An Encouraging Future

I usually pretty muchdespise getting emails with FWD: in the subject box, but my grandmother sent me one today that just blessed my soul. I thought I'd share it:

Before long we end the year 2010, with all the problems the world is facing, it can be unsettling to the mind. Today, I will share with you ten predictions that are sure to come true next year!

Top 10 Predictions for 2011

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth..

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still honor the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10.Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

Isn't It Great To Remember Who Is Really In Control, and that "the word of the Lord endures forever" ?

Our lives have become so egocentric that we often forget to look past US and past the current problems WE are facing--to see that the King of Kings has control, even in a world that appears more chaotic with each new day. He is and always will be the sovereign power over all creation.

To God be the glory!

Me and My Dog

As the days grow cooler, I find myself thinking back to a Jane Austen novel or little red hearts and white doily-covered cards handed out at a nursing home. We are a long ways off from Valentine's Day yet, but my mind thinks back to romantic things anyway.

I was thinking today (I do that a lot) about why that is, when nothing has triggered these thoughts in the least. I believe I figured it out.

It's the weather's fault.

Cold weather=hot chocolate, a blankie, and a snuggle buddy.
Cold weather=stuck inside, so why not read a good book.
Cold weather=thoughts of gentlemen (something we don't see these days) ripping their coats off to cover the thinly-clad shoulders of the lady they are visiting.
Cold weather makes me think of happy things, like sledding and icicles and frosty grasses and being able to see my breath.

It's all in the temperature, I'm telling ya!

I don't have a man to cover my shoulders with his coat, but I have a dog who likes to sit on them.
I don't have a fella to share a cup of cocoa with, but I have a dog who is more than eager to share my dinner.
I don't have a human cuddle buddy, but let me tell you I have something better--she's a little black and white lhasa apso with more lazy bones in her body than active ones. And she is more than happy to cuddle with me, no matter what I'm doing.
I don't have someone to read stories to me, or listen to me whine, but I have a dog whose eyes say, "everything you say is gold," even if she hasn't a clue what I said.

Stella is a pretty clean pooch, easy clean-up and lots of love.
Cheap, too. She doesn't ask for much--just food and water and a treat every now and then. And maybe a toy.
The benefits package is fabulous.
She loves me no matter if I burn the beans or show my ugly side. Her loyalty surpasses any mortal man.