up and the inevitable is before us - a new school year is here! Today's...

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