January 2019

27Jan2019

<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

( 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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05Jan2019

<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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04Jan2019

<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>

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<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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