Yay...a new post!

I haven't posted since the beginning of last month--is there a blogger law against that?? The last month has been a crazy one! With the holidays sneaking up on us, let me start out by saying MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone. I truly hope that everyone has a great holiday and remember why Christmas even exists. Luke chapter 2 should help you out with that.
It has been a great year--Justin got a new job, I got a new car, my mother-in-law got engaged and is due to get married in a week and a half, we joined an awesome Sunday School class, I could go on and on! We are truly blessed!
The past couple of months have been kind of trying. Last month I lost my job. Losing my job has really humbled me. It's one of those things where I thought "That will never happen to me" blah, blah, blah. God knows how to put me in my place, that's for sure. It was a week before Thanksgiving, we needed to buy Christmas presents, we needed to pay rent, oh no. What a scary time. The day after I lost my job, my boss from Blockbuster let me go back there part time until I found something more permanent--what a blessing! Although, I definitely remember why I quit there in the first place...:) Anyway...I have fought and fought to get a job at Arvest and I found out on Thursday (after three interviews and two tests) that I got the job! Praise the Lord!

Anyways, I promise that I didn't start this post to talk about how tough the last month has been. What I really want to point out is that even in tough times, there are still good ones. Don't get me wrong, I have been super stressed but I know who is in control of my life and I have great joy because of that. I have enjoyed fun times with friends and family in the past month and have learned that sitting at home with my husband and puppy can definitely make for some great memories! I have also learned that I am not above anyone or anything, I can lose my job, just like anyone else can. I also have learned that God's word can be more comforting than a lot of people can. God is also teaching me to learn from my own mistakes such as...when it's someone elses fight, stay out of it and pay attention to detail...

Thanks for reading!
Meg

It's been a while.

Wow--over a month without blogging. Crazy! I don't really have a cool excuse like school (not attending until next semester) or work (because my job consists of sitting on my butt all day reading HP on the computer). I just haven't had much to talk about.

For those who don't know, Justin FINALLY got a new job. Praise God! He is working for Mercy Health at an entry level position--checking in patients, taking money, insurance, etc. He hates dealing with customers, but when he thinks about what he could be doing, he remembers how blessed he is to not be out in the cold/hot weather doing something that he absolutely cannot stand! So we are both much, much happier with his new job. It has taken about a month to get used to the new schedule and paydays, but it's definitely working out for the better!

Is it weird that I am excited to start school again?? I'm kicking myself right now knowing that all my friends will be done in May and I will be in school for another year and a half...boo. Oh well. For what I want to do, experience and school are looked at at the same level so I think it would be good to have both.

I can't remember that last time Justin and I went out on a date, so I have decided that this Friday, we are going. Nothing will stand in our way haha. I love sitting around the house with him watching Smallville and eating chicken and fries, but it's time to go do something fun for a change. If there is one thing I've learned from being married, it's to make sure you get out of the house to do something fun before you go crazy.

Justin's favorite time of the year is coming up which means....my apartment looks like a Christmas explosion! That's right, my apartment was decorated on October 30...I love my husband so much--he's a Christmas freak!! We balance each other out, because as much as I LOVE Christmas, I am not crazy like him. :)

Also, I have to start watching myself on Facebook. I tend to have word vomit and speak my mind--it gets me in trouble. If I can't control myself, I'm gonna have to delete my Facebook..which would stink. So I need accountability lol

Well there's an update!
Thanks for reading!
Meg

"Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord and the Lord is for the body."--1 Corinthians 6:13

Numb.

I feel numb. I feel like I'm not even here in this world but that I am watching everyone around me go through life easily and happily. I hate this feeling and I'm sure the people around me hate it, too. You know that part in every movie where there is no music and no sound, just the main character narrating about his/her problems and what they need to do to fix it? I am at that point in the movie of my life. I am so stressed all the time and it's not just money. It's our new puppy, it's where I live, it's the things that I do and say. Thinking about what I was going to write on here today has really got me thinking about my life for the past few months and how God is really convicting me right now. It's so sad and embarrassing to say that I don't depend on him enough, but it's true. I don't. I catch myself in a trance during the day just going through the motions when I should be conversing with him every day, every hour, every minute, every second. Instead, I put him on the back burner and when I realize that I'm not going to be able to pay a bill on time or let someone down, I pray. Wow! How childish and unchristian-like of me. It's like, "Hey God! I know that I have a problem and that I won't be able to pay this bill, but let me try to figure it out for myself and then when I realize I can't do it on my own, ask you for help." What a low blow. The great thing about God is...he is an Almighty, forgiving God and he knows I am a sinful, unworthy human and He knows I am going to keep failing Him. But it's not okay with me. It's not going to be a complete 180 degree turn around for me, but when is it ever? I can say this...I am more at home in my church now than I have ever been, Justin and I have started reading the Bible together every night (another embarrassing confession, we haven't been doing this and we have been married for a year and 4 months...), and I have been praying for my loved ones that don't know Christ and those who do. My walk-no-crawl with God is gradually picking up speed. I should be in a full on run with God--100MPH--if you will, right now I am at about a 3MPH crawl. Ouch. I pray that one day I will be where I need to be and that on judgement day I can tell God everything I have done for him. I pray I don't die anytime soon...not because I am scared of death or because I love it here on Earth, but because I am embarrassed of standing before someone so powerful and someone so worthy of praise and saying, "I have done nothing to expand Your Kingdom." So, here starts my slow 180 degree turn for God. No more trances. No more putting Him on the back burner. No more letting people down. No more.

7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. -John 15:7

Thanks for reading!
Meg

Some People.

So, in the mornings I listen to Kidd Kraddick and I love his show. Yesterday he had Adam Lambert in the studio and they were talking about Lady Gaga fans versus his fans. Kidd then compared it to Chritianity versus Islamic beliefs.

Dear Kidd,

These can not be compared. End of story.

Thanks,
Meg

On another serious note...if anyone feels like being extremely nice next week, Prince of Persia comes out on Blu-Ray. I would love to own that movie. We could call it a really early birthday present if you want.

Thanks for reading!
Meg

Long time, No post.

So...it's been a while. I don't have any cool excuses like school or vacation or anything like that. I just didn't have much to write about.
Justin just got done cutting Jack's hair. It's crazy how much hair a 2.5 pound dog can have. Lately I have just been working and going to church. That's about all there is to do.

We have been in our new church for about a month now. I love it! With the new building, I decided it was time for some new beginnings, so Justin and I joined an adult bible fellowship class for marrieds-30. It has really opened my eyes to the bible and how it can really help in any situation. On Sunday, my heart was humbled when Mike taught us about how it isn't always about us. I know, I should have known this already, right? Well, I did, but my heart really ached when I realized what I could be doing to be more Christian like in society and in church. There is a woman in our class who is really inspiring. She is going through a really rough time trying to get her husband imported here legally from Columbia. There is a strong possiblity that he could be forced to go back to Columbia for 10 years to finish the process. This is something that I will never have to go through so I can't really imagine what she is going through, but I do know that I couldn't spend 10 years away from Justin. He is what brightens my day when I am having a bad one. 10 years of bad days would kill me! Anyway, to continue my story...we all gathered around her to pray for her.. two people prayed aloud and then she prayed. But when she prayed, she didn't lift up her own prayer requests, she lifted us up as her spiritual family, she prayed for the staff at church, she prayed for us in the class that all of our requests were answered. Wow...talk about taking the focus off of oneself. She really inspired me.

So now I have this "church camp attitude" but I plan for it to stay for a lifetime.

Thanks for reading!
Meg

Customer Service.

Begin rant.

The guy that is getting so much publicity because he freaked out on a loud speaker and jumped out of a parked plane with two beers.....is an idiot. I've seen him referred to as hero, a guy who just had a melt down, etc. Why is this guy a hero?? Because he stood up for himself? No, standing up for yourself would have been "I'm sorry ma'am or sir, let me help you" not cussing the customer out over a loudspeaker. Ugh. The people who think he is a hero don't take customer service very seriously. I have worked in customer service for a little more than 6 years now, and I know that no matter what your home life is like or what a customer says to you, you slap a smile on your face and do your job. Later, when you are alone, you let off some steam. Or if you are me, you call your best friend or husband and vent until you can't vent anymore.
This guy should have never been in customer service if he couldn't handle a little remark from a grouchy passenger...if that was even the case. Give me a break. I know that being a flight attendant isn't that glorious and you probably don't get treated like you deserve most of the time, but you suck it up and do your job with a big smile on your face. No customer is worth getting fired over.
There are people who are meant to work in customer service and people who aren't. This guy is one of those people who was not meant to work in customer service.

If you can't handle the heat, then get out of the kitchen.

End rant.
Thanks for reading!
Meg

Homosexuality vs Heterosexuality.

I don't usually post two blogs in the same week. But I have read a few things this morning that sparked my interest. I always get on a celebrity magazine website and see what Hollywoods problems are today. An article was posted yesterday about Portia de Rossi and Ellen Degeneres. They have been married for two years and Portia is taking Ellen's last name. Many comments were posted saying "congratulations!" and "I'm so happy for them!" Don't get me wrong, I love Ellen Degeneres! She's hilarious and very entertaining. However, I do not agree with her lifestyle. Hate the sin, not the sinner, right? Many brave people commented on that article talking about how the Bible states that this lifestyle is not appropriate (for lack of better words). It bothers me that the people who get on there saying "congrats" and "I'm happy for them" think that they are righteous for accepting the gay/lesbian lifestyle and then when someone else gets on there and states a different opinion, they are ridiculed and said to be "close-minded" and "judgemental". There is a thin line drawn between truth and judgement these days and that really bothers me. Just because someone states the truth, they are being judgemental. The truth, according to the Word, is that an appropriate marriage is between a man and a woman. Anybody can sit and say, "Yah, but who was the Bible written by? Man--who are sinners." Yah, but the New Testiment is a series of speeches and stories by Jesus himself and about Jesus when he was alive. So if I sit down and write a book about my father, and someone reads it thousands of years later, does that mean it isn't true?
I don't want anyone to think I am a judgemental person, because I'm not. Some people will sit and read this blog and say, "yah but you sin, what makes you so different from Ellen and her wife?" The difference is that I admit that I am a sinner, I asked God to forgive me, I know that I will spend an eternity in Heaven celebrating with Jesus! Ellen and Portia, I'm sure are GREAT people, but if they don't recognize their sin and recognize that Jesus is our savior, then they will live a happy life on Earth, unfortunately, they will not spend eternity in Heaven. There is only one other option.
Sad, but true.
Just remember, there is more evidence that Jesus Christ was alive and that he was God than the fact that George Washington was alive.
Christs tomb is empty.

Thanks for reading!
Meg

Life.

Nothing crazy has happened lately. Which is good! I am really content with life right now, which I love. This last week, part of the Downs family came into town to spend their yearly week on Beaver Lake. I love them! We got to hang out with them last weekend and this past Saturday. They are always a blast! I also got to hang out with Miss Laura (our cell group leader from High School). She took us out on the boat and we floated around for a while and then went tubing. It was a blast! She is so much fun to hang out with.
We also had our first service at our new church location yesterday. It was really different but really nice! I welcome change with open arms. Pastor Wes preached about Destiny and about Moses and his destiny. I am a nerd so I like to compare things to movies to put it all in better perspective for me. I realized that Moses' story is reflected in the movie "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time". You can think I am a big nerd, but it's pretty much the same story. Boy is adopted by a King (or in Moses case, Pharoh), it is boy's destiny to help save the world. POP is a great movie--it also helps that my favorite actor plays the lead :0).
Last week, Justin and I rescued a puppy. It was completely on a whim but I am so glad we did it. I recieved an email at work about how there was a 7 week old Welsh Corgi that was partially blind and was scheduled to be put down if a home wasn't found. Well this little puppy found a home with Justin and me. His name is Chance and he is the laziest/funniest/sleepiest dog ever and the best part is that he gets along with Captain Jack great!
So there is a look into my life lately. Nothing too exciting.

Thanks for reading!
Meg

Love.

If you have been on facebook this morning, then you already got a glimpse into how this really bugs me...
A little over a year ago, I stood in front of many people and vowed to my husband that I would be there until death do us part. Is there something wrong with that? According to Cameron Diaz...my vows are "bullsh**". I recently read an article where she said, "Who would want to be with the same person for 80 years? Why not break it up a bit?" (By the way, you can read this article on usmagazine.com)
Um...I would LOVE to be with my husband for 80 years. When I was "dating around", if that's what you want to call it, I was on a mission to find a soul mate. Why waste your time just dating for the rest of your life? When I found Justin, no one else and nothing else mattered except that he was happy and I was happy and I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this one, amazing person! Yes, he frustrates me and yes we fight and argue...but that doesn't take away the love that I have for him! Marriage means fighting for him when he's sick and when people don't treat him right. Marriage means loving him even though he has flaws. Marriage means commitment.
Later in the article she states, "Have someone for 5 years and another person for another 5 years..." To me, she is saying, "find someone, lead them on, toy with their emotions a bit, and then leave them." After 5 years, you get attached to that person, you believe that person loves you and cares about you, and if they leave, you feel like you never even knew that person. I've seen it happen and it's heartbreaking! If I were to live until I was 70 years old and started sleeping with people when I was 16 years old and only stayed with one person for 5 years at a time I will have been with about 11 people. In 2009, there were approximately 464,623 people in NWA. The statistics show that 9 males per 100,000 have syphillis. If I were to sleep with my 11 people, there is a pretty good chance that I could get syphillis. Yes, Cameron Diaz, these statistics make me want to sleep with a new person every 5 years.

Apparently people don't understand how sacred marriage and those vows that you take during the ceremony are. I know that I am young and most people would think that I am naive, but I really think that if you promise someone that you love them and that you want to be with them forever, you should honor that promise.
Apparently morality isn't a priority anymore.

Thanks for reading,
Meg

New Beginnings.

So...about a week and a half ago, Angela and I started working out. That Saturday we decided that we were gonna workout everyday of the week, Monday thru Friday. Well, we worked out Saturday and Monday and then we both got busy. So, yesterday marked our first day of a gruesome workout schedule. Holy cow, am I sore! Anyways, I didn't get on blogger today to complain about how sore I am from working out. I got on here to address the fact that I know I am thin. I have always been thin and I think being active in sports really kept me as thin as I am. So here I am now, 21 and married. My job consists of me sitting on my butt for about 4 hours, going to lunch to eat a fatty meal with a coke, and sitting on my butt for about 4 more hours. 10 more years of this will definitely start showing on my physique...it already has. So when people come to me and tell me I don't need to workout, I could sit and argue with them for hours about how I am not happy with my body and how even the thinnest of people need to stay fit to stay healthy. So, I beg that people just leave me alone so that I don't have to feel guilty for being happy with the way I look.

On to another note. This last weekend, Justin and I took the 5 hour drive to Wichita, Kansas. I lived in Wichita several years ago and was devastated when mom told us we were moving. I have now lived in NWA for 10 years...and love it! It's probably the best thing that has ever happened to my family and I. Well last weekend, I decided it's probably time to go back and visit a whole different side of the family--my biological dad and his family. Well, we stayed with my Aunt and Uncle who we have been in touch with since last summer and they are so great! They were so welcoming and my aunt even cooked us breakfast which apparently she never does. :) Anyway--I have not seen my father in 5 years. Wow. It was time that Justin met the other half of my creation. Obviously, since I hadn't seen him in 5 years, visiting him was not at the top of my priority list...needless to say, I was a little nervous about this encounter. In the end, all was well and everyone got along...one big, happy family! It made me so happy because now I am comfortable enough to visit more often. Even though my dad and I had a spurt where we weren't talking, and with reason, it's never good to not communicate because you never nkow what could happen, right? And I can't give my Aunt and Uncle and cousins enough credit for their hospitality and open arms and I can't wait to see them again! So--here's to a new and happy beginning!

Meg

Blessings.

I recieved an email the other day that filled me with conviction.
The email was titled "What happens in Heaven when we pray?"
The email went on to explain that there are three working groups in Heaven. The first group is full of many Angels who work by recieving the prayers to God and sorting them. The second group is full of many Angels, again, who work by delivering blessings to those who asked. The third group is just one Angel and this section of work is called the Acknowledgment section. This is the Angel that recieves the thanks from those who recieved the blessings they asked for. There is only one Angel in this section because not many people send proper thanks for those blessings that they recieve.

Wow! It got me thinking. I pray everyday for my loving husband, my great friends, and the best family anyone could ask for. I often forget to send my thanks to the Lord for the apartment I live in, the job that I have, the clothes on my back, the food that I get to eat, the clean water that I drink everyday, the ability to read and write as a result of a good education, the freedom to say what I want and to read my Bible in public, the TWO cars that my husband and I have, the T.V. with cable that I have in my apartment, etc. I could go on all day about the things I am blessed with, so why don't I? Because I am a selfish human being that doesn't know how to appreciate anything because I am a sinful being.

This is one of the many things that I need to work on in my life. Conviction is a very humbling feeling that I am grateful for because now I can grow in my crawl with God.

Another point. I call it a crawl with God because I went to church with Angela on Saturday and her pastor, Andy, described it as a crawl because that is exactly what it is. Walking indicates quick, easy movement toward a goal. I would describe crawling as difficult and slow which is exactly what growing as a Christian is and always will be. Trusting completely in God is not easy and building a relationship with Him is even harder.

Thanks for reading,
Meg

Life is Good.

I don't really have a whole lot going on right now, so there really isn't anything to blog about. I feel like I'm in a pretty good spot in life right now. Justin and I are doing great! I'm spending more time with people that I should be spending time with. I feel like my relationship with God is growing stronger (although, there is always room to grow). Our vacation to California was awesome! I only wish we could have brought the weather back with us. It never fails, no matter how many times I have been to Disneyland, it's never dull. I could ride the same rides and watch the same shows over and over again and not get bored with it. Also, we came back from vacation and my mother-in-law is engaged!! So awesome! I'm so happy for her!
Justin and I can talk all day about moving away from here and going west, but it always comes down to the people that we would leave behind and that makes it hard to actually leave. Also, after a ton of prayer and some rough days, Justin is finally starting to enjoy his job more. That might have to do with the fact that he isn't directly working with the guy who made him miserable, although he isn't one hundred percent out of the picture, it's so much more bareable for him. My puppy is finally starting to grow, haha. He doesn't look like a guinea pig, he actually looks like a yorkie! As much as I loooove little dogs, I love big dogs, too. Especially my best friends Great Dane, Chief! He rocks, mostly because he cuddles with me when I'm there :).
Well, all in all, I'm really happy with life! God has truly blessed me with a great husband, friends, and family!

Vacation

I went on vacation last week with my wonderful husband and his little brother to California to visit family and go to Disneyland (of course)! I learned a few things on this vacation.
1. Fly, don't drive. We had planned on flying but waited to long to look at tickets and round trip for Justin and I would have been $1000+...yuck. So we got this brilliant idea that we would make a road trip out of it. Never again. By the end of the week, my butt hurt so bad from being in the car that I thought it would fall off. Not only that, but my back ached, my knees ached, my ankles ached...I felt 90, not 21.
2. Don't talk. Talking starts arguments.
3. Wear your own sunglasses. I lost Joe's sunglasses in the water when I was getting off the Jungle cruise ride. Justin thought he would be funny and tell everyone to give me a hard time...Joe decided to give me a REALLY hard time and I didn't get to enjoy the Haunted Mansion ride because my feelings got hurt.
4. Jack in the Box tacos get stale if you don't eat them within an hour.
5. Don't freak out right before getting your first tattoo. You will discover that it doesn't hurt and then your adrenaline will make you feel sick.
6. Don't eat in Disneyland. It will break you.

I had a GREAT time on vacation, but every experience is a learning experience...and I learned a lot on this trip. I also learned that Justin's cousin (2nd cousin, actually), Tami, is one of the most generous people I have ever met. I can't thank her enough for everything she gave us and for putting up with all our silly questions about Cali. I've also learned that I need to get out of the humidity as soon as possible and that when it's only 75 degrees on the beach, it's going to be cold.

Thanks for reading!
Meg

Too sensitive??

I feel like I am a very easy going person...I get along well with others, whether I am fond of them or not. I try not to be rude and I feel like I succeed at being polite. I'm not sure if I am being really sensitive or if I am just in my feelings but I feel like in the area that we live in, people are SO judgemental. I hope that my friends can really back me up when I say that I am honest. I know that when my friends have issues and decide to vent...I am honest with them about how I feel or what I would do in that particular situation. I hope that's not being judgemental because if it is then I am making a fool of myself by writing this blog.
I have jumped from school to school since I started my college career--I started out being a Secondary Education major wanting to teach Math...4 years of calc is not my cup of tea...so I changed majors in my second semester to Middle school Math and Science education--when I decided that teaching basic math/pre-algebra and possible even having to teach science was not my thing either, I switched schools and major...again. This time I decided I wanted to teach little kids :). Now that I look back on this decision I wonder why my friends didn't hit me in the head and say "Megan--kids hate you" because I apparently forgot that fact. So now, I went from a 4 year university to a 2 year community college and am pursuing banking---for now.
When I review my college career so far--I see someone who wasn't sure what she wanted to do. To other people, I realize that this looks like someone who is taking the easy road. Gr.
Not that I have to prove myself to anyone, but I really see a future in the career path that I have chosen. Even though banking doesn't mean that I'm gonna have all the money in the world--because that's not what matters--it means I will be happy because I feel like this is the path God has sent me down. So, when people make snide remarks reguarding a career that I have chosen, I feel like they are judging me, even if it's not directed at me, personally.
Also, Justin isn't in school at the moment--so what? That's all I have to say about that.
And even before--when we decided to get married. The little "aren't you too young?" Um, no I'm not too young, I am an adult and just because you had bad experiences with marriage doesn't mean you should judge me because I am getting married young. Everyone who is married has or will have their issues, I'm not denying that--nor am I saying that Justin and I are perfect--because we are far from that.

So--not that my frustrations are out there...I'm not sure how much better I feel but now people know what angers me :)

Thanks for reading,
Meg

Time Flies.

The saying, "time flies" has proven itself in my life, lately. Justin and I made it through our first year of marriage! Woo! The cake...was nasty. I know most people say it's really good, just like your wedding day...nope, ours wasn't. It was AMAZING on our wedding day, but not so much after sitting in the freezer for a year. Also, Justin and I have been looking forward to going back to California this year (he proposed to me in Disneyland)...this trip has snuck up on me. We leave next Saturday! Holy cow! I'm so pumped, though! I love his family and we get to go to the beach and go to Disneyland and just get away and go to some DRY heat! Nobody has any idea how much I miss the dry heat.
Time has brought me to some great times and family...but time has gone by so quickly lately...I turn 22 this year! JEEZ! My best friend is FINALLY moving back to Rogers, so I can see her more often before school consumes her life again! Captain Jack is 5 months old and so cute! Before I know it, I'm gonna be ready to have kids...AH! (Don't worry, mom, I'm not ready yet).
Speaking of kids, I'm not fond of many kids...there are a select few that I absolutely LOVE, though! One of them being my friend's baby, Cooper! He is ten months old, and I don't think I could love another baby as much as I love him (until I have some of my own, someday). He is always so happy and smiling! I went with his mommy and daddy and him to the pool yesterday evening and he just floated in his tube with a big grin on his face! And then when we all went in for dinner, I was holding him and he just laid on my chest and went to sleep! He looked so peaceful and at ease and I felt so proud of myself, because if you know me, kids do NOT like me, but he gave up without a fight and when I put him in his bed, he didn't even wake up! Maybe someday I will be ready for some of my own. But until then, I have Cooper...and a few more.
So, even though I feel like someone has pushed the fast forward button on my life, I am having a blast and loving every minute of it and everyone in it! God has truly blessed my life!

Square One.

So, here we are, back to square one. As Justin and I have been praying about this situation with his job and what he is going to do, Justin has decided that the Army isn't the right choice. Like I said, square one. So where do we go from here??

The bright side?? We will stay here in NWA and hopefully in a year, look to buy a house. YAY! It's been a crazy couple of weeks and I'm not sure where we will go from here about his job...but I know that if we trust in God and keep our faith, he will show us what to do and where to go.

Sometimes, I miss the days when I didn't have to be an adult. When mommy and daddy made all of my decisions for me and gave me lunch money and all I had to worry about was getting my school work done and brushing my teeth before I went to bed and in the morning when I woke up. I feel so wishy washy right now, like we can't make up our minds but to be honest...that's how confused I am. I don't know what God has planned for us. But I have comfort in knowing that He does have a plan for us, whether we are aware of what that plan may be or not.

So, even though it's not quite the journey I had planned, we are one a journey, none-the-less.

Thanks for reading.
Meg

Patience

Usually, I am a very patient person. Lately, my patience is starting to wear very thin. Justin's job is always in the front of my mind because I know he is very unhappy and all I want is for him to be happy. I keep praying for patience and I know that God is always there for me and won't put us through anything that we won't be able to handle, as long as we depend on Him. It's just so sad to me that grown men get a kick out of making fun of people just to see how weak they are. I do have to say that I am so proud of my husband for not stooping to their level and if it does get to him, then he's good at not showing it.

It's such and exciting/nerve wracking time not knowing where we are going to be or what we are going to be doing in the next year. As soon as Justin signs papers, we go where the army tells us to go. The good thing about it is he is going active which means where he goes, I go. It'll be an adventure and at first I was scared, but now I am kind of excited. I will be without him for 10-22 weeks depending on the occupation he decides to do. He is leaning toward MP(Military Police) or Firefighter. The training including basic training for MP is 19 weeks and 22 weeks for Firefighter. Woo...but they say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. We are hoping they need one of those in Southern California or Arizona for the warm weather! How awesome would that be. When I think about it, it kind of makes me sad that I will be leaving this place that I have been for 10 years...but then I think about how Justin will get 30 days of vacation a year...and we will come back and visit since this is where our families and friends are.

Some verses for thought today are Joshua 1:5 and Romans 8:27-28. They got me through the day yesterday.

Thanks for reading!
Meg

I love peanut butter!

Everyday for the past week I have had an apple with peanut butter for breakfast...YUM! I think I could probably eat a whole jar of peanut butter all by myself! Ha!

So for more serious talk...a couple of posts ago I discussed Justin and his job situation. Right now, he is so fed up with his job and he has a strong yearning to finish school and get a promising career, but when he comes home from work, he can't even think about sitting down to do homework because of how exhausted he is. So that brings us to our next dilemma...what do we do about his job and getting him back into school? He has gotten advice from many trustworthy people in the church and gotten opinions from his family and friends. Right now, he is seriously considering going Active Duty Army. There are many benefits (and don't worry, he didn't decide this on his own) from being able to go to school while in the army and getting it 100% paid for, great health insurance for both of us, he will be in GREAT physical shape which he has been wanting to do since he graduated, and many more. With the benefits for him come benefits for me as well, such as the adventure that I have been wanting to take--just getting up and moving somewhere...warm preferrably...if I have to go through another Arkansas winter...it may kill me.
So, here starts our adventure. I know that if this is for sure what he decides to do, I will have a great support system including my family and some great friends who have been through what I may have to go through. What really bursts my bubble is that when I tell people what we may be doing, they look at me and talk to me like this is the dumbest decision that we could make, when really what I need right now is people to support me and my husband because this ISN'T an easy decision and if they are truly my friends then they would support us instead of try to make me feel bad about this decision. Don't get me wrong, I value honesty, but talking to me like I am stupid and honesty are completely different. I have already shed tears over the thought of being away from him for a short period of time and we haven't even decided yet but because this is a very real situation and a very real possibility, I need all the help I can get.

So for those of you who didn't already know about this contemplation...SURPRISE...and for those of you who we have told and discussed this with...thank you for your support and prayers and I hope that we can get more support as we solidify this decision if that's what we decide to do.

On a happier note, in light of mother's day which was last week I wanted to share that I have the BEST mom that anyone could ask for. She supports me in everything and I could tell her that we are moving to China and she would say, "When can we come visit?" Without her, I would definitely not be where I am today. I love you, Mommy!!
Also, could I be lucky enough to have the best Mother-in-law?? Well, God has definitely blessed me with one. She is so great and I know I could go to her with anything! She also supports us 100% with anything that we do and I love her to pieces.
And last but DEFINITELY not least is my Nana. I am so blessed to have a "grandma" who has been in my life since before I can even remember. She is there for me through thick and thin and I think that he best quality (besides loving me no matter what) is that she is honest and she always has been. I love that I can go to her with a situation and if she thinks it's a bad idea--she will tell me and I value that.

Well I guess that's all for now!
Thanks for reading!
Meg

Big Bucks

So, if you don't know me and Justin very well, we are movie people. Let us watch a good movie and we will rant about it all day long. I know, nerdy, right? Well I DID work at Blockbuster for 4 and a half years. :) My point? I can really appreciate what the actors do to entertain. I can sit in front of the mirror for 20 minutes acting out a joke that I will present to Justin and the moment he is there and I try, I can't keep a straight face. In Hollywood, they are all pros (well, most of them). That's why they pay them the "big bucks". Haha, I know, I'm a nerd. But seriously, when I am bored, I will sit and watch the special features and watch the interviews and special effects and it's amazing what they can do. But what really gets me is the big namers that do all the dirty work. Take Johnny Depp for example, everyone KNOWS he's amazing but in POTC 3, the scene where Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones are sword fighting on a beam--you guessed it, that's really Johnny Depp. No one would get me up on a beam, 10 ft in the air, wires or not.

Another one who really amazes me? Ashton Kutcher. He can play pretty much any part. He's so funny in most of his roles, but then he surprises you in something like The Butterfly Affect. What really gets me going is that people can talk all day about how anyone can act and anyone can walk in 5 inch heels in a 20,000 dollar dress any day. But the truth is, not everyone can do that, that's why it's called talent. Actors and actresses are up at the butt crack of dawn and stay up into the night doing interviews, filming, going to awards shows while giving up quality family time and all rights to privacy.

So next time you sit and criticize them for making so much money "without any talent", think about how much you like it when people get mad at you and criticize you for doing what you are good at.

This is kind of a random post but thanks for reading! :)
Meg

Happy May!

IT'S MAY!
What a bittersweet month! May is a month of celebration, it's also a month where I spend a ton of money! My mom and best friend's birthday is the same day, Mother's Day is two days after that, and my sister's birthday is the day after that! Jeez. But that's okay, I really love buying people gifts! This year, there is more celebration because our wedding anniversary is this month along with Angela and John's wedding anniversary! YAY! I can't believe it has already been a year!!
A couple weeks ago, some friends of ours started coming to church with us! YAY! Some great things are happening at FBC Rogers; we are moving to our new building next month sometime which is so awesome--on Sunday, we got to go sign the concrete floor before they lay the carpet this week which was fun and we recently got a new youth pastor who seems to be way awesome, all of the kids and teens seem to love him. There has also been hard times recently for people in the church; FBC Bentonville's hispanic congregation was involved in a bus accident resulting in 1 killed and several injured, so we have been praying for them, also, the little girl who was shot and killed last week attended FBC Rogers with her parents so we have been praying for them as well.
In light of the first earthquake to ever be recorded in Benton County, my mother-in-law sent me a verse; Matthew 24: 6-8 (NIV)

6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not
alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will
rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and
earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains.

WOW! When I read this, I rejoiced because I am so excited for our Lord to come back for us! That's something that's on the top of my list to experience and if things keep going the way they have been, I think I might get to experience it! YAY!

I really didn't anticipate for this post to be so long so I'll get off here now!
Thanks for reading!
Meg

Current read: "Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
--Should be interesting...two trustworthy people recommended it so, we will see.

Blah

I've been in such a blah mood lately. I don't really have much to talk about but, again, I need your help.

Speaking of help, I got lots of good suggestions on authors whether through facebook, text, or comments so thank you!

This time though, it's about us personally. Justin has been struggling with his job. He doesn't enjoy the people or environment he is working with. So he did what any other normal person would do, applied for a new job. Now this job that he applied for is at a company he has been wanting to work at for some time now and he would be working with my parents...which he would LOVE! He applied for the job on Thursday and on Friday he got follow-up questions, which according to my mom, is good. So now that the questions have been answered, we just have to wait. I guess what we need is some prayer. I don't know if anyone knows what it's like to live with someone who isn't happy with his job where he spends the majority of his day--and even though Justin tries really hard to mask his emotion (and does a decent job) when he is home--I hate that he's not happy. So I am asking for prayer that this job finding process goes well and is a success and for me to be patient with him and his frustrations.

On another note...I have a new pet peeve.
--When someone says that they are going to do something or that they did something...why do we doubt those people?? We act like no one is honest anymore. It's so frustrating and makes me not want to talk about my life and what I plan on doing or have done. It's frustrating to watch people sit and talk about other people that way. And even though I am not innocent and have done this before, I got really mad at myself when I realized exactly how much I was doing it so I am trying really hard to stop and I am asking my friends to hold me accountable for that.

Gotta go!
Thanks for reading!
Meg

Blank

My mind is blank.
I don't have anything deep to talk about or anything that will send anyone into debate mode so all I can really think about is the books I've read lately.
Books are a weakness of mine, I can't stop reading.
I have read Nicholas Sparks for the past three weeks and need to stop because I hate crying.
I have read many Jodi Picoult books--she's good, but I need a new style.
I have read everything Stephenie Meyer has written (I know it's only five books, but I've read four of those twice...:))
So now...I need something that won't make me cry, something that won't jump between 10 different characters with a law suit at the end, and nothing about Vampires and Werewolves...(team Edward by the way. Anyone who thinks they are team Jacob have only seen the movies and are just in love with Taylor Lautner--I guess that statement could cause someone to go into debate mode if they are hardcore--don't try though, I'm not hardcore enough to argue about it :))
So, I need your help!
I think that I fixed the comment problem...I don't know though.
I need suggestions. Author or title suggestions, it doesn't matter.

Thanks in advance!

Motivation and frustration.

I'm not motivated, and I'm VERY frustrated, hence, the title.
I hate this time of year because it makes me very unmotivated. I don't understand myself, I want a good job, but I'm not motivated to do what it takes to get there?? At the beginning of each school semester, I am so excited and tell myself that I am going to make really good grades, and until Thanksgiving or Spring break, I do make good grades. After that, it's all down hill from there. I think that Thanksgiving and Spring breaks should only be Thursday-Sunday...not a whole week. I know a lot of College students are going to think I'm crazy for saying that, but those breaks are the reason for my "unmotivation". Gr. So now I am frustrated with myself because I can't get myself to sit down and spend enough time on homework and studying.

On a happier note, I took Jack in for his first vet visit today! He weighs a whopping 1.5 lbs. He was a hit at the office, everyone loved him! He was a good boy when he got his shots, but he was given dewormer, so I am scared there may be a little brown mess in the bathroom when I get home, and Justin isn't home to clean it up :( boo. His little heart is normal and his little joints work like they are supposed to! My vet told me he is very fragile, it took all I could to not tell her, "Well he is the most suicidal dog I have ever owned, he jumps off the bed and couch, and has jumped right out of peoples arms before right onto the concrete." But I refrained for the fear that she might report me to the animal control people because of puppy abuse. Hehe.

I miss not seeing my family and friends everyday. Especially when Justin is gone for work. I'm so lonely. Good thing I have Jack, I don't know what I would do without him, he definitely keeps me on my toes. I am such a baby because I have friends whose husbands are off to basic training and Iraq/Afghanistan and what not, and I'm complaining because Justin is gone for 3 days...boo hoo Megan! Ha...anyways I'm rambling now so I won't bore you any longer. :)

Thanks for reading!

I am SO boring!

When I am driving around in my car, I think about some really random stuff. Lately, I've been thinking, "what if my life was a reality show?" not that reality shows show reality, but if they held true to there name... Anyway, I'm pretty sure that my reality show would be SO boring! I come to work, hang out with the same people, generally stick to the same schedule: Monday: come home and sit around and watch TV, Tuesday: come home, watch TV, do homework, Wednesday: come home, finish homework, watch TV, Thursday: come home, watch Grey's with Angela, Friday: date night, Saturday: work, hang out with Justin's family or my family, Sunday: church, lunch with Justin's family, home, homework, watch Justin bowl. Where is the fun in all of that---I love my family and friends and always have a good time, but the same schedule day in and day out?? Goodness, how do I even have friends?! Why am I so scared to do something out of the ordinary??
I am really frustrated with myself because I won't step out of my comfort zone! Ever since Justin and I started dating, he's always said he wants to move to California---why am I so scared to do so?? I come up with excuses like; cost of living is too high, crime rates are high, blah, blah, blah. Why don't we go out of town for a weekend?? Because Megan is BORING!!
So--I need to stop being so freaking boring! But I don't know how...
I feel like I am going to be lost forever in this frustration, so I've decided that Justin and I are going to do something not boring and out of the ordinary---I don't know when and I don't know what...but we are.

I am open to suggestions. :)

Thanks!

Life is fragile, handle with prayer.

I got the idea for the title of this blog off of a plate hanging on my mother-in-law's wall at her house. I thought it was so cool!!
I love Easter because the church services are always so full! Prime time to help people come to Christ!
Pastor Wes George at FBC Rogers rocks my face off with his sermons, God really gave him a great gift! Today we read 1 Peter 1...of course because it talks all about the resurrection of Christ! I get so emotional because of the story, it's so humbling! My goal for this year is to help more people come to Christ. I have so many people in my life who don't know him which makes me so sad because no one ever knows when they are going to go. About three years ago I lost my grandpa. I loved him SOOOO much! He was always a joy to be around and you were always guarenteed a laugh, but the day he died was not as sad as I always thought it would be. Now don't get me wrong, I was sad and to this day you will catch me crying randomly just thinking about the joy and fun that I felt and had when he was around. However, 2 days before he died, he accepted Christ! What a joy!! I can live knowing that he is celebrating with Christ in Heaven which makes me so, unbelievably happy!
So, grandpa did it, I know the rest of my family and friends can too! It makes me so excited to see people coming to Christ! My favorite part of church, besides the worship, is when people get baptised (especially young children and senior adults). Everytime I see someone go into the baptistry at church, you can look at me and guarenteed, there will be a big, fat grin slapped on my face because that person is going to have a great journey whether it's 50 years or 2 days. I remember my grandpa being so sick and exhausted that he couldn't even eat; the day he accepted Christ, he ate and laughed and talked and was the fun, joyous person I knew my whole life!
My point is, even the most lifeless people can glow the brightest glow when they know their Lord and Savior!
I don't have my Bible in front of me now, and I don't know it as well as I should, but I encourage all of you to open one up to 1 Peter 1 (it's very short) and read about the miracle of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ--because "He who knew no sin, became sin" so that you can have ETERNAL life in Heaven!
Hope everyone had a great Easter and a great weekend!

Spring :)

So I don't have anything to rant about right now, but I'm totally in a good mood (Even though I'm freaking tired!) I love Spring because that means it's that much closer to Summer! Also, it gets me in the mood to clean! As much as I hate cleaning, I love what it all looks like when I'm done. I have a problem, though with keeping everything clean once it is finally to that point! So frustrating. So, you bloggers are going to have hold me accountable for making sure I am keeping my apartment clean. :) Tough job. So when I get home from work today, I will clean until it is spotless (or until I fall asleep in the middle of it all because I am SO tired!) The sun and blue skies keep me in high spirits, I love being in a good mood, and I'm pretty sure that the people around me prefer me to be that way too with me having the "red hair gene" and all.
So I hope everyone else will have a great day and a very HAPPY EASTER!
Let's all remember that Easter is the day that we remember the glorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

My first blog :)

Sooo my friend convinced me to do this (thanks, Angela :)).
I'm not 100% sure this will be the most interesting thing in the world to read but yesterday I was sitting trying to think about what I could talk about on my blog, if I made one. So here I am. I was intrigued when I read Angela's blog because it can turn into to something really interesting and I doubt mine would be as interesting as hers but she has always been way better at stuff like this than I have. Kuddos to Angela!
Our stories are very similar, the major difference between mine and her stories is that they take a turn in different parts of our lives.
My story begins 10 years ago when my mom dragged me away from my "friends" to this crazy place that I thought would be fields and cows and nothing more. Boy, was I wrong! 10 years ago, I was outgoing, outspoken, and didn't care what others thought of me or what I was wearing. My whole world was turned upside down the day I entered middle school in a town that I thought was going to contain no people. I went from being class clown and not having a care in the world to being the butt of all jokes and not saying a word for the fear that someone was going to make me feel like an idiot. I don't want sympathy from anyone...I was a weird kid, but I was happy when people liked me being weird. People here are MEAN! So outspoken, fun Megan turned into quiet, boring Megan...someone that I didn't want to be. In 9th grade, I found God, the best thing that has ever happened to me! God showed me that the people that I was around probably weren't the best influence on me. So I found Angela...and judging by our stories and the fact that people used to say "you guys are EXACTLY the same" led me to believe that we were meant to be friends. Even though I found my best friend...I still wasn't the person I wanted to be, or that God wanted me to be, but he showed me people who helped me and are helping me become that person.
All through school, I was at the mercy of my friends and co-workers, I always heard things like "Megan, do this with your hair", "Megan, wear more color", "Megan, don't say that or do this". Trust me, it was probably better that I was at the mercy of those people or I would be a colorless person with my hair up all the time...BORING! Anyways, now that I am 21 and married, I don't want to be at the mercy of anyone except for God...and I feel like I am getting there. My relationship with Him is always growing and will be growing until the day that I am with Him in Heaven. But, I want to be happy with myself while I go on my journey, so I am going to convert to 10 year old Megan who is outspoken and fun, with limits, of course.
So, that's what my blog will be about, I will be opinionated and outspoken, and through God's word, I will test the thoughts and opinions of others.
Now, sometimes, I probably won't talk about my opinions and thoughts, maybe I will release frustration or try to convey my happiness through my blogs, non-the-less, comments are welcome and encouraged. :)
So, in a couple of weeks, I will either be thanking Angela or telling her it was a bad idea to get a blog, either way, I guess it's something new.