I have a confession to make... more for myself than for those of you reading. I tend to worry more often than I should. My mind has such an imagination and runs wild with the worst case scenario. My worries often revolve around life changing events and people I care about. I remember when my parents divorced and I worried about what was going to happen to our family; when I was leaving for college, I was scared to leave my brother and sister behind because I didn't want them to make bad decisions (and somehow me being home would keep them from doing so...haha); when it was time to leave for week of excellence for traveling, I remember crying in my mom's arms because I didn't think I was capable of succeeding since I was the one who'd never been to church camp and the one who had the least amount of knowledge when it came to the Bible because I didn't grow up in the church; when I realized I had fallen for Brent, I remember calling a dear friend for support because I...

The date was October 29th... a few days before Brent had asked me if I thought I was pregnant. At the time he asked, I didn't think I could be pregnant. Brent went out of town for several interviews on Thursday and Friday and I began to wonder if I might be pregnant. I bought several tests and was overwhelmed when the first test came out positive. My eyes filled with tears... of joy, disbelief, and fear. I also wasn't sure how I was going to keep a secret for 12 more hours. Brent wasn't scheduled to get home until after midnight. I kept pondering all day how I wanted to tell him we were having a baby. When he came home, I told him that I had a gift for him and came around the corner with a bow on my belly. He didn't believe me at first. He kept asking, are you sure? Two tests later that same night, he was a bit more convinced. :) I am now 8 weeks and 3 days. We have our second ultrasound on Tuesday. So far it's been lots of nausea and the occasional sickness. As a...

I have been blessed in so many ways this past weekend and at work in the last couple of weeks. I've laughed more than I have in a long time and it feels so good. Playing cards, talking about funny experiences of people talking/walking in their sleep, watching Christmas movies, talking at the Coffee Shop, going to Ye Olde Steakhouse and sitting near an older couple who had on too much perfume and cologne, and scrapbooking makes for a wonderful weekend. :) At church on Sunday, there was a different set up. There were tables set up instead of the typical rows of chairs. Initially, I was bothered and didn't really want to go into the sanctuary. After the four of us (Brent's parents were in town) found a table and were seated, we were told we needed to move and sit with other people. This made me a little miffed and even more unwilling to participate. Next, Brent was approached and asked if he'd been briefed on what the table leader was supposed to do. This upset me becaus...

With the beginning of November now upon us, my mind sways to those things I'm most grateful. In contemplating such things, I'm glad I have relationships and memories to always take with me. I'm guilty of not always remembering to give thanks and/or praise when it's due. (Whether it be to my Almighty Father or someone who has given me a gift selflessly.) I want to remember to say thank you or acknowledge those things I'm blessed with each day and not only during this holiday season. I find if I remember to acknowledge those little things I'm grateful for, I'm capable of being so much more joyful and pleasant. So I'm writing this as my reminder to continue praising God for all He has done and to show appreciation to those around me who sacrifice and give so much. I recall living in the dorms and Sarah Kenworthy (then Younce) and I would tell each other a list of blessings each day to help us in being more positive. :) During our first year of marriag...

I've been thinking a lot about my previous job here lately (as you could probably tell from my blog posts). I don't think I could ever describe my work to anyone who hasn't worked at The Village and do it any justice. I worked at a residential treatment facility for teens suffering from substance abuse, sexual abuse, and behavioral disorders (among several other entities). I was basically a caretaker (or mom, if you will) to 5-18 girls. One of the downsides to working there was feeling so alone and conflicted-- wanting to help these adolescents fight for a better life for themselves and yet feeling so discouraged as I spoke with entitled teens who didn't care what I had to offer them. I have had my hair pulled out, been spat upon, laughed at, punched in the face, and had a chair thrown at me (among others). I'd say I left having the better end of the stick compared to some of my coworkers and even those who worked there before I did. I can't help but think...

As most of you may know, I moved on to a new job back in September. It's been quite the humbling experience in many ways. Not the same type of humbling experience I received in my work at the Village, but humbling nonetheless. Before starting my new job as a Tanning Specialist, I remember having a conversation with my step dad over the phone. It was the day before we were to head up to Indiana for my sister-in-law's labor and delivery and four days before I was to start at Fusion. I'd been having doubts already on my own about whether I was making the "right" decision in moving on from the Village, but this was the icing on the cake. I misunderstood a statement my step dad made... he said something to the effect of "man, working at a tanning salon with a four year degree." I took this statement to heart and heard him calling me a failure for not using my degree. The next day, he apologized because he realized why I was so upset and it turns out that he w...

I've been reading several blogs over the past couple of years and finally decided to start one of my own. I did Xanga when I was in college, but stopped posting when I got married. I'm intending this to be an outlet to share my experience and growth, not only as my husband's bride, but as the bride of Christ. I yearn to mature in my desire and pursuit of my Savior as well as mature within our Bradley household. I hope for this blog to be a place to document thoughts as an encouragement to others as I share about lessons learned, new things, and the adventure Brent and I share together. So we'll begin as some of my favorite stories as a child began-- "Once upon a time..." :)