Weddin' a-tire

So I just ordered my wedding dress, veil, and tiara. Exciting! Unfortunately it won't be here for another month (because it is being custom made since I am inbetween sizes). It seems like all the stories I have read about wedding planning and picking out a dress have over-dramatized this fun experience. Granted, there were moments in David's Bridal that I wanted to cry because the consultant kept bringing out dresses that got poofy-er when I was asking for a fitted skirt. But, in the end, I am excited for the big day with Matt, to wear my beautiful gown as I turn into a Richey. Sorry, no pictures on this one. Guys, the groom might see! And that would be BAD BAD!

Santa Claws comes in pj's- or at least we do

So this year my entire family got matching pajamas. It was pretty funny to see and try to convince my brother (and myself), that "santa claws" in a lobster suit was cool enough to go caroling in, but in the end my mom's idea was pretty funny. Can you imagine us singing a merry carol at your door in matching pajamas. Check it out:
Mi Familia:
We're for hire, but you'll have to wait for next year

Sister, mom and I:

The room gets smaller every year. I don't think it is from presents but us getting bigger. Time does that.

Kendra made this blanket for Scott. I think he likes it:

awe, cute!

It might be a little elementary, but it's still cute.

Savoring Grace

"Identification with the death of Jesus Christ means identification with Him to the death of everything that never was in Him."

The picture is of my family at Thanksgiving in Denver. My grandpa is currently fighting blood cancer and has lost 30lbs in the last 2 months. I love him so much and I cry just thinking about how much my dad loves his father and can't part with his dad because he doesn't know Jesus as Savior. I don't know if he identifies with Christ. So what am I up to?? Asking myself silly questions and fighting sin like:

When is dessert too much? 2, 3, 5 cookies?

There are points in my life when I continue to struggle with different issues to the point that I get lost in knowing right from wrong. Should I really be thinking right or wrong? Would it be more beneficial to look at something, identify it with Christ or apart from him, react based on this judgment and move on? I ask myself these questions tonight because there is no easy answer to categorize life because God has purposely left areas grey. Could it be so that we have to turn to Him, live in his presence and ask ourselves what do I really want (in whirling moment of thoughts)??? I love Christ, but somehow when I type it, there lacks sacrifice in certain areas in my life other than dessert. One day, when God asks me to give an account for my life as his bond servant, I pray that my life will reflect everything good, pure, and set apart, everything that Christ is. I am not there yet. Grace is something I struggle with. On one hand, it cost Christ so much and yet I abuse it. Part of me doesn't want because it cost so much from God. How many of us know this yet the weaknesses of our flesh are always ebbing at sin. AHH!!! Death was not just meant for our own flesh but for us to love and protect the widows, poor and those in need, aiding them in putting to death everything that wasn't in Jesus Christ. This quote by Oswald Chambers helped me create illumination to what Christ wants for us: everything that was in Him. This identification is a struggle, but who savors what they attain without effort?

And this is our Love story

What happened Friday night is nothing like I had ever pictured, but the way that Matt asked me to marry him was everything I never knew I wanted. It was perfect. I have wanted to marry him and we'd talked about it, but I was SO surprised because I thought it wasn't for a while.
I wrote this after it had happened:

"Today has been such a crazy day, and I totally over booked myself with just 5 hours of sleep. I turned in a 15 page paper, attended a recital, took a test, worked and performed in a concert. That was all just from 9-5. I was running from one event to the other praying that God would help me to make the night happen. Thank you for helping me keep sane while getting everything done today. I had an event tonight: A photo shoot where my friend Leah, a professional photographer, was coming to capture the beautiful women of cottages 20 and 21. I didn't think anyone was going to show up, but 14 out of 17 came! This is one praise of many Lord. I enjoyed using make-up to accent the beautiful features each woman had. I didn't want any of them to feel flawed. We all had so much fun taking pictures with different poses. If there are any single Godly men out there in need of a hot date, shoot, I got plenty! Leah is so gifted with working with high maintenance people. It was loud with music and laughter, but she patiently made art with each pose. It was funny because I kept thinking why are Kendra and Chris hanging around. So Matt shows up looking really hot, and I thought: Wow he even flat ironed his hair. That's a first. And he even has a suit jacket on. Hm, he looks good and he thinks he's going to get into the pictures.
Well, little did I know that Rob, Leah and Matt had it all planned out. We started taking pictures and Leah suggested different poses. It was fun and I was clueless. Matt then says, Oh, I can I try one? Oblivious me says yes and he drops to one knee. In my head I am thinking, wow-this is embarrassing in front of all these people, and say out loud-"What am I doing?" Ha. I am silly. Leah says well, I think Matt can tell you. Matt proceeds to try to convince me to look at him. I was SO surprised. He told me he loved me and then said something like this: I love you means just as much as that awkward time I first said it one my drive way. I am amazed by the way you've challenged me to love, encouraged me to love and how you have caused me to love so much deeper, not just you but everyone, and love others the way we have wanted to. One of the things that we have learned together is that life is about making choices, and Brittany, I choose you. With this ring that my grandparents started a lifelong relationship 55 years ago, I wanted to know if we would start one together? Will you marry me?
I proceeded to say yes and give him a bear hug. Thank you Lord this dating thing is done. We get to love each other, you and your people together for the rest of our lives."

Life is about community. I had always said that getting proposed to in front of other people would be so embarrassing. The more I have thought about it these last few days though, I know it was perfect. I pray that the girls in my cottages would see how God has changed us and know that God knows their desires and if it's His will for them to be married or not, it will all work out if they do it His way. Biggest thanks to Leah and Rob, Kendra and Chris.

I'm getting hungry just writing this one

In just 7 short days, we'll be feasting. I am preparing now by eating smaller meals so that I can have all the more room for food-goodness. My favorite food at Thanksgiving would have to be homemade mashed potatoes,gravy and corn mixed together. Emphasis on the homemade part. My favorite dessert is apple pie and vanilla ice cream. What's yours?

Remember

T.S. Elliot says "We must never cease from exploring. At the end of all of our exploring will be to arrive at where we begin and know the place for the first time."

This wonderful quote is from a beautiful author. Every time I have a huge term paper, I always stumble along a quote from Elliot and enjoy the statement because it is good, so good, to learn. If my life had a theme this week, as simple as it is, it would be "remember." Inspite of the things in life that have brought sadness, God has had so much grace in restoring the life of my own and my family. It was so encourageing to think and focus on these things and may I challenge you to do the same!

One Gift. Anther a heist.

When I was a Jr. in high school, my parents were obedient to help plant a church in Elk Grove, California. This was really hard for me because I was serving the high school group in leading worship and I had a lot of fun with the friends I had made. I felt torn between being with my parents and all of the friendships I had made. My parents were gracious and allowed my sister and me to continue at our church while the rest of the family was at the new church. So, my parents made the 30 hour treck acrost town to serve in starting this church, Tree of Life Community Church (TLC for short). We would try to help out and be as supportive as possible but my parents are amazing at serving this new body. The people that went to the church were so wonderful and loving. Yes, there were those funny ones, but my parents have been a blessing and been blessed by this church. To the amazing part: They have been meeting in a school cafeteria since the begining and God brought about an amazing opportunity to start creating a place of their own. Land is highly expensive in Elk Grove and a landowner of 5 acres decided that he did not want to sell his land to coorperate vultures but to a church for 1/5 of the value. He is selling 5 acres of land for 500,000. The parent church committed to give TLC 200,000 and TLC had to raise 300,000. Believe it or not, 41 out of the 42 families that attend committed to give 339,000, beyong their tithing. This is so amazing and an obvious working of our God. The people of this church are in no way rich, but generous with what they have. Isn't it beautiful when the body provides sacrifices for the bride of Christ?
Ironically the church I attend in Riverside, Sandals, is doing a series on the heist (many so called Christians think they are getting away with stealing from God). Sadly this is true. However, I can only speak truth, seek truth and actively live it out in my communtiy. Wouldn't it be different to see the followers of Christ, or those that call themselves that, make His bride beautiful through sacraficial obedience all the time?

Whoa Horsie!

Whoa Nelly I am freaking out! I just finished registering for my spring semester. I am going crazy because after this, I will only have just 14 units left to my college career. I just can't believe I am on the downward slope of this run.

On another note, today Kay Warren came and spoke to my Marketplace strategies for global advancement class today. She is the wife of Rick Warren, Survivor of breast cancer and courageous fighter for those infected with HIV/Aids. She was so passionate about the information she had to share that I know I just have to do something about it. Basically, the principle that I have been learning is how Christ did not come to build a church that would just be concerned with the soul, or just the body. He did not come for the individual, but the entire population of the world in it's entire existence. She told us of how awful the epidemic is and no matter how people have contracted HIV/AIDS, we still need to care for them. 3 million people are dying from this virus a year. That is like all of Chicago dying, every year. Many evangelical Christians are so concerned with the soul, and liberals with the body. Both are wrong. Christ's salvation is all encompassing, and not limited by categories but heals us in every part. Her life, mine and yours is a testimony of that if you know Jesus Christ. I don't know what it will look like, but I know that we are all called to care for the poor. We must care for those who need to feel the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. I know that I am guilty on not understanding how God can use the blessings I already have to facilitate his glory.

Luke 12:33
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.

Right-0!

I took this cool brain test (thanks to Matt ) and it informed me of my right-ness. Well, I'm not always right, but it had some insightful results. I think that it is fun to take this little tests that help time pass...You should try it! If you are right brained, we share some of the following:

Most right-brained people like you are flexible in many realms of their lives. Whether picking up on the nuances of musical concerto, appreciating the subtle details in a work of art, or seeing the world from a different perspective, right-brained people are creative, imaginative, and attuned to their surroundings.

People probably see your thinking process as boundless, and that might translate to your physical surroundings as well. Some people think of you as messier than others. It's not that you're disorganized, it's just that you might use different systems to organize (by theme, by subject, by color). Straight alphabetization and rigidly ordered folders are not typical of right-brained behavior.

You are also more intuitive than many. When it comes to reading literature, you probably prefer creative writing or fiction over nonfiction. And when it comes to doing math, you might find you enjoy geometry more than other forms like algebra.

3 cheers for Matt

Well, I don't normally feel the need to tell everyone all the nice things that my boyfriend Matt does because he does them so often. However, I just thought that I'd let everyone in on what creates that magic in our relationship (and give all the fella's out there some ideas to steal since guys need all the help they can get).
First, Matt showed up to chapel on Wednesday with gummy bears, just because I love gummy bears. Later, he said that I had to go back to my house before the big game. There, a few lilies, a red head band and socks awaited. Aw. Men: it is the little things that she likes that give you points!
Next, Heidi, Chris, Kendra, Matt and all of the other beloved Canadian cheerleaders screamed on the side lines. Sadly we lost but we sure tried hard. I got a few good sacks in and some cool bruises. Matt and I got cleaned up (and he put on his new Cool Water cologne I gave him), went out to the Macaroni Grill and had some great pasta. Then, because we didn't want to miss Lost, we grabbed a pazookie and enjoyed the episode. For Matt and I, this was the perfect celebration of the "1.5"
Okay, here's where Matt has gone overboard. Thursday at about 11am I got hit with a fever that lasted until 4:30am Friday, with a bunch of delusional episodes inbetween. Matt visited me before work, on his break and even brought me medicine, food, and his good company. Aw!
And the Most Memorable quote for this experience:
Brit: Matt, I feel bad that you are doing all this for me
Matt: I just like to take care of you darlin
Aw! And the Award for Best Man Ever goes to: Matt Richey!

Pump! Pump! Pump it up!

Tomorrow my friends, is the big game day. It is our last game before fortuna bowl and I am ready to take down the bus drivers. This year everyone has been really good about not trash talking the other teams, and I don't want to ruin that, but I am ready to do some serious damage. We have won all of our games with the exception to the Bus Drivers, our rival team. Last year we went undefeated to Fortuna Bowl and in the last quater, lost the the Drivers. You see, this made me really sad and ou team, the Canadian Bowlers has had to wait until now to do something about it. The Drivers came out really strong and beat us the first game of the season. We weren't warmed up yet. And so, if when we win tomorrow, the Drivers have to play the Smooth Criminals for second seed and we get first at fortuna. Sounds like a plan to me. So, if you aren't doing anything, wear red and bring a blanket to the front lawn at CBU tomorrow (WED) at 415pm and enjoy! I love football!!!

Baby Got Back meets Buble`

Okay, this made me laugh out loud. Normally, I just am an introspective laugher, but "Baby Got Back" has brought me out. Take a minute and listen.
click here

Goodbye Summer. Hello Autumn.

Spring? Summer? Fall? Winter? Seasons are not as different in California as other parts of the world, but I am learning to appreciate each of them. I used to play waterpolo and swim and so I was very biased about wishing it was always summer. Who likes jumping into water so cold that you have to swim 1000 yards for the feleing in your body to come back? So, I haven't been in the pool nearly as much, fall is here, and I love it! Granted, the palm trees leaves aren't really changing, but the clouds and weather has been beautiful. Sweaters, carmel apple cider and the crisp mornings are a few more of my favorite things. . As I to like new things, I can now add other seasons like fall! Which seasons do you like, and dislike? What about it do you look forward to?

so this past week has been a very stressful and sad.There have been some good things and really tough stuff that i'll blog about later. But as for this site, if you didn't notice, it is finally underconstruction. Matt is pretty good at this and is trying to improve the looks of this place. yea Matt! until next time...

Rounds

Last night and through the rest of this weekend, I have my first weekend duty for RA. This means that I have to be in my cottage from 530 friday night until 530 on Sunday night. Also, I have to be in the "box," which feels like one, from 8-10 friday and saturday night. This job has some weird hours! But so far, so gooooood! At CBU, we have a strong relationship with Asian transfers and on my rounds last night, I got to meet Caris. Since security is so important, she's from Asia. We asked if there were any boys and in her broken english, she said "der ees one but, uh, we need di-rec-schon." I LOVE PEOPLE WITH ACCENTS! I LOVE PEOPLE WHO AREN'T AMERICAN! Don't get me wrong, I love Americans also, but the diversity in each culture is so much fun! So, I told her I would wait while he tried to figure out directions and we just got to chat. In our conversation, she mentioned that she was a Christian and I asked if she liked it here. She said yes because she can take her Bible every where with her, wave it around even, and not go to jail. Wow do I take that for granted. So, this made my night and I can't wait to meet more international friends.
If you don't have anything to do and want to come to the cottages this weekend, I'll be catching up on Harry Potter and season 1 of Grey's Anatomy. Please feel free to visit! Happy Friday!

pleasure

This is just a little somethin somethin, a shout out to God because I am so thankful that I am no longer bound to a small group. At CBU, if we have a certain amount of schoolarship, then it is manditory to travel in a small group on Sundays around leading "worship." It is possible that God recieves praise, but I cannot say that it is biblical. In these groups, I have experienced a lot of good things, but enough heart ache to make it a growing experience. But anyways, this summer i have had nightmares and woken up from them with a cold sweat because in my dream i was put in a group. I have prayed that God would release me from this, and He has! He is so good. I am free to fellowship now at Sandals every Sunday. I think that the decrease in stress from this might give me 5 more years of life.

Here is a picture of my fellow RA staffers before our leadership banquet that we had tonight. God is abundantly and exceedingly my pleasure and I delight in serving him this year!

come, I will give you rest...

"And I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Whenever anything begins to disintegrate your life with Jesus Christ, turn to Him at once and ask Him to establish rest. Never allow anything to remain which is making the dis-peace. Take every element of disintegration as something to wrestle against, and not to suffer. Say - Lord, prove Thy consciousness in me, and self-consciousness will go and He will be all in all. Beware of allowing self-consciousness to continue because by slow degrees it will awaken self-pity, and self-pity is Satanic. Well, I am not understood; this is a thing they ought to apologize for; that is a point I really must have cleared up. Leave others alone and ask the Lord to give you Christ-consciousness, and He will poise you until the completeness is absolute.

The complete life is the life of a child. When I am consciously conscious, there is something wrong. It is the sick man who knows what health is. The child of God is not conscious of the will of God because he is the will of God. When there has been the slightest deviation from the will of God, we begin to ask - What is Thy will? A child of God never prays to be conscious that God answers prayer, he is so restfully certain that God always does answer prayer.

If we try to overcome self-consciousness by any common-sense method, we will develop it tremendously. Jesus says, "Come unto Me and I will give you rest," i.e., Christ-consciousness will take the place of self-consciousness. Wherever Jesus comes He establishes rest, the rest of the perfection of activity that is never conscious of itself.

-Oswald Chambers


It is amazing how He loves me. How He calms my soul and gives me rest. rest. rest. rest.
It will be alright dear child. I am big enough to solve the problems of the world.
That is what I hear. That is the truth I live by.

i stink sometimes

stink- to be very unpleasant, contemptible or scandelous
Do you ever have one of those days when you walk away from one conversation thinking, "wow, I really can't say anything right. I really want to love people and I just stink at it?" Many times I see why people respond the way they do to put up walls for defense. I want to be a catalyst for change, a hand free to serve and a heart willing to love. People are taxing. Sarcasm wanes on my creative responses. Sometimes people just tire me out.
I feel like this is the part where I say that I know that this is all for some deep analogy of relating to following Christ. God is here in the midst of this I know, but I feel like all of my offers are shabby, offering them to others who don't want them even. This post is not meant for self pity or self guilt. Today is just one of those days that I wish I could love people better. I need some help with this Lord.

addictions

right now i am in my summer school, class contemporary health issues, and we are talking about additions. my teacher says that addictions are things that you depend on that are bad for you. for real, thats exactly what she said. you know, lately i can't stop eating sugar and i think i might be addicted because i know sugar is bad for me. i should really stop but i don't know how. i just need, i just need....SUGAR!

maybe i can't stop eating sugar because i shouldn't be in boring summer school. who knows. it's all summer school's fault.

oh, and here are some of the beautiful faces that i get to live with next year. yea!

I'm an ear. I like being an ear.

What are you good at?

Well, after yesterday's sermon by Pastor Matt Brown from Sandal's Church, I had to do some thinking. It is true that God has gifted us all differently in order to reflect Christ more brilliantly, but how many times are we educated and prepared beyond our own obedience? It seems as though I fall under this too. For me, it is easy to desire prestige and hope that someone will see potential in me someday. However though, serving others means seeing their potential as I am learning along side them.
So, he also talked about those who were gifted as "hands" that were trying to serve as the "heart" or "feet." My old youth pastor's wife Nancy is the nicest lady and has such compassion and mercy in her genuine concern for others. She's a heart. I on the other hand, like to listen. Maybe it is because I have a horrible memory, but you can tell me a story twice and it won't bother me. So, I'm an ear. I also like to help people find direction. I don't know what part this is, but hate to see people feeling lost. So that said, instead of worrying about next year, I am going to choose to serve the needs that I can. Matt also said that we are educated beyond our own obedience. This is true, and being that it is true, we should ban laziness, instead serving our God because He deserves it. There is never a moment in life it is okay to choose to serve ourselves because of our own laziness; He is always deserving.

tear

how sad. i just typed a really fun post and it went to the never-never land of the world wide web...

just another...

here is a even cooler picture of some guitars for today. This wall is full of guitars...

Other than that, I am just getting ready for the fall. Cottage 20 and 21 RA...Yay! Shhh, don't tell but I am a little scared. Anyone been an RA and have any suggestions?

Peace

Property of Hard Rock

For those of you who love the show The Simpsons, check this out:

lame entry

It is really funny how much I miss technology sometimes and in the last week, I have had very little opportunities to post. However, the fun and amazing sites I have seen have been so beautiful that it wouldn't do the creator justice.
Right now I am in Tahoe with the family and questioning whether I should try my first 5k with my cool new kicks. Eventually I'd like to do a marathon and someday a full iron man, but that is in the distance. They have a race here on Saturday and I might just have to try it out. Start out small you know? Well, I also have some great pictures, but no way to add them to this post. So, this will just have to suffice in saying keep posted...

p-diddle

Just so you all know, while I was in the central o0f a-dizzle, I also got to visit the p-diddle...um, that's Paris for those who dont like the ebonics...but anyways, an American went rode around this sucker 7 times yesterday and so I am posting in honor. Well, the really rode all over France, to win the tour-de-Firzzle. Sweet huh! I got to even see this Arch-de triumph myself. God is pretty cool to work out a layover in France.

unity

Hello everyone. So today, after an amazing service at Sandals (minus the part where Neal talked about home-made bedroom films) I have had some amazing down time to just hang out with my brother and newly single sister, Kendra, who is taking this very well. I had some frequent flyer miles and figured, why not fly the cool little bro down? Well, let me say that I have missed this guy. He is just a hair shorter than me which is odd. Growing up is odd. But, on the subject of missing things, I miss Istanbul. Above is 1/5th of the hill I enjoyed hiking up to get to class everyday, which has prepared me for half dome (in just five days...ah!)


But on a more serious note, Neal talked about unity today, which made me think of a conversation I had earlier in the week with my friend Leah. She introduced me to some friends who have been seeing the wonderously "weird" works that our father uses to change people. For some, it is visions and dreams, others healings and tongues. Today in our country, it would be really weird to see Him use a talking donkey to get a message across to us (Numbers 22). But, think about it people, He works in ways beyond our cultures rules and guide lines. This brings us back to Neal's discussion on unity. While some people do not see the ways that Sandals reaches out to the community as the standard protocol, peoples lives are being sown in comfort and the healing power of God because a bunch of ex-stripers had recieved love themselves. The ministry that is recieving all of this criticism is lead by an ex-stripper who goes to clubs and pays for the girls time, befriending them and inviting them to an intentional friendship. It is neccessary to learn that there is not a catagorized manual of how to love someone America, but it is just a choice of the day. Whether we choose to be frustrated with stagnancy or be used for change ourselves, our goal is all for the sake of unity in yhwh.

Your Input appreciated...

So I haven't blogged in a while and you are probably wondering, where's the love? It's a bummer I can't que that black eyed peas song right now ....but anyways...I have been burning a few calories with cool friends like Leah and Kim just as the sun rises. This has been so much fun! I love these ladies! And then I enjoy the early mornings and make some breakfast and head to work from 9-5. I have been working at CBU in the Education dept and I have decided that I am not meant for secretarial work. I am like a kid with ADD and I love field trips to the copy center or the mail room, or to Wanda's for a little snacky-snack.
After working, I head to Wanda's again, grab a snack and head over to summer school. All of this chaos, for when I should be sunbathing, is shaving a semester off to graduate in Dec. of 2007. So, what should I do in the Spring of 2008? So far, I'd like to maybe try to find a job or internship abroad. Something to spice up my story. If you have any ideas or places I have to visit, I'd love to know your thoughts!

so check me out...

I was just playing that random game where you think of random words together and wah lah! it is a web site. Who names their stuff www.toothpastefordinner.com ? funny people do. check it out.

Matt, this picture is for you:

Time

If there has ever been a period in my life where I feel as though time has been effected to seem surreal, it is now. I have just returned to my own American culture and it is so nice and comfortable living here. I have intensely lived for the past 9 weeks in travel and to finally be in my apartment, with all of my things in one place, is odd. Time travels consistently, ticking marks that age us all. But lately, the question is is it the actual time that is taxing us, the date of July the third, two thousandth year plus six, or the experiences that mark what we have done with our time? I am a nomad, I realize, my home is elsewhere and for now, my time is spent here. Moments of comfort and many other emotions mark time, but the truth of the matter is that as a follower, the economy of the Kingdom is beyond time. So, no matter where I happen to be, my aim is to seek truth and the understanding of the One whom my heart beats for. Time will pass us all by but truth will stand unshaken.

maddness

In case you are wondering, here are six of us in this mini and let me restate that this care is small. Yet another fun night on the town here as our new friend Efe had some of us over to bbq. We even got pulled over by the police in this car and PTL, they just asked if we had been drinking and let us go. No, it doesn't really matter that we had 6 people in a 4 person car. this place is off the hook, not to mention He was watching over us.


oh and miss kim, your boyfriend loves you but Stephen is gaining momentum

I love technology!

Well, maybe it is a little frustrating. And to clarify, the internet here is a little sketchy and I am not conceeded. Really folks, that was supposed to be five very cool, but different pictures. So let's try this again:



Thanks for the comments, maTT and Los. I'm glad you liked all of them maTT. Los, miss you and Sandals too! Can't wait to hike half dome!

double shout out to maTT: happy year and two months. that is a weird statement.



So now I have another hole in my head. İ really like this one.




Leah, i hope you will enjoy two of these photos, since you love old people!

snap! snap!

Food and...gravity.

The food is really great. This is my favorite meal so far.

For those of you who have never experienced nakedness, the girls from CBU are no longer with you. Today we visited a Hamam, also known as a community bath. Feel free to appropriately use your imagination here because it was a wild experience. This bath begins with 8 women bath-ees and 3 women bath-ers. To clarify, there are no men in this picture. We enter and awkwardly remove all articals of clothing except one and quickly wrap ourselves in towels. There are rooms with marble, floor to celling. But first! oh man. Passing other women who are on the end of their journey here at the bath, who by the way have cast their towels upon the floor while sucking on a cancer stick, we begin to feel unsure of this expedition into the fog. It is really hard to write about this with multiple sexes readying this post but both men and women attend these places of scrubery, seperately. So if you are a guy, you don't have women at your bath. But at ours, we had some well , gravity effected women who could have fit in on the cover of national geographic if you know what I mean. So we timidly begin to soak ourselves and keep eye contact. And then there was lather, face down, spank! (this means turn over) and belly up, spank! (you sit up now) and the weirdest thing happens. She sticks my arm in between the girls and "cuts" my dry skin. (this cutting this is really meaning scrub super hard) Then you join the other newly educated (on what our bodies will look like later in life) females. Now scoop water out of a cistern,hot then cold and some more cold for you to realize this isn't a dream. Squeaky clean has a new meaning. Looking back, this was the perfect memory maker and I might go back for a second before my return.
well, the food is still great and the conversations with our new friends are becoming even deeper. EXCITING!

two visitors

The team has been doing well and this week has been fun but last night puke monster came for a second visit and the poor survivors, Jenny, Shannon, Robin and Sarah, have been weakened from this recent attack. Was it the food? the smell of smoke? the sketchy fish we ate? Who knows but please keep them in your thoughts and ask for a speedy recovery. They lay in bed eager to escape the porceline throne while a creepy guy kept coming up to the window and knocking on it. Oh, and how can we forget the advantage of a regular constitution. For some, this daily task has not occured for 2 weeks. sad. I hope this doesn't make you blush.
So this morning we had home group and it was so amzazing. Dr. Mooney arrived safely from the bird in the sky and has since tasted everything twice in his short time here. He really likes the food. Well, I like it too, I wont lie, but I really love that we walk every where. Although I do miss my bike, it is so much fun ridding the buses and walking everywhere. I feel like I have finally stopped with the rush of busy California and I could fit in here.
I have made some friends and it is so exciting to be welcomed by these hospitable people. The people here are really kind and most college students speak english well. Sometimes I even feel like I need to brush up my grammar. I know I do actually.
Something I have been thinking about lately is discipline of not being double minded or single minded (on myself), but revealing every thing to focus on father. Coming to a humbling understanding of how selfish I get makes my desire to continue on resting in the peace a minute by minute attempt. Just being completely involved in where I am at makes the future in His hands. I really appreciate the relationships that I have at home and her and my heart springs to work out my faith in serving others.
In case you are wondering, squaty potties are really frustrating. I am not good at them. I even had to pay to use this glorified hole in the ground. hah.

Fret no more...

Hip Hip Ho-ray! Three cheers for this place and the amazing blue water. Today I took a boat with some friends for two hours to the Black Sea. Just in case your wondering, it is really blue. No need to worry nor call the person who named it a liar because the beauty of this place screams out to the creator of His amazing creativity and astounding completeness. I love to sit and ponder the meaning of life and think about being intentional and the time there and back was so relaxing. If you haven't gotten out today to soak in the heavens declaring the glory of Him, get off the net and go sit outside for a while.

It is a pretty risky place here at night so one of my class-mates Jeremy walked me home. This scrawny child comes up to us and keeps saying money since that is all he knows in english. In his life, he will be taught to beg for the things he wants when he needs someone to love him and teach him the virtues of life abundantly. This breaks my heart. We bought him groceries and a top (ball) and sent him on his way. He said thank you. This gave me joy. Ah, Father I beg that you would have mercy on these people. Open their eyes to how poorly they are living and awaken them to the delight of your heart.

Sorry, got carried away. It is so much fun being a student here, minus the homework. blast. Till next time, be intentional!

It's cool here...and by cool I mean hot.

Hey, Everyone. It's maTT, updating for Brit. Her internet access has been kind of hit and miss lately. she writes:

well, I don't even know where to start. It has only been a week and already I feel like I have been apart of so many things. If there is one word to describe this all, it would have to be: INTENTIONAL. That is pretty much what we are all focused on being and it is a challenge, but not something we can ever halt on. We don't have the typical Sunday schedule so we just have groups, you know.





I have to leave for mine in a few, but before I do, I leave you with the following: In the country where I'm living in, there once walked many followers and the seven places of Worship started here after His return and ascension. I have walked where Paul did. Now, there are approximately 700 followers in the entire country. This means that to pass a fellow believer in the metro, I'd have to stand in the same place for over 2 hours where 14,000 people pass me, for one follower. There is so much darkness here, but I know my Father. I'm trusting on the inheritance of the Kingdom, where there will be people from this place. It is all about His W. Please read Isaiah 55 and continue to think intentionally. The metros have been a great place for this. Shoot, any place we all walk is.

So keep thinking about the people Brit encounters every day. She has had some great opportunities, and let's just pray they continue and that God uses the students to change a nation one soul at a time.

in just a few hours...

I am so excited to go serve, learn and quench the hearts of the people with the love of our great Father. I only have email as a way to keep in contact once a week. Pretty much no phone time as well so the internet will be the means for spreading word on how you can talk to Father on the teams behalf.

WELL! On the finances, my amazing team leader gave me $250. I am so amazed by the generosity of this person! They have a family and he works as a pastor and professor at CBU an I know they aren't rolling in dough. Just $500 left.

But in the mean time, here is a picture of Matt and I indoor sky diving. He is so kind/thoughtful and I know this was nerve-racking for him. He is afraid of heights and I love the thril. poor guy. He even enjoyed it so everyone should try it ; -}

I have faith

Well, I am about amazed and in need. I don't know if that is a bad thing to say, so I will write the math out for you:

cost to study abroad to a country in central asia
where 99.6% of the population is muslim: $2900 (not including $1900 tuition)

50 support letters= $600
working a job= $500
My church back home $750
My mom and dad $350
My sister robbed a bank $350 but not really. she got some settlement money from a car accident in high school
total $2450

He has provided in so many ways and I have faith that the rest will come in some how.
I love the Father

Awesome Albert

Helping you achieve excellence in the business and practice of law






As you read this, I challenge you to really let its meaning sink in. This eloquently answers one of the profound questions of life: Did God Create Evil?



A physics professor challenged his students with this question:



"Did God create everything that exists?"



A student bravely replied "Yes, he did!"



"God created everything?" the professor asked.



"Yes sir," the student replied.



The professor answered, "If God created everything, then God created evil since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then God is evil."



The professor was quite pleased with himself and boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth.



The student stood up and asked, "Professor does cold exist?"



The professor replied "Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?"



The students snickered at the young man's question.


The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat.


Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy. Heat is what makes a body, or matter, have or transmit energy.

Absolute zero (- 460 degrees F) is the total absence of heat. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat.


The student continued. "Professor, does darkness exist?"


The professor responded, "Of course it does.


The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir. Darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light, we can study, but not darkness. In fact we can use Newton's prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color. You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."


Finally the young man asked the professor. "Sir, does evil exist?"


Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course, as I have already said.

We see it every day. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man.

It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil."


To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God.

God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."

The professor sat down.

The young man's name --- Albert Einstein

yahoo for the new!

Originally, I did the musical to spend sometime with a beau of mine and start appreciating theater a wee bit more. One night I really just hated the vulnerability of performing and I walked out of rehearsal wanting never to come back. It's amazing how nerves get the best of us sometimes. We think to ourselves, "I got this. I can totally preform; I can win!" and then the butterflies come and WHHHAAAMM! YOU FALL ON STAGE, or don't do as well as you'd like to and yes, sing pitchy. Well, without trying for triumph, escaping our comfort zones will be traded for sedimentary dreams. This shout out goes to Matt, who challenges me and loves me even when I'm a lot of work.
Oh, and how can I forget thank you's to all of my supporters...giggle...
Kendra, Mom, Hannah, Heidi, Jim, Chris, Carlos, Rob...and I'm sorry if I forgot anyone...I am way too cheesy


so check out the web site, it has fun pics. www.broadwaytothebigscreen.com

Sacred VS secular

Can you picture it? Two warriors waging a battle while wearing those crazing leather WWF costumes? One black, the other white. Punches flying, sweat dripping. Well, maybe that isn't quite it. Maybe the battle in our lives is not the sacred, "Christian" pop music vs the "secular" pop music. Plus One vs N'SYNC. In reality, the kingdom of God rules over both. Maybe it is really what is holy, set apart, and unholy. Call me a weird-o, yes yes, but I worship the sovereignty of God's kingdom in books like Harry Potter. I see grace in movies like Nanny McPhee, love in songs like "Daughters" by John Mayer. What would happen if followers of Christ broke the boundaries of secular and sacred and took their relational world view to not be just a spiritual category, but a holy, transformed lifestyle?? Just a thought.

absurdity

well, my brother who is 15 decided to straighten his hair. Maybe girls had something to do with it, but he makes my stomach hurt from laughing. What is this world coming to? ha ah aha ha... This is same brother, that if you scroll down you'll see a kid trying to light his butt on fire. wow. i'm laughing really hard. i love my family

life

Life without realizing that we are not in control of all circumstances... Many people, including myself, have forgotten that while medicine and technology have wildly progressed, doctor's are not gods and neither are we. Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, if we have any hope as a community of faith, will you pray that our most sovereign Father would send his mercy to my friends and family. Tuesday morning, my close friend's mom Sandy was killed in a car accident. The opposing driver was going 90 mph on the wrong side of the freeway and collided with Sandy's car. The cars both burst into flames and Sandy, a Mormon, lost her life. My friend really misses her mom, even though she rarely was a good mom to her. My friend is the only Christian in her family. My friend will not worship our Father with her mother in eternity. I don't know and yet I do understand that the father's justice searches beyond our comprehension. Even in her circumstances, she just misses her mom.
Today, one of my cousin's lost her child as well. Residing in the biting cold mountains of Montana, on the way out for work he didn't lock the door. The child wandered out in her pajamas and was later found five hours later frozen in the lake. For three hours they diligently worked to bring her back, but this innocent child went home to the Father. This family does not have the hope of the Father and has struggled with this for years. Would you pray that the Father's sovereignty would be shown to their broken hearts, that the light would shine brighter in the darkness?
Two contrasting humans lives, lived in different states and different lengths. Earlier today I was talking with a friend about how vanity, wealth, success, and fame really do not concern those seeking to further the Kindgom of eternal peace. Why do I get tangeled with these things? Yet everything matters, but just not too much. Today I am thankful that I could praise my Father with music, fellowship and prayer. Anticipating great comfort for those mourning, I can know that it has to come from the Father.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than JesusÂ’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on JesusÂ’ name.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

Lord, would your name be glorified and would your children not be blinded nor slaves to sin but see you as their rock

ISP-Land

I spent the weekend in ISP-land. For the laymen, or not in the CBU bubble, that ISP stands for international service project. This summer I will be spending 5 weeks in central asia studying the culture and becoming in love with a culture that does not know grace. In ispland, we began our journey going thourgh customs and right off the bat, blondie gets pulled aside by an officer. He took my passport and left me, like a child in time out, for 20 minutes. After questioning me for who what and why I was going to central asia, I was let go. My amazing team waited for me. This really meant a lot, as they could have continued on. Granted this was all hypathetical-the weekend was "live fire"-a great preparation for the real deal in May-June. The weekend we on and me prayed at a masque, wore vails, didn't talk to the opp sex, ate weird food, slept in James 4th floor and HAD BONDING MOMENTS...smile...Please pray that our team's hearts would continue to be burdened for the oppressed people of the place we will be. Pray that there will be worship of the father and those following the way in a country that is 99.9% muslim. The father knows where we're going, so just intercede on our behalf. Life is kickin in the throne room! that's brittany for I love yhwh.

My room-mates, Justina and Angie, and I have really enjoyed the olympics. We are begining training for the next winter games. I was hoping to post the video of us in action, but I can't figure out how to...yet....

Times are a' changing

Ever feel like there is so much going on and the tidal wave has not even hit yet?? Well, life has been busy but I want to tell you of God's provisions in my life, even if they are silly.

My job ended last December and I have been looking and stressing over finding a new one. I have also been struggling though the disciplines that God calls our obedience out on the carpet. I have been fighting authority and ignorance, what I feel is injustice, and trying to grasp why God works in such peculiar ways. Well, I was sharing with my friend Lindsey that I needed a job but my availability is hectic. Her mom is sick and she had taken on a hefty load this semester and felt engorged by her responsibilities and was looking to lighten the load: her job; on campus; 10 hrs a week. Well, things were working out, I actually prayed about it instead of just saying that I did, and I went in to get my hours scheduled. They realized they didn't have enough money in the budget and they were sorry, but nada por mi! I was sad, but at this point I tried to just be content, and in "okay God" mode.
I began to fast, not only for the job but for other things. In my discipleship group, we have been looking at the disciplines of following Christ. God cares that my friend had to leave school this semester, one month into it, because he didn't have the money, one friend had kidney stones and another friend had a lump in her breast. So I am awful at fasting because I get too hungry or cranky and ka-put! But I just felt like there were so many things that, even beyond that list, were heavy on my heart. Beginning fasting from sugar, baby steps, I have spent the last week trying to catch glimpses of God in the day. Well, they called me back and realized they really needed some help and so I started work on Friday. My friends lump in her breast was not cancerous and my friend who had to leave school is doing a lot better.
On my way to class today, the freezing air forced me to get things moving in my head and start the blood flow earlier than usual. I don't think that God worked things out with the job and all those people just so he could stop hearing my nagging prayers and that I would be pleased. As I walk closer to sanctification, I believe that prayer is not for God, but to change us followers. i am learning to trust and be disciplined. I also saw End of the Spear this week and it was a painful reminder of how my value of my life is excessive;it's not just how much I need to father to accomplish his rule reign and authority through me, not me relaying a message, but bringing peace to those who have no understanding of it. Because really, if we all understood God, our unbelief would be cured and we'd be obedient. I was really sad that those followers were murdered. Their wives were left to sleep alone, children fatherless. But really, those followers grasped something bigger than themselves, and died. God will never let his word return void or empty, like the snow falls from heaven and water replenishes the dry earth, this theme of dying is recourse (Is 55). Times are a' changing and I can't wait to be look back, but for now, this is where I am.

For all the artists...and those who don't know they are...

IS YOUR HOPE IN GOD FAINT AND DYING?
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose imagination is stayed on Thee." Isaiah 26:3 (R. V. marg.)

Is your imagination stayed on God or is it starved? The starvation of the imagination is one of the most fruitful sources of exhaustion and sapping in a worker's life. If you have never used your imagination to put yourself before God, begin to do it now. It is no use waiting for God to come; you must put your imagination away from the face of idols and look unto Him and be saved. Imagination is the greatest gift God has given us and it ought to be devoted entirely to Him. If you have been bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, it will be one of the greatest assets to faith when the time of trial comes, because your faith and the Spirit of God will work together. Learn to associate ideas worthy of God with all that happens in Nature - the sunrises and the sunsets, the sun and the stars, the changing seasons, and your imagination will never be at the mercy of your impulses, but will always be at the service of God.

"We have sinned with our fathers; . . . and have forgotten" - then put a stiletto in the place where you have gone to sleep. "God is not talking to me just now," but He ought to be. Remember Whose you are and Whom you serve. Provoke yourself by recollection, and your affection for God will increase tenfold; your imagination will not be starved any longer, but will be quick and enthusiastic, and your hope will be inexpressibly bright.

Oswald Chambers writings are definitely a overflowing and glimpse of our creater. Lord, may we all learn to die and be resurrected to live beyond oursleves.

This is my brother Scott, who is now 15, using his imagination. At this point, I know God has to laugh at his children experimenting with explosive bodily functions. It's nature, right??

FOUR!

It was Matt's birthday and so I took the boy out for some mini golf. He beat me by 1 stroke! Good thing it was his birthday...This is his celebration dance.

Lately I have been praying that God would capture me. I have found that 5% is partly in taking care of myself, but the majority of repair has taken place in believing who God is. Amazingly enough, I have had new ideas about how to love those that he has placed in my life, simply by asking him to supply me with love. It feels like, I am falling for the first time, falling into life and love. I love my Jesus and not even death can take that away, even my own death. For the first time in my walk with him, I finally understand that "take up your cross" is like "take up your electric chair." I am still searching for what exactly my "cross" is, what I am called to let go, but it's a process right?

Pray for Matt's mom Heidi, as she is having surgery to remove breast cancer on Monday. Pray for my room mate Angie as her world is crashing. Pray for the world, that God might change you to love it. I have to be careful because when I pray like that I'm never the same.

"It is one thing to go on the lonely way with dignified heroism, but quite another thing if the line mapped out for you by God means being a door-mat under other people's feet. Suppose God wants to teach you to say, "I know how to be abased" - are you ready to be offered up like that? Are you ready to be not so much as a drop in a bucket - to be so hopelessly insignificant that you are never thought of again in connection with the life you served? Are you willing to spend and be spent; not seeking to be ministered unto, but to minister? Some saints cannot do menial work and remain saints because it is beneath their dignity." Oswald Chambers

POOPIE?

My internet connection in my apartment has been somewhat finicky these last two weeks and I tried to post a few days ago and it was lost. Oh well, I guess it was just a time to journal to the internet abyss.

I don't know really what I am doing in life right now other than waiting. Waiting is long, especially when you're hungry for answers. But for now, I am just waiting. And there is peace in the letters.

If you think about it, I would really appreciate your prayers about going to central asia. A new bird flu has hit a lot of the surrounding areas, which might mean a no go, and the cost is a lot. Again, I'm just waiting.

Well, until next time, here's something to laugh at. Poop makes me laugh sometimes.

The Poopie List

Ghost Poopie
The kind where you feel the Poopie come out, but there's no poopie in the toilet.
Clean Poopie
The kind where you poopie it out, see it in the toilet, but there is nothing on the toilet paper.

Wet Poopie
The kind where you wipe your butt fifty times and it still feels unwiped, so you have to put some toilet paper between your butt and your underwear so you don't runie them with a stain.

Second Wave Poopie
The kind that happens when you're done poopie-ing and you've pulled your pants up to your knees, and you realize you have to poopie some more.

Turtle Poopie
The kind of poopie that pops out a little and goes back in a few times before it finallly comes out

Pop-a-Vein-in-your-Forehead-Poopie
The kind where you strain so much to get it out, you practically have a stroke.

Lincoln Log Poopie
The kind of Poopie that is so huge you're afraid to flush without first breaking it into little pieces with the plunger.

Gas-sy Poopie
The kind where it's so noisy, everyone within earshot is giggling!

Drinker Poopie
The kind of Poopie you have the morning after a long night of drinking. It's most noticeable trait is the skid marks on the bottom of the toilet.

Corn Poopie
(Self explanatory)

Gee-I-Wish-I-Could-Poop Poopie
The kind where you want to Poopie, but all you do is it on the toilet and fart a few times.

Spinal Tap Poopie
That's the kind when it hurts so badly coming out, you swear it was leaving you sideways.

Wet Cheeks Poopie (The Power Dump)
The kind that comes out of your butt so fast, your butt cheeks get spashed with water.

Liquid Poopie
The kind where yellowish-brown liquid shoots you of your butt and spashes all over the toilet bowl.

Mexican Poopie
The kind that smells so bad your nose burns.

I DONT KNOW WHY I CANT STOP LAUGHING AT THAT ONE....POOP IS FUNNY!

Upper Class Poopie
The kind of Poopie that doesn't smell.

The Suprise Poopie
You are not even at the toilet, because you are sure you are about to fart, but, OOPS---a Poopie!

The Dangling Poopie
This Poopie refuses to drop into the toilet even though you know you are done poopie-ing. You just pray that a shake or two will cut it loose.

It's mostly scripture...

This is a picture of wild flowers, taken last summer in the Colorado Rockies. Ever thought it would be nice to live like a wild flower? Sounds better than more school work. School isn't horrible, I just can't believe that it starts this Tuesday. Last year I was really excited to come back and start the next semester, but after my fall chaos, God will have to get me through the next. Last night I woke up every two hours because of a cold. ironic how rest ends. That's all for now, well, no.

I finally understood a this part of scripture . I just thought it was another example of God wanting us to live in a relationship with him and the world. It's amazing how thick my head is, and I'm working out stubborn pride in relinquishing control to the Father.

Genesis 12

The Call of Abram

1 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.
2 "I will make you into a great nation
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.

3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you."
******comment:learning to accept blessings so they may be given to others is a part of wanting our name to be great so God's name will.****************************

4 So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.

******He was 75! I am just 19 and I want to leave, but this is a process of surrender in myself.

6 Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring [a] I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.

8 From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD. 9 Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev.

******I love Oswald Chambers and he says that Bethel was a symbol of communion, with God, and Ai a symbol of the world.

Think away!