Easley Park 2

Meg and Martha

2011-05-26T20:06:00.008-05:00

This week I decided we HAD to get back into our meal planning, both with deciding in advance what we were going to eat, as well as planning to shop for it. Having moved back to my second favorite small town - Wilmore, Kentucky (Taos has to come first....) - there are a FEW drawbacks. First, you can't run to your (not so favorite but still a huge convenience) superstore for a few items to throw together for dinner. Nor can you run for other needs. Nope, you have to plan - and of course me planning means intentionally buying locally - but other things you just have to get elsewhere.

Ok, so back to my dinner. Part of my inspiration was an idea I had! I was given this beautiful cookbook for Christmas (YEP, that long ago!) and hadn't ever had time to read it. It got packed when we moved (errrr early February - oh yeah - my last blog date here too!) and it just got unpacked! It was like Christmas all over again! The title is "Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home" - and it has 52 delicious meals planned - including dessert. Which my poor little family complains they don't get enough of.

SO - tonight we started - once (or twice if I am inspired!) a week we will eat with Martha. I will stick as closely to her cookbook as possible and try new things. It's not the Joy of Eating - nor is it Julia Childs - but I do love Martha and parts of it are very different from our normal fair.

{JUST TO WARN YOU, I had to change menu 1 just a bit.... I couldn't find a reasonable priced lamb}

Menu 1.

Baby Lamb Chops with Lemon Strips
Asparagus with Aioli
Quinoa, Pea, and Mint Salad
Vanilla-Poached Rhubarb

Ok, so I had to sub out the lamb. Instead we decided to use a bustameal.com recipe - Pork Medallions With Apricot-Orange Sauce. It had great reviews and tasted GREAT! We agree, it was very nice.

I am feeding not only two adults, but one eight year old who although loves vegitables, doesn't like meat. I am also feeding a two year old that hates all vegetables {except winter squashes and peas - usually uncooked}. So, as you can see, I never have a HIT all at once.

Until tonight! I couldn't believe it. Everyone enjoyed this meal. The huge hit of the night for J and myself was the Quinoa, pea, and mint salad. The last time I tried to cook quinoa it was a flop. Tasted horrid - flat and odd. Perhaps I shouldn't have waited to try again! This was delicious.

The Asparagus recipe called for a nice poaching, but we all prefer to have it oven roasted. So I again veered and roasted. The aioli sauce was a hit - and it's subtle garlic flavor enhanced the asparagus in such a way that little E ate four servings! Sweet girl.

Brad was in charge of cooking the pork medallions. Such a surprising flavor. They were pan seared and then cooked down with slivered onions and sliced dried apricots. There was nothing of the gooey sweetness that is often added by apricot preserves being spooned over dry meat. This was exceptionally delish! Of course, Brad is rather talented when it comes to cooking meat. I tend to be like E and love the veggies more. But, over ten years of marriage to my carnivore, I have come to love some delicately cooked steak or tenderloin!

It was very a delight to have my first meal with Martha a success. I felt a tad sad to have left behind her beautiful baby lamb. But, I do want to make this idea "do-able" for my self and the family. If you are interested in the meals they are found in the book Martha Stewart's Dinner at Home or also found on the following links.

Well, the girls are in bed. I have a cup of decaffeinated hazelnut coffee here, and another Masterpiece Mystery to finish with my love. Oh, and we haven't had our dessert yet! {He just started on it, stating - "mmm mmm mmm, that's so good"! } Hope you decide to try rhubarb sometime, it's our new spring happiness!

{I have included the Pork Medallions recipe, it's not available in Martha's cookbook but it available at Bust-a-meal. I use this program for meal planning - we love it!}

{Pork Medallions With Apricot-Orange Sauce}

1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, cut into 8 (1-inch-thick) slices
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup thinly sliced onion
1/2 cup dried apricots, sliced
1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Mince garlic
Thinly slice onions
Chop parsley
Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Sprinkle pork evenly with salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Add pork to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned.
Remove from pan; keep warm.Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in pan.
Add onion to pan; sauté 3 minutes or until tender.
Stir in sliced apricots, broth, juice, garlic, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; bring to a boil.
Cook 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat; stir in parsley.
Serve sauce with pork.

Little Boxes, Full of Ticky Tack

2011-02-06T23:07:00.000-06:00

It feels like we have been packing for months, but it’s only really two weeks. Two weeks, you say? That’s what we say, too! It has never taken us THIS long to pack up our home. But, on the other hand, usually it seemed a little more cut and dry. Two enormous PODS occupy our driveway, crowding out the humble minivan like a bully on the playground. Today, a 12’ U-Haul trailer joined the gang. Aforementioned minivan has now been banished to the neighbor’s driveway.

There’s something cathartic about packing. It gives us an opportunity to clean house, purge the closets, rid our life of rubbish. Reminds me of the saying, “You never see a hearse pulling a U-Haul.” Jesus said “Store up treasures in heaven.” I wonder what he would say about our piles of treasure in my driveway. Sigh…..

On a brighter note, we have been so very blessed to have many people drop by and interrupt our packing. Do we mind? NOT AT ALL! We have loved each visit! To sit and connect, drink some coffee, and perhaps pray together has created some memories that will be treasured for years to come.

We’ve parted ways with our Lakewood church family, but I’m reminded that God’s church is not confined to mere walls. The body of Christ is a dynamic organism. The Bride is created not by man through buildings or organizations, but a common heart (and spirit) being thread through each of us, men and women, boys and girls who have realized that Christ took our place on that cross of death. Without that exchange, I would forever be caught in my own darkness. On my own, all I can do is stand in His way! That’s a learning process; sometimes much of me tries to jump back in. But the older I grow in my walk, the less I need to be seen. Obedience is everything. I want Jesus to be seen – not Meghann!

So, however long it takes us to pack, wherever the road leads, so be it. “To everything there is a season..” Our season in SWLA has come to an end, but a new season begins!! For those of you living in the central KY area, we’re so excited to see you again, and join you in building God’s kingdom! God has already given us some exciting dreams we want to share in the weeks to come. Thanks for your love, prayers, and support.

The Easleys

New Year, New Adventures!! An Update from the Easleys

2011-01-23T22:31:00.000-06:00

It’s Sunday afternoon, January 23. We’ve just finished up our last Sunday in pastoral ministry at Lakewood Bible Fellowship. In the days to come, Brad will also transition out of his role of academy principal. Meg, the school art teacher, has finished up her classes this past week.

We've been at Lakewood since 2007, and made the decision to resign after several weeks of praying and thinking, and asking three key questions:

1. What is best for the Easleys?

2. What is best for Lakewood?

3. What new opportunities has God opened up for us in recent months?

What is best for the Easleys? As our family grows, so do the ministry demands we feel upon us. This is our tenth year of ministry (and marriage!) and there are days we definitely feel the mileage! We want our girls to see ministry as a calling, a privilege, a life worth pursuing, and to do so, we are careful to ensure that vocational ministry leaves a pleasing taste in their mouths. So, sometimes, taking a break to clear the cobwebs can be the best thing for a family.

What is best for Lakewood? We’ve come to love the people of Lakewood – both church and school – and have delighted in being a part of Lakewood's ministry. We have done our best to lead, to challenge, to help grow. The church and school have faced difficult changes in recent years, changes that have taken its toll on both leadership and members alike. Ultimately, we recognize that we are but one tool among many that God uses to build His church. “To everything there is a season…” and the last thing we want us to stay here beyond our season. What’s best for Lakewood is fresh leadership who can help her move to the next level.

What new opportunities has God opened for us? Well, the first opportunity is a trans-state relocation to to central Kentucky. This is where we met and courted, and have always dreamed of returning to! While in Kentucky, we have several exciting options we’ll share about in upcoming posts (sshhh …. its a secret!)

Finally, some exciting news! On Friday, January 14th, 2011, we finalized our adoption of Josanna Lynn! She's been a part of our family since her birth on March 22, 2009, and (to understate things) has more energy than a supernova with a sugar high. She's a delight beyond words (as is her sister, Emma) and we're amazed at how God brought her to our family!

Walking in Obedience.

2010-06-15T12:33:00.000-05:00

When writing I usually start with the title = it gives me a launching point. Today I don't have a title to start with - I hope it comes as I write! I suppose that's because I don't really have a launching off point. It's been almost six months since my last update. I am surprised because it really feels like yesterday and about a year ago at the same time! Here's an update as to what has gone on for us -

1. My lungs stayed in my body - I got med's. (God is GOOD!)
2. B caught my illness (God is GOOD!)
3. He almost died. (HONEST) (God is GOOD!)
4. We accrued about a half million dollar medical bill - bills (God is GOOD!)
5. God covered it all! (see? God is GOOD!)
6. J has been sick - lot's too - (6 ear infections during these months) having tubes put in tomorrow. (God is GOOD!)
7. B and M worked threeeeee (3) full time jobs for 6 months. (God is GOOD!)
7.1 J stayed with B and M as they worked the jobs. (God is GOOD!)
7.2 J got very very tired of pack'n'plays, walkers, and high chairs. Finally she revolted. (God is GOOD!)
8. M burneed out. (God is GOOD!)
9. B got sick - again. (God is GOOD!)
10. We got him med's faster than fast. (God is GOOD!)
11. He is doing better. (God is GOOD!)

There you go. That's the summery summery - God is GOOD. E did great - considering - it was a rough semester for everyone. Especially the kids. Not having family close isn't easy during these times - Grandparents and family help to smooth lot's of hurt. Especially if your under 150 years old. Luckily for us - our family made lot's of efforts to come see us in the last couple months - like I said - that smooths lot's of hurts!

I try to stay on our family as a topic around here - no need to go into details about other stuff. We are doing lot's of praying right now. LOTS! God is so very GOOD and he never never never takes us through rough waters without a reason - perhaps it's not my reason - perhaps it's not my desire. But he didn't ask - he created me and provides for me. I wait. wait. wait. And while I wait - he provides in so many ways -

1. Friends and friends who love.
2. Friends who support and reach out.
3. Friends who DON'T attack but encourage.
4. Family who will come and hug you when you need it.
5. Friends who take a kid when you need to breath for a moment.
6. A network of friends who pray for me = us.
7. We are not alone! Regardless of what our mind may tell us - we live in a world based on TRUTH not emotions. Thank goodness! Jesus is our truth - and our rock. We cling - we wait. We ask - seek - and FIND!

J is walking - well, nearly running - she is an amazing child - all over the place and except for a moment (several weeks!!!) of major reaction to two different antibiotics and then the steroids to help that (wowowowowowow) (her dear Aunt L renamed her for that time....) she refuses to be grouchy the whole time she feelt poorly. She is honestly the most content baby I have EVER met. Lucky ME!

E is growing like a weed - went through her cloths for summer and was SHOCKED to see how much she had grown! Had to recreate a whole new wardrobe. We enjoyed that! :) Her heart toward God and others is so sweet to see taking shape. She tries so hard to not upset or do wrong - in fact, so hard that sometimes she lies to help us not get upset with her - we are working with her on that....

B is getting well - again. Worried me (until God reminded me NOT to do that!) that he would get bronchitis again so soon after his last illness. The dr's took it VERY seriously and immediately put him on heavy med's to knock it out of the park! It seems to be working!!! He is busy praying and planning - and seeking God's wisdom.

SIDENOTE - Are we not glad that we don't have to seek our own wisdom and that age has NOTHING to do with that? Now, if we are wise, we will accrue wisdom as we grow - but there are plenty of people who seem to have FORGOTTEN to do that as they aged. Spiritual maturity has nothing to do with age - and it's so sad. God wants us to learn as we grow - and if we as (30 somethings) can realize we have LOT'S of growing to do - than why can't those physically older than us have already realized that they are still growing too? The bible says not to despise our youth - so we push on! God reminding me through B that we are his anointed - (we are ALL his anointed!) and that we are exactly where God wants us to be. Can you say that about your life today? Are you exactly where God wants you? IF NOT - seek and MOVE! There is nothing like knowing that you are all God is calling you to be today!

M - well, I'm here! I have wanted to write for a long time. But sometimes, writing is not quite the right thing to do! There are times that there are things better left unsaid. Better left unfelt too if you ask me! But I didn't get asked - so I wait on GOD - not MAN! I have to say, that God has been working overtime to encourage me lately. From friends with kind words - to books that give such insight - to even being offered a few jobs that although it's not the right time to take them - it was such a self esteem booster to be asked!!! Do you know what I mean? Sometimes - as a sahm (stay-at-home-mom) (well - if you read earlier - I have been that and more recently!!!) one can begin to feel that the world forgot that you too went to college. You too were trained - and you too have held some jobs that were more than starter positions! It can sometimes feel (like when pre-admitting your baby for eartubes at the hospital and they comment that all you do is stay home?!!!!) that you got lost in the shuffle! Not that is has been a CHOICE for your FAMILY! ha! Well - we gals know that we chooooose this and that we could be working - if we were called to do that! God is GOOD! It's not on man's approval that we base our actions - but on obedience to our LORD.

PS. My daddy taught me years ago that obedience means -
"Doing what you are told to do, when you are told to do it, with the right heart attitude".

IF you don't do all three - than you are not truly obedient.

Well, we are called to be obedient to God, to those in authority over us, and to our spiritual leaders. It is such a FREEDOM to walk in obedience! For my girls - I see them grow and find joy in the safety of their obedience - and for me and B - I see the same as we walk in God's hands!

Are you obedient today? Oh! I think I have found my title!

Two weeks in a lifetime!

2010-02-16T08:41:00.005-06:00

I have always loved to travel.

For years I hoped that God would call me (then us) to overseas missions. Young people never think of fear, death, or the effects of both. At least most don't. I didn't at all - I just wanted to follow God! I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed when I began discovering that for now He kept sending us to areas around the US.

Not that it isn't needed - nor is it any less important. I just wanted to raise my children overseas - in a different culture(not to worry, we have hit that several times!) and to know that they were not completely sucked into the sudo-american attack of greed and nastiness! (NOT that there is a lack of greed and nastiness other places... )

Regardless, I found joy in the current deployments (that's what it is you know...) and have loved being in different cultures in the so very different area's of the US. This being said... our stay in the hospital with Brad has changed my mind.

Home missions is GOOD.

American medical system is GOOD. (well, better than most!)

We had a lovely Dr. while in ICU. He is from Columbia (the country, not school...) and lived and worked overseas - most currently had spend four years in NYC (which after all feels like another country...) I think this lead to his great ability to think "outside the box" in treating B. He tested for many scary options to his illness, and (PRAISE GOD) found them all negative. He treated B and I as though we were old friends and his kindness was remarkable. He even called us yesterday to talk and see how B was! I pray that he finds a church home and is loved on!

During his visit's in B's hospital room he shared some stories. One of which, was the remarkable difference in health care that we have available to us versus the other posts he has been at. In one such post, we would have been allowed to put B on a gurney and set him inside the doors of the ICU, then when we brought back twenty-thousand dollars they would have begun treatment. So kind of them.... $20,000!!!! This was in a third world country...

I shutter to think what could have happened if I had pushed and had my way. To be overseas when such a medical emergency arose. No doubt God could and would take care of us. BUT how much better to know that we are in the will of God NOW and we literally drove less than a minute down the road and around one corner and we had GREAT medical care?! America is amazing! I may be paying off this bill for several lifetimes, but I have a husband and a bill. Not a gurney and a promise of help IF...

May this be a lesson to me, and to you. Find JOY in the moment! Right now, where ever you are - are you in the will of God? Have you asked, sought, and found where you are supposed to be? OR have you pushed and pulled, and finagled your way into a cozy spot of your own making? It's not worth it friends! It's not worth it! The protection of our Lord is worth a million personal satisfactions!

I have several people on my heart today, friends pushing their way through life, family seeking the next posting of the Lord (overseas!! in missions!!), and I have you on my heart. I pray that you find true JOY today! Jesus, Others, and finally Yourself!

Love you lots....

Meg

Asking for prayer - seeking answers!

2010-02-07T21:57:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I wanted to give an update as to what we have been facing the last week. I have been praying about how open to be with the details. BUT I feel as though some of this depends on our pushing into God will for our lives and for our family. HE alone knows what the outcome of this will be - and GLORY will be given to him alone!

We have had such support this week. Ray and Dianne (B's parents) have sent Dianne to stay with us. She has cooked, cleaned, and laundered so much! We are so very appreciate to them and to our church family who have brought us food nearly EVERY NIGHT! Thank you!

Below is a shortened version of what is going on. I don't share this for any reason other than to elicite prayers for God's hand to shine through in our lives!

Brad and I were sick this past couple weeks. Mostly i had some sort of nasty bug that went into bronchitus. B suddenly came down with it (BAD) and ended up in the emergency room last Sunday morning. They sent us home saying it was just the flu ("it's the flu, it's gonna hurt - take tylenol") But Monday at three in the morning I ended up bringing him back (he couldn't breath). Both of his lungs were 80% filled (compacted) with severe double pneumonia. He had also begun to have septicemia.

They rushed him into ICU and he spent three days there. They considered him in critical condition and it was really scary. Two days ago they finally moved him into a regular room and then did a procedure where they went in and vacuumed out the left over "pus" (the dr's word!!) out of his lungs and then took some tissue samples. They are really concerned as to why a healthy 33 year old male would get this sick in just a few days. His immunology numbers were so low - a normal healthy adult is 3,000 (for referencce, an HIV patient would be 300 - 500.) Brad comes in at 59. Yes, 59. So basically he has NO imune system right now. We don't know why and he tests negative to everything they have tested for. So either this is a fluke thing or it might be something we will have some real challenges to find. Either way, right now he has to stay on a whole bunch of med's to help him not catch everything around him.

So, where are we? Strangly at peace! We know that we serve a God that heals. Our bodies are his and B has lived a life giving honor to the Lord! We are so thankful that we know whatever is fighting his body was not brought on by his decisions! His life really has been one searching for God and we know that the Lord will honor this!

Thank you for your prayers!

M and B E.

A glimmer of light...

2010-01-29T11:01:00.003-06:00

Meet my new best friend (also known as BFF). Who says you can't buy friends? B bought him for me yesterday. We instantly had a strong bond that quickly grew. His back and arms are strong enough to support while his gentle side keeps this in balance and his weight provides the traction our relationship needs! I am in love...

I slept until TEN this morning... Only getting up once for meds - that's a first in several weeks! YEAH! See? My new friend already paid for himself! B got up and took E to school, fed and played with J and got her down for a nap. I woke up as he was coming back to bed. He is there now - I took my BFF and went to the couch. Now I can get comfy anywhere. HAHAaaaa chest - you can't get the best of me!

Ok, so you might be thinking M has flipped. Sure - 5 weeks of illness is enough to make anyone flip. BUT at the same time she has learned many important things.

Listen to your mom
Listen to your dad
Listen to your Mum-in-law
Listen to your sis-in-law
Listen to your mum
Reappearance of an illness really does happen
"Walking pneumonia" is real
It will lower your resistance to other things - so now, a flu bug on top of other stuff is very real....
i am not longer 20.
This is all very sad - they were right.... I was wrong.
God created Dr's. - let them help you.
I will never do this again.

These thoughts led me to these newer thoughts -

I have a mum, dad, and mum-in-law, and sis-in-law who were way smarter than I.
I am thankful they haven't rubbed this in my very sick little face.
I hope anyone reading my pathetic updates lately takes me with a BIG grain (or jar) of salt. I like to write - I like to express - I am not nearly as self indulgent (usually) as in the last number of posts...

There was a Gary Larson (The Far Side?) cartoon the I used to love. It was a cow (he loves cows) upside down in a field. Legs up in the air. The caption read "No, Really, I'm Fine". It made me laugh like crazy. I spent forever this morning on google looking for it to share with you. It isn't out there - or it was hiding from me. Regardless, it was too funny. My parents gave it to me on a mug in high school. I think part of it was that I hate being sick. I hate being hurt. SO I tend to live in denial and push forward until kicked flat. Much like the cow.

What does all this have to do with anything?

When I woke at ten this morning, I coughed (a usual 24/7 thing right now - leading to my BFF) and tada - it sounded better!!! Then I got up and tada - I feel a teeeeny weeeennie bit better!

(Shouts of excitement overcome with awe as confetti and balloons spill from the sky...)

So, my first thought was - oh goodie - I can finish the laundry today.

(Now glares of irritation and slow shaking of heads..)

NO. I WILL NOT. I WILL NOT.

I will force myself to lay here.

I hate laying.

BUT I WILL LAY HERE.....

and write.... if that keeps me laying.

and I will get well!

Because - I am no longer a Gary Larson cartoon!

Thanks Mom, Dad, Dee, and Leslie for being right in love - next time, I am setting up the dr's appt. right away!

HAHA! So, hopefully soon I will be terrorizing people in person. But today I will lay here and listen to the rain, my body gently being held by my BFF. (Which, by the way, where do you "store" one of these things when you no longer need it?) (Perhaps that's a question for another day....)

Another one bit the dust, or reacurence of illness, brings a chill to ME home...

2010-01-28T00:05:00.001-06:00

Another one bit the dust. B came home, shivering without control. Even teeth. Had him do what I had to do yesterday - go sit under hot shower. It was the ONLY way to stop my shivering yesterday - so today I had B do it. WHY if you have a fever and are HOT is your body so very cold? After about ten min or so suddenly the body changes and it calms down. Very strange. Also brought him copious amounts of acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

So, now we discover that we are at opposite ends of the fever trail. When I am cold, he seems hot, and so on. Rather irritating I can tell you. It would be so much better if he would adjust his thermostat to mine.

Years ago, my dear friends had a marvelous idea. We should all live together in a compound. This perhaps was influenced by some cinematography of great excitement - but never the less, we have always found the idea hideous with anyone other then them. (well, nearly - some present family and friends excluded...)

But tonight, as I lay here - hoping for my next codeine induced burst of energy and pazaz (so that i might relax enough to sleep - and not tear anymore back muscles through my interpretation of a 1. walrus in the midst of fighting for his lady love or 2. the last few moments of an emphysemics life. ) I find myself in dire desire of having followed through with their idea.

It occurs to me -

I have two children
One is of school age
One is still in diapers (which left untended smell worse than death)
Both are in need of food and care.

Well.

In ministry you give up certain inalienable rights. Much like the Pilgrims crossing the ocean. Family may or may not live near. Tonight, I consider having family or my imagined commune around to be a rather dear idea.

Especially tonight

Which leads me onto my (excuse me, I just hacked up a lung - b sat straight up in bed and asked me how often I can take the cough med - the one I just took 20 min ago and can only have every 6 hours. This may be a long night or a long post....)

Especially Tonight.

God's grace is enough - isn't that good? Because of this - if we did indeed have a fever that presented itself at the same time than b would most likely be awake right now Not sleeping beside me only tossing when I try to share my walrus interpretation!

So, in the midst of illness - rest is happening and healing to our bodies. Perhaps slower or less obvious than I would care for. But already tonight B needed less medication than I had shared with myself at the same time yesterday.

Oh - and did I tell you, that God provides all things? Yesterday I was gifted the kindest gift I could ever had imagined (given the illness' desire to limit my dreaming past my current pain) = someone canceled their dr.'s appt! I called once, busy - called again - and tada - a time open.

Now, I didn't know this till later - but that is the way it works sometimes isn't it? God makes a way, opens doors - smooths roads less traveled. And, after, we look back and his hand was working every moment of every day. Why must I be ill now? I am not sure that's in God's will or plan - pain, illness, disease - part of SINS ravishing of the beauty called Man. God's creation - marred by pain.

So, as I sit here - well, lay, I can feel Codeine working it's magic and the spell checker is going nuts. But I also sit here in Awww of a God who works all things, knows all things, and loves all things. Even me - when sick, am taken care of.

Well, the alarm is set for six - and I need to plan on shuffling through to make the coffee, feed the children, and hopefully find that two days of horse shaped pills (hiding under the disguise of an antibiotic) will have begun the miraculous job they were created for.

May I too continue the miraculous job I was created for. To parent, love, guide, and walk beside my husband. WHO may just feel worse in the morning, but that's OK - I can bring him some ibuprofen.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all - enjoy your life - it's a Chair of Bowlies!

2009-12-27T22:43:00.000-06:00

Last year Emma came home saying; "You get what you get and you don't pitch a fit". Thank you Ms. Sarah! She used that mostly on us - but it was a good learning moment for Mommy and Emmi! So, this year we had an opportunity to re-visit this lesson.

A month ago, my (Meg's) parents were coming to visit, I had my Christmas cards ordered, printed, and ready to mail out. We were prepping for our church Christmas production, and winding up the first semester of Emma’s first grade year. I wouldn’t describe our normal life as smooth, but it was going fairly well.

Then the set of storms hit…. Weeks of rain (so, no lights ended up on our house – when it was sunny, Brad was busy!!!). Ginger (Meg’s Mom) starts having strange physical problems. Meg has several weeks of massive migraines. Josie gets sick. The Church program was wonderful. Our School and Church has a massive setback with the illness (nearly a last illness) for our dear Principal Ray. Brad steps in the last week of school to help. Emma finished with flying colors. We finally get some Christmas presents bought (but nothing is stilllll mailed out!!!). Meg’s parents have to make a call on travel - they decided to wait to do anymore traveling until there are some answers as to her physical issues. Please be in prayer with us as Ginger is seeing a gastroenterologist as a starting point to seek answers. So we decided to travel instead! ALL this to say – we are in Jackson (five hour drive - last minuite!!) for a very short and unexpected visit with his family. Now, Meg is sick. Loverly! BUT hey, we are with family, and a warm fire. I am getting to have coffee brought to me by my dear hubby….

SO, this is why Christmas cards didn’t go out yet.

I will get them out soon. This year or next… ;)

So, this was the last month. What did the rest 2009 bring to the Easleys? JOY!!!

Last winter we had the great opportunity to be with Meg’s brother (Miles) when he proposed to his beautiful girlfriend Melissa. (mileswittboyer.com) She said yes, and we began the excitement of another girl in the family!
Emma was learning to read and work on cursive (already!!!) in kindergarten. Can you believe they learn these things so early now? I remember learning to write in cursive in 3^rd grade!!
In March, our dear friend Thomas came for a visit. We had just been at his wedding in December or 2008 and were excited to have him visit for two days. While he was with us we received a call OUT OF THE BLUE about a soon-to-be-born baby that needed a home! Would we be interested?!?! YES!
We jumped in Thomas’ truck (he offered to drive us, our car was getting new tires the next day – so we couldn’t drive it) and we headed off! We made it in time to be present for the birth and Meg ended spending about a month out of town; until we were able to get everything settled to bring our new Josanna Lynn home!
Emma has been beyond excited to become a new big sister. She helps out with everything except changing diapers. She prefers to throw them away for us. (Strange, I think I would rather change it!!)
This summer we were able to help teach at Indian Springs Camp Meeting. For the last several years we have been able to travel to Georgia and help teach children at this wonderful family camp! We hope the girls get to grow up loving these three weeks as much as we do!
The fall brought in Emma’s first day of first grade. WOW! It wasn’t so hard, being that we have had so many years of pre-k and kindergarten, but it was still an adjustment for her to be gone so much and have homework! Now she does more cursive than we do and she can read to us at night… Not that we let her all the time! She loves to read to Josie as they play together. Such sweet moments to listen in on!
Right after Emma started school we traveled to Arkansas to attend Miles and Melissa’s wedding. Now there is a new Mr. and Mrs. Boyer in the family! It was a beautiful and special time. We really enjoy the area that they live in, just wish we could all live closer!

There were a few sad moments this year too, a number of sweet goodbyes to loved ones. A number of friends and family went on to be with Jesus. Then there were the sad goodbyes to the beloved family pets. Meg’s puppies from home (when she was growing up) finally got older than their bodies could handle. Time marches on, not much we can do, other than to keep our eyes and hearts on the Father and have faith that there is more to this world! A life we cannot see!!!

PLEASE READ!!! Many of you haven’t received an updated Christmas card in several years. We apologize for that. Time, as it is marching on, is often rater brutal and a bit fast. We were caught in another move and moments that left Meg unprepared to formally communicate as she would like. We are now pastoring a church in Lake Charles, La. You can check out our church website for more information! www.lakewoodbiblefellowship.org I apologize for not having sent out cards or (as I later realized) even a change of address to many of our dear friends and family. I hope to be better at communicating with you, and we dearly treasure each of the cards and emails we receive from you. Thank you for keeping us in touch with you even as we have not been as faithful as need be!

We would love to hear more from each of you (especially if we had somehow missed out on your family Christmas card or letter because of a lack of address….)

As our family has grown through the adoption of little Josanna Lynn (Josie), we know that the Lord rejoices just as much for the adoption of each heart into the kingdom of God! As we work hard to move toward increasing those adoptions (of both kinds) we pray that the Lord would continue to teach you about his love and desires for your life!

All our Love,

Brad, Meg, Emma and Josanna

My thoughts, my thanks...

2009-12-14T01:36:00.003-06:00

Dear friends, Dear all, Dear world.

Infertility is not fair. It hurts - it's black. It's flat black dull cheap spray paint that covers you - but it's not you. People have written, more than I had known who were affected by the darkness and the lies of infertility. Statistics tell us we are not alone. Apparent reality screams otherwise. So we, alone, hide - thinking we know that the stats are lies, that we are really alone. Isolated by our fears, pain, and unfair disadvantage everyone else seems to have overcome. We have to answer questions no one else does.

Yes, we know what causes children.

Yes, he has been tested.

No, he is just fine.

Yes, I have been tested, poked, prodded...

Yes, I have heard of that too.

Thank you for your concern.

And actually, thank you for asking, because so many don't.

Dear friends, I was surprised to see the pain in your hearts too. The ability to connect and to understand each other. It's profound. We didn't ask for this. We didn't do anything to choose it.

Thank you for your writings and your encouragement. I find healing in your words. Our honesty can and does help. Thank you for listening to mine. Now, go bake some holiday cookies - but don't forget to still keep up the exercise! All in balance!

Self and disclosure. Not the same. (Bizcochito recipe enclosed!)

2009-12-14T01:06:00.002-06:00

Tonight I watched Julie and Julia with Brad. Minus a few moments of pausing *drinks, popcorn, oil pulling* I was mesmerized. It left me feeling better about myself as a woman, a wife, a cook, and more in love with my husband than before. Brad loves to cook. He is a momma's boy - Dianne - you created a great one here! He loves his Momma, he loves his wife, and he loves to cook. But he doesn't do all the cooking, doesn't want to do all the planning, he wants to create wonders - such as his latest - the perfect carrot cake. It was divine - I continue to wear it evenly on both sides...

But he doesn't do the whole regularly scheduled program thing so well. Neither have I. Until last year at some point when I felt - led - ohh ok, condemned really... But led to better myself and my family by meal planning. And, for the most part, I have drastically improved in this arena.

I still enjoy the nights he gets inspired. And who knows what will stem out of this evening. I have a feeling we will be learning to debone a duck soon. But if it's with B, than all will be well and tasty too! So thank you Dianne for passing on your love of cooking to your boy. My boy too now, a treasure for sshissle!

Ok, enough sap... heh heh!

I am prepping for an open house this next weekend. Began with my dear sister Leslie's perfect recipe for cream cheese cut out cookies. Emma and I started (while we lived in WV) to have a yearly time for decorating our CCCC (Cream Cheese Cutout Cookies). She now expects it! So I have prepped much dough and it will be ready for her when she comes home from school tomorrow.

I believe I will prep some more Bizcochito dough also! I am not sure what else we will have yet. In the past I think I did a bit too much. How about better quality, less quantity? Perhaps one or two more types of cookies and then the salt. Hmmm homemade salsa?

Well, it's late. I need my sleep - Josie waits for no one!

The following is the promised recipe. It is taken from a prized out of print little book that my Grandmother gave my Mother on the occasion of her engagement to her son, and my mother gave to me as I was leaving NM for college. Little did I know that this would keep me going far after those cold Kentucky days! It is my source for chili (true chili) and more... Thank you Mum!

Bizcochitos (Cookies)

1 c. sugar

2 c. lard (not for meg – I use butter! I think margarine would work too)

1 t. anise seed (I crush it some first)

2 eggs

6 c. sifted flour

3 t. baking powder

1 t. salt

1.4 c. water

Cream lard (or…) thoroughly; add sugar and anise seed. Mix until fluffy! Beat eggs and add to lard mixture. Blend until light and fluffy. Sift flour with baking powder and salt and add to first mixture. Add water and knead until well mixed. Roll ½ inch thick and cut into fancy shapes. Roll top of each cookie in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. (1 t. cinnamon to ½ c. sugar.) Bake in a moderate oven…. (HAHA had to leave that in there, that is actually what my book says. I have figured out that here 375 works well, for until they look a bit raised and (like a good biscuit) but not really brown.

If'n I....it's my story, I'm sticking to it!

2009-12-08T09:34:00.000-06:00

"Oh little star of Volvo"

Found this on the puter - {Papa J and Emma loved our car too...}

If'n I needed encouragement, I came to the right place! I have to say, after my last cry fest I thought perhaps this blogging thing needs to be curtailed! Perhaps I should self therapy somewhere else! BUT NO! I couldn't believe the next morning and my dear sweetest of the sweetest friends had actually not only ready my sniff fest BUT chosen to pray and encourage me too! THANK YOU Jesus for sweet friends! EVEN if we are separated by hundreds if not thousands of miles! WHAT did Paul do without the internet? Wow....

WELL then - I want to start my moment of therapy with an acknowledgement. THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE - I will REJOICE and be GLAD in it!!! Thank you Jesus for today!

Now - on to today’s, predicament and preponderances’....

Infertility.

A dirty little secret word that friends don't ask friends about.

People think but don't mention.

And, if you happen to share (outside a self help group of ladies who are bare and empty of tummy) than often you are given the ohhhh and hmmm and gooolllly that's hard.

And, hey, that's ok. Because what are they supposed to say? They don’t know what to say either!

BUT so often that leads the barest of ladies to just stop mentioning anything. THEN the real treat starts -

INFERTILITY TREATMENTS...

Talk about a dirty word! I hear, second, third, and fourth hand, that pregnancy hormones are hard. That you grouch, cry, and scream for no apparent reason. Well, there is an apparent reason - you are growing a new little, itty bitty, baby!!!

Ok, now imagine giving all those great hormones to your hubby. How would he react? All the hormones, but none of the "fruit" of the pain.

That's infertility treatments. You dare to hope this emotional rollercoaster (caused by copious amounts of craze inducing hormones) will bring fourth - LIFE. But often it doesn't, statistically it probably won't. BUT you poor thousands of $$$$ into it.

Ok, got that off my back. I have done this, thousands paid to ask Dr's to help make me crazy. Well, one time in TX I thought it had worked (crazy, not prego!). I was snappy, I cried, I was MAD at the pills, shots, creams, and ointments. So I told the dr.

OOPS.

She said, hey, this affects everyone like this, let's put you on this drug (should have taken notice there!!!) for a "while" and then when this works (yeah, worked like a charm) we will just take you off (left of the part about withdrawal from lands beyond the living...) THUS entered Meg (who foolishly listened and didn't research this dear drug) into the world of EFFEXOR.

Shiver me timbers......

Yep, I felt better. I wasn't snappy... I am sure people at the church thought that an invader had taken over Meg for the previous several months. Remember not talking about INFERTILITY? Well, then, no one knows WHY you are a venomous snake - and if you say, it's the hormones, then well - people say, control yourself.... I would, but it’s the HORMONES they are SHOOTING into me!!!!! Sigh.... Well, all the effects went away, seemed like a GREAT thing.

Then we found out we had to move...

Dr. says; stay on it, when you find new dr. to help do your treatments they will get you off after you get Prego.

That was over two years ago.

One adoption ago.

And a million headaches ago.

Still of EFFEXOR....

Remember me mentioning the withdrawal from beyond? Well - it's bad....

OK. Now we are caught up - and tada! I am 3/4 of the way off! Well, let's say, today was my first day on the 3/4 off; I was 1/2 off yesterday.

Nasty nasty stuff....

After tears and withdrawal illnesses I found a great friend in the local pharmacist. With the help of a NATURAL (always a fan of nature!!!) supplement. I am actually getting off this mind altering concoction. BUTTTTTT that has left me with a desire to never never listen to Dr’s without researching again! I have had to slowwwwly get off this drug - a quarter percent at a time, and with each drop down I have four or five days of headaches, illness, dizziness, tears - name it and I could probably claim it!

And that's with this amazing supplement.

I had tried to "titrate” off of it without the supplement. Got two days through and had to go to bed. IT was THAT bad. Couldn't cope - couldn't parent, cook, eat, or even walk! These strange brain flashes (very real, actual side affects!!!) that would be like an electrical punch through the head) were so horrendous that I was left in bed for the day.

Poor Brad Baby.

BUT with the supplement (its called 5-HTP) I have been able to get off!!!! PRAISE GOD!

I feel great. BUT today is one of my drop off days. I feel very strongly that I need to drop off this stuff - all together. I recently found out that this Effexor is a class C drug - meaning you CAN NOT take it if you are Prego AT ALL! Well then, dear dr., WHY DID YOU PUT ME ON IT?!?! SO so so...sigh.../

ALL THIS TO SAY (getting tired of my caps?!!!)

I am so excited to be this far in three weeks! A bit worried as to how I will feel by this evening. I usually do ok until the evening of the second day with the decreased dose. SO again, if you get to this part of my story - please pray for Brad, Emma, and Josie - and for me, as we venture to get mom/maggie off of a drug that she didn't need in the first place!

IF you happen to be on an SSRI or getting off of one, I would recommend the 5-HTP like CRAZY! It is the only thing that has allowed me to venture getting off of this med. It makes me wonder how many people feel stuck on it!

OH - my lemon tree looks ripe! I bet the grapefruit are too!!!

Thank you for letting me tell my story. To admit to infertility - the joys of adoption and God's hand in my life! I recently found out that I had an underlying thyroid issue, and couldn't have gotten Prego with all those treatments anyway. (how did they miss that one?!!) BUT I know, I kNOW, that Jesus needed us to take our Emmi and our Josie and love them for him! Speaking of which, the second munchkin is yelling!

Got to go. kisses and hugs to all - even Miles if he is reading!

Please Wait!

2009-12-05T01:10:00.000-06:00

Which moment do I write about?

The moment of oh no, or oh no - or how about oh no. Oh no B went to bed and the plants in the planters are still outside - never mind that it weighs in as a small elephant - but I managed to drag it inside. I lost all all alllll my plants several years ago during an unfortunate winter move cross country. Turns out when you park a moving van in a winter storm over night - it doesn't matter how toasty you are inside. The plants still mush and disintegrate. Completely. Every last one... Now that I only have, say five, I'm a bit protective.

OR do I self therapy as to the thought crud. Christmas is in three weeks. We just had my birthday, we just had Thanksgiving. I'm not ready for this. I am ready for family, for fun, for my dear daughter’s faces as they see the awesomeness I helped others create - but what have I done yet? Nothing. I seem to always be running in other directions. I am at a loss for this... in more ways than one right now.

This just puts me out. I love the Christmas spirit, until it has to do with the feeling that we must always be giving more. More more more. Buying more, saving more, rushing more....

I feel like I am just complaining. But I am behind - and this isn't helping.

I am thankful for my family. For two beautiful girls that love, obey, and enjoy even my singing. Jo actually smiled at me as I sang today - that's big - it usually evokes less than enthusiastic responses. Perhaps I am getting better or they are getting tone deaf.

I am thankful for my parents. You always give above and beyond. My daughter’s lives are full of your generosity - you often give what is in my heart to, and I haven't event told you. Thank you.

I am thankful for a family of Easley's that we just spent a wonderful week with. It left me closer to Christmas, but more settled and secure in a family that loves to love, shop, and eat. We love Jesus and we love each other. Thank you Jesus for the Boyer's and the Easley's!

I am even thankful for change. I have friends who are missing their siblings - not because they live far off, but because they are gone to them.... perhaps death, perhaps other ways. It breaks my heart. This Christmas is a change. Miles and Mellissa are starting their own family. New traditions, new celebrations. Miles learned that early, I left too early. I have always hurt over his loss so young. I always hated not having siblings and so I suppose felt so guilty when I graduated and left Miles at home. I don't know why I had such a hard time letting that guilt go. It still stings.

So he learned to let go, it's harder to be left than to leave. This year he left. He married a beautiful young lady, whom we rejoice with and love. But it's a change. A hard change... my little brother won't be here for Christmas. And it hurts. In a good way. I'm happy for him, I hurt for my parents, for me, for the years to come that we get used to this. That time marches and I am hapless to stop it. That graves are snowed on tonight, bodies’ cold, bones left, and I hurt. I hurt because of the humanness God created. A humanness that seeks community and family. That seeks to fulfill a hole empty by sin and by design. Made larger by sin it burns to be filled. Some nights it overflows.

But then, when, sometime, I hear the voice of God calling. HE is ever present. He is here... They, those dry bones, are not the loved ones, they are with HIM and rejoicing beside HIM. I am the one who doesn't see the full picture. This life, it’s a shadow. My loneliness - its part by design... part by sin - fully filled by a savior. God must enter this area, the guilt, the shame, the fear. Jesus, please help me celebrate Christmas in a new year - in a new way - to take joy for each precious year we have together - not fear in the loss, fear in the fear of loss. BUT in JOY in the NOW - in a baby’s first Christmas. There is only one. She will grow; laugh, change - and one day marry too. Perhaps this is why my heart burns. Mom, I never knew what you meant. What you said - what Nini saw in you - now I wish I could share with you both. To sit, drink coffee, and hold hands. I miss you - both.

I'm afraid of this Christmas, because it is a first - and that can only happen once. Tonight that seems overwhelming. But, like college finals, the next day will come. I can't stop time. I don't want to. I want to see their dreams come true. I just don't know how to let go.

It's cold. B's asleep and I should be. Tomorrow plans must be made - too much to do in 24 hours. I am tempted to give up the stuff easily moved, until I realize that's our family time and daughters. So I can't - I must keep those solid, just because they seem to not mind being scooted right now, there is only one first. There are photos to take.

If you read this, if you make it to the end. If I have someone who happens to bother reading this long self indulgent cry - let's pray for each other. Change can be hard, I never handle it well the first time. In first grade I refused to change desks midyear - I liked where I sat. I knew my way around, where everyone around we was. But the teacher didn't let me stay, and neither does God. I see it now. I struggle now. I am seeking now. For me, for my family, for future generations. For little girls that will grow up to leave me - to travel overseas and teach others from their bible books about God's love.

This tale doesn't end tonight. Tomorrow comes.

tadpoles, butterflies, yeast and dreams of Tuscani....

2009-12-01T20:22:00.000-06:00

Jo just dropped her bottle again - that makes three times. I don't pick up anything more than twice - (wait - kitchen timer just went off, I'll be right back!) wow... honestly, it's fourty min later - really right back huh?

I used to be an avid journalier. I have boxes of them from the time I could write. My first (that I remember) was a hello kitty journal that locked! It locked and only I had the key - so very very cool. I got it for being brave when a mole was removed off the end of my nose. Yep, had it not been for that journal, I would have a witch mole (probably a hair too!) coming out of the tip of this button beauty! ;)

All this to say, after we had our kitchen fire in 2001 (long story - God heals!) My right hand was damaged - and after a year or so of the compression gloves and therapy I had a working hand. BUT my writing was a different story. It ended. I couldn't hold a pencil for more than a few seconds - that lasted years. Even now I just can't write and flow like I once did. SO I suppose I found a new idea - blogging! I began blogging somwhere around 2003 or so. That was the first easleypark.blogspot.com - it has been locked down and is no longer in service. I decided too much of Emma's adoption information was available for the world to see - so I opened this current page. AND THEN I FOUND MYSPACE.... life goes on... facebook arives (mywhat?)... I am sucked into the facebook world. BUT something is missing. Something is just not right... oh! I am not journaling.

See, I guess I don't care who all reads this, I don't write it for others. Let's call this Meg's personal therapy. SO why (in the past couple years) have I just quite processing through word? I don't know. What I do know is right now I need it. I need to talk - but not out loud. My brain needs to process....

Feel free to process with me.

Feel free to call me nuts...

BUT if His eye is on the sparow - that my words, my thoughts, my heart means so much to HIM - I need to process in order to be a better mom, wife, friend...

ALL THIS TO SAY - IF my ramblings bug you, please don't feel forced to read - ignore me. I will process anyway.

SO onto today's processing - oh wait, I already did! Wow... that feels great. Thanks!
me

short on charge, not on words...

2009-11-25T23:37:00.000-06:00

Darn it. I am lazy and yep, I admit it. I have much to say, but only fifteen min. of charge time to say it! I could go find the cord, plug it in, have all the time in the world - but that would require getting out of bed, disturbing B and that just won't do. For one, he is my heat source - and secondly the peaceful cadence of his breath would be disturbed. He is a light sleeper - much more so than me.....

Oh, thirteen min. to go... no wait, make that twelve... grrr...

Have I told you that I love being married to a real man? What makes a real man? He carries a pocket knife. Always ready to save his princeses, or to make a new tool out of that peice of tree.... OR to carve our names in a tree. We did that to one of ours the other day, that way, we always know! My B, a real man.

I just used it to cut my melatonin pill in half. See what I mean? A man always has the right tools to help - even if he is sleeping. I love seeing the watch, scrunched dollar, single piece of hard candy, and the knife... Trying to convince myself not to steal that candy - it's a w. original...

I thought this had a spell check - I can't find it, and I was typing for emotion not correctness - so please forgive my lack.

I have lot's to write of, to tell you about medicians that Dr.'s say will help, then find out they don't - then find out you can't get insurance because of those same ones... I want to share, but now I only have five min. more - I don't think that's enough time.

Leave it to this, clomid was hard, clomid, shots, tears, they were harder - Dr. felt Effexor would make it all better..(while we added creams to the shots and clomid pills).. now what? Three years later I find out the truth. That's ok, I have Josie, I have Emma, and I have B. That's what I need..

But insurance would be nice too.

Three min. left, don't think I want to run out too far, the screen just goes black. Like in college, when my blue 1986 Cavalier would run out of gas. The needle didn't work too well, and this says two min. So good night, will write soon. Must get warm and kiss that ear.

Meg

In the light...

2009-10-10T16:00:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting for a moment in the dining room. The sound of the dishwasher is a blissful noise at the moment - last night we lost our water - today it was restored. For that I am beyond thankful. Jojo is asleep, I can hear her music softly in the background. Brad took Emmi out for a bit to run to Wal-mart - I escaped that tragedy!

BUT as I am sitting here I noticed something, and HAD to just write about it. The light coming in through the sun-room windows is hitting the leaves of a wreath I made. As it glows through I am instantly brought back to some of the most blissful memories of m childhood. Even in College light had a way of calming and soothing me. Not just the hard bright summer light. I don't care for that at all. But the dabbled glow of early fall, when the breezes start swaying the treas and the light flickers.

The light is golden. That I believe, is my favorite thing about home, about Taos, about Kentucky. And, about this moment in my sun-room. I realized when I saw it that it caught me unaware. I haven't seen the light in so long. It's like a long lost friend, when you see them again, you are so surprised. They have changed but you instantly remember all about them. That's what the light is.

I remember laying on the floor as a child, in the square panes of light and dark as the window was etched into the carpet. I remember sitting and writing through countless journals in the library, or outside of in , in Lexington. How about those days as a small girl, laying on the couch looking out the door to the back porch as the light flickered. Listening to the sound of Mom vacuuming as I looked at my never ending pile of library books.

We have lived in Louisiana for almost two years now. But I don't remember ever seeing the light here before. I am glad it has caught up to me. I miss it so! I think that there must be a certain dryness in the air for it to happen, a bit of crisp autumn edge that allows the light to sparkle as it comes through the leaves. Nearly always a breeze is involved. I don't want to analyze it too deeply, because there is some magic to it, I think I want to leave it that way.

A light of memories, and of moments caught unaware. My dream? To someday have a home that regularly has light visit it. Not just the overhead light of bright bulbs, but this graceful magic. The bedroom that is awash in calm dreams and the sun-room waiting for a book or project to begin. Well, for now I am happy just to say hello old friend. Welcome to my home.

Please feel free to stay a while. May I just sit and be with you?

2009-10-07T17:05:00.000-05:00

Challenged by surrounding... OR Confessions of a craft junky

2009-09-20T22:51:00.005-05:00

Ok, I admit it - I am a craft junky. Problem is, they are mostly in my head. I love to look at ideas, at colors, papers, textures, and photos. Then I dream of way's to put them together - Colors and textures - even pictures of textures are like candy to me. Wondering what I am talking about? Well, this new layout - it just makes me salivate like some might look at a piece of cherry pie! Texture, color - well, the digital world has taken all this to a new level the last several years. Gone are the piles of papers and boxes of different scissors. Now with a mac and photoshop we can all have a creative output level that rivals any design artist. Sigh...

Well, as much as I love this one, I have to admit I didn't make it. Found it online, "borrowed" it, and probably will enjoy using their work for a while! (www.hotbliggityblog.com) I have found myself enjoying a number of artists work lately. This takes up some of my evening time - but I feel as though I should share at least one of these.

www.LollyChops.com

sigh. sigh. sigh....

Lolly is rather amazing - and not just in her creativity - but her style of writing keeps me coming back for more! Along with that, she has a list of creative links that rivals nun I have found so far! I love looking at the links she has shared in her side bar. They are GREAT idea maker...

SO family and friends, don't be surprised to receive homemade gifts this year - for lolly and maggie are creative thinkers - if only I can get out of my cyber world and back home....

love to all! and to all a good night!
Me (Meg, Meghann, Maggie, Meggie.... so be it.)

Let Freedom Ring!

2009-05-29T23:36:00.000-05:00

What's so great about America? So many things - but one of them is good old fashioned freedom. Freedom to push your product, service, or thought and ring from the hiltops! Well I am looking for a way to gain from this freedom too! Brad and I LOVE free stuff. Ever heard him preach on a Sunday? He loves to get free stuff. Our tv, ipod, and phones have been free - so let's try for something more! Will you please help me get some free help for Josie?

Well, if you finished listening to his sermons you would realize that nothing is ever really free, and neither is this. For me to win some GREAT things for Josie, I have to work and try to get as many people to follow me on Twitter through the month of June. Now, the people through the contest (slingandswaddlejourney.com) chose me and 29 other moms to twitter about our lives, our frustrations, and our joy - and our chance to use some product by these manufactures. (See? Nothings really free) BUT if I can get the most followers than I might win some GREAT stuff - and we need it! I want a rocking chair pretty bad - and this might be my ticket! So, will you follow me? Who knows, this might make it into a sermon - or not....

Follow me here!

or here!

25 Random things about ME

2009-01-23T16:57:00.002-06:00

Well, are you on face book? Most likely if you are reading this, you are. Well, have you gotten a "25 random things about ..." yet? Well, I have gotten several. Supposedly if you get one you are supposed to make one and then send it back out to 25 people, including the one that sent it to you! Well, on face book you can only send to 20 people at one time. I thought, YOUR KIDDING ME... I am going to go to all this work and only send it to 20 people? No way. I figured if I am going to share my 25 random things, than I might as well send it out to the world. To read. To judge. Especially to judge... We all judge, so go ahead. Read on, and let's see what your random things are!

25 Random things about ME

1. I love my initials, ME…. (Meghann Easley). It was one of the favorite things about getting married to an Easley. I always did sign cards and letters “me” - then it just became legitimate!
2. I collect e’s. Leslie, my sister, often gives me awesome ones. It’s dangerous to let people know you collect something. I should know, I used to collect tea’s and tea pots. But then people found out, and I ran out of space!
3. I love mysteries. Especially Agatha Christi’s Hercule Poirot. I love them so much that I get ready in the mornings to book’s on cd. I listen as I drive. I carry around a cd player – if I am into a really good one. It’s sad, I know…. But I like TALK much better than most music. So, I listen to books on tape a whole lot…
4. When not listening to books on tape, I love to listen to NPR. (National Public Radio) You just have to have a mental filter because they are REALLY liberal. But I still love them. Louisiana has one of the WORST stations EVER. I know, I’ve moved around a whole lot! It makes me miss “Car Talk”.
5. I am impatient. I think most friends are probably shocked that I am a mom. I am REALLY impatient. I hate lines – especially to check out somewhere. Poor Brad. I always leave him in them. I just CAN”T stand just hanging there….
6. I always said I would never work in radio. Then I did, now I don’t. Now I can’t believe that I actually miss it! I really loved what I did – I just didn’t know that I did!
7. I hate most candy and don’t crave sweets. BUT then there is really good dark chocolate and I make up for it. I really just don’t like a whole lot of sweet stuff….
8. Shocking to most people would be that I would drink tea just as much as I would a cup of coffee. SO that let’s you know how much I really drink during the day. It’s a whole lot. BUT anymore it’s unsweet ice tea. From McDonalds. Here in Lake Charles it’s the best I have found. Sweet tea messes with my blood sugar and I am sure I would start gaining weight!
9. I hate putting on makeup and doing hair. But hey, what girl wants’ to primp every day? I would rather just go ride a horse.
10. I used to teach horseback riding. Sigh….
11. I love camping and fishing more than Brad. Old school is my favorite. Tent, ground, dirt. Lots of dirt….
12. I love to ski – not for the speed but because it is AMAZING to stand and look out across what God has created! I liked being really good so that you could go onto parts of the mountain that has LESS people.
13. My dad is an archaeologist. I grew up a science nerd and would love to be a forensic anthropologist. I love dead things. Blood doesn’t bother me (as long as it’s not fresh on my daughter!)
14. I have a phobia about crickets. They jump – they are unpredictable – and they have an exoskeleton – that looks a bit like a roach. I had never seen a roach until I moved to Mississippi. IT was a BAD day… suddenly I had two phobia’s.
15. I love to play tennis… but not in the hot hot sun.
16. I had a soccer scholarship in college, but never played on the team. They let me keep the scholarship though! (Had hand burn before I could play!)
17. I am shy. It takes a whole lot of work to be outgoing and talk to people! Thanks to those of you who talked to me first!
18. I dream of getting an MFA. Master of Fine Arts… or going back to medical school! I used to want to be a medical illustrator – not anymore!
19. My middle name is Nolan. It’s my mom’s maiden name. I always wanted that to be my first name.
20. I hate heat. I love snow. I like cold. I love mountains. BUT God is bigger than my innate sense of what I like. SO I love air-conditioning. We didn’t have that growing up, my parents still don’t. You don’t need it at home!
21. I want to visit Greece. I will stand up on the hillside and look out at the white washed homes above the blue water. I will!
22. ANYTHING repetitive bugs me. Songs that repeat. Ticking of clocks. Buzzing of lights. Music on electronic toy. Did I mention music on electronic toys? ESPECIALLY Emma’s singing Barbie. She loves to push the button again, again, and again! But I really try not to complain. Really…
23. I want a ton of kids. I would love a house full! Well, that’s what I say right now!
24. I don’t like to own things. I had a panic attack when we bought our washing machine. I would really like to own very little and live on the mission field! I believe that one day we will live overseas for a while!
25. I’m addicted to chewing gum. I think I have a hand’s and mouth addiction. So I try to chew gum or drink something without calories. I seem to neeeeed something to chew on or sip!
26. PHEW! This was harder than one would think! I am GLAD it’s over!

2009-01-01T19:11:00.004-06:00

Starbucks - here I come, for more than just coffee!

2008-11-19T08:31:00.002-06:00

A number of years ago, I found out an important fact. When friends find out you like something - that's what they give you! And give you, and give you.... SO you better realllllly like something before you EVER mention it! Well, that's been great for me because I LOVE tea and coffee. Brad and I are pretty much known for our hot beverage consumption. But what if you liked, say, potatoes. Would you want a house full of potato shaped and flavored things? No? Well then, watch what you let slip!

I on the other hand have enjoyed years of consuming bliss thanks to friends who have (literally) given me tea and coffee from around the world! I have enjoyed tea from Ireland (Dana!), Africa(Deedee), England(Deedee) and beyond! So, when in need of emotional soothing, where do I go? Not your local bar - nope - not alcohol for Meg. But Starbucks? Well, yes, I do pay for emotional soothing in some ways. When tired but have a meeting? Well, their blueberry tea (or passion flavor) hits the spot. Need a pick up on a hot day? Iced doubleshoot for me! Then, when just running through? A regular pike place always works for me! So, thanks to all my friends who have supported my addiction over the years! My countless Starbucks cards - from birthdays, "thank you" gifts, pastor appreciation month (GREAT MONTH!!!), and so on! We sure have loved it!

But today starts a new era.

Today I begin as an employee. Why you ask? Didn't you go to college, you ask? Yes, Yes....

BUT - here's the truth - ART doesn't pay benefits. Sad, but true. AND Broadcasting has crummy hours. I am a mom. That's the heart of what I am. A mom - who isn't willing to work the morning shows and drive time hours to use her degree - at least not right now. I want to be there when Emma gets out of school and goes to bed! Now, many of you do work - and you work hard! It's great, but not for me. We work hard at our church. It takes up a lot of our time, and so it should. That's our family calling! BUT for me - I am a mom.

So, when we found out that insurance companies HATE me, I began to pray. Pray, and pray, and pray. Because, who wants to go OFF insurance when you know they won't want you back? Well, the economy isn't helping, and the coast has been hit, so I suppose the companies are a little jumpy. It's understandable, just not so great for me.

But then, I found out - Starbucks could use me. WHAT? Me? Of course! I drink, I buy, but I also love to know! I enjoy people - wait, that's not enough.... I LOVE people. My favorite college job was waiting tables! Good ol' Shakertown.... Anyway, Brad and I prayed, and then I went in for the interview. That's been a while now, but today is the day.

I begin. Begin to work again. It's been a few years since I had a "boss". Teaching kids art classes was a breeze compared to answering to dozens of caffeine seeking addicts. So today I start a fresh goal. To work part time for insurance. The cool part? When I finally get the insurance, it will be the day I can get glasses. I will be able to ski without fear of insurance nightmares!

So, to Starbucks I go!

My little fire cheif!

2008-10-10T21:17:00.001-05:00

Family Time!
Originally uploaded by meghanneasley

I am working on loading pictures on the web so that family can see the pictures that just sit in files on my computer. I came across this one tonight. It was taken several years ago on an afternoon where just Mommie-Meg and Emmi were together eating lunch. She had visited the fire trucks at preschool that day and made her own hat. I looked up at one point and knew this would be a memory I would want to keep forever.

Funny how at the time after noons went so slow. Get Emmi at noon, come home, eat lunch, put her down for the much needed afternoon nap. Have a snack ready by 3:30 or 4:00. I know she is only a couple years older now - but in some ways she is infinitely older. It's hard to remember her calling corn popcorn. Or her little lisp. But she still has those same big brown eyes - now just behind little glasses.

Well, this is a kick in the tush for me, and my friends who are moms. Make those memories stick! They come so fast, so furious, and leave just as fast.

I am going to go kiss my little fire chief on the forehead, even if she is fast asleep! Love to all,
Meg

My thoughts on "Christian" Yoga...

2008-10-06T21:11:00.002-05:00

The other day I wrote about my new adventures in Yoga. Nearly as soon as I wrote my notes I started receiving feedback from my brothers and sisters - in Christ and blood! Well, let's say that those responses challenged me to examine my understanding and desires through the practice of yoga. I suppose I need to clarify that in order to give my defense of the physical practices.

First - when writing the other day, I did not mention that the class I am attending is a class titled "Christ-filled Yoga". The young lady that is teaching the class intentionally fills each part of our class with scripture or meditative prayers to the only one true Lord - Yahwah! Now, you may wonder why I didn't mention that the other day. First of all, it didn't occur to me. Secondly, I am usually quick to detour from something that the church takes, tacks on the word christian, and then produces the same thing anyway. So, I don't like thinking of watering down something by adding my christian title. In my opinion we often see this in christian TV, film, and music.
Why don't we give our BEST to the Lord? Often these are actually poor representations of God's gifting and embarrassing at the least!

So, I really don't want to defend my positions - I listen to music, I run, I exercise, and yes, I practice yoga. Now, what I didn't take into consideration is that not everyone will know my HEART like the Lord does.

My heart is in line with God, I am walking in his will for my life - as closely as I can! Brad and I often pray that God's hand would not move without us working to stay directly in the midst of it! Much like Abraham prayed, and later Moses prayed, we want our lives to be a covenental relationship with Yahwah - that HE knows - but not everyone else does! Oh would you think though this - when was the last time you ate at Olive Garden? Or how about even Pizza Hut? Well, did you know they sell beer and other liqueur there? Well, if I am to defend all my practices - such as yoga, than perhaps we should defend where we eat - being that others don't know whether we drink or not? Doesn't make much sense does it? Nope, not to me either.

So, thank you for challenging me - not to not do yoga - but to be more clear about my relationship with Christ! Not to not go into the places the world walks - but to go there proclaiming the saving grace of God in my life! Thank you for your love, your support - your challenges - though they do not move me away from exercising a certain way, or eating at certain restaurants - they do challenge me to be more outspoken about my creator - my maker - my Lord GOD! He is the one who said I AM and there is no other one besides him!

PRAISE GOD! HE IS! And because HE IS and because he has SAVED ME I can walk with my head held HIGH and redeem what Satan has tried to take for evil! As I stretch and twist I can meditate! I will Meditate on God's love for me, on his powerful saving GRACE!

Ok, enough MEG!

But I do want to share a resource with you. I took the last several day do do some reading on different types of yoga and (especially Hatha) and some readings on what the Christian church is saying. I found a great sea of mixed thought! But there is a Lady who (MANY people are producing Christian Movement/Yoga classes and DVD's) defends the practice in a way that I quite enjoyed and found useful. I would like to share her questions and answer section below.

Again, thank you for your thoughts, your challenges, and your prayers! As the body of Christ, as fellow brothers and sisters in the church, we need to be that "iron that sharpens iron". We need to be willing to speak in love to one another - and then listen as they speak back! Please know, I have appreciated you hearts that you speak to me though!

http://www.christianyoga.com/FAQ.htm

What are the physical and spiritual benefits of yoga?

This type of Christian yoga can benefit you physically through stretching and positioning, and spiritually, through the transforming power of God's gracious Word.

Physical benefits of yoga include:

improved flexibility and posture
reduced stress
strengthened and toned muscles
enhanced physical fitness
improved concentration
better coordination and balance
increased range of motion in joints
improved circulation.

Spiritual benefits of Scripture Yoga include:

experiencing God's peace (Isaiah 26:3)
drawing closer to God (James 4:8)
giving God your worries and cares (1 Peter 5:7)
invoking Godly wisdom (Proverbs 2:6)
resisting sin and temptation (Psalms 119:11)
becoming what God wants you to be and allowing God to give you everything you need (Acts 20:32)
worshipping God and spending time in His presence.

3. How is Scripture Yoga different from secular yoga?

Scripture Yoga is different from secular yoga because you listen to God's Holy Word as it is recited during the yoga class. This allows you to be still and quiet while meditating on scripture verses. The Bible instructs us to meditate on God's Word (Joshua 1:8). The Scripture Yoga class is conducted over 75 minutes providing a worship experience while exercising the body He has given you, and being still and quiet while meditating on God's Word. The postures for Scripture Yoga are the same as those used for Hatha Yoga. The difference primarily lies in the purpose and focus of the meditative session. If secular yoga is not completely separated from its eastern religion and philosophy, it could expose participants to spiritual forces that are not of God. Scripture Yoga is a Christ-centered approach that allows you to enjoy the physical benefits of yoga without the spiritual dangers presented by other forms of yoga.

4. What is the history of modern day secular yoga? Is there any history of yoga related to Judaism or Christianity?

The earliest archaeological evidence of yoga dates back to about 3000 BC; before the beginning of Hinduism and Buddhism. In biblical times this would be sometime after the flood and before the birth of Abraham. The term "yoga" was introduced around 1500 BC through the Hindu religion. Buddhism began its association with the use of physical postures and meditation around 600 BC.

Interestingly, physical posturing such as bowing and laying face down and meditation have also been associated with the Jewish and Christian faiths (Exodus 4:31, Psalms 1:2, and Psalms143:5). Yoga posturing has not been associated with Christianity until our era! Christian meditation is foundationally focused on God and His Word as opposed to the meditation of eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism. Eastern religious meditation is focused on principles of nirvana and self.

The most popular type of yoga in the United States is Hatha Yoga in which the Eastern religion and philosophical portion of yoga is completed separated from the yoga class. In Hatha Yoga the class is about performing the physical yoga postures and deep breathing. However, some secular yoga classes still include portions of the eastern religion. Therefore, if you are a Christian and want to do yoga I would highly recommend that you perform Christian yoga.

5. If I like to do yoga but I don't want to put myself in the environment of secular yoga, what alternatives are available?

Scripture Yoga allows the practice of posturing and meditation in a Christian context devoid of eastern religious influence. In addition to Scripture Yoga (ScriptureYoga.com or ChristianYoga.com) there are two other Christian yoga resources available, they include: www.ChristianYoga.US and PraiseMoves.com.

6. Don't Hindu's worship other gods while in these yoga postures? Am I worshipping a pagan god(s) if I put my body into these poses?

God knows our hearts. He knows who we are worshipping when practicing Christian yoga and listening to His Word and thinking about Him. God judges our hearts. Just as Jesus said in Mark 7:14 -15, 20-23, "All of you listen," He said. "and try to understand. It's not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart." And then He added, "It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, deceit, …. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you." This principal can be applied to overeating, smoking, drinking alcohol or being tattooed. These things don't necessarily defile someone. Exercising a certain way, including yoga posturing, is not wrong or sinful because it is what is in a person's heart that God evaluates. Conversely, practicing Christian yoga outwardly doesn't make one right with God; although, it does a provide an avenue for God to impart His Word into our hearts.

7. My friends tell me that yoga is dangerous and I shouldn't be participating in it. To me it just seems like exercise. Why are they concerned?

Yoga is defined as "yoking" together. The exercises and stretches in yoga are designed to bring one to a place of meditation so that you can yoke, or join together with the spiritual realm. In Scripture Yoga, the goal is to prepare our bodies and minds to listen for the still, small voice of God. The danger of participating in non-Christian yoga is that one may unwittingly be lead to yoke, or join to the spiritual realm in an undesirable way and be exposed to dark spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12). If you are concerned about any of your previous yoga experiences please email me at SusanNeal@ChristianYoga.com and I will send you additional information.

8. Doesn't the practice of yoga within an eastern religious context train your consciousness for a higher state of spirituality? Should I be afraid of that spiritual influence?

Any practice, behavior, or form of worship that adversely affects your commitment or devotion to Christ should be avoided. We are called to be discerning and to test the spirits to determine if they are from the one true living God (1 John 4:1). The Bible says the body of a believer is the temple for the Holy Spirit who lives within you (1 Corinthians 6:19). The focus of Scripture Yoga is to lead you to the highest level of true spirituality, a relationship with Jesus. Scripture Yoga should deepen the believer's walk with God by facilitating focus and concentration on His Word as it is recited during the class. Scripture Yoga provides an alternative method of exercise in a spiritually desirable and safe environment. Even so, Christian yoga may not be for everyone. As with all decisions, each person must choose for themselves.

Meg answers your questions....

2008-10-03T13:03:00.004-05:00

This is for all who are wondering - where are all the posts since 2005?

Let me answer this for you - they have been saved and closed. Brad and I decided that as Emma was getting a little older, and as we have moved a number of times. There was as excessive amount of personal history floating on those pages. Memorable to us, but also stuff that we wouldn't want to come and bite us in the bOhInnie! (Sound it out - out loud!) So, Meg (Your dear moderator) decided to leave those years behind and start again. Unfortunately that means that we have to write regularly - which doesn't always happen. But we do try to keep up with everyone! IF you read this and wonder how else you can get more regular information on us, perhaps you should try emailing us. Or feel free to check out our facebook pages! ANYWAY, thank you for reading and for taking part in the past number of years with us on blogspt. We have enjoyed reading those entries - we just need them to not be open to everyone and their big sister!

IF you really want to read them, you may email meg and she can give you the information as how to retreave them. Of course, she does maintain the right to decide who might be allowed in!

Meg's adventures in Yoga....

2008-10-03T13:03:00.001-05:00

My latest development in reclaiming my posture.... (The life of a girl with scoliosis...)

I haven't been able to lay on my tummy and look right in YEARS. My neck wouldn't turn that way - it just wouldn't. The muscles were to tight and such and I couldn't comfortably lay with my head looking right - a pain cause I used to sleep in my tummy lots. (Not in years cause I found out from an old chiropractor that it is really very bad for you to do that!)

ANYWAY - last night at my torture yoga class we were doing the many posses of cobra and alligator torture. (Google those poses if you want some vision of my torture...) They are ROUGH! So, during a moment of relaxation from cobra 2 easy (YEAH RIGHT) I (without thought) laid with my head to the RIGHT.

THEN IT HIT ME - I am not supposed to be able to do this. But here I am, laying here doing it... So, of course, without thought I did that stupid thing I do (quick suck in of air and small (oook not so small) gasp - which of course interrupted everyone's moment of silence. Sigh.... Well, since I already interrupted, they might as well rejoice with me in our common pain leading to gain.... The class was greatly pleased, or they could have been trying to shut me up, who knows cause I was starring at their collective b-hinds as they lay on their mats...

So, that's my story! I can now look right, check the cars coming to the right, lay on the right side, and sit up straighter than I have in YEARS.... All this and only TWO full weeks of yoga regularly! Who knows what I will be doing in several months. Although our dear teacher did threaten us with the idea of holding cobra for over FIVE min. some day. Help....

New Idea!

2008-09-04T23:54:00.002-05:00

A new idea has come! Heh heh... Jamie, a grand friend of mine, and I have an idea - it is being born at http://persnicketypantry.blogspot.com/. I would love for our friends and family to check it out! IF you are interested you can email me or write us there!

Thanks!
Meg

Off to see the wizard!

2008-03-08T20:27:00.002-06:00

PHEW! We are on a journey! Emma and I came up (errr... yes, it is up!) to Texarkana to see our very close friends! One close friend (Kate) is having a NN (NoName) baby boy. We wanted to celebrate with her and be at her shower! Also, it was a GREAT excuse to go see Jamie, Ryan, Ella, Lincoln, and (their newest addition) Londyn. Poor Brad, he wanted to go, he wanted to see Ryan, but he is in the midst of a sermon series for Easter and has commitments to keep! That's one thing I can say about Brad, he KEEPS his commitments regardless! A great thing! So Emma and I decided that we were big enough to drive the four plus hours to this charming (cough cough) town!

So we headed out on Thursday. I thought I would leave early morning, then thought late morning. But noon wasn't so bad, huh? So we started out and enjoyed our time. We stopped for lunch (well, I guess really we got it before we started!) and then we stopped to potty. And then we stopped to potty. Oh then we needed water and a cookie, and then we needed to potty. Did I mention that Emma had to potty? Well, we did make it (about 6:30.....) and good thing too! Because as soon as we got there "we" needed to go potty.

Well, well, so after our day of travel we had a wonderful time of hanging with our BFF.... heh heh. You would think that we had reunited a long lost love the way Emma and Ella rat at each other! AND would you even believe that they didn't fight for two whole days?!?! Yesterday we did running and enjoyed a beautiful winter day as we got a treat from God. A whole morning of pouring SNOW! When we woke up we found the world to be white and cold and the snow was coming down! Well, nothing could keep these snow bunnies in, especially Emma's hurting ears. So we called up, loving Dr. Burns (Emma's Pediatrician here) and they promptly got us in. I was only 20 min late as I had to drive behind those who don't know driving in snow!

After being seen, we exited to go get two prescriptions - one for a double ear infection, another for the hacking, cackling, crusty, phlegmy cough Emmi suddenly developed! Poor Emma, as we got ready to leave Dr. Burns turned to her he told her that she was not allowed to go play in the snow! SO hard for a kid who has not seen ANY snow in TWO YEARS! My heart hurt as her big eyes watered and she managed a quavery "Yes, Sir". No, it really broke my heart. I wish I could give her Taos winters!

ANYWAY, today was the shower and we SO enjoyed it! Had many friends come, new and old, and we enjoyed a time of catch up! Kate just moved here a couple years ago, and as I have found out, newbies seem to find each other! So many of my friends from while we were here came. I found myself more emotional that I had ever thought I would be. Even had to escape for a bit to just sit and chat out of the stream of things for a few minutes. My throat kept choking up.... The covenant Brad and I made to the Lord stands. Anywhere, Anytime, Anyhow. Or as a dear story goes, No reserve, No retreat, No regret.

But that is hard - on the human level. Emma and I sat crying together at one point today, she sad and my mother's heart broke for her - so I cried too! We asked God for strength to help us when we run out. To help us understand things we don't, to have a strength that is not our own. Did he? Yes, he did. I hurt, but I know that I am where God wants me to be. Emma is where she is wanted to be - and Brad, well, God has him in just the right place!

So, Monday we leave again. We have to go Home (hard because we still own our "HOME" from here!) and we will be excited. We have great friends, a great further, and a great calling to Lake Charles. But there is always that ping. A tug - we love our friends in Texarkana. We were called to minister there and we did everything we could do to open our hearts to allow God to use us - that lead to vulnerability. And perhaps some pain. But would I change that? No. Without pain there is no Joy. And we have Joy in our friends, in our memories, in our future! We have moved a lot. We have had to leave many people behind and God reminds us to pray for them regularly. We love this! So please pray for Emma and I as we head back on Monday. That we would enjoy our future. Eager.

No Reserve,
No Retreat,
No Regret

Emma

2008-02-19T21:53:00.002-06:00

Do you remember that TV show, something about, Kids say the Darndest Things? I don't remember the true name - something to that effect though! Well, yesterday I was showing Emma some pictures on the computer. One was of my Grandfather, John Nolan - also known as Bapa Nolan, and she said:

"I know he was very old and he went to heaven", then a few moments later she added, "and even if you’re not really rich you can go to heaven".

I nearly died laughing! He passed away many years ago - long before she was even a thought and so she has no idea of his economic stability. But what a thought!

Man, kids do say the darndest things!

Prayer in Ministry

2008-02-18T00:16:00.002-06:00

*NOTE*

The following is an email I sent out this evening. Some of you may have recieved this all ready. Some of you may not. It is for this reason that I am adding this right now! There is a possibility that somehow we may have lost your email address and you do not recieve our email updates. They are not the same (usually!) as the blog - so we want to make this available to all who want them or are wanting to join in prayer with us for minstry work! If you would like to recieve these emails, please email me and let me know! Thanks!!

Meg

Well, Hello all!

Ok, so as I got reprimanded by our esteemed youth pastor, I feel as though I should send out a clarification! I suppose some may have taken my writings as a forewarning as to another move. Let me make this clear, until little green men come and pack my house for me NOTHING will make me move again EXCEPT the voice of the Lord! Even the green men (singing all the way) would have had to build me a custom house with separate shower and bath. Oh, and a walk-in-closet! SO, do we all understand each other? Meg and Brad are VERY happy with our new found church family! How's that dear youth dude? ;)

As I have become addicted to playing with our website (easleypark.net), it occurs to me that I may be missing out on some of our friends blogs and websites! (As in the Ranous' - we don't know your url anymore!). SO if you have a blog, website, or interesting updatable page (face book - or something) we would love to have it! We really enjoy reading about your lives and keeping up on the on goings of our friends! Would you please email the links? THANKS!

This week Brad is gearing up for Vision Sunday at the Church. Matt, you call it ttate of the church address, I believe. What ever it is called, it is casting the vision for the next year. There has been much building of anticipation and excitement. Would you join with me in prayer for Brad and I as we minister in this dear church? We are finding such joy in our involvement here! It is fascinating to find unexpected ministry moments - for example, we joined a gym. Apparently a popular place and one that we have had a great chance to get to know some of our people on a deeper level!

I too am finding myself being drawn into a deeper calling with Christ. Along with that comes not fear, but a since of awe as we see God use us in ways we know we are totally unworthy of being used - if it wasn't for the Spirit working in and through us! I am amazed, no, more like humbled that we are allowed to be given such a responsibility. I find myself praying for tenderness to the voice of the Lord. Without my ear to his heart I would really screw up! Alone I am selfish, emotional, flighty, unreliable, and tire easily. Though HIM I have found myself working outside these personal struggle areas and am amazed! I sometimes sit back (inside my head) and say, hey, is that YOU doing that? Is that YOU having that energy? And then I say; No, it's not, it GOD using me - so scoot on over Meg, let him in! It's His time to man the controls!

Well, not to take up too much of your time. I hope you can tell we are excited about Lakewood! AND we want to be excited about you! SO please remember to email us your links!

Our love,
Meg and Brad

New Mexico Thoughts...

2008-02-15T09:29:00.001-06:00

I was wasting time this morning. I admit it! I was goofing off on facebook and looking at groups. I came across some that were talking about being from NM, but not living there now. It made me remember some occurances that I have had. I thought I would share my thoughts here:

I was the fifth generation to grow up on my family's land in Taos - needless to say I don't have and eastern or southern accent! Actually I don't have much of anything - which seems to draw attention from people when I travel. Of course, when I call home, my parents tease me about picking up a southern twange...

Brad and I have moved quite about around out east and in the south. When we have been traveling out east I have been asked numerous times if have needed a passport to fly out. Even when I am asked where I am from (because of the lack of accent) I am then asked if I have to have a VISA to move out east! Also have been asked if it was hard to exchange my money. I don't even know what to say anymore. Sigh...

It always get's me because if someone tells me that they are from New England, I don't ask what's new about it or how was the flight over the ocean! Now, it's true. This really did happen! So, not that I don't love all of my friends and family from around the US, we just need to make sure our kids know all 50 states! :)

This was the post that made me start to think. (Dad, this will tickle you!)

You know you are from New Mexico when:
You're still secretly afraid of the ditch witch.
You've been on a balloon chase crew.
Most of the people you know have security clearances.
You have more than one relative who can't talk about their job.
You feel claustrophobic if you can't see the horizon.
You know where to park to get the best view of a lightening storm.
You have a story about a balloon landing in your backyard/playground/etc.
Celebrity spotting .
You remember when Coronado was the cool mall.
You have 8 zillion photos of sunsets, and they're all beautiful.

To read more : http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2217708865

So, although I am excited about where God has taken me - boy do I miss home!

and we live on....

2008-02-12T07:41:00.000-06:00

Well, I hate to admit it - it really bugs me! BUT life is moving on. Yes - Emma has her first loosth (that's how it sounds when she says it) tooth. I knew it would happen - another kid in her class just lost their first. But my baby? Ok folks - let's go back in time....

2000 - Brad and Meg had just gotten married. We were happy - blisfull - (ok, just hang with me for a moment) and then... we had to buy a washing machine! My parents had lovingly given us their "old" machine and we had plenty of money (thanks to the support of generous donations to our marriage fund) - so what was the problem? MEG. Yep, that's it, I HATE to buys and own things - (now that doesn't include clothes and shoes....) and we had to buy one. IT was big - heavy and couldn't fit in my little 1986 Cavilier! I nearly had a panic attack in Sears.

What does this have to do with Emma's tooth? I just hate those event's - the ones that are big "events" or "firsts" or well, "momentous". In twoyears I will not care when a tooth comes loose. But right now it is the ripping out of my heart that Emma's FIRST tooth is loose.... ugg. Grow up Meg!

Am I the only one who goes through these quakes? Naa, I doubt it - but I am planning on taking her to get photos taken on Sat!

Back From the Dead!

2008-02-12T06:51:00.000-06:00

Greetings!
Well, we are trying to get up and running, but I am having trouble with something called an rss feed for my blog - don't ask - I am already confused! We shall see.... It took way too long to get this working, but now the idea is that instead of going to the blogspot site you will just come here and it will be here! Very handy - indeed!

I am glad that we finally are trying to be back and active and will (I am sure) have some interesting things to grumble about or rejoice over!

Hey, have you ever heard of BzzAgent? I hadn't either until my mum-in-law got me going, I love it! You sign up for free and then fill out some questionnaires and you test products for them. So far I have received free items such as household cleaners, and a Sonicare toothbrush sanitizer.My latest product is some multi-purpose cleaning wipes and duster from Pledge. I really like these new products. The wipes will work on metal, wood, glass, and electronics - I found Brad cleaning the computer one day! They really do work on all four! We have stainless steel in the kitchen and Emma helps that look really pretty (not all of it is non-showing for fingerprints- thank goodness the fridge is) but these work great on their as well as dusting my living room, the bathroom mirror, and my computer! Ok, so that is my suggestion of the day - a time saver, one product - many areas of the house!

Emma got her first "yellow" light in school today. She works hard at only having green lights - well, we sat for over half-an-hour in the car as she poured her little heart out in tears and trying to tell me about it. Growing up is hard to do! But she is doing it so well and so fast! I have a hard time believing she is five and reading!
Well, will go now -
love to all!
Meg