Standing on a Soapbox

Tags

Orange County churches, movement, Orange County Rescue Mission, missional, active faith, Christ, Jesus, orange county rescue, soap boxes, tangible expression, isaiah 58, alcohol addictions, sweet idea

We are 3 days away from our first Movement Church Gathering. The excitement and anticipation are too much to contain. We will be sharing the heart and vision behind the Movement Church and connecting with friends old and new!

Some of what we will be sharing are the things we are most passionate about. We like to call these our Soapbox Stances. These are the areas that we will choose to “stand on a soap box” about. I wanted to take the chance to share one of our soap boxes with you

Active Mission Soapbox (Isaiah 58:6-8)There is a time for conversation and a time for action. The time for action is NOW!!! We feel it is our mandate to actively engage in funding, leading and serving a missional life; reaching the orphan, the widow, the homeless and our neigbors, both regionally and globally.

This isn’t a sweet idea or a great intention but it is part of the very fabric of the Movement Church. We believe that we are the church and it is our job to be the “tangible expression of Christ” to the world around us. It is not enough to attend church and then detach ourself from the mission of the gospel in order to live a “simple, comfortable life.” We are mandated by God to be a people of action and at The Movement Church this is our passion.

Our very first opportunity to serve our community starts now. As we begin this weekend with our first Gathering, we will be sharing how we can play a part in supporting the Orange County Rescue Mission. You can read more about the mission on their site but their hope is to provide help, support and healing to men, women and children without homes who have suffered economic loss or are working to overcome drug and alcohol addictions. We toured the facility yesterday and were amazed with what this organization is doing to help families get back on their feet, prepare for jobs and learn to care for their children.

One of their greatest needs right now is for diapers. I know as a mother that diapers can be pricey but I also know that if we all did our part we could meet this need in a very tangible way. We are going to be doing a diaper drive to provide for the Orange County Rescue Mission and I hope you will join us. We will start collecting this weekend and continue until our next Movement Gathering on 2/26/12.

If you are in Southern Orange County, I invite you to join us this Sunday, 1/29/12 at 3pm. We will be meeting in the Chapel at Crossline Church. Their address is 23331 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills CA 92653. Come meet some new friends, enjoy some coffee and hear about the making of The Movement. We have great things planned for your kids as well!

I can’t wait to meet you!

XO

Meghan

 

 

How we told our daughter about SEX! The Crucial Conversation

Tags

birds and the bees, Ed and Lisa Young, education, parenting, sex, Sexperiment, telling your kids about sex

I’ve had multiple conversations with other parents about the importance of talking with their kids about SEX! I’ve encountered flushed cheeks, darting eyes, anxious sigh’s and all around confessions of dreading this crucial conversation. Carey and I even used to teach a parenting class at our church where we offered the frightening statistic “if you’re not talking to your children about sex by kindergarten, you are probably to late!” It’s one thing to offer shocking statistics and teach parenting tips to a room full of nervous parents, but it’s another to BE the nervous parent looking into the eyes of your sweet, innocent, blue-eyed baby girl and offering her the truth about the birds and the bee’s!

And that is why I felt like the biggest hypocrite as Kindergarten and 1st grade came and went without any awkward conversations with my “princess” about that incredibly bad word…SEX! We were waiting for the right moment, we were looking for the best book, we were distracted with more pressing situations…but truthfully, I’m sure there was a little bit of avoidance in all of those excuses.

Last week Carey and I were watching some Christian leaders, whom we respect, speaking out on the topic of sex. Pastors Ed and Lisa Young held a “bed in” on the rooftop of their church in Dallas, TX. for 24 hours to talk about sex, marriage, kids and all of the issues that have been avoided for far to long in the church. One of their topics was on the importance of this crucial conversation(s) with your kids. This was a flashing light reminder to both Carey and I that it was time to have “the talk” with Brooklyn, my 7, almost 8 year old.

I truly do believe that it is of the utmost importance for us as parents to be the first and primary form of sexual education for our children. The world around us is not just talking about sex…they are screaming it! Sex is everywhere from entertainment, social media, magazines, and most importantly it’s in our schools and being talked about with our children and their friends. If your child isn’t talking with you about sex, I guarantee you they are talking to somebody and gaining their idea of sexuality and what it truly means from somewhere. Everyone has “that friend”, the “sexpert.” You know, the kid with the older brother or sister or the one who has been exposed to far more than they every should have been. These are defining years for our children and we must make sure that we are the ones presenting the truth about sex.

I do believe that timing is important and only you, as a parent can know if your child is ready for this conversation. But, I beg you, please don’t be naïve or make excuses because you only have one chance to be “the first one” to tell them about SEX. Carey and I found a great series of books that I will highly recommend. We were even able to download it on Kindle. The book we used was called “Before I was Born” by Carolyn Nystrom. This book discussed the differences between boy’s and girls, marriage, the act of intercourse and pregnancy. It was tactfully presented and informative. This particular book targets 5-8 year old’s but there are a few others in the series that I hope to get and read that are age specific. There is one for 3-5 year olds’ on the differences between boys and girls that I will probably try with Avery in a year or so.

I’m not going to lie….it took a lot of deep breaths to keep myself from giggling like a junior high girl as my husband read the most awkward words to my 7 year old. I’m very thankful for such an incredible man of God who is willing to invest in his kids and push past the awkwardness to help guard his daughters heart! I know that not everyone will have the privilege of having their spouse be a part of this crucial conversation but if it’s possible, I highly encourage it!

We smiled and laughed together and acknowledged the “awkwardness!” We asked Brooklyn what she knew about sex and sure enough some poorly educated neighborhood girls at our old play ground had told her that it was “kissing naked.” Nice! I wish I could find those girls now! So we used that as the opportunity to share with Brooklyn that sometimes that is a part of it…but it is much, much more. We read through the book which does a thorough job on it’s own and interjected discussion where we felt like we should. We then were able to talk about God’s plan for sex and set the standard for an open door of communication in the future.

Surprisingly Brooklyn didn’t jump up screaming in shock or get a mental image of her own “conception.” (At least I don’t think she did!) She handled it very well and went on with our day! It was honestly way easier than I thought!

My hope is that we have set the standard for what SEX was created for. That SEX is God’s plan and it’s a great thing in the right context. My prayer is that Brooklyn will always feel comfortable coming and talking to us or asking us questions about all the stuff she is bound to hear and experience in the years to come!

I survived our “awkward” conversation. I’d love to hear from you.

Did your parents discuss SEX with you? How did that effect you?

Have you had the conversation with your child yet? What are you most nervous about?

What are your thoughts, questions or concerns?

XOXO

Meghan

Caught in the Paralyzing Fear of the “What If?”

Tags

anxious thoughts, bad health report, death, fear, lost job, what if, worry

Every day we are presented with opportunities to worry. Anxious thoughts knocking on the door of each of our hearts. Anxiety and worry come dressed in all different circumstances; lost job, financial crisis, marital conflict, parenting fears, closed doors at every turn. Sometimes we find worry arrives before the situation ever presents itself. We anticipate what could happen and find ourselves caught up in the paralyzing fear of the “what if?” We are all guilty of opening the door and letting anxiety in. We are all prone to try and figure things out on our own and to develop the “perfect plan” to silence our greatest fears. But we also know that no matter how hard we try to control the details of our life, ultimately we are not in control. 

Matthew 6:25-33 tells us this: 25 ”Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?t28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Today, let us take the time to settle our anxious thoughts. Close the door on worry and fear and trust our future to the One who holds eternity in his hands. God is in control. He see’s every obstacle that you are facing and every need that you have. Choose today to  ”seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

XOXO

Meghan

My thoughts on motherhood, working and BALANCE!

Tags

balance, comparison game, ivillage, katherine heigl, parenting, part time jobs, purpose, stay at home mom, stay at home moms, working mom

I’ve been reading a blog posted on ivillage: Celebvillage by Katherine Heigl titled “It’s Difficult to Have It All.” This blog is about the challenges and rewards of being a working mother. I loved her fresh and honest perspective. She is not doubt a beautiful and inspiring actress but in my book, she must be an amazing mom!

After reading her story, I thought I would take a minute to share my experience and thoughts on being a working mom and I would love to hear your feedback as well whether you are a stay at home mom, working mom, dad or single female whom anticipates this being an issue you may have to tackle some day!

I will never forget when my oldest daughter Brooklyn was born. She was the best surprise we ever had! I remember the early weeks of her life, snuggling her sweet soft little face right up next to mine and the sad revelation that I wasn’t going to be able to catch everyone of these precious moments. Why? I was a working mom. The first day that I dropped her off at my mother in-laws and headed to the office, I felt like a piece of my heart was breaking. I agonized that I was not giving my daughter all that I had to offer and worried that I was going to miss the most important moments of her life if I continued to work. In that season of my life, working was not an option…it was a necessity so I did what had to be done. Maybe you can relate?

Not only was I working part-time, being a mother part-time, and a wife part-time;  I was also serving with my husband as a youth pastor to a lot of amazing teenagers and striving to fulfill part of the purpose that God had for my life. Try adding up those part-time jobs though and the math just doesn’t work! The pressure to give everyone my best was eating me up inside because I felt like a failure in every area.

Part of my problem was that I played the comparison game. I compared myself to other amazing stay at home moms who did crafts with their kids and played at the park everyday. I compared myself to other wives who had a homemade meal on the table and a clean house for their husband every night. I compared myself to other employee’s who were constantly going over and above on the job and I compared myself to other pastor’s who could spend countless hours with their teenagers counseling and hanging out! I failed to listen to my own teaching advice: “Comparison is the Root of ALL Inferiority!”

Fast forward about 5 years, Brooklyn was entering Kindergarten and I now had a brand new bundle of joy; my little Avery Lane. I had finally entered a season in my life where I  was able to work from home with my husband in ministry within the church. This is my passion. In her article Katherine Heigl shared that one of her passions is acting. This is where she feels fulfilled. I could relate entirely! I am passionate about the church. I love preaching and teaching and working with people. I’m fulfilled when I’m working in ministry! You would think that my worlds had finally collided and I could finally “Have it All!” That just wasn’t case. I still found myself struggling with comparison and failing to “Do it All” well!

I talked to a handful of leaders, all who had walked in these same shoes and I struggled to find balance in my life. In 2009 I finally picked up a book by a brilliant leader and mother Christine Caine. The title of her book is Can I have and do it all Please?  The title of this book ensured me that this inspiring leader had the answers I was looking for! I didn’t find any simple steps 1, 2, 3. However; I was reminded of what I had known all along.

God created me unique. He graced me with gifts and talents and blessed me with the privilege of raising two beautiful girls and being a wife to an incredible husband. There really is no such thing as Balance if you are looking for a world where every part of your life get’s equal attention! It’s just not a reality! However, you can choose every day to be led by God through the simple voice of the Holy Spirit (usually the feeling inside your gut) and I believe that He helps us focus our attention where it is most needed that day and that moment. Sometimes Avery and Brooklyn might need me to set everything else aside to play a game, color a picture or cuddle on the couch. Someday’s my husband may need my undivided attention or the comfort of a home cooked meal! Other times, the church and the people that God has called me to reach might require my focus. My main job is simply to listen and respond! Some day’s I fail and I miss a crucial moment but I pick myself up and start over again giving it the best I can.

My Brooklyn is an amazing girl. She is beautiful, talented and adaptable. I honestly believe that all of the time away from me made her moments with me all the sweeter and helped her to become very flexible with schedule and with people. It was all part of God’s plan for her little life. When we moved to California she went to a new school and has been forced to make new friends and adapt to a new community. She has done it with grace and style! 

Currently I am still working from home. It is a joy and a challenge. Even in writing this blog I’ve stopped for cuddles, an art project and lunch! Avery is happy just to be in the same room with me! I look forward to sending her to school because I know it will be so good for her inquiring little mind but until then, she get’s to watch me be a loving and involved mom while at the same time a hard worker who is striving to fulfill my purpose and make a difference in the world!

Whether you are a stay at home mom, a working mom, a dad or a single adult. I would challenge you not to find your identity in the rolls that you play but rather find your identity in the God who created you. Embrace the you that He made you to be and live your life with purpose. Be a great mom, a hard-working employee or fabulous wife or all of the above. Be patient with life’s different seasons but never forget to live your life with purpose and use the gifts and talents God has given you to make a difference in the lives of the people in your world!

If you are a working mom, I love Katherine Hiegl’s perspective. She tells her daughter that working makes her a better woman and a better mom because it fulfills a passion in her heart and she said “Then I pray to God that she will understand one day and that my example will encourage her to find and follow her bliss as well.” I agree. I honestly believe that when you as a mother follow your passion and live life with purpose, it set’s the greatest example for your children!

What are your thoughts?

XOXO

Meghan

Which one are you?

Tags

beach, California, Dana Point, fitness, moment, New year, Orange County, resolutions, The Strands, waves

There are a few things I’m committed to working on in this New Year. One of those is physical fitness. I am working diligently to stay active and fit as we dive into what could be the most thrilling, suspenseful, stressful and rewarding season of our life!

Yesterday I started my run at one of my frequent spot’s and favorite beaches in Orange County; The Strands. This is a great beach for working out because it is impossible to avoid the mountains of stairs which leave my hamstrings burning for days! It also has a long boardwalk right along the beach that’s great for maintaining a steady jog and motivating scenery to say the least!

I found a steady pace down the stairs and around the corner to the boardwalk and was greeted with massive waves crashing in and rushing all the way up to the rock barrier between the boardwalk and what normally would be the sandy beach. People were crowding the board walk watching the “tide roll in.” Surfers were taking advantage of the killer waves and as far as the eye could see they bobbed around decorating the ocean with specs of color, waiting to catch their moment. I love people watching but I’m not particularly fond of people watching me, especially during a work out. So, I continued my jog down the path to a less occupied stair case to really challenge my quads!

I was only at the Strands for a 30 minute workout but during my time I was reminded of yet another one of my goals for 2012. I am challenging myself to be proactive in every situation. When I see a problem, I want to offer my best to solve it. I want my name to always be associated with the solution and not the problem. I want to respond quickly and not be limited by lack of knowledge, fear or self-doubt. This resolution applies to relationships, church planting, social justice, parenting and truthfully just about every arena of life.

Why did my run inspire this magnitude of self-reflection? I’m glad you asked! You see, as I ran back down the stairs to the boardwalk I noticed several groups of people chattering and watching a particular area of the beach. As a professional people watcher, I’ve also become a great eve’s dropper (*shamed to say.) I overheard everyone talking about one of the large trash cans that had just been swept out to sea by a massive wave. There were comments like, “I sure hope there wasn’t trash in that trash can,” “that can’t be good for the environment,” “I hope someone can get that can.”
Sure enough, there was a huge black trash can being tossed over and under by the waves. Then I noticed a cute young lady in a dress take off her shoes and hand them to her friend to make her way down the beach and into the tumultuous waves to retrieve the trash can and bring it to safety.

I realize that unless you are an environmentalist, this is not the greatest rescue story. However; this situation made me realize how often we like to talk about problems but rarely do we decide to take off our shoes, wade into the mess and solve them! I believe one of the greatest things that this generation has going for us is our increased awareness to the world around us. I also believe it is one of our biggest vice’s. I watch so many people who want to talk about the problems in the world; in the church, in the economy, and are willing to voice their thoughts and opinions to anyone who will listen using every form of social media available. Sadly a very small percentage are willing to shut their mouths, silence their posts and actually “DO” something!

There were ton’s of people on the boardwalk yesterday who were surprised by the giant wave that whisked the trash can into the sea. There were many who were concerned. Everyone was talking about it. ONE lady took off her shoes and did something about it!

Which one are you? Do you find yourself constantly with something to say about the latest issue or social injustice but paralyzed with fear of actually taking a step or investing the funds to make a difference yourself? Do you tend to find all the things that are wrong with your current environment to complain about or do you find solutions to make it better? I don’t know about you but I don’t want my life to be full of a bunch of talk with little action to back it up! I’m determined to be proactive this year in every area of my life so that every moment I have makes a difference! What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and resolutions.
XOXO
Meghan