I've Been Quiet, But God Hasn't Been
- Andrea Nicole
- Jun 27
- 5 min read
Hi friend,
It's been a while. Longer than I meant for it to be, if I'm honest.
If you've been wondering where I went, you're not alone — I've been wondering some of the same things myself. But here's what I've learned in this season of quiet: sometimes God isn't asking us to perform. Sometimes He's asking us to prepare. And that's exactly what's been happening behind the scenes.
So grab your coffee, find a cozy spot, and let me catch you up on everything He's been doing.
The Leap I Didn't See Coming
For a long time, I lived the life so many of us do — clocking in, clocking out, doing what was expected, telling myself it was enough. But the longer I stayed, the more I noticed a pattern I couldn't ignore: so many of us are quietly exhausted. Worn down by environments that ask everything of us and give very little peace back. Toxic cultures. Toxic pace. Toxic definitions of what "success" is supposed to look like.
For me, that pattern showed up in my own body before I was ready to admit it out loud. Anxiety crept in first — quiet at first, then impossible to ignore. There were mornings I sat in my car before work, dreading the thought of walking through those doors, feeling something close to despair at the idea of one more day in work that didn't fulfill me. The weight of it stopped being just emotional; it became physical. Sick stomach. Tight chest. Sleepless nights. My body was telling me what my heart already knew — this wasn't sustainable, and it wasn't where I was meant to stay.
In the middle of all that, I started to feel a different kind of tug — a gentle, persistent pull to step away from what was familiar and into something I couldn't fully see yet. If you've ever felt that pull, you know it doesn't come with a five-year plan attached. It doesn't even come with certainty. It just comes with a whisper: trust Me.
So I did. I left full-time employment to pursue ACE Designs by An full-time — not because I had it all figured out, but because I believed (and still believe) that God doesn't call us into seasons He won't walk us through. This season has stretched my faith in ways I didn't expect, but it has also shown me what it really means to depend on Him instead of a paycheck, a title, or a sense of control.
I won't pretend it's been easy. Healing from that anxiety has been its own journey. But I will tell you it's been worth it.
What God's Been Growing Behind the Scenes
While I've been quiet on the blog, I have not been quiet in the studio. This season of trusting God has also been a season of building, and I'm so excited to finally share some of it with you.
Here's what's new:
New T-shirt designs — fresh, faith-forward pieces to wear your beliefs out loud
The "Humbly Speaking" Hoodie — soft, cozy, and a quiet reminder of who we're called to be
New digital downloads — templates and faith-based resources to help you grow right from your own home
My 30 Days in the Word devotional journal — a handmade, spiral-bound companion for women who want to build a daily habit of Scripture, prayer, and reflection
A free 30-day reading plan — a gift for anyone who wants to start that habit today, no journal required (more on this in a second)
And there's more coming soon that I can hardly wait to share — handmade faith charms and jewelry, and prayer cards designed to bring comfort and truth to your everyday moments. These pieces have been so special to create, and I think you're going to love having them in your hands.
Getting Ready for the Tables — Literally
If you follow along for a while, you'll start to notice the unglamorous side of this business: the cutting, the packing, the logistics. Lately that's looked like a brand-new six-foot table, sturdy display stands, and shelves of materials waiting to become something beautiful.
Yes — I'm preparing for craft fairs.
There's something about standing in a crowded market, surrounded by other makers pouring their hearts into their craft, that reminds me why I started this in the first place. It's not just about selling a product. It's about putting something good into the world, face to face with the people who need it. I can't wait to meet some of you there.
Why This Shift Toward Faith-Based Products
If you've noticed ACE Designs by An leaning more and more into faith-based products, that's not by accident — it's by conviction.
I want every piece that leaves my hands to do more than look nice on a shelf or in a feed. I want it to point somewhere higher. My hope, plainly and simply, is for this business to glorify God — to be a vessel that brings encouragement, truth, and a little bit of peace into someone's day. If a journal, a charm, or a hoodie can be the small nudge that draws you closer to Him, then every late night cutting vinyl and every hour spent designing will have been worth it.
That's the heart behind everything I'm building. Not just growth for growth's sake — but growth that means something.
An Invitation, Just for You
If any part of this resonated with you — if you've been craving a little more quiet, a little more Scripture, a little more peace in your day — I'd love to walk that out with you.
I created the free 30-Day Reading Plan for exactly this moment. It's simple, gentle, and designed to help you build a daily rhythm with God's Word, no matter how full your life already is. And if you find yourself wanting something to hold in your hands as you go — somewhere to write, pray, and reflect — my 30 Days in the Word devotional journal was made with you in mind.
You don't have to have it all figured out to start. You just have to start.
Thank you for sticking with me, for reading this far, and for being part of this little corner of the internet. I'm so glad to be back — and I can't wait to keep building this with you, one faithful step at a time.
With love and gratitude,
An ACE Designs by An
P.S. — Want to be the first to know when the prayer cards and faith charms launch? Stay subscribed — you won't want to miss it.
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