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in christ alone.

April 21, 2011

one of my favorite hymns. (not necessarily my favorite singer…but the words are the same either way)

i had this made by lisa leonard because i wanted a reminder.
i wanted something i could see that would point me back….when i forget….when i lose myself.

no matter what is said about me…
no matter how great or how terrible people think i am…
no matter how badly i mess up…
no matter how i help or fail at helping…..
no matter what my family does or says or doesn't do…

my hope is in christ alone.

He died for my sin. (and yours)
He Rose to save me from it. (and you from yours)
He is preparing a place for me. (and for you too if you ask Him)

******************************
i hope you haven't forgotten about sergey.

there is still so much money needed to bring him home to his family that is waiting for him.
$10 is so little.
have you seen how many prizes there are??? it is amazing.
and that one is an IPAD!!!!
but really the important issue….more than the prizes….is sergey.
the thought of him laying in a crib all alone half a world away without a mother or a family
when a mother wants him in her arms…..
and the only thing stopping it is money…..
is heart breaking.

HEART BREAKING.

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

lisa leonard is helping out.

today and tomorrow….20% of sales
on the oval hangers like mine
go to bring sergey home.

go to lisa's site and find a gift for mother's day or a birthday or for yourself ……and help sergey.

think of all the neat things it could say for MOM!

you can customize them to say anything you want!
they are so cute.
enter the code: WHATEVER at checkout to make sure she knows to give your donation to sergey.
thank you lisa.

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Heidi Jo the Artist - Oh no, I missed the LL sale!
Thanks for sharing bible verses, love that you do this!! Opposite of you in the fact-I love Owl City, have contemplated seeing them live, but thought it would turn out like the Plain White T’s concert with lots of teenagers singing the songs and us not getting to really enjoy just their voices. Thanks for sharing the video, had surprisingly never heard that song of theirs before.

amy jupin - ok. you just got bumped up to ‘all-time favorite’ blogger status.
seriously.
you are so great.
i could just kiss you!
maybe next time. 😉

Cristi Clothier - Great post! have you heard Natalie Grant’s version of In Christ Alone. It’s one of my fav’s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9WbEn-Nj8

adrienne - once again… your happy things list make me, well, just dang happy!! i love, love, love the eggs and the peeps! cool symmetry vimeo! the cow and man eating alot just cracked me up!!

traci in virginia - The great thing about Owl City singing the song is that he has a young audience! My daughter loves him! Thanks for posting…she came right over to listen (and then said, “We sing that at church”!”)
Have a blessed Easter!

Shiloh - Every time I hear or sing this song, I get this huge lump in my throat, big ol’ tears, and I am just overcome with Jesus and his love for me. What an amazing God we serve!

Laura Phelps - don’t you just want to scream this from the roof tops?
I can not even begin to explain my love for Jesus Christ.
That with all of my sin…shame…guilt…pride…everything
He loves me still
so flipping awesome

Tracy Fisher - what a beautiful reminder!
tracy

Lisa - One of my favorites too. So powerful. I was thinking this morning about how frazzled and distracted I’ve been leading up to this Easter…so used up and tired. My mind landed on this simple truth: Jesus died and rose again…my life depends on that. Every day. In Him alone. Thanks for the reminder.

Short, Sweet Season - Love this post, the song, the wall hanging. I got it with your words, In Christ Alone, to hang on our door. Thank you for spreading the word.

Kimberlee Jost - Lisa Leonard rocks.
I love her so much right now I can barely contain myself!
Our hope is found in Christ…no doubt.
Love that song.

Darcie L. - Love this song. Hubby and I took a group of students to North Africa a few years ago and attended a church there (one of few in the whole country!) and their congregation was singing this song. So cool to hear people of all nations and languages singing the same song and declaring the same message. Happy Resurrection Weekend!

christi - this is my FAVORITE hymn!!

Amy - If you ever go to a Beth Moore LPL event and Travis Cottrell sings this, it will blow you away. You’ll want to die and go to Heaven right there! At the end, the drums beat super loud in the arena and you can feel the vibration through to your soul, along with all the voices singing at the top of their lungs. It’s incredible! It’s also on his Jesus Saves Live CD, but every time I try to turn my CD up loud enough to emulate the event, it’s never quite the same! Have a wonderful Easter with your family! Celebrate the Risen King!!
http://www.traviscottrellstore.com/jesus-saves-live-p-8.html

Jacci - Man, I’m back again! I realized, though, that your version didn’t have all of the words. Did you know there are more words? I thought maybe you left some out to make them fit in your artwork (?). Anyway, here are the lyrics – I realy hope your churches don’t cut some of these out. They’re all so doctrinally sound and full of truth.
http://www.ap0s7le.com/list/song/1181/Stuart_Townend,_Keith_Getty/In_Christ_Alone/
Okay. I’m done. Can you tell I love this song, too? 😉

Terrie - I’ve been checking in on the progress for Sergey regularly! I’m so new to this…how do I link the blogpost about dream big to my fb…I want to help spread the word!

Jacci - Here’s a link about the In Christ Alone songwriters, Stuart Townsend and Keith Getty 🙂 http://www.crosswalk.com/church/worship/song-story-in-christ-alone-1275127.html

Jacci - Meg – check out Keith and Kristyn Getty. Chances are they’ve written some of your favorite worship songs 🙂 I was just looking at one of their CD cases the other day and actually thought Kristyn resembled you. “Awaken the Dawn” is my favorite – stronger and more passionate musci wise, but the lyrics are always totally spot on and God-exalting. The Gettys are Irish, and there’s some killer fiddle if you’re into that sort of thing 😉

Karen Gerstenberger - What beautiful lyrics. Thank you for posting them.
Your rainbow posting below makes me HAPPY! I love your staircase. Happy Easter to you and yours. xoxo

jen smith - have you heard the travis cottrell version. it’s a must!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFzsU6u853I
crank it up girl!

Lisa - Thanks for the reminder and for your heart. Your blog is refreshing!

Shayne - Fabulous, fabulous song! Thanks for the post to Owl City’s recording. I had only heard it by the Newsboys.

Audrey - LOVE THIS SONG!

Lisa Faeth - Thank you for a truly inspiring post… Happy Easter.

tara pollard pakosta - I so love this….I really want that same reminder, it’s perfect!
what an awesome idea…
and truly I can’t imagine you ever messing up anything!
Thanks for the reminder of God’s love, I need that reminder daily!
xoxo
tara

Flower Patch Farmgirl - This song makes me tear up. What a good idea on the hanger thingy.

danielle - i love this song. i was just listening to the version by brian littrell last night.

Kathleen - Beautiful! Christ said, “If anyone love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our abode with him. He who does not love me does not keep my words.” John 14:23-24 Today is the day we celebrate the institution of the Eucharist, Christ giving himself, his flesh, his BODY at the last Supper. “Take and eat, this is my body.” Matthew 26:26 In John chapter 6:53-58 “The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us (his) flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.”
Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!!! May we all be one as Jesus is one with the Father!

april's craft nest - love that meg! in Christ alone! oh, and because of your last post about sergey, i made a small donation. it was your writing that “got” me. thanks!

Carolyn - I love that song–gives me chills and tears every time its sung in a larger crowd. =)

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Wow Meg…I love the one you chose. What a simple, yet DEEP message. Have a blessed Easter weekend! Christ is risen!:)

happygirl - Wonderful hymn and you wrote every word. Thank you and God bless you and your family on these holiest of days.

ingrid - Amen! Thank you….

Niki - Thanks for the reminder! Amen and amen.

natalie (the sweets life) - fabulous hymn. we sang this at our wedding! 🙂
off to find something on lisa’s site!

Alicia @ La Famille - this is so great! i love lisa leonard 🙂

Becki G. - This song JUST played on my Pandora station…
and now you.
Love it!

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new helper…drive bys….ipad dreams.

April 12, 2011

sean has been trying to make money for the book fair.

i had him clean the kitchen.

why haven't i had this kid doing this job all along???
he's awesome at it.

it sparkles!

————————————————————————-

in oklahoma we drove through an old neighborhood full of BIG old (and some new) homes.
i took pictures of some of them for the bloggy.
i was saying "oh look at that one!" "OHHH…look at that" "loove that"
craig just nodded his head.
he likes them too but the excitement is more….manly and toned down.
ha.

i liked the cool stone work around the windows.

i love white houses.
so much.
and then it has pink bushes! (but the two blocking the downstairs windows need to go…gotta let in the light!)
otherwise….i loved it.
it was for sale!

this one had the circle drive and the trees….beautious.

this looked like a movie….i don't know which one.
love the diamond leaded glass windows on the second floor and those third floor dormers!
and the patio.

fancy.
very fancy.

IMG_0373-6

i made craig go back for this one.
you can't see much of it but it was so cute.
it had a turquoise ceiling on the porch and a sunshine yellow door!
i wouldn't want to assume….but it seemed like this was a young family starting out in this fabulous house and
getting ready to make it awesome inside and out.
it's looking great.

————————————————————————-

did you go and donate towards Sergey's adoption yesterday?

did you see that now you could win an iPad2???

DREAM BiG is going to be BIG.

this was a comment left yesterday and i wanted to be sure that ALL of you read it.

"can you imagine if each person who visited here gave ten dollars? just ten dollars.
  the price of a magazine and a latte. a new pair of flipflops. a super pack of toilet paper.
  a sub, chips and a drink. sergey would be home in a wink and his life made whole again.
  i pray that it happens. for danielle and for sergey. i hope and i pray.
  because every child is a child of God. not just the perfect ones.
  God does not make mistakes. and sergey deserves a good life.
  we must make it so.
  we must."

help bring sergey home….click here to Dream BIG.

blog it.
facebook it.
tweet it.

————————————————————————-

happy tuesday to you.

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Max Boughner - Beautiful! I like the first and the last photo. They remind me of my past houses. We had to move to another house because of my job, but I’m happy with our house now. BTW, cheers to your new helper! He deserves a treat!

Jill Wade - I was just scrolling through your decorating posts and saw this one….my husband’s grandmother owned the white home for quite some time! What a SMALL world!!

amy - The house that you said looks like it’s from a movie reminds me of the house in “Home Alone”. Haven’t seen it in FOREVER so I could be way off!!

Christina - Looking at those houses is fun…we live in an area full of both old and new GINORMOUS homes. One of the houses we like to look at is rumored to be a rich and famous person’s house, and I noticed the other day when we drove by it on the street we don’t normally use (the house is on a corner) (is this making sense at all, probably not) that directly across the street is a very small house, that still has its Christmas wreaths up! It was the funniest dichotomy to me. It takes all of us to make up this crazy world. 🙂

Four Flights - I cannot believe that pretty white house is for sale for $500k. People in other parts of the country got it good. Real good I tell ya.

Kayla - We love going on Sunday drives to look at houses. We go get Dairy Queen or Sonic and drive around real slow and creepy like (if somebody happens to be watching) – but it is fun! Also, look at Sean’s man feet! It just reminds me of my son growing up – it was the first thing I noticed on him that was starting to look like a man – not a boy! Sigh.

Regina - That’s it. I’m buying that white house and moving to Oklahoma. 🙂

karen - great drive by’s! i love white houses too…mine is a white gingerbread style 🙂
I got my daughter’s rainbow shirt today!!! I yay’d and did a happy dance at the pick up box…some lady looked at me like i was a weirdo.

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Oh how I love those old houses. I live in a 20 year old track home and would so love an old fixer upper. I’m drooling now. P.S. love Kings of Leon too…saw them in concert in LA with my daughter, her friend and her mom (heehee) so fun. They totally ROCK!

Alicia @ La Famille - i love looking at houses! especially old, cool houses 🙂 my favorite was the one with the circle drive for sure!

Stacy - So cool that he wants money for books!

Courtney - LOVE the houses! Love Love Love! And on a related ‘love’ note: I tried your Chicken Enchiladas tonight and I love those too! Thanks!

Jennifer - If I could run in a neighborhood like that, I would totally be a runner. Not a once a week, die and wheeze, jogger? but a run fast like lightning runner.

a pocket full of posies - Oh my!!! you took a picture of my aunts house!!!! (in Tulsa!) too fun!- I’m sending her the link- she’ll be soooo happy you loved it! 🙂
…and I did donate yesterday- wish I had been able to send 10,000.00!!- what a precious family!
Many Blessings!
Jill

Rach - I am not even going to tell you what we just paid for a house in Southern Cali that would practically fit in the living room of the house you showed that is for sale. Nope. Not gonna tell ya. 🙂

crystal beutler - Those houses are to die for. How fun would it be to design the inside and the gardens. Sigh.
I’m giving up Starbucks today and donating to a good cause. Thanks for inspiring me. 🙂

elz - In case nobody piped in yet, the pink bushes are azaelas. Get the year round bloomers, they are lovely. In Houston, we have Azalea Trail events, you should see the homes here in the Spring. So colorful!

Alice H - The old (newly remodeled) homes in Tulsa are amazing!! Where you around the Utica area.
That’s a wonderful idea on how to get my kids to clean. They always want money for something. Skate night, book fairs, movies, etc. I will try this out!!

steffanie - Here in Key West all the older homes have their exterior ceilings painted light blue, it was an attempt to trick little critters and bugs into thinking that it was the sky and they wouldn’t want to create a home there. Just a fun little fact for you! : )

Jessica - I’m a Kansas girl who was in Tulsa this weekend too! I wish I got to see Kings of Leon, but I was there for an awesome photography convention. You should have been there for that too. It was so fun and free! I just had to pay for my hotel room and lunches. You should definitely go next year. You’d love it! MPix puts it on. Beautiful houses!

Shannon - Those are great homes! I love the white one 🙂
Ask Sean if he would like to come clean my house after he is all done 🙂

kristine - i bet sean could pick up some cleaning gigs at other houses on your street once they see this post!
i also bet that the turquoise and yellow homeowner reads your blog! 🙂 you’ve inspired a lot of sunshine and color out there!

Kerry Wiebe - Megs, of course you found the most beautiful houses in the promise land!!!! I’m so glad you had a great time!!!!

Jill - Thanks for re-posting the link for Sergey. I donated today. And I love those houses. This is one time I feel sad about living in NYC. 900 sq feet is all I can afford!

Amanda-ThriceBlessed - I would guess the movie you were thinking on the brick house was “Home Alone”? There’s a replica house in my hometown area and we always call it the “Home Alone” house.
My 8 year old daughter is trying to earn money to buy a guinea pig, she’ll do any chore and does it well! Its definately something we should do long term! 🙂

ashlee - you were in my mom’s neighborhood!! driving around those old neighboorhoods is one of my hubs and mine favorite things to do:)

Missy - We painted our front door yellow last summer. LOVE it! You can see it here:
http://mommyslittlepeanuts.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-new-yellow-door.html

Jemm - My husband and I are always doing “drive bys”. KC is SO awesome to look at houses.

Kristin - OH my gosh those houses! I am in love with big old brick homes like those. 🙂 I live in the suburbs of Chicago though so I would be paying a pretty penny! 🙂 Great helper! My nieces and nephews do chores around the house and it’s great. 🙂

donna - hi meg. i lived in oklahoma years ago. i loved tulsa i thought it would have been such a nice place to raise a family. i had my first child there 20 years ago last week then we headed to dallas where i gave birth 19 years ago – shall i go on – back to michigan giving birth 3 more times and finally to England where i had my final child – oh we also lived in new jersey – no babies born there 🙂

Sara - I love the house pictures. Did you spend a lot of time driving around Evanston/Kenilworth area when you lived in Chicago? I could tour those neighborhoods all day long! Love those houses.

Sugar Mama - My mom used to live near Utica Square! I loved staying with her and shopping there… and honest to goodness, I think the 5th house down is her boss’. Did it have a huge sloping front yard? If so, that’s it… Roy Clark’s house. You know… the guy on Hee Haw. That’s him. At Christmas time that neighborhood does the most beautfiul light display!

Kimberly Dial - Wow! Those were some gorgeous homes! On another note, I loved seeing your son helping around the house — what a great guy! (I love your floor!)

Heather - The white house totally looks like the house in Father of the Bride. I wanted that house so bad when I was a teenager! Beautiful homes!

Kari - Those homes are beautiful!
Thanks for sharing the info about Sergey’s adoption; it’s such a wonderful cause.

ashley jensen - We love to drive around Utica Square and look at all the houses. My daughter (3) loves to help with chorse and I keep wandering how much longer I have before she no longer wants to help!

Southern Gal - I love looking at houses, too, but have never taken pictures of them. You’ve given me inspiration. Oh, and those white and pink bushes look like trimmed azaleas. We let ours grow wild. Love them either way.

Michelle from Australia - I LOVE the white house. Seriously love, love, love. If only I wasn’t Australian, I think I’d be packing my toys and coming to make it home. Total gorgeousness. Thank you for sharing. GREAT pics.

Shannon - I LOVED those houses….found myself sayin the same things you were….oooohhh look at that…kinda thing. Thanks so much for sharing! 😀 Happy Tuesday to you!

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Happy Tuesday to you too! That house with the turquoise ceiling and yellow door makes me think that some DIY bloggers may live there:) I love to look at big beautiful old homes too. Theres nothing “cookie cutter” about them and they hold so much history and character.
XO,
Sarah

happygirl - I loved your house tour. I like looking at houses, too. It’s so much more fun when you don’t need one.

Stephanie - Love the houses. Love to see kids helping around the house. Makes me smile.

leonieke - wow,….this is so american! those big big houses! that’s the nice thing about reading blogs from other country’s to me.
enjoyed you’re blog!
have a nice day to!

Gemma - Happy Tuesday Meg!
Those houses are so big and grand….I agree..I would have those bushes down ASAP.
Gemma x

LouBoo - Hi there – those houses are just so pretty. And so many of them! I think it’s fab you took some pictures for us to see. Seems like a long way from here! In London there are these wonderful sets of ‘Mews’ houses which run around in a crescent shape just off the busy roads. They have gardens in the middle of the crescent – like in the film ‘Notting Hill’. I always want to take pictures but then think I will look slightly strange!! Lou x

Elizabeth - ha! That bottom house is the house of some very good friends of ours!! They have been making some changes to the inside, but promised they’d never paint the ceiling or the door. I’ll let Kari know you loved her house-she’ll get a kick out of that! They are our age with two little kiddos. Great, loving family that I adore.
And, isn’t that part of T-Town awesome?! I could drive around it all day admiring the houses. Please tell me you shopped at Utica. Hands down, the best thing about Tulsa. I mean, it has a Saks!
My son did the dishes tonight (for pay) and I’m thinking I should add it to his chore list (not for pay). He worked hard!
I’m praying Sergey is home soon-what a gift he will be and already is to his new family!

Leah - I love, LOVE the last house with the yellow door. If it were for sale, I may tell my husband that we’re moving. And considering we’re in San Diego, CA, that house is probably way less expensive and much nicer than the one we’re in. Sorry, San Diego. Runner-up is the house with the circular drive. And by the way, I love that Sean is raising money for his school book fair. That’s my kinda kid!

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dream BiG

April 11, 2011

….check out the MAJOR UPDATE on this fundraiser!!!….

danielle and her family are about to do something that is amazing.

and she needs our help.

they are going to adopt Sergey through Reece's Rainbow.

this sweet little boy with down syndrome is waiting and has been waiting for far too long half a world away to be loved and brought into his new home.

Danielle is having a fundraiser for the costs of adoption that is running now through april 25.
she is giving away lots of prizes….one ticket is $10.
AND ONE OF THE PRIZES IS AN iPAD2!!!!

i am confident that God will bring sergey home.

and that WE will be a part of it.
………………………………

………………………………

it is time to dream big ladies.
it is time to share our hearts.
it is time to not let sergey stay in that orphanage another day.
he has a mama who loves him and wants him in her arms.

let's do it.

LETS BRING SERGEY HOME.

do something BIGGER than yourself today.

go to danielle's blog and donate.

$10 for a chance to win an iPAD and help a baby come home to his mom????
you can't beat that.
you just can't.

go to reece's rainbow also….maybe your baby is waiting for you?

Ephesians 3:20
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

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Ivonne Loving - Hi! I included this post in this weeks from my reader round-up. Loved the post and thought it would be super useful to my friends and readers. I am praying for you and the baby, God works in mysterious ways!

Shox r4 - Nobody can go back and start a new begining, but anyone can start now and make a new ending.

stacy - i have been enjoying your blog for some time but never commented. i was delighted to see this post! As the parent of a precious 6 year old with Down syndrome Reeces Rainbow has been close to my heart for some time. praying for sergey and so many others!

Jennifer O'Steen - wow.. i hope one day i have the strength & determination to adopt a child with a disability. it is so amazing of you to help support her & spread the love.

Whitney S - Meg, Thank you so much for sharing this. I will definitely be helping Danielle bring that sweet baby home. It breaks my heart to see those sad little angels that need love and a home. I posted the cause (as well as Reece’s Rainbow) on my blog. I don’t have a huge following, but every little bit helps. Every child needs love, and by posting this you are helping!

Libby - Thank you Meg for highlighting such a great fundraiser and Reece’s Rainbow…there are so many ways to help these children with Down syndrome who don’t have a voice…blogging, facebook, helping with fundraisers, and of course adopting… I truly believe that each child here on this earth is here for a reason….so yes, thank you…and of course I love your blog! 🙂

Micah - I have seen God move mountains… $35,000.00 mountains… to bring not one but THREE precious children home to a loving family. My friends are in Eastern Europe right now… their court date is now set for Wed… then they’ll come home for ten days and back across the ocean to get these precious little ones and bring them home. RR is amazing. So glad to get to be a teeny part of bringing Sergey home to his loving family.

amy jupin - i love that you have a hand in this.
can you imagine if each person who visited here gave ten dollars?
just ten dollars.
the price of a magazine and a latte.
a new pair of flipflops.
a super pack of toilet paper.
a sub, chips and a drink.
sergey would be home in a wink and his life made whole again.
i pray that it happens. for danielle and for sergey.
i hope and i pray.
because every child is a child of God. not just the perfect ones.
God does not make mistakes.
and sergey deserves a good life.
we must make it so.
we must.

Crystal Swoverland - I’m so happy to help make this happen for this beautiful baby and his new family! It is such a worthwhile cause! We adopted a son from Ethiopia and it was so wonderful to see God move through the help we received! Thanks for being such an encouragement to me and others, Meg!

Necole - I am living by this verse today.

CathyC - I agree with the others: Kelle Hampton : http://www.kellehampton.com/

Janie Fox - I follow Reece’s Rainbow. I have a granddaughter( Ollie Faith) who was born in Feb who has DS She is a blessing with one extra special chromosome and I wouldn’t trade her for the world. So glad to see you supporting this.

Esther Dee - yes, Kelle “Enjoying the small things” perhaps could help…she is such a wonderful person and she does have a large following.
Give her a try.

Terrie - This is the 2nd time in a month I’ve been able to help with an adoption! Thanks for the opportunity! This is what it means to be the hands & feet of Jesus! 🙂

Janet @ Ordinary Mom - What a sweet face! I went and helped.

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - What a sweet boy he is! Praying that they bring him home soon!

Southern Gal - Maybe Kelle at Enjoying the Small Things could help advertise this? She has a huge following and it would be worth a shot to ask.

georgia - I’m 23, and its my dream to adopt a child!!!! I’ll definatly be donating to help ! Such a brilliant cause 🙂

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live without?

March 10, 2011

i got an email from Water4Christmas challenging me to Live Without for the next 6 months starting in april.

living without something different each month….a new challenge.

i went through the email and i got nervous.

and squirmy.

and sweaty.

i thought "what? not even coffee at home?! umm…..NO……i don't want to give up anything."

i almost deleted the email!!!

that is when i knew i HAD to do it.

i have to take part in this challenge because my first reaction was NO WAY.

i want to look the other way.

i want to just send money.

and sending money is fine….but feeling just a slight tiny tinge of what it's like to go without is more real to me.

the money i would have spent on coffee….restaurants….clothing….will go to charity:water.

$20 can provide someone with clean water.

twenty dollars!!!

i am so guilty.

i drop twenty bucks on nothing….on crap that i can't even remember!

so in april i will be joining the Live Without Campaign.

what about you?

************************************************************************

this was on the Water4Christmas blog and it touched me.
enjoy.

Liberia: soap and healing. from charity: water on Vimeo.

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Mary - My son-in-law works for Clear Cambodia, a water filter project. After visiting Cambodia last month it is amazing how many people live without filtered water and what a difference it could make in their lives.
http://mjbabs.blogspot.com/

Janine - Thanks for the thoughtful response and for clarifying things. I may have been kind of confused. I thought charity:water which is a big charity – (they raised over 7 million dollars last year) was the ones advocating this. On a small scale it is something that can be meaningful. I do understand the meaning behind the sacrifice – it’s awareness. I think it’s because I am usually aware of the luxuries I have due to past circumstance, that I don’t necessarily see the need for giving them up now that I can have them but I understand that others may need to. And, I don’t indulge all that often mainly out of habit. Plus I am a bit of a locavore if possible. I live in an increasingly more crowded suburb and I support the local businesses, and charities. As big as we are, small townness still survives, if only barely. (I don’t get my coffee from starbucks but from a local mom & pop grocery with a coffee stand, for example) I do get a bit defensive about trying to save that way of life.
I know everywhere in the world there is need, and if Africa is where you want to pitch in that is wonderful. Clean water is definitely a worthy cause. I did watch the video so I can see the good they do. If everyone chooses their own corner of the world to help, the world as a whole will be a much better place. Please know my gripe was never with you.

jeana - absolutely would love to join in! (and that wasn’t an easy yes)

MEG DUERKSEN - janine:
this isn’t a big charity like the red cross.
water4chirstmas is a group of women that i know.
and we donate to charity: water.
we are aware that everyone in our communities will not be doing this.
so that fear of driving people out of business is not there.
i am not afraid of starbucks losing money from a month of going without.
nor a massage therapist.
nor a movie theater.
you can choose to give in any way you’d like.
you could give and still spend on coffee if you wanted to.
it’s more a call to be conscientious about the luxury we have….the money we waste….being good stewards of what we’ve been given.
i am offering others a way to be aware of the world around them.
that there is a place to give that makes a difference in a way that is tangible.
you have the information and you get to choose what you want to do with it.
i believe in chairty: water.
in the video you can see truly how water projects change communities in west africa.
that means something to me.
that is important to me.
it doesn’t have to be to everyone.
i understand that.
i am not upset at all….just wanted to address my thoughts your concerns.
thanks for sharing your opinion.

Janine - I wasn’t going to do it. I was going to bite my tongue and not say anything. But I can’t. I have a problem with this, and it has nothing to do with you, but with the organization. I know all charities play upon our sympathies to get donations but this marketing campaign bothers me. And that is what this is by the way, a marketing strategy to garner donations. It’s the intent behind it all. They don’t care if you give up something, they don’t care if you think it will make you a better person, all they care about is you donate to them at the end of it. They want money, plain and simple. They want you to have something that is a daily reminder of them and maybe have some extra cash at the end of the month that you’ll give to them. The truth is whether they realize it or not, they want you to hurt your own community, by stopping your support of local businesses to help them. What if everyone in your community did this? What do you think would happen if no one showed up at the hair salon for a month? How many people wouldn’t be able to feed their families, pay their mortgages or rent due to lack of income? Or your local restaurant, retailer, etc. for a month? They would go out of business. You are hurting local families and the local economy which in turn helps no one. They are taking advantage of good people and I don’t like that. Maybe donate to a different water charity because although the cause is good I don’t think the way they present themselves is above board. I am stepping off of my soap box now. Thank you for the space to vent.

karen - wow..that’s a big challenge. and you are so cool sharing this with us!

Cha Cha - What a great idea, this will be an amazing time of growth for you I am sure. Good Luck
Cha Cha

Ami - Not that you need any more things to give up, but this is kind of a fun one for a great cause:
http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/

Jennifer - I’m going to do it too! I was giving up Dr Pepper for Lent already, so I will be giving Dr Pepper money instead of coffee money, but man, I’m already having a hard time with it and this is a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

Lisa - Love that you are going to do this and that you shared it with us. I’ve totally done the same thing where I try to ignore something that will “cost” me something big. Glad you listened to that voice telling you to obey and do it!

sue - Wish i could!

Lauren - I have not heard of this but I think it’s a really cool idea! Every time I take a bath I think how lucky I am to just turn on the tap and out flows all the clean water I want.

lesley - Way to go!

Tammy - I’m in.

maureen - I love charity: water and am so glad you introduced my family to this great cause. My daughter was so inspired by Scott Harrison’s September campaign video that she decided to give up her 8th birthday and ask friends and family to donate $8 to her charity: water campaign. mycharitywater.org/ellagrace She’s half way to her $5000 goal. It makes me believe that even, I–coffee addict that I am, could give it up too.

Sugar Mama - I haven’t checked out the link yet… but I’m already feeling a nervous knot in my stomach. I don’t consider myself a “high maintenance” woman, but I KNOW there are things I could give up and focus more on true needs.
Okay, I’m taking a deep breath and going over to click on the link…..

stephanie @ providence handmde - Oh, my. Giving up is on my mind as I gave up sweets for Lent….we’re one day in and I’m about to lose it. I also think fair-trade coffee is a great idea…we’ve tried to switch to that anyway. What could we replace that with? Desserts? Whatever it is, I’m on board. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

Meredith - What a wonderful idea! Live without and help so many.
More than a year ago I would have said I don’t know if I can live without my TV, my specialty face soap, and so many other things that I thought that I needed. My husband was without a job for several months and living without became our new thing. What I thought I couldn’t live without, I now realize I can and do it with a giant smile. You said it in one of your Africa posts, these people have so little but yet are so happy. Our things do not bring us happiness like so many of us think, it is our relationships and serving others! That is why we are here!
I love reading your blog! I love hearing about your faith journey! You have an audience that is listening and you are inspiring so many. You are opening many eyes to many things. I look forward to hearing about your living without journey!

Tracey Husted - I gave up my thrice weekly shopping trips to the thrift store for the month of March just because. I’ll have to think of something else for April.

Jamie - Thanks for posting and making me aware. This is an AWESOME opportunity…totally going to do this.
Love the blog…I tend to smile because of all of the bright colors!!

La - Don’t they mean giving up buying coffee “out” ie: Starbucks?
Why would you have to give up coffee you drink at home? I think buying fairtrade and brewing at home would be a great solution (says the caffeine addict who quickly needs to find a workable option). 😉

Carla - Great Idea. I’ve just quite chocolate for Lent. Ouch. Now, its just a suggestion but here’s my tuppence worth. What about not giving up coffee but just making sure your coffee is fairtrade. Coffee production is a really big earner for most African countries and fairtrade ensures the small farmer gets a fair deal. If everyone stopped drinking coffee, it would be a bad day for him. Just throwing it out there 🙂

~Debra - Count me in!

sarah - i love this meg! you’re so brave! i am so excited for you and excited for what God will teach you through this time of discipline and surrender. those things you feel you can’t give up? i think a time will come when you’ll realize how easy it is to live without them…you can do it!

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project 320.

December 16, 2010

are you missing out?
have you gotten to be a part of this project?!

the girls at Project 320 are raising money for charity:water again this year.

last year they raised $10,000.

amazing.

here are some of the prizes they are giving away this year…

ALL of the money donated goes to charity: water.
ALL of the money goes to build wells for clean water in countries that have none.

but ladies….you know it's not about the prizes.

if you have $10 extra.…give today.
that is a pizza for dinner.
that is a container of laundry detergent.
that is 2 starbucks.
that is a shampoo and conditioner.
that is a DVD or CD.
it's $10.

/>

julie's words:

"Is it fair that today I whine & worry over trees & toys,
when today 4500 moms just like me are worrying whether their
children will live or die?"

visit the Project 320 blog and see HOW you can donate.

and

read about charity: water and WHY you should donate.

we are so blessed.
we have so much.
let's give to those who don't.

show hide 14 comments

add a comment

Jenny - I love this, Meg. Thanks so much for sharing!

Kristin Hayne - Thank you for promoting this and having such a huge heart for the world and it’s water crisis. I donated yesterday and I will be promoting it on my blog as well. Good for you girl!!

Terri Christian - This just melts my heart! Your blog is so great anyhow I enjoy it so much but when you post about Africa and the things we, everyday, people can do it just melts me! You are awesome!

Simple Daisy - Thanks for sharing this!
It’s so important to give back ….but especially at this time of the year:)

Heather @ Cookie Mondays - thanks! 🙂

Elizabeth - In our family we generally choose names and give one gift — and the cousins (kids) choose names and give one gift. This year, we changed everything and decided to donate to a cause that we found worthy. Our family has donated to charity:water — I think you were the first person that “told” me about it, so thank you!

Lisa - I don’t know you obviously, but I feel similar to you. I am a mom of 4 kids trying to love God, love my family and serve the world. I think that is what you are doing as well. With baby after baby I sorta put “serving the world” on the back burner. Now with my youngest almost 2 I have recently been rejuvenated, so to speak, to serve and let the Lord use me more mightily. I guess I share this to say that I get so excited to see other moms stepping out there and trying to make a difference not only in their homes but in the world too! My prayer for myself is that my heart would never grow callous to the poor and those suffering injustice! I always want my heart to be tugged by these things. Thanks for being another reminder of our blessings and how we can be a blessing to others! Sorry this is kinda long! 🙂

Jen - My comment disappeared?! Anyway, was just saying that I love, love, love the video. The precious gift of water is just wonderful. x

Jen - x

Dana@Bungalow'56 - I for one have not heard of this project. Thank Meg, It’s something I can show my girls and we can hopefully become aware of all of our blessings while also helping at the same time. It is so important to share these messages as so often we start to believe everyone lives in the same bubble of luxury we do.
Dana

Jen Christians - Thanks for posting my picture… You are wonderful! (As always)I really appreciate you and all you do!

ingrid - thank you so much for sharing this. i’m going to post this on my blog as well. i have all but 2or3 followers but even 2or3 can make a difference. our family is participating. will also be praying

Julie - Thank you so much for having a huge heart for the world and for water.
You are my favey fave.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Meg, thank you so much for telling people about Project320! Your voice is so beautiful and so many people listen! {{hugs}}

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water

December 6, 2010

the water4christmas etsy shop is OPEN.

all profits go directly to building wells for clean safe WATER in west africa.

so no matter what you buy….you are buying clean water.

shop for christmas gifts….shop for yourself….shop for future gifts to give.

all orders made this week are guaranteed to be delivered by christmas.

shop with intention today.

*******************************************************

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Beth - I just bought a teal baby cradle for our 5 year old daughter. It’s beautiful, and it’s so nice to know that our little purchase will help others. Thanks for what you do! I read your blog daily. 🙂

becky lee - yay!!! i have a facebook advocacy page, and we’re in the middle of our Seasons of Giving, where i showcase webshops where you can buy christmas presents that also give back. i’d love to feature water4christmas tomorrow! didn’t have time to make anything, but i can definitely get the word out!

betsy - Yay! What a great collection. I was so worried that my measly crafty items wouldn’t be special enough … but one of them already sold. I’m so thrilled that I could help in my own, little way 🙂

Farmers Wifey - This is something I am going to check out..
If you have a spare moment, would you mind voting for me here..I’d so appreciate it! I’m on page 1 number 40 atm xxx
http://www.babble.com/babble-50/mommy-bloggers/nominate-a-blogger

Jennifer - Can I order 2 of your Africa t-shirts? Not sure if you can do that or not.

Heidi Jo the Artist - I just went shopping and am so excited to be involved again for such an amazing cause. Lovely stuff! Thanks for keeping us informed!
Do let us know when your t-shirts/burp cloths will available. Thanks! 😉

Jenn N - Unfortunately I just went to buy something but the seller doesn’t ship to Canada. I really wanted the Puddin Pop Doll. Maybe I’ll find something else.

lena - thanks for sharing this wonderful opp to give to those in need.
AMDG – Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
pax – lena
http://joyfilledfamily.blogspot.com/2010/12/necklace-for-charity.html

texassky - I bought the Daisy Mae onesie for a friend’s sweet baby Sophie. This will make the perfect Christmas gift. Thank you!

Kerri - Just bought a shirt for my son – SO CUTE!! Maybe next time you do this I will have developed a skill and can donate too! :))

Juli - I bought the coolest polkadot Vintage Paper Collage! I love it and it is going to look SO cool in my girly’s room! What a great idea-cool stuff AND the ability to support such a great cause. You are your friends are doing great things, Meg.

april - I bought the {food is love} picture….I love it…..

Steffanie - Fantastic! Will you be adding in any of the Africa tees? I was hoping for child’s size, I don’t need it by Christmas! : )

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Yay!!

april's craft nest - wwwooohoooo! awesome! i did not see the crafts i sent in though. did they not make it???

Holly - I just made my purchase! Yay!

amy jupin - meg, bought a bracelet and some vintage tea towels.
FEELS GOOD!! 🙂
you are amazing, by the way!

Kelly - I posted about this today too and linked to you! So exciting!! Kelly

Jen - Just went on to buy something now but only has shipping info for USA. Happy to pay more to ship to Australia. Is this possible?!
Thanks so much. p.s Shop looks great, sooo much gorgeous stuff!

Kori - I know you had a deadline for getting stuff into the shop, but is it too late? We moved a few months ago and I hadn’t gotten to ‘my’ stuff until just a couple weeks ago, so therefore wasn’t quite ready for something like this.

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awesome.

November 29, 2010

don't you love a day when you have big list and you kick butt at it?!

groceries
gas
bank
post office
laundry

check check check!

it's the little things that make me happy….

like finding $5 dvds that are good at the grocery store. YES!

like 2 magazines in my mail box on the same day.

like yummy salsa and sour cream with chips for lunch.

like texting with a friend half a country away….ahhhh.

i have more good things to tell you about.
REAL good things.

over one hundred of you asked me for the address to send your crafty goodness to the
water4christmas etsy shop.
it will open december 5.
be ready to shop.
(confession….as of now…i still only have the one shirt and one burp cloth made….)
but it's not about me….it's about YOU crafty ladies!
you are SO AWESOME!
ONE HUNDRED CRAFTERS!!! WOW.

*****************************************************************************************************************************

another cool….REALLY COOL thing…..the ADVENTURE PROJECT.
YOU can be a part of it too.

the Adventure Project is this:

read this post. and this post. and this is a good one too.

you can help by buying COAL for christmas.

check it all out at the ADVENTURE PROJECT.
we can't wait for you to join the tribe.

blog it…facebook it….tweet it…join us….BUY COAL!

i know that i spent a lot of money this weekend on stuff for my family.
just stuff…to play with…or wear to feel pretty in…to entertain us.
and i am guessing you did too.
not stuff to keep us healthy, alive and safe.
i spent money on just stuff.
buying coal is so much more important than my STUFF.
i am excited about this opportunity!

🙂

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julia - uh..$4 for Elf at Target….

Casey - I need one of these days..

shelley - ok…i know this post is about more than your list, but crazy that this morning as I was opening my blinds and looking around my messy home..you came to my mind. I have never even met you, but I thought “how does Meg get all this done, have such a beautiful family and home…and look so great” geeesh !! Then you go and post this list ugh !! Oh well. Jude is down to nap, guess I need to get offline on onto the chores.

Lisa - Thanks for providing us with the info and organizations where we can give. I think sometimes people want to help but don’t know where or what to give too. By talking about it on your blog you are giving lots of people an opportunity to feel like they are a part of something that is helping others! Hopefully this will spur others to continue doing this all year long! I am trying to never forget that there are so many who need our help. Its easy to forget and live our lives as if they don’t exist. My prayer is that I would never push these issues aside. Thanks for using your blog for these kind of things as well as all the other fun and real things you share!

Trina McNeilly - Ok.. I like how getting you’re groceries done makes you happy. I’m going to keep that in mind tomorrow when I go. I don’t know what it is about the grocery store but it is like my least favorite place.
I had a little something to say about you and christmas decor on my blog today 🙂
Glad you are having a great Monday!!!!!
xo Trina

april - very cool…i will check these charities out!!!

christy - finding 2 good 5$ dvds at the grocery store is awesome. but i think giving coal for christmas is even more awesome!!

Gina - I’d still love to get that address for Water4Christmas too. I’ve e-mailed you and someone else and haven’t gotten it. I’m sure I just got missed in the awesome response. Thanks!!! 🙂

emily - what a cool new organization. We are exchanging donations to our favorite charities in our family this year and I have yet to decide! I’m going to take a look at this one and perhaps someone will give coal on my behalf this christmas!

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