Holy Discontent

I have been worshipping at The Well Community Church for the last 9 months, approximately, and the last few weeks they have been teaching from Nehamiah and have been discussing, "what is your holy discontent". Initially, I didn't think I had anything that was stirring inside of me so much that I wanted to do something about it to change what was going on, but a few days it came to me. Here is what I consider to be my holy discontent:

I've been noticing in the last few weeks through facebook status updates and other ways that so many people go to church, but no one ever really talks about it. I had a friend post on her facebook the other day "church, check. now off to do some house hunting" and with that post, so many people responded with surprise and questions because it seemed as though it was such a shock that she would even consider going to church. Also, because of her post, many people opened up and said, what church they go to and that they would love to have my friend join them during their worship services.

I can't claim that I have been innocent in this area of life. I, too, am not always so "proud" to discuss my Sunday plans when people ask what I've been up to that day. It's disturbing, though. Its definitely not something to be ashamed of. Growing up in an area where almost everyone that I was surrounded with either went to my church or at least went to church; it was like we didn't have to talk about it, because we all just assumed where each one of us was going on Sunday morning. However, that is no excuse to not talk about it now.

I feel like that at this age this is the time we should be talking about church, Christ and all that each has to offer. Why be quiet about it? Why hide it? Aren't we as Christians called to share the Gospel so that ALL men might believe? I want to be like the woman at the well that was so excited about her new faith that she caused others to believe. I just don't know how to move forward with these thoughts and get others to be comfortable to talking about their church plans and their faith. No matter what your age or stage of your faith walk, it is important to talk about it! How do we make that happen?

Continually blessed

Although I may not be working, we are continually blessed by the generosity of our family. First, when we moved in to our house, Josh's parents bought us our grill and our lawn mower. Next, when my parents came to visit, they generously bought us an outdoor table and chairs for our patio. Just this last weekend, my grandparents were visitng and they were so generous and bought us a coffee table and end table! A lot of these things we could live without, but because of the generous people in our family, we were blessed with so much!

Thank you to our family!

Unemployment

Trying to claim unemployment is not as easy as I was hoping. Since I have worked in two different states in the lat 18 months, it is not going smoothly at all! I called the unemployment office at the beginning of June and have yet to see a check. I realize it will take time to process everything, but now I just recieved a letter in the mail stating that they have a phone interview scheduled for me. What?!?!? I asked a friend of mine if she had to go through this too, and she said she didn't because she filled out her information online and was done! HOpefully I won't have to deal with unemployment much longer; then, I can cancel my unemployment claim and be done with it!!! Ugh

just had to vent

Almost A Year

What a year. Josh and I will be celebrating our first year of marriage this weekend! We're going to San Diego with some friends and will be meating some others that live down there. We're both really excited about the trip. Not only will a relief from the heat that we're dealing with here in Fresno, but it will be fun to celebrate with friends.

This past year has been a lot of fun. We were married on July 5, 2008, went on our honeymoon on July 7 and after we got back, we finished up packing and we made our trip out here.

We have been very blessed since we've been living out here. I was able to find as job fairly quickly, Josh enjoyed his first year of teaching, we bought our first home, made new friends, found a church home and much more!

I love you, Josh, and I am looking forward to the rest of our life together. XOXO

day 1

It is my first day without work and I can't say it was all that enjoyable. I am rather bored with the day and have searched over and over again for jobs online, but can't seem to find anything. I played with the dogs, baked some brownies, did some grocery shopping and sat around. I'm saving the cleaning for the end of the week so that I have something to do and it will be "fresh" for when friends come to visit.

I just pray that God has a purpose for this down time he has given to me. I know he does, but I hope to soon find out what it is. I also hope that he provides me with work and soon. It has only been one day; I have only had a taste of what so many others have been dealing with for months or longer. I hope that I am not just another American that will be without work for such a long period of time.

wonderful weekend

Though it was a quick trip, my parents have come and gone. They got to Fresno at about 1:30 am on Saturday morning, and it was so good to see them.

I am not going to lie; I was a bit anxious about the whole visit. It was my dad's first trip out to California since we've moved here and I just wanted everything to be perfect. I had been praying for a few weeks about the trip; that God would allow things to go smoothly, that words would be kind, that relationships would be begin to heal, that the church service on Sunday wouldn't overwhelm them and much more. God answered each and every one of my prayers that I prayed for this weekend. Praise Him! There were some bumpy moments in the trip, but overall, it couldn't have gone better.

Saturday we went to breakfast and then did some shopping for patio furniture and showed my parents the furniture we purchased. Later in the afternoon, my parents were very generous and purchase for us a great patio table and chairs, which we are very excited about. Josh and my dad picked that up and then they put it together while my mom, sister and I were at the pool enjoying our time together. That night we went to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and then got some tasty frozen yogurt! Sunday morning we woke up early for church and couldn't have been more blessed from the preaching. The lessons he spoke about on Sunday were truly amazing and I think we all took a lot from it. Also, the music I was concerned about because my parents go to a very conservative church, but it was rather mellow this week, which worked out PERFECTLY! Again, God is answer prayers. After church, we went home and ate a late breakfast and headed to the pool for a bit. When we started get hungry again, Josh grilled some steaks and we enjoyed our lunch at our new patio table :). Once we were done eating and talking for a bit, we went back to the pool and tried to stay cool and enjoyed the time we had left together. Later we ate some dinner and just relaxed outside....it was great. I couldn't have imagined it any better.

Through this weekend, I kept hearing a Chris Tomlin song that I am learning to cling to....it is truly uplifting and comforting in times of concern or struggle. Here are the lyrics that have touched me the most:

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesth may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say, "it is well"

Jesus has overcome and the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when he calls my name
No more sorrows, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God, fall on my knees
I will rise

weekend stress

Today has me very stressed.

Today is payday and while that is always a fabulous day to come around, today is slightly different. We are all walking on egg shells not sure of what today will bring at the workplace. Uncertainty at work causes a stressful work environment and I am definitely feeling the affects of that.

Tonight, my mom, dad and sister are flying in for a visit this weekend. While it is going to be wonderful to see them since I haven't seen them since December, I am also quite stressed about the whole event. My mom and sister have been here once while we were living in the apartment still, but now my dad is coming and I just want him to be proud of what we have accomplished in such a short period of time. I realize that I cannot live for his pleasure, but rather i need to live to make God happy, but I can't help but wonder what he will think. Sunday they are going to church with us and the church that we go to is awesome! I love it so much! However, it is very contemporary and my parents are not used to that sort of worhip style. I am praying that the service goes smoothly and that my parents are blessed by the worship like I have been so many times since attending.

I have so much to do between now and when they get here. I have to clean the ENTIRE house, finish the laundry and shop for items like an air mattress and groceries so I can feed them while they're here :) I am sure the trip will go smoothly and I am stressing over nothing (wouldn't be the first time), but it's in my nature. I just need to lean on God to take control of this one.....he has the power to do it!

It's just so stupid because I stress to the point of making myself sick. Today I didn't want to go to work because not only do I have a lot going on, I just wasn't feeling well at all (and that started last night). I just need to relax and enjoy their company while they're here....right?

uncertainty

I am rather stressed right now. Friday my parents are coming with my sister to visit and see the new house. It will be my dad's first trip to California since we've moved out here and while I am excited, I am anxious about it too. I just want for them to be proud of where we're at and I hope that the whole trip goes smoothly. They will be leaving on Monday morning, so it's a quick trip, which provides less of a chance for something negative to happen....right?

Plus, with the job insecurities that I'm dealing with right now, I am just adding stress to myself. I am uncertain what my future holds at my current job and it is making me uneasy. At first I was peaceful about the possiblity of a transition, but now it's really hitting me and I'm hoping that everything works out smoothly and I am trusting that God will provide.

I am praying that the family visit goes well and that Friday doesn't bring any unwanted surprises at work. Pray with/for me? Please?

Facebook | Lisa Glynn

Facebook Lisa Glynn

Here is a link to a quick video/slide show my photographer put together from our wedding. Enjoy!

Facebook | Lisa Glynn

Facebook Lisa Glynn

Here is a link to a quick video/slide show my photographer put together from our wedding. Enjoy!

Random Stuff :)

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To
*The weekend
*Mom & Dad Visiting
*Celebrating our One Year anniversary in July
*tax refund
* paying off the credit card :)
* baseball season to be over so I can spend more time with Josh
* Vacation to Florida with the family in August
*Getting new furniture

8 Things I Did Yesterday
*Worked
*did laundry
*went to Target
*showered
*ate at McDonalds
* bought bar stools for our kitchen
* talked with my mom
* watched American Idol

8 Things I Wish I Could Do
* Go back to school
* Work out regularly to get fit
* spend more time with my friends
* have everything done in the house :)
* take time off work
* go back to Jamaica!
* Not worry so much
* be more organized

8 Shows I Watch
* Grey's Anatomy
* 24
*Jon and Kate Plus 8
*Lie to Me
*American Idol
* Say Yes to the Dress
*Big Ban Theory
* How I met Your Mother

Questions in Life

After talking with my mom on the phone for a while the other day, I came to spiritual crossroads: I know God has the power to harden and soften hearts (check out the Old Testament), but if a hard heart is hurting His people, why wouldn't he change that heart to make life peaceful for those being hurt? Why continue to let his children get beat up by the one who has the hard, stubborn heart? It wouldn't be a difficult thing for him to do; change someone's heart. If he can get through to Pharoah, he can get through to people today!

I'm sure it is because there is something to learn through those situations, but it just doesn't seem fair. Why would God allow one person or situation take such a heavy toll on others? Why not just fix the problem and make things better?

I can think of a few situations in which families are broken or are going through difficulty and I just don't understand why God doesn't make that situation better in order to make those being hurt not feel that pain anymore. This is probably covered in "Christianity 101", but it just really hit me a few days ago and I'm searching for answers.

God is a loving, just god and I know that he has reason and purpose for every situation, but I think this is one thing that I may not have answered until I am in Glory with him. Maybe it's one of those things that we are supposed to know in part on earth, but know fully in Heaven?

We're In

We made it in. Josh and I both took last Wednesday off and were able to move in. It has been a very tiring process, but it's done and now the house is ours! We have almost all of the boxes unpacked and it feels great! We were also able to get the garage emptied out, so now our cars actually fit into the garage. Josh did most of the work, so I can't say that I helped a ton, but it's done and I appreciated all his hard work!

We wanted to get all the boxes emptied and everything put away by this weekend because we were hoping to just relax. Well, turns out it was good that we got everything put away because Josh's parents came to visit on Saturday and stayed the night, so we had a decently clean house when they showed up. They came to visit for Josh's birthday and they bought him/us a lawn mower AND a grill! This is partly josh's birthday present as well as a house warming gift. Either way, both items were much appreciated!

Otis and Daisy are enjoying their new backyard, but since there is no landscaping done to it yet, all they do is dig in the dirt and get all dusty and Otis seems to get full of weed bits because his fur is so long. So, hopefully Josh will be able to set up the landscaping soon so that it can get done and we don't have to deal with dirty puppies anymore.

My parents and grandparents are planning to come out here at some point this summer so it will be great to see all of them as well! Hopefully by then, we'll have a good furniture set up in the family room and will be more settled in. We are just happy to be in and are just taking it one step at a time.

Finally!

After much trying of my patience, we have finally made it to move-in day! Today, I recieved the call from the builder that our loan had recorded and that I could come pick up the keys to our new home! Let me just tell you how exciting this is! We have gone through a few frustrations and hiccups along the way, so to get to this day, is a fabulous feeling!

After Josh gets home from practice tonight, we will pack up some of our things and head over to the house and unload the boxes that we can recycle them and use them again for the rest of our stuff that isn't in boxes yet. It's going to be a long day and a half, but so worth it!

Tomorrow, I have to be at the house by 9:00, at the latest, and be waiting for the blinds company to install all of our blinds. Then, our refridgerator, washer and dryer will be coming tomorrow as well. This is all very exciting! Now, only if we could find a good deal on some furniture. I've checked http://www.craigslist.com/ and have found a few good leads, so we'll see what happens with that.

Not only did we get the good news about the house today, it's also Josh's 28th birthday! What a great way to remember his birthday, right? It's his first birthday as a married man; I wonder how he feels about how his life has changed in the last year? Good topic of conversation for tonight, I guess :)

Frustrations and Excitement

I am trying not to be frustrated with this house situation. We still have yet to sign our documents and we are quickly running out of time because our lease is up on April 30! WE need to sign these doucments by tomorrow in order to get in by the weekend and in order to avoid moving during the week....that's the last thing we want. I have been praying for patience and I know there are others praying for me, too, so that is uplifting. It's just hard to know we're so close, but that there is still stuff that needs to get done.

On a more exciting note, my friend Lindsey will be here THursday night. I am so excited to see her again and be able to hang out together! We were inseprable before I moved out here, so it's been hard being apart. I've already made an appointment for pedicures on Friday morning, so that is something we're both looking forward too! If we don't move this weekend, it will be a blessing of sorts because then we'll be able to spend more time together having fun rather than time moving our stuff.

I know things will work out how God wants them to. I just have to trust him in it. That's a lot easier said than done, though :)

Easter Weekend

This year has been a year of firsts for me and being away from the family over a holiday has been one of the more difficult things for me to handle.

This weekend started off great! Josh and I were both off on Friday and we were able to spend a lot of quality time together without being interrupted by the baseball season :). We spent the weekend (or most of it) searching for the right appliances for us and making the move to purchase our fridge, washer and dryer. The other parts of the weekend were spent relaxing and looking for furniture.

Easter Sunday then came around and without even realizing it, I got really down because it was yet another "first" holiday without my family around me. No, Easter isn't one of the BIG holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving, but it is a day that would typically be spent with my dad's side of the family at my grandparents' house where my wonderful grandma would make a delicious meal and a wonderful Sunday afternoon nap would follow. I miss the family times like that and I regret, in a way, that I did not savor the times with my family more before we moved out here. I just took those times for grantid and because of that, I wish I could be at home for the holidays that come along.

Even though we Josh and I spent Easter as a couple, we were able to enjoy the day. We went to church in the morning and heard a great sermon on the grace we have been given because Christ died and rose again. We went home and I made a large meal (to fill the void of missing Grandma's meal) and it turned out well and Josh liked it! After that, I headed out to sit by the pool and get some sun while I worked on my Bible lesson for my weekly study. The later part of the afternoon was spent watching the Cub's get another win and relaxing some more.

All in all it was a good weekend and while we spent Easter differently than I am used to, we made it ours and that it what it's all about. Starting our own traditions. Keeping the same values in tact, but making the holidays what we want our future family to experience and focus on the reasons why we celebrate.

Wisdom

I am in need of wisdom in a desperate way. The same situation seems to be coming my way and I am not sure how to handle it. I haven't handled it well yet and I am sure that God is testing me in something, but I keep failing the test...miserably. I need God to give me wisdom on how to handle this hurdle that keeps showing up. I just want it to go away, but I don't think it's going to be that easy.

Other than that, not a whole lot going on with us. We ordered blinds for the new house on Saturday and are on the look out for appliance deals since we have to buy 3 of them! Josh is on Spring Break and has to coach quite a few games. We are still set to close on April 17, which is coming up very quickly! We really need to get packing!

'Til next time!

Excited!

I could not be more excited! I talked with my best friend last and we planned a weekend where she can come visit me! She will be out here from April 23 - 26 and I was so excited that I teared up a bit! I have not seen her or my other friends and my family since December! It has been far too long since I've seen any of them! The best part is that she only had to pay $10 for her flights because a co-worker of her said she could have a trip voucher of his! How awesome is that!

It worked out so well, too, because we should be moving that weekend/week before she gets in, so even though the house won't be what I want just yet and we won't be totally settled in, she's still coming and she can see where we live and what we've got going on out here!

Ahh....so excited! This weekend is off to a great start! Now, it's time to get packing up the winter clothes and get things ready for the big move! HAPPY TIMES!!!

patience (or lack there of)

This morning my patience were tried and I failed...miserably. I don't know how I'm going to handle motherhood when I can't even keep a clam, level head with two dogs. Our older dog just wants to play with the newere one, but the newer one wants to sleep a lot because he's a puppy and that's what puppies do. It is hard to keep them apart sometimes, but that becomes a necessity because I don't want either one of them to get hurt. It gets frustrating and sometimes we have to discipline one or both of them (like kids, I guess), but I always feel bad because I don't want to hurt them....ugh. This is so stupid and I can't believe I'm even writing a post about all this crap but I have to do something with it....it's been a rough morning. Then, I took both dogs outside one last time before I left for work and in order to make sure I get the door shut well, I say to Daisy (our older dog), "Daisy, wait" and she usually just sits at my feet, on her leash, until we're ready to go. Well, ever since we got Otis (our little one) she hasnt' been listening as well. This morning there was someone outside with two larger dogs and of course Daisy wanted to go after them. Well, she didn't listen to the normal command so I had to press the button on her leash that stopped the leash from going out further and because she was running she stopped abruptly. Then, when she headed to the grass she was limping a bit....I felt bad, but I am not sure how what I did would have caused that? Maybe she just stepped on something? I'll have to keep an eye on it...poor puppy had a rough morning.

Last night we get this stupid notice from our apartment complext that we owe them $600 for having a pet! Now, mind you, we have had Daisy since last August and staff at the complex have seen her since then, pet her and the whole bit! They also gave us a notice one time for not picking up her poop outside and that was a few months ago. So, now, becuase we gave them our 30-day notice, they give us this stupid notice so that we will give them additional money....dumb! Why not have given it to us when you first noticed we had a puppy that we didn't mention to you when we moved in? ! We got her after we moved in, but it's still just frustrating because they waited all this time to bring it up. Josh is going to handle this one and tell them to keep the $400 deposit we gave them and the $1000 we paid them to break the lease....they don't need an additional $600 from us....outregeous!

getting there

Last night, Otis, our new puppy, was able to make it through the night without making a mess in his cage! This may seem like a small thing to most, but to us, it's wonderful becuase we didn't have to give him what was turning out to be a daily morning bath! Plus, he was quiet in his cage until about 6:30, so that was great too...I was able to get almost all the sleep that I normally get!

It's the little things in life that are important, right? :)

another year older

This weekend I celebrated my birthday. It started out great with lunch with some people from work and the wife and kids of one of my bosses. After work, I headed home and relaxed with Josh for a bit and then headed to the FedEx location to pick up the present that my mom and dad sent me...fun fun! My mom told me I had to wait until Saturday to open it becuase that was my actual birthday.

So, Friday night was spent hangning out with Josh and our dogs...that's right....DOGS. We already had Daisy, the puppy we adopted last summer, but Josh got me another dog for my birthday! His name is Otis and he's a Schnoodle. He's mainly poodle with a bit of schnauzer in him. He's only 3.5 pounds right now and will only get up to about 10 pounds, if that. He's adorable and the dogs are getting along fairly well, which is good.

Saturday I started my dad with a few recieved phone calls of birthday wishes and then headed to the church we've been going to. They were offering a "class" about the church and their beliefs. It was very informative and the best part was that I was able to get connected with a few women from the church....praise God! That was done around 12:30 and then I headed home to hang out with Josh and the dogs again. The afternoon was spent at the mall and then later we went to dinner at Macaroni Grill, which was delicious!

Sunday we went to church and then I took a nap in the afternoon....it was delightful!

Birthdays

Usually for my birthday (March 28), we would be in Florida spending time together over Spring Break without my dad becuase it's tax season and well, as a CPA, he can't really leave the office, let alone the state! Now, this year is a year of change in regards to birthdays as well. This year, I will be spending my birthday with Josh while my mom and sister are on their way to Panama City Beach, FL to soak up some sun! Not only do I miss my family and friends, but I miss the traditional way of doing things.

It is my hope that soon enough I will have friends that I can celebrate with here. I am still praying that God provides in that area.

Memories

Since moving out California, I have had time to sit and think about the great memories I have of my childhood and how blessed I am to have the family that I have. I just want to put down some of these memories for my own personal enjoyment:

I remember when my grandma used to take me shopping at Orland Mall and she would take me to the Cookie Factory, which is no more, and she would let me get a cherry icee and a M&M cookie.

I remember summer vacations down to KY where we would spend all week on our boat in the water with other families and just genuinely have a great time together boating, playing cards or just enjoying each others company.

I remember making yearly trips down to Disney World with my family and loving every minute of it! Disney is truly the Happiest Place on Earth :)

I remember when my Aunt Donna would come babysit me every now and then and she would do her workouts on the floor at my parents house and I would try to mimic her.

I remember listening to my Grandpa Workman's prayers each Sunday or at any meal time at their house and he would list out every grandchild's name and asking God to bless each one of us and our parents...he still does it and I miss hearing it now!

I remember going to my grandparent's house and playing on my Grandma's HUGE organ that she had and not being able to reach the pedals. I also rmember sitting down at the piano and playing with her or watching her play and thinking it was the best thing ever!

I remember going to my other grandparent's place in IN and driving my Grandpa's pontoon boat around their lake and driving the gocart that he had....what fun!

I remember my dad taking me out on a "date" when I was a little girl and he took me to Dairy Queen...I don't think I could have been more excited to spend time with him!

I remember spedning a day just hanging out with my mom and not wanting to go to my part-time job, so my mom called me in sick and all we did was laugh about it and knew that it was "our little secret".

I remember my dad and Grandpa teachign me how to play pool in my grandparents' basement and not being very good at it, but they were patient with me.

I remember the day my little sister was born and when my dad said she was really skinny and had long arms and legs I had a picture in my head of what she would look like and it was nothing like the real thing.

There are more, but I'll keep it at that for now.

randomness

Yesterday afternoon started off with a run...that's right, a run! I don't typically enjoy working out in any sense of the idea, but it's something I know I should do to be a bit more healthy. So, I took Daisy and we went running. We didn't go far because she's little and I didn't want her to have a heart attack, but I am sore today which tells me it's something I needed to do. So, I'll have to keep moving forward with this running thing and see how that goes.

Today was another rough morning in getting out of bed. I've just been so tired lately that I just want to stay cuddled up in bed.....sounds delightful! Here is the rest of my to-do list that I made for myself for tonight:

1. go sign papers for the house
2. make/eat dinner
3. clean
4. clean
5. clean
6. put clean clothes away
7. relax

Needless to say, our apartment needs a good scrubbing and instead of doing it over the weekend, I think tonight will be a good night for that and putting all of my clean clothes away....FINALLY!

This weekend doesn't include baseball, which is quite exciting! I am hoping I can sit outside on Saturday and Sunday and get some color....that would be nice! Friday night we're going out for a friends birthday, so that should be fun. Other than that, it's time to relax!

Leadership and Encouragement

On Monday of this week I headed to my weekly Bible study that I attend (BSF) and before the study got started, we had a time of fellowship that we share in once a month. This is a time for the women of our group to come and share what is actively going on in their life, how God has blessed or to share prayer concerns that they may have. This week, a fellow group member shared how her husband did not make it into the residency program that he had hoped so long for to get in to. Now, because God has taken this away from him, he is questioning his wife, his faith and wondering why God would do this to him. He has worked so hard for such a long time to get his schooling completed and to be able to be the amazing doctor he wants to be. It brought tears to my eyes as I watched and listened to this Godly woman share her story with tears and that she is fearful that her husband may give up on his dream and his faith. I shared with her that unfortunately there is a spiritual warfare going on between God and Satan and it is affecting her husband and that I had seen a similar thing happen to Josh when he became a Christian....baseball (his livelyhood) was taken away from him completely after he accepted Christ.

AFter I got home that night, I felt it in me that I needed to send her a note of encouragement and I happened to have her email address, so I shot her a quick email. I just wanted to tell her that all of her answers during BSF were so educated and her Bible background was incredible; her answers are always so educated and deep! I just wanted her to know that God would work something out for their good, but it would be in His timing. Little did I know, that she would end up encouraging me the next day. I recieved a response from her the next day in the afternoon and the timing could not have been more perfect as I was going through a struggle myself. Her encouraging words were sweet and uplifting. It is just incredible to me how God works in the smallest ways....God's definitely in the small stuff!

As I was about to leave BSF on Monday night, my leader approached me an asked if I had ever considered a leadership position. Being that it is my first year of attending this specific class, I had not thought about it; it never even crossed my mind. She told me that she is praying for me and that I should to do the same to see if God is encouraging me to lead. We are learning about Moses and his trip to the Promise Land with the Israelites, but that all started out with God calling him to the leadership position. Like Moses, I have my excuses as to why I won't be a good leader: I'm too young, I don't know enough, I am not a good speaker and definitely don't do well in front of groups! Moses told God that he wasn't a good speaker, he was too old and other excuses, but God was still able to use him. I spoke to my mom (a BSF leader back home) about this conversation and she said that I should consider it because I have the gift of encouragement and she thought I could be a good fit. I just don't know how people will view me as a leader....I have zero life experience compared to a lot of the women that attend this study. I guess all I can do is pray about and see where God takes me; I just have to be willing to let him lead me and not fight it.

Well after last week, a few things have changed for us. We are waiting to hear on a closing date, but we are first-time home owners as long as everything goes through smoothly. We have been approved and have signed the contract with the builder, but sometimes you just never know what could happen. There have been no signs of anything bad happening to prevent us from moving into this house, but with the market how it is today, you just never know.

We will be moving out Clovis, CA at the end of April and are very excited about it. The house is brand new and has a lot to offer. We are so thankful to have been able to act on this opportunity!!!

Also, last week Friday Josh was told that if he left school without a pink slip, that we was going to have his teaching job for next year.....he didn't get a pink slip! So, thankfully Josh will be able to continue to teach out in Fowler. WE have a lot to be thankful for and we are so appreciative of all the prayers that everyone prayed for us! We love you all!!!

Just a couple things going on that I would like to share:

1. Josh and I have decided to buy our first house! We are going to sign the final documents tonight and then we will be homeowners for the first time! We have prayed about this decision and feel peaceful in that God has provided this opportunity for us and we know it is the right one for us.
2. By Friday of this week, Josh will find out if his contract will be renewed for next year. Being that he is a first year teacher, he is not guranteed anything. So, our prayer is that the district he teaches in likes the work that he has done there and that they are able to keep him on staff. Josh truly enjoys working with the students at the continuation school and he is very happy there. It is our hope and prayer that Josh will be able to go back to Fowler Unified School District next school year.

This weekend was a good one, but it went by WAY too fast...much like every other weekend that comes and goes. This one was spent celebrating a friends' birthday on Saturday, so that was a good time.

Josh and I also found out that the house we put an offer in on is now back on the market. I don't know if it was ever officially taken off the market, but a few days after we put the offer in, it was no longer listed on the search sites for homes for sale. Josh was searching for properties for us and came across it. So, now we're not sure what is going on with this! I immediately emailed our agent, so hopefully we will hear something soon as to what the status is.

Right now, it seems like a lot of people need prayer support. Off the top of my head I can think of a small group that has health and/or family concerns and are in need of prayer. It is my hope and prayer that God will touch those families that are going through difficult times and that he reaches those that have not opened up to the idea of giving their life to Christ yet. I pray that God heals those that need healing spiritually and physically and also reaches those that are lost.

Ready for the Weekend

So, it's FINALLY Friday and I'm really looking forward to the weekend. For whatever reason, this week seemed to drag on and thankfully it's time to relax and enjoy two days off. Josh and I have a friend coming into town this weekend and that gave us a reason to really clean our place, so that's how we finished off our week: cleaning the apartment. It felt good to get it done and it's always so much nicer to be in a clean place; too bad the clean, fresh scent doesn't stick around and clothes always seem to end up back on the floor.

Today we're going to finish out our work day and then I'll be meeting our friend for drinks and dinner and then after that, who knows what we'll be doing. Tomorrow night we'll be celebrating another friend's birthday, so that should be a good time.

Weekends are great, but they always go so quickly! Too bad we can't have a four day work week and a three day weekend...how nice would that be!?!?!

Trying Not to Complain

I attend a weekly Bible study that takes place on Monday nights and this last study was about how Miriam and Aaron spoke against their brother Moses as he was leading them to the Promised Land. Because of this "bad talk", God put leprousy on Miriam and she was banned to outside the camp for 7 days! It was also about how the Isrealites complained about the "lack of food" that they had in the desert. The cried out to Moses about how when they were in Egypt, they had a variety of fruit and vegatbles and fish to eat and that they were unhappy with the manna that God provided to them in the desert. What they didn't remember is that while they were in Egypt, sure they had good food, but they also slavery. Because of their complaining, God sent fire to the camp and that killed some people near the outside of the camp. He also sent them so much quail that it made them sick!

One thing that I took from the lecture part of the Bible study night was this: when we complain, we are complaining against God and his plans for us and he becomes angry. It has been hard, but since Monday night, I have really tried to focus on not complaining about things I should be thankful for such as my job and a place to live. God has brought me to this area and to this point in my life for a reason; it is all part of his plan. Sure, there are days where I am not all that excited to go to work, but I work for a Christian company with fellow believers; what a blessing that is! Yes, there are times where I totally dislike living in an apartment, but the apartment is nice and in a great area and it's a place to live, so I should be thankful. I also have times where I get down about not being able to buy a house because it's "just not working out", but I should focus on the fact that we are blessed to even have the capacity to buy a house once the Lord provides one for us and opens that door for us. Unfortunately, the things we complain about most of the time are just that: things. We want a better car, better paying job, nice house/place to live, but those are not the important things in life. We need to focus our hearts on what God wants for us and not complain about what we don't have, but rather, be thankful for what we do have!

Another lesson I learned is that when I am going through a struggle (because they will come), I should cry out to God rather than anyone else. God is the one with the answers and it is important to go to the source rather than do what the Israelites did and complain to another person. God is the one who can change situations, not people. Go to the One who brought you to where you are; ask him to help you through the difficult times. He will be there for you! God never gives you anything you can't handle.

prayer request

Today I am praying for my friend because her dad passed away this morning. Although they have been expecting this day for what seems to be an eternity, it still came as bit of a shock because they weren't expecting it right now. Her dad was an alcoholic and struggled with it for quite some time. He took a turn for the worse a few years ago and began to have times where he was always in and out of hosptials and rehab. He was checked into the hospital for the last time on Friday and while they were running blood work he had a stroke. They took him off the machines that were helping him breathe and hospice came in to make him comfortable. He had cancer for a while now, but they just found out it was Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He passed away at 2:30 this morning. Although it is a time of sadness, it is also a time of relief for his family as they do not have to worry about how he may try to hurt himself anymore. It is also relief for him; he is no longer in pain.

Simple Updates

Josh's team had a double-header on Saturday and won both games! They weren't sure how they were going to do or if they were even going to be able to play because of all the rain we've been getting, but it was a success. Tomorrow there is another double-header, so I'm happy I'll be able to see at least one of the games.

Also, on Saturday, I was able to go look at the house that we have the offer in on. Neither one of us had seen it in the day light, so I wanted to make sure I did that. There were things that I noticed that I did not remember from the previous visits, so I'm glad I went. We were supposed to hear something about the deal yesterday, but of course that didn't happen. So, maybe in the next few days? Such a waiting game!

Today, Josh and I will be going to the Little Big Town concert. The tickets were part of my Valentine's Day present! I am so excited because they are one of my favorite country bands.

This weekend will be fun. We are looking forward to having our friends from San Jose come visit and then we'll be going out for another friend's birthday. It's always a good time when friends get together to celebrate each other!

Today I had an awesome opportunity to be a part of a special version of the Bible that will be published. Zondervan (publishing company) is celebrating 30 years this year and to celebrate, they have a team of people that is driving all across the country, stopping at various locations having people at the locations handwrite one verse of the Bible. This will then be published and sold in stores and the original will be put into the Smithsonian. I am excited to see what it turns out like!

Other than that, nothing new and exciting going on with the Glynn's.

Thankful

Today, I took it upon myself to watch the slideshow Josh and I put together for our wedding. You know, one of those where you play pictures of individuals as they are growing up and then as a couple. Well, watching this reminded me of a few things.

One, that I am so thankful to my parents for bringing me up in the TRUTH and taught me to walk with Christ. It is my prayer that Josh and I can do that for our children. Although we are far apart from my family, they mean the world to me! They have made me who I am today and I am proud of that.

Two, I also am so thankful for Josh. God has blessed me so much by bringing us together! Josh always goes out of his way to make me happy and that was evident by our engagement when he SURPRISED me and flew down to Orlando to propose....it was amazing! It continues as our marriage goes on. He is a wonderful husband and my best friend. I couldn't have asked for anyone better!

With Valentine's Day coming tomorrow, I wanted to reflect on how much I love Josh and how much he means to me. I was also reminded this morning that love is a choice and an action; that we should work show love 365 days a year rather than focus on it one day out of the year. I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!! Love always

*here is the link to our slideshow; it's long, but it's priceless http://www.vimeo.com/1268108

Something to Remember

With the economy being as weak as it is and with instability in all job markets, I think it is important to remember Jeremiah 29:11 " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to propser you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' " Thankfully, we can rest in the fact that God has a plan for each one of our lives, but we just have to be willing to submit to his timing and let him control our lives.

Anniversary

Today marks 7 months of marriage for Josh and I!! It is so exciting to look back on what we've done and where we've come from and to see how much we've grown from these experiences. In the last 7 months we have:

1. Gotten married
2. Gone to Jamaica for our honeymoon
3. Been apart for a few days while Josh traveled to California to move our stuff
4. Drove across the country together
5. Personally, I have moved to a new town and learned my way around (Josh was already familiar with the area)
6. Started new jobs
7. Got a dog :)

It has been an eventful 7 months, but it has been a fun transition and I am so thankful to have been able to do it with Josh.

It is another week, which I am thankful for! Last week was a tough one for me because I was definitely missing my girl friends back home, but today is a new start and I am hoping that I can soon meet friends in my new home.

Because of my "funk" last week, I drove to San Jose after being invited to hang out with some friends. Typically, I would not have made the two hour drive alone, but I knew I could use some "girl time" and so did Josh, so he encouraged me to go. I am so glad I went because we had a great time going shopping and out for lunch. I definitely still miss having my Chicago friends close to me, but it was encouraging to me to be able to spend time with this other friend in San Jose.

This week marks 7 months that Josh and I have been married! I cannot believe how quickly it went! I thank God so much for Josh and the live we have been able to start together. It may not always be easy, but it's our life and I love it!
Psalm 145:18 "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth"

Disconnect

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel completely disconnected from everything in your life? Where it seems as though things just aren't coming together as they should or like you thought they would? I am having one of those weeks! :)

Josh and I are working to purchase our first house. Being that it's a "buyer's market" we thought it would be a simple task. However, we have searched and searched and found one we liked, put an offer in and are now waiting (not so) patiently for the response from the seller's bank. Then, there was another house that Josh fell in love with, but because of some timing issues, our offer was submitted too late in the day and we were beat, so now we're the "back up" offer. We thought we would have the pick of the market, but it doesn't seem that way. We are trying to remain positive and enjoy this adventure of buying our first house because it's supposed to be fun, but that is becoming more and more difficult! We just need to remember that God will allow us to see the right property when he is ready for us to see it.

On top of the house issue, I am truly missing my close friends and family members. I am not sure what it is, but I was really struck this week about how my friends are so far away! Thankfully, my mom and I are able to talk almost every day, which definitely helps to get me through those times when I'm missing home. My friends, though, are so busy with their own lives and I have a hard time not being able to talk to them whenever I want or see them for dinner during the week or random drink nights when one of us is having a rough day. My friends and family have seen me through a lot and my girlfriends have definitely supported me through some tough times. I miss them and love them dearly!

Then, along the lines of missing my friends I am struggling with not having a close friend out here...other than Josh, of course. Your girlfriends are there no matter what and unfortunately, I haven't been able to find that out here, yet. I have been able to hang out with girlfriends of Josh's friends and for that I am thankful....interaction with other women is a HUGE positive! I am just praying that God provides for me someone I can call a good friend.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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." Philippians 4:6-7

Inauguration Day

Well, today is a big day in US history. Today is the day that Barak Obama is welcomed into the White House. Unfortunately, I am unable to watch the event, but I am listening to this online trying to picture what it is like and what is going on.

Pastor Rick Warren is now praying at the inauguration and what a prayer it is; what an amazing way to start out a presidency. His prayer is a reminder that we live in a free country in which an African American can become President of the United States and that is something we need to be thankful for...living in a free country. He also prayed that Obama would have wisdom and courage from God during his presidency.

While Barak Obama may not have been my pick for President of the United States, I know that I have to pray for him, his family and those that work for and with him. Pray that God protects them; pray that they are given God-given wisdom to lead this country.

As Christ followers we have to trust that God will take care of us and protect us no matter who is in power. God knew who was going to win this election and we have to know that and cling to that. Pray for the new President and that God will be with him in any decision he has to make.

This has been a great weekend! Not only has the weather been great, but it was productive too...finlly took down that Christmas tree...ha! Short post today.....

New to this!

Well, we are halfway through the first month of a new year and I decided that I wanted to start a blog since my family and friends are so far away. I figured it would give them a fun way to keep up with my and Josh.

As some of you know, we have put an offer in on a house and being that it is a short sale, we are STILL WAITING to hear on what the seller's lender has to say about our offer. I swear, God has tried to teach me patience so many times in my life and this is just one more try...hopefully I'll learn some day!

Other than that, we don't have much going on. Josh has started coaching baseball, so that will keep him busy in addition to his teaching, on line classes and mentor program he has to do for his first two years of teaching. I am still enjoying my job...God has truly blessed me with that!

Until next time.....

Lisa (and Josh)