Nat in Love: life update

Showing posts with label life update. Show all posts

<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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<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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Today is The Day

( 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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<p>Happy New Year! January 1st comes every year and somehow I still get surprised of just how fast the time flew by! 2017 was a year of many changes, learning, and growth for our family! Adi had many firsts, including first steps and growing from infant to toddler. Coen started his first year at school, joined his first soccer team, and has done a lot of maturing. I completed my first year as a SAHM and re-lauched Nat in Love a few months ago. Whit has grown at his role at church and will be ordained this Sunday. We have had some fun and happy times with lots of snuggles and tickles, and also some challenging and heartbreaking ones as well. All in all, I close 2017 with Ebenezer because <span class="highlight seafoam">"Thus far the Lord has helped us." 1 Samuel 7:12.</span></p>

<p>As we start this new year, I am excited for what's to come. Last year brought me closer to God and my family, so I'm ready for whatever comes next! While I don't make official New Year resolutions, here are some things that I started working on this past year that I still want to get better at!</p>

<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Choose Love over Anger</h3>
<p>This is often a daily battle for me, especially with toddlers! You can read my "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/10/choose-love.html" target="_blank">Choose Love</a>" and "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/10/be-slow-to-anger.html" target="_blank">Slow to Anger</a>" posts as I shared some of my struggle with this.</p>

<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Choose Boldness + Faith over Fear</h3>
<p>I haven't shared much about this just yet, but I plan to this year since it's something that I've lived with my entire life. Fear has entrapped me at times and I'm finally learning to overcome it, one step at a time.</p>

<h3 class="post-sub-title txt-left">Choose Joy + Thankfulness over Worry</h3>
<p>I'm easily worried, but God continues to renew my mind and soul to find my joy and thankfulness in Him. I plan on sharing more about this since it's been such a struggle; in the meantime, you can read my "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/11/thankfulness.html" target="_blank">Thankfulness</a>" and "<a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/12/monday-blues.html" target="_blank">Monday Blues</a>" posts!</p>

<p>As you can see, I have a lot of work to do, but the best part is that the battle has already been won. The more I draw near and rely on God, the easier it will be to choose Love, Boldness, Faith, Joy, and Thankfulness!</p>

<p><b>What about you? What your 2018 goals/resolutions?</b></p>
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Happy 2018!

nat January 01, 2018 faith holiday life update lifestyle New Years

Happy New Year! January 1st comes every year and somehow I still get surprised of just how fast the time flew by! 2017 was a year of...

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Un Comienzo Nuevo)</h2>

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<p>Hey there! It's been five years since launching <span class="highlight seafoam">Nat in Love</span> as a place for me to share with you my love for fashion. Just one year later, we welcomed our son, <a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2013/08/meet-coen.html" title="Meet Coen">Coen</a>, who completely changed my life. The following years meant juggling a demanding work life, being a wife and a mami of 2 kiddos (we had <a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/09/meet-adilyn.html" title="Meet Adi">Adilyn</a> in 2016), and somehow finding a way to stay true to myself. And wow was that a challenge! I suddenly found myself working or being a wife/mom all the time, and unfortunately this site (and me!) took the back seat.</p>

<p>Last November, after working at the same company for 9 years, I left my job to stay at home with the kiddos full-time. Talk about life-altering change (more on that later)! Now almost a year later, and while I'm still trying to figure out my new normal, one thing is clear to me - my story matters and I want to share it. I have been constantly reminded these past few months that our life experiences (the good and especially the hard times!) are not just for ourselves. Sharing our success stories can inspire and motivate someone, while sharing our struggles and heartaches can give hope or faith. All I know is that is time for me to push myself outside of my [usually very private!] comfort zone and share with you my story.</p>

<p>So here's to a fresh start of <span class="highlight seafoam">Nat in Love</span>. A place where I want to share not only my love for fashion and all things pretty, but also share about my life - both the happy and the challenging times. I hope you come along for the ride!</p>

<div class="espanol">
<p>¡Hola! Han pasado cinco años desde el lanzamiento de <span class="highlight seafoam">Nat in Love</span> como un lugar para compartir con ustedes mi amor por la moda. Apenas un año después, dimos la bienvenida a nuestro hijo, <a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2013/08/meet-coen.html" title="Conozcan a Coen">Coen</a>, que cambió completamente mi vida. Los siguientes años significaron hacer malabarismos con una vida laboral exigente, siendo una esposa y una mami de 2 hijos (tuvimos a <a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2017/09/meet-adilyn.html" title="Conozcan a Adi">Adi</a> en el 2016), y de alguna manera encontrando una manera de mantenerme fiel a mí misma. Y vaya que era un desafío! De repente me encontré trabajando o siendo una esposa / madre todo el tiempo, y lamentablemente este sitio (¡y yo!) tomaron el asiento trasero.</p>

<p>En noviembre del año pasado, después de haber trabajado en la misma empresa por 9 años, dejé mi trabajo para quedarme en casa con mis hijos a tiempo completo. ¡Un cambio que altera la vida completamente (más sobre ésto más adelante)! Ahora casi un año después, y mientras todavía estoy tratando de encontrar mi nueva normalidad, veo una cosa clara - mi historia importa y quiero compartirla. Estos últimos meses me han recordado constantemente que nuestras experiencias de vida (las buenas y sobre todo los tiempos difíciles!) no son sólo para nosotros. Compartir nuestras historias de éxito puede inspirar y motivar a alguien, mientras que compartir nuestras luchas y angustias puede dar esperanza o fe. Todo lo que sé es que es tiempo para empujarme fuera de mi zona de comodidad [¡normalmente muy privada!] y compartir con ustedes mi historia.</p>

<p>Así que aquí está un nuevo comienzo de <span class="highlight seafoam">Nat in Love</span>. Un lugar donde quiero compartirles no sólo mi amor por la moda y las cosas bonitas, pero también compartirles sobre mi vida - tanto los tiempos felices y los desafiantes. ¡Espero que vengas conmingo!</p>
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Fresh Start

nat September 25, 2017 life update lifestyle mami life

(Un Comienzo Nuevo) Hey there! It's been five years since launching Nat in Love as a place for me to share with you my love f...

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<h2 class="post-title entry-title espanol">(Juego de Malabares)</h2>

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<p>Hi again! I knew that having a baby would change my world, but man! I didn't know just HOW MUCH! I'm a self-proclaimed multitasker, but juggling family life, a busy work life, and a blogger life have been more than I could handle lately. Don't get me wrong, I feel very grateful for the good and the crazy, but it can be pretty exhausting too! Haha.</p>

<p>So here is a piece of my life these days. The Mr. and I are absolutely in love with our little one, <a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2013/08/meet-coen.html" title="Meet Coen">Coen</a>! He's almost a year and a half, and he's full of life and joy. He's strong-willed like yours truly, which I like but it's also quite a challenge! Haha. The first photo of Coen and me was taken a few months ago on our way to the beach.The second photo is of the Mr., Coen and I at New Year's Eve. Even though that pic is almost a year old, it's still one of my favorites!</p>

<p>I wanted to say hi and share with you what (who) keeps me busy and so in love nowadays!</p>

<div class="espanol">
<p>¡Hola de nuevo! Yo sabía que tener un bebé iba a cambiar mi mundo, pero ¡púchica! ¡No sabía CUÁNTO! Estoy acostumbrada a multitareas, pero hacer malabares con la vida familiar, una vida de trabajo ocupada, y una vida blogger han sido más de lo que he podido manejar últimamente. No me malinterpreten, me siento muy agradecida por lo bueno y lo loco, ¡pero puede ser bastante agotador también! Jaja.</p>

<p>Así que aquí está un pedacito de mi vida estos días. ¡El Mr. y yo estamos absolutamente enamorados con nuestro pequeño, <a href="http://www.natinlove.com/2013/08/meet-coen.html" title="Conozcan a Coen">Coen</a>! Él ya tiene casi un año y medio, y está lleno de vida y alegría. Es fuerte de voluntad como yo, lo que me gusta, ¡pero también es un reto! Jaja. La primera foto de Coen y yo fue tomada hace unos meses en nuestro camino a la playa. La segunda foto es del Mr., Coen y yo en la víspera de Año Nuevo. A pesar de que esa foto ya casi tiene un año, ¡es una de mis favoritas!</p>

<p>¡Quería saludarlos y compartir con ustedes lo que (quién) me mantiene ocupada y tan enamorada hoy en día!</p>
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Juggling Act

nat September 22, 2014 family life update lifestyle mami life

(Juego de Malabares) Hi again! I knew that having a baby would change my world, but man! I didn't know just HOW MUCH! I'm ...

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