Can you imagine?

Hi friends Happy Monday! xoxo How was your weekend? Fun I hope :) So I was out walking with a fabulous friend of mine yesterday morning along Elwood Beach... and I asked her a question I actually ask in the first chapter of my book. I asked her, "What would you do if you had unlimited finances and you never had to work again...?"

As we took a few moments and allowed the enormity of the question to soak in, (whilst power walking super-passionately along the Brighton-Elwood coast path of course) we found ourselves launching into the most wonderful conversation. Full of imagination, and without limits, the lid was taken off. We were like excited little girls dreaming of travel, businesses, new creative ideas, blessing people extravagantly, and living in abundance.

Imagination is the key. Walt Disney saw Cinderella's Castle in his mind before building it. Look at this blueprint below, this is what he imagined. Now compare it to the first photo. Imagination brings the dream to life.  

So what about you? Can you imagine? Would you know how to answer this question? What would you do with unlimited finances and resources? We are often quick to shut down our ideas due financial limitations before our minds get a chance to begin to dream. But this week is different. This week... it's time to fly.

Give it a go! Go on... as you start this week afresh, take a moment now to realign your thinking with God's thoughts, and really ask yourself these questions:

1. What does my dream life look like?

2. What did I want to do/be when I was little?

3. What is the main thing stopping me from living your dreams?

4. Again, if I had unlimited finances and resources, what would I do? (Remember... think BIG. As in MASSIVE).

Because do you know what? Even though we are often limited by finances and time and people and resources, God is not. He has all of the above in unlimited supply... and it's fully accessible to us at any time! So, it's up to us to renew our thoughts and think with an "abundance mindset".

My book, "Anything Can Happen" talks lots about this, it's all about abundance and imagining and seeing the dream before it becomes reality. (I am in the process of editing it at the moment and I can't wait to show you!) :)  xo

So friends... this week, as we look forward at this magnificent year ahead of us, let's set aside some time (even if it's just 30 minutes) to DREAM. Whether it be in a cafe, a park, a restaurant or in your bedroom... just like with Walt Disney, things happen when we dream. So let your imagination run absolutely wild... because anything can happen. ;) 

Cheering you on as you imagine and dream this week!

Love Nat xo

xox

Images - via Pinterest

Refreshed by joy.

Hi friends! Merry Christmas! Eeeeek :) It's three sleeps to go! Well, I hope you have had a great week. Don't you just love this time of year so much? :) What's the most Christmassy thing you have done this season so far? 

Sooo my last post was on "Just chase the one rabbit", and you know what... I have taken my own advice. Yep. Rather than chasing a million rabbits and trying to get a zillion projects done, (and actually getting nothing done in the end!) last week I put everything else on hold and focused on one rabbit. And the rabbit I focused on was this little project... These ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN prints. And honestly, the only reason I was able to get them done amidst all the busyness of this time of year... was because I was able to focus on one thing. ;) Look how shiny they are!

Pretty beautiful hey :) So I have been a busy little bee this past week, processing orders and getting them out before Christmas. (More info coming soon (with pics!) on the printing process!) (PS: to order these prints see below). How about you, do you think you are able to cut back on the rabbits you are chasing? Let me tell you, there is LOTS more joy when we are focused on one thing at a time.

And speaking of joy, I recently noticed an article I wrote last year for Christian Woman Magazine on their website again this month. It's all about keeping our joy at this time. So I thought I would share it with you all today. Hope you have fun reading it :) xo

... REFRESHED BY JOY THIS CHRISTMAS ...

By Natalie Box

My family and friends know that by the time September hits, the Christmas season has pretty much begun for me. While other people are thinking about school holidays and sport, I’m already beginning to dream about decorations, gift ideas, Christmas parties and perhaps even playing some Christmas music (secretly of course). I just love the feeling of Christmas. Do you know what I mean? It’s that magical excitement that stirs when decorations start to appear in stores. Gifts are bought and wrapped, trees are trimmed, Christmas movies are watched and candles are lit (Christmas scented of course). However, even though these things do bring great joy, my favourite part of Christmas is celebrating the joy bringer himself. 

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given … and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. (Isaiah 9:6, NLT). The weight of hope that flows through these words carries truth and life. Here we find ourselves in a season where miraculous hope has suddenly invaded descended upon our planet. The whole world is looking to Jesus! However, despite the reality of this abundant hope, sometimes rather than overflowing with joy, we can actually become overwhelmed by busyness. Ticking off to do lists, sticking to (or going over) budgets, and watching our December calendar fill up right before our very eyes, all become the focus of our attention. All of a sudden we’ve boarded the train to “anxious-ville” and we can’t wait for Christmas to be over. What? Seriously! How crazy is that?!

But good news, this is not what our heavenly Dad has for us. Stress is not his will for our life. Instead of anxiousness and fear; peace, rest and joy are his gifts to us this season. Even as you read this article, I pray that his refreshing presence would wash over you, bringing life to your soul. The word ‘refresh’ means, “to give new strength or energy to; to reinvigorate” (Oxford Dictionary). However if you think about it with reference to a computer, ‘refresh’ means, “to reload and create an updated version of a website” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). God wants to reload us with strength, renew our minds, and refresh us with joy this season.

God is into exchanges. He loves taking our mess and replacing it with order. When he presses ‘refresh’; everything else fades away, and rest, hope, peace and joy come. In the midst of a flurry of to do lists, deadlines and appointments, joy is what he has for you. When it’s noisy, he gives you quiet. When things are moving too fast, he stills your soul. His promise for you today is, “I will lead you to quiet waters and restore your soul” (Psalm 23:2-3). Here are some ways you can be refreshed by joy this season.

5 WAYS TO BE REFRESHED BY JOY THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON:

1. Stop and remember.

What an incredible day that was, when hope entered the world. The finest of plans, meticulously set in place from the foundations of the earth, finally ready to come to pass. Stop and remember. That day, a waiting world watched. A Father’s generosity was poured out. And a Saviour came for the joy set before him. That’s you. What a reason to celebrate!

2. Instead of being overwhelmed, trust.

Worrying never helps the situation. Even though it feels like it’s helping, it’s not. Choose to consciously turn your affection towards him, despite feeling overwhelmed. In an instant his presence comes. “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for (his) voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.” (Prov 3:5-6, MSG)

3. Rest in his presence.

All it takes is one moment in his presence. “In his presence is joyful abundance!” (Psalm 16:11, ISV). He is always there waiting with so much goodness for you.  The second you turn your affection to him; the connection is instant. This season, his joy changes everything. And he’s waiting right now with a fresh batch for you.

4. Cultivate thankfulness.

Thankfulness releases the miraculous. When you begin to thank God for the blessings around you, big or small, your perspective changes and hope invades. God says to you, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” (Rev 4:1) Instead of being overwhelmed by small thinking, let thankfulness elevate you to a place where joy abounds.

5. Have fun… It’s Christmas!

Think about kids. They don’t do anything unless it’s fun. So, it’s time for you to have some fun. Sometimes as adults we think we’re “too old” to really get into all the celebrations. Well I am here to tell you that you have permission to have fun this Christmas! So get ready because guess what… it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

So right now, take a deep breath. Breathe in his presence. Rest in his love and be encouraged. You are doing an amazing job and I am cheering you on! God bless you and Merry Christmas.  Remember to expect surprises... because anything can happen. ;)

Have a beautiful day guys! This is me bursting with excitement putting together my first orders :) If you would like to order these prints for $25 each (regular mail) or $30 each (express post in time for Christmas) simply email natalie@thewritersink.com.au to place your order :)

Love you guys lots!!

Love Nat xox

Images 3-7 via Pinterest

Exciting News :: "The Writer's Ink" New Logo and Website Launch.

Hi my friends! How is your week so far? Guess what... it's only 36 sleeps til Christmas woo hoo! :) Soooo, I have some exciting news to share with you today. As you probably know by now, my heart for The Writer's Ink is to encourage you (and everyone else I can possibly find!) and to inspire you. From my very first blog posts in 2012 my vision has been to encourage you to think bigger, to follow the dreams in your heart, to flourish and thrive in all you do and to understand just how amazing you are! For the last two and a half years I have done my best to inspire you to take crazy risks, to ignore fear, to stir up your gifts, to step out in faith, to expect abundance, and truly believe that at any moment, anything can happen. :)

So just as I have been encouraging you guys to step out and believe 'anything can happen' I've also been on this journey myself. For the past three months I have been on my own 'crazy leap of faith', moving to New York for two months, and writing this book. I'll tell you about my NYC experience soon, but I'll just say that it was extravagantly more than I even imagined! A dream come true.

So after such a such an extravagant trip, I wondered, what could be next? Upon returning from my time away, I purposely asked myself "okay, what are my dreams?" As we purposely 'stir up the gifts of God within us', awakening the deep things of our hearts, God loves it and he partners with us. And when he partners with us, things actually happen. When we take the time to stop and really listen to our hearts, it's amazing what we hear :) In the last three weeks I have seen the passion for my vision for The Writers Ink and my book Anything Can Happen grow so much. :) I just love picturing you guys reading this, seeing the gold in you and encouraging you to stir it up and run after your dreams. So... that's why I have decided to step it up and create a bigger platform for me to do this. How? Scroll down for the news :) xoxo

1. Brand New Logo.

So the first exciting news is the fresh new branding of The Writer's Ink. Just before I left for America I had the pleasure of working with my very inspiring friend Rachel McCarthy at Peep Designs to design this fab new logo, and the first element we worked on was my business cards. I took them overseas with me and as it was such an amazing way to connect with people. I wasn't sure what to do with them, but as people asked about my writing, I just handed them out and the response was so lovely. :)

2. New Website and Launch.

And the second piece of exciting news is, I am upgrading this little blog to a full website! I have been working with my fab friend Mark Peric to create this little haven of encouragement, inspiration, beauty and creativity. I also have a few more surprises I am working on at the moment that will be ready for the launch. Eek so exciting. So stay tuned!

So what about you my dear friend, what's bubbling up on the inside of your heart at the moment? We still have six full weeks left of 2014 which means there is plenty of time to see one (or more!) of your dreams come true ;) I love Paul's passion when he says this... 

So let's stir up those gifts and keep them ablaze today okay! Yep, that's what we've gotta do. So be encouraged... write out this scripture and stick it to your bathroom mirror!

I love you lots and am cheering you on always :)

Love Nat xoxo

Images 2 and 6 :: via my Pinterest Page

All other images :: via Natalie Box 

Anything Can Happen ~ Book Sneak Peek { Keep focusing on it. }

Happy Tuesday or Wednesday wherever you are in the world! :) How's your week been? It's officially Fall in NYC and it's is so lovely. We have had a few warm days sprinkled in (which I love of course) but now I understand what locals say when they "love New York in the Fall". Beautiful sunny days, without the horrible humidity, but instead an edge of fresh, crisp air. I've been writing my little heart out... for those who don't know I am here in New York writing my book... "Anything Can Happen". It's coming along well but to be really honest with you, I have been feeling a little overwhelmed these past few weeks! Writing takes time and I really want to make sure I am getting God's heart as I write. The creative process is so beautiful, but it's so intricate; carefully crafting and piecing and weaving things together... and this takes time. So as much as I want to be productive, I want to make sure I am not rushing. But being the organised person I am, this can be difficult. (Maybe you can relate?!) When the creative flow is taking longer than planned, or other adventures and opportunities come up, I've had to really ask the Lord for his help and perspective.

Do you ever find you do that? You look at your schedule and then begin to feel totally overwhelmed when you realise you're running out of time or things are taking longer than expected? So I thought I would be honest and share my heart with you. Hopefully it brings encouragement to you to today. Out of a crazy, overwhelming day yesterday, came some beautiful inspiration for my book. Here's a little sneak peek. xo

A N Y T H I N G   C A N  H A P P E N 

{ Keep focusing on it. }

Yesterday I went to sit in Bryant Park to write. It's one of my favourite writing places, because every day they have live jazz. It's such a treat. However when I arrived I was a little bit shocked at what I saw. What was once a lush green patch of green grass, where thousands of locals and travellers normally sprawl in the sunshine, was now a construction site. How tragic! (I'm sure you can picture my face, being the lover of beauty I am. Everyone's going about their day, eating their lunch, chatting, and there's me, standing there like a goose, laptop in hand, with my mouth open as if to say, "um... people, do you guys mean to say you're okay with this?!") Then I realised what was going on. The winter ice skating rink. Ah huh. Adventure and fun was being prepared before my very eyes. But right now, in the 'in between' it was a big old mess. Now, looking back I can see such truth in that scene. Preparation for a new season always requires 'behind the scenes' work and is often messy, but it always ends in something beautiful. After this time of construction there will be a beautiful ice rink where thousands of people will come and skate with such joy.

Anyway, back to me standing there dazed with my laptop. The beautiful pianist continued to play, her gorgeous jazz standards flowing whimsically out into to the air, determined to be heard over the construction and drilling. I shrugged my shoulders and thought, "Well, the show must go on." So I found a table as close to the music as I could and plonked myself there. Have ever you been expecting one thing, but come across another? I was already feeling slightly discouraged that morning, and I when I arrived and saw this picture I felt like it was like a representation of how I was feeling inside. The scene was beautiful, the sun was shining, jazz music was playing, everyone was happy, but there was a loud banging sound intruding on this scene, distracting me from the beauty. 

But we can’t go by feelings can we? Feelings distract us from purpose and joy. So after about two hours of sulking and 'hoping' the discouragement would lift (when will I learn!), I simply asked the Lord to speak to me through his word, and he did. :) What a gift his word is. No matter what we are feeling or experiencing, the word of God cuts through it all and brings life changing hope. Reading his word awakens our spirit and shifts our thinking. It takes us up to where we are seated “heavenly places next to Jesus” bringing clarity and freedom. 

Declaring the word over ourselves in difficult situations is so powerful, because even if we can’t feel anything changing, it is. It’s alive, so the moment it comes out of our mouths it is operative, shifting and changing things. I love the Amplified version of Hebrews 4:12, “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power, making it active, operative, energizing, and effective.” Reading the word helps us lift our eyes and brings focus.

I’d asked God to speak to me, but my thoughts were still buzzing all over the place. Do you ever get that? So I stilled my mind, repositioned myself and listened for his voice. As soon as I did this, I heard him gently lead me to 2 Peter. My eyes almost popped out of my head when I read it! Have you ever come across piece of scripture you have never ever seen before? This was like water to my soul.

 "We couldn’t be more sure of what we saw and heard - God’s glory, God’s voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You’ll do well to keep focusing on it. It’s the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts.”
(2 Peter 1:19-20 MSG)

How true this is. We can be sure of what we have seen and heard. What are the prophetic words and promises that have been confirmed to you? It's time to stir them up because his goodness and his promises are sure. Even now as you are reading these words he is awakening things in you. Immediately after I read this I felt encouraged and strengthened, and I pray you are too. The enemy of our souls is constantly trying to discourage us so we believe nothing will ever happen. But our God is bigger and with him anything can happen. 

So don't give up my friend, whatever the dream is, keep focusing on it. Keep it in front of you. We all have days of discouragement, but we are growing in strength and wisdom every single moment. We know what he has called us to, and it's glorious!

Let these words soak in today. "We couldn't be more sure of what we have seen and heard". We are sure of what he has promised us. And to him, our journey is just as beautiful as our destination. Every day of your life is part of a giant tapestry God is weaving. And he sees it it's fullness and it's gorgeous! 

Have a beautiful day knowing I love you heaps and am cheering you on :)

Love Nat xoxo

Images 1 & 2 via Pinterest

Just enjoy the moment.

Hi friends how are you?! :) After a few weeks travelling along Alaska's Inside Passage visiting Haines, Wrangell and Prince Rupert then through the Rockies, I'm now in Vancouver. Ah I love this city. Well, it does help that it's summer and the weather is stunnnn-ning at the moment :) 

So do you ever find yourself thinking ahead and planning for the next thing, while you're actually still in the middle of something else? Well I do. It's kind of like I'm half enjoying the moment, but then I'm half in the future at the same time. Do you know what I mean? Anyway, last night after a few long travel days, I went for a run along the waterfront. I wanted to make the most of the balmy summer night and it was just so gorgeous. After running for a bit, I sat down on a bench overlooking the marina at Coal Harbour, when suddenly my mind began to tick. 

One second I was running along the water, the wind in my hair, enjoying the moment, and then all of a sudden I was in a spiral of thoughts twirling around and around like a tornado. Thoughts like, "okay tomorrow we're doing this... and then next week I have to arrange this... and then next weekend I'll be getting to New York... and then oh my gosh I have to arrange that..." What the heck?! And all the while I was sitting on a stunning harbour, looking at this view...

Then I heard that still small voice say... Nat, stay in the moment. :)

Oh my gosh! That very second I wanted to slap myself! There I was watching one of the most breathtaking sights of my adventure thus far... and my mind was off with the pixies! So right away I captured my 'slightly-psycho' runaway thoughts and I stopped. As if talking to a child I said to myself, "Natalie, look where you and let's just stay here for now!" Instantly my eyes were drawn to a boat sailing away in the distance. Then to some ducks swimming leaving a ripple behind. Then I spotted some girlfriends walking along laughing. Then along came some kids skipping. I inhaled a big breath... and just sat.

How much more is there for us when we actually stay in the moment? We need to be aware, because tomorrow often tries to rob today of it's joy. But let's not worry about tomorrow, or next week, or next month. 

"Let us not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, definite requests with thanksgiving, continue to make our requests known to God... 

And his peace shall be yours. That peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  What a promise hey. :)

So let's stay in the moment today. Take a moment to go for a walk... Grab a coffee on your own and just people watch... Put your phone away and look up to the sky (it's amazing how gorgeous the tops of buildings are if you just look!)... Go to a new park at lunchtime and lay on the grass... Spend ten minutes chatting to someone new... Stop and take in the view around you...

You don't have to rush ahead. You have permission to stop and enjoy now, because all too soon that moment will be gone. I have four days left leading this tour, but I am not thinking about what's ahead, I'm thinking about now. We are about to head out on a city tour of Vancouver which will be fun. So I am going to stop in each moment, enjoy every new sight and smell... and hang out with some amazing people.

Have an awesome day my friends. Sending you lots of love from Canada :)

Nat xxx

Ps here are some pics from my Alaska and Canada journey so far... 

(more pics on my Instagram - @thewritersink)

Bears eating salmon at AnAn Bear Observatory. (Wrangell, Alaska)

About to jump on a light plane and fly up to the Arctic Circle. (Fairbanks, Alaska)

Real live glacial ice! (Shakes Lake, Wrangell, Alaska)

Mendenhall Glacier. (Juneau, Alaska)

Relaxing by the creek. (Denali, Alaska)

The colours of Dawson. (Dawson City, Canada)

One of my favourite views. (Wrangell, Alaska)

The leaning tower of Dawson. (Dawson City, Canada)

 The stunning Chena River. (Fairbanks, Alaska)

 Cute Pioneer Park. (Fairbanks, Alaska)

 A little friend I found along the way. (Somewhere in Alaska)

 Stikine River jet boat cruise. (Wrangell, Alaska)

The gorgeous Canadian Rockies

A little blurry as this was taken from the train, but this is with NO filter!!

Stay tuned for more fun pics :) xoxo

Images - all Nat Box

Beauty where you least expect it.

Aloha from Alaska my friends!! It's been so so long and I have missed you SO much!! How are you? This is me in Haines the other day... it's such a pretty little town on the top of Alaska's Inside Passage (just north of Sitka, for those who have watched The Proposal... it's totally like that!) Anyway, I hope this blog finds you well, I have been thinking of you guys lots over the past two weeks :):)

It was actually a few weeks ago in Anchorage that I got the inspiration for this little post, so I pray the timing is right for you and that you are encouraged! :) After a gorgeous walk along the coast path in Anchorage (it was sooo sunny and pretty walking along past all the beautiful wildflowers and overlooking the water), I was on my way home and I took a little shortcut. I had been feeling a bit discouraged about a few things that day and I asked The Lord to speak to me, I often do that just to hear what he is saying about things. Then as I walked up an alley way, I saw the back of this old building. 

Pretty ugly and boring right? But then something stood out to me. There amidst the piles of rubbish and weeds growing, stood one lone flower. It was as if it was standing there with such purpose, determined to bring beauty to it's boring surroundings no matter what it took. How pretty is it?!

Immediately as I held this little source of life, surrounded by such an ugly scene, I heard God whisper to me. :) 

"Nat, wrapped up inside every season, every discouragement, 

there is always something beautiful". 

Right away my heart was encouraged and I began to see differently. Do you ever find this happens to you too? Life happens, things are messy, you look at a scene in your life from afar, and all you can see is the rubbish, the junk, and everything just looks ugly. Well, God's promise is that "He has made everything beautiful in it's time", which means in all seasons, good or bad, there is something beautiful to be thankful for. 

It was only after my eyes were opened that I noticed the flower. When we look for it, beauty is always, always waiting to be seen. After I'd admired this pretty little thing, I stood back and looked at the same scene again, but with new eyes. Everything looked so different and this time.

So let me encourage you, always be expecting beauty. Stop and look around you this week because I guarantee wherever you go it's already there, waiting to be found by you.

To see more of my travels feel free to check out my Instagram :) (@thewritersink) 

Just in case you missed my fabulously inspiring Interview with Camille Styles here it is!

Sending love from Alaska... have an awesome week!

Nat xoxo

Images - Natalie Box