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photography + friends = awesome

January 24, 2017

6 years ago i went to a GoPro Workshop to learn about photography from Wendy & Tyler of Blue Lily.
i don’t think any of us could’ve imagined when we signed up for those workshops that we would end up with a friend group like this but i am SO grateful for all of them!
The next year they started GoPro Reunions for anyone who had participated in any of the workshops and it’s continued ever since. I have been only been able to make it twice – one in Utah and one in Colorado (you can click on those and see the crazy stuff we did!)

but this year… the reunion was at the Craft House!

it was so special for me to get to share my real world with these ladies.
and i really had fun being at the craft house and to not be the one in charge!

it was so wonderful catching up with these ladies.
each love photography and have their own unique style.
they are from all over – from maryland to washington to new york to california and everywhere in between.
i think my friend summer said it well, “we come from a wild variety of backgrounds and beliefs, but all share a mutual kindness and respect that makes a truly beautiful friendship.”

i left the weekend feeling so honored to be included in this group of women.
what a gift they are to me!

and i have to say… i have never seen a group like them out at the antiques barn.
it was “Photographers Gone Wild!”

i like every single one of those girls!

( i didn’t take ANY of those photos – credits go to all them)

NOW… you need to get on Wendy’s photography calendar for your family’s photos!!
Blue Lily is EVERY WHERE!
they take pictures all over the world!
find a date that works for you and get it scheduled.
you will not regret having family pictures of this stage right now – whatever this stage is – because they are ALL special if the they include people you love!
here are the four sessions we’ve had with Blue Lily over the years:

2010 – when i was taller than all five kids!

2011 – when it was cold!

2012 – the paint fight insanity

2014 – the hug fest

and we WILL figure out a time and a way to do it again this year!
because everyone changes SO quickly and i love every stage!

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Lori - Love seeing your family photos!

Patty - OMG, I teared up looking at the photos of your family growing up…. <3 It looks like you had so much fun with your photography group!

Sue - What a lovely fun post.

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2014 in photos

January 2, 2015

2014four 2014eleven 2014fifteen 2014five 2014eight 2014fourteen 2014nine 2014one 2014seven 2014seventeen 2014six 2014sixteen 2014ten 2014thirteen 2014three 2014twelve 2014TWO

what a fun way to remember!

i was going through Instagram and Facebook, seeing so many posts on what they learned this year.
and their word for the year.
i felt blank.
i thought… did i learn ANY thing?
my brain was feeling like mush from the holiday crazy schedule.

then i looked through these photos.
i see love.
and being loved.
color.
life.
dreams.
strength.
JOY.
courage.
creativity.
focus.
change.
FUN.

this year i found out how to love my kids deeper than i ever have.
this parenthood stuff is HARD and crazy amazing all at once.
it’s no joke.
and i am so proud to be their mom even when things get hard.
I’m happy to walk through life beside them too.

this year i realized i had dreams in my heart i hadn’t validated.
after a little working through what that means… 2015 is the year to make them happen.
i feel like jesus is saying “enough stalling Meg!”

what i reflect on again and again is that through it all God is so good!!
that doesn’t mean everything is perfect.
it’s not.
life is messy. (sometimes a complete disaster!)
everyone has struggles.
no one is alone in that.
but God’s Grace covers all of it.
He takes our offering of brokenness, weakness and failure and FLIPS it upside down.
He says “i love you. You are mine. You are new.”
we are not our mistakes.
we are not our past.
we are not what people think of us.
we are made new through Him.
God is good. He gives me HOPE. He carries me through.

bring on 2015.
i am ready.

(i think… maybe just a quick nap first)

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Kellyn - just thank you. Thanks for being you!! that is all 😉
have a blessed craft weekend!

Lori - I never get tired of your beautiful photos!

Courtney - Those photos are soo great! It was the motivation I needed! I have to print mine out and take more in 2015! Time just slips by way too fast. Great documentation of your year! Congrats!

annette - great post – i think taking pictures really helps us remember where we have been… wondering where you got your ‘Jesus loves me’ t-shirt?

Sue Linse - Love the pictures Megan! (does anyone call you ‘Megan’ anymore?…or is it just Meg. Anyway – only comment – love any picture of Stanley – SO cute. And Annie is freaking Adorable – should be modeling for GAP or something. Miss you as always 🙂

jennibell - Wow. What a beautiful, reflective post. You are inspirational to so many Meg!!!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - So many beautiful smiles! And I can’t wait to watch your dreams unfold!

Melissa - Amen! Here’s to 2015

Carol S. - I like your photos and perspective. You’re one of my favorite bloggers…real…colorful…most important, faithful. My blogging schedule has been reduced to one a year, lol. I don’t know how you do it, but sure am glad you do. Jealous of all your adorable pics with hubby. My husband ducks when camera comes out!

Kimberlee Jost - I loved all of the pictures!

amy jupin - i share so many of these same thoughts and emotions, especially in the message i keep hearing from jesus.
“don’t be afraid. stretch, grow, follow your passions!”
i push it down again and again.
what does it possibly mean?
what if i blow it?
we need to follow his lead and fight for our dreams!
they are important. so, so important!
i am with you, friend.
i am for you too.
happy new year meg!

Tammy - Happy New Year! Thanks for always being such an inspiration Meg!

Amy - Cheers to 2015! I’ve loved following along with you here and on Instagram. Thanks for sharing your life with us!

Lisa - Well said! Here’s to 2015!

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family photos!

November 28, 2014

this.
Blue Lily sent us our photos.
and i absolutely LOVE them…. every single one.
wendy you are SO TALENTED!!!!!

TYL_1749 TYL_1776

TYL_1796 ls2 st2 acm2 TYL_2064 mmom&boys TYL_2114 TYL_2025 asm TYL_2159 TYL_2145 TYL_2168 TYL_1997 TYL_2204 TYL_1817 TYL_1889 scott&talby-2
seanH TYL_2225 TYL_2283 TYL_1827 TYL_1916
squeeze

and now i need to order some!!

Blue Lily has made their 2015 schedule.
its WORLDWIDE.
i think you should get on their schedule!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
family photos are such a gift… you never know when life is going to change.
they freeze time.
we will have that night – that hour – forever.
and it was a really good one. 🙂

thanks again WENDY!!!

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Jeanie - Meg, you have a beautiful family! And I have to tell you – when I first looked at the pictures – I thought “where’s Meg?” You looked like one of the kids! How do you keep yourself so young – with so many kids, so many activities, schedules etc? I need your secret!

ellen patton - there’s a lot of love in these photos!

tracy fisher - love. just, love.

Debbie - I never get tired of looking at Bluelilly photos. I agree, all are very nice. You’ll be so glad you have these.

misty - wow! gorgeous! the 4th one down needs to be on a HUGE canvas! You have a such a pretty fam!! Love love!

danielle - These are gorgeous! You guys look great!

jen - Such great pictures! Thanks for sharing them.

Mindy - Beautiful photos done in perfect light. What a lovely family you have and great memories captured.

Kristin - Gorgeous pictures, with so much love shining out of them!

jaimie - beautiful! i love the poses, lighting and the outfit choices…you can tell from the pix what a lovely, tight-knit family you are! happy holidays!

iralee poore - these are simply amazing!!!! i love love love the lighting!!!

bethr - oh Meg, it was so fun to see all these beautiful photos of your family! The outfits, the light, the smiles and connection you 7 seem to share- all so touching!

Amy - LOVE!! You guys are gorgeous!!

Lori - Great pictures 🙂

Diana Yarborough - Beautiful family pictures! We need to do them like this one day!

On a totally different subject, is there a sewing machine you recommend? I really want to get one, but am obviously a beginner.

Leslie Humphrey - Absolutely beautiful – your family and the pictures. The love just oozes from each shot – thanks for sharing!

Stephanie - I have tears in my eyes for some reason. Good pictures do that. Your family is so beautiful and reminds me of my own in so many ways (we have seven kids). I love love love when big families are all captured in one shot–looking happy and in glowing light. You have quite a job picking one picture out!

martha - okay…so I’m just commenting to wish you luck picking your favorite picture! usually there is never a shot where everyone looks good and all of these do! ps. we don’t get a glimpse at your eldest daughter very often- she is just lovely! thank you for sharing your family with us!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Stunning!!!
The one of the girls together…or you and the boys. Agh! Such pretty people. And the stripes were the right choice.

Kristin S - What perfect light. How did you capture so many great shots at that perfect light?

I love that last one.

Jenn - What stunning photos of your beautiful family! Just lovely! These are indeed true treasures that you will cherish and look back on for years to come. Many happy blessings to you and your family this holiday season. I am a thankful reader whose life is enriched by the inspiration you share. Thank you!

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kansas glory

September 12, 2014

we are deep into Camp Create right now (oh-my-gosh-it-is-so-much-fun!!!)
we are creating… listening to holley speak…. processing…. and eating so very well.
that kimberlee has such a gift for choosing the best foods to make women feel loved.

we went to the barn and shop today.
i thought it was so full of everything amazing.
i always love what the ladies find but today was especially good.
old chippy junk makes me so happy.

everyone is creating with stephanie right now so i have a moment to post.
i was having trouble with the tech-y side of the blog all week so now i have got it figured out (thanks to the Pro-photo peeps).
i have been dying to share these sunflower pics.
this field is 2 miles from my house.
i had a moment of complete awe when i drove by it… i mean… W O W!

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Melissa - Aaaaah- I love these sunflower pictures!!! They are beautiful and capture the glory of God’s creation! 🙂 The picture quality coming across my computer screen is amazing!

Jenna - The sunflower fields say “home” to me. I’ll be hoping for a print in the future!!

Lilly - oh what glory! i hope you will sell some of these as prints in your shop – I would love to buy some, they are just full of joy!

alison - amazing photos!! good luck with the new project .
did you take the photos with 100 macro lens? thanks

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Oh Meg, I’m so exited for you. This is just awesome.

Heidi Jo the Artist - You made my Monday a little more happy. Thank you. 🙂

Carrie Kiser - I spy a little buy playing peek a boo in the 5th picture!!

Melissa - Soooo pretty!

tracy - Meg, those sunflower pictures are simply stunning. What lens did you use ?

Thanks!

Kathi - Beautiful! You do a wonderful job of capturing that beauty, thank you 🙂

Penny - Meg-I passed a field of sunflowers the other day and you popped into my mind. It was not as large as this field, but beautiful just the same. You take some fantastic photos! Thank you so much for sharing these.

shushi - Amazing !! love love sunflower and your beautiful photos 😉
Did you use macro lens?

Michelle Ludt - Gorgeous pictures! Moved from Kansas about a year ago, so these pics are making me VERY homesick! Miss my sunflowers and deep blue skies! Thanks for sharing! Made my day!

Jenna - I have always wanted to stumble upon a sunflower field! Next year I am just going to come sleep in the middle of this field and bask in it’s glory 24/7! Beyond breathtaking!

La - Meg! Please sell these prints!!!!

amelia w. - Why is there a field of sunflowers? Does somebody plant it just because its pretty or do they sell the flowers? They are beautiful!

Marjie - Please print the “Bee in Flight”!!! So awesome!

kimberly oyler - oh my gosh!!! can you believe that in all my life of living in kansas i’ve never seen a sunflower field?

Jenn - Amazing!

stephany - Oh, how I love sunflowers.
Your photos of them always make me smile.
I especially love the one of the pollen laden bee flying away from the flower.
I might have to go look for some sunflower fields here in Oregon this weekend!
Thanks for making me smile this morning.

Gail - Sunflowers are just another reason I love my state. Your pics are beautiful.

martha - The bees in flight are awesome! Job well done!

Pam - Wow! Just. wow!!!!!

Jenny B. - Man, they are HUGE! And you are so brave out there with all those BEES! 😀

Amy - Oh soooo pretty!!! It’s amazing how much beauty you can find in a simple field. I hope there are prints in the future:)

Lisa - These pictures are beyond gorgeous! Always love your sunflower pictures. 🙂

Michelle from Australia - Every time I see a sunflower I have a ‘How Great Thou Art!’ moment. Only a wonderful God could have made something so beautiful. Thank you for sharing. LOVE the pics!

CathyC - WOW! Just Beautiful!

Tricia - Lovely! I would love to see these in your shop! 🙂

Lori Byrne - Wow, all these sunflowers facing the sun gives me goosebumps. What a world we would live in if we all faced the ‘Son’…..Hope Camp Create is awesome – sounds like it already is!

Andrea - meg…..glad you are having a creative, fun time!!!! These pictures are so pretty….please sell copies of these prints……. pretty please
Andrea

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10 minutes.

October 31, 2013

God and i were talking this morning and it basically went like this:

ME:
i feel like crap.
i want to sleep for days.
why do i have to be awake?
why do i have to work?
why do i have clean up?
i don’t want to.
why do i have to exercise?
it’s cold. ugh it’s raining! on halloween!
oh this is the worst.
i want to eat cookies. it is so unfair that i can’t eat cookies all day long.

GOD:
how about you work on your bible study lesson. you seem like you are grumpy.

ME:
well of course i am grumpy!
everyone is so lame and hurts my feelings and makes me mad.
and i am tired.
and hormonal.
and there is so much to do because life is full AND it’s halloween!!!!
we never carved the pumpkins that i bought. what a waste of money!
how will i possibly not eat all that candy tonight!???
and i didn’t buy the boots that annie wanted for her costume.
and i have to miss scott’s football game.
and talby needs her headband made.

GOD:
start your lesson.

ME:
i am cold.
i need another cup of coffee.
and a blanket.
and my sweater and slippers.

15 minutes later….

GOD:
why don’t you start on that lesson now?

ME:
oh alright!!!!

and of course it was awesome and perfect and a great attitude adjustor.
then as i finished the questions the light changes in the room & the cloudy gross weather is suddenly BRIGHT!
it got SO shiny and bright where i was sitting and i immediately felt the need to capture it.
that feeling i try not to ignore.
the push to create something… or appreciate something in front of me.
and so often now just try to get a quick capture on my phone camera.
that is lazy! it is easy and helpful but also lazy.
but my phone was on 7% battery this morning (oops i forgot to plug it in last night)
so i got out the big mama camera, threw on talby’s shoes by the door & went out to catch the light.

AMAZING!
i felt great… there is something so rad that happens when i use that creativity inside me!
when i plug into that part of me.
the crappy stuff just falls away.
the feelings, the tiredness, the self pity, the schedule, the stress…
for a few moments it is not there.
and then if it does come back around… it’s more bearable after spending some time creating.
spending time focusing on Jesus helps me to SEE what matters around me.

i came back in the house, 10 minutes and 200 pictures later and sat down in the same spot.
within a minute the clouds came back in and that sun was gone.
dark and cloudy again outside.
what a gift that 10 minutes was to my heart today.
my cloudy gray heart was FULL of that shiny light i had just soaked in.

my problems aren’t fixed but i don’t have to be heavy about it.
i have Jesus.
it’s all good… everything is in His control.
nothing on my complaint list was a surprise to Him.
(even though i really have nothing to complain about… nor should i be complaining in the first place)
He knows all of it.
i just need to put it all before Him and leave it there.
i am confident that He will change my heart. heal my wounds. lift my spirit. guide my thoughts.

“And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.”
1 John 5:14-15

what are you hearing today?
do you do that with God too… argue and complain to him?
i hope i am not the only one.

and now… time to exercise and make a headband!

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Mindy - Beautiful pictures and beautiful post. Our “theme” at our church this past year has been “What 15 minutes can do” – just like your post, giving God just 15 minutes and our whole world can change. Think of what could happen if we (me…) gave Him more?

ira lee - thank you for sharing!!!!! why are we so stubborn? i don’t want to put any energy into having a positive attitde, i want everything to go right and me not have to work on it! lol but once a day or attitude turns around, it is so much better, right?

tracy fisher - oh boy… are we ever alike! i just had that same conversation with God. happy monday. -tracy

Jaime - AAAAmen.

Liz Hurst - Meg,
Somehow I stumbled onto your blog a few months ago and I love reading it. You are so inspiring and this post is so right on!
Thank you for knowing what I needed to hear today – God is so good!
Liz

Jenny B. - Absolutely love it!! What Bible study are you doing? I need a new one.

kensie - How great is our God

Flower Patch Farmgirl - YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!
I’m so glad I read this tonight.
I’m so happy you grabbed those 10 minutes.
I’m so glad I’ve got you!

tara - that whole conversation seems eerily familiar to me. 🙂
grateful for your 10 minutes and 200 pictures.
God is so kind to us…over and over and over.

thanks for keeping it real, Meg.

Lori - I love this! 🙂
Thanks for always honestly sharing with us.
God blessed me with a great night’s sleep last night so that
pile of dishes and laundry this morning feels so much more do-able
today.

Karen Gerstenberger - Thank you, Meg.

Kristin S - Every day and He’s beyond patient with me.

Meredith - Beautiful & Touching. Praise God that we can give it all to him! Love the 10 minutes you got, just for you!

Tiffany - Beautiful words and pictures! Hugs to you!

Tiffany Gardner - This made me cry. I needed this post. Thanks for sharing your heart and touching mine. Jesus does rock!

Kerry - Ahhhhhh yes. Just yes : )

Lisa - All those colors you captured remind me of our God’s creativity. What a beautiful time of year. And yes I totally grumble to God at times. Sometimes I think He must get sick of me. 😉 I have tried to get better at being quiet and trying to just listen to Him. Thanks for sharing this today!

Heather - Which Bible study are you using???

Christy - How did you do that? How did you crawl into my head and hear my conversation with God? I made a conscious decision not too long ago to choose joy. I’m constantly reminding myself of that choice…joy when my hormonal sixth grade daughter bites off the head of whomever is in her path, joy when there is WAY too much on my plate and I don’t know what to do with it all, joy when my car breaks down and I have to wait in the dark for two hours for the wrecker because my husband is out of town (thank goodness for my mama who got the kids and took them to a nearby neighborhood to trick or treat while I waited.)

Thanks for the reminder. 🙂

jen - Needed this today. Thanks for sharing it/you with us.

Kit - Oh Megan! This is a real encouragement!! Thanks for being so real and for letting us in on God’s beauty. I argue and complain all the time. So glad He met you…He is so gracious with His grumpy children, isn’t He?!?

Cassandra - Oh this warmed my heart! Thanks for sharing everything the pictures (gorgeous!), the talk w/ God & the verse. I’ve been in a similar place mentally & emotionally this week so thank you for reminding me where I need to be – in his Word!

Diane - This post was just what I needed today! I often feel this way…until I am reminded of all the GOOD in my life and my grumpiness is gone. I am also doing BSF & sometimes am stressed about getting “homework” done…how selfish of me to think of it as a chore, when I am blessed each and every time I spend time in His word!! Thank you for sharing – I LOVE your photo’s and honesty!!

Linda - Beautiful post and a beautiful, much needed message. Thank you again for inspiring me.

Jen - I love everything about this post. I appreciate your openness and willingness to share. I too have been having pity parties lately and have been feeling left out. Life really is wonderful and I don’t know where my self doubt has come from all of a sudden. Let go. Let God.

Terrie G - WoW! Like…you could be me or I could be You!
I can’t tell you how down I’ve been lately…and mad, frustrated and hurt…
soooo hurt.
I went to the local nature center and shot some fall colors…
best photo therapy!!
I felt so much better having a little God time in nature doing what I love!

Kathy - WOW! This is so right where I’m at lately … and life has been so busy that I’ve put off my quiet time ALL too often lately. Thank you for such a wonderful encouragement today!

jaxcheryl - Would you consider making the 5th one from the bottom – the gorgeous red leaves (swoon) a screen saver or a poster to purchase from your shop? I live in FL, grew up in Michigan, and miss the beautiful fall colors so much!

Kristen - Meg- I just love your heart. Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to share your heart, what God’s putting on it, and those amazing pictures. I usually love fall so much…but lately it’s felt more like “pre-Christmas”, full of deadlines and costumes and gifts to make and tooooo many things to put on the calendar. Too many folks to try and make happy. My creative energy often gets used up with ‘making things for stuff’ that feels like a chore, and not an outlet or gift. But, as it often is, PERSPECTIVE and SCRIPTURE and AWESOME SISTERS IN CHRIST are the balm that soothes my whiny soul – and you are the perfect messenger! Thank you for the reminder that God gives us this creative drive, and that we can praise him with our creations. I think I’ll do a little crafting-for-my-soul today…right after I do my devotions! 🙂

CathyC - Yes! I do that too! So glad it worked out perfectly in the end 🙂 Today I am hearing I do need to go to weight class, but afterwards I can sit and read on my comfy couch with my awesome granny square blanket I thrifted. That’s why He let me have those.

Bethany - What a comfort that we can come as we are-whining, complaining, having a pity party-and he’s always ready to listen. And if we’re willing, he’ll change it all up. Not necessarily by changing our circumstances or fixing everything, but by changing our perspective. Thanks for sharing this. It’s a good reminder about the benefits of spending time in God’s word.

Jennifer - I just love this post – in and of itself its creative!!!

You’re fall photos are amazing. Is there any chance that you’d sell the full-sized jpgs files? I live in Perth, Western Australia (I’m American, though) and we see about 1 red leaf a year, we don’t have fall the way I did growing up in WI. The thought of using your amazing photos to make canvases to hang in my home pretty much makes my soul fill with joy. Seriously, name a price!

Sadie - Where can I get these study lessons? Are they online? I’d love to try!

JulianneB - Oh, Meg thanks so much for sharing…so where I have been lately…a raging case of pinkeye, sore throat, sick daughter, sick son, hubs busy taking care of us and ministry…and no we haven’t painted our pumpkins either…and yet I know God is good and He loves me big. He can bear it all and my burdens aren’t really that overwhelming in the big picture.

kate@stillroomtogrow - wow Meg, awesome post. love your honesty and your heart. thanks for making me feel like I am not the only one who wakes up with these feelings too. thanks for sharing and what beautiful pictures.

Heather S. - It never fails. When I fight Him I always discover He is full of abundant love and blessings, just waiting to pour them out to me when I am obedient. Your sunshine moment was a hug from your Daddy, your Abba Father reminding you just how very much you are loved….

Tiffany - Hi Meg. LOVED your post today. What bible study are you working on, I think I need some of that! 🙂 Thanks for inspiring me on a daily basis with 3 teens at home – one of which graduated last year.
Tiffany

HappyGirl - Galatians 2:20-21
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness[a] were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

This is my verse of conviction this week. If Christ gave all for me. I shall give all for Christ.

Kerrin - Amen Sister! Thank you for the reminder of the power or our great God. Especially when we are fighting it. Thank you for the reminder of the power of slowing down and touching base with God. And as for those un-carved pumpkins….screw it……they are beautiful the way they are. And besides, there are countless blog followers that are copying your lovely pumpkins from Halloweens past..oh yeah I’m talking about the year you all painted a bunch of them. They were RAD and totally inspired me. So you may not have done anything with the pumpkins you have but you sure had a hand in decorating and carving pumpkins throughout blog land!

Marcia - I am so glad that I took 5 minutes to read your post today so that I can focus on all the good in front of me, too.
Thank you for the reminder: God is with us every moment of every day – sunny or cloudy.

Carol Myers - Thank you, Meg, for allowing God to use you to encourage my heart today, AND for making me smile. Your transparency is an encouragement and speaks volumes.

Mari - Your blog is always so uplifting. Thanks for sharing this post. After reading it, I reminded myself “it’s all good… everything is in His control” and instantly my day just got brighter.

Gina - I love this Meg!! You had me at, “i want to eat cookies. it is so unfair that i can’t eat cookies all day long.” 😉 And, YES, I dialog with God like this sometimes too. 🙁

Tanya - It’s 100% chance of rain during the trick-treating hours tonight here, and we can’t hit up the church Glow party instead because my little guy developed pink eye over night 🙁
Lots of ammo for silly complaining here today too…but I’m learning right along with you Meg, that God is a hearing and loving Father who doesn’t grow weary of our human trials but as we talk to Him He also continues to challenge us to see things through the eyes of Heaven. xo

Sarah M - How good is God that he has given you the perfect words this morning. I needed to read this and dwell on that verse from I John. Our life is a mess with a lawsuit and a business on hold but none of it is a surprise to Jesus. Thank for the bright light.

Lora - I love your conversation with God. It kinda sounds like the ones I have. I feel a little far from Himlately. Well, maybe not far, just that I’m not doing anything to Glorify Him. I don’t know WHAT to do to Glorify Him. I thank Him for the good things in my life and ask for His help with the bad things in my life, but I feel like I need to DO something. I guess I’ll just ask Him what I should do and he’ll show me 🙂 … thanks for the post today. I needed it. Have a great rest of the day and Happy Halloween!

Gabby - What a great post! Especially your conversation with God. 🙂

Dena - What a great post! I needed that reminder, thank you. PS. My pumpkins didn’t get carved either…….and I have to learn to be ok with that.

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life is good… don’t ya think?

September 9, 2013

somedays i just feel so full of joy in the everyday little things of life.
i am super busy… you are super busy.
but looking around at the everyday stuff is when the busy-ness falls away and you can SEE the goodness.
the stuff that brings a peaceful and content heart.

some pictures from this last week…. starting with scott’s first high school football game.
he didn’t play last year. i am SO happy he is playing this year.
he is #6 on the sidelines.

this view… it doesn’t get much better on a friday night at 10:30.

mm6

getting up early to run on the weekend has made for great weekend DAYS for me.
i am not as tired as before… i spend my morning waking up with God and this beauty all around me
instead of people talking to me right away and hearing sponge bob in the background… and cranky kids.

i dare you to try it.
it took me 37 years to figure it out…. but i am loving it.

mm5
as soon as i took that corn picture… it started to rain.
what can you do when you are out for a run at 7 AM on a sunday in the rain?
finish.
in the rain.

mm1
annie made chocolate chip cookies on her own. 🙂
my friend and i ran a different route last week and i really loved it… i think i loved the shade!

mm3
we tried to see if cows like watermelon. they are so skittish that they took off running… big dorks.
this is one of my most favorite snacks: greek non-fat vanilla yogurt (high protein & no fat), blueberries and just a little bit of low fat granola

mm2
these are two very spoiled kitties.
if chickens would poop about 1/3 of the amount that they do… they would even more awesome.
on IG i asked what song she might be singing in that picture on the right. SO MANY funny responses! i loved it.

mm7
“you wouldn’t believe what i heard Libby say about Oreo just now….”
“Oh no she didn’t”
it appears that our chicks are quite the gossipers.
mm4
best mornings.

this is so worth getting out of bed for!

oh kansas…. you don’t know how much i love you.

mm8

are you singing now?

i have been belting it out all morning alone in my house.

i continued on in the series of sermons i listened to last week.
i am going to check into the pastors you shared with me.
i have already downloaded several!

how was your weekend?

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Country Mouse vs. City Mouse | The Blue Tulip - […] And so when I get nostalgic about country living, I just hang out with these online friends. Ree and Myquillyn and Meg. […]

Amber Campbell Hibbs - Yay for morning runs and for Kansas. And I think you should add that picture of the sunrise and the road to your canvas prints. I know i would buy one. 🙂

Carolyn Ruth - I appreciate everything you share with us! And I wanted to share another podcast with you of one of my favorite pastors to listen to.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/denver-united-church-audio/id294459009

Kathy - Hey there! I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now, maybe a little longer. I never realized you were in Kansas until you said in this last post how much you love Kansas. I am in Kansas also. Serving a mission for 18 months, in Dodge City. HI CUTE NEIGHBOR!

katie - As a girl from Kansas that has been permanently transplanted to Texas I would love to have that corn picture on a canvas. Reminds me of my Dad and growing up on the farm outside of Lawrence. Anyway you could make that happen?

Katie

elizabeth - Maybe I am a scaredy cat but I don’t know about running at 7am on a long deserted road. Abduction comes to my head…but the scenery is beautiful none the less.

tara - love these pictures…so much to smile about.
life is good.

i need to get out and capture some of the beauty around me…it’s been a little too long.

Lee Ann - Beautiful morning pictures on your runs. And don’t EVER forget – “Once you’re wet, you’re wet.” Even in the rain – just keep running 🙂

Samantha - Such a great week! If God wasn’t so amazing ehat on earth would we do with ourselves? Glad you had a wonderful week! Thank you for the reminder to be grateful and cheerful in our gladness! Lioking forward to more weeks ahead!

Emily - I love this picture! How do you get the web to show up so well? It’s amazing!
-Emily

Tere - Hello Meg! My favorite picture is your 10:30pm outside, love, love it. And then there is the cows. But tell me, dumb question, what happens with all those sunflowers? Are they harvested for bouquets or seeds or ??

Jenny B. - Beautiful! Your face is looking skinny, too! Not that it hasn’t always… Do you feel weird when you compliment someone on their weight? Like, what if they’re actually offended? Anywho… 🙂

I missed the post about listening to sermons. My husband keeps telling me I need to listen to a recent sermon I missed about the Trinity by our Sunday night pastor (He’s actually our collegiate minister, and is really good.). Here’s the link:

http://fbcfayetteville.org/media.php?pageID=17

To hear the one on The Trinity, you have to scroll down to 7/21/13. Maybe I’ll finally go listen to it now too! 🙂

Sarah H. - I often feel overwhelmed with gratitude about the mundane daily things of my life. It’s not that my life is so fabulous, but it really is, you know? Compared to what it could be, I am so thankful. Love your pictures.

Mj - You want to hear powerful sermons? Check out the podcasts from Venture Christian Church on iTunes. Pastor Chip Ingram and Pastor Tim Lundy. Both are down to earth and preach truth like no other Pastor I’ve ever heard.

Tiffany - Love your positive attitude! I should have read it earlier today. My kids got me cranky this evening. Tomorrow is a new day. Also, I wish we had sunflowers like that in MN! Stunning!

Mary - Your pictures make me miss Kansas so much! Born and raised there, for 23 years. Now have lived in Colorado for 22 years, beautiful here, however Kansas is still home…

amy jupin - you have such a gift…to see and capture the stunning beauty all around us.
you inspire me!
just thought you might want to know that!
🙂

Tanya - I love reading about people figuring things out. It makes me feel like I’m not the only mid-30’s gal still figuring things out. I love this post. Life is good indeed 🙂

Sarah Wolfe - I love this post. And I agree. Life is sweet, and I always need reminders to turn my mind to the things that are good and sweet and lovely. And to turn my mind off of ALL the clutter!

Julie {CalleLillyCafe} - Wow!! Those sunflowers! I would HAVE to walk or ride my bike past those beauties every day! #notarunner =)

Mindi - What are you listening to on your runs? I would love to change it up!

happygirl - You running girls are amazing. I just want to become a walking girl again. You are GREAT!!

Lori H - Life IS good! But I wish I lived where there are sunflower fields!

beth larson - morning Meg!
so, as always I loveddddddd your photos…the one of you close up- you look 14 in. : ) the last one of the sky is simply AMAZING!

(I may have asked you this before- but are most of these pics from your phone? when I try upload my camera pics to my blog they have to be super small or they are blurry) : (

Would love to know how you do it!
thanks and have a blessed day,
beth

Necole@seriosulysassymama - I prefer music when I exercise. I am already talking in my head, so someone else talking would just make things crowded. I love Texas like you love Kansas.

Southern Gal - Morning runs are the best. I love clearing my mind and then focusing on what God has for me. It’s a lovely way to start the day. Now if you ask me to run in the afternoons I’m toast. Can’t hit a lick with a stick in the afternoons. Love your chickens. My daughter’s family has goats, chickens and honeybees. We love visiting and watching the three-year-old boss all the animals around, except for the bees. 😉

Alicia @ La Famille - this IS a whole lotta happy stuff right here. love that you’re getting up early. I LOVE getting up early before my kids…it just doesn’t happen right now and I hate that. yuck. you make me want to run.

Tracy - I’m almost 10 years ahead of you on early mornings….I have been loving them for several years now. Bliss.

We had our 10th grader’s first football game last week, too. Like Scott, he didn’t play last year and we are so so glad he decided to play. He’s trying to be like his older varsity playing 12th grade brother 🙂 His bro is a good role model, thank goodness!!

Terrie - I loved all the answers on your instagram photo too!
Sooooo funny!!
The hubs was wondering what I was laughing at…
Great pics!
I Love living in Kansas…so much beauty.
And I’m wishing we had some sunflowers close to us…
looks like I need to go stalk some country roads!
Love taking sunflower pics!

Amanda - These posts always make me miss Kansas something fierce! I was born and raised there but am a Georgia transplant now. I always say I have half my heart in Georgia and half in Kansas! I love them both! But miss my beautiful home state. Thanks for the pictures!

stephany - life IS good.
have a great week, Meg!

Melissa - Jealous of those sunflower fields. Gorgeous

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ashley is awesome.

August 24, 2013

(be sure to read the comments for this post. 🙂

this is my friend Ashley
(i know you aren’t supposed to cut arms out of a picture but mine looked fat so i did it. i am a rule breaker!)

she has amazing talent in so many different ways!
her decorating style is way cool, she can take pictures like a boss, and she writes with beauty & depth.

i am sure you already follow her blog Under the Sycamore & on Instagram at underthesycamore.
if you don’t… ummm…. get on that!!
where have you been?

one of the AWESOME ways that ashley shares her gifts is through her online photography classes.
her classes are called Snap Shops.
she offers one for your DSLR camera and now she is teaching a Phone Photography Course!

honestly… that is brilliant!

she is the perfect person to teach you about photography.
her pictures capture so much in one frame.
there is always emotion and story and background.
even if it’s simple.
she has an ability to see what most people don’t and catch it in her photo.

and you could have her teach you!

so rad!

how many times a day do you reach for your phone to take a picture?
for me… it is A LOT.
it is just what we do now in 2013.
even my 8 year old takes pictures on the iPod daily.
we are living in a world of photos and instant sharing.
so a course on how to do it well… how to take GREAT pictures with your phone… fabulous!
i bet even your teenagers would even love this fun course.

in the phone course ashley teaches on photography basics, the elements of composition, storytelling and shares information about apps, editing, printing your photos and more.

i think there may be one or two spots left for the phone course and the DLSR course registration opens up on Monday.

both start on Sept. 15 and run through Oct. 6.

you should do it.

🙂

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Jess - Whatever Craft Weekend– check! Ashley’s Photo class– double check!! I totally signed up for this session. I’ve just put on my big girl panties and started to check out manual so her class came at such a good time. Heather M. spoke highly of it so I was all over it. Had to set my CA alarm EARLY to make sure I snagged a spot! 😉

amber - Yes! She is awesome! I took her dslr course in May & loved it. Everything is so easy to understand & it really has transformed not only my pictures, but also the things I choose to capture. Such a great class…& lady!

Mindy - Wow, now I can put a blog with her Pinterest pins! Thank you for sharing your friend. PS: My sister just told me this year about cutting your arms out of pictures and I am all in favor of it : )

Amber - I just took the first Snapshop for phones and it was…. GRRRREAT!!!(Say that like Tony the Tiger) : ) Thoughtfully and precisely written, with examples throughout! Take it, you will be glad you did!

Renee - p.s. i LOVE the new website look.

Renee - These courses sound awesome.
I am debating which one.
I reach for my phone a lot & end up with bad pictures that I wish were better 🙁
As for dslr – I mostly shoot in Manual or AV. I’m definitely not a pro, but I feel pretty comfortable in those modes thanks to the little meter in my view finder. I’d love to understand more about using different types of lighting to my advantage & playing with the ISO. I’m not quick enough to capture a great moment when it comes to lighting and ISO. Do you think I should take DSLR or phone?

yikes!! hard to choose!

Caroline R - I found your beautiful blog through Ashley’s, and was so happy to see her featured here! I just finished the phone snap shop class- and it was amazing! The course is very thorough and the three weeks really just flew by. I would recommend it to anyone. I printed some things out for reference later, and saved everything- because she covers so much.. Take the course if you can! 🙂

stephany - I agree, Meg, Ashley IS awesome!
I am so blessed to have met BOTH of you during the same awesome weekend 3 months ago (it seems like forever ago, I remember it like yesterday…and would come to Kansas again in a minute)!
And, I plan to take her DLSR course!
I cannot wait!!
xo to you both!!

Terrie - Anyone thinking about it…totally should!
I was so blessed 2 years ago when you suggested that I take her SnapShop course.
I didn’t know anything about shooting in manual…2 weeks after I got my 1st dslr camera (that I knew NOTHING about) and going through the class…
I began shooting in manual – Full time!
I finally understood ISO, aperture, shutter speed…
LOVED Ashley’s course!!
And I was doubly blessed because I got to help her raise funds for her adoption!
BONUS!! And now, I get to follow this lovely little girl blossom in the family she was destined for! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction Meg!

kimberly oyler - i just adore you both.

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“And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.” 1 John 5:14-15

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“And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.”
1 John 5:14-15