Pleasantly Surprised...

We finished off our journey last night with a loss.

We entered this race for State Representative back in April (I think). We are now in early August and I can tell you that we are exhausted!

This campaign process was fun in a lot of ways. We got to meet so many wonderful people. We saw our friends, family, and other supporters step up and give over and above to help us call people, knock on doors, and attend (sometimes very boring) meetings and forums.

It was also very eye opening. I have heard about politics and the dirtiness that can surround it. We faced a very strong opponent. He had run for another office before and had pretty good name recognition. As we campaigned for the primary election the candidates basically talked issues. It wasn't until the run-off that our opponent got a little dirty. We hated this. We really wanted to believe that politics could stay clean.

Now, don't misunderstand me. Our opponent has rationalized his view and has talked himself into thinking that his tactics were okay. They sent out a mailer that mislead voters, left out information and used half-truths and out right lies against Shep.

I can promise you that I was angry. Why?

Why would someone who claims to be so honest and upstanding intentionally be deceptive??

To win? Really???

How does one sleep at night knowing that he or she chose the less honorable way?

Well---enough of all of that.

What I want to say is how we are doing......

Shep and I left last night feeling pleasantly surprised. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off of us. We knew that we had been obedient to God and done what He had asked of us. He didn't tell us we would win....He just told us to do it.

So, I am pleased to tell you that Shep and I slept great. We are back to our simple little lives....cooking dinners, playing with our kids, enjoying our friends, and ministering to others when God provides the chance.

I can appreciate sweet anonymity now more than ever before!!!

Losing doesn't feel good. Knowing we were obedient and operated with integrity feels great!

At this home we live with questions all the time. We wonder why God does certain things and seemingly appears distant in other areas.....but one thing is certain.

He is good.
He is holy.
He is worthy.
He is the reason we live and move and have breath.

He will be praised in this home regardless of any outcome!

Glory to Your Name Oh Lord!!!!