Hello there! What a pleasure to meet you.
My name is Lauren Briejê Butcher. Yep, my middle name is weird – it’s pronounced ‘Breezchay‘ and is apparently the name of a French movie star my Mom loved. She actually meant for Briejê to be my first name, but thankfully my Dad stepped in and saved me. But you know what? I quietly love it (as my second name haha) – it’s a real conversation starter.
And that’s what The Life Expansive is – a conversation about faith, travel, relationships and all the little and big moments that make life. This little blog is a place for you, for us, to celebrate life in all its fullness – 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.
Who am I? I’m a lover and disciple of Jesus Christ. I’m wife to an incredible lumberjack named Jason. I’m the well-loved daughter of a pigeon pair, a protected little sister and devoted friend. I’m a loud talker, deep thinker, big smiler and quick laugher.
I’m a lawyer by training and a public servant by trade, so write (mostly boring things) for a living. I’ve always loved words and storytelling though, and The Life Expansive is a little corner of the internet for me to get a little more creative with my writing.
I’m passionate about my local Church and it flourishing and reaching our local community. I’m privileged to serve in various capacities in my Church, mostly with youth. Basically this means I get to hang out with our awesome young people, and share Jesus with them through food, fun and the great outdoors. What’s not to love?
I’m passionate about travel and exploring this great big world God created and gave us to steward. My travel passion also satiates my passion for learning new things, and experiencing different perspectives. Having lived in three countries (born in South Africa, late primary and early high school in New Zealand, and adulthood in Australia), my life experience has instilled in me a love for exploring. My best friend, Kristen, in her Maid of Honour speech at my wedding, reminded me to ‘Never lose your childlike faith or wide-eyes-open wonder.’ I’m trying my best to live that faith and wonder every day.
I love getting out into the great outdoors through camping, hiking and four-wheel driving. I also love staying in super fancy hotels and having room service. I like to call it balance.
I’m passionate about statement earrings – the bigger, the better – and fun bikinis – I own 32 pairs.
Ultimately, I’m a Christ Follower. My mission with The Life Expansive is to fulfil God’s calling in Matthew 5:14-16 (Message):
“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
Here’s your invitation, friend, to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34: 8). Will you join me?
I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing hello@