Posted in G42 by Megan Rouse on 5/26/2011
Hello everyone!
I wanted to let you all know:
1. I have a new blog up 2. the new blog is on my new blog site!!!
PLEASE CHECK IT OUT! AND SUBSCRIBE ON THE RIGHT SIDE!!
Thanks for following my journey thus far!!! Your support and encouragement means so much to me!!!
Bless you big!!
In Christ, Megan Rouse
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Posted in G42 by Megan Rouse on 5/20/2011
Ready. Set. Humiliating story time.
I used to LOATH diapers (apparently...I don't recall this). I would walk around the house, having taken off my diaper, leaving my mom frustrated. My mom is pretty smart, so she gave me the simple truth: "Megan, if you're not going to wear your diaper, then you need to potty train and wear big girl panties."
Since I'm such a mother-honoring child (haha, probably only in this area), I became potty trained. And then, and this is a story my mom LOVES to tell...
Please continue reading this blog on my new blog site!! http://thestarsarewatching.wordpress.com/
Oh and subscribe on the right side of the page, so you can be updated by email!
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Posted in G42 by Megan Rouse on 5/15/2011
If I didn't have hope here is where I'd be:

I'd be in a job that I didn't find fulfilling.
I'd be either dating or married to someone I settled for.
I'd be in debt; monetarily as well as spiritually and
emotionally.
I'd be sitting in my church, needy, in a ‘hospital bed',
looking to get what I could from the pastor, and not getting out of the ‘bed'
for someone who needed care and treatment.
I'd be caught up in sins and strongholds, thinking I could
never break free from them.
I'd be sitting in front of my TV screen conspiring about
whether or not Bin Laden was really dead, if the US has known where he was all
along, and if 9/11 was some fluke.
I'd be angry.
I'd be bitter.
I'd be cynical.
I'd be hopeless.
But damnit!! I have hope!
And I REFUSE to live the rest of my
life as if I didn't.
I guess I say this a lot, and maybe it goes unheard or
unrecognized as important, but YOU CAN HAVE HOPE, TOO! Jesus isn't some
feminized man with pedicured hands and his long luscious locks blowing in the
wind. My Jesus has calloused carpenter hands, a fierce passion for his bride,
and an outrageous anger towards those who try to mess with His Father's
children. He also knows how to have a good time. He knew full well that life
was meant to be lived…and lived well.

With that said, here's who I am and who I will be, because I
have hope:
I am pursuing a life that makes me want to wake up every
morning with joy and anticipation for what's in store.
I am waiting for a man that I can share life with and who will lead me, our children, and
others to be strong, loving, considerate people.
I'm taking responsibility for finances, my emotional state,
and my spiritual relationship so that I can be and operate at my best.
I am part of the Church. I am here to help other people get
help, healing, and then hoist them into greatness. It's one thing I know
that God has given me a passion for.
I am a saint…that sometimes sins. I know that my past does
not define my future. And that even though His grace covers my sins, I no
longer do (or don't do) things out of obligation, but because I know it hurts
my relationship with my Father.
I am confident in the victory that I fight from. I know, and
operate out of, the understanding that for those who are in Christ Jesus, no
weapon formed against us will prosper. Not ever.
I am joyful.
I have peace.
I look for and expect the best.
And that is how I view life. Again I refuse to live my life any
other way. I am giving my life to see as many people come to a place of
freedom. I will die for the hope of glory to be in everyone. Because it is
then, that Christ will come to meet His pure spotless bride. Please, don't give up on hope.
"This
is the only time in history when I get to fight for God. This is the only part
of my eternal story when I am actually in the battle. Once I die, I'll be in
celebration mode in a glorified body in a whole different set of circumstances.
But this is my limited window of opportunity, and I'm going to fight the good
fight for all I'm worth."
-Joni Eareckson Tada
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Posted in G42 by Megan Rouse on 5/14/2011
I hummed the words of "Death in His Grave" by John Mark McMillan. I was walking in a part of Malaga, Spain that was just dead. I was nervous and scared. Honestly, I was scared mainly for selfish reasons.
But then I met her. And at the beginning, it was hard. I was still nervous. I was scared. This lady looked pissed. She had every right to be pissed, in my opinion. I'm sure she gets tons of Christians coming to tell her to straighten up her life. That was the day I met Viviane (you can read more about her by going to that link).
Anyway, at one point I told her, "People are fighting for you. They are fighting for you to have a better life." She smiled a 'that's-cute-thanks' smile and we were on our way.
Today, May 14, 2011, I get to fight for Viviane and other women, men, and children caught in human trafficking. I'm standing up to say that it's not ok for them to be looked at, treated, thought of as anything less that God's child. Viviane is an image of God.
He has cheated
Hell and seated
Us above the fall
In desperate places
He paid our wages
One time once and for all
The curse of Genesis 3:16 was finished when the man, Jesus Christ laid death in his grave. He arose and gave, those who grab them, the keys to conquer death in the world.
Ladies and gentlemen, I need you to know that I've grabbed hold of those keys. I will walk confidently today, fighting the good fight for women like Viviane. I am walking out of the gates. I'm going. I'm getting the road ready for the people, building a highway, clearing the debris, hoisting high a flag-a signal to all peoples! Telling them that God has broadcast to all the world: "Tell your daughter [Viviane, Kit, Lovette, etc], 'Look! Your Savior comes! Ready to do what he said he'd do, prepared to complete what he promised."
And God's promise: they will be called new names: Holy People, God-Redeemed, Sought-Out, Not Forsaken.
Please, will you rise, too? Viviane needs you to fight. Today's the day to start. Get educated about Human trafficking(http://mattoo.org/facts.html). Pray. Stand up against it.
Stand up
We shall not be moved...
If you've got more to give then you've got to prove
Put your hands up and I'll copy you
Stand up We shall not be moved
Except by a woman dying from a loss of food
If you've got a dream and a lot to do then
Put your hands up and I'll copy you (Stand Up by the Flobots)
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Posted in G42 by Megan Rouse on 5/13/2011
This is a blog that my roommate, Allison just wrote...it's awesome and I think more people need to read it :) Also, if you feel led, please consider supporting Allison's time here at G42!-----------------------------------------------------
(re)focus.
I recently watched The King's Speech, and
I'm left wondering why stories like the one portrayed in this movie are
not in our history books. We read when King George VI reigned; he did so
and so; he was born and died in such and such a time. And yada, yada,
yada.
I just want to know one thing. Why didn't the books tell me about the struggles the freakin' king of England had to overcome because of a speech impediment?!
I don't mean to knock the education system…
wait, that's a lie.
I really think it's a load of bull.
Honestly, I remember what it was like to be a hormonal-trying to fit
into the world-teenager. The last thing I wanted to be told at that age
was some useless fact that was never going to really benefit me in the
great scheme of life. I think it would be much more conducive if
we were taught that the man who ruled over England couldn't speak
right, and had to fight like hell, just to share one simple message to
the common people. (But what do I know?!)
I think I took such a liking to this movie because it is real. I mean
it wasn't all rainbows and lollipops for this dude. It took him years to finally get to a place of doing something that is really easy for most people. And this was someone who ruled over an entire country. (Hello!)
I wonder how many of us settle because we are too afraid that we will
fall flat on our faces. This guy did fall, many times, and in front of
millions of people. But he kept going. This is the kind of stuff we need to be told about in order to succeed in life.
We are going to fail,
probably many times,
but for god's sake…
DON'T GIVE UP THE FIGHT!
Here at G42 we are challenged to be history makers.
We probably won't make it into a history book, and the world may never
know our name, but that won't stop us from going full force… no matter the cost. If
only I had this sort of encouragement, and people (other than my
parents) who truly believed in what I was capable of, at 16. Wow, if
every 16-year-old was told this, the world would be an epic place.
Men and Women:
Your past does not define you.
You can go as far as you want… as long as you never give up.
Look to hurdles as learning experiences instead of failure.
And for goodness sake, NEVER SETTLE.
½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"½"
Family, friends, and supporters:
Thank you so much for the last few years of
believing in just how far I can go. I'm realizing more and more that my
heart is for others to understand just how far they can go, and
helping/encouraging them in that. I want to see a generation live boldly
and to see them change the state of our world. I have to believe it is
possible, or I may as well pack up my bags and go home.
With that, I still have about 4 more months
at this “training ground” before I get thrown back out into doing the
things I feel called to do. I am still in need of about $3,500 to finish this thing out. Without the proper funds, I will have to return home early.
Any amount would help me out so much. And as always, it's tax deductible.
Thank you for your love and support!
Donate here : click on intern support and then write ‘Allison Schwartz' on the 2nd page of the PayPal link.
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Posted in G42 by Megan Rouse on 5/8/2011
…my mom kicks major booty!

I love my mom.
She probably doesn't know it.
I don't tell her nearly enough.
But I do.
A lot.
Mom, I
love you. A lot.
And I
think you kick major booty, like for real!
------------------------
My
mom has a phenomenal way of comforting:
She
has snuggled me from the very beginning. She even snuggled me back in December
when I over-dramatically thought I was dying from pneumonia.
My
mom is a lover…and a fighter:
I
can see Jesus in my mom, simply by how she loves and cherishes people. She is
also quite the firecracker, so you better not mess with the people she loves.
Or make fun of her…in the words of Yul Brenner in Cool Runnings, “I see pride!
I see power! I see a bad-ass mother who don't take no crap off of nobody!
(I
think I got that from her…)
My
mom is tons of fun:
In
high school, she and my dad would chaperon our dances (it was cooler than it
probably sounds). My mom, knows how to bust a move…and it's tons of fun to
watch her and my dad do country swing. My mom also has the nickname in our family, “Lead Foot”…needless to say it's always been a good time driving with
my mom.
My
mom loves her some Jesus:
It
has been such a joy to see my mom grow in her relationship with the Lord! I
love to see how she tries to get as much information as she can. I see that she
trusts the God in other people and respects their opinions and insights. She is
a beautiful woman of God.
-----------------------------------
Deidre Ann,
You're an amazing woman of God! I'm so
blessed to have you in my life! You've been a great mother, daughter, sister,
wife, and friend! I'm so proud of the woman that you are. What is more, I love
that you're not done letting God grow you and transform you. Mom, you have such
a huge destiny in His plan! You are a precious daughter of the Most High King!
He loves you and wants you to realize more and more each day, that you are His
princess and you have a huge inheritance to grab! GET SOME, GIRL!
I love you so much, mommy!
Happy Mother's Day!
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Posted in G42 by Megan Rouse on 4/22/2011
Mark 5
35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of
Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother
the teacher anymore?”
36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don't be afraid; just
believe.”
37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the
brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue
leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39
He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is
not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out,
he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and
went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to
her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42
Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years
old). At this they were completely astonished.

“What does your tattoo mean?”
“Well, it says Tailtha Koum, which means Little Girl, wake up.”
------------------------------------------------------
I just got back from the Malaga Airport. My best friend,
Evin was on her way back to the states after a two-week visit here in Mijas.
This story of Jesus opened doors for healing and freedom for my dear friend.
As is custom for us crazy, Jesus loving twenty-somethings
these days, my friend Annie Rose has a tattoo that reads “Talitah Koum.”
Curiosity killed the cat, and Evin couldn't help but ask.
What no one knew at the time was that the tattoo was going to be used in SUCH a
huge way. All throughout Annie Rose's story of the tattoo, she commented by
saying things like, “I don't know why I'm telling this story like this. I've
never explained my tattoo this detailed or in this way.”
I am of the
opinion that the Holy Spirit made the words come, because Evin needed to hear
them. Later, as we walked around Mijas, Evin says, “I can't get that out of my
head.”
Playing stupid (more wanting to hear it come from her
mouth…haha, love you girl), I asked, “what?”
Simply, she responded with, “Wake up.”
I would just like to make two very powerful statements that
you may or may not agree with:
1 . Tattoos are a phenomenal
ministry tool. And I'm proud of my friends who have memorialized their faith
journey…your faith and boldness is setting people free.
2. When the time is right, God
moves FREAKIN FAST….
-----------------------------------
8 years ago, I met a girl who had been maimed by the world. She
was cold, yet strong. She was intimidating. But God spoke to my heart and said
her heart needed love and hope. Her life needed, and was worthy of, redemption.
I've prayed, cried, fought (for and with), laughed, wanted
to give up, wanted to persevere, for Evin. No matter the season, God assured me
that She would see freedom. That she would live her life with purpose and
passion. Some seasons were definitely harder than others.I must mention that I've learned so many lessons about what it means to be a woman of loyalty, character, and integrity from her. I've felt and received love, grace and acceptance from Evin...and I'm forever thankful for her friendship.

I sit here on my couch in Mijas, Spain…completely and
utterly overwhelmed. I've seen God work in powerful ways in my life. All along
the way, He's shown me why I have no reason to doubt how good He is. Today is
another one of those days...
I can confidently say that I saw my best friend wake up.
I watched with my own eyes, every prayer I've prayed for
Evie answered.
I saw her heart accept Love.
I saw her accept hope.
I saw her stand firm in her redemption.
And for the prayers I never prayed, I heard her say these
things:
I can't go home the same.
I can breathe and my heart is beating stronger.
I fit.
I want to go deeper into God.
My past doesn't define my future.
Not only did I
hear these things, she declared it in front of her new friends"family"here at
G42 in class.
She even tattooed it on her body as a reminder…
God is so, so, so, so good. He is mighty to work. And I can sit
here today, thankful that it took 8 years to get to this point. To the world
that might seem ludicrous…but to me, and I'd like to think Him too, it wouldn't
be as epic if it happened any sooner.

Father God stripped away 20+ years of ‘tar' and hurt on
Evin's heart in less than two weeks.
My God does things epically.
He's not going to half-ass His
stories of redemption and deliverance.
And that, my friends, is a God I can
serve.
-----------------------------------------
Evin Jarel Feit
I'm so proud of you. I want to tell you to never forget what
God has done in you…but I guess you can't forget with that red strip on your
ankle. Walk boldly. Stand strong. Christ lives in you, love. With Him in you,
there's NOTHING you can't do. I'm so glad you made the choice. You woke up. Now
it's time to arise, SHINE. You were born for such a time as this! You're destined for greatness. He is so proud of
you. He loves you…more than you know. Even now, continue to float in His ocean
of grace and love! He is your fortress and strength. No weapon formed against
you will remain. And now that the power of death has been conquered in you…go
conquer it in others. You have authority. “The gates of hell (death) will not
prevail.”
Go be a gate crusher, warrior!
For from Him, to Him, and through Him are all things. Praise
be to God!!
Love you so much…
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Posted in G42 by Megan Rouse on 4/4/2011
I was on my way to Jersey in the UK, to visit some friends.
I got to the airport in Malaga to start the journey…
Monarch made me check my backpack…I had 2 kilos more than
the allotted amount.
2 kilos!!!
When
she told me the option of checking
it, my blood boiled and I got snarky. I was perturbed. On the one hand, I was
livid this lady was making me pay 31 Euros to check my backpack. I asked (more
like made a statement) by saying “Really?!” in a snotty way and my
body language probably exuded it, too. 
On the other hand, I was upset with
myself…I could have packed differently. I'm also broke and I have to check a backpack for about $45 USD! I
immediately walked to the sales counter to pay my newly acquired fee and the
only positive response I had was, “Lord, forgive my crappy attitude. Have grace
and mercy on me.” And for the next 30-45 minutes, I thought and analyzed the
situation like crazy. I knew worshiping and trying to find the positives were
my only ticket out of the ever tempting pitty-pit I quickly found myself
falling into.
So I had a lot of time to think (ok, let's be honest, worry).
This was not part of my plan.
From
Malaga to London, I kept thinking of everything in my backpack. My computer, my
Jersey friends' phone numbers, my clothes. I had nothing except my wallet and my
passport. Oh and I lost my sheet of paper that had all my flight information on
it in Malaga (good thing I have a random memory and knew I needed to go to the
‘North' terminal). I got to the point in mid-air on the way to London where I
surrendered everything to Him. I said, “Ok, God. I trust you.” And I told
myself that He is good…always.

What came after was another fabulous opportunity
to continue the lifestyle I profess to unabashedly live: complete and utter
dependence on God. I had to give up the possibility of my computer breaking, my
backpack being lost, missing my flight to Jersey, etc. After surrendering, my
next prayer was for peace and continued trust and patience in Him.
Great News! Lesson learned, trust instilled, everything
turned out just fine!! Got my backpack. Found my gate. Made it through British
customs with flying colors and a short friendly conversation with the British officer
(I was surprised…I've heard they're a tough crowd). I grabbed a bite to eat and
some java (duh) and proceeded to my next flight. With my iPod on shuffle, the
song “Industry” by John McLaughlin came on and it just really reinforced this
life of following Jesus for me. He says in the song, “When you grow silent I
start to fall.”
And I got to thinking that God is never silent. He's always
talking and revealing Himself. But then I thought of that line within the
context of the song- caught in the industry.

The industry we live in demands reliance on self, money,
belongings, and security. And caught in this industry, yeah, we technically
have everything we need. If I relied on myself, my money, my belongings, and my
security, God wouldn't have had to act because I could take control. Mind you, me taking control would have
been remaining angry and bitter at the ticket lady and the airline. Me taking
control would have been worrying myself sick
and panicking at the London airport. So, caught in the industry of
individualism, it makes Him grow silent because we don't need Him to act on our
behalf (which by the way, I believe He wants to do). Resulting in us looking
like up-tight jackasses, to be blunt.
I find it freakin' awesome that after “Industry” Garth
Brooks' song “To Make You Feel My Love” was next on the shuffle list (which is
God and my love song). God basically revealed to me that when I surrender everything
(computer, 31 Euros, anger, frustration, doubt) He takes it, turns it into my
good, and all because He simply loves me enough to show me that I don't have to
fall, that He's not silent and instead I must listen, and, well, the ‘industry'
sucks.

I like my God…a lot. He keeps me on my toes and reminds me
to trust Him in everything…even when I muck up on something as silly as this
story! I am my Beloved's and His desire is for me. And I quite like it that
way…
Cool thing is, I don't deserve a lick of it!
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Posted in G42 by Megan Rouse on 4/2/2011
This is merely a blog to bullet point a few things that exemplify how great my God is:
-He has picked me up, turned me around, and place my feet on solid ground
-He has given me a dream
-He has given me friends, family, and strangers that believe in and support my dream/life
-He has used those people (you) to fully fund my time here at G42!!!*
-I've got love, joy, peace, and righteousness in the Holy Spirit
Basically, my God is great. The people He has put in my life are a beautiful and powerful picture of that!
Next, I merely want to say:
Thank You!! Thank You!!!
*I have raised more than the needed $6,050!! I will be able to get reimbursements that will help fund pursuits of my coffee shop ministry!
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Posted in G42 by Megan Rouse on 3/11/2011
Moxie:(noun) force of character, determination, or nerve
The last two weeks have been outrageous. I've never
been more challenged in my life in regards to my dream.
So far, we've had fabulous people come into class and teach
us about our dreams, being godly leaders, etc. Typically, I feel peppy and
giddy about life and my dream. It's been easy to think about how I want to have
cool take-away cups at my coffee shop. And how I want to have extraordinary
events take place in the shop. And I can just envision the people's lives and
hearts that change because they stepped foot in the coffee shop.
But as I said, the last several days have been a kick in the
pants. We had two entrepreneurial speakers come in to class. On a couple of
occasions, they both made me want to throw in the towel and surrender. I literally had the thought,
“Nope. Too hard. This coffee shop is SO unrealistic! I don't know ANYTHING bout
business!”
It was a good thing I kept in mind their intentions. And as one of them, George Ridley, said, “If I can break you, think about what they will
do in the business world.”
Even though the nauseating feeling I had tempted me to run
away, it eventually convicted me to get my butt in gear. The tough love has
forced me to think realistically. It has grounded me and pushed me to find the
roots of my dream. The roots that will give the cool cups, amazing events, and
changed hearts sustenance.
I wanted to let you all know that I have set a plan to
continue to provide the sustenance for my coffee shop. I will graduate from G42
in June and then I will be heading home to Colorado. After a couple months of
much needed family time, I will be heading down to Flagstaff, AZ! I will be
helping my fellow G42er, Dennis Gable, get his community coffee shop up and
running, while at the same time, he will be helping me with my business plan
and momentum to launch my coffee shop. I am really excited to see how the Lord
orchestrates the rest of this…so far I can hardly believe that it's still real.
It's going to be a lot of hard work, but I now know what it will take to face
it full force.
I am still in need of $2,948 to complete my tuition for G42
(support me here)! Thanks so much for being part of my journey thus far! It's
been such a blessing to see how the Lord has used all of you!
I want to encourage you to partner with this new step. Your
money is going to a springboard that is about to launch a social network that
is truly making a difference in people's lives as well as the world! Thanks
again for continuously sticking by this dream with prayer, encouragement and
financial help! It means so much to me!!
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