Hello World

Hello!

Welcome to this – a whisper that’s been on my heart for three years but which I’ve always found excuses not to pursue, wholeheartedly. I’ve taken little steps forward over those three years – talking with family and friends, finally purchasing a domain, getting hosting set up, the design of a beautiful logo by a very talented friend – but each has taken months, with many excuses offered up to delay. 

But let’s be real – I was afraid. Afraid of looking silly. Afraid of baring my heart for all the world to see. Afraid of being laughed at. Afraid that my writing isn’t good enough. Afraid of comparison with all the other amazing blogs out there. Afraid that my ideas are boring.

But God’s pretty amazing with His heart whispers. If you leave even a little crack in the door, the whisper hovers there. He’s a gentleman – He won’t push through the door without you inviting Him in. But you know, and He knows, He’s there.

So here I am. After some not so subtle hints by my husband, Jason, various devotionals and Bible study, and a frank conversation with another blogger. Here it is. The Life Expansive.

Life: (I) the condition or attribute of living or being alive; animate existence. Opposed to death or inanimate existence. (a) the condition, quality or fact of being a living person or animal; human or animal existence.

Expansive: 1(b) of persons, their affections, utterances, etc: freely going out, effusive open; 4(a) of material things: expanding over or occupying a large surface or space; having wide bounds, broad, extensive; (b) of immaterial things (e.g. thoughts, designs sympathies): having a wide range; comprehensive

Over the last eighteen months, I’ve experienced some of the best and worst times of my life. From incredible highs exploring the world with Jason, to lows as we mourned the passing of grandparents. From moments of profound joy and blessing, to crushing moments of sorrow and anger. And then there have been the times of simple contentment, or straightforward daily grind – neither happy nor sad, just daily, ordinary life. This year has been The Life Expansive. It’s life in all its fullness.

That’s what this little blog is all about. Celebrating life and all its moments – the happy times, the sad times, the boring times, the ok times. It’s about chasing dreams and travelling the world, but also being content with cuddling up on the couch, or seasons of sorrow. Because if we didn’t have shade, we wouldn’t appreciate the light. It’s about seeing the beauty God lays before us, even in those times that appear ugly. It’s being exhilarated by the wonder and colour of the world and being comforted through the tribulation.

What will this look like? I’ve always loved writing, so I hope to tell stories and reflect on faith, travel, relationships and the little joys and sorrows that make my Life Expansive. I want to share testimonials of how God has moved in my (and our) life, but also reflect on struggles and, dare I say, crises of faith. I want to share with you our passion for experiencing new places. I want to write about beautiful places like Dubrovnik, but not just in listicles that tally the ten best places to eat there; rather in a way that brings the flavours, smells and people of those restaurants and places to life. 

So here we go. Remember what I said earlier about how I was afraid? Truth is, I’m still afraid. A few months ago, Jason and I watched the Dwayne Johnson movie, Skyscraper. In one scene, the Rock’s character says something pretty profound:

“In order to be brave, we’ve gotta be a little scared.”

Dwayne Johnson, Skyscraper

There it was, another little God whisper that’s stayed on my heart ever since. Here’s to being brave, friends, knowing it needs a little scary in order to manifest. I hope you enjoy.

Blessings,

Lauren