What could cause lights to come on full strength then dim?
I determined that my power source was no good. I don't know exactly what is going on, but it seems to be coming from a switched outlet system in another part of the house. 

Easiest solution, tie up the old power source and find a different one that is cleaner. I found another circuit nearby that was barely used and is actually more spatially related to where these lights were being installed. Other than that the wiring was correct and works great.