When God Uses My Marriage

    I am an anxious person by nature. Just ask my husband. I get extremely excited, and for the most part anxious over just about anything. Worried is mixed in there too. This past month has been no different. More specifically, this past week.

    I was driving into work this weekend when the thought of my dream business just popped into my head. It was all packaged up nicely, even tied with a bow on top. My mind has been non stop ever since with possibilities!

    My mom and I have always dreamed and about opening up some kind of fun shop, and  have always played with the idea of fixing up furniture & flea market treasures. These thoughts have been intensified over the past few weeks. My head is constantly spinning, and my heart beats out of my chest with anxiousness to actually DO something! 
And then, today, my heart sank as I found a link to a local business owner who is pursuing what I want to do. Again, my heart beats out of my chest. When will it be my turn. Will I ever get to do this for real?! Could I still do what I dream of if someone else is beat me too it?!

Heart beats faster.

    I wasn't planning on visiting Zane at church that night, but I had to go to a nearby store, so I stopped in for worship.

-Insert God moment -

    Zane was playing the drums, which surprised me since lately he's been playing guitar. When I first met Zane, he was playing the drums :)

    As I was observing him, I was thinking about how much I loved that he was musical, and athletic, and funny.
God reminded me that as I was younger, with no relationship in sight, these were characteristics I desired. He reminded me that Zane has all of these characteristics and much more. God granted me the desires of my heart with Zane, just when I thought there was no man out there for me. Funny thought to think when your 18 and just out of high school!! Out of the blue, Zane showed up. GOD showed up. God has blessed me with an abundantly fulfilling marriage, one I could never of fathomed myself.

    God immediately used these thoughts to tell me that if he was faithful in that aspect of my life, why wouldn't he be faithful in this one. With Zane, Gods timing was perfect, his blessing was abundant, and he uses my marriage more than I could imagine.

Bringing it back to 2008, our first summer together

    God will do the same thing with the new desires he has placed on my heart. God created me with these passions and creativity, and I know I will get to put those to good use. When the time is right, God will bring along the perfect opportunity, and I know he will use that for his glory.
At once I felt at peace. I was no longer anxious, I can't even imagine how God's plan for my future looks like. If I don't lay these desires at his feet, my labor will mean nothing. I trust in God and have peace that he will indeed grant me the desires of my heart. 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.

Happy Heart Thursday // Rest Edition

Hey guys,
I hope each and everyone of you are having a wonderful week, and are excited for the weekend! As I was thinking about HHT, I realized I didn't have much on my phone as far as pictures go.  But I realized a few other things as well. I have quite a few things to be happy about, and honestly, I'm glad I can't capture the vastness of them through my camera phone. I am a huge advocate of trying to capture life's moments to document them, and have something tangible to look back on, but I am also a fan of realizing some things just don't fit into an Instagram pic. Here are somethings that have stuck out to me this week.

1. I have a husband who supports my crazy lifestyle. I used to think being married I would just be labeled as a cook/ maid/ and errand runner. Zane has 100% shown me support in my dreams & is okay when dinner is not on the table at five, or if it ever make it to the table at all?! He is okay when laundry is in piles, or the dishes are piled up. I am so grateful I don't feel any tug of war between what I like to do, and what I need to do. He knows I will get to it eventually, and is the most patient man I know.

2. I get to use what I love to bless others. It brings me so much joy to be able to shower and celebrate those I love! How crazy is it that I get to combine the two?!

3. Seasons. There are times where I am scheduled like crazy, and other times where I have to think about what project or fun thing I want to do next. It keeps life interesting, not too boring, and not too stressful. After the fun filled weekend we had last week, I'm embracing a relaxing one tomorrow!

4. Here is one I am able to capture - I was able to get a surface tablet for work, and it came in yesterday. I am in love with it! I'm also glad I can work from wherever id like too now. Looking out at the rain isn't too bad :)

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Hi ladies,
Just wanted to pop in and say hey! We had the baby shower for Rhyan on Saturday, and it was lovely! Here is a sneak peek!

It has been a week of hustle around here for both Zane and I. But this upcoming week has relaxation and normal written all over it. Looking forward to getting back into the swing of things, and still having a few projects to work on! 

I hope you guys are having a fantastic week so far! 

Catching Up

Umm, seriously guys! How is it already Monday. I find that the weeks sneak by very quickly when I'm immersed in a project. Right now, I am in full baby shower mode! I know, I totally missed Happy Heart Thursday. But you know what? This is the status of my camera roll.

Does anyone else do this? Take pictures of everything you see while planning a party, that way you can look back and have everything in one spot? 

It's going to be a busy week at the Elliott home, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Can't wait to see everything come together to celebrate life!And of course, I can't wait to share it with y'all! 

Have a great week!

[ Celebrate ] Valentine's Day

While perusing Target Monday evening, I came across the cutest little pink cupcakes and instantly knew they needed to come home with me! 

When you combine cupcakes, balloons, a pink chair and an adorable toddler in a pink tutu- you are bound to capture something cute!!

Special thanks to the Peterson's who are always up for anything, and are so patient while I try to figure this whole camera language out. Bradli was a pro as always! Four cupcakes later, she was on a sugar high ;)

- Happy Valentines Day -

Go celebrate love today.

Happy Heart Thursday - Twenty Five

It's been an amazing week! Tuesday I turned 25, and never felt better! It's amazing what a birthday can do for your self confidence! Here are my favs from this week-

1. Zane texting me twenty five things he loves about me.

2. Working on shower invites and a love day shoot.

3. Valentines day nails.

4. Finding this. 

5. The sweet things my momma does for me. 

Here is a sneak peek of what's in store for tomorrow...

Happy Heart Thursday- Atlanta Edition

Hey y'all, Zane and I are currently in Atlanta cashing in on his Christmas present! I hope you guys are having a fantastic week so far! Here are some small & some big things that made me smile! 

1. I got to grab coffee with a local girl who is currently attending the same college program I did. It was refreshing to walk down memory lane, and discuss what marriage is like for us! Love building relationships with those around me! 

2. I usually have a habit of biting/ neglecting my nails, but right now, they are pretty long, and I like it! 

3. I have been through Atlanta more times than I can count, but only to stay once, so it's been fun staying in the heart of downtown! 

4. Kings of Leon killed it last night. It was the first show if their tour, and let me just say, Caleb followill has one of my favorite voices of all times! 

5. Zane and I are enjoying our time in the atl! Went to the aquarium today, and it was pretty sweet! 

Happy Heart Thursday - Staycation mode

Hi loves,
It has been such a wonderful week!! My MIL came to visit for a long weekend, and it was so nice having a built in vacation, without leaving the comfort of our home.
On a side note, the Super Bowl is this Sunday, whose ready?! Any favorite traditions out there? We will be gearing up for our third annual SB party, and I for one, am ready to E.A.T. - I surley can't be the only one ;)

Soo, back to this week-

 

1.No staycation is complete without cinnamon rolls. We had lot's of them.

2. Pedicures. I always choose OPI Big Apple!

via

 

 

3. I ate my weight while touring our fav restaurants around Fort Myers.

 

 

4. We went to Sun Harvest juice factory, and discovered they made the best key lime pie EVER! I also decided I love it ten times better with strawberries!

 

 

5. I have been on a huge organizational kick. Including my scrapbook paper. It was a wild night turning this pile of randomness into something I can live with!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marriage // Looking for fulfillment

Confession- I have felt in a bit of a funk. Marriage funk, specifically. Anyone ever been there?
Feeling like something isn't quite right, but don't have specific examples to blame it on, just overall annoyed.
Zane even noticed this, probably because I have been treating him with resentment, ya know, because  when I feel off, it must be his fault, right?!

Wrong.

I don't know how many times I have heard that my husband can't fulfill me, only my savior can. BUT, it wasn't until I heard it at just the right moment [ last night ] that it truly had time to sink in. It was in the midst of my discomfort, that I realized my discomfort lied within me, and not my husband.

I was uncomfortable, because I had not taken the time to put God first. I had fallen into a routine of expecting my husband to fulfill every need, feeling, want, desire that i felt. I had put a task on him that no human being could ever accomplish, or should accomplish. So when he falls short of unspoken, unrealistic, superhuman powers, I resent him. Why isn't he meeting my needs?

It's simple- because they aren't needs that he can meet.

Yes, my husband is amazing & I am so grateful for the role that he plays in my life. That role as a companion. He is my life partner, but not my soul provider.

Once this clicked in my head, got my focus off of myself & my husband not meeting my needs- and put that focus into loving Jesus, it all fell into place. I am thankful for God's grace, his guidance, and his whispers that allow us to realize we are wrong. I am also thankful for a husband who I can openly apologize too, when I realize I have been wrong.

Love is sweet, but not because it's easy. Love makes you a better person & I am definitely better because of it.

Happy Heart Thursday - Back In Action!

Man, has it been awhile since I have posted a Happy Heart Thursday or what?! Happy Heart Thursdays are my way of sharing what little things made me smile throughout the week. I love taking a look back through my camera roll and focusing on the good, no matter how small! 

1. My favorite from this week, would be getting some quality girl time in.  Our friends Becca and Cheryl got to spend a few days in Fort Myers, and I enjoyed every second of catch up, girl talk, and laugh-till-you-cry moments. Thanks for coming girls!

2. I came into work yesterday to find this little guy on my desk. A vintage camera one of my volunteers brought in for me.  I got my first vintage camera for Christmas, and can't wait to start adding to my collection! 

3. It is a bit chilly today, for Florida ;) PTL when i know a cold front is coming through, knowing I can whip out my scarf, and not sweat to death!

4. Speaking of catching up, I love a good lunch date! Chick-Fil-A is my jam!!

5. Tea that inspires, enough said.

6. One of my lovely friends is having a baby any day now, and we are planning a shower for after baby comes, since the mom-to-be is out of town. Super excited to 'sprinkle' both mom and baby with love in February. until then.. I got this cake pan for Christmas, and decided to test it out with a box of confetti cake mix. Looks a little rough, but I think I can work on it a bit! I mean come on, doesn't this scream Betty Crocker?!