2011!

I'm about a week behind on my 2011 wrap-up post, but oh well!

Here are some of my highlights of the last year of my life...

Rang in the year at OneThing conference!

Watched the entire LOST series between the months of January and April.

Survived winter in Iowa.

Traveled to/through 20 states. Only 1 by airplane.

Had the opportunity to speak and lead worship for some wonderful congregations.

Spent my summer in Kansas with my sister, bro-in-law and precious nephew.

Went to my first (of hopefully MANY) U2 shows.

At least 15 of my friends had babies in 2011; I got to meet 7 of them!

Went to my first Broadway musical: Mary Poppins.

Got the see the Grand Canyon again!

Moved back to my home state of New Jersey to serve my home church and incredible Pastor.

Stayed up all night then drove to the beach to watch the sun rise.

Became a youth leader. Began falling in love with the youthies.

Watched the past season of Biggest Loser most every Tuesday with my dear friend Alicia!

Moved in with my brother, sis-in-law and wild/fun/adorable nephew.

Joined the church choir.

Made some wonderful new friends.

Went to the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philly!

Obtained my first full-time job since June of 2010.

Joined a gym (and not that this is a highlight, but I did put on 15ish lbs in 2011... yikes...).

Went to Philly on Christmas and ate Japanese food.

What were some of your 2011 highlights?

*megan

Slow your roll!

3,750 miles.

13 states.

18 days.

Welcome to my September!

This month I was privileged to be able to visit my forever-and-always friend Summer in Tennessee, enjoy chats with my kindred spirit Charity in Indiana, have coffee with Super-Proverbs 31-Momma-and-Wife Brittany, say goodbye to my darling Joseph before he left for England, meet up with the Lovely Loveall Ladies to take Bekah to Master's Commission in Chicago, journey from Indiana to Kansas City with my dear & favorite Katie, catch up with my mentors and dear friends Todd & Candy & their beautiful family... AND spend a few days with my beloved sister, bro-in-law and fantastic nephew in Kansas. I have the best people. I'm convinced.

Another (read: primary) purpose of my travels was to retrieve my possessions so I could bring them all HOME with me. Yes, this lady is settling down for a while, in a sweet little place called New Jersey.

Now I'm back, I'm moved in but by no means "settled" in yet, looking for a job, sleeping on a very comfortable floor with heaps of blankets for comfort. The pace of my life has been bordering insane levels, but I am looking forward to a day in the hopefully-not-so-distant future when my life will demonstrate some sense of "normalcy" once again. Not to say I desire a normal life. I don't, hopefully never will. But let's face it, we all need to find a sustainable pace at which to live so we don't burn out. A burnt out Megan (or you) is of little value to anyone.

Is this post a little random? Probably.
I'm not even going to proof it, because it is what it is. And what it is is an honest write-up of where I am right now. And where I am right now is Panera. In a physical sense. But that's not what I meant.

Beyond tired.


Have you ever blogged while feeling a little crazy?


*megan

the canyon that is rather grand

I am super behind on posting. I had a few weeks of feeling very unmotivated when it comes to my writing, but I think I'm back on track now.

Sooner rather than later I hope to share some of the my summer journey with you all. On 3 occasions now I have forgotten to grab the cord to upload pictures before heading to a spot with WiFi.

One highlight of this summer was returning to the Grand Canyon! I've had the privilege of seeing it not once but twice in my life! Some people will never make it out there, so I don't take the opportunity to have done so for granted!

I had so much fun with the Bethel "youthies" at the Canyon. I nearly had a heart attack about 20 times as I watched the boys (and Pastor Brian) climbing around like monkeys (a few of them in SANDALS, no less!) but even still it was a blissful day!

Again, I hope to post more summertime pictures soon, but I'll just leave you with these few for now. This next one is my favorite! I was so proud of myself. It took a lot for me to climb out to where it was taken. As I posed with my arms raised I was trembling in fear of the height from which I stood. But I did it!

Many thanks to Brendan (follow his artistic self on twitter: AVibrantBlaze) for capturing this terrifyingly thrilling moment in my life!

When's the last time you were terrified and thrilled at the same time? Hopefully it hasn't been too long. It's good for the soul!

*megan

messy, imperfect, beautiful [me & you]

Another e-mail blog. Please pardon any aesthetic and/or grammatical errors you may stumble upon. It is late and I'm in the car, somewhere in Ohio. Or is it Indiana?

Just saw a sign. It's still Ohio for 26 more miles. Don't worry, I'm not driving, I'm happily passenger-ing. I'll share trip highlights soon but tonight I just want to share what is on my heart. A little road-trip food for thought.

First, I want to encourage everyone to practice speaking words of life into and over your family & friends, acquaintances & strangers. Tell them what they mean to God and to you. Write them a note. Thank them for pouring into you. Buy them a little something that made you think of them from the moment you saw it. Send a piece of snail mail (my favorite!). You just might have a lasting impact. Your encouragement, your little bit of love may be enough to get them through a tough time. You may never know the impact you make on someone's life by a small, heartfelt gesture. Or one day they may tell you and it will just mess you up/make you cry/humble you/remind you how faithful God is.

Second, don't ever stop celebrating your freedom in Christ! If you've yielded your life to Him He's brought you out into a spacious place- and He's brought you there because He delights in you (Psalm 18). Yes, YOU!

You- who still makes mistakes.

You- who yelled at your spouse and/or kids today.

You- with the extra 20/35/50 pounds you can't seem to shed.

You- with the dreams that don't seem to be coming true right now (or ever).

You- who struggles to stop comparing yourself to anybody and everybody.

You- who doesn't always "feel" so free.

The Lord of all the earth, Almighty God... He DELIGHTS in messy, imperfect, beautiful me & you.

He loves you AND He likes you.

He's rescued you from sin and brought you into a spacious place.

And I feel like tonight He just wants somebody to get this:

"I have brought you into a spacious place. And I want you to utilize it."

*megan

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Summer Begins...

It's a little after midnight on June 9th.

My summer begins officially today! (after 6-7 hours of sleep, I hope!)

Floyd MC's graduation was Sunday and I've spent the past 3 days doing laundry, spending time with friends, packing, loading my car, giving things away, uploading pictures, saying goodbyes/see-ya-later's and drinking an inordinate amount of coffee.

The past few months have been crazy busy between MC and personal obligations, so I am ready to R-E-L-A-X for a minute or two! I could pursue many things this summer: leisure, travel, family time, a phenomenal tan, friendships, entertainment. None of these things are bad in and of themselves. But focused pursuit of God is what I'm about this summer!

I don't really have any solid summer plans. Lots (and I mean LOTS) of ideas are stirring in my head and in my heart, but I know I must begin in the place of prayer and pursuit of the Lord.

Tomorrow I'm heading to Shawnee, KS to spend some time with my sister, bro-in-law and favorite human a.k.a. my nephew London. I plan on spending as much time as possible at the International House of Prayer. I'm not sure how long I'll be in Kansas or how much traveling I'll get to do this summer. But one thing that's for sure is this is a time marked out to spend quality time first and foremost with Jesus, the One who loved me first.

This summer is a Season of Pursuit. Expect to see me "hash-tagging" this on Twitter.

How do you plan on connecting with God this summer?

*megan

One Crazy Month

February 2011 was one of the busiest months I've had in ages! February is usually a very busy month in Master's Commission, but this one was beyond busy for me in a great way!

It was also full of surprises. If you know me well you know that I L-O-V-E surprises! Here's a recap of my favorite February in years! This is going to be a lengthy post, so I'm including pictures for those who do not care much for reading;).

2/10/11
I pack two bags: one for the Texas trip with MC, and one for my Tennessee trip for Summer Joy's wedding.

2/11/11

The Master's team loads up and heads to Wichita, Kansas. We spend the night  there with Bethany Cooper's mom, stepdad and adorable sister.

2/12/11

Back in the van heading south to Brownwood, Texas! I drove us through the STICKS of Texas... There was tumbleweed and everything!

Upon arrival we attended a FANCY church banquet in t-shirts and jeans. Well, I had jeans on. A few of the students were wearing sweatpants! Poor kids.

After the banquet we got to spend some quality time with the incredible Pastor Kelly and Donna Crenshaw of New Beginnings Church . God is doing big things in their lives and church!

2/13/11

Masters ministered at the morning service at New Beginnings Church. I taught the high school Sunday school class full of very special young people! The service was amazing, not because we are so great, but because the Holy Spirit of God SHOWED UP and moved!

After lunch we headed to Arlington, Texas and met up with Pastor Matt Davis (MCKC graduate and friend)! He took the team out to BDubs (one of my favorites!) then we got settled in with our fantastic home-openers.

2/14/11

First day of Master's Commission Conference! The weather was beautiful!

I reconnected with old friends and met some new ones, too. I even got to do the Cupid Shuffle and Electric Slide at the Rec night after service! But my favorite part of the day was a breakout session for MC staff members where Pastor Jay West shared EXACTLY what I was needing to hear. Gotta love when that happens!

2/15/11
Second day of MC Conference! Just as great as day one. Pastor Lloyd and Joey Alcala spoke a message on our Unlimited God and His power at work within us.

2/16/11

Fun day with Pastor Matt Davis. We had a picnic lunch at the park, then went to Dave & Buster's compliments of our generous Pastor-Friend.

In the evening we ministered at the Vine Fellowship's youth ministry. Once again, God was SO FAITHFUL to show up and pour out LOVE on us all. I was so proud of our team for really pouring out what God's been pouring into them. We met some great youth and young adults there. I LOVE TEXAS!!!!!!!

2/17/11

Piled back in the van to head home to Floyd. Some time today my sister tells me we should road trip to New Jersey next week. Zach tells me I should go! I drove for a looooong time then surrendered the keys to Zach. Got home around 8:30 p.m.

Sometimes I get road rage. Nibs (our mascot) does too. (Ps, Zach's face in the background of this is priceless!)

2/18/11

Got in my car at 4:15 A.M. to leave for Lebanon, Indiana. Met up with my girls Charity & Brooke around 1, got in Charity's car, then headed to TENNESSEE for Summer's wedding weekend!!!!!!!

Upon arriving in Knoxville we had dinner with Summer and Bruce's families, then had some girl time on Summer's last night as a single lady.

Summer is excited to be a wife!

2/19/11

Summer becomes Mrs. Wiggleston! All of us gals slept in, ran a few errands, grabbed some Panera and headed over to Bruce's parents to get Summer ready for the ceremony.

She was absolutely radiant! She and Bruce got married outside at a beautiful park with closest friends and family present.

Brooke and I pouting about being single;)...

...but I caught the bouquet a few hours later. YESSSSS!

I was so glad I was privileged to attend Summer's wedding. She has been, is and ever will be one of my dearest friends!

2/20/11

Drove back up to Lebanon, Indiana with Brooke and Charity. We of course stopped for Dunkin Donuts on our way:). Blueberry cake donut, mmm. Spent the night at Charity and Andrew's house.

2/21/11

Had a buckwheat pancake breakfast with Charity then headed off to Lafayette for a few days! Had lunch at Scotty's with Miss Vicki Young (BEST buffalo chicken wrap!), caught up with Pastor Adam and met the new guys on staff at the church, had coffee with Sarah Faulkner, then dinner at the OG with my dear friend Joseph Howe. Stayed with the Loveall ladies:).

2/22/11

Had breakfast and Panera with Matt and Brittany Speaks and shopped around Borders. Had lunch at Moe's with Bekah and Hannah Loveall then went antique shopping. Took Hannah to work, then Chris Allen, Bekah and I went to JAVA ROASTER!

2/23/11

Had a brief McDonalds coffee and yogurt parfait date with Sarah Catron. Love her and am proud of her! Had lunch with Becky Deere and her beautiful daughter Hannah, then headed back to Lebanon to hang with Charity before the next leg of my fantastic February! My sister and nephew London met me there to drive together to New Jersey!

2/24/11

Final road trip in my Nissan (sad...). No better people to have "the last hoorah" with than my sister and nephew! Arrived in Jersey around 9 p.m.

2/25/11

Slept in, visited our dear friends Alicia and Tim and adorable son Landon. Got together with Matt, Steph, and Carmen to plan surprise details for Sunday night's service at Bethel: Pastor Joe and Robin's last night as youth pastors!

2/26/11

Had lunch with Alicia, Melissa, and Wendy at the Meadows. Love that place and love these girls!

In the afternoon we had another exciting happening: praise and worship practice with our old praise and worship team! Ahhhhhh, memories! 

Had dinner with my Dad in the evening then hung out at Matt & Stephanie Royce's place. "The original" Steph Royce, Matt and Carmen made a video about Speed the Light. It's worth a watch:).

2/27/11

Sunday! Skipped church to keep the element of surprise for the evening service (Pastor Joe and Robin didn't know we were in town). Had lunch with the family, then went to Nifty Fiftys for a milkshake with my friend Ciara I met last summer. Then I was off to church for Pastor Joe and Robin's celebration service!

Robin squealed with shock when "Josh & the Jericho's" walked on stage! She was surprised, and I was delighted! (photo by Will Mendez)

A graduate from each year wrote a thank you note to Pastor Joe & Robin for their impact over the years. (photo by Will Mendez)

Had a reunion with lifetime friends. We took a shot like the one above in high school when Eliott hated all things pertaining to life. Dave and I had to tickle him to get him to smile back then! Now he's getting ready to be a Marine! SO PROUD!

Got the old "Extreme Force" crew together for a picture on the old sanctuary steps. The last time I was in one of these pictures, Abby (the young girl in front) was just ONE year old! Oh how time flies!

After service some of us stuck around and reminisced. For hours. It was so refreshing and fun and just... sigh... home.

2/28/11

Last day in Jersey. Hung out with my siblings and nephews, then went to the Bell's house to watch videos from our many fun adventures in high school. Not sure why, but I didn't get a picture of Jacob, London and I all together.



3/1/11

Mel and I drove from Jersey to Lebanon to spend one more night with Charity before parting ways.

My mom gave me her car and traded mine in. This was a bittersweet happening, as my Nissan was my first car and the first major purchase I had ever made. Here's to many new adventures in my SUV!

3/2/11

Drove from Lebanon to Floyd, arriving in time to co-lead some praise and worship with Beka Fox!

THAT was my favorite February in a nutshell.

Believe me.

This IS the nutshell version.

Here's to Wild Goose chases and the surprises of life!

*megan