Trusting in transition.

The definition of trust is "the assured reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone or something" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Trusting in God is actually pretty easy when life is great, don't you reckon? But when things are messy, uncomfortable, unsettled, uncertain, confusing and completely overwhelming... trusting in God can suddenly become a challenge. I wasn't going to write a blog entry today because I didn't really know what to say. Then I thought that maybe others might be in a similar season of transition or stretching... so I got out my laptop.

I've been back from New York for a week and a half now. (You can read about my NYC journey here and here). After spending two months there (three months travelling in total) I knew it might be a bit difficult coming home, but this past week has been a little bit trickier than I had imagined. After returning from many long trips overseas in the past, I've always settled in quite well and quickly, however this time has been different. 

Have you ever been completely fine one moment, and then the next moment find yourself totally overcome with emotion? Well this has been me all week. So many times I've thought to myself, "What the HECK is wrong with you Nat? People are dealing with much worse situations, pull yourself together!" but when our heart is sensitive to something, we can't just ignore it. Even when we don't know what's going on, we need to slow down, listen and be kind to ourselves. 

God is so faithful though. Whatever season we find ourselves in, he's always right there with us, ready to speak and bring clarity. I've been waking up pretty exhausted since I got back (a mixture of jetlag and emotions I think) and this morning as I lay in bed, half asleep, I offered up a simple one-word prayer to my heavenly Dad: Help. It wasn't until later that I remembered praying it, and I just heard him say...

Ah yes. Jesus. As I heard those words I pictured him and peace came. That's just what happens when we think of him. Peace invades. My mood shifted, my worries faded and I just felt hope. The second we think of Jesus everything changes. Isn't that incredible?

When thoughts and fears cloud our thoughts, we can't see truth. When we're overwhelmed, it's hard to trust. But, the moment we choose to look to our Saviour, hope always comes. So as I continued to focus on him, I felt his comfort so beautifully. I didn't necessarily have all the answers to my questions, but I just felt strengthened. Sometimes we still have to walk through the snowstorm, but he gives us extra strength to walk, and brings other friends around us so we don't have to walk alone :)

And sometimes it feels like we are holding on for dear life to the thinnest most tiniest branch... but he always holds us up.

So when everything is all over the place, when it's messy, when we don't know whether we are coming or going, we can breathe deep and rest assured that he is with us. And he is always doing something NEW.

He creates new things out of NOTHING.

(Romans 4:17)

What are you believing for? Maybe it looks impossible. Well, it's not to God. He's very clever and he always wins.  :)

So today, let's take a deep breath and choose to trust. I pray you have a beautiful day, and that he speaks to you about the things in your heart, bringing clarity and hope. :)

Love Nat xoxo

Images - Pinterest 

Friday Fashionista :: { Celebration... Time For A New Look }

Hi my friends :) Guess what! I have officially been blogging for TWO WHOLE YEARS now! Shivers! That has gone so fast hey. Two years of The Writer's Ink, :) How amazing. I still remember emailing everyone a list of potential names, and The Writer's Ink always was the favourite! Hooray :):) So I want to start by saying thank you so much for reading and following me...  So, I think a 'two year anniversary' totally calls for a 'new look' don't you think? My pick... this gorgeous dress above. 

How has your week been guys? Are you looking forward to the weekend?! To be really honest, I have been better... lately I've been feeling super tired and fatigued with hardly any energy. It's SO weird. Especially since I've changed my diet recently and have been eating SUUUUPER healthy (I mean... how many juices, smoothies, protein, veggies, salads, nuts, legumes can a girl eat? Not to mention loads of water)... I just can't put my finger on it. There is, however, a possibility I mayyyyy have actually cut something out of my diet that I actually need... hmmm, so I'm looking into this. Have you ever done this? I'd love any advice anyone is offering... the more natural the better ;) Anyway, God is my healer and he is sorting it out! 

So, back to the blog. Today, instead of doing a 'fashion blog' per se... I thought I'd announce some fun news! Huh hummmm.... very soon, this lil' ole blog will be getting a fresh, 'NEW LOOK'! The website planning has been going on for a while now, although I've been slightly frustrated because I can't seem to pinpoint exactly what I want it to look like in the end. :-/ I've been looking around at other blogs and websites for ideas, but nothing looks right. As I was chatting with God about it all yesterday, telling him all my frustrations, Exodus 31 popped into my spirit. I looked it up and wrote in my journal. Suddenly I realised, there's a reason I can't find any designs out there that are what I'm looking for... It's because nothing like it has ever been created before! And I'm a creator not a copycat. See look, here's what happens when we partner with God and get creative...

Are you waiting to take a creative step at the moment? Maybe you're slightly apprehensive or unsure of what steps to take, but one thing I know is for sure... when you do take that step, that leap of faith, he's already equipped you with every thing you need to fly! So come on...

So that's your project for the weekend okay? Stir up the creativity. Now with the new design, I'm going to be planning lots of new and pretty little surprises, but I need to ask YOU a question first! I've been thinking about all the different blog categories I've done over the past two years, and I'd absolutely love to know, which ones do YOU like best? Here are a few favourites to jog your memory... :)

1. { 5 MINUTE VACATION }

2. { CREATIVITY & INSPIRATION }

3. {FRIDAY FASHIONISTA }

4. { INSPIRATION, ENCOURAGEMENT & FAITH }

5. { BITS OF MY LIFE }

6. { INTERIOR LOVE }

7. { INSPIRED BY }

8. { ENCOURAGEMENT & FAITH }

9. { THINGS TO DO & TRAVEL TIPS }

So let's celebrate and...

For all of us! Thank you so much for reading - I appreciate you very much! 

Let me know which categories have been your faves, and I will be sure to dream up some more fabulous treats in the coming weeks. :) Have a great weekend.

Always cheering you on!

Love Nat xo

Images - The Writer's Ink & Pinterest

Friday Fashionista :: { Relaxed Neutral }

Well hello friends happy happy weekend... and hooray it's Friday Fashionista time! How has your week been? I've had a good but full on week... there seems to be a LOT going on at the moment, have you been finding that? So I am just taking one day at a time and lifting my eyes lots! So here is a little bit of fashion inspiration for your weekend, today we've got a relaxing neutral colour palette... a special request from a friend over dinner last night! So here we go... hope you all love it! ;)

So feel free to use this for a bit of "oh I have that in my wardrobe!" inspiration. I already know of several things I can try woo hoo. Have a wonderful wonderful weekend!!

Bless you :)

Love Nat x

Images - Pinterest

Miracles can happen.

Welcome to Monday ma' friends! It's a brand new week. Ah... isn't it the best feeling to start fresh? Like turning the page of a new chapter, or starting a fresh journal (ah how good does that feel?!) or one of my all time favs, getting a new diary for the year! Or what about buying all new stationary? Ah love it. So what is it about starting fresh that feels so good? Well, it gives us renewed hope. And it's with hope that we believe. :)

The other day I found a little note I had handwritten about six months ago, it was a "Miracle List" of some things I was believing for. As I held it in my hand my eyes almost couldn't believe what I was reading. I realised that four of these five items had come to pass (and they were not small things!) Overflowing with thankfulness for God's amazing provision, my hope was stirred as I proceeded to write a new "Miracle List", declaring all the things I am believing for now.

I wrote this list four days ago and stuck it on my wall. In just four days, already two things off the list of six have come to pass. Oh my goodness! God is so faithful and is SO excited to surprise us! Let me encourage you today, dare to believe for that crazy dream to come true! Whatever it is, from personal provision to family reconciliation, from a creative dream to a secret desire of your heart... it's important to God, and HE wants to bring it to pass. As a matter of fact, He has it all wrapped up and ready for you! 

So guys, my challenge for you today is to write a "Miracle List". List down six things you are believing for, and stir your faith. I promise you, as we expect surprises from our Heavenly Dad, these things are  going to happen! Are you ready?

love nat x

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(Images - 1, 2, 3, 4)