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)
(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
