Casting Crowns: Ladies Blog

Meet Ethan Cromer!

In case you are wondering who this guy is, let me fill you in!   As you may have gathered from the title of this blog, "Meet Ethan Cromer", this is who I want you to meet... Ethan Cromer.  Ethan is a 7th grader in Facedown Student Ministry 

( www.facedownstudents.com ) at our home church in Thomaston, Ga.  Ethan is homeschooled and very smart and witty.  He is on our drama team at church and does a fanastic job!  He loves to play paintball, and I hear he's darn good, although I've never had the priviledge to be invited to play along with all the "fellas"... no, I'm not bitter... 

I think the funniest thing about this guy is that his daily diet consists of chicken and ummm.... chicken... and a few select other food choices... and I mean A FEW...and you better just forget vegetables!  I always look forward to having him join us when we go out to eat, so I can quiz him on what foods he likes, or dislikes.  My favorite quiz time was when I was eating one of my favorite foods... fried okra. As usual, I asked what he thought of fried okra, he almost immediately gagged at the thought of me eating it.  Soooo... what did I do?  I dared him to eat one tiny little piece.  He quickly lost his cute little smile and his faced turned very concerned.  His mom and dad, Greg and Emily, who are good friends of ours, and his brother, David, were there with us and assured me I was wasting my time.  So, I figured I'd play the "Casting Crowns card".  I know he is a fan of the band and that he keeps up with the blog, so I told him I'd blog about him, picture and all, if he ate a piece of okra.  It was quite the show watching him get the nerve to stick that miniscule piece of okra in his mouth.  He really could have swallowed it like a pill, it was so small, but he chewed it like a champ and [eventually] got it down, however the several minutes afterward were quite funny as well, as he would randomly shutter at the thought of what he had just done!

So, here's your blog, Mr. Cromer!  My new goal in life is to get you eating vegetables one tiny dare at a time!  Get ready for some broccoli!

All you readers out there, leave a reply and give Ethan some of your own food dares!  C'mon!

Peace that Overwhelms

(Megan here)

So, I just finished singing at the 57th annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast.  It was an amazing time of prayer and fellowship with the leader of our nation, the men and women that work alongside him and work for "we the people", international leaders, ministers, etc...  I just about peed my pants while singing Voice of Truth, because there, only 10 feet away from me, was the President of the United States of America!  He politely smiled and nodded at me as I exited the stage, which I thought was a genuinely friendly gesture.  But, still nerve racking, nonetheless!  The plan for the rest of the day you ask?  A tour of our nation's capital and a dinner concert for our senators tonight... then home!  

As for my progress with the 3-day walk...

Three days ago, I walked a 1.5 miles and Two days ago, I walked 2 miles.  Yesterday was a day of traveling and non stop working, so didn't get a chance to walk.  Today is the same deal, but I will be doing a considerable amount of walking due to the hugeness of the capital tour.  So, I think I'm good.  Hopefully tomorrow I can get back on my (seemingly) regular routine!!  

I wanted to take a second to thank all of you for your words of encouragement and motivation.  I have an overwhelming peace about the walk.  When I found out about the immoral involvements of Susan G. Komen, I was literally devastated.  My husband, Ryan, kept telling me I looked sick (which I certainly felt) and seemed distracted (which I certainly was).  But, I really feel that God WANTED me to dig in and do my research.  I think all things God calls us to requires research.  Sometimes it can help in our preparation of the task God has called us to to go in ready and aware of the challenges and obstacles we may face while we are carrying it out (If you don't agree with me, read Nehemiah... that man was a prepared servant)!  I have loads of information about the restricted grants Susan G. Komen gives to planned parenthood and about the other free women's health services planned parenthood offers to underprivileged  women (e.g. mammograms, pap smears, etc...).  Our culture raises us to be passionate about what we believe in, but at the same time, our passions can camouflage much of our ignorance about our passions. I never want to claim one thing and so passionately pursue it without knowing all the details.  Just like God's Word tells us to make sure our words are "seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone", knowing God's Word is essential to our faith and witness, just as knowing our facts and information should be with our passions.   I in no way support planned parenthood, but at the same time, I believe Susan G. Komen does too much good to boycott their efforts.  Which is why I've done so much research.  I would rather choose not to support one of the other hundreds of corporations that contribute monstrous amounts of money to organizations such as planned parenthood, while the rest is simply profit for the company (e.g. Starbucks, Apple, Microsoft, Nike, Quaker Oats, Kellogg, etc...).  To see a more extensive list, click here and here.  If anyone wants to discuss any of my research with me, I'd be more than happy to connect with you through my email, megan@castingcrowns.com, as I can get a little more specific!  But, please don't overload me, guys!  I have a youth ministry to help run, a 3 year old to keep up with, and LOTS and LOTS of walking to do!  Ha!  Love you guys and thank God for your prayers and support!!

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."  Col. 4:5-6

Concerns...

Hey, everyone!  I just wanted to touch base with you guys about my recent discoveries.  I have recently happened upon the information that the Susan G. Komen Foundation financially supports Planned Parenthood, a prominent center for many womens' health services, one among those being abortion.  I was even more heart broken to find out all the companies and corporations that also support them.  I can't even look in my pantry or garage and not see something that has financially supported this pro-choice movement.  I want to ensure you all that I am digging in and doing my research and getting all the Godly counsel I need to find out all I can about where our donated money is going.  

I do believe with all my heart that Susan G. Komen foundation is a foundation that has had an incredible impact on the development of Breast Cancer research for a cure.  My mom is a living testimony to that.  They have given an amazing $1 billion dollars to date directly to breast cancer research. 

I will most definately still participate in the walk, because I know that I and my sisters and mom could and will be a light in a dark world.  We will be walking alongside women, men, gay, straight, christian, agnostic, atheist, pro-life, pro-choice, democrat, republican, etc... for one reason... to help find a cure for this disease that has touched our lives in some way.  I will have many opportunities to share the gospel, my testimony, and my faith with these people.  Our whole team will be decked out with scripture and pro-life on our shirts, so no one could even possibly doubt what we believe in.  Our team is called "Pink Peace" because of the unexplainable peace my mom experienced through her whole ordeal with cancer.  Our team motto is "We Walk to Overcome", which comes from John 16:33, "I have told you this so that you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.".  These words that Jesus spoke can make such a huge impact on the lives of these people I will be in the midst of.  They will have no choice but to read those words on the back of my shirt while I am walking among them for 60 miles!!  Amen?

I wanted to write this quick blog to let you know that I am aware of the situation and I am diligently seeking wisdom from the Lord in how I can make an impact.  Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement and your accountability in letting me know about this situation.  I am very thankful! 

Please stay connected with this blog, as I will be posting more important information and decisions as they are made!  And please stay in prayer for me as I am continuing this journey and seeking God's face.  Please begin praying for the hearts of the people my team will come in contact with.  That God would begin softening their hearts to His truth and that we may win souls for Jesus!  I want EVERYTHING I do to be directly in line with God's will for me.  Thank you ALL for your encouragement!

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord." 

Psalm 19:14

Jump In!

I'm Home!

Well, I am finally back home in chilly Thomaston, Ga after being in 90+ weather "down under"!  It was a nice little trip, but I'm glad to get back home and get back into "real life"!  Ha!  

That means the dreaded word.... training....ugh.  For those of you who don't know, why I'm training (still hurts to say), check out my last blog titled "A New Endeavor" for the 411.  I'm starting to come to the realization that 60 miles is a really looooooooong distance to walk.  Hence why training (ok, a little better that time) is quite essential.  I will be walking 20 miles a day for 3 days.  So, my goal is Monday morning, bright and early-cold and all, getting out there in my neighborhood and starting my journey.  I'll most likely start walking with a mile or two, then gradually bump up the distances.  Man, I'm gonna need a good playlist on my ipod to keep me from getting bored!!  

I'll keep you guys posted on my training (not so bad anymore...) hopefully everyday, even if its just a quick "Hey, I walked 3 miles today... feeling good!".  

What I need from you

• I need you guys to leave me comments saying "Go, Megan, Go!  You can do it!" to keep me inspired and motivated!  Or maybe for you exercise gurus out there, tips and advice!
• I need you guys to leave me comments with your favorite songs that might get me pumped while I'm training (kinda liking that word now).  I'll leave a post with my final playlist for your approval! 
• And of course, financial support for my walk.  Got a long way to go still!  Thank you to all who have so graciously contributed!  But for the rest of you... JUMP IN! 
•  My Donations Page 

  

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

A New Endeavor...

Megan Here...

I have made the decision to start a new endeavor.  I joined the breast cancer 3-day walk for August 7-9th in Chicago!!  We will be walking 60 miles over a 3 day period... my feet are throbbing just thinking about it!  Our team, PINK PEACE, consists of My mom, who is a breast cancer survivor, and my 2 sisters, Erin and Heather.  We are so excited and nervous!  Training starts today!  I will be doing A LOT of walking on my own between now and August... mainly to ensure that I don't pass out several times during the journey!!  Please pray for strength and endurance for our team!

A Little About Why I'm Walking

My mom, Cindy, was called to battle breast cancer about 7 years ago.  I say "called" because of what God taught me through this experience.  My mom and dad are amazing people and they love Jesus with all their hearts, and devoted their lives to pouring this into me and my brother and sisters and many others throughout their lifetimes.  When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was very angry with God.  I thought "of all people in this world, my mom does not deserve this"!  From there, God began taking me on a journey to see Him for who He really is and to see my circumstances for what they really are... channels through which God brings glory to himself!  Through months of crying, praying, and seeking God's face, He brought me into such an intimate place with Him just through watching how my mom handled what she'd been given.  

I never heard the woman say a negative thing about where she was.  My mom only continued to say "God has a reason-- I can't wait to see what He does through this!".  And what a miracle he performed through her!  I'm not going to give away her testimony, because I want HER to be the one to tell you what God did through her battle with breast cancer.  Stay posted on this blog to watch for a blog from my mom, telling all about her story!  

"And we know that through all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes." -Romans 8:28

What I Need From You!

In order to participate in the 3-day walk, each walker has to raise a minimum of $2300. I, 

however, have set the lofty goal of $15,000! It sounds like a lot of money to one person, but hopefully

with the help of family, friends, and fans, I can reach that goal and that money will go towards the

research needed to find a cure for this disease that I, my sisters, and our daughters are already prone to!

I want to spread the word about breast cancer and shout to the world what He has done through my 

family's ordeal with this horrible disease! So, I want to get people involved. This is where YOU come in! 

I need YOUR help in raising this money! My team would be so thankful for any amount you choose to give,

whether it be $1, or whatever God lays on your heart to give! If you are not in a place to give financially,

Please join with us in praying for our team and praying for us to overcome breast cancer!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." -John 16:33

Links to Where You Can Contribute

My Personal 3-Day Site

My Team, "Pink Peace" Site

Atlanta Concert

Well, we went to the Atlanta concert last night... Not to play but to see everybody and so they could meet Rory. I guess you could say she had her stage debut last night. Mark introduced Rory to the crowd and Juan looked so proud. It was so good to see everyone... I thought I was going to cry when I saw everyone especially when I saw Megan but I gave myself a headache trying not to cry. It was kind of strange watching everyone play from the side of the stage, but the people covering for me (Bruce and Tiffany) are great! They are so sweet and talented and were the perfect replacements. At first I was so disappointed that I wasn't going on the tour because everyone knows how much I love Christmas. The day everyone was at tour rehearsal I cried a lot, but I think God was trying to teach me some things about being a mommy that I wouldn't have known otherwise and it took me staying home and taking away the best Papa in the world for a little while for me to learn it. It was a good night and I am so glad I went even though I'm exhausted now;)

Dec 2, 2008

Ok so my 1st blog was so long ago now that I don't think it counts anymore. There has been a lot going on lately though. Juan and I were so busy getting ready for Rory that I couldn't think about anything else. Well, she's here and she was born on November 26th weighing in at 5 Lbs 5 oz and 17.5 inches long. It was God's perfect timing because Juan was only going to be home a day and a half from tour rehearsal before leaving for the tour Thanksgiving night. I woke up at 1:30 in the morning Wednesday before Juan got there and just prayed that she would be born that day. Juan got home at 2:30 and I couldn't go to sleep. My water broke at 3:30 and she was born at 6:13AM. It was perfect because Juan had just gotten home and less than 36 hours later, we brought her home. Juan got to be there for it and bring us home from the hospital. Now we just miss him at home. Jesse is doing well with this shift in power... As well as can be expected. I know he misses his Papa. I miss him too. I've been so emotional lately because of all that goes along with pregnancy but my horomones are so wacked out right now that anything could make me cry. All I have to think about for a split second is how much I miss Megan or Juan or Mark and Mel and I just bawl my eyes out. Anyway, I'm sure some of you can relate. Well now that Rory Thomlyn is here, hopefully we can get this arthritis under control so I can get back to playing the violin. Here is a pic of our little "booger bottom".

Day of Many Thanks!

It's the day after Thanksgiving and I'm here in Houston, TX getting ready to have the first concert of our Christmas Celebration Tour.  I think it's kind of strange to be having a Christmas concert the day after Thanksgiving, but hopefully people will come anyways!!

My day yesterday was kinda crazy.  I had to be on the bus to leave out for the tour at 9:30pm last night, so most of the day was spent washing clothes and packing.  Lillie (my daughter who is almost 3) was complaining that her tummy hurt all morning, so she kind of layed around and watched tv.  She was standing in front of Ryan and started coughing and BOOM-- threw up all over him!!  It kept coming and coming as I was scrambling to find a bowl to hold in front of her.  My poor husband was just sitting there taking it and catching what he could in his hands, God bless his soul!  (Sorry if any of you are getting queesy!!)  We tag teamed and he gave her a bath and I got to clean up the mess (fair trade, huh?).  I was a little bummed that she got sick because I had a feeling it was a virus and, selfishly, I DID NOT want to miss my mom's Thanksgiving dinner....mmmm...she is an AMAZING cook!!  So, I adamantly refused to make any decisions against going to my parents' house until we waited a while to see how Lillie was feeling!  Ha!  Needless to say, she got sick again (this time in a bowl!), so I very reluctantly agreed to skip Thanksgiving dinner with my family this year.  I think my stomach was very disappointed as well!  More than all this, I was so scared that I was going to get the bug and be throwing up all day when I had to sing!  NOT COOL!  So, I ate like a bird all day, so that if I did get sick, I wouldn't have to throw up much!  Tee-hee!  

Lillie took a nap and Ryan and I were sitting around and Ryan suddenly hopped up said "I'll be back, I gotta get out for a while".  Needless to say, I was like "Are you serious?  You're leaving to 'get out' on THANKSGIVING?!!"  So, he left and a little while later, he called me and said, "Hey, will you come out here and help me?"  When I walked out to his car, he has a big box of turkey, stuffing, veggies, bread, sweet tea, pies, etc...  He said "I didn't want us to have to miss Thanksgiving this year".  He is so sweet!!  It was probably the worst food I've ever eaten for Thanksgiving, but it was definately the most meaningful!  Oh-- and did I mention he also got the biggest, most obnoxious Turkey balloon for Lillie?!  Yesterday was a reminder of how absolutely thankful I am for my amazing husband.  God has blessed me so much!   

Girls out there-- commit to be picky on who you date and ultimately marry.  Set your standards high and make a list of everything you want in a husband.  Pray for him daily, even if you haven't met him yet.  You are a daughter of the King and don't settle for any guy treating you less than a princess!!! 

Europe Tour in progress...

(Megan here)

It's day 3 in our journey through Europe.  We played our first concert in Belfast, Ireland last night on Halloween... spooooky!  It was actually pretty cool being there and playing a concert on that day because Belfast (or Northern Ireland) is actually where Halloween originated.  We heard stories of how they used to carve potatoes instead of pumpkins and stuff. (weird, huh?) It really wasn't spooky there or anything, it was just really cool to be able to sing Jesus over that city while everyone is out celebrating this pagan holiday.  

We are in Stoke-on-Trent, England today.  It is stinkin cold and we are all waaaay past tired!  I'm sitting here in my hotel room and it is a bit interesting.  It's really old and bare and there is not a shower in the bathroom... only a bathtub.  I'm wondering how this is going to go with me... For all of you who don't know, I'm pushing 6 feet tall, so bathtubs are usually a humorous time for me... its not quite as relaxing when you have knees bent about a foot out of the water!  More so awkward!  We'll see!

I really miss Melodee.  She and I are usually inseparable on the road, but as you all probably know, she is expecting a baby in a few weeks, so she had to stay home.  I'm really lonely without her.  Life traveling with a dozen guys is not as fun when you're the only girl.  Well, Melanie, our road manager and Mark's wife, is here of course, and I love being able to room with her, but during the day she stays really busy working and taking care of all the details of this trip so we can have an easier time.  She's an amazing woman and one of my dearest friends.  I know Juan misses Melodee a lot too, but who cares about him missing his wife... I miss my best friend!! *just kidding... kinda*

I really miss my husband, Ryan, and our daughter, Lillie and I find myself really wanting to be home.  I'm only 3 days into this 13 day trip and I'm already really homesick.  I'm learning that Satan often times uses wonderful things in our lives (like our families who God has so dearly blessed us with) to distract  us from what God wants us to do.  Yes, I love my family more than anything, but God desires for us to love him far above them.  Perhaps this is what God is teaching me this trip...that He comes first.  I miss my family, and I know it's okay... they'll be there when I get home next week, but God obviously wants me here, ministering to the people on the OTHER side of the world.  God has called me to be a part of this ministry called Casting Crowns...  Calling takes surrender, surrender takes sacrifice, and sacrifice takes a willingness to go...So, I guess I'm "going"!  

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, 

"Here am I. Send me!"

Isaiah 6:8

Oct 18, 2008

Megan here! So here I am at almost 2 am, riding on the bus headed to Mississippi. Since I cant sleep, I figured I'd try out this blog thing on my phone. Tonight was a good night for me (concert wise)... way better than last night!! Last night during Love Them Like Jesus, I was up there at my piano, spotlight on me, singing and playing away, and all I could think about was "Man, it is so stinkin hot up here!" ...and then I forgot where I was... mind totally went blank, so I kept singing and just folded my hands in my lap, didnt even attempt to play piano, and waited until I remembered anything of value and then continued on with my trainwreck of a song. Needless to say... not a good start to my night! Tonight was better. I actually made it through the first few songs with no goofs... imagine that! Hector, being the huge nerd he is, has this new thing with putting all his trash (empty water bottles, empty coffee cups, whatever else he can scrounge up) on my piano keys, so when I come back to the piano after singing, I have to remove it all without spilling and liquid into my keyboard. I'm thinking of getting a trash can to keep by me! He's real funny, folks! *sigh* Speaking of funny guys... there's Chris... he finds it incredibly amusing to throw water bottles at me at random moments and blame it on Andy. And Andy, that guy somehow found a lime green pool noodle and somehow twisted it onto his bald head and wore it as a turban of sorts during our whole meet and greet tonight. I explained to the people we met that Andy is our resident cartoon, and their best bet would be to just smile and nod when they met him! I'll get to all the other clowns on the road with us another day. I feel I may be able to sleep now. Perhaps I needed to share my ramblings with all of you! Sweet dreams, friends. Until next time, here's my life verse. Read it. Know it. Live it. "Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You!" Psalm 63:3