It's been awhile....

Hello again.
I feel like I need to re-introduce myself, it's been so long.

I've been in a state of "mourning" for the past couple of weeks. Not due entirely to election stuff-- more so because the of the sin in the world. Some unfortunate family circumstances, along with the election, have put a great big spotlight on the sin that exists all around us.

We've been studying The Beatitudes in church for the past few weeks, and I have been particularly moved by verse 4, which says,"

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

I've always read that to mean people who are mourning the loss of a person, but our pastor said he believes it can also be extended to mean mourning the sin in the world. Kind of a "loss of innocence" as you realize how utterly corrupted all of human kind are. And when you think about it, most of the horrible things that we "mourn" in life all have to do with the fallen world we live in. Were it not for sin, there would be no wars, no famines, no diseases, no disasters ...etc. So it really all does boil down to SIN.

Anyway, all of this has been on the forefront of my mind for the past few weeks. I've been particularly stung by professing Christians who have made choices that go against God's word. The bible is not a book of "gray issues."

As for my feelings on the presidential election, my friend Veronica summed up my sentiments quite nicely here. (Thanks, Veronica for putting words to my thoughts EXACTLY!)

All is not lost, though.
Bill and I both feel as though recent developments in our world point even more urgently toward Jesus' triumphant return being near(er). And we know that regardless of what is happening in our world, however desperate times become, Jesus wins! THAT is our comfort!

Despite my mourning, life has actually been wonderful at The Hughes Zoo. God's provisions for our family have been amazing and humbling. I know we've all heard this before, but it has been particularly relevant to me recently:

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Psalm 23:1

Phrased another way, "The Lord is my caregiver, He will take care of all of my needs."
All our needs, down to the littlest details, have been more than met. We are rejoicing in His blessings.

And on a much lighter note....
We had our friend Orna (who also happens to be our dentist!!) over for dinner last night. She arrived with a yummy pumpkin pie in hand, and no one was happier than Tori.

Yes, our little scavenger pulled the entire pie off of the counter and was sitting in the corner eating it with the pie server. "Little Tori Hughes sat in the corner, eating her pumpkin pie."
Thank goodness Orna had a camera to capture the moment.

Christian supporters of Obama--- please read

Through a series of clicks this morning, I happened upon Randy Alcorn's blog. He is a Christian author who clearly has a better way of articulating things than I do. :)

IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN AND SUPPORT OBAMA, PLEASE READ THIS.

That's all.
Thanks and have a good day. :)

Pray for America

With the 24-hour news coverage of All Things Election, there is definitely a sense of anxiety about what will happen.... Bill and I feel so comforted in knowing that no matter the outcome, we serve a Sovereign God.

I read this post this morning and it captures my sentiments exactly.
Yes, you can VOTE (and I certainly hope you will), but MORE importantly, you can PRAY.

This is from the non-partisan Word of God. (Author of prayer guide not noted.)

Psalm 32:6-7 --- Pray that all will be motivated to pray faithfully for this election and that the Lord would deliver us from the wrong leaders.

Psalm 16:7-8 --- Pray that the Lord would give wise counsel and guidance to His choice for president in this campaign.

Proverbs 16:13 --- Pray that our nation will listen to the truth and not be led astray.

Psalm 18:32-36 --- Pray that the Lord would arm the man of His choice with strength; that He would guide him in battle (this election), and that He would sustain him and give him victory.

2 Thess. 1: 4---Pray that God's man could, through faith, persevere and maintain his courage throughout this election.

Psalm 125 --- Pray that those who trust in the Lord will not be shaken.

Psalm 64: 2-10 --- Pray that the Lord would defeat those who have no regard for Him in this election.

2 Cor. 12:9 --- Pray that the Lord would empower and enable His man in any area of weakness.

II Kings 13:16 --- Pray that the Lord would put His hands on the man of His choice for president (and his team) and guide them in this election.

Proverbs 1:5-6 --- Pray that God's man will listen with discernment, add to his knowledge, and receive wise counsel in this campaign.

John 16:33 --- Pray that the man of God's choice would be given wisdom and ability from the Lord to overcome any obstacle or difficulty during this campaign.

Acts 17:30 --- Pray for repentance for yourself and for our nation.

Luke 12:54-57--- Pray that God's man and our nation will be discerning and do what is right.

Phil. 4:13 --- Pray that the Lord's choice for President will have special strength and unusual ability from God.

Habakkuk 1:5 and 3:2 --- Pray that the Lord would do something that would utterly amaze us and give His servant victory.

Remember 2 Chronicles 7:14---'If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.'

God Bless America!

The Truth about the Financial Crisis

Go Sarah Go!

I could only sit idly and not discuss politics for so long.....



And while we're on the topic, you might as well go read Why Obama Can't Close the Sale. A MUST READ FOR EVERY VOTER EVEN CONSIDERING OBAMA.