A new heaven and a new earth

2 Peter 3: 10-18

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives

12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

15 Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

17 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

It's the middle of the night and I'm awake for who knows what reason. The TV 24/7 news program blasts the problems of the moment and I shake my head. Anna Claire sleeps peaceful in my bed and I find myself weepy over her beauty and innocence. I pick up my bible to continue reading the books of Peter and am reminded again that this earth is not going to continue. I almost want to say duh. The only thing is, God is so good. It's His mercy and goodness that continues forever and I am thankful for that.

Peter asks us to be on guard so we don't follow the wrong path. He asks us to continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am happy to do that each day, step-by-step, moment-by-moment until God decides it's time for a new heaven and a new earth. In the meantime I'll enjoy this earth and life He has given to me and be thankful for all the blessings in my life.

SESAME SALAD DRESSING

1/2 cup corn syrup
3 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
2 tablespoons pineapple juice
4 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1 dash garlic powder
1 dash ground black pepper
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

This yummy recipe is good over a mixed green salad, throw in some mandarin orange slices, apple, pineapple or avocado depending on your taste of the day. It's also a good rub to use when grilling chicken to use in your salad. The dressing recipe is based on Wendy's Mandarin Chicken Salad dressing. When I make this I open a small can of pineapple slices and use the juice in my dressing recipe and the pineapple in the green salad.