Grocery Day...and a Day for Me.

It's been a while since I have written on here and I'm sorry abotu that! We were away visiting family in Red Deer, Alberta for a bit and then we were busy for the rest of life in general. Our vacation was incredible for Jason and I. We needed to be able to get away from the busyness of life and just relax before Jason got back into the routine of work. He graduated a few weeks ago so he is now a college graduate out in the world looking to find his place. It's a good thing we've got the big guy upstairs on our back or else we would be full of anxiety. Or at least I would! So it's great to be back, but we sure miss Jordan and Julie. God sure did some work in our hearts while we were there just helping us get to a place where we felt his peace and refreshment. It's like the beginning of our marriage together all over again. It's been quite a year, so we needed to get away. Thank you Jord and Jules. You have given us the greatest wedding gift and we miss you incredibly.

Why title this grocery day? Well, yesterday was the first Tuesday of the month of May of course! It's 10% off Customer Appreciation day at our local Safeway and for my fellow American readers, check out www.safeway.com to see if this goes for the stores there as well. I'm not sure?! So I went to a new little coffee shop here in Abbotsford called GoGO Beans and tried their verson of a vanilla latte. I'm reading some of it right now because it was too loaded for me to finish yesterday. Let me tell ya, the barista told me they sell European coffee and its generally stronger. It's got a strong smooth flavor and I quite enjoyed it. And still am:) So me and my strong coffee went into Safeway to find the best deals. I spent an hour and maybe a bit more going through my list, finding the sales...and loved every moment. I tried to smile at every customer and make remarks here and there. I find that, like most people...life is busy. So grocery shopping is just another chore. But being a newlywed on a tight...tight student living budget...I was just thankful to be able to buy the things we need and some that we enjoy. It's been quite the year. I saw this mother with her clipboard and printed out list with her three or four daughters, I don't quite remember. But she had quite the routine going and it was impressive! I know she was there to get the best deals as well. The result you must be asking by now?;) I had about $100 worth of items...and they went down the $70 because of the sales and 10% off. I was so proud of myself!

The rest of the day was a cleaning and organizing day for me. I really enjoy doing that and am loving that we have a little place so I can do everything...(vacuum, dust, mop, both bathrooms, kitchen)...in an hour:) Looking forward to seeing the responses of those that have that beautiful home rather than a condo...I look forward to that time as well:)

Well, enjoy your day. And soak in your time with your family. Don't take advantage of them. I miss mine everyday.

Britt

Ten Random Just-so-you-knows.

While I was cleaning the house this evening, getting ready for the family to get here, I was thinking random thoughts. Yep. So I thought I would share them with you.

1. I love love LOVE cleaning. Especially in the afternoon/evening when Jase is out doing things. Then he comes home to a clean house, and I sleep wonderfully!
2. I have this cute pink hoodie that I got from my parents a few years back that says Cleveland on the front from a trip they had to make there. Anyway, the way the zipper is makes the stomach part stick out funny. It will be PERFECT for a tummy with a baby inside! Don't get too excited though, GOD WILLING I won't be able to fill the sweatshirt for another 3-5 years.
3. I am such a fan of power walks. Why? Because you get a great work out in all the while you can chat it up with God like crazy...or one of my girls.
4. Lists. Lists. Lists. I love making lists. I love crossing things off on the lists. And putting old "to do's" that never got done on the next list. I feel so productive even if I haven't started doing those "to do's"
5. I save my change so that I can make my coffee budget stretch that much more each month.
6. I want to LOVE tea, but I just can't enjoy it as much as I do latte's or coffee's with some sweetener in it. I've tried! Hoping...there's hope.
7. I have more scrapbooking to catch up on than anything else in this world.
8. When the budget allows, I can't wait to start being more creative and making things for the home.
9. If I wasn't wanting to be working in the ministry, I would LOVE to be an interior decorator.
10. Sitting in a coffee shop with my fav chai latte and laptop is one of my favorite things to do when I need a break from studying. Looking forward to doing that next year! It's typically my time to plan my semester out homework/internship wise.

Well, that's all for tonight. I hear my phone in the other room, must be Jase telling me when he's coming home. Hope the Canucks played well tonight or else I'll be hearing about all the bad moves they did...and won't understand a bit of it. Have a great weekend everyone, leave a comment of one of your most random things about you. So if you are a reader of my blog, and may not even know me...still...leave a random comment:) I would love to see who all reads this thing.

God Bless!

Brit

P.S. I hear cars honking their horns like crazy on S. Fraser (a block away) That means the Canucks did really well! When Canada won the USA-Canada final hockey game, you would think it was a parade! Well it was. A parade of crazy fans driving up and down the road honking their horns so everyone else would celebrate. Crazy. Crazy thing about it is Jason and I went for a walk just to be around the crazies. Loved it.

Just Excited.

Nothing too deep to share with you today. I just wanted to share my excitement for this weekend! My parents are coming up to visit for Jason's graduation (yay he's all done!) and so is my awesome little bro. Def gonna miss seeing Alex and Charlie, but it will be great to get some time with Mom, Dad, and Joshy Squashy. (Yep, he may be almost 13 but I will never let go of that name;)

Also, we found out that there's a new baby coming! Nope, not US....I am not pregnant so don't get any ideas:) Emily and Jer just shared with us their good news! Connor is about 9 months old and he is going to be a big brother! Baby is due in November! We are SO excited for them!

Ok, that's it for today. Just loving life:)

Go get your free starbucks today if you bring in a reusable mug!

Britt

Spring cleaning...inside...and out.

It seems like now that I have my own home, I want things to be much more clean. I don't want those baseboards to go unnoticed....or the fridge or microwave...and then there's the walls that seem to have some water drips that have made a home there. And I LOVE IT! Being newly married, we wanted to go through the different roles and duties that need to be done now that there are two of us, and I willingly volunteered to be the little housewife I feel that God created me to be. We do share many of the tasks when it comes to cleaning and picking up around the house, but when it comes down to it, I do the deep cleaning and Jason does the finances and well his list could go on:) It was fun and frustrating at time figuring out our roles. I noticed myself using the word "fair" quite often, and that just wasn't quite right either. In reading 'The Excellent Wife', I learned that God has given me as the wife a role to make this home comforting and welcoming. Especially for my family, which is Jason right now:) Each couple works through the way they want to figure out the roles, and I know of some marriages that the man does the cooking and cleaning. It's all what you both work well with.

But for me. I like to clean:) Which brings me back to reality.

Sometimes I can be a naggy wife, a grumpy wife, a wife with selfish expectaitions, and a wife that can just be plain annoying. I was reading through Proverbs this morning while eating breakfast. This is something that I was challenged with by Pastor Carman, and it's something I treasure. I leave for work being reminded of something specific each day. Here's what rocked me this morning:)

"A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping." Prov.19:13

Ha...OOPS!

Over the last few weeks I've noticed myself quite...well..."quarrelsome".

I'll come home from a great day at work, and be just a bit grumpy, naggy, wishing the house was spotless. (Even though I was blessed to marry a man that is really quite clean:) But I can have such high expectations for myself in that area, or I just like things to be a certain way, so its one of my flaws. And I need to work on that. I was convicted, which I always say is a blessing and a curse. A curse because it always makes you feel like DANG I'm a dork. And I need to change something that is so natural. A blessing because it reminds me that I cannot be lazy in my walk. I cannot be lazy in my attitude. When I get in these attitudes...and can still literally hear Mary saying to me (my high school youth pastor's wife, and great mentor at that time) Brit, you need an attitude adjustment." With a smile on her face. And I love it.

I love it!

I love that God's work hits me like it does and reminds me how I can be a better wife. It reminds me how I can be a blessing to my husband, rather than an annoying sounds like the constant drip of a faucet.

So thank you God! I pray that I can be constantly remembering this verse, and taking it seriously in my life.

Thank you Mary, for telling me over and over when I needed it in high school, and when I STILL need it, to get that attitude adjusted!

Blessings to you today. I hope you are encouraged that even though being a newlywed is wonderful, beautiful, and bliss. There are still struggles, arguments, and quarrelsome attitudes that need to be adjusted. You are not alone.

Britt

Hillsong. Hebrews. & Pumpkin Muffins

This morning I woke up wanting to get online and get some blogging done, and just get a start on my day. Yet, I had this feeling deep in my heart that I should spend time with him. Yesterday morning I started out my day this way, but I just wanted to get going on my day today. I had thoughts going through my mind like, "Am I just doing this so that I can say I have done my God time today? Am I being legalistic and ritualistic?" And after about ten minutes of going back and forth I said forget it, I'm spending time with my God because I WANT to. I WANT to start out my day in the best way possible. So I turned on an older Hillsong album and opened to the book of Hebrews. I've been reading through the Old Testament for a while now, and have really enjoyed it. But I've decided to take a little break to read some of the New Testament because it truly can refresh my heart and remind me of Jesus' calling on my life. It reminds me that many have gone before and lead a life of purity and love. It reminds me that I'm not stuck in the desert for a bazillion years and STILL ignoring God. I just get so frustrated with the Israelites at times, yet am reminded that I can be the same way!
So how do I feel now after spending some wonderful time with my Jesus?

Incredible.

I'm refreshed, encouraged, and filled with that love that I desire to spread to all I talk with today. I'm reminded of the kind of wife I want to be for my love. The kind of friend, daughter, and sister I want to be.

It's so cool to see how when i take the time with spend with my God, my Creator, I am brought back to where I need to be. I'm reminded that wherever God desires to send us, HE WILL SHOW US. I'm reminded that I have a purpose and am doing my best to live that out. I'm reminded that Jesus is INCREDIBLE! He came here and became a man...like us. He experienced trials...even more difficult trials than I have ever experienced. He died the most painful death, so I could be ALIVE. So I didn't have to die for my sins. He ROSE again to show GOD'S power. He rose again to show that HE IS GOD. That we are to go and tell this good news to the world. That we are to bring God's truth and hope to those that are in such a great need of it.

This hit me hard today. It made me SO giddy inside, because I am reading the word of God. It's sitting on my counter everyday...every morning I read a Proverb to start off my day. This is GOD'S LETTER TO ME.

"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. NOTHING in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom WE are ACCOUNTABLE." Hebrews 4:12-13

God, my prayer today is that your will is done in my life. I owe you my life, and I will worship you forever. I give you my life Father and I desire to live to bring you praise, honor, and those that need YOU. God I pray for those that read this blog, and those that don't, that they may experience your joy today. I pray for healing for those that need it most, and blessings on those that desire them from You. I pray for refreshment to the tired and weary, and hope for the ones that have lost it all. God, bring love and joy into the lives of all I see every single day, whether it's on facebook or face to face:) God, you are mighty. You rose and conquered the grave and I THANK YOU.

Have a great day guys! Enjoy whatever it is you are doing today, whether it's working that job you are sick of, or running around doing all the other things that need to be done. Above all, be encouraged. For we are not alone in our battles, fears, struggles, arguments, hurts. We have THE God that is holding our hand the whole time.

Much love guys, and Happy Easter:)

He is alive and working today!

Britt

Spring has Sprung!

Not quite sure what that saying means...if it means anything. But it was my first thought when thinking of a title for this entry. So YES. Spring has Sprung:)

Lately I've really been on top of things in the world of cleaning and housekeeping, and I'm pretty happy for that! Except today, was the day to do those tasks that have needed to get done for months and I finally stopped putting them off! Yay! I loved it. Having the windows open made it that much better. I feel refreshed and content in knowing I was very productive today. Time to do my last workout for the week and make some yummy breakfast for dinner. One of my favs:)

Enjoy your weekend everyone! Get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather. Jason and I are spending time with our brother and sis-in-love and looking forward to seeing our little nephew Connor and nephew (boxer) Wyatt:)

Blessings and sunshine:)

Britt

Let's be honest here...

Yep, its time for honesty. I miss my Mom. How weird is that? For most of you who know me, know how much my family means to me...so this probably doesn't come to you as a surprise. But honestly, I miss her! I've noticed myself thinking lately that I really don't fit in with the rest of my 21 year olds...I mean I am a newly married woman...which I absolutely love! Most people my age are not ready or wanting to get married anytime soon, and that's ok too. Jason and I were both at a place where we were ready. Ready to become man and wife. And I praise God everyday for this season in my life, because it's so beautiful, refreshing, challenging, and a HUGE learning process. I've learned so much about myself already, the good and the bad, and I look forward to the next many many years learning more and more. But honestly, I miss my Mom. You must be thinking, Ok Britt, we get it, you're homesick, you miss your Mom...now get on with it. But let me explain. Lately I've felt a little on the lonely side. And of course you might wonder how that can be being a newlywed. And to clear up any smelly air, Jason and I have so much fun together and we spend lots of time together. But, I miss having my Mom around to do those fun girly things with that Jason can't appreciate as much (nor would I make him). Don't get me wrong, I've got many great girls that I hang out with and I love every moment I have with them. There's just something about my Mom that is so perfect. Over the last few years I have noticed how much alike we are and I love it! Sometimes it's even scary! I've just noticed that I love talking about new recipes I've tried, and how I want to plant flowers and herbs and all that good stuff. We aren't wanting children for a while, but I just love talking about babies and all the incredible things that come along with them. They are just a miracle! I love decorating, cleaning, and taking care of my home. I love to try new things around here and make it as homey as possible with a newlywed budget. I just love this season in my life. Yet, I'm noticing I desire to have my Mom around to share this with me. And Mom, you're probably reading this and saying well why did you leave me in the first place! And I will remind you, for the bazillianth time:) I came to live in BC because God called me to study here. Remember how that all went?:)

As much as I love living here in BC, Canada...what an experience it really is. I do wish I was closer in distance with my Mom...with my family. There's just so many times I think, oh I'll have to go to that craft fair with...Mom...wait...she's 6 hours away! (some of you might say hey thats not bad) but it's not close enough sometimes:)
Plain and simple. I miss having my Mom, that understands why I love being a wife. I miss having my Mom, that understands me and my dreams and my struggle with anxiety (or lack there of, Praise God!). I miss having someone that loves laughing at those Victoria Secret catelogs because no one REALLY looks like that in those things.
I know God has us here for a reason and a beautiful reason at that. And when we both graduate from college, I know whereever God directs us, it will be for another beautiful reason. And each time I notice this sadness...I lay it down to the Lord, and He always reminds me of His love.

But for now, I miss my Momma Love:) Because she understands why I am, the way I am....right now.

How about I get started on that dinner now:)