Home Sweet Home

I could not have asked for a better time at home, except maybe replacing the first few days with the desire and willingness I God gave me about 5 days after I was home.  I don't know what exactly triggered the change, except I knew I wanted more than wasting my life away to an ed that ultimately gave me nothing in return.  Once I was able to swallow my pride, let go and begin trusting things started to shift in a positive, life-giving way making my time at home that much sweeter and refreshing spiritually, emotionally and physically!

Here is a recap, in pictures, of my break...

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree....

Christmas Day... PRESENTS!

Rootbeer!

My precious brother

Our 'Cajun Christmas' Dinner- 

(Notice the HUGE stuffed porkchop my bro had!  Stuffed bell-pepper was my entree of choice)

Jesus' Birthday Cake

 

Cousins at Grandma's house

Banana Doughnuts mom & I made, mmmm, mmm GOOD!! 

 

Photo Fun!

Laughter

Dinner @ Jason's with Katie

Staying warm with Rootbeer

....only the beginning of much more joy to come!
^"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). " -John 10:10

I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas, except maybe trading in the first couple of days for a more willing spirit... but I know that the Lord had His perfect timing in each moment at home.  When I finally let go, He was more able to really move and work everything out for good.  Some key factors that contributed to my change of heart included: 

• Discontentment & conviction in my heart; loneliness and shame
• A longing for peace, happiness and freedom that was enhanced with the festivities of the Christmas season
• Christmas Eve service message
• My time at home being an opportunity to have extra support when sought
• The unconditional love and support of my family; words can't express how blessed I am to have parents, a brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who all support and believe in me and the power of the Lord through me
• The break from school and work giving me the opportunity to take time to refocus nourish my whole self
• Other admirable bloggers: Jenny, Katie, Dana, Angela, Jenna,  & Rebecca ... so many others too!
• Prayers & renewing my mind... 
• This awesome book my dear friend Jeanette gave me has really been speaking to my heart...  Come Away My Beloved - original Edition
• The message God gave me in my quiet time... He reminded me of a verse that I cherished while I was at Mercy: Psalm 45:11- "The King is enthralled with your beauty, honor Him for He is your Lord." This verse speaks for itself, my God thinks I'm beautiful just the way I am, because He is my God, a faithful and loving God I am able to worship Him, which enables an even greater overflow of beauty... inner beauty.
• This verse is was instrumental in presenting to me prior verse, "Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house." - Psalm 45:10;  To me, the Lord is saying to me in this verse, "Meagan, at this time in your life it is time to depend on ME and not be overly dependent on others..." I love this message, it is perfect for me and such reassurance as I prepared to go back to Denton.  I was able to use the support of my family while there, but it's now time to fully rely on God.  I will admit, sometimes it is easier to go to a person for support rather than the Lord, but I know that He is the only one that can truly give me what I need.  
• This lovely necklace to take home as a reminder of the significance of these verses and what they mean to me. 

Between December 23 and December 28 I was stuck in a deep, dark pit where my heart was torn between being with my family and being with ed for the break.  But God, in His loving-kindness, shined His light into my pit of destruction giving me a new-found willingness, desire and hope.  At the beginning of my time at home I never would have dreamed I'd end up staying over 2 weeks, nor be in a better place all around.  God is so good, Praise Him!  

"You take my mourning turn it into dancing, 

You take my weeping turn it into laughing,
You take my mourning turn it into dancing,
You take my sadness turn into joy ."

-Restoration Song

Last FULL weekend in TX for a while

Well, today was my last FULL day in Texas before I leave for Mercy until mid December when I come home to visit for Christmas for two weeks. Slowly but surely it has become more & more real. Saturday night I didnt sleep too good, I think because of the feelings I started experiencing as I began to really, finally pack last night. I figured out I have been avoiding putting my things in the suitcases since, as I began to pack I started to feel a bit anxious, some fear, homesick (already, yes), but also excited... I cant believe this is finally really happening! Here are some pictures of my weekend of preparation starting with Oct. 10th...

My whole family, mom, dad, Connor, Brittany & I all went to go get pedicures &/or manicures together. Yep, the guys even joined us! I know I always enjoy getting pampered a little & even tho the guys might not admit it I think they enjoyed it too. After that we went to see Couple's Retreat followed by dinner at Fat Katz.

Out to eat with my incredibly supportive family

Sunday, Oct. 11, I started out the morning early packing some, then went to church with mom & dad. After church we quickly arrived home so dad didnt miss too much of the Cowboy game, ate lunch, then headed to town to pick up a few more things I needed & did a little shopping at the mall of course!

Upon returning home, we grabbed the food that we made to take the Bilberry's then had the honor to take it to their sweet new family & meet Miss Maddie in person before I leave. What a gorgeous girl... & so content!! I could just eat her up!!!

My mom asked me if I wanted a picture with Madelyn...

what was she thinking??? DUH!!!!

Gushing over this precious miracle from the Lord

Mom is very much looking forward to having a lil grandbaby of her own someday!

Kathryn, Maddie, Luke & Me. This couple is truly reflect the light of Christ

Yes, I gave her back to her sweet momma!

God bless this sweet family.

When we got back home from the Bilberry's the Lackey's came by to say bye & gave me a little something.. books & bath & body works. Two of my favorite things! I finished most of my packing... here is the progression of filling up my suitcase.

This is how the packing looked at first...

One large suitcase (empty still) & a duffle bag

So then I filled the first large suitcase & mom thought that I could go with a medium second suitcase rather than two large. I told her if I wasnt able to

fill the other large one completely I could always transfer

to the medium one. She must have forgotten that her daughter has lots

of clothes & other must have items, plus I need plenty of items to keep me warm!

I was definitely able to pull off filling two large suitcases & a duffle bag with some overflow, go figure :)

Connor, Brittany & Rootbeer came over for our weekly family home cooked meal. This is the last time I'll see them till Christmas... It was really hard to say goodbye.

Look at Rootbeer... so photogenic!

There are two lasting bequests we can give our

children. One is roots. The other is wings.

~Hodding Carter, Jr.

Despite all the busyness of the weekend, it was full of lots of sweet time with

my family, something I cherish the most.

Thank you all for all your encouraging emails, facebook posts & messages,

phone call, texts & prayers. Your prayers have been felt & very much appreciated as I haveprepared for this chapter of my journey.

May God bless each of you- Meagan

My mom is going to be keeping you all updated as best she can (she might need a little extra tutoring with the blogging). If you would like to get in touch with her she is on facebook as Angela Foshee Vrba. Her phone & email is: 903.360.5547 avrba58@suddenlink.net.

Just in case you enjoy participating in snail mail:

Meagan Vrba

c/o Mercy Ministries

15328 Old Hickory Blvd.

Nashville, TN 37211