Expectations {Coffee Date Vol. 2 Link-up}

{I'm linking up with sweet Rachel, over at 'Oh, Simple Thoughts' for a coffee date!}

This past week, I have spent a lot of time working through some things - I am just now beginning to understand some of the struggles I have, what they're coming from and mean. I have also learned some things about how I work. Not that I didn't already "know" but I didn't really understand. I would feel things but I didn't understand why I was feeling them. God has really been making sense of it all for me and I am starting to grasp how to treat my feelings. 

I have always known that I am a deep feeler. I remember things because of the way I feel. My muscle memory is never wrong and I always remember the small details because those affected how I feel. When I tell you about my day, it will always evolve around my feelings. I can spend a lot of time telling you stories that don't necessarily tell you what happened, because those are what are important to me. I know, the danger in all of that, is that it is so easy for my feelings to control everything I do; not always a good thing.

Also, because of how deeply I feel, I have very high expectations and dreams of how I will feel when certain things happen. Feeling the way I am expecting to is probably one of the most important things to me. When that is taken from me, meltdowns ensue. 

Last year, changes happened that tore down a lot of my expectations for the coming years. Ever since then, I've realized that I hold a lot more tightly to the expectations I do have - I almost can't handle them being taken away.

And you know what? I can't handle it - on my own that is. What all of this boils down to, is my lack of trust that God knows what's best. He knows exactly how I work, how I see life, how I function, and He knows best. He knows what is important to me, and He knows best. 

He is 

ABLE

to 

EXCEED

my expectations

You know how I know that? I've finally realized I needed to listen to God's word, not my own sinful voices. Listen to this AWESOME truth!

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,

forever and ever. Amen."

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV - Emphasis mine)

I'm trying hard, through His power, to apply this truth to my life. To let go of my expectations, because I know the ONE who can do far more. Each morning I'm trying to pray and leave my expectations at His feet, trusting that nothing I can imagine is better than what He has for me. I'd love to have you lift me up in prayer, and if you are struggling with something, I'd love to join you in giving it to Him. Feel free to email me at oodlesofzoottles@gmail.com or leave a comment - I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time...

Coffee Date link-up with {Oh, Simple Thoughts}

It's been a while since I've done a link-up and this one seemed like the perfect one to start back up with! I stumbled on Rachel from "Oh, Simple Thoughts" through other people I follow on Instagram and really have enjoyed getting to know a little about her. She is a newlywed, and since I'm getting married soon I already feel that connection with her. This morning I explored her blog and it was so refreshing to read advice and thoughts on what it was like to be newly married. I highly recommend that you go and check it out for yourself! Her heart for Jesus shines through and has already blessed me.

Today, she is hosting a Coffee date link-up, inviting us to really open up with each other and share what's going on in our lives. I completely agree with her, being vulnerable and honestly answering the question "How are you doing" is hard. Like, really hard. I'm horrible at it. Isn't it so much easier to just say "I'm fine, and you?" But as the body of Christ we're called to be personal with each other, so... here it goes! 

If I was having coffee with you, I'd probably drag you to Starbucks. The bigger one by Target with the cozy private corner, perfect for sitting alone, crocheting, or with a friend, conversing. 

How am I? You ask - I'm... conflicted =) When I really think about what my life is like right now I am thankful. I have a (almost) brand new Nephew who I love desperately and wish I could be with all the time! He is the cutest little guy you ever did see and I don't think I could have ever imagined how wonderful it is to be his Auntie. I'm engaged to the man of my dreams who loves me better than I even know how to say. Daily he shows me what it truly means to love sacrificially and unconditionally. September is when the big day is and it's only 6 months away, crazy! I have the best family - My sister (Graham, the nephew's mommy) who really is my best friend; her husband who is just like the brother I never had. My parents who love me and my three other sisters. I have a great church family, food to eat, a home to stay in, and much more. Sounds pretty incredible right?? And, it is, honest. 

The conflicted part? I'm ready to be married and even though 6 months will fly by, the days feel long and hard. Planning a wedding hasn't been exactly how I envisioned. Sadly, I've allowed it to stress me out why more than it should. Poor Nathan gets to deal with everything (which he has amazingly). I am also feeling distant from my Savior. (Wow, whose idea was it to be honest?) I'm trying to be more disciplined in spending time with Him and that has been a great encouragement, yet it's so easy to put other things ahead of Him. Slowly I feel Him drawing me back, but it is a slow process. =) 

Anyway, those have been my feelings lately =) I'm praying that I allow Joy to fill my heart because I really have so much to be joyful about! 

Thanks for joining me today and make sure to go over and read Rachel's post, it was such a blessing to my heart!
(I feel sad that I don't have any pictures in this post... Oh well, I guess I can't have some in every one...)

Until next time!

Coffee with you

I actually found Alissa and her neat Coffee Date Friday link up through my sister who blogs over at The Sweetest Petunia 
It's a super cool way to join other bloggers and meet new people. Excited to be participating for the first time =)

So, if you and I were having coffee today, I would most likely tell you that I am ready for the weekend. It's been a long, emotional week and I'm ready for a break. I would tell you that I am super excited because I am donating two of my Zoottles to a wonderful lady for an auction to help bring her son home from Africa. It's happening on Instagram, Tuesday night. I would love for you to check it out! just follow @simplybeautiful100 

From Anna @simplybeautiful100 on IG

I would probably talk to you about my future Etsy shop and all of my plans and dreams. I'm super excited because I was able to get my boxes for shipping; for freeeeeeee! ;) Thanks to my Brother-in-law's know how and the post office. I think they are the perfect size and even big enough to send two if needed. I would tell you I am nervous about all the goals I have set for myself and that I'm not sure if I'll be ready to open at the end of August... I might ask you if you have any experience in photography: Be careful about saying yes because I might then proceed to grill you for all sorts of information. Or maybe hint around that I would love help with pictures for my shop ;) 

I'm also nervous because tomorrow I am giving a demonstration of the wordless book for a teacher training class. But I'm confident in my God! And excited to see a dear friend!

I'd be interested in what you're doing for quiet time with God. Right now I'm reading the "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. So far it has encouraged and convicted me so much! I was also inspired (see previous post) to begin a study of the book of Exodus. I have found I am too much like the Israelite nation... But it's been good!

And I couldn't keep from talking about Nathan ;) I would tell you all about this past Sunday when he came up to visit and the fun we had.

Having fun at the mall =)

After I talked your ear off, I would want to hear all about YOU! I would want to know what is on your heart and what God has been teaching you. And I really would love to hear from you. Write me a comment, I would love to read it. Also, maybe you have your own coffee date; if you're linked up with Alissa, I'll definitely be checking it out!

Happy Friday!

Until next time...

 

Linking up with Alissa for coffee date