“Meg’s workshop bundles psychological wisdom and empowering self-awareness
wrapped in a feisty little package with a big smile and an infectious laugh.
She reminds us of our own worth, and shows us how to reclaim our lives and the blessing God has in store.”
“If you want to read a book
about taking good care of yourself that is approachable, honest, wise, and funny,
then read ‘I Am My Own Sanctuary’.
It’s an enticing, educating,
encouraging, and entertaining read.
Actually, all those adjectives describe Meg, too!”
David Hayward, AKA the NakedPastor
“If “me” is the place where we truly recognize the dwelling of “I AM” (sanctuary), it’s imperative that we ‘return to church’ by coming home to ourselves. Meg’s book is a courageous memoir of her journey out of a rigid form of evangelical Christianity and back home to her true sanctuary of self.
This book will have you laughing hysterically, and moments later, releasing your own tears of empathy and sadness. Let me encourage you to read Meg’s book and discover that you too are your own truest sanctuary.”
Jamal Jivanjee, Bestselling Author
“This book is full of highly valuable and practical information to help you find, embody and live out your vocational calling.
Jesus said, “The meek inherit the earth.” I believe this means those of us who are willing to be vulnerable have the most influence.
Meg created a book that finally pulls off the “Christian” mask and vulnerably shares real-life lessons from her path in ministry.
The good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the funny, All of it. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to find their calling and path in this life or the church.”
“Meggie has a special way with storytelling that not only promotes deep
conversations that we need to have with ourselves and others, but does so while
we’re wiping tears of laughter from our eyes! My heart needed this book,
and my list of people to share it with grew with each page!”
“Meg’s book, ‘I Am My Own Sanctuary’ is an honest take on how a young woman finds herself through the rigidity of
religion and somehow through it all discovering her own sanctuary,
finding inner happiness and a true sense of self.”
“There are many elements that make this an addicting read. […]
Meg wants you to laugh, she wants you to dig deep, and she wants you to make room in yourself
for holiness – not for strict rules or religion or the voices of others.
As you turn the pages, you’ll find that Meg is a gifted teacher – a ready mentor – and someone
who’s suggested reading list will quickly fill up your bookshelf.
If you’re at a point in your faith where you’re asking yourself for another
perspective, you’ve found the book that’ll help you refine your own.”
“I was so inspired and impressed with Meg’s presentation over the Bluebonnet Child yesterday. She is an incredible and beautiful person. We need more people like her in our nation!”
Nancy McDonald, Teacher of Mabank, Texas
“Hi Meg! I’ve been editing the interview with you and just love all the wisdom and solid advice you give. You are the most incredible children’s pastor I have ever talked with! So thorough in your approach. You are an inspiration to me.”
Callie Grant, Founder of Graham Blanchard Publishing Co.
“Wow! This was a good book! She’s a good writer, and I know good writing when I see it!”
Bishop Dick Wilke, Author of “Disciple Bible Studies”
“Hello, Meg – I attended the webinar you led, and as a result, I ordered your book. Today (Labor Day) I had the chance to sit on my deck and read it cover to cover. THIS is the book I have been searching for. THANK YOU so very much for putting together resources and stories in such a succinct and relatable way. THANK YOU for saying yes to the Holy Spirit’s urging to write. You have given me such a gift today, and I wanted just to thank you for the time and effort you put forward, not only in writing your book, but in living out your ministry every day and for the encouragement you have given me in mine. May God continue to bless you and the work of your hands. Thank you.”
Jill Winter, Children’s Pastor
“This book club gave me a time to refresh and renew my thoughts. I loved the videos on how our brain operates. There were so many nuggets throughout each day that I have been able to remind myself to utilize especially on how to respond to the parents and the child.
I have also realized that the Bluebonnet Child book would be beneficial to offer to my volunteers and open it up to the congregation. I am thinking of possibly offering a study during the summer.
Thank you, Meg! Thank you so much for your passion and commitment to the Bluebonnet Child. I am so glad that I ran into you at the Children’s Conference in January. I have been blessed by this book and book club.”
Terri Hoye, Associate Pastor, Norcross FUMC, Norcross, Ga.
“The Bluebonnet Child is a vivid display of God’s vision for our youth & their future through eternity! This speaks to our entire reason for this mission & responsibility.”
Debi Clark, Kansas Big Brothers & Big Sisters
”Anyone who has worked with children (or youth) will recognize exactly what Meggie Calvin means when she speaks of bluebonnet children, who like the bluebonnet can thrive in the poorest of conditions. But how do we influence children to become a bluebonnet? Through sharing personal experiences, quality research, and practical support, she proclaims hope in an otherwise overwhelming task. I heartily recommend it for pastors, teachers, youth, and children’s workers.”
Ashlee Alley,
Clergy Recruitment and Development Coordinator, Great Plains United Methodist Conference
”Ministering to children who come from hurt places is not easy or often intuitive, but it is essential. In The Bluebonnet Child, Meggie Calvin faithfully walks through Scripture to reveal how to best embrace and serve children from hurt places. . . . I wish I had this book when we started! Calvin has provided a robust resource to empower the local church, ministry leaders, and families to reach children more effectively and with God-glorifying love.”
Matt Guevara, Executive Director, International Network of Children’s Ministry
“The Bluebonnet Child has captured the essence of how to support and nurture a child from “poor soil”. Meg inspires and challenges teachers and church workers to seek out ways to support children who need the church to take a more active role in their faith lives. Her stories will leave the reader with a yearning to be aware, to advocate, and to articulate the needs of the bluebonnet child.”
Julie Wilke, K-7 SAGE Teacher, USD 465
“This book is a great resource for anyone working with children. Churches that are interested in beginning, and maintaining healthy children’s ministry programs are provided with explicitly detailed questions in order to best prepare them for the unforeseen. This book is worded beautifully and inspires those that yearn to help these abused and neglected children. Meggie provides research from other professionals, while this book also flows like you are sitting and talking with her!”
Sherry Pugmire, Circles Ministry
“Reading this book was a true eye-opener to the children we serve. The author’s ability to captivate me with such a sensitive subject was intriguing and held my attention from beginning to end. Her true and honest nature was heartfelt and from it, I was able to draw a picture of what she had experienced. I love the way that she gave not only examples of different situations, she then also explained different scenarios in which to communicate with delicate children and parents. This book is definitely a keeper that I will reflect on often as it is a true gift to serve family and children as this author clearly does and though I do not have these situations every day I will have to utilize her words in my own sensitive situations when dealing with Bluebonnet children.”
Chandra Snively, KidMin Teammate
“This a great book for those who work with children. It’s helpful for those who work with them in a school setting, but also a church setting. It is a great resource with its tips that can be looked at again and again and plenty of highlighting material in this book.”
Kelly Rowe, Trinity Lutheran School
“The Bluebonnet Child is a call to minister to all of God’s children, including those who come from challenging home environments. Meg guides the reader with her inspiring personal story and with her years of experience in ministering to the bluebonnet child. Be prepared for spiritual discomfort and a compelling learning experience that cannot be missed!”
David Brian Smith, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church – Winfield
“This book is a quick but informative read. There is a lot packed into the pages of this book. As a busy adult, I had time to read it and learned a lot. The author does a great job of sharing personal experiences with mixing in stats and other expert opinions into the pages so you get a nice mix. This will really make you think about the way you interact with those “troubled” children we all know.”
Brittany Donley, Southwestern Collge