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good book

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another cheesy photo on the cover….but still a good book.
i saw it awhile back on amanda's blog
and was reminded that pam had told me about it before.

i bought it.
i love it.
i think my kids are more trouble than Jodie Berndt's ….but that is my fault not hers.

that is my awesome book review for the summer.
ha.

you can buy it here.   

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kari - Sounds great. I’ll have to add it to my list.
Currently reading ‘The Power of a Praying Parent’ (S. OMartian) and ‘Praying God’s Word’ (B. Moore).
Jan really a struck a chord with me while we were in SL concerning the power of prayer…especially praying the scriptures. Something that should have been so obvious to me…but it took a trip across the world to get it through my thick skull:-)

misty - I love this book! I have been praying this book for my kids, for years…

Rhonda - I ordered it! It looks really good.
Thanks for the tip.

ashley - I wondered how this book was! I almost grabbed it, but I grabbed What Southern Women Know About Faith instead. It’s next on my list.

Lindsay Boman - I think I may need this book! Thanks for the review!! I love your blog! It’s so fun! =0)

Julie - Horrible, horrible, horrible cover. {Papyrus. Barf.} But an amazing, powerful book. Love it.

becky @ farmgirl paints - I have this book. I remember it being really good. Need to get it out and take another look.

Erin - Oh yes, I love this book. I got it on the suggestion of a friend when I was pregnant. Wonderful recommendation!

Laura - Thanks for the suggestion. I went to put it on my Amazon wish list and it was already there. Some other good books on praying for your family are Stormie Omartian’s books. I use those often.

Karen F. - Thanks for the review . . . I’m putting that in my shopping cart and will push “buy” on payday!
-Karen
Firstbrook Five

Gemma - Great Suggestion!!
Just to let all of you know i’m having a giveaway at my blog. The lucky winner will receive a CSN gift voucher. Come and check it out!!!
Gemma X http://musings-of-a-gem.blogspot.com/

Sandy - I’m having our church’s bookstore manager order it for me TODAY! Thank you for the review.

Holly - Laughing at your kids being trouble. I totally know the feeling!

Kimberlee J. - I want this! Thanks for the suggestion.

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winner and wednesday

the winner for the pillow is….

And one last time I voted for it.


Tammy…i emailed you at the address that you use to leave comments.  (tammygilliam)

THANK YOU FOR VOTING EVERYONE.

i won second place.
not an iPad but an ipod touch.
and you know….that is pretty awesome too!

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i don't know if i will listen to the Howling Bells….but maybe?
i am so excited to get it!

an iPad would have been great….but this is just as great to me.
and my kids wouldn't even think of asking to share this with me.
the iPad…they would ask everyday.
and mine would end up like Pioneer Woman's…i am sure of it.

Peanut Butter Baby won in the end.
and he was a really cute baby.
i am happy for her.
she said her husband would be using it for med school…..so that is awesome!
good for her….congrats Kierra.

you know what?
i am feeling good this morning.
i haven't even had coffee yet.
but i am feeling good….God is good….my husband rocks…my friends are fabulous….i am happy.

so how about two more winners?

and now vote # 2….you are still in 1st place girl!

vote #4 – man i hope you win!!

YAY!!!
i can't wait to make pillows for you.
i love my blog readers.
you have no idea how all your kind comments and encouraging words lift me up each day.

TODAY….
my mom is visiting today.
two bathrooms need to be deep cleaned.
i have photos to edit.
and we are having another overnight guest.
i bet you know her.
i have never met her in real life….or her family who is coming with her…and her cat and hamster.
i will tell you about it tomorrow.
but right now….i need to change the sheets, vacuum the rug and scrub a toilet so she can be comfy.
remebering Rachel's video today "i am here to serve with joy"
i forget so quickly.

i am calling on two verses today:


Roman838 
Whtverse

i always love the whatever verse. 🙂
 
go out today and be kind to others.
 
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.

i hope that all of YOU have a wonderful day today.

ymcmb hats - I really wish I hadn’t seen this as I really want one now!

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sale

Jodi - Congratulations on winning the ipod! I love Howling Bells, her voice is just mesmerizing. Gary Lightbody recomended them on either SP’s website or in his Q The Music column a while back. I downloaded radio wars and love it.
Glad you are enjoying sunny happy days with your beautiful family 🙂

Megan - meg, i totally needed to hear those two verses today. so thanks!

Janie Fox - Yay happy happy joy joy – you won an ipod touch! I am wanting one! Love your scriptures too. My favorite is always Romans 8:28 but I have several others that fall close behind. Call me a Jesus freak…I like it!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Hi 🙂 Congrats… So happy for you!

Alicia - Your blog is always so fun Meg! Congrats on the ipod touch…my kiddos would take mine if I won…enjoy your new toy!
Alicia

maribeth - i hope she brings you a piece of cake!

Kirsten - Yay for 2nd!!! Just so you know…I only have a lame phone that’s about 5 years old and totally on it’s last leg. And just this morning, my 10yo said if she didn’t get a phone or ITouch, she would “die”.
Yeah…when I was a kid, I had an AM transistor radio.

Julie - Howling Bells opened for Coldplay last year. My niece downloaded some of their songs right after that – she really liked them!
Thank you for those verses!

tara - http://weirdfriends.tumblr.com/post/735649667
saw this and thought of you…it came up randomly in my google reader feed. not too sure of the remainder of the site.
just realized that this totally looks like spam. hope it’s not for you…
thanks for encouraging me to use color – and for sharing your life with us on here!

Lisa - Have fun today Meg. Looking forward to reading about your antics with your ‘guest’ and her 357 children.
Meg your post today was gracious and kind. You handled the ‘nasty’ commenter so well. Glad you won something, that you came second. I am fairly sure people voted for you because they genuinely liked your photo and not because they were in to win a cushion. You photography is awesome, your blog is too. i love the read.
Now how about sending a cushion ‘down under’. Ha ha

erin stivender - sooo excited about winning…think i’ll go buy a lottery ticket now. can’t believe i got that LUCKY!

Sara Taylor - Thanks for posting the Romans 8 verse today. It was on my mind all day after being with my friend’s family who lost a nephew this week.
Also, your posts about the reading nook in your guest bedroom and your newly decorated back porch have been so inspiring to me! We just moved to an expansive Craftsman era house, and there are so many nooks to decorate. I was thinking of your porch pictures when I went to an antique mall yesterday to pick out dusty treasures for our porch/sunroom. Thanks for sharing!

Ruth - eeeeek have fun with laura… i can’t wait to read all about it. like whether she’s as short as she says! (the cat looks dangerous though)

robin - You are my favorite blog, too. So much, that I linked to you today…hope that’s ok! Thanks for passing along the positive energey about being good to neighbors. 🙂

Amberleedesigns.blogspot.com - Hi MEG!!! You are by far my fa.vor.ite blog! I send everyone to you. Even though you didn’t win first place in that giveaway maybe you can win first place in mine! Check it out. I hope you enjoy!!!
http://amberleedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-first-post-yay-its-giveaway.html#comments
Love Me,
Amber Lee

Gemma - Well done to all winners!!! 😀
Hope you have an awesome day.
xXX Gemma

Jaime A. - hehe… I was going to say the same thing abt the iPad – Pioneer Woman’s is kaput! You are prolly better off! 😀
Enjoy your iPod Touch!
Have a wonderfully, beautiful day, Meg!

Jill J - Romans 8:38-39 has gotten me through serious times. Every time I read it, I get the chills! Praise God that we are not responsible for our salvation! None of us would make it. 🙂
Congrats on winning 2nd… Sorry I couldn’t vote. 🙁 I don’t have a Facebook or a Twitter account.

Elizabeth - Are there any more weeks to enter?? I vote you enter the pic of Waffle wearing those glasses (or that wig!) and we can all try voting again!

Brooke Whitis - Meg, hope you have a great day.
I am kind of sad you didn’t win the ipad, but you are a gracious loser. I really, really wanted you to win. 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful day….lucky girls that won those pillows 🙂

betsy - I LOVE my iPod Touch! You’ll love yours, too.
There are tons of fun apps out there, too. Just don’t tell your kids! 😉

Kimberlee J. - Love everything about this. Love your neighbor as yourself. Indeed.

Katy Stone - You’re so encouraging! My mom is coming today, too! I’m recovering from back surgery and preparing to move across the world (literally). Her visit will be so appreciated, plus, I always love spending time with her.
And, congrats! Have fun with your touch!!

Tara @ the cinnamon post - give Laura a hug for me!
you’re so lucky to meet her…
she’s so lucky to meet you…
have FUN. Your happiness is contagious Meg..thank you.
~tara

Heather @ Cookie Mondays - ahhh! it’s laura! i wanna come too 🙁 i’ll bet she’s expecting french toast…

Shana - YAY! for mini iPads! 🙂

candace - Congratulations on your win! You are such a good sport. Thanks for the encouraging, pick-me-up post. You rock!

Lisa - Congrats on your win! I’m sure you and Laura will have a great visit, it’s sure to be great blog material!!! 🙂

Amy James - I bet I know who it is! I have been following her trip daily on FB. We may have a hurricane heading for Texas but you have one heading for Kansas! Have a great time!
Amy James

Tammy - oh Wow! What a wonderful surprise to wake up to! Thank you Meg! And a big congrats to you on the iPod Touch. It’s a pretty cool toy.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Love this happy bubbly post. I can see you are full this morning Meg. Hope you have a wonderful visit with your mom and company. Always a joy starting my day with you:)

Melanie - Congrats on winning an IPod Touch. $300 less that you have to spend!

DreamGirlLisa - Congrats Megan…hope you have a great day and can’t wait to hear about your guest….

Lindsey - congrats on winning the ipod! i am in a great mood too today, and also have not had my coffee….weird for me! hope it stays, we have a hurricane coming to texas, so we’re stuck inside all day. have fun cleaning lol, i will be doing the same thing! happy wednesday 🙂

amy jupin - oh my goodness…is it laura? piece of cake? on her xcountry trip??? please say YES! THAT, my friend, is GREAT BLOG material! (you should see me smiling right now. it’s ridiculous!)

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - Hope your day is fabulous, too!
Can’t wait to see who is coming to visit!
Have fun!

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last chance

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this is always a happy sticker to see.
even happier when i don't expect it and don't know what's in it.

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LOOK WHAT WAS IT WAS!!!!!

with a note…
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when i wrote about africa i sent a picture and link to amy butler herself.
i told her that "i thought you'd like to see how far your book went and what we did with it"
she wrote back.
she and her staff had read all my posts about africa and they were excited and wanted to DO MORE.

she asked what we needed.
i told her patterns and fabric.

she sent it.
Mallory is part of amy's staff….and so nice.
two boxes arrived.
one with patterns and books.
one with three bags of fabric!

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and another encouraging note from another staff member named beth.  


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don't you LOVE the LOVE line even more now?!

i do.

i wish i could see the boys faces when they get this.
erin and chris are missionaries with word made flesh from nebraska, living is freetown.
they are visiting their family in the states for a few weeks and they will bring this back to the boys.

i am so happy.
i am so excited for them.
i love that amy's heart is so big.
i miss africa.

remember my post at liferearranged last week?
i wanted to be a little more clear about WORD MADE FLESH.

by donating money on that blog post the money will go to the sierra leone division of WMF.
this is a small group of people.
 

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these are the people you are donating to.


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WMF has a small staff of 11 people who work with the youth and community.
their missions statement….

"We are called to holistically care for children and young adults through discipleship, educational/vocational opportunities and family-like relationships.
 "

they are doing it.

they have a place to meet called the Ale' Ale' Home.
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they meet with their LightHouse ministry here…for worship, fellowship, help with school work,
small group, prayer and bible study.

Light House is what they call their teen program.
the tailoring program is part of Light House.

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they also run the Kroo Bay Good News Club.

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they meet medical needs, physical needs as well as spiritual needs of over 250 children in Kroo Bay.

i know that YOU KNOW my heart for africa.
my heart for these faces in sierra leone.
 

IMG_3886
  
   
 

so….i am asking again.
today.
could you give to Word Made Flesh?

if every reader gave even one dollar….that would be thousands of dollars today.
can you give one dollar?
 
or five?

or ten?

GO HERE TO DONATE to word made flesh today.
thank you.

thank you to all of you who gave already.
THANK YOU!
you are a blessing.
 
 
 
 
  
 
 

Holly @ Roller Coaster Life Rhodes - I love this! I really wish I could figure out how to go over there and donate my time and start something as amazing as this!

tasha roe - i get all teary-eyed when i look at your Africa pictures. those babies, children, families, loved ones. sigh! makes my heart ache because i feel helpless.
and the box from Amy Butler makes me love her even more. didnt know that was possible. 😉
thanks for all you do! you are a mover and a shaker, girl!

kari - Makes me smile 🙂

AshleyAnn - Mallory…I really like her too! So glad you posted this, I was wondering what ever came of it!

tami - Precious, just precious. God Bless You!

Amanda - I am so in Love with Amy’s fabrics, not to mention all her products. I love her much more after seeing her heart shine in this way. That’s cool.
(www.taborgafamily.blogspot.com)

amy jupin - wow, wow, woohoo, wow! look at you! i’m so proud to be a reader, meg–you keep spreading HIS word and amazing things are happening. and amy butler and her gang, thank you! i bet those boys are going to SMILE for a week straight! awesome.

cassie o - just donated…it’s amazing the impact you’re having by just posting a blog

Beth - What a beautiful post! 🙂

Kimberlee J. - Amy Butler + Staff=CLASSY

Becky - What a story…so thrilled that the love of Jesus is in you and in these precious ones in Africa! Thanks for inspiring us to open our hearts…

Sarah W - That is amazing, and so nice of her and just.. wonderful.
I have tears in my eyes.
And I do love her in her love line even more now!!

Tracy Fisher - Meg, Thank you for sharing your stories. You don’t know the impact it has made on me… and many others I am sure. I am taking our two kids to Mexico with our church this July. My husband can’t come (work), but for some reason I was called. I got scared then remembered two quotes that hang next to my computer in my studio. One says “OVERCOME FEAR. BEHOLD WONDER – don’t know author.” The other says “FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY! – creator of Jimmy Choo Shoes”. So, off we go. You give me guts!!! Thank you 🙂
Tracy (www.lifeisjustplainfun.blogspot.com and http://www.liveitupalittle.blogspot.com)

elisabeth (bovagoods) - oh, how i love amy butler. she is so generous. i fell in love with the colors she painted her booth at market a few years back. (saw the pictures of the booth on her website.)on a whim, i emailed her to see if she would give me the paint colors. she did! her hubby emailed me back and so did she! i painted my room right up with those colors and then made a big old quilt from her belle line of fabrics. it’s nice to know she is still so very generous after all of her continued success.

tara pollard pakosta - Makes me want to buy Amy Butler fabric even though I don’t sew! I buy the Amy Butler scrapbook papers, love them!!
how generous and loving is that company, awesome!
tara

Sharla - Great post and kudos to the Amy Butler team!

Jessica from Stars and Clouds - Meg, what you did and what you do is amazing! You are an inspiration to me, all the way over here in Europe.

Betsy - WMF if from my city, and I’ve never even heard of it before! I just spent a while reading their website – how awesome! I will definitely spread the word around 🙂

Shana - Yay!

paige - yes!!!!
how incredible
& i love her even more

Sara @ It's Good to be Queen - Oh wow, that is just good, good stuff. I love it. Oh those sweet African faces. I want to kiss those little baby cheeks.

Gemma - Such generosity! Lovely : )
Gemma X

chasity - i give to another effort in africa that my friends are a part of…
blessings and best wishes to you in this effort!
and what a great thing for the staff at Amy Butler to do~ very generous.

Debra - Wonderful, the kindness and generosity of people!

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - Chills and tears!
Love this!
I so want to go and help!
THANK YOU, MEGAN!!!

robin - you are such good peeps, what a beautiful post. 🙂

Heather @ Cookie Mondays - AMAZING Megan!!!

jeanne - Isn’t it amazing how one life touches another, touches another, touches another…..amen!

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excerpt from CrAzY LoVe:

when i read this a few months ago i knew i wanted to share it.
then i couldn't find this section again…..anywhere.
seriously.
then yesterday i opened the book and there it was.
i knew i had to share it.


Someone I Can Be Real With

If you merely pretend that you enjoy God or love Him, He knows. 
You can’t fool Him; don’t even try.  Instead, tell Him how you feel. 
Tell Him that He isn’t the most important thing in this life to you,
and that you are sorry
for that.  Tell Him that you’ve been lukewarm,
that you’ve chosen _____________ over Him time and again. 
Tell Him that you want Him to change you, that you long to genuinely enjoy Him. 
Tell Him how you want to experience true satisfaction and pleasure and
joy in your relationship
with Him.  Tell Him you want to love Him more than
anything on this earth.  Tell Him you want to experience the kingdom of heaven so much so that
you’d willingly sell everything in order to get it.
Tell Him what you like about
Him, what you appreciate, what brings you joy.

Jesus, I need to give myself up.  I am not strong enough to love you and
walk with You on my own.  
I can’t do it, I need You. 
I need You deeply and desperately. I believe You are worth it, that You
are better than anything else I could have in this life.  I want You.  And when I don’t, I want to want You.  Be all in me.  Take all of me. 
Have Your way with me.

Crazy Love by Frances Chan 

jodi @ back40life - thanks so much for sharing this…extremely powerful!
it also reminded me that I have this book on audio…I started listening to it a few minutes ago.
thanks!!

crystal - My small group finished this book this winter. It changed all of our hearts!!!!

susie - awesome book! i’m going through this with my high school girls at church. wonderful!

KristenB - Just what I needed. People and other things that we put our trust in WILL let you down. He NEVER does…..

AlisonC - I loved Crazy Love. As soon as I finished it, I read it again. And now I want to read it again!
I just found your blog through The Pleated Poppy. Glad to have found you!

Jane - Wow I’m so excited I just went out and bought this book – want to read it now but it’s totally bedtime! Thanks so much Meg for your honesty in talking about your faith, this quote sounds like just the kind of encouragement that I need right now, I’m struggling quite a lot but excited about the possibilities!

Lora - Gotta get that book! thanks… i printed out 3… one for me, one for each teen daughter.

stacie - Thanks so much for posting this. I want to read this book all because of you. I probably need it too. I’m in the middle of A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller though. Very good one, by the way!! Gotta finish that before I move on. You inspire me. You’re so authentic and real and whole hearted. Thank you.

Liz - We’re reading this book in our small group. It’s really amazing!

Catherine Hicks - Wow! I just happened upon your blog….I truly needed this! Thanks for sharing.

Queen Bee - Wow. Breathtaking. Honest. It resonates with me because that is how I talk to God. No “formal language”. Just honesty pouring out, even when it’s to say how awful I’ve been or how much life sucks, or to thank Him for carrying me through it, cause it would be a LOT WORSE if He wasn’t shielding me (cause even when he shields me from the worst, I still feel the pain). What an amazing excerpt to post. Thank you!

Leslie P. - Thanks for sharing this! I’m on Chp. 3 of his second book, called Forgotten God (which refers to our neglect of the Holy Spirit) and it is super great. Such a quick read, too.

Anna Marie - I bought this book after you talked about it during your giveaway week. I haven’t read it all yet but I am so excited about it! Thank you!

Lori - Beautiful!

Suzanne - I have been watching Frances Chan on line because of reading this book, as he readies himself and his family to leave his church and go out and DO THE WORD. You introduced me to him, through your blog Meg and I thank you for that.
His sermons online at cornerstone church starting with the one entitled Surrender are a must see. How awesome to be able to watch someone being obedient to God’s word.

Denissa - Thanks for sharing…I think that my pastor mentioned that book before, I think I def. need that book right now..

Patricia - Great book ~ as is his newest book, Forgotten God. Extremely provoking. In a good way. Thanks for sharing!

shelly - Wow! That is good! I need to read this book!

Molly - We are starting to lead it as a small group… it should be awesome!

robin - love this!!!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - That book, in conjunction with a few other recent rabbit trails and events, is changing us. I was way late in reading it…but I’m so glad I finally did.

Heather - Yes.

patti - Love this book!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Beautiful. There’s no foolin’ the creator. Love her honesty.

Sara @ It's Good to be Queen - He IS worth it. that’s good stuff.

Musings Of A Gem - It’s always the way…you loose something and then you find it INSTANTLY later!
Gemma X
http://musings-of-a-gem.blogspot.com/

josephine - I love this book too. I want to reread it and I have NEVER read a book more that once!

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sunday’s comin’

this was played at church this morning….loved it.
                  

               


happy Easter.

      "Do not be alarmed," he said "You are looking for Jesus the Nazerene
            who was crucified.  HE IS RISEN.  He is not here."  Mark 16:6

leslie - dearest meg! i am a fan of you! seriously! i found your blog off urbanoutfitters.com and i just love all the color your life is full of. i hope i can be a mom like you someday. question: how did you come up with the layout of your blog? is that something you created on a certain program? just wondering… anyway, i just wanted to let you know i enjoy looking at your awesome photography and you inspire me because you just go for it in life…get it girl!

Ashlee - I love this! My friend Rob started Igniter and they have such great stuff and so many different kinds of video. Some are HILARIOUS!

Arrica - He is risen indeed!
Thanks for sharing. I posted a link on my facebook to share this…hope you don’t mind… ;o)

Sarah Kay - We too watched this at our church in Las Vegas. How powerful! All I can continually think in my head is “it’s Friday, but Sunday’s comin’!”

Dana Banana - my prayer is that I live every day as if it is Easter Sunday

alamama - and one day HE is coming!

jody - happy Easter!
i just posted some cute pics of my just-turned-one-year-old daughter in your cute t-shirt that i bought for your africa journey.
xo
jody

Kate - Oh wow…. Happy Easter!

julia - this was played during the offering at my church..I just downloaded it from iTunes – so great
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q3tdybU3js

Kellie Dugan - I love it Meg. I have not seen this before. Amen!!!
Happy Easter to all of you.
PS.. GOOP takes the color off your hands.

Melanie - Beautiful! Hope you had a great Easter. Stop by my blog some time.
Did you use the hot cocoa machine this winter?

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Happy Easter sister!

mom - We played that a couple of years ago for our Easter. It’s so good…
We played a different one today that was really good too.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - We watched this last year on Easter Sunday and I still think about it. So happy to be able to see it again. Powerful!

Lauren - Love that! Thank God that Sunday came!

Karen Gerstenberger - Thank you for posting this. He is risen, indeed! Thanks be to God for His gifts. Happy Easter to you and your family.

Suzanne - love this thanks for sharing…Happy Easter to your family and you Meg!

Staci - Amen and Amen :)!!!!!

Debbie - HE Lives. Happy Resurrection Day Meg!!

Lori - Thanks for sharing, Meg! A happy Easter to you and yours.

chasity - happy easter to you and your family.

amanda - Amen! He is risen!

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winner and goodbye for a week!

the winner of the flea market style magazine….that will get mailed next week…

is COURTNEY who wrote:

Hand writen recipes from my grandmother. She has past away and these are so precious now.

so…email me your address courtney.
thanks for entering.
there were 200 comments exactly when i clicked on line this morning.

i made everyone do one last family picture before i go.
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we look…sleepy.
and then everyone went to school and work and it was me all alone.
my tears were dry.
i am ready to go.

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my mom got me a cute new hoodie…i had to wear it.  :)

thank you for your prayers already.
and keep them coming.
we have 26 kids at least that the 8 of us are leaving with dads in the states.
that alone needs a blanket of prayer.

thank you for buying ad space, buying etsy goodies, donating money and praying for us.
this trip is going to ROCK!
i cannot wait to see what God will do.


and now….

I AM OUTTA HERE.

(ps: i have blogs set to post all week…from the archives!)

Janine - I was at the store today and saw things with polka dots and I did think of you. I hope you are safe and doing wonderful work right now.

Hannah - I really admire your bravery!
Trust me, I’ll be thinking of you all week – I can’t wait for your return and all the stories you’ll have!

Christina - Praying! It’s a great picture…that will be a treasure for you, I think. What an adventure you are going to have, and although you will bless many, you will be blessed in abundance. You know that, I’m sure. 🙂

Wendy - Have a wonderful safe trip! You are an amazing woman, Meg!!

Michele with 1 L - I laughed out loud at the 26 kids left with dads & needing a blanket of prayer! You are so witty. It is amazing how many polka dots I’ve seen since you asked us to say a little prayer for you!! You are blanketed in prayer and wishes for your safe return.

linda lou - what a nice family photo and guess what i saw annie in Walmart today with your friend and i told annie i was amy d mother that lived in her neighborhood she’s so cute (: love and prayers and my church is praying for you all.
linda lou

Bec - It is going to be such a great trip- I can just sense it!
gttp://www.theiheartblog.com

the blue muse (kelly) - Have a great, safe, and happy trip. What you are doing is amazing. I will think of you, there, when I see polka dots.

Melanie - Safe travels, my friend.

christine - Um, not tears of you for you. More like tears of joy 😉
proofread next time, silly woman.

christine - Tears of you for you, Meg. I pray that God would use you in a mighty way during this trip & that you would draw ever closer to Him through your service. God, keep Meg safe in your arms as she travels, show her incredible things, use her talent in an awesome way, and please Lord, bring her home safely to her sweet family next week.

Sherryl - Have a wonderful trip – we can’t wait to hear all about it!!!

Sarah @ Dream In Domestic - Bye! I know you will have an amazing time, but you will be in my prayers nonetheless!

Micah - Have a safe trip!! Can’t wait to see your pictures :). It’s going to be an amazing trip.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Blessings sweet Meg. I keep seeing polka dots everywhere!!! So you know you are in my thoughts and prayers:)

Ashley - Best of luck! I’ll be praying for you!

Sarah - Praying for you! And for all the husbands and kiddos!

Barbara Kelly - best wishes for a safe journey and for your family at home who will I think miss you so. this is living dreaming and using all your strengths in the best way, with courage and bravery and generosity. best of luck meg!

mel - Praying for you time in Africa!
I know it will be incredible!
Can’t wait to hear what God does in your life & the lives of the people you are ministering to!
May God surround you with his peace, love, wisdom & safety!
(and, same for your husband as he is home with the kids!)
Love, mel

kbonikowsky - Journey Mercies
Bon Voyage
Safe travels
May God go with you

Melissa - The hoodie is adorable! the family is beuatiful! and the prayers are headed your way!

Cate O'Malley - Have a wonderful trip – can’t wait to hear all about it!

Stephanie Armstrong - safe travels and prayers to you all 🙂

Colleen - Safe travels and I hope and pray for an eye opening and life changing experience. Life changing is good – Ellie’s cancer taught us that and we are so in appreciation of it all now.
🙂

amyb - Hope you have a safe and wonderful trip!

`Kelly - Every time I see polka dots this week (and that will be often! :)) I’ll pray for you! I can’t wait to hear all about it!

Lisa - God bless you on your trip and your safe return.

Alicia - Will be thinking/praying about you…have a safe trip!

Joni - I am so excited for you! You and your family look wonderful, I can’t wait to hear how everything went, and I will pray for you!
XOXO
Joni

Cori - Bless you Meg. All the best to you and your lovely family. I can’t wait to read about your travels. I’m all vaclemmpt now!! 🙂

Michelle - Prayers a plenty! And the shoes are CUTE!!!

jody - See you in Chicago! I’ll look for the polka-dots…

susan - i’ll keep praying…..be safe. look forward to your return. susan

Leah in FL - Blessings, Meg, for you, your family and the children of Sierra Leone! :o)

Barb - May God bless you and yours. Safe travels!

Courtney Walsh - I will definitely be praying for you, meg! Safe travel, amazing strength and most of all…peace. He will carry you through!
Be safe!

Heather R. - Godspeed! Prayers comin’ your way.

Bincy - Will definitely keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that you are an inspiration to many and May God continue to use you.

jeanne - Love you! Can not wait to hear all about it! You will be in our prayers the whole time.

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where we are going.

 i'm going to make you do some work to find out more….

here are some pictures of what we may see.

this article is about where we will spend time and the people we are going to meet.

and these are the people we are working with.
we will be helping with sewing, gardening and physical therapy.
and i am in charge of taking the pictures.
we will not have computers so i will tell you everything when i get back.
 

***********************************************************************************************************************
i have no idea how to prepare.
materially or emotionally.
i don't know what to imagine….what to think…what to do.
so i am praying.

as i pack and check off my list….check check check…i pray.
"help me to do Your work"
"let me bring glory to You"
"thank you God…thank you."
 
i feel completely unworthy to be one going in this group…to these missionaries…to this place.
God chose me to be a part of this…
me?
it still seems like He picked the wrong girl.
hmmm….
it feels crazy.
 

these verses have been swirling in my head for a month.
Is419
Isaiah4113

i was afraid when i said yes to pam and jody last fall.
i am afraid when i think of leaving everything i know.  
everything.
being away from my kids….AND my husband….across the world??? 
that scares me.
but those verses…they are true.
HE tells me DO NOT FEAR.

if i am not going to listen to GOD then who AM i going to listen to?!
He is the maker of all things…and i still want to be afraid?

no.
 
He chose me.
He is with me.
i will not be dismayed.  

i am reading my book…packing the suitcases…making some meals to leave behind.
it's all good.
He is in control.

WILL YOU PRAY FOR OUR GROUP?
 
pam
jody
cassie
teresa
jodi
shelia
kari
meg

every time you click on the blog…pray for us.
every time you see some thing polka dotted…pray for us.
every time Gods brings it to your mind…pray for us.

🙂

thank you.
i know that you will.

i am smiling so big right now.
this is going to be amazing….i can't wait.

no fear.

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Melissa - you are awesome, you will come back a different person. You will have a new look at life to say the least. Take it in and enjoy all that this trip has to offer.
YOU CAN DO THIS, AFTER ALL YOU HAVE GIVEN BIRTH TO 4 KIDS!!
Congrat’s on the magazine that is awesome!!

princess lasertron - You will have such a great transformative trip.
I wanted to tell you that the founder of Charity:Water is speaking at a creative/entrepreneurial conference here in Omaha in May. I can’t wait! It’s 7 days after my due date so I may not be able to go, but I am hoping I can.

Nicole White - I will pray for you all…more encouragement from the word, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called the oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Is. 61
God Bless!!!!!!

sara - meg, i’m praying for you & your team. so wonderful god has called you to do this.

Tara - I will pray for you dear Meg. All will be WELL. You are AMAZING. Good luck…
~Tara

Shannon - Meg, I’ve been blog-stalking you for awhile. You will be in my prayers along with your team. This will be a life changing experience. My sister-in-law lived in Uganda for a year and we went to visit her there. The people are amazing. For the most part they are so thankful and content in their situation. It really is what impacted me the most. Someone told me “once you get the dirt of Africa on your feet you never get it off.” Literally for about a month you will wonder if the dirt will ever completely come out of your toenails. Mentally your mind will wonder back to Africa and you’ll be ready to pack your bags and go back at anytime. May God bless you greatly!!!

seleta - Yes.
You are expressing God’s ☀ + ♥
I admire you.

susan - meg, you are amazing and an inpiration really. i will keep you all in my prayers. what you are doing is so beautiful and selfless. wishing you all a safe and blessed trip. susan

DreamGirlLisa - Have a safe and wonderful trip! I can’t wait to see all the amazing pictures you will come home with. Strength, Love, & Peace be with you.

Alaina - God says He will never leave you or forsake you. I am praying for you Meg. I know the Lord has great plans for you and you will be changed by giving a cup of water in Jesus’ name. Blessings!

Lisa - I will be praying for you guys! Safe travels – can’t wait to hear all about it.

Kristy - no fear girl. what you are doing is AWESOME! you guys will be in my prayers daily.
xo

Kathy T - The article made me cry. Thank you for helping these people and this community. You’ll be in my prayers. If we can help in some small way, please let us know. And I’ll miss your blog while you’re gone!

Joy Jonas - God called my family to China and that is where we are living right now. You’re life will never be the same after this trip! I will pray for you and your group and cannot wait to hear about it when you return!!

susan - I will be praying! Thanks for the scripture and also the visual on polka dots…I will not be able to pass up on dots without thinking and praying for you!

Jenny - You got it. My prayers will be with you and your friends.

jeanne - I am so excited for you! What date do you leave? And for the record…YOUR home is gorgeous and I hope I get to take some photos when I come through this summer;-)

Trina McNeilly - Meg…. I WILL BE praying for you. I know all of those feelings and I KNOW that God is so faithful. Those are some of my fav verses. I clung to Psalm 91 when I went to Africa and I still do….just for life and for my family! I’ll try to keep polka dots in front as reminder to pray for you all! Can’t wait to hear all about it. I know your life will be changed forever!
xx Trina

Nan - Meg, I will carry a piece of polka dot fabric in my uniform pocket the entire time you are gone. Each time I reach into the pocket and touch that fabric, it will remind me of where you are and what God is leading you to do. Each time I feel the fabric, I will pray for you and the group that is with you. God Bless you and many prayers come your way. I will anxiously await your stories and pictures.
Nan

linda lou - was thinking of you today i was in the “Creation Station” at the Mall and they had a christmas bowl w/polka dots it was very small even 1/2 price to expensive or i would of got it for you(: merry christmas in thoughts.(:
i will have my sunday school class pray for your team…how long are you gone?
linda lou
newton ks

Anna Marie - Count me in as one of your many prayer warriors!

Kelley - Meg-
I’ll be praying for you every single day. My husband just got home from Haiti last night and the trip changed his life. He is a different person. Thankfully, God was able to prepare me for his homecoming in amazing ways. I’ll pray for your husband and children too! We can’t wait to see your experience. Be safe!
Kelley

tara pollard pakosta - I WILL pray for your group!
Have an awesome time!
and I JUST KNOW you will put a smile
on God’s face, you have such a good pure heart!
tara

the inadvertent farmer - I love polka dots so I will praying for all of you a LOT! Kim

Ann at the Handley Bungalow - I will pray for you and the group you are going with…A LOT!!! You are going to have the time of your life. Life changing. And you are going to be helping people! Wow! God is so good. After living in Cairo, Egypt for over two years I never looked at a grocery store the same again. God Bless You! XO Ann

Sara W - I think the fact that you are going on this trip shows that you are listening to God’s voice and will He will be faithful to you and your journey. Enjoy every moment. I can’t wait to read about it when you get back.

Kerry Wiebe - So proud of your Megs, have fun be safe!! I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home. Love Ya!

Trish - The most common phrase in the Bible, said by God, Jesus, prophets, apostles… “Do not be afraid”

Lindsayrobertsonphotography.wordpress.com - You are such an inspiration and you and the team will be in my thoughts and prayers daily! Just remember, “faith of a mustard seed” Matt 17:20-21. How great to be a tool to spread the love of the Lord! I look forward to news of your trip.

Melissa Morrill - You will do amazing, and be amazing, because you are amazing! You light up my life everyday with you sentiments and faith in the Lord. I will pray for you everyday and wish you well on your journey. You can ship Waffle here while you are gone if you want….but I can’t promise you will get him back 🙂 lol
Safe journey.

Starsandclouds.wordpress.com - Meg, I have been reading your blog for some time now. Every time an unread message pops up in my GReader, I am filled with joy, because your blog inspires me and makes me happy.
We probably couldn’t be more different, in a sense, so I will keep you in my thoughts while you are doing the amazing thing you are about to do. I will probably share your story of ACTION with my class. And I know they will think of you too!
All the best from Tuscany, Italy. Jessica x

lisa - i will be praying. my best friend and her husband are missionaries with WMF overseeing lima, peru. i had the opportunity to do a month long trip with them thru WMF to india several years ago and it truly was life changing. you are definitely going to an area where you will see and be among the poorest of the poor. God will open your eyes to so many things … including yourself. remember that God’s LOVE is so BIG that it crosses ALL parts of the world and ALL of us in it .. including you and me and the people you will meet.
praying for you and can’t wait to hear more 🙂
lisa
op,ks

Staci - I am praying my sweet friend 🙂 I am praying!!!!

Kacey - Have a safe trip! You will be amazing!!! Praying for you.

Diana - God has what you need to pack. He will be with you from here to there and back, each and every moment. You are not the “wrong girl”… God doesn’t make mistakes. They are people like you and me… just different circumstances. God has a Good Work just for you to do in His Name while you are there.
Praying for your team. Praying for you.
Philippians 4:13
{hugz}

Courtney - Everything is going to be wonderful! You’re in TONS of prayers!

amy jupin - oh my. my hear feels so heavy right now.
i will pray for you to be brave.
i will pray for you to be strong.
i will pray for you to be helpful.
i will pray for you to be inspiring.
i will pray for your safety.
i will pray for your health.
i will pray for your family.
i will pray for all of these things and for you.
God bless you Meg, my bloggy friend.

mae - Blessings from Singapore … take care!

kbonikowsky - Meg ~ As a missionary kid and video missionary documentor, I’ll pass along a tip an old-timer missionary photographer gave me. lemon drops. Stuff your camera bag and pockets full of them! Give them to those you take pictures of, or who help you climb a tree to get a “perfect shot.” Its a perfect ending to awkward picture moments. It gives you something to give all the beggar children you will see. I’ve even seen a tribal chief pop one in his mouth and smother a grin. Everybody likes lemon drops. God bless your travel and may your life be transformed with the goodness of God even in dark places.

Juli - My kids did a Vacation Bible school this past summer called Crocodile Dock. There was catchy song on that soundtrack to memorize Joshua 1:9 and whenever things get iffy, that song pops into my mind.
Go get your kids and jam out to this right now!
Here’s the original soundtrack on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjtJ4Bq3oY4&feature=related
here’s another good one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJdIn2_pvRk
Who knows, you may even get a chance to teach these to the kids there! Yes, I will be praying for you! I already think of you everytime I see polka-dots so there will be plenty of prayers sent up.
God will use you mightily, girl!

jen - You . are. amazing.! I LOVE this post! And, what a great idea! I will pray for all of you every time I click on your blog and see polka dots! Love your faith. You’re an inspiration to us all! Travel safe. Have fun. Be the glory of the Lord. Smiles, Jen

Tammy - God is doing great things through you and your group. You are a warrior of his. I am praying for all of you.

Robyn Farmer - Thank you so much for sharing this and for being transparent on your blog. The Lord chose Meg because he will use you in big ways there as well as when you return and even as silly as it might sound but to reach many hearts through your blog. Your life will be changed by this experience, this is a fact. I can’t wait to hear how God moves. I will be praying for you every time I see a polka dot and that means a lot of prayers for Africa as I have a little girl and polka dots are the norm around here.

Karen Gerstenberger - Dear Meg,
Thank you for this honest and open posting – as all of yours are, but this one really speaks to me today. The scripture you posted, I will begin to hold in my heart, too.
I know you are super busy, but want to share this with you. I have accepted a speaking engagement next month that is bigger than anything I have ever done, and I am also worried that I’m the “wrong girl,” but also feel called, so I will go. If you are interested, it is the Hope and Empowerment Event with the Henry Tucker Foundation (www.henrytuckerfoundation.org) in Indianapolis, and Patrick Doughtie (the writer and co-director of the movie, “Letters to God” (www.letterstogodthemovie.com) is the keynote speaker. He is screening the movie there, too. I’m just one of the side-speakers, but still feel as you described here. So I will pray with you as I check you blog, and thank you for posting a scripture that encourages me, too. God bless you and your team as you go to do His work in Love!

Laura - You are so brave

Grace - Amen! I am praying with all these wonderful ladies for your safety and blessings on this trip!

Karen - I think that ya’ll are doing something amazing that some would not even consider. I think that God gave you your talent of photography for things like this trip so that youcan bring back to us what is going on there. Just know that you and the entire group will be in my prayers.
Karen
Tupelo, Ms

lora - I am definitely praying! God made you in his image for such a time as this! Believe it!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Oh and if I were you I would take a little roll-on cologne or something to keep in my pocket. I am sure the stinch will be overwhelming. If you are anything like me it may make you a little sick to your stomach.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - I am teary Meg. Those pictures are unbelievable. It’s so hard to wrap my mind around images like that…that people are out there in that filth. You have been chosen and God will equipt you.
What an awesome privilege to use your gifts for the Kingdom. I know for a fact you will come back a different person. Count on me. I will be praying for you as you do this BRAVE thing. I have polka dots all over my house, so I’ll be praying alot. Love you girl.

Christy - Meg, Have a wonderful safe trip! I can’t wait to hear all about it when you return. The world needs more people like you.

maribeth - what an amazing opportunity! you will be in my prayers!

Sara Cameli - I am so proud of you for being so brave. Keep an open mind and an open heart, the experience will no doubt be one that you remember forever. It is very hard to be that far away from everything you know and everything that is familiar…be strong and know that I will be thinking of you!!!!!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I must have prayed for you 5 or 6 times yesterday. And the two biggest things that I prayed for were 1) Rest and 2) No worry. When I have big stuff going on, it causes me to not sleep well, so I’m praying that the fear flees and you are left cozy in your bed, sleeping soundly, for these next couple of nights. Your family will be cared for while you are gone and you will be returned safely to them before you know it. So, be at peace, be fully rested and go do God’s work! How amazing.

Michelle - It is going to be amazing. So much love, prayers and positive thoughts are going with you Meg. Have a great, life changing experience & soak it all in.
Safe travels.

Heather R. - I think about the post you did with the man who was holding the log to make a point. Remember that one? YOU are letting go of the log and letting HIM guide you. You are being prayed for.

Laura - The Lord has been bringing you to mind in the past few days and I have been praying. This is going to be such a life-changing experience. I am praying that you will be able to see not only their physical needs; but more importantly, their spiritual needs. God will be with you every step of the way, as well as with your family at home. I can’t wait to see the pictures and hear all about it when you return! I’ll be praying as God brings you to mind.

Lori - Oh, I forgot to say that I received my photograph purchase in the mail yesterday. So cool! Thanks.

Lori - Meg, the pictures made me tear up and feel humbled by our many blessings we have in this country. And you are the EXACTLY RIGHT person to go on this trip!! God knew what he was doing when he placed this oppotunity in your lap. You are so very capable (you mentioned sewing and taking photos, no one could do it better!). You are so nurturing (lots of experience with 5 kids and a husband!). You are so warm and accepting. Reading the comments on your blog it is obvious that people feel comfortable around you. And yet, you are barely aware of these positive attributes. And of course, you are willing! And that is mostly what God needs, cause he will do the rest through you!
I promise to pray for you every day, and so look forward to hearing/seeing all about it when you get back.

Linda - What a beautiful post, Meg, and a wonderful reminder to us all. To pray and not to fear. It’s something we can all remember, whether we’re at home and hoping not to lose power or heat in a storm or flying for hours to help others in a country foreign to us. Prayers are with you. Have a wonderful and safe trip. We look forward to all you will share with us when you return.

Lori McDonough - I will raise your group up in prayer, Meg. God bless you all in your travels and as you do His work. I pray his angels will wrap their arms around you and protect you as you make this incredible journey! Can’t wait to hear all about it when you return.

Kim - God is faithful! Thanks for being open to His leading!!

mel - prayers for you and your group, meg. i’m sure it will be an awesome experience! i look forward to reading all about it when you return.

Lauren - I promise you will not regret this trip! It will be life changing and amazing!!!

chasity - praying.
for safety.
for a successful trip.
praying.

CathyC - How long are you going for? you will be missed. your blog and your photos that clearly show how much you love your family is an inspiration.
have a safe flight and a safe stay.

Julie - Those verses are an amazing encouragement! Thank you.

Lanny Stanard - Megan… I’m sitting here on friday morning ready your post I just want you to know my heart goes out to you and your friends. I will pray and have other pray too! My Mom passed 6 weeks ago, you know she had aline right up to heaven, but know she is there, I miss her so much so could you also pray for me/us… I cared for her 9yrs and 3 weeks before she passed 24/7 I wouldn’t give that time back for nothing… You all have my prayer’s, have you girls named your group yet? I think you should you truely are a gift thats for sure! Have a safe trip… Just remember God is sitting right next to YOU!!! blessing’s

Megan - I’ll be praying!

julie - I am praying and I will continue to pray.
I am so very, very proud of you.
Excited to see what HE is going to do through your team.
Take good care my friend.

Laura Phelps - just bought a red polka dotted cat collar
looking at it now
prayer has already begun…

Christina - You and everyone there will be covered in prayer! Everything you do will be covered in prayer!
And thank you…I think I might have a certain song playing through my head as I go to sleep tonight. That is a good thing.

Staci Danford - Best of BLESSINGS on your journey.. You are doing something that will fill your heart with memories and JOY for many years to come…
Staci

BriBedell - I read another blog mckmama at mycharmingkids.net she is going to Africa very soon too. Wondering if your going to be in the same place?

Lindsay Thomas - You definitely have my prayers. “DO NOT FEAR” GOD told you that! awesome.

Kate - Perfect Love.
Casts out all fear.
It does. It really does. He loves you so much, He just needs your hands. You are amazing.I will pray for you with all my heart.

Melissa Salomon - I will be praying for you and the team!
Melissa Salomon
http://www.cptlnmexico.wordpress.com

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