It's always such a thrill to hear the stories of what God is doing in the lives of the women in the To Choose Joy community!

I'm not sure I could be more excited about our newest Featured Reader. Have you ever gotten to see the incredible wonder of Jesus coming into someone's life? I'm in awe every time I look at Megan, because for years, I prayed for her to know Jesus. He floored me in the most beautiful way when He let me be the person to pray with her the day she gave her life to Him! It's been an incredible joy to watch Jesus fill Megan's life with His hope!

So, sweet sisters, keep on praying for the people you love. God is at work!

I'm honored to introduce you to a 27-year-old wife, mom of two littles, and school-teacher who is passionate about Jesus and the way He transforms lives...

Megan Williams

A little about yourself?

I'm Megan. I grew up on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, but moved to Maine for college and decided to stay. I currently live in Brewer, Maine. I’m 27 and have two beautiful children, Chase (18 months) and Mia (4 months) with my wonderful husband, Chris. We’ve been married for 2.5 years.

What’s a typical day in the life of Megan Williams?

Up until this school year I taught 3rd grade in a public school. I taught for 5 years and I loved making a difference in so many children's lives during those years.

I had Chase in July of 2014 and I returned to work in October when he was just 3 months old. It was hard juggling my work life, home life, church life, etc., but we managed. Thankfully I have a very supportive husband who enjoys cooking WAY more than I do.

Fast forward to when Chase was only 5 months old and I found out I was pregnant again. We knew it would be very hard to juggle two kids under the age of two and teaching full time, so we started praying and asking God what to do. We decided that I should take this school year off to be home with the babies. Thankfully my principal, superintendent and fellow teachers were SUPER supportive, which made my decision that much easier. I love being home with my babies. Every day is a different adventure in the life of a stay at home mom!

How did Jesus first get your attention?

I went to college at UMaine with To Choose Joy's fabulous creator, Becky. Becky and I danced together in the dance program at UMaine. She was always bubbly and full of joy. I remember one day we had coffee together when she shared her testimony and talked about Jesus, but I wasn't quite ready to accept Him into my heart.

She was a couple years older than me, so when she graduated we lost touch. She got married and had her beautiful first born, Ava Grace. Then, as God would have it, we re-connected through a mutual friend.

Becky invited me to dance in the Christmas show they were having at her church. I said yes and the rest is history! I prayed to receive Jesus in Ava's bedroom in Sean and Becky's apartment during a dance rehearsal for the show. Becky and I became very close for the years to follow. She helped me in my early years as a believer, and she was even a bridesmaid in my wedding!

What has God been pressing on your heart lately?

I struggle with anxiety, so Philippians 4 has always been my go-to place to land on when I'm feeling anxious and worried. Especially verses 4-9:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9)

Is there a book that is impacting you right now?

I'm currently reading Hope Unfolding by Becky Thompson, creator of Scissortail Silk, another great blog I follow.

Your favorite food?

I love Cape Cod potato chips. And french fries. And mashed potatoes. So I guess a good answer would be potatoes!

How about pet peeves?

I had to ask my husband this question…his response: "Having to repeat yourself." Mostly because I tell him something and he miraculously forgets it a day later. I guess my second pet peeve would be when the dishwasher is dirty and my husband puts his dirty dishes in the sink.

You have three free hours to do absolutely anything. What would we find you doing?

Get my nails done. Grab a coffee. Walk around Target. :)

Take us back to your childhood. What’s your favorite memory?

My family used to have huge 4th of July parties. We would have sparklers, watch fireworks and (loudly) sing Billy Joel. One year we even had bagpipers come and perform for us. My family is awesome.

A memory that makes you cringe?

I feel like I have some moments that are forever etched in my brain and sometimes I relive them over and over. Maybe it's just me? I can't get them to go away! Case-in-point: I was at my high school boyfriend's house when I was a sophomore and his dad called for his "sweetie" to see if she wanted anything to drink. I thought he was talking to me and I answered. Nope. Not talking to me. He was asking my boyfriend's sister. Embarrassing.

What would you pinpoint as one of your strongest character traits?

Ohhh rats. I don't know. The only thing I can think of right now is that I am a very passionate person. But sometimes that can be a negative trait as well.

Where could you use a good reminder of the truth in your life?

Every second of every day. It's a struggle to reminder why we were put here on this planet: To love God and love others, so I guess when I'm around people who are not believers, I need to be reminded that I'm called to be the light. Also, during my anxious times.

Is there a topic that you would love to see us do a study on in the future?

I would love a study on overcoming anxiety/fear. I think, if I remember correctly, Becky told me they're might be one coming and I'm super excited for it!

{Megan’s right…we have two different studies on this topic coming this year. Look for the fear study towards the end of 2016. AND…keep your eyes out for Captive, our Worry Cleanse Devotional Journal in the next few weeks! It’s on its way to the printers!}

Sweet Megan, thank you so much for sharing your heart and life with us! It’s been so wonderful to get a glimpse into the story God is unfolding in your life!

A Joy-Filled Life: new Featured Reader!