A journey of healing.

Please forgive me for my 6 month absence from my blog. I have been through a lot, and I would like to share it with you. Many of you have probably forgotten who I am, or that you even subscribe to my blog! But that's ok. ;-) I'll forgive you if you'll forgive me. :-)

We all walk through trials of many kinds, and I want to offer hope to all of you. Each situation is different, but God's Truth remains.

I have been struggling with stomach issues for quite some time now, and finally went to the Doctor in July. After running some tests, I was declared gluten-intolerant, possibly having Celiacs disease. I had anti-bodies to gluten detected in my blood. Slightly overwhelmed, but striving to take this in stride, I set out into my new gluten-free lifestyle. Gluten is in wheat, barley, rye, oats, and every packaged and baked good. It is also added to many many things that you wouldn’t imagine it being in.

I was daunted, but we were doing ok. But after a time I started to get sick again when eating. I cut out milk, and moved to soy. I then began reacting to the soy. I cut out soy. I did better and then got worse. I went to a gastroenterologist and IBS was suggested, but several tests were recommended and we could not afford them with our current health insurance.

I tried with everything in my own power to overcome, to discover the root of this, and to get well. Nothing worked. We then went to a Naturopath, and she started me on some treatments that began to help. We ran an allergy panel to see if I had other food intolerance allergies. Ironically, they got the test results in just after I got home from an appt with them. So I had to wait 24 hours for another available appointment to talk to them. Apparently there was “too much” to discuss it over the phone. Unnerved at what “too much” could be in the world of allergies (especially after being tested for 94 different foods) I waited anxiously.

At this point, I had begun to turn to God and seek Him out with a new determination for healing and hope. And really, just strength to get through each day, because I was a mess. (Oh that I had realized the importance of this sooner!!!)

I was praying before my appt, and I heard the Lord say in my mind “It’s going to get worse before it gets better.”

And boy was He right. As I looked at my allergy test, I think I nearly went into shock. It was stunning. I was allergic to nearly everything I had been eating. Beef, turkey, all vegetables except cauliflower, all nuts, all potatoes, all milk and milk proteins, and every single grain including rice and corn and wheat type grains. even sugar and COFFEE. This left me with a diet of pork, chicken, fruit, and a few types of beans. I want you to take a moment to imagine living this way. I was facing at least a year of treatment and recovery to eat normal again. I was overwhelmed.

I began to spend time praying and reading my Bible like never before. Every morning I called out to God for healing and strength. Through this time, I began to know my Lord in a very different and intimate way. If any of you are confused by that statement, message me, and I would love to explain it to you.

On Saturday night the Family clan was headed to Red Robin to eat. I was considering going home because I was tired, kids were tired, and I didn’t really feel like sitting there smelling RR food and watching everyone else eat it. If I were to eat it I would end up very sick for the next several days. Dalen offered to take me home. He then asked if I could just go for the French fries. I replied “No, I can’t” and IMMEDIATELY heard a response in my mind- “YES, you CAN”. We felt uncertain as to if this was God speaking or just hopeful thoughts, so we took time to pray about it. We decided after several Bible verses came to mind, that we were going to step out in faith and have the French fries.

And so I ate…

And I did not get sick.

The next morning as I was praying, I read a Psalm that spoke of eating and feasting and praising God. It ended with the the phrase “for He has done it.” This echoed in my mind all morning long, and I repeated it out loud. After church Dalen and I were joking around and he laughingly said we should go out for Mexican food. (My FAVORITE). As we drove away from church, I looked at him and said “Should we?”. We prayed and again were reminded of certain Scriptures. So, nervously, but again stepping out in faith, we went out for Mexican. I ordered a Tostado Salad with all the fixens’ - a HUGE no no for my diet. The giant FLOUR tortilla shell, the sour cream, everything. Plus the glorious basket of chips.

I ate…

And I did not get sick.

The night before, when I had heard God speak “Yes you CAN” to me, I had this following conversation with Him in my head-
God: “Your time of healing has come.”
Me: “But is it really that simple?”
God: “Yes it is, if it is that easy for me to forgive you (with just one word) then it is that easy and simple for me to HEAL you.”

I am ashamed to admit that I discounted this at the time, thinking I was just thinking thoughts to myself.

But God spoke the truth.

I am healed. There is no sickness in my body! I have eaten brownies, latte’s, oatmeal, milk, everything. If I were still sick, I would be curled up on my bed, so sick. But instead, I am healed, I can eat, and I feel so well!

My God is a God of healing. He is a God of power. I testify to His work in my life. He healed me quietly, simply, and beautifully.

“I know there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his toil- this is the gift of God. I know everything that God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere Him” Ecclesiastes 3:12-14

For He has done it!!!

A title so catchy, that you feel you MUST come read, because you miss me so terribly.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. -Thomas Bayley

Ever absent, ever near; Still I see thee, still I hear; Yet I cannot reach thee, dear! -Francis Kazincy

In the hope to meet Shortly again, and make our absence sweet. -Ben Johnson

Absence diminishes little passions and increases great ones, as the wind extinguishes candles and fans a fire. -Francois Duc de la Rochefoucauld

With what a deep devotedness of woe I wept thy absence--o'er and o'er again Thinking of thee, still thee, till thought grew pain, And memory, like a drop that, night and day, Falls cold and ceaseless, wore my heart away! -Thomas Moore

How like a winter hath my absence been From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year! What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen! What old December's bareness everywhere! -William Shakespeare

Sometimes life needs re-focusing. For a time, the excess, the things that crowd the mind, must be let go. Hands must gently release the tight hold on such things, and re-purpose themselves to shaping the core of ones life.

I have been absent from my blog life for a time, because I have been striving to re-shape some areas of my life, and it seems it has taken my full concentration to do so.

I have been trying to keep a cleaner house, and this has involved putting all the scrapbooking and crafting items in an upstairs closet to #1) Free up some space in our dining room, and, #2) Stop strewing crafting supplies all over the house. I haven't had time to do much crafting, nor the energy. Don't allow yourself to sniffle and sob after that last sentence, all that craftyness is still there, it's just waiting for a more appropriate time to emerge! I think that if I had a ROOM to craft in, my own room, I would be more apt to keep it out and do a little every day. I don't have that luxury though, and for the moment I have a little 15 month old's hands that grasp and pull ANYTHING and EVERYTHING off the table, shelf, wall, ext.

Another change that I am thrilled to report, is that I have lost 20-25 pounds! (Since January) ((Audible gasp!!)) I accomplished this by counting calories. For the biggest part of my loss, I was counting calories and cutting carbs. I cut out sugary snacks and breads. Oh the torture! But it was worth it! Now, to stay sane, I continued to have my Starbucks, but I got non-fat lattes and sweetened them with NuStevia. The other day I decided to try iced americano and measured in 2 ounces of whole milk (appx 38 calories) and NuStevia. Now I can drink a fabulous coffee drink with only 38 calories!!! Which means I can drink it a) more often, and b) eat something yummy with it. I am thrilled with where I am now, but I am starting to exercise because I would like to make those last few pounds go away, or at least see a firmer more sculpted physique! Whew, I hope that wasn't boring for you all to read.

Finally, I have been striving to be a better mother, be more present with my children and husband, and really LIVE, without being so distracted by other things. I forget sometimes that these are the years I will miss oh-so-much. I want to be fully immersed in my life and my family, so I don't regret any missed time.

Besides those changes, we have also been sick. SICK SICK SICK. Seriously, this cold and flu season has been TERRIBLE!!! It is one thing after another. We have been well for a few days here or there, and then BAM, sick again. I am kicking myself repeatedly for not getting flu shots. Next year, we are all getting them! I am still thinking about getting them, but we have probably gotten everything we possible could have. As I type that I think, no, the universe will prove me wrong, and we will get a new one next week. When the kids get well from the sickness they have NOW. Yes, we are sick right now. And yes, I think it is driving me slowly insane. Kind of like that water torture where the water just constantly drips, drips, drips, on to the victims forehead. Yes, I feel a bit like that.

So here I am, a re-purposed me, still striving to do my best in the life God has blessed me with! I cannot make promises of daily posts, but there will be more posts, more of life to share, and love to pour out.

Aren't you glad you visited me today? =)
-Megan

Through a 3 year olds eyes

My son got to use my Mom's camera the other day to take some pictures on his own. Here is the world through his eyes-

Quite fitting, mostly pictures of his hotwheels. Hehe. And a shot of his sisters leg. My mom is worried that she may have created a photographer monster, he really enjoyed himself!!

Spring is springing and life has been so busy, with all sorts of activities. I've also had a lot on my mind and haven't had any creative energy. Sigh. I am determined to get back into the blogging swing here. I had coffee with a friend and she chided me for not blogging lately. So this ones for you, Amy!

Digging in,

Upgrade!

The diaper bag is going to get filled with everything we could possibly need- EVER- and is going to reside in the van from now on, to be carried about no longer. It's time for Mommy to get a new purse.

She's PINK. Need I say more??

MMMM HMMM. I know you girls know what I'm talkin' about. ;-)

--------------

By the way. You are wondering to yourselves..."What's with this girl? She gave us an inspirational post last week, spouting that she was all re-fuled with bloggy-creativity and we don't see her for another week??"

Two more words- FOOD POISONING.

I'm feeling much better now, thank you.

Words that Bless

I am feeling revived after what unintentionally turned into a week long blogging break. I feel the creativity seeping back into my heart and soul, and am glad to return with a sense of renewal!

Today I want to talk about the kindness of strangers.

I don't think we realize how much we affect those we encounter throughout the days, weeks, and years of our lives. Most days many of us go about running out errands, trying to get the kids here or there, and trying to get back home, without taking much time to consider those who surround us. We don't know who they are or where they are going, we just encounter them in our "here 'n there's" and that's that.

You know what I'm saying, right?

Today, our family went to the Aquarium. We had a splendid time looking at all the fish, seals, and (my favorite) the sea otters. As we were walking down the hallway to another exhibit, my son wanted to stop at a felt board, where you could move felt ocean cut outs around. There was another little girl playing there, with her grandma. Her grandma smiled at us and started chatting away. Gushing even! She saw LaLa and started to tell us how beautiful she is. This wonderful lady went on and on about our beautiful child. She was full of kind words that she poured over me, and it felt like a blessing flowing from her lips. She asked how many kids we wanted, and if we wanted to have more. When I answered that we do want more, she beamed and told me that she grew up with 5 brothers and 2 sisters, and how it was the best thing in the world to be all together in their home growing up. When she saw our Dear Son, she told me how incredibly handsome he is (EVERY mom LOVES to hear this! We all think our kids are spectacular, but to have someone else rave over them? Divine.) and what a great job we did with them. (I am not sharing this to brag or strut! I actually shied away from getting too descriptive about our chat, but I felt the content would help illustrate my point.)

Of course her lavish praise over how lovely she thought our kids were was wonderful. But what really stirred me was that this lady took the time to really talk with me, and to speak words of kindness to a stranger. Without knowing it, she was investing in my life and the lives of my children. She was lifting my spirits. She gave me a blessing.

I want to do that! I want to invest into the lives of those whom I encounter, leaving them with gifts of words that they can ponder and be uplifted by. I always try to ask my checker at the store how they are doing, and try to have conversations with others to let them know I care. After this experience, I want to do more. This isn't the first time in my lifetime that I have been reminded of this, and I'm sure it wont be the last.

I want my eyes to be opened to those who surround me. I also want to take the time to consider what they might be going through if they have been rude or short with me. So often those ones are the people who need our understanding the most. They might be sick, losing their home, or even a family member. Or maybe its just been one of "those" days or weeks. Maybe my asking them how they are will encourage them.

Speaking blessings to others will also bless us. If we take the time to encourage and bless others, it will lift our own spirits. It can help us to get out of a funk, and re-focus on what is really important. We open our hearts and let the Lord work in our lives.

You might never see or hear the impact your words have on others. But words of blessing will always seep into even the hardest of souls, and make an impact in their lives.

Go forth, and bless!
=)
Megan

Where I show you my present, and tell you about the insane penguin.

I was very excited to arrive home the other day to find this on my porch-

I love LOVE love opening packages. I am addicted to swaps, because I get presents! For this swap I got PaperJunki as my partner- and she is great! The gift was so fun to open! It was filled with green confetti paper and fabric shamrocks.

Do you see all the funness??? Fun fun fun. And how kind of the sun to shine in my kitchen window with such perfect timing. Me and the sun, were like this *crossing fingers*.

There were even some glittery shamrocks!


Hmmm...did she check out my blog? Or is she a mind reader? 'Cause coffee? You all know its my THING.

I pulled out this cute little basket....

Look! A leprechaun hat for me! I should have taken a picture of myself trying it on.

And a Pot of Gold!!! Talk about economic stimulus.

I then found this cute little Irish angel waiting for me...

And this clover pin...

And this most-awesome Irish linen handkerchief! I am itching to use it for something. Love it!

Hey, that hat fits the little angel perfectly! She must have planned that. How cute is he now?

And here is the gift as a whole. I have always loved displaying my gifts out in the open for all to see. When I was a kid I left my loot from my birthday on the dining room table for a day or two, just enjoying the site of it...See the little clover sticker in there? Almost forgot to mention them!

As to what I have been doing this week, I have been enjoying this guy....

And kissing this baby girls cheeks....a lot...Aren't they so color coordinated?? Yes, we are picture perfect all the time, I promise you.

I want to say that I also participated in the Valentines Swap at Bunch of Scrap. I received another fabulous-exciting-fun-to-open present from Amy at Living Life Lovingly. She send me such a spot on gift! I loved it. I opened it and used it all right away, and failed to take appropriate pictures and blog about it...My excuse is that it was just before LaLa's birthday! =)

Randomness- My husband is watching a movie about the South Pole right now, and I kid you not, they just talked about insane penguins. There are penguins who apparently go insane, and wander off from the penguin 'herd' (Herd? Group? Flock? I'm thinking its the last one...) and head inland toward the mountains...They just keep going...and going...and going...

I felt you all would want to know that very important information. You're welcome.

Well, there is my random update to share with you all!

Feeling scatterbrained...

Megan

Just another day in paradise...

It's been one of those evenings...

One that makes you throw up your hands and say "What's a girl to do??"

My answer? A warm shower, and then I'm getting a tan.

No, I'm not in Hawaii, or some country where the sun is still up. And even if the sun WAS up, I'd get not a hint of color here!

It's this-

I sure hope it works, and that I don't end up with any weird streaks. Or looking like I just put on war-paint.

'Cause that just wouldn't be cute.

(But it could possibly be highly amusing to those who had the opportunity to OBSERVE.)

Speaking of amusing!!!! I just had a funny moment play through my mind. Remember Ross on Friends??? And his spray tan adventure? That had my husband and I ROLLING.


(I did the spray on twice. I couldn't bring myself to go back because it freaked me out so badly each time!!!)

Feeling better now...
Megan

Fabulous Finds Friday! {Under $10}

Hello my friends! Welcome to another Fabulous Finds Friday! Each item here is under $10.00. I know most of us are on budgets...and I want to share some finds with you that you could actually snag for yourself, rather than just dream about!

First off, this skirt- It Does Not Get Any CUTER!!! I found this pattern listing on Etsy, and I feel that I must have it!!! (Note, this is a pattern listing, not an actual skirt! 'Cause getting the skirt, already made, for under $10? That would be a miracle!)

Next we have this Adorable headband. It's only $6, and I think I would rather buy it than make it. Sometimes you just want to treat yourself, know what I mean? This one is an adults headband, and they make little girl's ones too!

This Charm is striking! All you would have to do is string it on a chain, and you have a one-of-a-kind necklace. No additional embellishments needed. I love it.

And then there are these simple and stylish earrings. They are made by an etsy-er in Hawaii, and my mind has been hooked on summer an summer dreams lately.

What Fabulous Finds do you have to share with us?

=)

Megan

My Boy

This is My Boy. He is wild and sweet, tenderhearted and impetuous. When he was born my life was transformed. I fell in love with this new being whom I held in my arms. He is 3 1/4 years old now, and fills my everyday with energy, delight, and always some frustration on the side!

I wonder what he will do? Where he will go?

I pray for him everyday, for protection, for a heart that will always be sold out to God.

I pray for wisdom. Because some days I don't even know how to respond to him.

Right now I am watching him play with his trains. They are having conversations I don't think I can even begin to translate.

I love this photo. I love playing around with my pictures for a unique feel. This one seems to capture him in so many ways. It's from last summer. I think it's about time I print and frame this one, don't you?

In what ways have your children impacted your life? And if you don't have children, how has a child you know transformed you?

Thoughtfully,

Megan

Joining Wordful Wednesday....

My Sordid Past with Mod Podge

Mod Podge and I have a history together. Not a warm-fuzzy-gives-me-tingles history, but one that makes me break out into a cold sweat.

Our oh-so-tangled past began when I was around the tender and impressionable age of 12 or 13. I went to the art store with my mom, on one of her frequent trips there. As a child I became very familiar with the art store. My mom is an Artist. A real one, with a capitol A. She paints watercolors, oils, acrylics, and oozes talent from every pore. ( You can meet her HERE)

I ramble.

We were strolling through the isles. I always enjoyed parts of these forays, when bored there was always the pen section- where you could test almost any of the markers or pens on the pad of paper supplied. We entered the glue isle, and it is here that the how and why's become a little blurry. I think I told my mom I would carry the Modge Podge for her. It was quite a large jar too- Super Sized Mod Podge. I trailed behind her, white goop in hand, when I guess I decided to toss it and catch it and walk at the same time. Except, I never got to the catching part.

I tossed the Mod Podge up into the air...and instead of landing in my outstretched hands, it landed on the carpeted floor. And exploded. White globby goo everywhere, seeping into a giant circle in the middle of the aisle. Soaking into the stores carpet.

I died. Right then and there. I was mortified. I, the child who wouldn't order my own food at a restaurant for fear of drawing attention to myself. I just made mixed-media-art out of that stores carpet.

I looked at my mom in horror. I think she must have seen the fear/humiliation/agony on my face, and the tears pooling in my eyes, because after we told the store clerk, she allowed me to wait in the car while she finished up in the store.

To this day, I still can not go in there. I don't know if it was a dream, or if I really did go in once, but in the back of my mind I can see a cloudy stain on the floor, the messy remains of my first Mod Podge encounter.

Only now, as a mom myself, do I realize how embarrassed my mom must have been. And I wonder, did she have to pay for my mess too?

Tonight I had flashbacks to that day. I was creating, and in the creating-zone, when I bumped my jar of Modge Podge and nearly sent it flying onto the floor. Thankfully, it only splattered the floor, and most of it got on my sons booster seat strapped to one of our chairs. My husband came over and helped me clean it up. He always says to let him do it, so that if the carpet gets ruined, he only has himself to blame. Did you know that hot water and shaving cream will clean almost anything off the carpet? And leaves it smelling good too. How? Don't ask. It is my husbands cure-all for any mess on the carpet. Dog threw up again? Shaving cream, of course. It kindof reminds me of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and the fathers obession with Windex. Whatever works, right?

Mod Podge disaster averted, and I think I can bring myself to open the jar again tomorrow and finish my project.

My husband just said "I know, you don't do this stuff to create stuff, you do it to get stories to write about. That's what you guys are really doing. You think 'I wonder what I can get my husband to clean up tonight'" and then he walked off rambling something like this (in a fake woman's voice) "My husband Modge Podged his butt to the toilet seat..."

You're right honey, that is EXACTLY why we do this stuff.

{Edited to add- Go visit my lovely Mother's blog and say hello!}

{Music Monday} and Giveaway WINNER!

This week I'm lovin' the music that Jimmy Needham makes. He has a great sound, and uplifting lyrics. His hit song "Forgiven and Loved" has been playing on the radio, and after hearing it, I had to download his album! Right now it is playing on my ipod through my stereo, and my 3 year old is dancing around the room to the tunes. I couldn't get "Forgiven and Loved" onto my playlist, so be sure to pop on over to his MySpace page, and you can listen to the whole album- for free! You don't need a myspace page to access it, just listen away.

Thank you all for entering the Fru-Fru Headband and Clippy Giveaway (and tutorial)! I hope you all make tons of these yourself. Did you see the comment from Heather? She said that you can find those clips that I REALLY wanted to use at Sally's Beauty- a large quantity for a low price! I don't know if it is a West Coast only store, but it is a discount hair supply product store. Maybe I will stick some Fru-Fru's in my shop soon? What do you all think? Imagine all the places you can clip these, besides baby headbands! How about your own hair? Go ahead, make a statement! And Amanda- I got the teeny tiny clippies at Target! (I love target...) Also, thank you to all of you who decided to jump up and down and lick your elbow for additional entries, I am highly amused imagining you all doing this.

Now what you have been waiting for.....

Drum roll please...

The winner is- Amanda @ Imperfectly Beautiful!! Congratulations!! And by the way, I peeked at your blog and see it is your Birthday, so double congratulations!!

Thank you for all your kind comments for me and my sick family! I had no voice this morning, but am improving as the day goes on. I am looking forward to wamer weather and well bodies! We are going on vacation to Hawaii in May, and I have been getting myself through this BLAH by dreaming of that. A girl has gotta have something to get her through, right?

I hope you all enjoy the music of Jimmy Needham this week!
=)
Megan

I was abducted by aliens...

Little germ Aliens...

They have taken over my body and my house! We all got sick this week, hence the silence over here in blogworld. Alas! No Fabulous Finds or creative posts! Can you ever forgive me?

Today I tucked my son in for his nap. He said to me "I got the germ. It came in my mouth and went down my throat..down here by my cheek, and went to the middle, and then this side, and then up into my mouth, and my teeth..." Now is where he really started to ramble. Because he mentioned his teeth. This got him thinking. "And my teeth got bigger, cause the dentist painted them..." We had floride painted on them a few months ago at his first dental visit. A fasination to be sure. His little mind continued spinning, and his rambling went on for a moment, until I said goodnight. Silly boy! Oh to be inside that mind and hear all the things he thinks! He makes me laugh. Right now I am listening to him in the tub, and he is singing a song with the rubber duckeys he is playing with.

I will return next week with much more energy, and hopefully some fun to share with you all!

Fighting Germ Warfare...
Megan