Today I'm Thankful

I apologize for being MIA lately. Like I said a few weeks ago, I've had a lot on my mind. I've been stressed, frustrated, and anxiously waiting for God to reveal himself in certain areas of my life. I know He's there, and I know He's heard my prayers. I'm just not sure what His plan is. 

After several weeks of focusing on what I wish was different, the things I'm desperately trying to change, I'm choosing today to think about all the good things in my life. It's time to refocus and change my perspective. 

Today I'm thankful for my job and that I have the opportunity to work.
I'm thankful for Brandon's job and the fact that I don't have to be the breadwinner.
I'm thankful for my parents, their constant love, guidance and support.
I'm thankful for my sister, someone who knows me like no one else ever will.
I'm thankful for Brandon. I'm thankful for his patience with me and his desire to make me happy.
I'm thankful for Princess and how she keeps me company when Brandon is away.
I'm thankful for our home.
I'm thankful for the yummy bacon and eggs I ate for breakfast.
I'm thankful for my education, something that can never be taken away from me.
Today I'm thankful for my friends, the people who have shared in every joy and every heartache.
I'm thankful for my faith and for my relationship with God.
I'm thankful for my good health and the health of my family and friends.
I'm thankful for my PaPaw and that we will be celebrating his ninety-first birthday.
I'm thankful for K-LOVE radio and how they know just what I need to hear.
I'm thankful that Jesus died on the cross to save us from sin.
I'm thankful that I will be celebrating Easter at home, surrounded by those I love.
Lastly, I'm thankful for love, laughter, and a sense of hope.
Hope that gives me the strength I need day after day.

Everything rides on hope

I've had a lot on my mind lately, none of which I'm ready to share via blog, but I've just been thinking about my life and the directions it could take. I sort of feel like I'm at a crossroads, and I'm hoping the next few weeks will bring some clarity. 

Until then these song lyrics have been giving me strength and hope...

Everything rides on hope now

Everything rides on faith somehow

When the world has broken me down

Your love sets me free

If you haven't heard 'Hope Now' by Addison Road, click here to listen. It's one of my favorites! 

Tuesday Topics: Guilty Pleasure

I had to ask B what a guilty pleasure was, because I was having a hard time coming up with something for this week. His definition was "something you enjoy doing that's not necessarily good for you." He said, "You know how some people really like chocolate..." And all of a sudden I went from having no guilty pleasures to having too many to count.

I couldn't decide if I should tell you about my love for pizza or my lack of self control when it comes to ice cream, and then I thought about my obsessions with cupcakes and cotton candy. I also considered telling you how much I enjoy watching completely unrealistic TV shows like The Bold and the Beautiful and Keeping up with the Kardashians.

But when I sat down and actually started writing this post I realized I had a new guilty pleasure, and I didn't even know it.

Pitch Perfect. Now you may be wondering how watching this movie fits the description of "something you enjoy doing that's not necessarily good for you". Watching it once or twice doesn't. 

But when your mom calls and says, "Court and Mrs. Tanya were wondering if you brought Pitch Perfect with you this weekend." And you reply, "No, Mom! I may be obsessed with the movie, but I don't carry it around in my purse!" And your friend, Kayla, says, "I wouldn't have been surprised..." 

That's when your love for a movie reaches guilty pleasure status. I am embarrassed to say that I've lost count how many times I've seen this movie. Not just the movie, itself, but the bonus features and deleted scenes as well. 

~~~

My name is Emily, and my guilty pleasure is the movie Pitch Perfect. 

Random thoughts on a Monday

~~ Brandon finally came home yesterday after being in Oklahoma for two weeks. I realized during those two weeks that I was never meant to live alone. I lost all motivation to cook, clean, or do anything productive with my time, and my meals consisted of Kix cereal, Farm Pack market wieners, and Little Debbie Nutty Bars. It was that bad. On Thursday night I realized I hadn't eaten an actual meal in several days, so I decided to order Chili's to-go. As I drove home with twenty dollars worth of food, I realized I should not be allowed to make adult decisions when I'm in such a lonely/emotional state of mind. Yikes!

{She missed Brandon, too.}

~~ I've really enjoyed my Lenten daily meditations. Some days I feel that the bible readings were chosen just for me.

~~ Speaking of Ask, Seek, Knock... Dear God, I am not sure how much longer I can handle these work hours. I know You have everything under control and that we are living out Your plan, but I could use a little more help. Please continue to guide us and help us to make the best decision for our family. Love, Emily


~~ My tomato plants are doing great! {The ones that Brandon didn't pull up. Let's not go there..} I have given some to my dad and my PaPaw, but I haven't actually eaten any myself. I just like to pick them, set them on the counter, and look at them. If they don't taste good, I don't want to know!

~~ I recently read this post, and I was really interested in the part about love languages. I decided to take the online quiz, and it said that most people have one, maybe two, languages that are more prominent than the others. Not me. Poor Brandon has to use words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, and physical touch to make me feel loved. I always knew I was needy, but not that needy! I'm sorry, B. Looks like you have your work cut out for you! 

I think that's all for now! Even if it's not, I'm officially going to be late for work. Have a great Monday!!