tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6356387256786581142024-03-19T06:49:50.264-05:00Share This RevelryThe simple things of my life.Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-39233511934087887142013-07-10T11:20:00.000-05:002013-07-10T11:35:42.066-05:00Boy oh boyLadies and Gentleman, we are officially parents and ITS A BOY! Just for the record, I was right! Ever since Xavier Gray Lanier (we call him Gray) was born on March 7th, all I have wanted to do is hang out and look at him. If there is ever a spare minute, I just want to be with him (as folks can tell from my lack of most extracurricular activities). The Lord has certainly sent us a gift and I love him so!<br />
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We headed to the hospital to check-in at 6:00am on March 7th and Gray made his entrance to the World at 12:29 (he was already like his momma and didn't want to miss lunch)! He was 6 pounds, 5 ounces and 18 and 3/4 inches long and he didn't even have a beard like his daddy! He was perfect from the start and pretty much the most beautiful thing I have ever seen (so maybe he isn't our kid after all). Our families and friends have welcomed him and given him more love than I could have ever imagined. He turned 4 months old on Sunday and I can't believe it. People warned me that time would fly and they were right. He has changed so much already. It is so fun to watch him grow and learn! Now he can smile and grab things (including my hair) and show his delight or disdain. He is a little nomad baby going from person to person and sharing his joy. I honestly think he has secret happy baby powers!</div>
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We have learned a lot in our short time as parents and are still trying to adjust to the fact that pregnancy is over and the next 18 years have started. We have learned that little boys are quite good with their aim from the very start of their lives. We have learned that you never have to wonder when it is time for a baby to eat. We have learned that you really can survive on little sleep but its not very fun. We have learned that babies dont always have "that baby smell" and sometimes they just need a bath! We have learned that the love you have for your child is bigger than you could ever imagine and that baby snuggles are priceless. As life and learning continue we are praying that this little man will be healthy in every way and a special man of God. Please join with us in the same prayer.</div>
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And now, in true annoying mother fashion...here are a few pictures of the man cub. Enjoy! I certainly do!</div>
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Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-91103728075941064552013-01-30T15:41:00.000-06:002013-01-30T15:41:13.357-06:00Almost ThereWell ladies and gentleman, we are almost there. It is hard to believe that in 6 weeks or less we will bring a new life in to the World. I know I have mentioned it time and time again, but my mind is still blown that Evan and I will be parents.<br />
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Things have gone smoothly throughout the pregnancy and for that we are more than grateful. Now we are in full blown "ticking time bomb" mode. The hospital bag was packed this morning (just to set us at ease), the car seat is ready to go and we will get and update on the size, weight and progress of our child on Friday. The nursery is done and the odds and ins are, for the most part, gathered throughout the house (thanks to wonderful friends and family who have been beyond generous with their gifts). I know there will still be plenty of things we end up finding/getting in the very moment we need it due to not knowing it was a necessity (have I mentioned we've never done this before?) and there will be plenty of trips back and forth to our house and the store from the hospital for some poor soul but, for the most part, the baby materials are gathered.<br />
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People keep asking "are you ready?" To this, we have no idea what to say. Are we ready to meet our child and have pregnancy over with? Yes. Are we ready to have sickness out of the way and trade it in for a different type of sleepless night? Sure. Are we ready to go through birth? No. Are we ready to be parents and know what we are doing? I have no idea. It's hard to know if we are ready or not because it's hard to know what we are getting in to. What we do know is that we are excited.<br />
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We are excited to meet our little one (excited especially to find out and announce that it is a boy or a girl). We are excited to see who he/she looks like. I am personally excited to not have my ribs and other insides kicked out by what seems to be a really strong baby. I am really excited to be a mom and I think Evan is excited to be a dad too. And, of course I am excited to share a picture of our family of 3 with you in the near future :)<br />
So, until all that excitement comes to fruition, here is a not so attractive picture of me and my big 'ol belly from last night. <br />
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<br />Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-880317205827521742012-12-06T17:02:00.000-06:002013-01-30T15:24:54.442-06:003rd TrimesterWelcome 3rd Trimester. Welcome to going through 3 out of 3. It's countdown time!<br />
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Thanksgiving came and went like the breeze, Christmas will be here in a blink of an eye and then we will be on full baby alert. Sweet friends and family are planning showers and things are coming together. This must really be happening.<br />
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The belly is now out in full force and there is no more guessing whether Mrs. Meagan is pregnant or not. The kids reactions at church have been very comical (as have some adults). We have decided not to find out the baby's gender until it arrives so that always leads to a fun conversation and guessing games when talking with friends (boy seems to be the guess for the majority of folks but there are a few who strongly feel the girl vibe - Evan and I have no idea)!<br />
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People keep asking us, "Do you hope it's a boy or a girl?" All we can seem to think is "I just hope it's a human." We aren't partial one way or another and feel excited about the possibility of both a boy or a girl. I imagine a boy playing basketball with Evan in the driveway and a girl begging him for something silly and glittery (which he will surely give-in to). I see either sitting behind the drums with him and equally so behind a computer (I just hope that there will be something that I can teach them too).<br />
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I often wonder about our child's personality and what they will be like. As you surely know, Evan and I are both pretty loud and spastic so I imagine our child will either be screaming from the start of things or totally mute due to the fact it gets no word or sound in over us. <br />
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I am looking forward to seeing our child for the first time, to watching them grow and seeing what the Lord will do in their life. I am excited to be a mom. I am excited that the excited is getting to be more than the freak out (but don't get me wrong, there is still plenty of freak out). My emotions have hit an all time high (God bless those around me) so I assume that this post could totally look different if I were to type it tomorrow. <br />
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So, there you have it. There are the ramblings of my brain for this day and here is an up-to-date belly picture for those with an interest in belly pictures. <br />
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<span id="goog_2062628343"></span><span id="goog_2062628344"></span><br />Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-82183778268678678352012-11-28T12:09:00.000-06:002012-11-28T12:09:35.883-06:00Share Their JourneyMy blog today stands simply to send you to another blog. Our dear friends have started the adoption process. What could be more exciting, right?!!! Click here to learn about them, their journey and how you can help be a part of this special families life!<br />
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<a href="http://briancassidyand.blogspot.com/p/join-our-journey.html" target="_blank">http://briancassidyand.blogspot.com/p/join-our-journey.html</a>lMeaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-13874769642468645372012-10-24T15:11:00.001-05:002012-10-24T15:11:24.198-05:00Half Way ThereWell ladies and gentleman, we are 20 weeks along in this pregnancy deal. Also known as: half way there!<br />
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I know Evan will be glad when most of our new surprises come from his new pride and joy of a baby and not from his wife. It has certainly been an interesting first 20 weeks and we are learning a lot.<br />
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Who knew that you could be feeling awesome one minute and be crying or puking the next? Who knew that barbecue could become the means for a house divided overnight (I mean, I just can't take that smell right now). Who knew that camping out and only have beef jerky and Gatorade wouldn't be the best of ideas? Who knew that a burrito from Moe's would sound soooo good every. single. day.<br />
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Well, we didn't know, but we do now!<br />
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We have also found out that putting together a baby crib isn't as intimidating as it seems but deciding on baby colors, curtains and bedding are what turn into the daunting tasks. We know how exciting it can be to be shown an ultrasound and see that your baby is in fact starting to look like a baby and less like an alien (we are pretty pumped about that) and how much fun it is to drive people crazy by not finding out the baby's gender. And, we know that we have a long way to go before we are "fully equipped parents" (if that ever happens).<br />
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I must say though, we have an awesome support system. Family, friends and coworkers ask us daily how we are feeling and take whatever the answers may be with a smile. People have showered us with books, advise and love and we are doing our best to soak it all up. People around the church have slowly learned that there will be a new baby in the mix and are eager to congratulate us and rub my belly (which is another discussion in and of itself).<br />
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So, what is next? Well, I have a feeling that next comes a little thing called AHHHH I'M FREAKING OUT! Yep, that sounds about right. We are now to the part in life where we have to start thinking about child care and insurance and how to feed a 3rd mouth. We are to the point where things get real and aren't just cute and fuzzy dreams anymore. We are to the point where we have to be the parents and not just people excited about a baby. I mean it is a real life human after all and not just a baby in a photograph. It will grow and have needs and we are the ones that are in charge of taking care of those needs. So sure, I'm freaking out a little. I'm excited and I'm nervous and I don't want to make decisions that will lead my kid to years and years of counseling in the future. No pressure though, just in charge of a life here.<br />
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Whew. So here is to the next 20 weeks. Here is to the all the things we are about to learn and all the decisions we are about to make. Here is to the all the people that have shown me and are showing me that it is possible to not totally screw up your child or be a complete failure. Here is to all the people that are real in sharing their experiences, helping us know how things actually go down and that it is OK to make mistakes. Here is to becoming the parent and not acting like the child. <br />
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Lets get our prayer on people.<br />
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Belly Update.</div>
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Ma and Pa</div>
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<br />Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-33437765633848958932012-09-17T20:48:00.003-05:002012-09-17T21:06:00.962-05:00A Kid (and not the goat kind)Well, its true. Evan and I are going to be PARENTS. I know, SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, right?<br />
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I am overwhelmed, overjoyed and nervous. The thought of parenthood doesn't seem like it applies to us. Evan and I still act like kids so the thought of us raising one sounds almost absurd. However, in mid March there will be an addition to our family. We won't just be the young married couple anymore; we will be the little family. Whoa.<br />
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Evan and I found out on July 3rd that I was pregnant. We spent the next 24 hours in shock and going back and forth between jumping up and down and googling "what to do when..." We have always called babies miracles but the reality of just how big of a miracle they are starts to set in when it applies to you. It was beyond hard to keep our lips sealed until we felt it was the right time to tell everyone. We wanted to wait until things seemed to be in a pretty clear "safe zone" and until the 1st trimester was almost complete. Well, hallelujah, we have made it to that point! <br />
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We could barely hold ourselves together when we were FINALLY ready to let the news out (it felt like much more than a few months worth of waiting). Our families and friends have screamed with excitement and jumped up and down with joy. Some have cried and a few have beaten me with whatever they were holding due to the fact that I had fibbed to them at some point over the last few months.<br />
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So now it's preparation time. On one hand, having 6 months to prepare seems like a long time, and on the other, it seems like it might as well be tomorrow. There is a lot we dont know. There is a lot we are reading up on, talking to new parents about and plenty we will have to learn as it comes. But there is one thing that we do know; our lives are about to change BIG TIME. And I'm not sad to say that I'm excited about that. I know that "mommyhood" wont be all roses and butterflies but I do know that I am called to it. Here is to a new adventure, a crazy ride and a lot of learning!<br />
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14 weeks and some change (and have I mentioned that talking in weeks is weird to me?). I honestly think the tummy came in over night. What is that baby doing down there, anyway?! Weird!</div>
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And now, the feature presentation. A little video we like to call "Telling the Family" staring our parents and siblings as themselves. </div>
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Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-4822524658727975392012-06-20T22:31:00.001-05:002012-06-20T22:36:17.172-05:00Courageous<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I Do Solemnly...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These 3 words are not usually followed by something simple or petty. These 3 words are meant to be followed by a significant oath or resolution. <span style="background-color: white;">Tonight, I watched 6 men say these 3 powerful words followed by those of which made up a resolution to be Godly and faithful men to their families</span><span style="background-color: white;">. One of these courageous men was my husband. He stood boldly in front of me and our ministers to declare what God has called him to do. To say that I am a proud wife would do a terrible injustice to how I really feel. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">These 6 men have met, studied and prayed together and have now signed a resolution promising to hold each other accountable to be the best men they can be from here on out. They hope to add to their number of courageous men and be leaders not only in their families but to their church and community as well. This resolution came from a study that followed the movie Courageous that came out last year. This movie showed the need for husbands and fathers to take the helm and stand out in faith for their families when it's not always easy. Now, I must tell you, m</span><span style="background-color: white;">y husband is not one to do things that seem </span><span style="background-color: white;">corny</span><span style="background-color: white;"> or cheesy or do things </span><span style="background-color: white;">because</span><span style="background-color: white;"> they were in a movie and he usually isn't drawn to something that everyone else is doing; </span><span style="background-color: white;">Evan has always stood out with his own likes and dislikes and that is part of what I love about him. These facts are what makes his resolution to be a leader to me and our future children even more impacting. He did not do this because it was what he was supposed to do or what was expected of him and he certainly did not do it </span><span style="background-color: white;">because</span><span style="background-color: white;"> it was in a movie. He did it because he truly wants to follow a call on his life and be faithful to his God and his family. To know this desire is in his heart is an incredible testament to the man he is. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whether you've seen the movie Courageous or not, I hope you can grasp what a strong thing these men did tonight. I know it moves me to be a better wife now and pushes my desire to be the best mom I possibly can in the future. Evan, I'm proud of you and I love you more than you can imagine. Kevin, Courtney, Dave, Adam and Jeremy, I know your wives were as proud to stand by you as I was to stand with Evan and are honored in your commitment to them and your children. We are blessed.</span><br />
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<span style="padding-bottom: 14px; padding-right: 15px;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">cou·ra·geous</em></span><span style="font-family: 'Doulos SIL', Gentum, 'TITUS Cyberbit Basic', Junicode, 'Aborigonal Serif', 'Arial Unicode MS', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Chrysanthi Unicode'; font-size: smaller; padding-bottom: 7px;">/kəˈrājəs/</span><div id="sound_flash" style="height: 0px; position: absolute; width: 0px;">
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<br />Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-12755105920142704192012-06-15T19:39:00.000-05:002013-01-30T16:37:27.868-06:00Precious MemoryHello friends! It has been at least 100 blue moons since I've blogged (now is that a country statement or what?). I am proud to announce that my husband is working hard for the spouse of the year award and I now have my own computer thanks to him. This means that #1, I don't have to beg to use his computer when we are at home anymore and #2, I once again have the means to blog. I am feeling pretty pumped about these realizations. In other news...<br />
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I started a new book last night that encouraged me not to spend so much time wishing for the next stage of life to hurry up and get here but to, instead, make a conscious effort to enjoy each stage of life (after all, it's the only time I'll be here). It suggests to take in an appreciation for each thing and event around me before it all passes me by. Obviously, the writer of this book has been reading my cards! I often try to hurry through whatever is on my plate because I'm looking towards something bigger and better on the other side. Then, when I get to that side, there is something bigger and better beyond that. Priscilla Shirer has a point, I'm going to look back and realize I missed all the good things in the midst of trying to get to the future. So, in light of this advise, I thought I would share with you one sweet sweet event from this stage of my life that I know I will look back on for the rest of my life and think of with joy.<br />
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This past weekend, my precious Sister-in-law, Genae, was married to a wonderful man. I was lucky enough to be the Matron of Honor for the occasion. Genae and Jake met on The World Race (which many of my previous posts have centered around) and were soon engaged to be married after returning back to the States. I had a blast preparing for Genae's pre-wedding events and it was great fun decorating the reception venue and eating together with her new family and friends at the rehearsal dinner. The thing that was pure magic and keeps me in awe, however, was the wedding itself.<br />
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So many people concentrate on the reception; the after party. While this is not a bad thing necessarily, I can say that "Genake" (my pet name for them as a couple since it rolls off the tongue so nicely) truly spent their time planning the ceremony. Their time was spent working on their special service and what it would represent to their lives and to all those who would whiteness it. The day of the wedding turned out to be rainy so the location for the ceremony was changed to the reception venue, and I must say, I can't imagine it turning out any more perfect. Before the wedding party came in, those in attendance stood and spent time in praise and worship together. During this time the bride was giddy with anticipation and down right excited to get up the isle (the couple chose not to see each other before the ceremony so she was ready to see her man). After the family was seated, Jake stood under a doorway with the minister and looked like he was about to hurt himself craning his neck to see his bride. I think if Genae would have waited one more minute to come down the aisle he would have just left his post and sprinted to the back of the room to find her (but of course, he didn't). The wedding party took our places and then it was time.<br />
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Genae looked like Audrey Hepburn as she came down the isle arm and arm with her father. It was a good 5 minutes before Jake realized the minister was even talking; he was too busy trying to figure out if this girl wearing white in front of him was even real. His look of excitement, disbelief and pure love was almost more then I could handle (I'm sure you can hear me squealing like a teenage girl in the wedding video at my reaction to him). Instead of Genae's father immediately taking his seat, they were all joined at the alter by the mother of the bride as the minister gave the gospel message. This is the point where I was almost knocked over by the Holy Spirit. To have the couple make a day that is so much about them, totally and utterly about the God they serve, was incredible. Only God knows the hearts that were moved as each person took in the message of the God who brought this couple together out of His of love; His love that is so great that it even sent a son to die and rise again for each person in attendance at that very wedding. Then, much to Jake's surprise, the brides grandfather, aunt and uncle, brother and sister-in-law and church all stood up and spoke out as those who brought her to the alter to give her away. What's that about being raised by a village? Then, the father of the bride prayed a prayer that sent nothing but chills over my entire body as he released his daughter over to the man that would be her husband.<br />
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Pause, ok, if you weren't/aren't moved by this point in the wedding service, I must say, you need to wake up! The Holy Spirit continued to move as the minster read from the book of Ruth (found in the Old Testament of the Bible) and showed clearly how this marriage between husband and wife is so much like the commitment of the bride and groom to their Savior when they took Him into their hearts long before. We saw how much it also mirrors the commitment they made to serve God's children and follow His calling to be missionaries on the World Race. I kept thinking throughout the message what an impact these comparisons were making on me and how I could only hope others in the room were listening and being impacted greatly as well. <br />
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The wedding party was more than blessed to be able to lay hands on the couple and pray over them while a beautiful song was sung by a groomsmen and then wrapped up with a prayer over the lives of Genae and Jake that could have only set the devil on his backside. Their future children, future struggles, future decisions and their current hopes and dreams were bathed in words that were directly received by the one true God. And, of course, the memories don't stop there. Old lyrics from a song that Genae once sang in church were presented to the couple as a momento from the pastor who has been so touched by those very words over the years. When the couple finally exchanged rings before the big kiss, you could feel the anticipation in the room from those who supported them in saying "I do." And, if I recall correctly, Jake let out a pretty big shout when the time came for him to kiss his new wife. I smile to think about the feeling of joy that rushed through the atmosphere at that moment.<br />
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Of course, the first dance made me cry (even though I listened to their song over and over again the week before in hopes I would not cry my eyes out as they danced to "True Companion." No such luck). The food was delicious. The speeches were fun. The hugs and laughter were heart warming. The cake was gorgeous. And most of all, the couple was stunning. They appeared as if they had stepped out of a movie. They were wrapped in love by not only those in the room who came to share in their day but undoubtedly by the God whom they love so well. I can't put in to words how it felt to be a part of such an incredible service that sought to show Christ's love. I cant describe the love I have for the newly married couple and the respect I have for them for being so bold and determined to share their faith. I can't describe the chills I felt over my body time and time again throughout the entire day. I won't soon forget the day I was able to be the Matron of Honor for Genae and Jake Morris and I thank them for allowing me to be such a big part of it all. I'll never forget how God was honored and His message was spread to dear friends who may and may not know him. I'll never forget what a special family I have. And hopefully, I'll never rush through such events looking for something in the future when the present is obviously so precious.<br />
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<br />Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-58228483281844632452011-09-13T16:37:00.001-05:002011-09-13T16:38:41.411-05:00Spiritual Underwear<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><b>"You'de better pray. You're in a battle. Let the Lord arm you. You can't face the enemy in spiritual underwear."</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">-Francine Rivers, And the Shofar Blew</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">That is a pretty great quote huh? I have read pretty much every book that Francine Rivers has ever put out, and though many have intriguing stories and most have valuable lessons, this book gave me that incredible quote to carry around as a souvenir. Though I don't remember much else about the book (don't tell Francine that), this 4 sentence phrase has stuck with me for years. A statement that brings prayer, battle, the Lord arming you and underwear together has to be a great one, right?!</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">The thought of entering a battle with nothing but underwear makes a pretty vivid point to me. If I were to march on a field and battle the enemy, I would want a sword, a gun and anything else I could get my hands on! But come to think of it, I do that very thing each and every day. The only catch is, it's up to me as to how much I am armed. It's up to me to equip myself for the battle. Do I show up to the fight in nothing but my unmentionables or am I decked out and ready?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">So, "you'de (we'de/I'de) better pray." Prayer is GREAT STUFF and one major avenue that connects us to God and keeps us from only having underwear to protect us when the World is sending it's best armies against us. He will arm us (luckily we don't have to find our ammo on our own) and we get to decide how much of that ammo we want in our pockets for the sneak attack.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"> I had a friend come to my office a few days ago to pray and she said "there is no urgent matter on my mind this morning, sometimes I just need to pray." Indeed! Sometimes, all the time, I/we/us just need to pray. Let's not wait until life is falling apart to reach out to the Alpha and Omega. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">So I'm sure you can already see where I'm going with today's challenge for us all. Pray people. Lets grab the swords and guns and leave our days of nakedness behind. God is ready to hear our prayers and ready to give us His answers for the battles, but it's up to us to make the connection. </span></span></div>Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-68964389729689849082011-06-30T00:41:00.000-05:002012-06-20T22:35:15.239-05:00Love all around the WorldIf you are someone how keeps up with my blog, you know about my sister-in-law, Genae, and her current adventures around the World and how she quickly fell into the footsteps of my dear friend Halley who spent much of last year on the same journey called The World Race. And, if you have kept up with my blog, you have heard how they both inspire me and often leave me longing to join on that grand adventure with them. I have found myself wrapped DEEP in that longing the last few days. Since being able to Skype with Genae (after more than a month with no communication), I have found my mind wandering to thoughts about how she was simply glowing with joy because of the work she is doing. I could explode with my desire to hug her and share in that joy!<br />
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Genae is over half way done with The World Race and she still talks about how much she loves serving those who need Christ (often amongst the disadvantages of no plumbing and no electricity). So far she has served in Thailand, Australia, India, Cambodia, Nepal and Malaysia. This week she heads to South Africa and then will hit 4 other countries before heading home for Christmas. Even after having friends and family take on that year long journey of service, I can't imagine the roller coaster of emotions and surprising realizations of grace that comes from that capacity of service.<br />
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This week Genae isn't the only one leaving me with day dreams of hugging people in far away lands. My sister, Julie, and my grandmother are both in Ecuador this week on a yearly trip in service to a place that holds a special place in their hearts. In Ecuador they are laying foundations of love for children and families as well as physical foundations for needed buildings in poverty stricken areas. It never fails that Julie can't shut her mouth about the Ecuadorian people for months after she returns home (and by the time she stops talking about it, she is packing for the next trip).<br />
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In addition, I have another dear friend, Nicole, that will travel this weekend to serve children in Haiti. You can see her heart for the country and it's children written all over her face. I have only known her for 2 short months but all it took was me asking her about a previous trip to Haiti for her face to light up and for her passion to start flowing freely. What a difference she will continue to make there!<br />
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And there is yet another great family that I have had the pleasure of getting to know lately that left just this morning in pursuit of China to pick up their newest addition to their family. A little boy named Caleb will join them in a few short days and will round out their family along side their sweet blond headed littler girl who is anxiously awaiting their return home. <br />
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I am blown away by the amount of people whom I love that are touching lives ALL AROUND THE WORLD. AWESOME! I often wonder if there are foreign places where I will serve someday or if God has only called those close to me for that type of service. But, in God's usual fashion, He tends to interrupt my day dreams of "what if" and directs them to the "what are's." These "what are's" were brought my my attention this time through the book my nose has been stuck in the last few days.<br />
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"Same Kind of Different as Me," by Denver Moore and Ron Hall, was a great memory jogger for the things I know God has placed in my heart but needed to be brought back to the surface this week. This story of Denver Moore, a dangerous homeless man from the cotton fields of Louisiana and Ron Hall, an incredibly wealthy international art dealer, has left me babbling all day about differences that can be made in the World directly around you. Denver Moore's life has been forever changed by a hometown family who chose not to see a hard man on the streets but a life in need of the love of Christ instead. <br />
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I am in awe of the people in the pages of my books and in the real pages of my life who truly care selflessly for others and choose to find kindred spirits both down the street and around the World. Thanks to Genae, Nicole, Julie, The Fanning Family and Mema, I've had a big dose of the reality towards the reminder of where He has called me to serve in this moment. This season of life doesn't call me to serve and love those over seas, it calls me to those in Panama City Beach. He has called me to love those in my new community and support those leaving their community to serve beyond this country's walls. I am called to show the people of Woodlawn UMC the same type of unconditional love that my friends give to those they meet as they travel deep and wide for the cause of Christ.<br />
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So many people think you have to leave the country to make a difference and in many cases that is true. But it doesn't always take a trip around the World to make a difference. In the case of Ron Hall, his wife Debbie and their friend Denver, they concentrated on what was right in front of them and continue to make a difference today because of it. God calls those who travel to love as they enter new countries as well as when they are in their home land and God is calling me now to love those in my home and not to get lost in the dreams of other Worlds.<br />
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What a HUGE and wonderful God we serve that allows us to be His spokespersons to all the nations. I am blown away by the work he is doing and the compassion he puts in our hearts to give on His behalf. Praise be to God for those who make an impact in my life and I pray daily I can be that impact in the lives of others. Please keep in your prayers all those who are traveling and for them to plant seeds and change lives in BIG WAYS. And as well, for all those who are receiving the love of Jesus to embrace the peace and grace that only He can give.Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-70735660987148349342011-06-20T12:06:00.000-05:002012-06-20T22:34:03.612-05:00Beach LifeAfter living in the town so lovingly called "PCB" for 7 weeks now, I have learned a lot about beach life: <br />
In beach life, it is apparently OK to walk around mostly naked anywhere you want to. <br />
In beach life, your town goes from being one of those in which you know everyone at Wal-Mart Monday through Thursday to a place where you don't even think about gracing Wal-Mart Friday through Sunday.<br />
In beach life, you get to visit with a lot of old friends during the summer.<br />
In beach life, you make sure you have new friends secured by winter!<br />
In beach life, it's normal to wait 8 weeks on your kitchen to be demolished and redone from a water leak but the handy-men work with a smile!<br />
In beach life, there are wonderful people waiting to make you feel like family. <br />
In beach life, there are a lot of hurting people looking for Jesus and they don't even know it. <br />
In beach life, there are incredible ways to reach out to those who are hurting. <br />
In beach life, you have to be me missing ALL 5 of your senses to miss God's beauty! <br />
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All of these realizations have given us many new stories and several come with plenty of laughs. Come visit us and we will tell them all!<br />
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Evan and I continue to be blown away by how much we feel at home in our new surroundings and how many missional opportunities we have at Woodlawn to reach individual lives. We can officially say that we have made it through Vacation Bible School and are attempting to master the Sunday morning circus. We have said goodbye to one senior pastor and are saying hello to another this week. The beach life is a world of constant change that keeps us on our toes and just far enough out of our comfort zones to keep us continually looking for Christ and telling Satan to get out of the way!<br />
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Here are some photos of a few of the beloved friends and family that have come to see us so far and a few awesome experiences we have taken part in since April 29th: <br />
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A sunset Catamaran Cruise could possibly be the most relaxing and breathtaking experience on Earth.</div>
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Halley and Justin were here within days of our move. There are always fun adventures when they are involved!</div>
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We had a great long weekend with Mom and Dad. I could spend my hours with my toes in the water like this.</div>
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The pups are officially spoiled and expect beach time too.</div>
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What is better than a day in the sun? A day in the sun followed by a random visit from a sweet friend named Rachel!</div>
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If you recall, in my last blog I mentioned the Baptisms on the Beach. It was every bit as incredible as I had anticipated. A few dolphins even joined the party and added to the majesty of it all. These pictures are just a glimpse of heaven as those go into the water for Baptism and has the church stands behind them in their journey.</div>
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Peace and love people. Keep those prayers going for those in recovery from tornadoes, missionaries in the field and those in Panama City that are so close to finding peace in Jesus!</div>Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-92153268293395654822011-05-04T13:29:00.000-05:002012-06-20T22:33:54.125-05:00Change in a BIG way!A lot has happened since my last blog with was, ironically, about change. Just after challenging all of us to step out onto the wings of faith through change, I was given that exact opportunity.<br />
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This week is actually my first week as the new Children's Director of Woodlawn UMC in Panama City Beach, Florida. In the last few weeks, Evan and I have turned our lives upside down and are in the midst of landing them right side up again. We relocated last Friday and are getting accustomed to our new world (we actually live in a town now and probably resemble The Beverly Hillbillies as we get excited over fast food and grocery stores). It was very bitter-sweet to leave Sumatanga. Neither of us wanted to leave the wonderful people and beauty of Sumatanga but we felt a strong tugging for us to take on this new adventure in ministry. There was A LOT of back and forth on our part in the beginning on if we were making the right decision but we have do doubt now that we have. God has continually shown us the way and has taken care of things in a way that only He can! We have been ushered in by the people of Woodlawn and made to feel more than welcome and we can already see some of the fruit produced by the church. We have been amazed at how quickly we have felt at home and how fast things have fallen into place. As we begin to serve and be ministered to ourselves, I will update as to what God is doing in our lives and in the lives of those around us.<br />
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The first on the list of awesome God moments found here in Panama City Beach will be tonight:<br />
Tonight I have the incredible privilege to join with my new church family at the county pier and take part of a service where 42 (yes! 42!) people will be baptized in the ocean. I will be there to pray and encourage the people and I already feel more than humbled to be able to take part in such an experience. I woke up this morning jumping out of my skin with excitement for the people bold enough to say yes to Christ and His spirit and acknowledge an inner change through such a powerful outward sign. God is doing BIG THINGS in this city and I am so glad he has called Evan and myself to be a part on it. I have chills just thinking about it!<br />
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And, while we are on the subject of change and all the mighty things God can do, please take to prayer all those who were effected by the tornadoes and storms across the southeast last week. These people have experienced change like they never could have imaged. It has been incredible to see the outpouring of help and prayer but those efforts cannot stop now. It will take much more time than any one person or church has to rebuild all the communities and to help such a large amount of people get back on their feet. <br />
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Today I ask for everyone out there in media land to pray. Pray for me and Evan as begin our new lives in PCB, pray for the people of Woodlawn UMC that they would truly feel the spirit of the Lord and His guidance and pray for all those recovering from the tornadoes that they would find comfort and peace in this hard time. <br />
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And just for fun: yes, I finally changed the picture at the top of the page. Wow, we look different!Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-28476964648139803202011-03-23T19:23:00.000-05:002012-06-20T22:34:13.678-05:00Seasons of ChangeDo you ever wake up with a topic that you can't get off your mind? Today's all consuming thought for me has been on change.<br />
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Change is all around us; how can we not notice it! It was just a few weeks ago that Alabama was experiencing the longest and most snow filled winter I have ever seen. And now, I look out the windows of my home and see green trees and sunshine everywhere! I can literally watch the changes happen in the landscape day to day. The pollen in the air today is also proof of change. This ugly substance that creeps up on us from who knows where will soon, and all of a sudden, bring incredible flowers of vibrant colors right before our eyes (but not before it swells up my face and gives us all a few weeks of sinus disturbance). </div>
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I even notice change as I look around this blog page. Take my picture at the top for instance; Evan and I look nothing like we did on our wedding day. In our two years of marriage we have managed to make complete changes to our looks to the point that we have been asked if we are in a witness protection plan (and don't ask. If I told you, I'de have to kill you). Neither of us were necessarily dissatisfied with our looks but we longed for something different from our norm. You would have thought I had severed a leg the way some people acted when I went from blonde to cherry coke but it was exciting for me. </div>
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So, why is change such a big deal? Why is everyone so afraid to take a new step, do something different or make a transformation? I happen to love change but frequently find folks who do not come along with me in that line of thinking. I see where change can be scary but it can be so rewarding to take the leap and see what the next season holds. </div>
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As I look around and witness the animals return from hiding, the trees starting their bloom and as my hair gets dyed more often, I still can't help but think that changing isn't so bad. It was God who created change after all. It is He who gives us the 4 seasons. It is God who makes it warm after it has been so cold and cold after it has been so warm. It is our creator who gives us both the snow of winter and the sun of summer. If God is in the change, then why be afraid to change ourselves? I don't mean just our hair color but our outlook on life, the place we are, our take on a situation, and dare I say, our attitude for the uncontrollable changes around us as well.</div>
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2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has gone; the new has come!"</div>
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I am in Christ and he has made me new! Exciting right?</div>
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The trees are of Christ and they are budding to life before my eyes!</div>
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You can be in Christ and become something new and more beautiful than ever imagined! </div>
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Also, Matthew 6:26 says, "Look at the birds of the sky; they don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they?"</div>
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If God will take care of the birds in the air, who are out singing their praises as I type this by the way, will He not surely take care of us as we go through change? I think He will!</div>
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So go ahead, see what changes God has in store for you. See what attitudes can be transformed and what appreciation needs to be given. Enjoy the spring as it blooms around you and be a new creation yourself! I think I'll give it a shot too!</div>
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Denali experiencing the change of season for the first time.</div>
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Before and After</div>
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In the 6th grade, I went to spend the night with a good friend (here is a shout out to the wonderful Brittany Goss Price) on the day before Christmas Eve. We were beyond excited for our holiday pajama fest held at her home that I fondly called the "jungle house" due to the cool plants that could be seen from the bathroom window (it's amazing the weird things I remember). The day kept being described as Christmas Eve Eve and that wasn't really our cup of tea. So, as the bright 6th graders we were, Christmas Adam began! The idea dawned on us while sitting in the jump seats of her dad's black 2 door pickup truck. It really makes a lot of since doesn't it?! Adam came before Eve, thus making the day before Christmas Eve, Christmas Adam! If we never have a bright idea again, we had one that day!<br />
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Christmas Adam can now be found in the Urban Dictionary and is occasionally mentioned on the radio. I about had a stroke last year when a TV anchor wished everyone a Happy Christmas Adam on a live show! My husband, on the other hand, refuses to buy into the fact that Brittany and I came up with this phenomenon (ok, it's not a phenomenon yet, but it is only a 13 year old discovery people). However, I know this fact to be true and plan to take to the gave grave, with my family to vouch, that there was such an occurrence of brilliance on our part on Dec 23, 1997. I am pretty set on Hallmark taking off with the Christmas Adam idea before I die, but if they don't, nothing stops you from enjoying the day and spreading the word yourself!<br />
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So, if you haven't gotten in the Christmas spirit yet, what are you waiting for? For Pete's sake, it's Christmas Adam's Eve already!Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-51931961463015967142010-12-15T15:41:00.000-06:002012-06-20T22:34:44.281-05:00I Need A Silent Night<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's that Time of Year Again! For what, you ask? Christmas, yes, but ALSO time to see Amy Grant!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ahh, it's the small things in life that excite me. This year I will not be dragging my husband or my parents to see Amy. I will be joined by a few of the lovely woman I work with. We have all had a busy 2010 and we are looking forward to an even busier 2011. With this said, we are all frantically looking for some time off around Christmas to relax with our loved ones and refocus on Christ before we get back to it as we bring in the New Year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One thing I love about seeing Amy in concert is the relaxation I feel. I know, during those few hours, that I am there and my mind can let go of everything else as I sing along with the songs that are so familiar to me. The songs will be even more familiar this time since Amy will be joined by her husband Vince Gill to perform their Christmas show. I am so glad that the ladies I work with will be able to join me in a night away just to fellowship, relax and think about what Christ has done for us through His birth (and to make a big deal over Amy Grant too, of course).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are several songs performed by Amy that hit home with me (some of which I have blogged about before) but there is one Christmas song that is beyond real in my life and I am sure the lyrics will hit home for many of you as well. Amy's "I Need A Silent Night" portrays how I often feel around the Christmas season. What about you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've made the same mistake before</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Too many malls, too many stores</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">December traffic, Christmas rush</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It breaks me till I push and shove</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Children are crying while mothers are trying</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To photograph Santa and sleigh</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The shopping and buying and standing forever in line</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What can I say?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I need a silent night, a holy night</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To end this crazy day with a silent night</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">December comes then disappears</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Faster and faster every year</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Did my own mother keep this pace</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Or was the world a different place?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Where people stayed home wishing for snow</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Watching three channels on their TV</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Look at us now rushing around</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Trying to buy Christmas peace</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I need a silent night, a holy night</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To end this crazy day with a silent night</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What was it like back there in Bethlehem</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With peace on earth, good will toward men?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Every shepherd's out in the field</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Keeping watch over their clock by night</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And the glory of the Lord shone around them</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And they were so afraid</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And the angels said fear not for behold</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I bring you good news of a great joy that shall be for all people</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I need a silent night, a holy night</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To end this crazy day with a silent night</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: sienna; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To end this crazy day with a silent night</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p>Amy sang this song the last time I saw her in concert, and before she started, she asked everyone in the audience to raise their hand if they almost didn't come that night due to their busy and over booked schedules. Evan and I joined many other individuals when we raised our hands (we had moved into our current house that day and barely made it in the door in time for the concert). Before the song began, she spoke about the importance of a silent time with Christ. She spoke from the heart about the times in her life when things felt like they were spinning nonstop due to all that was going on. As I sat in that large audience, I thought about how crazy life had been that month. Now, I sit at home and think about how crazy life is now. With our goals of giving our best performance at work, taking care of the ones we love and getting all the errands taken care of, it is so easy to run and run and forget to take the time to sit, listen and appreciate what we have. I spend a lot of time telling others to have a silent night with Christ but I don't take my own advice often enough. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, here is a challenge for us both. Do you need a silent night with Christ? I do. Let us decide to make that happen this week. Let us decide to make this happen more than once over the Holidays. And for Christmas, let us give those silent nights to ourselves as a gift and share those precious moments, the ones we find when God meets us where we are, with the ones we love!</span></div>Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-29114715232291755312010-11-30T21:03:00.000-06:002012-06-20T22:35:06.018-05:00Need an Inspiration? I've Got One for You!My Inspiration For You: Genae Lanier, my sister-in-law and kindred spirit<br />
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A little over two and 1/2 years ago, I was lucky enough to meet my future husband and find out that he had a sister my age. I was lucky that his sister was the kind of girl who would share her bedroom and clothes with me. I was lucky that she, Genae, liked me (or at least she acted like it) and welcomed me into her family with no questions asked. Now, I am lucky to share my initials (MGL) with Genae and have a sister-in-law that I would have picked to be in my life even if I had never met her brother.<br />
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Not just any friend or family member would lay around in their sweats and watch girly movies and chomp on smoothies with me. Not just anyone would accompany me to a tear jerker movie (see my previous blog to read about my need for Genae's sleeves). And most of all, not just anyone would share their hardships and triumphs with me and let me share mine with them. But, Genae does all the above and I am always excited to spend time with her. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.<br />
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HOWEVER, there will not be a lot of time to spend with Genae in the next year. You see, Genae will be leaving for The World Race on January 5th and will return a year from now. She will spend 11 months serving Christ and His people in 11 different countries. If you keep up with my blog, you have heard me speak of The World Race and the way it impacted my life through my friend Halley (who just returned from her journey in July). After missing my friend dearly while she adventured, I now prepare to support Genae as she does the same. Wow, right?! Who knew I would be connected to such great ladies who are so willing to serve our Savior in a BIG way?!<br />
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I can't help but be anxious for Genae as she prepares and, to be honest, part of me wishes I could go too.<br />
It will be a different feeling to have a family member serving in such a capacity and wanting so much to be a part of the work she will be doing. So, while Genae is gone, I will settle for stalking her online and crossing my fingers for a Skype call. I will pray for her faithfully and do my best to support her financially until she returns. <br />
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I often wonder what Genae will feel and go trough while she is serving?<br />
I wonder what lives she will impact and what impacts will be made on her life?<br />
I wonder what will change in my life while she is gone?<br />
I wonder what I will do when I am dying to talk to her and she is in Timbucktoo? <br />
I wonder how the family will hold up without a fundamental part of the unit around to hug and laugh with?<br />
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But, do you what to know what I DON'T wonder about?<br />
I don't wonder if Genae will raise enough money to finish her mission with The World Race. I know she will (and you can help)!<br />
I don't wonder if Genae will change the World. She will!<br />
I don't wonder if Genae will come back and use her experienes to continue to shape lives. I am positive that will happen too!<br />
And, I don't wonder if Genae will be ushered through this experience by God. He already is and He's not one to give up!<br />
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So, would you like to stalk Genae's blog with me while she is gone? If so, it can be found here:<br />
http://genaelanier.theworldrace.org/<br />
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Would you like to join me in praying for Genae, everyone traveling with her and those she will meet? You can. Start Now!<br />
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Would you like to support Genae to assure God's plan is carried out throughout the Nations? Do it:<br />
https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=For%20Genae%20LANIER&tuid=3633905Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-33733568316584420242010-11-25T22:01:00.000-06:002012-06-20T22:35:27.431-05:00Thanksgiving 2010Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Aren't you glad you aren't a turkey? I sure am!<br />
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I love Thanksgiving. Not only do I get to spend time with friends and family but I get to eat like food is a new discovery on this planet, and for that one day only, no one looks at my like I'm a crazy person when I go back for a 3rd plate (I tend to eat like a mad woman the rest of the year but the looks aren't as accepting outside of the Holiday season)! I must admit, though, Thanksgiving preparations tend to stress me out a little. I know when it comes down to it that my family won't lose their minds if there is a little dirt on the floor or a spot in the kitchen but I want it to look perfect for them. I like things to be in their place and shine. It isn't like Evan and I have the most exquisite furniture or dinnerware and our floors certainly don't go unstained or unscratched but I like to take pride in what we have and where we live. I never want my OCDness (yes, I am making that a word) of our home to take precedence over the love for the people in it but I want it detailed enough so the conversation can flow easily and never be hindered by something I didn't get done.<br />
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When our home is at its best, I feel at my best. When things are in order and ready to welcome anyone who may venture through the doors, I feel confidant and welcoming myself. The only problem in getting to that point, is the stress it takes to get there. When the cooking and cleaning begins, I am eager and ready to get it all knocked out but it is hard to keep up with all the chores that seem to magically appear once I get started. Why is it that the dust bunnies have such a great relationship with the mud tracked on the floor and the dirty toilets? It's like they talk to each other and demand a multiplication movement just as I begin to tackle the first order of business!<br />
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Anyway, I eventually overcome these pesky chores (ha! I am a winner after all) and tell myself to chill out so the hosting can begin. It has been a joy (once all that previous stuff is taken care of) to host Thanksgiving at our house the last few years. I was especially thrilled this year to share one table with our family. I truly wanted the group of us to sit around one dinner table and enjoy each others company so we could take time to look into the faces of those in which share our lives with. Thanks to the weather, and our great God, we were able to do that this year. My faithful husband helped me move the front porch furniture and a dinning room was assembled just in-front of my favorite red swing! With two 8ft tables, end to end, the 20 of us were able to gather in one spot to dine, laugh and have conversation. What a joy!<br />
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It was especially great to look down the full table and see the different generations that currently help shape my life. I was fortunate to spend this Holiday with my grandparents and Evan's grandfather. How lucky I am to still have them in my life! Also in attendance were mine and Evan's parents, my sister-in-law and cousins. What a blessing to have families that can get along and are willing to share their traditions and celebrations with each other. Beyond these generations, it was pure bliss to pass around the new baby of the family and share in Madison's very first Thanksgiving.<br />
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As we all sat together, stuffing ourselves to the bone and laughing, all the worries about the house, dinning table and serving dishes went away. Now, this feeling of anxiousness only left me for a little while but it was nice nonetheless. While seeing the family together, all the craziness of taking care of the house was more than worth it. I think my madness of preparation is part of what makes me enjoy the Thanksgiving lunch with everyone so much. It makes it stick out like no other day in the year. I love to share my home with my family and I hope they feel at home here too. I am unsure of how many more Thanksgiving we will all be able to attend together or how many times we will all sit around one table, but I no matter the number, this year was a win. Take that dust bunnies! And, Mr. Turkey: I'm sorry, but you sure were delicious!<br />
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2010 Thanksgiving Video (thank you Evan for your random video making skills)<br />
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http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=536182550064<br />
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Table Ready for the Family:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQIm48mmyoE_d25NJ-p-6nT7nl6Y9X8LmqZI3okAT6eZI_rWe_LHE5AAH_z7lp9NtcXHnXSLpEkbgdEjmSQlo90FWWudiWoViuqgV3rnoh7wKGpz71Av8qZxp-uH-yBfOMVUSLqAue3rG/s1600/table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQIm48mmyoE_d25NJ-p-6nT7nl6Y9X8LmqZI3okAT6eZI_rWe_LHE5AAH_z7lp9NtcXHnXSLpEkbgdEjmSQlo90FWWudiWoViuqgV3rnoh7wKGpz71Av8qZxp-uH-yBfOMVUSLqAue3rG/s320/table.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-84391539935048601672010-11-07T22:46:00.000-06:002012-06-20T22:35:45.451-05:00I Am My MotherAfter too long of a break, I have been itching to blog! Sumatanga hasn't stopped buzzing with people and excitement since Summer Camp ended, so needless to say, life has been fast and crazy with little time for simple pleasures like blogging. I plan to write soon about the ins and outs of what is going on here, but until then, how about the subject...<br />
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I AM MY MOTHER!<br />
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I recall time after time growing up (especially in my teenage years) jabbing and laughing at my mom while she cried over sermons, movies, TV shows, songs and even commercials. I mean seriously, what was wrong with this woman? Where were all those tears coming from and how could she be so silly to let them spill so easily?! I am sure you can guess that she was NOT thrilled with me when my laughter and smart-alec comments started going her way. My gracious mother, however, would simple say "Meagan, you just wait and see. You've got it coming to you one of these days." And of course, I would follow that comment with a bout of rolled eyes and something sophisticated and grown up like sticking out my tung or making a beautiful face that would "get stuck like that" if I held it for too long.<br />
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Well guess what? Mom was right (yeah yeah, I know, moms are always right). I did, indeed, have it coming to me and it has caught me BIG TIME. I now not only cry over sermons, movies, TV shows, songs and commercials but I cry at the THOUGHT of them! Geeze Louise, I am a nut case of tears. When the heart starts going, the tears start flowing.<br />
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I obviously owe my mother many years of apologies for the finger pointing and giggles, but I also owe her quite a bit of thanks. Although I have been known to use both of my sleeves and the sleeves of my sister-in-law in a public theatre while watching "The Time Travelers Wife," the humiliation is worth it. I think I would feel like I was missing a part of me if my tears didn't join my emotions so often.<br />
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I get a lot of weird looks from my husband (and people at red lights when inspirational radio starts rolling in the car) when my face starts squinting and the water works get started, but I've decided that is OK. I may be an emotional roller coaster that can't hold it together when Jesus shows up or when songs start playing but I love that I get to feel connected. Is that weird? After I cry, I feel like I've been part of something real (bear with the cheesiness here). Seriously, after I get so caught up in someone else's character or story that I can't hold back the tears, I feel that I have experienced their circumstance too.<br />
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Now I find myself wondering how many times my mom cried not only for the stories found in the media but for mine and my sister's stories as well. I wonder how many times the only way she could experience our joys and fears was to cry too. I am sure our graduations and weddings were almost too much for mom's tear ducts to handle. I can now understand why mom was "mrs cries a lot" when I was growing up. The commercials on TV are tough but real life is almost too much emotion to handle. I don't know how I'll hold it together when I have kids that make fun of me for crying, or how I'll hold back the tears when they hurt or shout for joy, but I do know I'm glad that I'll have the tears to join with them. So here is a shout out of thanks to mom for crying and caring and making me someone who cares too. Here is to all the tears that make me one step closer to becoming my mother.Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-377424883492040822010-07-29T15:35:00.000-05:002012-06-20T22:35:54.970-05:00Summer CampIt has been 3 months since I have dared to write a spiffy new blog. Summer camp has the type of ability to take away everything beyond the grounds of Sumatanga (not saying that is a bad thing). As many of you know, I was originally hired to work year round to make summer camp happen. The brochures, marketing, curriculum, crafts and shirts were taken care of months in advance but May began with last minute preparations for staff training and the almost 2,000 summer campers that would join us. From there, we hit the ground running and haven't stopped. It is hard to believe that the last 9 weeks are almost over. The individual days seem long but it all seems so short when looking back.<br />
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My constant prayer through summer camp has been for the campers to be safe both physically and spiritually. We have been blessed to have had no emergency room visits (and we are keeping our fingers crossed that we keep that record up for the next 24 hours). We have also been blessed with a fabulous group of counselors. This years crew has really impressed us with their spiritual maturity and willingness to share their hearts with all the campers that have come through. I have found myself inspired by the core group of counselors that keep everyone encouraged and spirits lifted even when they are spending 6 weeks in 100 degree weather at a camp that happens primary outdoors.<br />
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Now my prayer, as the campers leave, is for them to have found a basic faith and relationship here that they can carry with them throughout each day. I remember being a 6th grader at Sumatanga's summer camp and realizing for the first time that, not only did I believe in Christ, but that Christ was personally mine and I could have as much of Him as I wanted. I pray that the campers (from 1st to12th grade) have also found Christ in some form or fashion while being here. If not, we have failed in our jobs as Christians and as a camp. Please join with me in praying for the campers that we have shared our summer with. Our prayers have been answered while they have been here and I know they will be answered for continued growth while they are beyond our grounds.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who blessed us with your prayers and support this summer. I am proud to report that it has been a phenomenal summer with hundreds of lives changed. We have learned about Faith through Hebrews 11 and now we all step out in Faith to share our love of Christ with others!Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-65284088904855854022010-04-28T13:07:00.000-05:002010-05-03T11:31:40.039-05:00A Happy BirthdayIf I haven't mentioned it before, let me mention it now: I am a blessed girl.<br />
Not everyone is able to enjoy a spouse, family and friends the way I do and I am truly thankful for that.<br />
Last Monday, I celebrated my 24th birthday. My family and friends went above and beyond to make me feel loved on a birthday that isn't even any type of milestone. The gifts were wonderful (and unnecessarily amazing) but the thought that went into the celebrations were what made them the best.<br />
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The love fest first started way back in November. While I was at a friends house, I got a message from my sister that simply said "check my Facebook." Once I logged onto the o-so-popular website, I found Julie's status to say, "I am taking my sister to see Bon Jovi for her birthday." The excitement of seeing this wonderfully handsome man in concert did not lesson the entire 5 months we waited for the event! So, a week and a half ago, we loaded up the car, shared a great dinner and then headed for Atlanta! Needless to say, Bon Jovi did not disappoint as he wooed us with both songs of new and old (and his looks of course). Seeing Julie's face while she waited for him to sing "Livin' on a Prayer" was worth the 5 months wait! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMHPvbi2NRheqC2-VBUNFN7XacYIRyJeNNDxCgdEo2nJhGiKS9pu42nMkXqFLZJ65ChSsWbhV7BHxQrs1JDgJxdHB-kpNL-nr07ge3TNBZD2JkKpv1WS1UEK26csnFN_O5XmwScfeJce5/s1600/P4150103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMHPvbi2NRheqC2-VBUNFN7XacYIRyJeNNDxCgdEo2nJhGiKS9pu42nMkXqFLZJ65ChSsWbhV7BHxQrs1JDgJxdHB-kpNL-nr07ge3TNBZD2JkKpv1WS1UEK26csnFN_O5XmwScfeJce5/s320/P4150103.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next, came Sunday's family birthday celebration. Not only was it great to hang out with my immediate and extended family, but it was beyond wonderful to hang out with them while eating ribs, mac & cheese (the holiday kind) and mashed potatoes! Man oh man could I eat that everyday! My parents must really love me to spend their already busy weekend preparing food that they know I love.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuAy5iz7LeOqY2J8mVlYRh_DbL51dmPtYzIAMOtdjkCFPYijFaixKw_RCh2GPBfhhCoz-rxiHrsq51U9PTjCTOkLLpAljKXId-ftyiZZgWwiEiFBB4FZXnsyq74-9AjLf_MZYK8gAVCzx/s1600/P4250124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuAy5iz7LeOqY2J8mVlYRh_DbL51dmPtYzIAMOtdjkCFPYijFaixKw_RCh2GPBfhhCoz-rxiHrsq51U9PTjCTOkLLpAljKXId-ftyiZZgWwiEiFBB4FZXnsyq74-9AjLf_MZYK8gAVCzx/s320/P4250124.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4AEPABtCqOTOg303lAGIHNPlG0QX3ZeA24ho_jfmoj2gquEy87SAiFb5eEunxzdh7VkMDj_t8CEBVoaBoEV_yfanEF5F-xZEZwixFl6O2jH7FSBUXLxMawdS9bNFXRS-HijJA0t7RUuI/s320/IMG_0203.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;">Once my actual birthday arrived, I already felt overly celebrated. However, Evan did more than he should have to make sure I knew that he remembered my birthday and a surprise video from my friend oversees put me over the top (and did more than make me emotionally unstable). Between eating at a Japanese Steakhouse (I sure do love it when they make the volcano out of the onions and set it on fire) and receiving the very special video (that you can view below) and all the well wishes from practically everyone I know, I cannot help but feel loved and supported this week. And, as a cherry on top, I am able to post this blog with the contraption that Evan surprised me with on Monday night.</div><br />
Thank you to everyone who loves and supports me. I am truly overwhelmed and blessed.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Video:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL9JUqhfyLs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL9JUqhfyLs</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM91CT6Dqlsdydl04tMhUoVuuy3tq22WeE_kPld7D2GYs4IA2RRyIIBhk0NYIHT8uAOYtCCFyHCi8-P165iCeu93wRFvL6JuIYe3Fw_TU4RKfLZB2Gp2ARCIuuhbIUPP4_ws_nKHgfyEtF/s1600/P4260127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM91CT6Dqlsdydl04tMhUoVuuy3tq22WeE_kPld7D2GYs4IA2RRyIIBhk0NYIHT8uAOYtCCFyHCi8-P165iCeu93wRFvL6JuIYe3Fw_TU4RKfLZB2Gp2ARCIuuhbIUPP4_ws_nKHgfyEtF/s320/P4260127.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM91CT6Dqlsdydl04tMhUoVuuy3tq22WeE_kPld7D2GYs4IA2RRyIIBhk0NYIHT8uAOYtCCFyHCi8-P165iCeu93wRFvL6JuIYe3Fw_TU4RKfLZB2Gp2ARCIuuhbIUPP4_ws_nKHgfyEtF/s1600/P4260127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDePSemwAMQNJgYXFGX2FCvHgoe75jjPc3CrORoGZwIgtIdKa7y8Ybh5SsREYinYJuDyvpinawazc01SkuzpdNPCQ71D71lOmJBOZAczi6nDWOmfdZEsDrJoFWwSKUpWMkKijXB66j1M3F/s320/ipad.jpg" /> </div></div></div>Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-20442475407345079752010-04-23T15:56:00.000-05:002010-04-23T16:04:41.149-05:00Soul MedicineI know it has been said a million times, but today I honestly believe that laughter really is the best medicine!<br />
I have written before about my friend Halley who is currently serving as a missionary for The World Race. She has been gone for 9 months and will return in July. I miss Halley greatly and I have especially missed her knowledge and counsel over the past few weeks.<br />
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Today, while Evan was playing around on an old camp computer, he found this video of Halley and myself from last summer. It may not be funny to anyone else, but the laughter it has brought me has given a bit of healing to my soul. It has been nice to be silly and spend some time laughing with Halley again today. My heart is joyful as I am blessed with wonderful friends.<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=526341222164&ref=mf">Meagan and Halley, 2009</a>Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-82282336754903064852010-03-29T14:59:00.000-05:002010-03-29T16:37:51.395-05:00A Year, For Real?<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On April 1st, 2008, I walked into Alex City FUMC as their new Arbor Director. I was told during the interview/hiring process that it was down to me and one other person. Little did I know on my first day of the job, that one of the first people I would meet was that "other" person and would soon be my husband.</div><br />
Evan was working with the after school program at Alex City FUMC when he applied for the job at The Arbor. He continued to work for the church after I was hired. When I came on the scene, it was a stormy day that forced Evan and his 5th and 6th graders to find shelter at The Arbor. When they arrived, they found a girl who was frantically trying to read emergency manuals and find Tallapoosa county on the TV map encase a tornado planned to take a trip through town. When I introduced myself to Evan and asked for his assistance, I had no idea what he was thinking in his head, which most likely sounded something like this..."Why in the World would they hire this crazy woman over me. She doesn't even know where we are on the map!"</div><div><br />
<div>After a month of working, getting to know my new community and conveniently parking next to Evan daily, I was asked to "hang out" with Evan's group of friends. Even though I was suspicious of sabotage, they were my only chance of having friends within a 30 mile radius. Conveniently, my first outing with friends became a lunch between just Evan and myself. I quickly realized I was on a date. I also realized I was comfortable around this man that looked like Hulk Hogan with his blonde curly hair and handlebar mustache. After having Bar-B-Que, we took a stroll down to Wal-Mart (which means we saw most of the town and started numerous rumors). I was hosting a sports banquet that night but when it was over, Evan let me follow him to a friends house where I met a large group of strangers (who offered me ice cream and macaroni). I met almost every friend Evan has that night. I realized then, that there was a core group of good and goofy people around town and that I desperately wanted to be a part of their circle. I had only know Evan for a month and it was the first day I had been with him outside of work, but I couldn't deny my growing love for him, his passion to serve and his friends (that soon took me in as one of their own).</div><br />
<div>By the end of May, I had decided to "dual church" on Sunday mornings. I would worship at the church where Evan and I both worked and then speed down the road to 6th Street Baptist where Evans family attended and where he also served as Youth Minister. The night before my first dual worship experience, Evan and I spoke on the phone about how this would be a significant step in our relationship and there would be no turning back. The town would know we were dating and we would have to endure whatever came from that (he grew up in this town and people were very protective of "their Evan" and were suspicious of the "new girl"). After making it through both church services and meeting what seemed like a million people, we boldly took our relationship a step farther; I jumped in Evan's Jeep and headed straight for the town's Amphitheater that was hosting <i>Kansas</i> in concert! I will never forget following behind Evan, to our spot in the grass, at the Kansas concert. The entire town, literally, was in attendance and I could feel stares at the back of my head the entire night.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: right;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4IBmC3PLMhX7pz93MLnUukKDoLeWhNqorjvrT3njBptpSkjvgq5e57srSfWxXQLT0j3XrpncwmGDJc3p0WUHQ-N5oj1FXK_YCVSAnl3mwZ7pcwvpLYS5cghr-0szlIY2F9Qc_TqmPgN2/s320/concety.jpg" /></div></div></div>By mid June, we were expected to be found together. It turns out that Alex City FUMC ended up getting both of us by hiring me as their Arbor Director. Evan became my second hand at most activities and I became his sidekick for his youth events. By this time, we knew each others families and my parents had forgiven him for the streak of blue that was in his hair when they first met him (yes, a streak of blue...who does that)?! In July, we celebrated making it through our busy summer of work by taking a trip to the beach with his sister, Genae, and our friend, Justin. I wonder while Genae and I shared a bed, clothes and sunscreen that weekend, if she had a hunch that I would become her sister-in-law within a year?<br />
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvEe2hAlBqDC__Vqgqv8VlYr2qRH4Ly0fOBLS4L8Sf1F8zQ7wR0vDnHEg2Iu-R7RWl5xaVjnR6vLU3IdcGaz52aSV9qpzdCAORCKc36kfzkZvCpZ2OQWybZQ7xiSZ8RaibI0rQ7XWvJFV/s320/beach.jpg" /></div></div></div>August, September and October flew by with our busy schedules. It was obvious to us both that we had found our last first date. I thought I would be scared out of my mind when I realized I had found the right person for me, when actually, it seemed natural (which I guess was a hint to us both that we were doing the right thing). By Thanksgiving we were engaged and I had taken my dream job at Camp Sumatanga (my parents later told us that they knew we wouldn't make it to New Years without a proposal).<br />
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9VxROcDozsbOTgdoc4uZ4mSn49l6ugKR-TeHJHrWEUi_ZXzP9tA_897EDNBApC7bV-nexAYBdILT1-6qBNFGpBJC-Rk82117U0K_iSuRRkTUemY9uvJ3l6EoqA2272sUiVCC-0tuUpO1/s1600/ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9VxROcDozsbOTgdoc4uZ4mSn49l6ugKR-TeHJHrWEUi_ZXzP9tA_897EDNBApC7bV-nexAYBdILT1-6qBNFGpBJC-Rk82117U0K_iSuRRkTUemY9uvJ3l6EoqA2272sUiVCC-0tuUpO1/s320/ring.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;">In January I moved a few hours away to start my job and then God showed off by providing Evan a job at Sumatanga as well. God took me on an adventure to Alex City to meet Evan and then He quickly took us both to Sumatanga, but this time, our adventure was together. Evan moved and began work in March and our beautiful wedding day followed on April 4, 2009. We were married 1 year and 3 days after we met. I was the type that would date the same guy for a year and 1/2 and then debate if he was right for me or not. Evan was the type that didn't date for long because he wasn't going to date anyone he couldn't see himself marrying. Needless to say, when I found myself in love after only a few dates and he found himself dating for several months, we knew that we were it. I married a man that wasn't "my type." It was the best decision of my life.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimV1PXMBLOqKurU4KYNDz6oN897wq2W7sY9HXJILz52qILuptNFReKnI0QPGMbgKnBlINywcG3IL7JSqbd7U9wQw_kq-R3i1SCZyoRFz1VwUG2MDhqmH_StQTRxKlFvc9L5xIksYvwQbIj/s320/lake.JPG" /> </div></div>This Sunday, we will celebrate our One Year Anniversary. We are thrilled to share our marriage day with Easter this year (you can't one up the Risen Lord). We keep hearing that the first year is the hardest and that it gets easier from here (the people that say that obviously haven't ran a summer camp with their spouse).<br />
<div><div>It feels like just a few weeks ago that all of our friends and family joined us at camp to worship at the chapel and eat great food by the lake.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X54-D2OS_ZKJtReBTHCEn04FfPgpdWMPBlNfxjkmF2wL_AU-PaIekHatJhgkuj969MIlQy5l_PaxNxrxUDXDXZRyk7VCNLk-ERVqefxcqHqqizJyBqJCxkX9Li00TR9ACQ69wars95aV/s320/service.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope I never forget the beauty and joy of our wedding day. I hope I never forget that curly haired man with a handlebar mustache (that we quickly got rid of, mind you). I hope that on the days when we are at each others throats that we remember the time we spent getting to know each other and that beautiful day in April of 2009. I hope we never loose that feeling of quickly falling in love and knowing that we have someone to serve the Lord with for the rest of our lives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5djBqB6SV-CyfRswz5cSHgOF2NIjF-bTnZ_dUTPaqQ3IWnQWE_PIGjTGJ6_e5XYEmREli8rW9BEV7IXm4wUQNIWDMhclwvAwUXlptleHF4z96FJa2FqCFc82X6MzKSXc2AYgWA28YQYpd/s1600/bald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5djBqB6SV-CyfRswz5cSHgOF2NIjF-bTnZ_dUTPaqQ3IWnQWE_PIGjTGJ6_e5XYEmREli8rW9BEV7IXm4wUQNIWDMhclwvAwUXlptleHF4z96FJa2FqCFc82X6MzKSXc2AYgWA28YQYpd/s320/bald.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div></div></div>Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-6282169726193024642010-03-22T10:15:00.001-05:002010-03-22T11:57:20.366-05:00YACI can't begin to explain the peace and love I feel this morning. I am certainly dragging my feet and my mind isn't with the program yet, but I wouldn't change the busy and tiresome weekend for anything!<div><br /><div>I had the extreme blessing to serve as Lay Director for Young Adult Chrysalis #66 this weekend. Chrysalis is a weekend get away to focus on the love and grace of Christ. These weekends aren't like any other retreat because it launches its participants into a lifetime of service and a community that lasts a lifetime as well. Chrysalis has become a fundamental part of my life.</div><div><br /></div><div>I originally joined the Chrysalis/Emmaus community in 2004 when I participated in my original weekend. At that time, I didn't know just how much love and work went into making the event happen. Now, 6 years later, I have been on the other side and know that the love that goes into the event trumps the work (and it is a lot of work). </div><div><br /></div><div>This weekend, even though I was the leader, I was much more of a follower. Each committee took on its own life and once the participants showed up, they didn't need me. I was able to worship and fellowship with the 27 beautiful "caterpillars" (aka participants) and other team members in the conference room. I felt like it was my first time to experience the love all over again. God showed us all our true beauty and worth that can only be found through Him. </div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday will forever go down in my mind as the highlight of the weekend. It was a day so special that there are no words to describe it. It is something I will never forget. All I can say is that there were 51 of us that got to simply experience Heaven. Yes, I said Heaven!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"I am my beloved's and my Beloved is mine." Song of Songs 6:3</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Then I heard the voice of the Lord Saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here I am. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Behold He comes riding on the clouds, shining like the sun at the trumpet call! Lift your voice, it's the year of jubilee, and out of Zion's hill salvation comes!"</span></span></div></div>Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-9855667067367049982010-03-11T14:17:00.000-06:002010-03-16T15:30:12.409-05:00Life's Blessings!What a week!<div><br /></div><div>I have been beyond honored in the last week to share in the memories of two of the biggest days in the lives of a few of my friends.</div><div><br /></div><div>First, our friends Maria and Ben brought a perfect baby girl into the World! Ann Shepard Murray came to meet everyone on Wednesday afternoon (and was looking quite comfortable in the arms of strangers by Thursday morning). The only person more beautiful than the new born was her mother, Maria. Maria is always beautiful but you could see the love for her child on her face. The entire family seems to glow! The miracle of birth simple blows my mind!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9H6SvUv5m-mUscSmJxvOkUaN-KjaGWtVmUTuoz3s0LmxWloJob4nbBTgRS1u0WCnvXHUAVcy9JcHlECuyOizM2ku-wLghgQjtHWZnCuLrxBtf_YdVKs5kahtn1jduDePxBe5a6wJO9_-/s320/P3110030.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then, this weekend, Evan and I were privileged to take part as bridesmaid and groomsman in a special wedding between our friends Whitney and Eric (now the Miller's)! Eric and Evan have served side by side for years in youth and music ministry and they are now able to stand side by side to encouraging each other in their marriages. Whitney was one of the first to take me in when I moved to Alexander City and didn't know a soul. She quickly became a kindred spirit and I was beyond honored to stand beside her while she said "I do."</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mxkSJVMcUeAPx1ZGjKBQFKx48Nm67bKgoWPQ4qfJwKiBbagwJHpRcAFBO16RbEoJn_2JTrU3PktROMrgM8nS1bAWZNA0KIDJY8XPCLdhjqSyPZ-rsAQn3yruRU-NNDj8PrUAwohtwrss/s320/P3130064.JPG" /></div><div>Both of these occasions have left me to think about the blessings of life. </div><div>Evan and I have been married for almost a year and taking part in Eric and Whitney's ceremony gave us a reminder about what marriage is all about and just how special our union is.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spending time with Ben, Maria and Ann Shepard gave us a look into the future (the far future for those of you who are determined for us to get pregnant). </div><div>I am not ready for children yet, but seeing Ben and Maria with their new little one made me smile at the thought of being a parent one day.</div><div><br /></div><div>When life starts rushing too fast, it is nice to have a reminder of just how blessed we are and see how God is working in the lives of others. I know there are miracles around us everyday, so I challenge you (and myself) to find them in both the big and small things.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635638725678658114.post-61312576345478981032010-03-02T13:53:00.000-06:002013-07-10T15:55:21.751-05:00Snow DayYesterday the sun was shinning, a breeze was blowing and it was 60 degrees (the day I found perfect for a drive).<br />
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Today, clouds cover the sky and snow covers the ground.</div>
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Once again, I find myself in awe of how God works and how silly he can be with the forecast. I have seen it snow at Sumatanga before, but toady I've witnessed the most accumulation since we moved here a little over a year ago. I decided the World deserved a pick-me-up of just how beautiful things can be.</div>
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Here are a few shots of the lovely place I call both work and home. </div>
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Side note-we also took the picture for our Christmas card today! We may be 9 months early but it is never too early to get ready for Christmas!</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdzbmxz-4v6PwEIZt6e6mWDf8QwBpmjhM561Lmvwc4yNiM9VajSYPpUe18nNtGBx1ZrzXTHWx5sohM3cSmJ1ZkuPTrlGBBWDLRahIIdKrhm619D0j9OQU9h51iOWKqgbeCMFk4UlbhoSk/s320/IMG_9684.JPG" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqXPK_uKtfW9u5YzqSezFZmq8IyXiG8FgVwTHBBBxBFbObprKr-fB3qo4F6q8uBPyICJEiULcPfY5ZenUwEkL6BlsBTbqvlxHxdxRKlnyfkTYNfDwRl7fGJzu2nedjC77fUftzoKF9kFS/s320/IMG_9680.JPG" /></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvatayEKxuuDxOBsag5PxYc3TU5n_6XXd6faqJD7F_E2MYshin8ORmMUM4_ely_Fq3pqIuX4nL6RFg1DzfWoitVhjIFyyBb1LzM1DpDpSa-ImVVvFo1JwMAaNKKDUEvthSRbRWpN1naS9/s320/IMG_9734.JPG" /></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYz9kv7RQ3BATkfD7M5qLh9gzo6nF8h2LpFzPQ0OdVlITbwc78fM_oUGXZV-MrruqmHxZUGSLdNwAgVZfsM5kF-2F5Fv4nLi2qEKlZbLrbNrIO_q1K5Bic5zG-UPRgeXY41phOtQezf_UY/s320/IMG_9707.JPG" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRgqNC3otNFDhUqiEkzr4kqpb66fo79PWBcpviTgqMZs-1BxoeneUC3VATivZ5QXPcWy6NA5Lx-W_GBsuoqE2bB4_bJw0NmH08dgrIG37xE7pNiLfI1xTKcPdLOcWGtZa8QcTQYVnO3vM/s320/IMG_9742.JPG" /></div>
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Meaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10583562300793464499noreply@blogger.com3