Barak the Vote?

I say that with a question mark because I am not sure whom I am endorsing quite yet. Like anyone cares...but, still I have not yet decided where my vote will land.

Yesterday, my husband and I went to hear Barak Obama speak at a political rally here in Dallas. We both decided to go and witness history in the making. I am proud to see a black candidate make it this far in a presidential race, and to see that he is in the lead! In my opinion, these are exciting times for our country!

I cannot believe we actually made it in the rally. There were soooo many people there; about 18,000 turned out to hear Barak's inspirational message of hope. While I don't agree with all of his political positions, I do agree with him that America was built on the foundation of hope...and look how far we've come.

But what is hope?

The theologian in me could not resist disecting his speech as he spoke of hope! My husband says I am always thinking in theological terms!! Sometimes I think I wear him out. But anyway, as a Christian I truly believe there are no divisions between the secular and the sacred. What does this mean? It means as a Christ-follower I am compelled to bring Christ, His teachings, and His cause into every area of my life. No exceptions. Everything is spiritual in life...from the way we care for our families, to our careers, to how we talk to the person who checks us out at Wal-Mart, to issues related ot government.

I say all of this to say, I do not place my hope in Barak Obama or in any politician. So, as people were yelling and getting excited about the hope he spoke of, I found myself not able to get all that worked up. I am not looking for Washington to solve the problems of the world: education, poverty, genocide in Darfur, economic distress, gas prices.

Now, can the Lord use the government as a vessel to bring hope to these hopeless issues? Yes. But, it will be the Lord, not any politician who will bring the ultimate healing to our land. I pray, like King David of Israel, that our next president will be one who recognizes their position as a means to exercise and bring hope, restoration, and righteousness to our land.

In the meantime, however, the church should be a pillar of light and hope to the world. Christ is the hope of the world, not the government. No matter what the world may think, Christ and the good news of the Gospel are relevant to today! Every single issue our country faces, Christ offers His hope, not just right now in the present, but hope for the future too!

Because one day, a Savior will be coming back to restore that which has been lost. Jesus will restore order where there has been chaos. He will restore peace where there has been war. Jesus will restore righteousness where there has been injustice. I hope as Chrsitians we will all long for that day when there will be no more need for hope, because it will be fulfilled upon our Lord's return!

I want to insert here: the harvest is plenty, but the workers are few. Our nation right here in the United States is a mission field, ripe and ready to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let's get busy bringing the message of Christ's hope to our world. What an honor to be a vessel of hope to others. So, in all areas of your life, bring Christ's hope...in the classroom where you teach, in the way you conduct business, or in your children.

Back to the presidential race: I am looking for a candidate who will stand for what I believe in: equality among races and socio-economic lines, a concern for the environment, educating all children, ending genocide in Darfur, extending help to the homeless, sanctity of life, justice, and peace.

What candidate fits the things that are most important to me? I'm not quite sure yet. But, when I decide I will be sure to post my thoughts. I am hopeful that God will place exactly whom He wants to be in Washington to fulfill history and the times which we are living in.

Keep hope alive!

I just can't resist...

...posting a picture of me and my sweet husband!

This picture was taken last Saturday night at a friend's house. Our two friends just got engaged and we helped him (along with lots of other people) with the proposal! It was a fun night & we wish them well!

Can't believe how quickly time zips by all of us...seems just like yesterday we got engaged. I guess it's just another reminder why we should enjoy each day and thank God for the blessing of it!

Oh Happy Day!

The First 30 Days!

Well, hello again, world! I am officially a married woman of 30 days! I haven't posted in a while, because as you can imagine, life has been HECTIC! So, let's catch up...

The Wedding

Our wedding was amazing! It was all I had ever dreamed of! The day flew by. So, word to those about to get married: enjoy every moment, every detail, and every minute of your wedding day. I can't tell you how many people kept telling us to "take it all in." So many people came to celebrate with us, I was shocked! Old friends, new friends, and family I hadn't seen in a while. Weddings really do bring people together, even if just briefly.

The weather was perfect! Go figure, it was 75 degrees on an early January day in Texas! An answer to prayer, as we prayed for no ice!

Right after I put on my 18 pound, princess-like wedding dress (with the help of all 9 of my bridesmaides), my mom came over to me and gave me a hug and said, "I could just hold on forever and never let you go..." Ugh...that was when I lost it & the tears started to come. Everyone started acting goofy to make me laugh instead of cry! That was such a sweet moment...

Another memorable moment for me was when my groom came down the ailse to get me, his bride. (We did this as a symbolic picture of Christ, our Heavenly Groom, coming to get us, the Bride of Christ) He cried upon the moment of the chapel doors opening! And though he was supposed to walk down the ailse to get me, he did more of a sprint! He was coming to get me! It was so sweet, and I've never felt more wanted and loved in my life. Thank you, Lord.

Our Pastor, Dr. Tony Evans officiated our wedding, and one of the most memorable things I remember him saying to me is, "Lynzee, your husband will need your respect more than your love." Sweetie, I will endeavor with all my strength to do just that...

My sweet husband had one last surprise for me as we prepared to depart the reception, I walked out and to a 1959 vintage, white Rolls Royce named, "Cloud 9".

I think that is a perfect way to describe the array of emotions I felt that day. It really was as if we were on Cloud 9!

The Honeymoon

We left the next day for our honeymoon: a 7 day cruise to the Western Carribean. I had no idea where we were going, so that was a fun surprise too! He just told me how to pack. We woke up that morning and just wept again...we couldn't believe we were married & how beautiful the wedding was! All we could do literally was thank God!

The honeymoon was great! We ate until we got stuffed, and then ate some more! Unfortunately, I got sick the last 2 days of the cruise. I guess D got a taste of, "...in sickness and in health..." early on in our marriage! He did a good job as I vomited all over the bathroom! (Sorry, too much information!)

One of our favorite stops was to Belize. We went on a private island and relaxed, laid out by the ocean, and ate. We even got adventurous and went kayaking!

Back to Reality

So now it's back to life, back to reality. I've moved all of my stuff over to my new home finally! We have been working on getting our home together and in order. I LOVE this part! My husband has just been singing my praises about how nice our place looks. That makes me feel so good!

Some of you who know me and know I cannot cook would be happy to know, I have been in the kitchen burning it up! (Not literally...well just one time I burned our dinner!) We have made a vow to abstain from 'fast food' joints this year (yikes!), so that means eating lots of meals at home...now, there's a lofty idea!

So, what's next for us?

I know you guys are all wanting to ask, "When are you going to have a baby?" Isn't it funny how we just keep moving from thing to thing to thing instead of just enjoying the here and now? Next on our agenda is to slow down, enjoy one another, adapt and adjust to married life (in every detail: finances, relationally, etc.), and to take it one day at a time.

So, babies will come in their proper season. We'll leave that up to the Lord and His timing. But for now, I just want to sit back and reflect on the first 30 days of my marriage!

A Shower of Love

Gecko's Gone Wild!

For several years now Geiko Insurance has cleverly used a 'cute' little gecko with an Australian accent to advertise their company. Many love the witty commercials and have even begun to love the reptiles.

But that's not me...

I don't like those commercials because of the geckos! It freaks me out & the accent is even scarier!

I am seriously afraid of those things. Here in Texas it's still a little warm, so these creatures are everywhere! I was lying on the couch on Tuesday relaxing, watching Oprah & something on the fireplace caught my eye...it was a lizard!!!!!!!! This thing was big! So after calling everyone I knew in my vacinity, no one agreed to come kill the lizard for me, so it was solely up to me. I got all kinds of advice from my friends and family! I even called my fiance who was in New Orleans on business. His response was, "What do you expect me to do?" (Thanks, sweetie.)

Well, I never got the nerve up to kill the thing by myself, so I waited until my mom came home, and the two of us wrestled that thing & finally killed it!

Then...the very next night a friend came over and another gecko came in through the front door with her like he was a welcomed guest! This one was big too! Ugh....Needless to say, we made her try to kill it, but the rascal was too quick and she didn't catch it....so, it's still somewhere in the house we guess. Great.

So, I know it's ridiculous of me to be afraid of them, but I AM! So there. I don't like those things--Australian accent or not. These geckos have gone wild, plus they're not even saving us 15% on our insurance.

Fall Reflections

I know Fall officially started last month, but here in Texas it gets started several weeks later. This morning it was a cool, crisp 66 degrees! Love that...

Call me strange, but I get so nostalgic when it gets cool outside. All I can think about is Christmas! So what did I do this morning as I drove in to work? Why, I played Christmas music, of course!

Today as I sat outside enjoying my lunch in the shade, I actually got cold! So ridiculous, only a Texas girl can get cold in 82 degree weather!

Things are constantly changing. As you gaze outside your window, let the change of season remind you that God is in control of every season of your life. Moment by moment, day by day, Our Savior is watching over every detail of our lives.

He's got you and me, sister in His hands...

Submission in Small Steps

As a student for three years in seminary, I have entered our campus computer lab numerous times. I always walk in and use the computers and leave, but last week I noticed something different. As I sat there using the computer I looked out at the entrance and saw a sign asking students to sign in. I sat there thinking to myself,

"Whatever...I'm not signing in."

The next time I was headed to the library to the computer lab I sensed the Holy Spirit saying to me, "You need to sign in..."
It was a very clear God was asking me to be obedient, not to ask any questions, but to do it because He said so.

We all have a choice to either obey or disobey the Spirit's prompting...

As I approached the sign in sheet, I signed my name as asked...because those in authority over that computer lab have asked for we students to do so.

You see, my friend, submission takes place in small steps. If I cannot submit to a simple sign-in sheet, will I submit to the Lord in other areas? (i.e., my marriage) The answer is no. Submission is a Christian duty, not just one isolated to wives in marriage. We all are to be practicing the discipline of submission. God calls us as believers to submit to:

Christ as Head of the Church,
to one another,
wives to husbands,
and to governing authorities.

So, as you can see...we all fall under someone's authority. No one can escape it.
As you go about your days, be sensitive to the small ways the Lord is prompting you to submit.

Well said!

The mistakes one makes sledom have as much consequence as one's responses to those mistakes.

Seasons

On Monday my fiance and I went for a run. It almost killed me by the way, but he is preparing for a 3k run & I thought I'd be supportive of him and go on a run with him. As we were running, I noticed the acorns are starting to fall...the season is getting ready to change around here!

The weather isn't the only thing changing, though....my season of life is quickly changing, and like fall, it will be here before you know it!

Four months from today we will be wedded together as husband and wife. WOW! It still amazes me! I've come a long way...trust me!

Today that realization became more real to me as dear friends I have worked with this summer gave me my first surprise Bridal shower. As I opened up gifts we will use for a lifetime together in our home, I thought, "It's really here, I'm going to be this man's wife." Most all of the women in the room are married, and have been for many years.

They are seasoned wives!

When I witness these women and the years they have put into their marriages, it gives me much hope and anticipation for mine. I know seasons will change. Some we will enjoy, some we won't enjoy.

But, God...

He is faithful. He is patient. And He will walk with us every step of the way as we travel down the many seasons of our lives. My heart is so full and grateful for the women who celebrated with me today, and I will continue to celebrate Jesus in this season and the ones to come!

Save the Date!

It's official...my fiance and I will be joined together as husband and wife on Saturday, January 5, 2008!

We've got the location down and now it's just downhill from here as we plan our big day. We are making an effort though not to get lost in the planning and to continue to be committed to preparing more for the marriage than the wedding...a mistake I've heard many couples make.

I keep reminding myself though that God is in the details, and so even as we make small decisions, I continue to invite Him in on the planning, to guide our footsteps, and that we be sensitive to His voice. God has been so faithful to show us which way to go, and He has blessed us tremendously thus far for choosing to follow and trust Him.

A person plans his course,
but the Lord directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

D-Day

Well, it's been 3 weeks of walking on cloud nine! I still pinch myself and cannot believe I am going to be a wife! Crazy stuff, but it's so real. I think it became more real for me tonight when I purchased my dress!

That's right...today was D-Day: Dress Day!

I went last Friday (along with my mom & 2 friends) to try on some dresses. That lasted 4 hours! By the way--I recommend going on Friday nights, it was very slow. I narrowed it down to 2 dresses, took the rest of the weekend to think about it, and came back today with 5 of my close friends and my mom.

I wish I could load a picture of my dress on my blog for you right now...it is soooooooo pretty! Great price, low stress, and it was on sale! So, I can cross that off my list. I'm so pleased. It was so fun. I just thought though...I'll never again go dress shopping...that was it. It's a done deal. That kind of makes me sad.

Moments fly by so quickly.

Now I know what past brides mean when they give me the advice to treasure this time and enjoy the planning...Today, I did just that. I'm so grateful for my mom and my friends who shared that moment with me!

Engaged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last Monday, at 7:30 pm on 7/30 my dreams came true! D proposed! I've now been engaged for a week. I would have loaded the pics last week, but it turned out to be such a busy week making phone calls and telling all our friends the good news!

I thought it was going to be a regular evening, but it turned out to be quite a shock for me. I was clueless, stunned, and speechless. Of course, I managed to say, "Yes!"

It was quite a unique proposal...he asked in a prayer as he was blessing the food. I remember thinking, "This prayer is getting lengthy!" At the end of his prayer he asked the Lord that I would accept his request for me to be his wife! I looked up and said, "What?" Then he came around, got the ring out of his mom's purse, and got down on one knee and said, "Lynzee, I love you....will you marry me?"

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so honored and thrilled to accept the proposal of Mr. DeLario Bolton! I am blessed to embark on this new journey of life wiht this man! I'm so thankful he chose me to be his bride!

Thank you, Lord...

Captured!

Waiting on my blessing!

Enough Said...

"God is too wise to be mistaken. God is too wise to be unkind. When you can't trace His hand, that's when you must learn to trust His heart."

Charles H. Spurgeon

It's Our Anniversary!

A year ago this sweet man pictured on the left, DeLario, humbly approached me and asked if we could begin an intentional friendship. I remember his sweet smile & his nervousness. In fact, he forgot to ask me for my phone number, so he had to call one of my friend's to get it!

Since that day, we have indeed developed a friendship that has flourished into a deep love for one another.

I am so grateful for this man and I want to honor him right here in this post. He is a Man of God. He is gentle, kind, loving, funny, has a servant's heart, and walks a life of integrity. Before he approached me on June 25, 2006 he was praying & fasting over me, being sure not to jump ahead of the Lord. He desired to hear from the Lord before he approached me. He has pursued me, wooed me, and won my heart!

Thank you, Lord for your redemptive gift to me through this man! Thank you, sweetie for loving me sacrificially and being my best friend. I'm so glad to be chosen by you. Thank you for choosing me!

A Life Cut Short

I cannot believe the e-mail I just read. I just received an email that one of my former students passed away due to a drug overdose.

I am shocked.
Sad.
Hurt.
Confused.

She was 15 and going to be a junior next year. What went wrong? What happened? I do not have the answers to those questions. A life cut short. So much potential and life ahead of her. Oh, how I wished I would have reached out to her more. That I would have not ignored the signs I saw of lonelieness, grief, and sorrow in her eyes.

Now tomorrow I will attend her funeral with her young peers.

I need strength, Jesus.

El Salvador: Mission Accomplished!