path of purity

"When you chose to follow the way of purity, did you expect it to be easy? When you decided to wait for the best, did you think that waiting would be fun? Did you think that your faith would not be tested? When you decided to take the narrow path, did no one warn you that difficulties, hardship, and tears would be a part of the journey, and that you would often face rejection from others and be force to walk alone? My daughter, that which you wait for the longest you treasure the most, and through much struggle the prize is won."

(excerpted from Before You Meet Prince Charming, by Sarah Mally.)

Bright Lights

This past Saturday, I had the privilege of speaking at a Bright Lights retreat in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Bright Lights is a ministry dedicated to training young ladies to be strong for the Lord in their youth. The leader of this particular group is Erin Greer, a good of my family's.

This retreat's theme was A Basket of Flowers, by Christoph Von Schmid. The topic of my session for 8-11 year-old girls was hospitality. I enjoyed preparing this talk so much because I got to use a lot of personal stories and ideas. It was also challenging to me, as I studied hospitality in depth. I also wrote a skit for the session, and was so grateful to have three other ladies help me perform it.

speaking during my session

"Becca" and "Lisa"

(ie., Megan and Micah Noel)

l-r: Tiffany, Mrs. Carson, Megan, and me

l-r: Tiffany, Cassie, (my friend who came with us to the retreat,) and Megan

lunch

At the retreat, I was thrilled to get a copy of Sarah Mally's new book, Before You Meet Prince Charming. This is a book on purity that I would highly, highly recommend for all young ladies.

my weekend

Hi friends!
I was out of town last Friday through Monday, in case you missed me. :) I'm sure you all would like to hear about my weekend, especially when I say that I saw the President! Yes, its true! Here's the whole story:

Friday, my mother, my sister, and I went to Topeka to work on Jim Ryun's campaign. A rally was planned for Sunday, to which President Bush was coming to endorse Jim Ryun. (For those who don't know, Jim Ryun is our U.S. Representative.) Friday night we painted signs for the rally, and on Saturday we campaigned door-to-door in Topeka and Manhattan. That night we also did campaigning via phone. Sunday morning we had group devotions, and then rushed out to place literature on cars at various churches. At 10:45 we had a tour of the expo center before the Secret Service did their security sweep. By 2:00, we were back at the expo center, through security, and at our posts. Our job was to monitor the media and press, and make sure they were in their assigned area when the President arrived. Over the next four hours, about 9000 people flooded into the expo center. Jim Ryun, Phil Kline, Tom Barnett, and the other Republican candidates were on stage. At about 6:10, the President entered, to the sound of loud cheers and a standing ovation. As he spoke, the audience applauded and voiced their approval at almost the end of every sentence. President Bush spoke of his respect and admiration for Congressman Jim Ryun, and how he desired to see him continue in office. When he had concluded his speech, the President greeted some of the crowd personally. Then he returned backstage as the whole assembly wildly applauded. The crowd gradually dispersed, and we left about 8:30, exhausted, but exuberant. The next morning we campaigned door-to door again in Manhattan. Once we got back to Topeka, at about 5:30 that night, we left for home. It took me a couple days to get rested up again, but now I'm back to my usual self!

Personally, it was a beneficial experience for me. At first I was nervous at the thought of calling and knocking on the doors of complete strangers. I soon realized, however, that it was not a big deal at all. In fact, I kind of liked it, and I'd like to do it again. Imagine that. :)

Miscellaneous things I learned:
-contrary to what the media says, lots of people greatly appreciate President Bush
-having a position at a political rally has the tendency to go to one's head
-when bored, one can disguise oneself quite well using only tape and a Sharpie (see pictures on Bryant's blog)
-standing for seven hours on a concrete floor makes one's back and feet ache
-it is possible to gain massive amounts of muscle in on one's legs in one day just by walking

Be sure to check Bryant's blog for more pictures: http://www.whomihavenotseen.blogspot.com/

Jim and Ann Ryun

phone banking

Bryant and I at a restaurant after the rally

Live for Jesus

In a world of darkness
Who will shine God's light?
Who will live for Jesus,
And follow what is right?
Who will pay the price,
And follow in God's way?
Who will God find faithful
On the judgement day?

Lord, I will shine Your light,
With joy and a smile that's bright!
I will seek you all my days;
Lord I want to learn Your ways.
In this world of night
Lord, I will shine Your light.

Who will be a Rebekah
Quenching others' thirst?
Who will be a Mary
Putting Jesus first?
Who will be a Ruth
With virtue of great price?
Who will be an Esther
Laying down her life.

Lord, I will shine Your light
With joy and a smile that's bright
I will seek you all my days
Lord I want to learn Your ways
In this world of night
Lord I will shine Your light

(Who Will Shine God's Light, a song by Sarah and Grace Mally)