Introduction: Building on Rock 

I read a lot of children’s books lately (as one can imagine with a three-year-old). But I genuinely enjoy them, because sometimes going back to simple is the best way to receive a message.

Our latest love is The Three Little Pigs. Have you heard of it? Just kidding...of course you have! But here’s a simple recap anyway.

There are three little pig brothers who go off to build their home.

The first brother builds his house with hay because it’s fast and easy.
The second builds with sticks. A little more stable, but still quick.
But the eldest builds with bricks. It’s slow, intentional, and demands far more from him.

Yet when the wolf came, as we all know, the brick house was the only one still standing.

The eldest pig’s decision to build something with a strong foundation:

Yet when the wolf came, as we all know, the brick house was the only one still standing.

Not only did it protect him, but it: 

☑️ Sheltered his brothers.

☑️ Defeated their enemy.

☑️ Was not shaken

It was blessing that extended far beyond himself.

And, what a darn good lesson.  

How we Create Matters

This reflection is part two of my earlier blog and episode, You Were Called to Create. In that first piece, I shared how we are made in the image of the Creator, which means creativity is woven into our very design. We can discern right from wrong. We can imagine something that does not yet exist and bring it into reality. These are unique traits of being human, and they reveal something remarkable about who God is and who we came from.

Today's reflection takes a closer look at the how and why behind it. 

Because while every one of us is capable of creating, not all creation is aligned with God. Of course, we live in a broken world where evil exists. But even outside of things that are clearly sinful, it’s still possible to create something that looks successful in the world’s eyes and yet drift from the path God intended for us.

As we create, we are called to be extensions of Him, to let His goodness and light flow through us. You were created to create, and you were created to be the light.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:14–16

This reflection is about creating deeply instead of quickly.
Choosing alignment over algorithms.
Substance over speed.

Meaning over virility. 

And just as importantly, it’s about honouring the season God has you in. Because real fruit grows in alignment, not just ambition.

The Allure of Building with Hay and Sticks

As I thought about The Three Little Pigs, I started thinking about how easily culture tempts us to build with hay and sticks.

To choose speed over depth.
Views and virality over meaning.
Instant gratification over long-term fruit.

It may look successful.
It may even receive worldly checkmarks.
But will it stand when adversity comes?

We are not just called to create anything.
We are called to create with God.

And in our modern world, one of the most subtle ways we drift from that alignment is through serving external approval, data and algorithms.

Data Is Not Your Master

Before I dive into the trap of serving data, let me first clarify: data itself is not the enemy. Data guides healthcare, supports security, and informs many important decisions. I’m not knocking data where it matters.

But as creators, when our work becomes defined by an algorithm, something shifts. Invisible boundaries form. Our expression dulls, and and we quietly limit God’s ability to breathe through our work. 

When I first started Grace of Belle, it was far from perfect. In fact, it looked completely different. And that’s okay. Starting imperfectly will always beat the fear of failing and doing nothing.

Because I didn’t know what I was doing, I immersed myself in ecommerce training. Amazon selling. Shopify drop-shipping. Etsy strategies.

And the message everywhere was the same:

Serve the algorithm.
Master keyword searches.
Follow the trends.
Find the niches.
Serve what sells, not what satisfies you.

This formula works for profit. But for a creator, which we all are, it shifts you from authentic creation to calculated production. It becomes a constant game.

And I don’t think it’s a game God wants us to play.

Because while data can reveal what’s popular, it can't communicate what’s purposeful for you.

When Metrics Replace Meaning: A Closer Look at Netflix 

We see this pattern of serving the algorithm across art and entertainment everywhere.

In fashion.
In music.
In film.

Take Netflix, for example. Streaming platforms rely heavily on data because their entire business model depends on engagement and subscriptions.

But here’s the shift. People no longer watch movies the way they once did. Watching a film no longer has to be a special, intentional moment you carve out time for, like when you rented a Blockbuster DVD and made the most of those two days.

Now we have a roster of films at our fingertips.

We can put three movies on in ten minutes before something simply plays in the background. Our attention is thinner and more divided than ever.

And because attention spans are down, quality often goes down with it.

The pressure becomes:
How do we keep people engaged?
How much content can we publish?

What performs best?

• Celebrity
• Shock value
• Sex

Check those boxes, produce a highly polished film, and the data rewards you. Not because the story has depth or soul, but because it fits the algorithm and the financial backing is there.

Of course, there are incredible artists in every industry who refuse this path. But the snare is real. Even well-intentioned creators can fall into it.

Algorithms should serve you. They should not define your work or become your master.

You Fill a Gap Data Can’t Reveal

You were born in this time, this place, this generation for a reason.

You do fill a gap. But it’s not one data or metrics will confirm. It’s one revealed through the Holy Spirit, through intimacy with God.

The Holy Spirit will show you things about your path that data never could. And it will often defy logic. Scripture reminds us, “My ways are not your ways. My thoughts are higher than your thoughts.”

And here’s the thing.

Creating in alignment with God doesn’t always look glamorous or receive immediate applause.

Jeremiah felt foolish speaking for God.
Moses felt foolish confronting Pharaoh.
Nehemiah was mocked while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

This path is not easy. But following His lead is always the greater reward. This is where victories happen that defy the odds. It’s why David could defeat Goliath when it made no sense — there was grace on his obedience so God’s plan could be accomplished.

Honouring Seasons and Timing

I feel a responsibility to balance this message with wisdom around timing.

Creating with God is not permission to make reckless decisions, quit your job prematurely, or neglect responsibilities in the name of “following your calling.”

Seasons matter.
Timing matters.
Order matters.

You may feel creatively capped in your current job, but it might be exactly where God wants you. A place where He is shaping and refining you, building the character He requires of you.

Just as importantly, 

Your current season may look like creating peace in your home. 

Safety for your children.
Stability for your family.

This is one of the highest assignments there is, and it needs to be honoured as such. 

Ranking Priorities

For example, I love pouring myself into this space, Grace of Belle. I find so much joy in connecting with you here and I find it deeply nourishing. 

But being a mother and a wife comes first in the priorities of my life. When I fall into patterns that disrupt that order, I’m out of alignment — and that disruption inevitably bleeds into other areas of my life.

As much as I love the idea of a weekly podcast, for instance, it simply isn’t realistic for this season of my life. We all have different resources and capacities, and how we honour our priorities won’t look the same for everyone. But priorities do matter, and being attentive to yours is fundamental to partnering with God in all areas.  Otherwise, it’s easy to move forward in our own strength instead of trusting God’s better outcome.

In summary, creating in alignment with God means honouring the season He has placed you in. And the only way to know when to remain, when to rest, or when to step forward into something new is through spending time with Him — asking Him and listening closely.

Often, we have to lower the noise to give Him the space to speak.

What You Build Matters

We are all creating something.

Every day.
Every choice.
Every thought.
Every conversation.

Brick by brick, you are building a life.

Choose long-term fruit over instant gratification.
Choose depth over speed.
Choose substance over virility.

Because it is on this path that our creating becomes empowered by the very One who created us. 

With love,
Natalie

Check out Part One: You Were Called to Create — Embracing Small Beginnings and Imperfect Starts