My Resolve

I know I've probably "resolved" in about 5 different blog posts that I will start blogging more. And, I never do. But, I'm serious this time. Hopefully... :)

There are several reasons why I want to be more intentional with my posts, and I'm trying to implement what the Spirit is leading me to do--and this is one of those things that keeps coming up. I've been afforded so many great opportunities, and I'm learning and growing so much right now--writing it down seems to be the logical thing to do.

And, maybe someone will find my walk through this crazy life God has placed me in to be encouraging or inspiring... or at least be able to learn from my mistakes or stupidity. :)

So, it will be random, but these will be from my heart. My life. My everyday.

I realized today how hard of a time I'm having re-entering the "real world." I spent 10 days in the Caribbean, and let me tell you "island time" is not to be taken lightly. It's serious business and extremely easy to get used to--DC is just a tad bit faster-paced.

My time there was fruitful. Amazing. Enjoyable. Relaxing. Moving.

I realized a lot of things about the way I'm living my life right now. I was convicted about much, encouraged through some, and inspired to hand over some parts of my life that I've had a death grip on.

One morning, I got up and watched the sun rise. If you've never watched the sun rise over the Caribbean, it is something that can not be explained. The beauty... the majesty... the patient wait as it moves over the horizon. I just sat in awe of our Maker... he's so creative!!!



As I sat there, I became more and more emotional as I was reminded in such a tangible way of the Lord's faithfulness. It really made me question--am I being faithful? My heart has been so troubled lately with my life and the direction it's headed, cause quite frankly, I have no idea where I'm going. But, I just kept being reminded... just be faithful, Glyn. Just be faithful. When you are faithful, I will give you the desires of your heart.

Before I left for Cayman, my pastor preached a sermon from 1 Kings 18. When I was in Cayman, there was a lesson taught on 1 Kings 18. I think He's trying to tell me something. Go read it...

It's not just a matter of BELIEVING, it's a matter of taking up my cross and following. In this story, Elijah says, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions?! If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him."

I'm still discerning what my "Baals" are and trying to throw them out of my life. It's not easy. But, I must be faithful.

He is my portion. He is my prize. It is in Him that I find my value and place my trust. It is Him I adore, and without Him, NOTHING. ELSE. MATTERS.

And I am sure of this that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

I Want a Heart Like His!

I had every intention of coming home and blogging away on some really frustrating political happenings. But, I promised myself I wouldn't until I caught up on my Bible study. Well, so much for the political rant. :)

I'm doing Beth Moore's David: Seeking a Heart Like His. Boy, has the Lord been exposing some ugly truths about my heart. It's heartbreaking as I face my wretchedness as a human being.

This week’s study has brought lessons of prayer, dependence, & trust. I'm finding that more times than not, my prayers are thoughts instead of intentional conversations between me and my Heavenly Father. I also tend to feel selfish for praying for my own needs or stupid for my emotions. David has shown me how wrong I am, and I want to share what I've learned. :)

I'll give you the Reader's Digest version of what's going on (1 Samuel 19-23):
Saul is King of Israel. God anointed David as the next King. Saul is INSANELY jealous of David & decides to try to kill him. Jonathon, Saul's son, is bff with David & warns him. So, David gets the heck out of Dodge. ((But, God is on David's side--so, inevitably, Saul will lose.))

During this time, David writes a couple of BEAUTIFUL Psalms. This is where I've been enlightened. :) I'm thinking--wow, David's done so much for this guy & for Israel, killed so many Philistines (Goliath included), AND not to mention the fact that he keeps Saul sane by playing the harp—now, they’re trying to KILL him?! Poor David!!!

My first thought was--what would I do in this situation? I'd cry & call my momma. But seriously, what do we do when we encounter less serious but less-than-fortunate situations in life? I'd venture to say that most of us call someone, complain to our friends, WORRY, feel sorry for ourselves, or post about it on Facebook.

While pondering this, I had a very intense emotional/spiritual moment when I read from David's heart in Psalm 142. David is hiding. Fearing for his life. In a cave. By himself. In the middle of nowhere, and he writes this beautiful prayer.

I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.

When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.

I cry to you, LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.

Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

This lowly shepherd yet incredibly able warrior and ANOINTED one had no problem voicing his human emotions to the one Most High! He was frightened, weak, and felt so alone, BUT he trusted God & went directly to him.

David has really caused me to step back & re-evaluate my action/reaction to the situations in my life. What did David do? He prayed, cried, & complained TO GOD while he trusted, longed for, and confessed his need for his protector & deliverer.

Beth says, “David was a real man by anyone’s standards, yet he knew no better outlet than crying aloud to his God.” I agree with her in that, “sometimes we regard prayer as less practical when our need is more concrete.” David is described as a man after God’s own heart (so he must be right :))

I resolve to intentionally work to approach the throne of grace next time before calling my momma, sisters, or best friend to cry, complain, talk, or worry. I want to be a woman after God’s own heart.

Trust in Him at all time, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8

Brynne's SMILES

Watch this video.

It's things like this that put life into perspective.

Go here to read about the race & the JonJon Fund!



The Lord has allowed Brynne experiences that most 2-year-olds, thankfully, don't have to endure. But, if you watch the brief clips of her in the video, you've seen no greater joy. Maggie was exactly right, her smile is her trademark. We all have SO much to learn from Brynne, Maggie, Craig & Koda. They have created, through the way they live, the most beautiful picture of what it is to truly depend on the faithfulness of the Lord. They exhibit his joy in a way that most, in these circumstance, wouldn't be able.

Craig & Maggie have started a project called "Brynne's S.M.I.L.E.S." (Sharing More in Life's Everyday Struggles). I get a little teary thinking about it, so I'll just let you go & read about it: http://brynnessmiles.blogspot.com/ Go be a part of something bigger than yourself!! You will be blessed!

Please continue to pray for our girl. And, moreso, that the Lord would reveal to Craig & Maggie His purpose for them & Brynne-Brynne. The Lord will bring healing--of that I am sure. Though we don't know when, where, or how it will be, we know she is a living, breathing example of God's faithfulness to His people. What a sweet reminder she is.

Just a little update...

You know--Paul wasn't kidding when He said God's grace is sufficient. :) It's TRUTH! In our inevitable moments of weakness, His goodness is greater!! He has the most pure and perfect plans for each of our lives that we can and will never be able to fathom. It's just up to us to find them.

I'm absolutely loving my time in D.C. Not because it's easy for me but because I feel like I'm in a place where I can do nothing else but depend on the hand of the Lord--to lead me, guide me, mature me & mold me in the woman HE wants me to be.

It's rough. But, that's why the Bible calls it a refining FIRE. It's hot; it doesn't feel good; but, by God's grace, something BEAUTIFUL will come out of it!! (Read Malachi 3... rocks my world.)

Anyway--the truth is... I'm homesick. Extreeeemely homesick. The teary-eyed-wanna-crawl-up-in-a-ball-or-spend-my-last-dime-for-a-ticket-home kinda homesick ((And, it's not helping that I'm watching "Pure Country" right now)). :) But, like I said... those moments of weakness--that's when HIS power is made perfect and is proved MIGHTY!!

Part of His goodness has been proven when he led me to the most incredible Southern Baptist church (that's only a couple of blocks from my apartment, no less) a couple of weeks ago. I've met the most beautiful people there. Of course, most of them are Texans. ;) But, it's awesome... several of us run in the same work-circles, & I'm so blessed by the warm, Christ-seeking character of each of them.

My job is so much more than I could have ever imagined... I love it SO much & am learning so very much. I work with THE sweetest, most encouraging & intelligent woman in the whole world. She's such a sweet woman & is so patient with me as I try to get a handle on this crazy world of Washington.

So blessed. So homesick. But, I'm so happy & excited to see where I'm headed.

P.S. Daddy's doing well. Been back at work full-time, so needless to say--his blood pressure's been too high. However, according to him, Mom's either taking it wrong or the machine is broken. :) Typical.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Greatness.

Extraordinary.

I'm reading a very fascinating book right now by John McArthur: Twelve Extraordinary Women It's all about how God shaped women in the Bible, exhibiting their moral & spiritual qualities, and addressing what He wants to do with me.

It's so relevant to several different aspects of my life. First, spiritually, it's really making me question & re-evaluate who I am & what I want my life to be about. With that, it's also correctly addressing the spiritual basis of "feminism" & yet again exposing the modern-day "feminist" lies. Sidenote: I hold scripture as the sole & final authority of my life.

I've been "attacked" before on Facebook for making statements about feminism. My "opposition" would say I've been indoctrinated by my grandmother & Phyllis Schlafly. This book is reaffirming for me that what Phyllis says about women is completely and legitimately true as reflected in the lives of these "Twelve Extraordinary Women."

This whole message (from the left, no less) of feminist egalitarianism is that there is really NOTHING extraordinary about women. Girls, we should be appalled. There's nothing wrong with embracing the fact that our good and gracious God made us different. Scripture NEVER discounts our intellect nor does it downplay the fact that we have extraordinary talents & abilities. The Lord also created us a beautiful picture (through women) of what it is to be a virtuous woman.

So, counter to this feminist egalitarianism, one of my favorite quotes from the book thus far is this: The message these women collectively give is not about "gender equality"; it's about true feminine excellence. And this is always exemplified in moral and spiritual qualities rather than by social standing, wealth, or physical appearance.

I don't know about you, but that's what I want to be known for--moral and spiritual excellence. ...the incorruptible beauty of a gentle & quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:3-4 ((yeah, I'm working on the whole quiet spirit part. ;) ))

I've only read MacArthur's accounts of Eve & Abraham's Sarah so far. And, as always, I have a couple of things to share.

Eve is a beautiful illustration of the goodness of God's grace & his perfect wisdom concerning His will. There are some truths about womanhood that He reveals through her:

1. She is fundamentally equal with Adam. She was "his spiritual counterpart, his intellectual coequal, and in every sense his perfect mate and companion."" I really would like to quote about two pages of the book, but I'll let you read it yourself. The point is--she was a priceless treasure to be cherished, a partner to love on & encourage Adam, & in return, he adored & embraced her.

2. God created marriage to be between one man & one woman for one lifetime. The end.

3. Marriage is not merely a physical union but one of heart & soul. Eve was Adam's complement. "The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved."--Matthew Henry. Yep... I sure pray God's created a man for me. This whole marriage talk makes me pretty excited about the rest of my life. :)

And, 4. Eve's creation teaches of the divinely-designed role of women. She was made to fill a void in Adam's existence, to be his helper, and to be a mother, comforter, and nurturer.

Now, the whole fall of mankind, that's a different story. I'm just focusing on the positive aspects of the Lord's creation right now. :)

Tonight, I finished reading about Sarah. There's a quote I want to leave you with:
Harsh as it may be, there was a very crucial, necessary, and positive spiritual principle in the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael. This symbolized the important truth that the kind of religion that is dependent on human effort (symbolized by the carnal scheme that conceived Ishmael as an artificial fulfillment of God's promise)is utterly incompatible with divine grace (symbolized by Isaac, the true heir of God's promise.) And the two are so hostile to one another that they cannot even abide in close proximity.

Effort versus grace. Are we truly allowing the Lord's precious & merciful grace to consume our lives? Or, are we trying to do it on our own?

...because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Hebrews 11:11

My Weakness & His Power

His grace is sufficient for me.

No matter what, no matter where I am or in what situation I find myself--HIS grace is enough for me. I can handle any situation or circumstance because He has power & control of my life. He went before me, died on a cross saving me from my sin & proceeded to Heaven to sit at the right hand of my good & gracious God.

His power is made perfect in my weakness.

When I find myself in a situation that I cannot fix, when my flesh is too weak to understand the circumstances, or when I am unequipped to handle what is before me, HIS power suffices & provides unsurpassing peace, unexplainable joy, & incomprehensible freedom. He is enough.

Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly...
not because of my own doing. or because I am smart or talented or witty or wise. But...
because I am weak.

And, in those utter & absolute moments of weakness, His power can rest on me.

That's why I am able to rejoice when life is tough, when I am ridiculed or made fun of, when I feel inadequate or intimidated, when I am unsure of the steps to take or the words to choose. I can rejoice & be glad in this because...

When I am weak, He is strong.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

A truth for a lie...

So, I'm a conservative.

Everyone knows this, right?? I mean, I like to think I'm pretty unapologetic about it. However, if you're a centrist or left-leaning, don't be fooled into thinking I'm not open-minded enough to consider the position of the "other side."

I have. In fact, I've sincerely tried to convince myself of some of the principle those on the left stand on--but... I can't. That statement probably deserves a lot longer explanation, but for the purposes of this post--it is what it is.

It feels like everyday there's new propaganda or a new campaign that's trying to take a shot at conservatism. I get so sick of it. The truth is... so much of the doctrine of the left is based on fallacy, misunderstanding, uncertainty, misconceptions, or really--flat out lies.

So, I decided... I'm going to try and start documenting the random ones that come up in my day to day. Now, if you're one of those apathetic Americans, don't stop reading because you think I'm going all political on you. I'm not. God's too good, & I have too much of His joy to share for me to turn people away because of my political persuasion.

Just do this for me--when you do find these kind of posts, read with an open mind... and accept that not everything you've been told in school, in the media, & even in church is true. I will try not to make any presuppositions or false assumptions. I will only state the facts.

This is a good week to start because I have two examples of liberal lies that I can't wait to share. They're not good examples of the flat-out-lies that are told, but they are pretty unveiling about the heart of the left. However, I'm learning to be more positive in my rhetoric, so instead of exposing lies--I'm going to present truth. :)

Truth #1: Planned Parenthood is not pro-woman & not pro-choice.

This clip is just one example of MANY that supports the truth that Planned Parenthood actually hurts women (of any age... in this case... underage):


I challenge you to watch just a couple of the clips on www.liveaction.org. It won't be easy--I become physically ill watching them, but it WILL impart the truth of what really goes on inside Planned Parenthood to you... and, I pray it inspires at least one of you to take action.

P.S. Be aware of new legislation coming up in the new Congress to defund Planned Parenthood.

Planned Parenthood isn't Pro-Choice... it's Pro-Abortion. Check out these graphics.

((I chose this source because it had the prettier graphs. Every source had the same stats.))

Truth #2: Left-leaning reporters will say anything to try and discredit conservatives. (So much for the positive rhetoric!)

This clip is of a panel in which NBC reporter, Andrea Mitchell, accuses conservatives of appropriating Ronald Reagan. Outrageous.



FYI, Ms. Mitchell:
1. Ronald Reagan was a conservative.

2. Ronald Reagan was a Republican.

3. President Obama is the only one "appropriating" Reagan.

Don't you feel enlightened?! :)

In other news: life in DC is GREAT! I'm absolutely loving my job with everything in my being. However, as always, I miss Texas. I've worn my big, blinging necklace that's shaped like Texas TWICE in 2 weeks.

I was sad though today when I had to explain that "Don't Mess with Texas" was not, in fact, a battle cry at the Alamo, but an anti-littering campaign. Eh...oh well. I still tell people I'm from the Republic of Texas. If they get it, it's funny. If not, they need to go back to 7th grade history.

Blessings! :)


I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16 (NIV)

Where does my help come from?

I am humbled.

I am grateful.

And, I am in awe of the rich, rich blessing of faithful friends & family that the Lord has bestowed upon my family. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness, for your mercy, & for your grace!

As most of you know, my dad & I started our trek to move me to Washington, D.C., a week ago Saturday. What a sweet time it was for me to spend with my daddy! But, as we were driving across Tennessee, unbeknownst to either of us, Dad had a stroke.

But, here's the thing--because of the omniscient & sovereign God we serve, Dad is having some of the best care in one of the best facilities during a time of rehabilitation like this. Mom is able to be there with him without having to wear herself out driving back & forth to Snyder. And, though it might be hard on the girls & I, we know God is true to His promises, & He will not leave nor forsake us.

I'm here to tell you--the power of prayer is as evident to me now as it has ever been.

Everyone kept calling, texting, & "facebooking" me talking about how hard & terrifying it must have been & how proud they were of me for taking care of Dad. Please hear me when I say I'm SO grateful & SO thankful for the sweet words of encouragement, but also hear me when I say it had NOTHING to do with me.

The moment I entered the E.R., I had quickly text two of my "Prayer Warriors" to start praying. With only a minimal level of yelling & slight threatening on my part (ha!), Dad was quickly placed in an examination room. The Lord has had His sovereign hand in every aspect of the whole situation. We were given a phenomenal doctor & though many tears of uncertainty were shed, we knew that HIS grace was sufficient.

And, I KNOW it was because of the prayers that began the moment we entered the ER.

The outpouring of love, prayers & blessings from our family & friends is almost unfathomable. We had complete strangers visiting Dad's room praying over him & reassuring us of the unsurpassing peace of our God. We were constantly getting calls & messages of people praying for us. Thank you, each one of you, for approaching the throne of grace on our behalf! We have been truly humbled.

For me, my heart was touched the most when one of my dad's friends flew out to Tennessee to continue the trip with me. I pray the Lord blesses him & his family a hundred-fold for the love & support they've shown my family. I wish I was a better writer & could better put in to words the gratefulness I feel in my heart. :)

Dad is progressing more & more everyday, and if you ask me, Mom's enjoying the vacation (though I KNOW she misses her students AND could probably stand to have something more comfy than that slim fold-out bed at the hospital!!).

I'm settling well in Alexandria, Virginia, & will start work next week.

There's a passage that I want to share--I turned it over and over again in my mind as I was standing in the ER waiting for Dad to get a room, and continue to reflect on it as the days pass. I hope you find the overwhelming peace through it as I have:


I lift up my eyes to the mountains--where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven & earth.

He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you--the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm--He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming & going both now & forevermore.

Psalm 121

...for such a time as this?

The past 7 months of my life were a whirlwind.

An extremely fast-paced, crazy, messy whirlwind--of emotion, of learning, of understanding & growth. Four years ago, you couldn't have paid me a million bucks to believe I'd be doing what I am today.

My life is moving in a different direction than I planned, but if there's one concept that I'm truly beginning to understand, it is this: the Lord is constantly on the move, and I can choose to be a part of his work or not--but, rest assured, His will WILL be done...with or without me. So, though I'm pretty clueless of the direction the Lord is taking me, of one thing I'm sure, as long as I'm seeking His face, I can't go wrong.

I guess I keep expecting His plan to come in the mail in a nice little envelope with the return address reading, "Heaven." Though there is so much uncertainty, I know my life is in the hands of a perfect God. So, I think I'm just going to calm down, relax, and enjoy the ride He is taking me on.

Since I left Kansas City in November, I've had some decisions to make. Do I take the first job offered to me? Do I go back to school? Do I wait?

I didn't know what to do. But, I felt the Lord saying--wait. Just wait. Trust me--I've got it under control.

If you truly know me, you know my level of patience. If you don't know me, let me tell you--it's not very high. So, when I heard God saying wait, I got scared. But, let me tell you, Paul isn't lying when he says God's peace surpasses all understanding... it does! So...

I prayed. I listened. I cried. I worried. I prayed. I listened. I cried. I worried. I was anxious. I questioned. Then, He led me to a place where I simply relaxed & basked in the promise of His faithfulness.

Here's the thing--in spite of my initial lack of faith, the Lord was faithful, and in His time--He delivered (see bottom of post).

Through the past several months, Esther has been on my mind---

I've known the story & heard the phrase "for such a time as this" since I was a child, but I hadn't understood its application to my life until about 8 months ago. As time has passed, the Holy Spirit has revealed more truth to me through this beautiful story of a young woman's faithfulness to her people.

If you've never read the story of Esther, please read it (click here)!

But, let me give you a quick summary & tell you what the Lord's been trying to teach me:

Esther becomes a Persian queen (her hubby obviously didn't know she was a Jew). Long story short, her people (the Jews) are going to be annihilated by the King (her husband). So, Esther, being the queen & all, can either place her life in jeopardy by asking the King to spare her people or she can sit & remain silent.

For me,the climax of the story comes when her uncle says to her, For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

Two things--
1. The Lord will deliver the Jews. Esther can choose to be a vessel for the Lord or not.
2. Maybe the Lord made Esther queen for nothing else but to complete this task.

What does this mean for Glyn?
1. The Lord will further His Kingdom--with or without me.
2. The Lord has placed me exactly where I am for this very moment (such a time as this). So, the question is, how will I react to this truth?

Am I looking for His work? Or, am I so caught up in life from day to day that I'm avoiding or missing what He lays in front of me?

God is busy working on the hearts & minds of His people. He so desperately wants us to join in His work--not because he needs us... but, because he wants to use us for His glory. If we consistently miss or avoid these opportunities, we are missing out on the rich blessings He has stored for us!!

My prayer is that I take captive every moment & situation He places me in--& that I will boldly, consistently, & unapologetically approach the throne of grace, seeking His will & understanding, as He purifies & refines me (Malachi 3, Revelation 3:7-13).

It's not easy. The Lord is working in mighty ways all around me--how do I know where to go? It really is so hard, and if I ever figure out how to decipher His will with complete certainty, I'll let you know.

All I know is that I must step out on faith. I must seek Him through His word & follow where I feel His prompting.

Right now, He has opened another door for me...one I definitely didn't expect--I'm going to work full time for Eagle Forum, & I'm moving to Washington, D.C.

Have we forgotten?

I am distraught.

What is this country in which we live? The land of the free and home of the brave? Since when do we radically change American ideology as to not offend the minority? Yes, America is about the individual. But, we also live in a free democracy. Growing up, there was a phrase used many a time in settling arguments: Majority rules. So, I propose that until the majority of Americans believe that:

...it is okay to remove "In God We Trust" from our national currency.
...we shouldn't pray before football games or in our schools.
...it is okay to kill the innocent life of an unborn baby.
...a person should only make so much $$$.
...it is okay to remove the history of our founding fathers from textbooks.
...social issues are civil rights.
...we should legalize the institution of un-natural unions.
((and the list goes on))

Until we as a unified country believe these things, I WANT MY COUNTRY BACK.

Why all of a sudden is it not okay to be a Christian? Why should we feel guilty if we are financially successful? Why are we considered racist for simply wanting every American to be legal? Why is it wrong to want our borders secure in order to protect our families?

WHY?

We are smearing the American flag and everything that it represents in the mud.

Yes, the mud. When did America become a place that was so intently focused on accepting "everyone", that we are now offending the very men and women who fought for our nation and died for the ideals it represents?

Yes, Americans have the freedom to worship as and who they please. Americans have the freedom to succeed AND to fail. We have the freedom to say and publish what we think and how we feel. We have a Constitution that beautifully depicts a free democracy in which every individual is valued and given opportunity...

Why aren't we following it?

The whole reason for this post is that I read an article today on a mosque that is to be built close to Ground Zero. NO. That is NOT okay. I definitely realize not every Muslim is responsible for the massacre on 9/11. But, at the expense of sounding cliche, I ask you: Have you forgotten?


Have You Forgotten - The best video clips are right here

I just want America to know:I am offended.

I am offended as a Christian. I am offended as a white, educated, middle-class female. I am offended as the granddaughter of two United States' servicemen. Most importantly, I am offended as an AMERICAN.

We are a nation who has men and women DIE every, single day for what America represents. Yes, DIE. They give their lives so we could live life as we do everyday. And, how do we repay them?

We sit around, staring at our TVs in disgust and watch our government take away our freedom. We send kids home from school for wearing American flags to school. We allow the killing of unborn babies. We build mosques at the foot of the site in which Islamic extremists massacred American civilians. We allow hard-working Americans to be killed because we won't push to secure our borders.

I'm sick and tired of watching politics be played. It's RIGHT and WRONG. Who are we as a people if we just succumb to those who don't have America as their top priority. So, after this rant, what is there to do? Is all hope lost?

No. The answer for me is simple. I'm getting actively involved. This is NOT the answer for everyone. I know many, like my sweet parents, have jobs. They're busy raising families, working hard, and serving their communities. They can't just put their lives on hold as I am able to do at this point. But, still... it's easy.

Get involved--in whatever capacity you see fit. It doesn't take much. It's as simple as reading your newspaper. Praying. Watching the nightly news or checking things out online. Distribute information via Facebook or Twitter. Get involved on a campaign. Give $5 to a candidate you believe in. More importantly, VOTE. It's as simple as that.

Sidenote:If you don't vote, you shouldn't live in America. Go to a country where they don't value your opinion.

Do whatever you think is appropriate to exercise your right to live in a free America!

It's not enough anymore, nor has it EVER been mind you, to just say you are an American. Being an American is more than just a national affiliation. It requires action.



Break our hearts, O God, break our hearts.
For the sin, in our lives, break our hearts.
For the sin, in our land, break our hearts.
We cry out, we need your hand. Come back to our land.
We confess, we've lived in sin. Come show your power once again.

Exceedingly abundantly....

Wow. I'm a reallllyyyy bad blogger. Really bad. This is my public announcement that I WILL start blogging at least once a week. Okay, maybe once every two weeks. :)

Seriously though, I'm going to try to be better. In the meantime, let's talk about...

Life. What a beautiful ride it is. Funny how just when you think you've got it all figured out, it changes. In a matter of seconds, days, weeks...

It's scary. But, I serve a God who is able to do "exceedingly abundantly more than all I ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20-21). How great is that?! Though I must have a willing heart for this to work, I have been awestruck as I've watched God take my plans and form them to His. Let me explain...

So, the plan--since I was about 16 years old--was to go to college, meet my Texas cowboy of a husband, go to law school, get married and have lots of kids while running my practice out of my home. In case you haven't noticed. I'm a little behind on that timeline. :)

But, you know what: God is good. He is faithful. And, He blesses me ways that I cannot fathom.

I'm learning a lot about God's will. I've gone through life thinking everything comes with a 'yes' or 'no', right or wrong answer. In case you didn't know, that's not how God works. I believe that He provides us with opportunities and leaves the decisions up to our intellect and more importantly, our discernment through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and His word.

As long as I'm working to bring GLORY to the name of Jesus, I can't go wrong. :)

All that to say, it's been decision-making time. I've decided not to go to law school in the fall; I'm going to postpone that feat for the time being. That decision was really hard for me, I've worked so hard to get in, and since my schools won't let me defer my admission, I'll have to re-apply whenever I want to go.

As frustrating as that is, you know what--it's completely fine.

Instead, I'm moving to Kansas City in June to work to get a Bible-believing, man of integrity elected to the U.S. Congress--Jacob Turk. This is his 3rd time to run against Emanuel Cleaver, but what impresses me most about Mr. Turk is that he is not running for his own benefit or glory. He's running because he received the call from God.

Working for him (and especially with his wife, Donna!!) will be an honor, a joy, and such a blessing to me! I'm SO excited.

Another exciting factor is that my sweet friend, Kay, who is also from St. Louis will be working for the Turks as well. Kay is an incredible young woman, and one of the main reasons I haven't gone crazy living up in Yankee territory.

Meet Kay:


Also, I'll be one hour closer to Nana than I am now. Yippee!!!

So, KC is where I'm headed until the elections in November. By the way, I'll be returning to the great state of Texas at the end of May. Wooohoo! Let's hang out.

Another major life change:
I am now the National Teen Eagle Director for Eagle Forum. What an honor and a privilege to serve in this manner. Basically, I work to bring more cohesion to our already existing groups and more importanly work to raise up new groups of teens. We must work together to raise up a new generation of Christ-seeking conservatives.

Thank you, Jesus, for entrusting me with this opportunity to serve!

SOOOO, if you have a teen & would be interested in starting a group, let me know! See the website: www.eagleteens.org for more info!

Anyway, that's about it for now. Moving to KC and working part-time for Eagle Forum.

YAY. We serve such a good God.

My favorite passage right now:
Philippians 2:1-11; 14-16
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father... Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blamless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of lie, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Just a few pics from this spring:

Standing on the Promises of God...

Standing on the promisese I shall not fall,
List'ning every moment to the Spirit's call
Resting in my Savior as my All in All,
Standing on the promises of God.

Beautiful words, huh? That pretty much sums up the whole of my first few weeks in St. Louis. I'm just waiting, trusting, and taking comfort in knowing He holds the ultimate plan. As long as I'm constantly seeking His face, I'll find my way.

Anyway, life in the 'Lou is great. I spend my time listening, learning, reading, writing, and sharing. In case I've skipped a step and haven't told you what I'm doing, here's a brief summary:

Because of my Meme's influence, I've always looked up to and admired the work of Phyllis Schlafly--one of the most incredible, devout, conservative activists of the last few decades. She has an organization called Eagle Forum (www.eagleforum.org), and I have the opportunity to serve as an intern. My desk is right outside her office in the "Education Center," located in downtown Clayton.

This is a super-old picture of the building. Now there are high rises all around it as Clayton is a very industrialized area.


I'm loving every minute of my internship. Half the time, I don't even feel like an intern as I've written book reviews, done some graphic design, written blog posts, and have brainstormed ways to expand the "Collegians" part of the organization. I'm really working on keeping the Collegians blog up-to-date. (www.efcollegians.org) Click on the "blog" tab at the top.

One of my first out-of-the-office experiences came with a trip to Missouri's capital, Jefferson City. The Executive Director at the Education Center allowed me to accompany her and the Collegians Director, Blake, to a "State Sovereignty" rally that was to promote a healthcare bill proposed in the Missouri legislature. It was an INCREDIBLE experience. There were about 5 or 600 Missourians there in support of their state's rights.

Some of the attendees:


My living situation is PHENOMENAL. For those of you in Snyder, you know the Cox family. If you don't, they're a sweet family from my hometown. Anyway, Elliot's sister lives up here, and she is an absolute gem! Not only has she offered me her home, but she is a constant encouragement and spiritual leader in the midst of a very challenging and confusing time in my life. She is definitely a God-send, and I'm so thankful the Lord is blessing me through getting to know her.

Emily's cute house that she's sharing with me:


I've been attending church with her at First Evangelical Free Church. It's HUGE, but I never leave the doors of the church without having experienced true worship in the midst of a very intentional congregation.

One of the GREATEST parts of being in the STL is how much time I'm getting to spend with my Kanakuk families. They bless me so much. The past couple of weeks, I've been meeting one of my faves, Julie, at the athletic club her family belongs to so that we could practice her free throws. Her work paid off as she got THIRD in a free throw shooting contest at her brother's JV basketball game. This is Jules stepping up to the free throw line during the contest.



I've also been able to spend time with some of my kampers that I counseled two years in a row--the Moore and Stipanovich families. GREAT kids and SUCH sweet families!!

That's about all I've got for now, besides the fact that I'm CRAVING Texas. Literally--craving. It's SO cold here. And,I just can't get past the random snows. Ugh. Oh well, this too shall pass. :)

But, the moral of the story is: The Lord is blessing me in more ways than I could ever imagine.

Blessings on each of you!!

Oh--and, no word on law school yet. Been rejected from Baylor and Univeristy of Houston, so at least we know I won't be either of those places. ;)

Continue to pray for Craig, Maggie, Brynne, and Koda--still no answers for Brynne. On that note, I'd like to take a minute and share what an incredible cousin I have. In the midst of such hurt and confusion, Maggie's been such an inspiration and a genuine testimony of the strength and faith only found in Jesus. She handles everything with such grace and brings such glory to the Lord's name. So many lives have been touched and blessed by this sweet woman, when in reality, we should be the ones blessing her. All that to say--pray for this sweet family: for strength, patience, endurance, and that the Lord would, in His time, provide answers!

Look at these two beautiful faces. Brynne's 1st birthday:


Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Glyn lately...:)

So, since I haven't posted in a month, and considering I just made a major life-change, I decided a little blogging was in order. However, I have a ton to do, so we'll make this fast. :)

1. I graduated from Baylor on the 19th of December! EEEK! It wasn't without a little drama, though...checked my grades on Wednesday before Saturday of graduation to find I had "failed" my Spanish class (in which passing was pertinent to me graduating). Come to find out, I made an A--my professor didn't know my name was "Leslie" Glyn Wright. Who'da thunk it??
2. Left early for Nana's in Missouri with Dad and Averey and was stuck there all week without Mom, Syd, or Jordan. :( Very different Christmas. Syd calls it the great Christmas disaster.
3. I just moved to St. Louis. Remember all that uncertainty I had a month ago?? --the Lord reveals His plans, in His perfect time. :) I'll be interning with an incredible organization, Eagle Forum, this spring. Check 'em out... www.eagleforum.org
4. I've learned (or been reminded of) several valuable lessons over the past month, some more important than others:
--Christmas just isn't Christmas without family.
--Things aren't always what they seem.
--Patience is a virtue.
--Energy drinks are never good on an empty stomach.
--Cuddle duds are a necessity in Missouri.
--Sometimes the hardest things to do are the most worthwhile.
And, the most important...
GOD'S PLAN IS PERFECT, AND HIS TIMING INDISPUTABLE.


More to come...
Blessings on your week!!! :)

Just a few pics...

Seasons...

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind--Thanksgiving, essays, research papers, tests, church choir practices, and tying up the last of the semester's loose ends have consumed my life! Though my heart is heavy as I prepare to take the next step in my life, my time in Waco and at Baylor has been richly blessed as I have grown, matured, and begun to see just a little of the Lord's plan for my life revealed.

Though I know full well the Lord has a pure and perfect plan, that doesn't mean I've accepted this change gracefully. :) As I was driving home for Thanksgiving, I definitely took a little time to express to the Lord my not-so-happy attitude in preparing to move from this place I have grown to love. However, as I drove up Highway 6, I was struck by the beautiful, changing trees--evidence of the fall season making its way in.

I was quickly reminded of the beautiful words found in Ecclesiastes:
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

The seasons these trees endure is quite like the seasons of life. Though I have no idea where I will be in the next few months, I do know it is time for this season of my life to come to an end. I am confident the Lord is using this time to prune me and help me grow--even if that means my life must change--and soon enough, I know I will be able to see the evidence of this as I continue to strive towards becoming the woman God wants me to be.

On another note...
Thanksgiving was a joyous time in the Wright household consisting of shopping extravanganzas, coffee shop concerts, a home makeover, some good down time, and of course--the infamous Thanksmas (well, Mom prefers Christgiving). I've included a few pictures from the week for your viewing pleasure including, but not limited to, our shopping trip to C-City documented by finding dad's cattle brand on a wall, Syd and A's mayonnaise hair-treatment, mom and jo's tile cleaning attempt, the new guest room, the coffee shop concert featuring Syd, and some. :)











Back in Waco, I got to meet SANTA! :) Here's a pic of me and my small group girl, Erin. Erin has been an incredible blessing to my life over the past few years. I met her at Kamp Kanakuk while I was a counselor the past few summers and have had the privilege of getting to hang out with her ever since through the K-Life ministry in Waco. She's a freshman at Waco High.



I pray each of you is experiencing a blessed holiday season filled with lots of love, laughter, family, and a constant attitude of gratitude for the sacrifice our Heavenly Father made on our behalf!

Blessings on each of you and your families!

Considering it pure joy...

Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverence must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Meet Brynne.

Brynne is the sweet little girl of my cousin Maggie. I'm sure most of you know the situation with Baby Brynne, but for those who don't--Brynne is sick, and no doctor seems to be able to provide any answers. They took her to Cook's last week and just got the test results back, with no answers.

The Lord has HUGE plans for Brynne, and I can't wait for those plans to be revealed. But, this post is a humble cry asking you all to pray for this precious child of God. She's on a feeding tube 20 hours a day, and PRAISE GOD she's gained a lot of weight since they started her on it. But, trusting the Lord to do a mighty work, I ask you to pray for sweet Brynne's healing, wisdom for the doctors she is seeing, and peace, understanding, and perserverance for Craig, Maggie, and her big brother, Koda.

The Lord is faithful and the Great Physician, and we trust in his timing.

ALSO, meet Baby Maci!



Maci Glynn Louder is the newest addition to the Norman clan, and I can't WAIT to meet her! She was born yesterday to my cousin Abby and her husband Jantzen!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!

Am I really doing this?

So--eventhough I swore I would NEVER, never...NEVER have a blog, here I am. Oh boy...

But, here's the deal. I read everyone else's all the time. And, I'm constantly getting messages and e-mails asking how things are going, what the next step is in life, etc. So, why not?! Plus, I mean, it IS 2009. My professor told me today to catch up on the technology. So what if I can't use touch phone?! Anyway, I'm humbling myself and creating a blog. ha. Happyyyyy readingggg!!!

So, for the basics... and some:
1. I graduate in exactly 4 months and 2 days. For most, this is exciting but...
2. I'm not good with change.
3. I am applying for law school right now: Baylor, University of Houston, Creighton, Tech, St. Mary's, Texas Wesleyan, and SMU. Surely ONE of them will accept me.
4. In the meantime, I'm waiting to hear back on some internships I've applied for in the Spring. I'll either be in Plano, St. Louis, D.C., Virginia, Lubbock or Snyder. Hmmm...
5. I'm terrified and confused about what next semester holds, but I'm taking the Lord at his word and trusting that he will do "immeasurably more than anything we ask or imagine!"
6. T-8 days=THANKSMAS! wooooo!!!! :)
7. Maci Glynn entered the world today! Yay, Abby and Jantz!! So ready to meet this precious angel.

WELL, that's all I've got for now. We'll see how good I am at this. :)

Glyn

Now to him who is able to do IMMEASUREABLY more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be GLORY in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout ALL generations, FOREVER and EVER! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21