Blissful Weekend...

So I have to share....

But first, I've been the one sitting here reading sweet things other hubby's have done and have been like WHAT? No fair!

So, I must say, your time will come...Your time....will come:)

So Friday morning I was watching the little guy I watch every week and got a text from Jase asking if I thought it would be fun to get dressed up and go out to eat with some friends in White Rock. Of course I was excited about this idea! So the plan was that we would head out that way to play some games with friends and then go out to eat that night. We would come back and sleep at one of our friends houses so that we could go to church at Relate Church in Surrey Sunday morning. I loved the plan and had no thoughts to doubt it!

Saturday morning was just nice being able to relax and spend some time at home together. We got ready to go and headed out the door around one. As we were making our way downstairs, I thought, wouldn't it be so cool if Jason was actually surprising me with a weekend somewhere else? So, being the jabber mouth that I am, I told Jason of this glorious thought. Little did I know, that was the plan!

Jason, being the cool, smart, hilarious guy that he is, he took this comment and played with it. He said, "well that's a bummer, no I feel bad that I'm not doing something like that for you. Why did you have to say that?" I was totally feeling bad but also confused as to why that upset him? I mean really, I've  "thought out loud" much worse!

Anyway, the drive to Surrey was nice and relaxing, for the passenger at least;) There was quite a bit of traffic but we just talked and kept a good attitude...Then, Jason went passed the Surrey exit and just kept driving....I didn't think about it too much since I don't know that area. The only thing going on in my mind was, "I've never gone this far, cuz all I know is that there's no more exits leading into Surrey, and this small town girl would be making her way to Vancouver having no idea how to get back!"

Then he just looked at me and said, "we're actually going to Vancouver"......

And I didn't believe him....
And he kept going, and shared all the details...
And then I kinda believed him....
And said..."No way, are you serious? I'm so excited. I just have no words to say. Thank you. You are a doll. I am so excited. Are you serious? Are you really serious? Like can I get excited?

Obviously, I didn't have a problem finding the words to say....

Needless to say, we had a romantic day walking along English Bay and Vancouver. Of course I had to grab a Chai Latte from a coffee shop I'd never been to. Blenz-you did well! We had reservations at a restaurant and got all fancied up for it just like I had originally thought.

Adorable.

It was just perfect! And I had to share, because I needed to share the details with you Mom and Dad, and for the friends that I would typically share them with....

But for the rest of you, I hope you were able to see how wonderful my Hubby is!!!

Such a blessing:D

The Grace of a Mother's Gift

I actually just wrote this paper for an art class but felt that I had to share it with you ladies and gents. Even if it's not Mother's Day, take a moment to remember how incredible your MommyLove's are...

It is not uncommon to be in your twenties and know of eight different women expecting their first, second, or even third child. To be realistic, that number is only going to grow. You may be asking why I would choose the depiction of a new Mother and her newborn child to observe for an art project, and the answer is why not? As I was walking through the art gallery down the road, The Reach, I was looking for a specific piece of work to use as the basis for my assignment. Yet, as I took a step back to think about the other things in my life that represent some of the most beautiful art, I was reminded of a new Mother gazing down at her precious little girl.

            For this specific assignment, I have one new Mother in mind specifically, for she and her husband are great friends of mine. Jenn and her beautiful baby girl Grace have left an everlasting impression on my heart, for there is such beauty in the newness of their love. Grace came into this world in the same way as every other human being, knowing but one person, the woman carrying her. It became obvious from the very beginning that this precious newborn knew the voice of her Father and found comfort in his arms. Yet for this specific assignment, it is my desire to focus our attention on the relationship between a Mother and her child. Being that it is my dream to embark on this adventure in the future, a large part of me finds this miracle intriguing and breathtaking.

            In the first conversation I had with this new Mother, Jenn made the comment that while she was in the hospital, there were about twenty different people that came to visit her and meet her new little princess. Each one of these people were full of love and kindness, yet Grace seemed a little uneasy until she heard her Mother say, “It’s ok sweetie, this is your …” This was a reoccurring theme that carried through out the entire stay in the hospital, and to some degree it made Jenn feel good. This demonstrated that this child, whom Jenn had only felt but had never truly met, actually knew who she was. She found comfort in her voice, and peace in her embrace. From the moment Grace had entered this world, she knew that there was someone that loved her, and desired to protect her.

            As a viewer, you cannot help but feel the desire to experience a love such as this. It’s almost impossible not to feel joy for Jenn as she gains confidence each time she is the only one that can calm her child down. I remember having conversations with Jenn from the beginning of her pregnancy until close to the end and she would say that she afraid she would not know what to do when Grace cried. There were many different comments expressing fear and insecurity, yet that seemed to end once the child came into this world. The comments leaning towards fear or insecurity were more in relation to discipline and everything else that comes later on in a child’s life, which is understandable. I remember the first time I was able to meet Grace, she was hidden under a blanket filling her tummy with warm milk from her Mommy. The look on Jenn’s face was a mix between utter exhaustion and absolute joy. It was evident that there was an immediate connection with her child that was giving her the energy she needed in order to push through the moments of weakness and exhaustion. As a viewer, it is almost impossible not to look at this newborn like a complete miracle. Everything about her life thus far is a miracle, and it’s done completely by God. How can this experience not be related to art?

            Sitting back and listening to this new Mother explain the tiresome days she has experienced since the birth of her child, I was filled with such awe. Such awe in the fact that I too was the one keeping my Mother up until the wee hours of the morning, taking every ounce of energy from her. It’s hard not to wonder what it would be like to see my Mother sitting in that rocking chair, looking down at my sweet little face with such admiration and love. Thoughts such as these not only fill me with wonder, but also with appreciation that I was given an incredible family, for not all are given that.

            The only issue that I could tangibly come up with this experience is the fact that someday, this little girl is going to grow up and no longer need her Mother like she does now. For most this is not an issue, but something of great joy. For my own Mother, this was an experience of heartache. All three of her children seemed to grow up in their own unique ways in a very short period of time. The weekend after my beautiful wedding day, my oldest brother left to join the Army. Weeks after this difficult reality, my youngest brother seemed to leave the little boy in him behind as he started to grow into a teenager. All of these things are not horrible, and each one of these kids have grown up into wonderful young adults. Yet, the woman that brought them into this world experienced such a great amount of change in such a short amount of time that it left her wondering where her babies went. It was as though one day she was cuddling with all three of these children on the couch, discovering new adventures through a storybook. Then the next day, they were clipping their wings and flying into a new sunrise. So this picture I am left with is that being a Mother has its gifts, for there are many. Yet, it also has an element of heartache and for some, that heartache is more traumatic than others.

            So as I sit back and look at this beautiful new Mother, swaddling her precious gem, I am filled with a plethora of prayers. My first prayer is that Jenn can enjoy each and every passing moment with this little girl, as I have with my Mother. I am reminded of the countless shopping trips and the “Girl’s day outs” that were filled with fun, joy, and laughter. My second prayer is that every teenage argument can be tamed with the reality that Jenn just adores her little girl, and desires the absolute best for her. This is something that took time for me, as I was often the one carrying on with that pre-Madonna attitude. My third prayer is that Grace will come to see how incredibly full of wisdom her Mother is. It is my desire that she can appreciate everything her Mother has done, just as I have come to realize. My fourth prayer is a prayer of protection. Knowing what is going on in this world, it breaks my heart to even have to see this precious little angel walk out that door alone. Yet, I am reminded that she has Godly parents, and for that she is blessed. My fifth and final prayer is for Jenn. In seeing what my own Mother has experienced as her nest is quickly becoming empty, I am discovering that this is a difficult transition for most. It is my prayer that she may experience absolute peace and healing when that time comes. Yet, I pray that she is able to enjoy each moment now without ever giving that future thought a moment’s worry.

            In thinking about the picture of this precious new Mother and her gift of a baby girl, I am filled with awe in the reality that God created them both. He created this young woman to carry this child until the day she was supposed to be born. He gave her the strength and endurance to literally push through an incredibly long and strenuous labor, and for that I am inspired. It is almost impossible not to capture a glimpse of the glory of God when you picture Jenn holding Grace for the first time. It’s an absolute picture of beauty, for God has bestowed one of his most precious gifts on this young family. He has demonstrated just what this is as the little girl’s name means, grace.

As we are all but sinners, it is incredible to see that because of God’s grace, we are forgiven. Even in our weakness, he pours his gifts upon us, and for that I am eternally thankful. I remember hearing Jenn talk about the name of her baby, and the reason she had chosen it and I was filled with absolute joy. For we have all been shown grace, and now she has been given Grace.

             

             

Life. As I Know it.

Just a few scattered thoughts from the last few months....

It's been a crazy few months, let me just say that.

I've been busy with school, finishing off my last few assignments before I walk across that stage accepting my degree...that thing that shows I've written a lot of papers, and read a ton of books, and still have a lot of learning to do.

Jason has been leading at a church over the border in Bellingham, just filling a need for a few weeks and it's been so fun serving with him on the team, singing alongside him. It's such a cool thing, being able to lead others in worship with my husband by my side. It's been a dream since I was a little girl, and it's officially come true! We're still keeping our eyes open for the right fit, for a church to make our own, and for Jason to work in full time as the worship pastor. It's quite the process, yet God has opened some neat doors for us these last few months that have given us a better idea of what we are looking for.

I've been struggling to feel at home lately. Mainly because our time in this cute little condo is coming to a close sooner than later. I'll be graduating soon, which means there's no job or school keeping us here in Abbotsford. It's exciting to look for new places to live, but it's frustrating when you're not sure where you are moving yet. So that's been quite a new thing to experience. I've noticed my obsessive cleaning and organizing has gotten a bit lax, knowing I'll just be putting everything in boxes, yes....sooner or later.  It's something I never thought I would even do, stretch out my cleaning tasks longer than a week....;)

I've been very reflective lately, wanting to sit down and blog, yet books reviews, theological papers, and making dinners have become the priority. I've missed writing. I've missed pouring out my thoughts, hoping I can be an encouragement to someone, somewhere, helping them know that someone else on this crazy earth understands. It's my deepest desire. It's my greatest hope for The Beautiful Truth. To be the voice telling others that THEY ARE UNDERSTOOD. That's what we all want isn't it? When it comes to arguments with my husband and I, half the time they are because one of us isn't feeling heard, nor understood. When one of us takes a moment to just listen, and understand, the resolving begins, and it's beautiful.

God has been doing some neat things in my heart lately as well. For a while, I was struggling to wak up in the morning and spend time with the Lord while I eat breakfast. I was afraid of becoming legalistic, not doing anything else before spending time in God's word. Yet, I was forgetting that God does call me to be obedient for a reason. He calls me to take time in my days, and just BE with him. So, I threw away my fears and lies I was believing, and spent time with God. So, everyday during the week, I wake up and get ready like every other woman on this earth. Then, I pour my favorite cereal, and sit down to chat with God. Or really, read through His word. And it's beautiful. I've been reading through Acts and am blown away every morning by what the disciples have done before the rest of us. The lives taken, for God's truth, is incredible. What an inspiration these men and women were that LIVED their faith out in a time that wasn't like today. Wow. I'm blown away.

God is real. Seriously.
I was at the Hillsong United Aftermath concert last week and was so blessed to worship in an arena with thousands of other believers.
God is real.
He is moving in my life.
He is holding my hand every moment of every struggle. And I have many.
I get it. I understand what it's like to be afraid.
To feel alone.
To feel empty.
To feel scared.
To wonder what's going to happen in the future.
To have things from the past overwhelm you with fear, regret.
I get it.
And so does God.
He died on the cross, so that we could be FREE FROM THESE THINGS.

Some mornings I wake up feeling the weight of the world on my back. I am filled with fears. I am reminded of my insecurities. I worry that I'm not doing enough for every woman out there looking in the mirror and hating what they see. I fear that my insecurities will bombard my mind, and cripple me. I worry that something is going to happen to my precious little brother, entering the world of temptations, rejection, battles. I am longing to be closer to my family, just so I can get a hug from my Mom, she's my best friend, and I miss calling her up to make a run to the mall just because. I miss sitting up for hours talking to my Dad, he's just about my biggest fan....always so interested in hearing what I've been up to. I mean he laughs at every joke, jokes that even Jason looks at me with a smirk, wondering where on earth I would come up with that....which does fill me with joy anyway. I have days where I wake up just wanting to stay in bed, and sleep the day away with Jason by my side because then we don't have to make hard decisions, we don't have to do anything but just be. It's beautiful to have him there with me everyday. Yet, I still cannot live without God by my side. I cannot look in the mirror and feel beautiful without God wispering that truth into my heart. It's a beautiful reality I have come to know, and understand deeply.

These lyrics bring such hope and peace into my heart each time I hear them. They are on the new Hillsong United Aftermath cd. Incredible. Soak in this truth today.

And I know, your with me
And I know your with me here
And I know your love with light the way
And I know your with me
Yes I know your with me here
And I know your love with light the way.

May these random thoughts fill you in on what's been going on lately with the Cavanaugh's, or may it fill with you peace in knowing that someone understands.

Britt

Squirrels. Yes...squirrels...

Today as I was walking home from class I watched this adorable little critter run across the street with a huge mouthful of potato chips or something like that. It was hilarious!

And of course it got me thinkin...

They sure have a zest for life! Or maybe, they are crazy high energy...

Or even had a few too many shots of espresso..

Either way, they look like they are constantly on a mission and it makes them oh so adorable!

Everytime I see these little things running crazily around, I have to laugh. I mean what are they thinking? What are they DOING?! I see them just running around like crazy here, and apparently, we've got some of my American brothers and sisters running around...Jase says certain colored ones are the American squirrels...:)

How do they get over the border so quick?

Anyway, I just thought, if only we could have a zest for life like these crazy little dudes. I mean, maybe we would all be headed towards a mental institution. But, it's a good thought!

I looked and looked for a funny little video of these things running around, but none were that great, or some were actually dirty. Really? People these days...

That's what you get for searching for squirrel videos on youtube huh?

Anyway, if my oh so NOT spare time, I found this and thought it was cute.

Enjoy:)

Now, everytime you see one of these guys, laugh. Or, run, my Dad had one almost attack him out of a tree once, so that's another thought;)

Britt

And it was beautiful...

Here's the latest post on how The Beautiful Truth went last night, being that some of you were wondering. . . .

http://thebeautifultruthblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/and-it-was-beautiful.html

It was amazing! God is already at work in some of the girls, and I was even able to chat with some of them afterwards. It was just too cool....

God is so good!

Also, you will find the story of our beloved meat thermometer in there...:)

Brit

A Beautiful Reality

Why am I blogging at such an hour?

For a few reasons...
One. I was up till 4 am chatting with a good friend. That was priceless of course, so I'm ok that I took a few too many naps today, which means I'm def not tired enough to sleep yet. Oops!
Two. Tomorrow night is the first night of The Beautiful Truth!

Did you get that?

TOMORROW NIGHT IS THE BEGINNING.
THE FIRST NIGHT.
LAUNCH TIME BABY!

Not lunch time. LAUNCH time!

I'm so unbearably excited, yet so incredibly nervous.

Everything is ready to go, for the most part of course. Coffee needs to be made, chairs need to be strategically put together. Lighting needs to be set so the room feels warm and welcoming....Yet this all won't be happening until about 5:30pm.

So as I lay here in bed, going through my talk, going through my to do list, I just can't slow down enough to fall asleep!

I know that partially has to do with the fact that I had a few too many naps today, but please, I want to sleep some more!

Just a few of the things going through my mind,
    -homework assignments and a project proposal
    -books I need to buy and start reading since I am ALSO finishing my last semester of my Youth Work    degree.
    -dinners I have planned for this week
    -friends I am praying for, family, my soldier
    -thank you's I need to get out, calls I need to make
    -of course the bathrooms need to get tackled some time this week before, well...they just need done.
    -possible job opportunities for my husband
    -names of my future children....(really Brit? Hey guys, I'm about authenticity here:)
    -the more I type these thoughts out, the more crazy I am getting at just RE-thinking about my to do's...

The other night I was laying wide awake, (this has been a theme for quite a while and I'm beginning to wonder if this is what being in the ministry looks like...oh dear) and I was worrying about The Beautiful Truth, worrying if I advertised enough, prayed enough, prepared enough, spread the word enough, planned enough, and this and that and this and that....All the while, this was running through my head.

"Strength made perfect in weakness, made perfect...Your strength made perfect in weakness....

Yet, the list kept growing, the worries kept coming and I even remember thinking, "why on earth is this song stuck in my head? I'm not really in the mood to sing right now and Jason wouldn't really appreciate me waking him up because of my random singing..."

After what seemed like 30 minutes of worrying, and ignoring those random lyrics, I stopped and thought for a second and the light bulb went on! This whole time, God was speaking those words into my heart, yet I wasn't taking the time to listen, to allow God's truth to bring peace into my heart. That's all he was trying to do the whole time, to remind me that my strength is made perfect in weakness, because God is working THROUGH me! Talk about having peace overwhelm me instantly. To be honest, I think I prayed about it for a little bit and fell right to sleep.

Why do I not listen? Why do I close my ears to God, and allow my fears and worries to take over? I mean, look at all that God has done already with The Beautiful Truth. Last night a few good friends of mine got together to spend some time talking and praying over this ministry. It was an absolute gift. I cannot even begin to express how full of peace I felt at the end, and how thankful I was just to be a part of whatever God has planned. It was truly incredible! And it's only the beginning...

Tomorrow night is the first night of The Beautiful Truth.
I have no idea who is coming, other than the ones that I have either MADE come for support:) Or those that have expressed their desire to be a part of this thing. Of course I have no idea what is going to happen, if this will take off now, or later on...who knows! God knows....

And I'm going to rest in that tonight. I'm going to be reminded of the fact that my strength is made perfect in weakness, and boy am I weak without God. Without him, this dream would not have made it past my journal. Without him, this would only be a dream....

May you be praying for each girl that knows they need to come. Pray that the I can be at peace, and JUST BE as I speak tomorrow night. Pray that no matter the outcome, I can be full of joy because of my obedience. Pray that each guest speaker is full of peace and joy as they prepare and share what God has put on  their heart. Pray that girls come to know God's truth about how beautiful they truly are. Pray that girls may come to know our true God through out this time. Pray that something beautiful happens on the campus of CBC.

I'm so excited! This is it guys! No longer will you only be hearing about my fears, worries, and desires for The Beautiful Truth....you will also be hearing the incredible things God is doing in the lives of his daughters!

Now, I am ready for bed.
I am ready curl up and fall asleep, so I can be fresh and ready for whatever tomorrow brings.
Good thing there's latte's and make-up;)

Voices of the Faithful

First of all, don't fall for the "click here to look inside";) I definately got the wrong picture to put on here for my readers. I just got this in the mail from Thomas Nelson Publishers and love it! (for those of you wondering why and how, click here and you will find out why) This book is put together with over 300 stories written by missionaries from all oer the world. Each story is different, yet one thing remains the same, God has done incredible things in the lives of his people. You can either read this book from beginning to end like you would any other, or add it to your daily devotions. Either way, it will be an inspiration to you in your walk with the Lord. Beth Moore does the Introduction to this book, and fills her readers with some encouraging words as well as a challenge to spend time in prayer for the missionaries working through out the globe. Pick this one up, it's a great read!