These are a few of my favorite things

Living in a foreign land is like being in a relationship - it has its ups and downs. There are moments when I find myself so thankful to be serving my husband and the Lord in this country, that I want to burst into a corny song like on the movie Enchanted. Then there are other times when I am on the brink of tears, either from anger, frustration, or sorrow, and I cannot wait to go home.

I have learned in those moments, to stop, breathe, pray, and try to focus on the positive. Is it easy to do this? No. Do I often fail at this attempt? Yes.

Well, this has been one of those weeks when it feels like everything has gone wrong. From being sick on Sunday to dealing with credit card issues via international phone calls, and many things in between, it has been one of those times in life when I simply want to clock out indefinitely. So, I poured myself a hot cup of tea, flipped the A/C on, and snuggled up with my Mac baby, and decided to let the "pen" flow.

In this moment, I am searching for the positive, and this is how I choose to find it: I want to share a few of my favorite things.

1. My best friend...

Every one needs a best friend, and when you are blessed to marry your best friend, well, life just does not get any better than that! Yes, there are occasions when we drive each other crazy, but this guy is more than I deserve. God has been so good to me in him. There has never been a time when I have doubted our commitment to our marriage. Even in the moments when we are too angry to talk, I have no fear because I know we both want to make it work. We both want the best for each other, and even when we are stupid enough to take each other for granted, we know our cup 'overfloweth.' His arms are the safest place in this world. I love my man more than words can express, and I thank our Heavenly Father for Bradley. Our marriage is one of my favorite things.

2. My other best friend...

Every one needs someone who will not only listen to all of their problems and complaints, but who is so in tune with you, that they almost always know the right thing to say. My someone is Krista. She is a sister in Christ, a sister-in-law, and my greatest confidant. Although a part of me would love to have her here with me, having her back home has been a solace. Thanks to her (and Skype), I have been able to keep my sanity. Knowing my heart, she never judges what I say, but rather, picks it apart, analyzes it, hears what I mean, and spits out the "perfect" solution. Again, I am in awe, not sure why the Lord has been so good to bless me with such a sweet and kindred soul, and I thankfully add our friendship to my list of favorite things.

3. My bruver...

In my family, I have been extremely blessed with a host of loved ones, whole, half, and step, and I am so enriched by every single one of them. However, the one with whom I have shared most of my life, struggles and blessings, is my little brother. He has always been able to make me laugh...as well as find just the right button to push - "I'm not touching you, what? I'm not touching you." We have always been able to dive into deep discussion on most any topic, and be real about it all. I love this safe zone with him where we can analyze, discuss, agree, disagree, and always grow. Although the big sister in me still worries about his safety and happiness, I enjoy letting go and just having fun with one of the greatest men I have ever known. I am beyond grateful to have my other, other best friend in my brother. ;o) Our kinship is one of my favorite things.

4. My boys...

Zach and Max still have my heart, even though thousands of miles separate us for the time being. Zachary's tendency to take things too literally combined with Max's exuberant love for life brings a smile to my face and a happy tear to my heart every day. I get to Skype with them weekly, and although I would selfishly love more time, I cannot overlook the blessing of our modern technology and their gracious parents. These boys have been a beautiful gift to a heart that has always loved and desired children. I could not have asked for better children to help raise. My relationship with Zach and Max is most certainly one of my favorite things.

5. Evie Mae...

The Edwards family as a whole has been a blessing, but Evie Mae and I have a special connection. From stroking the skin off my arm to lovingly calling for me when she is done in the bathroom - I feel so lucky and loved ;o) - I have been blessed to have this little bundle of joy to cheer me up whenever the weight of the work seems too heavy. Her imagination inspires me; her love encourages me; and her laughter brightens my soul. Her love is one of my favorite things.

6. My Mac buddy...

From writing to designing to connecting us to our moms, family, and friends, my laptop has been a true source of comfort. It has dings and chips from its clumsy owner, but the imperfections are proof of the endless hours I have spent composing, researching, sharing, and creating on this contraption. Honestly, I have NO IDEA how I would have kept my sanity without this technological beauty. My Mac is one of my favorite things.

The list could go on, but I will stop here. There are so many people who and things that have helped me in the instances when I am ready to give up or scream, and the blessings continue to come. At the start of this week, poor health had its hold; the middle of the week had me talking to myself, ranting about the endless heat that had my clothing stuck to my skin; and the close of the week found me frustrated with credit card hassles. Now, as the week comes to an end, I have reached the point of looking to my favorite things, and I am immensely grateful for all of them and more.

Uh-oh... I feel a song coming on...

(Imagine Julie Andrews singing)

"When the bugs bite, when the heat stings, when I'm feeling sad...

I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feeeeeeeel sooooo bad."

I hope and pray that in times of trouble, I will always be able to look to my list; that when I am feeling sad, I will be able to give thanks, and remember my favorite things.

"So long. Farewell. Auf wiedersehen. Goodbye."

What are a few of your favorite things?