Technology Blues

Are face-to-face business meetings really necessary in this age of technology? With the advent of teleconferencing and video conferencing, distance is no longer a barrier for teams located in multiple locations. Just pick up a phone, turn on a computer, and presto! Instant connection! Now, there is something to be said for talking to people in person. Nonverbal communication is an important component in any kind of conversation. So in person meetings are great…for groups located in the same geography. But that’s the point. If you’re all in the same building, the same county even, then there’s no issue. But why make someone drive 1.5 hours one way for a maximum 2 hour meeting then have to drive 1.5 hours back? Especially with all the technological advances of our day! I guess I’m just venting. I had a meeting at the Navy Yard in DC today that could have very well been accomplished via teleconference. In fact, besides putting faces with names, there wasn’t much point in my attendance. But putting faces with names and getting away from my desk was kind of nice. It was also good to see a co-worker that I had worked with until he got transferred to the team out in Annapolis. He and I worked as a team in the field a lot before the decision was made to move him. Before that, his daughter had given birth to twins, one boy and one girl. However, the twins were born with a rare genetic disorder called Zellweger syndrome. They were told it was very rare for children with this to live even one year. But God provided for their birth in the midst of this, allowing them to be born at the only hospital in the country doing research on Zellweger’s. But sometimes God’s plans are not our own. About two months ago, the little girl, Ashley, passed away after only a few months of life. By God’s grace, He allowed her birth and the short time she had with her family. And by His mercy, He brought her back to His side and ended her suffering. But for some reason beyond our simple understanding and reasoning, her brother, Thomas (Tommy), is still with his family. I got to talk with John some today and because of the uncertainty of Tommy’s life their family is celebrating Christmas in July, complete with a tree and decorations. He also talked about how his grandson loves different tastes. He said that they’ll touch a lollipop to his tongue and he loves it! John says that this is the one joy in his young grandson’s life because of the disorder; the boy loves tastes! It seems so often that we overlook the simple pleasures that God has given us in life. I read a line in a book today that stated “Nature is not primarily functional. It is primarily beautiful.” Yet how often do we miss that beauty? If “the heavens declare the glory of God…” (Ps. 19:1a), then how often do we miss God? When’s the last time you slowed down enough to smell the flowers around you? Ate a meal slow enough to savor each taste? Played with a baby and caught their infectious laughter? Took time to hold hands with your sweetheart and just enjoy their presence (one of my personal favorites)? So in retrospect, maybe the meeting wasn’t all that important. Maybe it could have been done by teleconference. But who cares? Tommy’s story puts things in perspective for me. Maybe, just maybe, I’ve been too busy to notice. Maybe you have as well. “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matt. 6:27) Take some time to slow down and enjoy life and fellowship with God. Don’t miss out on His presence just because there is a to-do list. Maybe I should pay more attention to my own musings…

Adoption!!

So for those who haven't heard...I have a new little sister! :) Chelse's adoption became final on Monday, April 27th. We now have the official certificate with her new name on it and everything! It is such an exciting time for our family, especially when you consider that the last time we talked to the lawyer, they had told us that we were looking at a date closer to August. We were shocked when they told us it would be April 27th. It was such an answer to prayer and an enormous blessing from God. Only He could have orchestrated something so amazing. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for this. It may have taken over a year but we have finally reached the end of this long tunnel! Thinking on the topic of adoption, it has been amazing to consider that I now have a live-in reminder of what God has done for me by adopting me into His family. I was lost but now I'm found! I also just got done watching the movie "Bella" which I highly recommend. Amazing, very well done film and I dare you not to at least tear up at the end! Soli Deo Gloria! Meghan

Verses

Just thought I would share some verses that have been on my heart and mind today... "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." ~Phillipians 4:19 "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." ~Job 1:21b May Jehovah Jireh provide you with a peace that passes all understanding in this time of uncertainty. Soli Deo Gloria, Meghan

Christmas update letter

Christmas Greetings, friends and family! I have been long overdue in updating you as to the goings-on in my life so I again apologize. For those who have been reading my blog (http://morrepic.blogspot.com), you may have seen my entry concerning being laid off. I was, in fact, abruptly laid off from WeatherBug on October 23rd. The company went through a huge round of cutbacks due to the economic environment and all 4 full-time and 2 part-time QC/Alerts Meteorologists were let go as the program we had been working on was drastically slashed. Two weeks before my layoff, I had been offered and turned down a job offer from Booz Allen Hamilton in Southern Maryland. A few days after the layoff, I called up the recruiter at Booz Allen and asked about employment opportunities, not even expecting to be able to get the same offer from them. I went on a personal retreat to a farm in Pennsylvania (http://www.mountaindale.net) for a few days and during that time received a call from the recruiter. Booz Allen had been able to jump the necessary hurdles and the exact offer I had turned down before was reopened to me. How amazing is God's provision! The acceptance of that offer with a start date of December 1st threw my life into a mini-whirlwind for a period of time. I arrived back in Germantown from PA on November 13th and immediately began to pack and make arrangements. Thankfully, I was renting a basement in a private home so my roommate was very gracious in allowing me to leave my lease early, having previously been laid off herself. On November 22nd, two good friends (Thank you Allie and Dan!) and my family converged on the townhouse to pack my belongings for the long trip back to St. Mary's. It was bittersweet as I left behind good friends and colleagues that I would miss but looked forward to a new start back home. I started my new job as a Researcher at Booz Allen on December 1st. So far, most of my work has consisted of training, reading, and working with map symbols as I await authorization for access to the 2 military bases I will be working on (Patuxent River and Indian Head). Please pray as it seems this is being held up much longer than anyone anticipated. With less than one week to Christmas, we are looking forward to celebrating with Chelse and my grandmother, Darline, from California. Chelse has now been in our custody since early spring. However, St. Mary's county has done their best to slow the adoption process down. The personnel in California are waiting to push the paperwork through quickly but that paperwork has lingered for months on the desks of those in St. Mary's. Please pray as we attempt to move the process along a little faster and pray for those hands the paperwork will go through, that they will understand the need for expediency in this matter. Also, be in prayer for the Miller family from our church in Leonardtown. About two short weeks ago, their oldest daughter, Victoria, was diagnosed with leukemia. It has all happened so fast and she is currently at Children's Hospital in DC going through her first round of chemo. However, praise the Lord, recently her tests have come back negative for leukemia cells. Her most recent lumbar puncture (spinal tap) results from Tuesday were completely negative. She will have one more today and we are fervently praying that it is also negative. You can find updates at her CarePage on the Children's Hopital site: http://www.carepages.com/carepages/UpheldByHim. I pray that in the midst of hard times this Christmas, you will remember the true reason for the season and His provision in every circumstance. May the God of all peace be with you as we celebrate the birth of His Son! Soli Deo Gloria! Meghan

Economy hits home...

For those who have not heard, I was laid off in a round of company cutbacks last Thursday. It came as quite a shock as all the QC Mets were let go without any forewarning. I would covet your prayers as I search for a new job. If at all possible, I'd like to stay where I am but we'll see what God has in store. I know He has a plan in all of this but sometimes it's hard to see when you're in the midst of it. I have already submitted a few resumes and will be getting in touch with some people this week. To those who are also being affected by the economy, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care! "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 Soli Deo Gloria, Meghan