Be

Something the campus pastor said last night that really resonated with me.

God said, "If you can't be with me, you have no business doing for me."

She went on to talk about the spiritual disciplines of solitude and prayer, something that I struggle with, because I love to be doing. This Saturday a group of us are going downtown without our cellphones, laptops, or anything else. And are just going to be with God in the midst of a very busy city. We have to discipline ourselves (just like Jesus did) to be alone with God.

I'll let you guys know how it goes. Hope everyone had a great Easter!

Coffee and Donuts

Yesterday morning, bright and early, about 15 of us got up and started giving out coffee and donuts on the street. We stepped out into the busy, traffic filled street that our church sits on, and simply wanted everyone who drove by to have a good day. So, to show them that we love them, care about them, we passed out coffee and donuts to help them start their day with a boost. And nothing in return. We wanted nothing in return. And that was the kicker that no one really seemed to understand. "What for?" "How much?" But when we said, "For you" and "nothing at all" they were stunned at the generosity. Generosity? All we did was give them a cup of coffee and a chocolote donut. How generous is that really? What a glimpse into the lonely, independent, and indivdualistic world we live in. It's about time we step out of our comfortable walls, safe churches, and exculsive relationships to open our eyes to a world full of loneliness. People are dying to be connected. Even if it means a stranger saying, "Hey, I care about you." No one takes that extra step out into the busy, fast-paced life that everyone is living. (me included) Well, let me tell you, the second you step out, it will be noticed. Love will be noticed. Jesus will be seen.

(p.s. that picture is of my adorable roommate pouring coffee!)

Spring Break in Mesa!

Nick and I just got back from spring break in Arizona! Nick made it through with meeting everyone, poor guy. But we had a blast! We went to church (RMCC), drove up to Sedona (gorgeous!), saw TJ play (stud), met friends, ate a lot, and soaked up every moment in the sun!

Classes start back up tomorrow! I'm looking forward to a drawing class I picked up this quarter and my other classes are still going well.
Thanks for you who keep checking in! I will keep giving glimpses into my crazy life here and all the AMAZING things God is showing me everyday.

show

Last night I played a show with a friend here on campus. Just a little basement coffee house on campus. It was really great. I love when I get a chance to share my music. Here are some pictures. Enjoy.

THE GLORIOUS LAUNCH!

It happened! And Westridge is rolling forward! We had close to 200 people Sunday! Can you believe it?! God is so, so faithful. And the really awesome thing is that even if 5 people showed up, it would have been powerful and worth every second, just the same. The numbers were really a side note. After the service, everyone had lunch together in the basement of the church, and everyone began connecting! It was so sweet to see old faces start connecting with the new faces. We are really committing westridge to be a place of real community. AND ITS HAPPENING!! Through God's mind blowing Spirit, we are doing this thing.

Thank you for all your prayers! God is moving through people and connecting us together. Real, authentic relationships are happening.

Talk to you soon, Brit

Frickin Antartica

It's antartica around here. Snow, ice, wind, the whole shabang. It's fun, for about 20 minutes. I am now convinced this sort of cold could only be a result of sin, and everyone should quickly repent, in hope that God will grant us mercy and it will be bearable soon. (I am kidding of course) But really, I am enjoying every second of it. :) Classes are going incredibly well and I really am pumped about what I am learning. Work is piling up, but I don't let that bother me, you see more importantly I am super busy with WestRidge and all that is going on there. The Launch of the Church in Westridge is Feburary 10th!! Be praying! Three weeks ago, we were around 50, two weeks ago the count was 74, and this last Sunday the count was 98, which rounds to 100, which is so RAD! WE HAVEN'T EVEN LAUNCHED YET AND WE ARE GROWING!! God is seriously present and people are being drawn to Him. The pieces for this summer are starting to come together, which gets me excited! I will be in Chicago, interning for Westridge (more on what that will look like soon, I'll keep you posted on what I will be up to :) I am working on lining up a job at the SBUX (that's Starbucks lingo) across from campus, which is also 2 blocks around the corner from the basement I will be renting. What?! A basement? Yes! An awesome, old, Greek, woman named Irene, who is a part of the community at Westridge, will be letting me rent out her basement which is across the street from the dorm I am living in now. (how awesome is God??) Still some details and things to be worked out, but it is definitely coming together. I am so, so grateful. Mom and Pops were here this weekend, what a ridiculous blessing they are. We had a sweet time together! And they got to meet Nick (the one in the picture up there)!! Yep, last semester, in the middle of all this craziness and awesomeness of opportunities God has been putting in front of me, a boy. And an amazing one at that! Can you believe it?!

So there is life in a nutshell, well, the details at least. I am doing well, learning more about myself, God, and those around me everyday. It is such a beautiful process.

Remember to pray for Sunday, Feburary 10th, the launch of The Church in WestRidge!!! God is going to move!
Love you guys.

A New Semester!

This Christmas has flown by, and I have really enjoyed getting to spend quality time with people I love.

I leave Friday afternoon for Chicago, and I can't wait! I am ready to get back into the swing of things. God has definitely placed my heart in Chicago and I'm stoked to get back to all the things I love being a part of there. Seeing all of the people I have built relationships with over the past few months and meeting more! I already know this semester is going to offer new things that will take me to new places on this adventure of life!

Classes start on Monday!
Keep checking in with me to see what I am up to!