Keep going
2006 - 2011
Moved twice in one year, the second time from New Mexico to California. Spent the final eight weeks of my fifth pregnancy on bedrest and nearly delivered at Disney. Welcomed Crew — the end of our “crew” (I really thought so at the time). Five kids in six years.
We began infertility testing and treatment, and were told we'd never have children of our own. So we did what made sense at the time: started the process to join the IMB and move to Tanzania as missionaries. Then, miraculously, I got pregnant. The doctors warned us repeatedly we'd lose the baby. We canceled our plans to move to Africa and prayed each day the doctors were wrong.
2012
2005
2002
We had four kids in four years. Everyone was floored — us most of all. We lost a baby to miscarriage in 2008. Matt finished his seminary and master's program in the middle of it all.
Married Matt. Still the best decision I've ever made.
I almost didn't write this page. Twenty-two years is a lot of road, and most of it I never would have chosen. But looking back at all of it together, I can see the one thread running through every twist: God was always at work. So here it is —
2016
Went viral for the first time. Began writing for The Courage with Kirk Cameron, Focus on the Family, Faithwire, Faithit, and others. More articles went viral. Signed with my literary agent, finally chasing a childhood dream of publishing a book. Walked through a second miscarriage.
We started counseling, to actually process and heal instead of just surviving. I launched my blog on a little WordPress site (and spray-painted my wedding dress for a post, as one does). I entered the Labrada Lean Body for Her fitness contest, won the popular vote, and became a fitness athlete for Labrada. OH, and we planted a church — Cross & Crown Church in Orange County, CA.
2017
2015
2014
Ran the Tinkerbell Half Marathon. Loved our little precious church. Soaked up all things California. Disney became our second home.
The most chaotic season of ministry we'd known. Matt led Mars Hill Huntington Beach through location changes and through the downfall of Pastor Mark Driscoll. Mars Hill Church closed. Our campus closed. I refinished and sold a ridiculous amount of furniture as a way to grieve with my hands.
2020
The first wave of what I can only call a tsunami of trauma.
[Read our story →]
Was keynote speaker for my first women's retreat. Opened our little pink-door chicken coop. Saw the Texas coast for the first time. Wrote my first book, With All Joy. Welcomed baby number seven, Quinn Haddon, in September — and this time our family really was complete. For real.
2021
2019
2018
Started homeschooling in March when the world shut down. Broke
ground on a first home garden and a DIY pool deck. Did a lot of at-home workouts. Kai started playing football. And we began to notice our sweet Corban's health declining.
Spoke at my first women's event in Scottsdale, to more than 350 women —terrifying and yet significantly holy. Spoke again at Rock Harbor in Costa Mesa (whoa, facing my biggest fears was wild!) Moved from California to Texas. Walked through my hardest pregnancy yet and welcomed Cosette in August with three dislocated ribs and a cracked tailbone. Adopted our long-awaited Willow dog and declared our family complete (ha).
2024
I'm still here, still writing, still creating. And I'd love for you to come walk this next part of the road with me. A fifteen-year dream is finally coming to life: a new company called Mattering Things [link], built around strengthening the family through the sacred work of motherhood.
There are courses, life coaching, cohort groups, a book already written and another on the way.
Launched my first course, Potty Training in One Day. Matt launched Cross & Crown Consulting. Three kids broke bones in less than six weeks (with a fourth in a splint, because of course). Reconnected with my literary agent and began a new book proposal. Spoke at women's events around town. And the whole family worked the San Antonio ice rink at the Pearl, together.
Present
2023
2022
Signed on as a fitness athlete and Legionnaire with 1st Phorm. Relaunched my website with renewed focus: serving, strengthening, and encouraging women toward what matters most. Kept speaking at local churches and moms' groups.
The second wave. I spoke at the Hope Mommies retreat for bereaved mothers. We finished the pool deck. And slowly, by grace, we did the hard work —forgiveness, picking up the pieces, healing, moving forward as a family. Corban began new treatment, and we launched Team Corban.
— Lindsey D.,
It will encourage you to “parent in a way that is compassionate but controlled” and is filled with practical wisdom on training and raising our children in a home that is filled with joy! A book equally focused on your heart as a mama and your child’s heart in your care.
I can not recommend this little excerpt on motherhood enough!
— Meghan C.,
This book is gold! It’s parenting and training advice is so complete and encouraging! If you have children in your life, this is an uplifting read you can’t miss.
Meg’s book is full of insight I can use directly with my own children.
Kimberly V.,
I still have to finish the last few chapters, but it’s so good! Knowing Meg as a friend, along with reading her blog, I can say she lives her life with complete authenticity. She writes from a place of experience and truth, and leaves you feeling inspired and utterly convicted in the sweetest way. My faith has been blessed by her wisdom, and I’m so excited to witness that wisdom transform our home and family, as we put this teaching into action! Phenomenal job Meg! I’ve already begun to witness change in not just my parenting, but my own attitude and mindset. Love you friend!!!!
Meg’s teaching is revolutionizing my parenting...
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