Yes, it’s Election Day 2020 and there are two things I’d like to say—
First…
“Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” (Revelation 19: 11-16)
Are you anxious about today? About the outcome of this election? Do you dread what the future might hold if your chosen candidate doesn’t win?
I get it. I’ve struggled with similar feelings in recent weeks and months. But the Holy Spirit continues to draw me back to the eternal truth that God is in control. Jesus rules and reigns. And the Holy Spirit is moving and working in the lives of believers and unbelievers alike. No matter what.
Yes, there will be consequences to the outcome of this election, either way it goes. But it’s nothing Jesus can’t handle. The rider on the white horse is still Faithful and True. He is the Word of God. He’s the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
And aren’t we forever grateful?
When Joe and I “early voted” this year it was an especially exhilarating and meaningful experience, and definitely held a weight of significance that I’ve not felt before when casting my ballot. And that’s saying a lot. Because each time I vote, I always thank God for the precious lifeblood that’s been spilled on battlefields around this country and around our world that’s paid the price for me to be able to cast that ballot.
I love this great country and will continue to be in prayer for America—and the world—as we move together into 2021 and all that it holds. And just think, even now God is waiting for us in 2021 even as he abides with us today . . . November 3, 2020. There’s nowhere we can go but what he isn’t already there waiting for us. Talk about comforting!
The second thing I want to say is…
Puppies. Yes, puppies.
Because we all need puppies (and animals) in our lives. These days especially. Animals add a depth of meaning to life, not to mention joy! And Angela Hunt’s newest book Sit. Stay. forever. captures all the emotions that come with having—and loving—a dog.
Sit. Stay. forever. is an absolute treasure! Every word of this book resonated with me.
In celebration of Angie’s new release—and because puppies make everything better—I’m GIVING AWAY a hardback copy of Sit. Stay. forever. today. The illustrator did such an amazing job with the images in this book too.
If you’re interested in tossing your name in the hat for a hardback copy of Sit. Stay. forever., simply leave a comment on this post by 5PM central time TODAY telling me if you’re a dog lover—or cat lover—and, if you are, about your precious pet(s).
In full disclosure, I find cats to be fascinating creatures. I simply haven’t had near the experience with them as I’ve had with dogs because while I enjoy being around cats, I’m horribly allergic to them so must love them from afar (ah-choo!). Still, I’m grateful for them. Just not as much as dogs. : } (Waving at you, Deb & Robin)
Much love to all and if you haven’t voted yet…DO! And may God bless America.
Tammy
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CONGRATS TO GALE WHO WON THE BOOK!
Tamera Alexander
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Terry Cawthon says
Thank you for your encouraging words on Election Day. God is in control!
Tamera Alexander says
Amen, Terry!
Ruth Lovejoy says
My heart has experienced so much joy and I must say heartache from being a dog lover. So glad the joy wins out! This book sounds delightful!
Tamera Alexander says
So true, Ruth. They’re such blessings.
Sabrina Templin says
I love both but think my pet allergies are less so with dogs. 😀 I’m hoping to get a dog at some point after i get out of debt
Tamera Alexander says
Bless you on those allergies, Sabrina. And the future dog! 😉
Jennifer Williams says
Yes, God is sovereign over ALL, and so we need not fear! And also yes to dogs! They are wonderful (so are cats!) I would adopt them all if I could. lol 🙂
Tamera Alexander says
Amen and amen.
Jocelyn says
Thank you for your encouraging words. I am a puppy lover. Have owned several dogs through the years. They are truly “mans”
Best friend.
Tamera Alexander says
Thank YOU for sharing today, Jocelyn, and amen.
Melanie says
It’s my husband that’s the true dog lover! He gets down on the floor and rolls around and plays with Shadow! It’s like watching 2 puppies and the hubby is 70 :). Waving to Deb also…We’re original NY friends💕
Tamera Alexander says
LOL at watching 2 puppies! Cute, Melanie.
Melissa Romine says
Thank you for your words and prayers over today. We don’t have early voting so my 18 year old son and I will be standing in line together.
I love dogs, but don’t own one now. We have two cats who keep us entertained.
Tamera Alexander says
Wonderful on voting today with your son, Melissa! My nephew voted for the first time this year and everyone in the polling precinct stopped and applauded. Love that. Voting is a privilege and a treasured right, and serious stewardship for every believer.
Monica Theiler says
Thanks for reminding us to not worry about the outcome of the election. I love both dogs and cats! I have more experience with cats having grown up with them, but a few years ago my boyfriend (now husband) got a puppy and I discovered what a joy they are. Now that we’re married, I get to officially say that Goldie is my dog too. Helping to raise her was a lot of work, but she’s the sweetest dog now, so well behaved, and a good friend too!
Tamera Alexander says
You’re a “both,” Monica! Love knowing that about you. : ) Goldie sounds precious.
Linda McFarland says
Pets do indeed make everything better. My toy poodle, Missy, is eight years old, spoiled rotten, has the ‘sit’ command down pat but wavers on the ‘stay’ command. She’d rather be held! I said a big Amen to your post as God is definitely in control! Have a blessed day!
Tamera Alexander says
Thanks, Linda, and ditto, friend!
Anne Payne says
Hey Tammy,
I appreciate this uplifting post! Thank you so much for the encouragement.
I’m a cat person because they’re more self-sufficient than dogs (ie: I don’t have to take them outside several times and pick up their poop- haha) but I do know a dog can be a much needed companion for many. My oldest son had a wonderful dog that truly got him through a terrible time in his life. And I know someone who would love this book. 🙂
Tamera Alexander says
You’re SO right on cats being more self-sufficient than dogs. Dogs are certainly high maintenance in comparison to cats, for sure. At the same time, as you said, dogs can be such “saving companions” to people.
Suzanne Sellner says
Yes, I’m a dog lover. “Puppy” was our first daughter after my husband and I got married in Richmond, VA. I still remember the joy she exhibited as we returned home from work, when we awakened in the morning, and as we loved on her. Sometimes we’d come home to her having dug in the potted plants, leaving piles of dirt on the living room carpet. When we confined her to the kitchen using a doggie barrier while we were at work, she would teethe on the legs of the bookcase. Our Bible that the pastor gave us when we married still has teeth marks on the spine. So, we could say that our dog got into the Word!
I’ll never forget her rushing out to greet anyone who came to our door, and in her excitement she would leave a puddle at their feet. She did, however, alert me to a peeping Tom one night (peeping into the downstairs bedroom window–we were in the upstairs apartment). Another time she alerted me to a forgotten, sputtering pan on the stove when all the water had boiled off the hard boiled eggs.
Since my husband traveled a lot as part of his job, she was a great companion and “snuggler” in my husband’s absence. She kept me company during an ice storm in Atlanta when the power had gone off and we were holed up in the den in front of the fireplace. She even moved with us to Houston, TX, and lived to be 16.5 years old. What a loving, faithful dog she was!
Tamera Alexander says
Your post brought tears to my eyes, Suzanne. You will LOVE this book, my friend. Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us today.
Kris M says
I love my dogs! Right now the older (14 year old) one Sally is playing with the baby (2 year old) one Stella. They are both Golden Retrievers – who are just “golden” because they don’t retrieve and they don’t like water! But they are so loyal and have been wonderful for my teens (and now young adults) to cry on and cuddle with. The baby now keeps my husband company as he walks 8-10 miles a day. They are so wonderful!
Tamera Alexander says
I love Golden Retrievers, Kris. They’re such puppies for such a long time. Fun! Yours sound wonderful!
Sarah says
What a great reminder from Revelation! Thanks for sharing that! And dogs are amazing…so loving and loyal. Since our family recently “inherited” cats, I now, late in life, have come to love them, too.
Tamera Alexander says
Love this, Sarah. Animals are a gift from God.
Robin Lee Hatcher says
Waving back, Tammy. Princess Pinky says it’s okay to love her from afar. She’s above it all anyway. When one is royalty, one does not get upset about such matters.
Tamera Alexander says
LOL, Robin. Thanks for stating so clearly yet another difference between cats and dogs. So funny…
Angie Quantrell says
God is on His Throne! I have been feeling reassured of that lately, and your post is another reminder. Thank you! We tend towards being cat people, mainly due to our RV living space. And a need for a working cat to hunt out the mice and critters of the pasture. But we love our grand-dog, crazy chocolate lab one-year-old, living right next door. Best of both worlds. 🙂
Tamera Alexander says
God’s Word never returns void. Never. And I totally see why you’d lean toward cats. Not only are they great companions, but they earn their keep! : )
Betty/ Strohecker says
Thank you for such an inspiring post, so great to remember these words on this day and the days to come. We early voted, too, and were so glad to have it done.
Our pets have all gone to heaven. We have mainly owned dogs, but our last pet was a cat, who adopted us after being abandoned in our neighborhood. We had a chihuahua/beagle at the time, who didn’t much like the new arrival, but they ended up getting along. Rascal, our cat, was estimated by the vet to be about 6 months old when he came to us. We posted signs throughout the neighborhood, and with no calls, he became ours (we later found out he had been abandoned by a family who moved). We had only had one kitten for a short time, about 20 years previously, so our ‘cat ‘ experience was all new. Rascal of course ruled our home, and we loved him for 13 years until he died of bladder cancer.
Tamera Alexander says
Thank you, Betty, for giving that precious cat a loving and safe home. And that he became a blessing to you was a wonderful reward for your generosity. Blessings to you, friend.
Kathryn says
Very good reminder about Who is really in charge. The book looks sweet – I have three dogs, and had puppies last month, for a total of 12 dogs in my house right now!! Way too many to sustain, but they sure are cute little friends right now.
Tamera Alexander says
12! TWELVE?!!! LOL! You get an extra star in your crown, woman! Thanks for caring for so many animals, Kathryn, and for sharing today!
Betti says
Thank you for the reminder that God is in control!! I have a I sweet Blue Aussie named Rikki that waits for me to head for my office each day so she can sit at the window and bark at all who pass by. She certainly expresses all the love a dog possibly could when she cries every time I return, even from the shortest errand. He favorite place is right here beside me, and I’m so glad it is 😀.
Tamera Alexander says
A Blue Aussie named Rikki. Love that, Betti! Isn’t that funny how you’re gone for say 20 minutes and when you walk back in it’s like they haven’t seen you in forever. Precious.
Deborah Raney says
Just two words for you, dear friend: meow…purrrrrrrr. ♥️
Tamera Alexander says
Just two words for you in return, dear friend. “Sic ’em!”
(LOLOL)
Caryl Kane says
No other King but Yeshua! I’m excited to see the blessings Lord has for us!
Tamera Alexander says
Amen, Caryl. Blessings, friend.
Susan Snodgrass says
I love this post so much. Just so God filled.
I am a dog person. Our boy is Samwise Gamgee. AKA Sam. He is ten and a rescued dachshund mix. He is my buddy. This book sounds great!
Tamera Alexander says
I still love Samwise Gamgee for a dog. Brilliant! : )
Amanda Suen says
Definitely in constant prayer for our country, especially today. Above all, He is our King.
I’m a huge animal lover, especially dogs and cats! We have two dogs and three cats, and they’re all so different that’s it’s amazing to see how unique God creates each creature and it’s personality, even animals 🙂
Tamera Alexander says
Amen, Amanda! 😉
Vicki Farris says
I love all animals. We have a rescue chocolate lab/ pit named Abby. Diva does not begin to describe her. She loves everyone, especially men. We also have 2 orange tabbies, named Marco and Gibbs. Gibbs uses his Maine coin huge paw to head slap his brother or to grab your hand to let him. Marco is the quiet one and saves his affections to share with me. Gibbs loves everyone.
Ruby says
Thank you, Tamera, for the insightful Election Day post. So true.
Thank you too for recommending Sit. Stay. forever. This looks like a book I will want to read. I love both dogs and cats. We do not currently have any dogs, but perhaps again someday. We do have two cats that have adopted us. They are farm cats and have us trained very well. They are both very sweet cats and they earn their keep by keeping us rodent free.
Leslie says
I love everything about this blog! Your heart is precious and I’m thankful you share so freely! Sadie and I sure do love the Alexander’s.
Tamera Alexander says
We love you guys too, Leslie, and are SOOOOO grateful for the days (and years) ahead as our kids marry. What blessings await. See you this weekend. ; ) Hugs to Sweet Sadie!
Ronya Ervin says
Beautifully said, thank you!!
I really do enjoy both dogs and cats. I am a pet-sitter. I live them all and claim them all too! But at home, we have a precious Pomeranian, Amadeus, that brings us absolute joy!
Beth says
We have two dogs, a lab mix, Daisy, and a chiweenie, Luna. We got Daisy from the pound, but I often think she rescued me instead. We needed her just as much as she needed us. We had looked for a second dog but one never seemed to fit. I prayed and told God that He’d just need to work it out for us, and Luna was dumped in our neighborhood shortly after.
Amy says
Hi Tamera! Thank you for your wise words about today.
My daughter and I had the chance to meet Angela Hunt at a writer’s conference and found her to be an absolutely delightful person! Looking forward to this new book. Our family has 1 rescue dog, and 2 rescue cats. One of our cats is special needs. I would rescue all the cats and dogs that need homes if I could!
Tamera Alexander says
She IS absolutely delightful, and ever so talented. Bless you for your generous heart, Amy!
Linda says
Although we don’t have a dog now, I’m definitely a dog lover. My mother told the true story of our dog Spot (ya, good old Spot) actually saving my life when I was a little tyke. The frozen (but not so frozen) pond across the road from our farmhouse looked so enticing to this little 4 yr old. I crossed the busy country road and headed for the fenced in pond. My dog Spot sensed danger and alerted my father (who just happened to be working outside) before I could climb the fence to “have fun in the pond.” I don’t think I was able to sit comfortably for quite some time, but I’m here today to live the life God had in mind for me. God used a dog to save a little girl who didn’t have as much sense as the dog she loved.
Tamera Alexander says
Oh Linda, what a story. And what a precious dog. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Vikki Pay says
First of all, love your site and The Posse! I’ve gotten so much from them.
I have been so wonderfully blessed to have been raised in a family of animal lovers of all kinds. There has only been short times in my adult life I when I haven’t shared my home with some sort of animal, be it fish, hermit crabs, mice, etc. But mostly cats and dogs. They all were unique angels, touching my heart and soul profoundly, and teaching me more about life, love and God than I could ever imagine. I have been so fortunate to work with a rescue organization, and so now I only adopt rescue pets. I currently have been “adopted” by a high spirited, sensitive, very adventurous, long-legged Chihuahua mix, named Jasmine. She teaches me how important communication, understanding, acceptance, calmness and patience are in a sharing partnership. Quite by chance I found myself “fostering” a shelter kitty named Mystery, and of course adopted her. We both needed each other and had what was needed to meet those needs. She’s still ever much a mystery, and if not for Jasmine, we would have a much physically closer relationship. I’ve learned we all need our “special time of attention” and how import it is to attend to that time. I must not leave out Cheddar, a very old male orange Tabby that has been residing on my porch for years. He teaches me about resiliency, perseverance and longevity. All gifts of God’s love and communication!
Tamera Alexander says
I LOVE this, Vikki!And love your giving heart too. Bless you!
Gale says
My sweet dog was a cocker spaniel named Daisy. She passed over the rainbow several years ago but she was the sweetest. Today’s post was so good.
Tamera Alexander says
Oh Gale, I know you miss your precious Daisy. I fully believe that it’s within the realm of Biblical boundaries and understanding that our pets will be on the new earth. Read Randy Alcorn’s HEAVEN. Oh so good. So all that to say, I have faith you’ll see Daisy again in the land of the living!
Tamera Alexander says
Gale, your name was drawn for the book! WOOHOO! If you’ll go to my website [www.TameraAlexander.com] and click the CONTACT tab at the top righthand side of the page, and send me your snail mail address, I’ll get your book to you! : )
Cathy says
Enjoyed and appreciated your posting, as I always do. I grew up with dogs and horses. My husband and I are now owned by our latest rescue, an Australian Cattle Dog (Red Heeler).
Roni Johnson says
I have been around dogs almost all my life. I have had many best friends. I now have 2 labs that that are very loving. We wonder what we would do without them to keep us laughing and enjoying life.
MS BARB DAWSON says
Dog lover!
Jenna Winterton says
Thank you for your beautiful post today! It is certainly a much needed message.
I have to say that I’m a dog lover, but cats are sweet, too. My family has a border collie named Dakota. Our other dog passed away last year (another border collie named Cheyenne), but hopefully we will get another sweet border collie to love! My family lives on a farm, and recently got a mama cat and six kittens from some relatives. A few months later, she had another batch of six! It’s so sweet how each of the kittens has it’s own personality. The second batch is only a month old, but I’m looking forward to when their individual personalities start to show!
Megan says
I love dogs!! I have a bichon and a goldendoodle and they are really good buddies. Thank you for the chance to win this book, it looks so good.
Jen says
We love dogs and cats. We moved to town 5 years ago and a month before we moved our darling golden, Breckinridge, died. Last year we welcomed a golden doodle name Indie. We adore her but she is a handfull for this aging couple. She brings joy to us every day!
Jennifer B. says
My coworker LOVES dogs and hopes to be adopting a puppy this week! (She’s waiting for the final approval from the adoption center.) I would enjoy giving her this book as a Christmas gift!
I was raised with a cat, no dogs, then discovered my allergy to all things furry as I entered my junior high years. So, I don’t own any pets but do enjoy seeing the joy they bring to others. (Especially children!)
Thank you for this great reminder that God is on the throne and is the victor, no matter the election results! It was a privilege to vote!
Tracy says
I grew up with always having a small indoor dog and a bigger outside one. I have been married 35 years and to this day still have dogs, an indoor pup, a poodle named Jade and spoiled beyond reason and an outdoor pup a Siberian named Akita. These girls are part of the family and are loved so much.
Sherry Pike says
I think I missed the time deadline, but I wanted to tell you about our ‘zoo.’ We definitely love our animals around here. Growing up the only pet I was ever allowed to have was a gold fish. I always knew when I grew up I would have pets. We received a puppy as a wedding gift. Then we got a cat from the animal shelter a few months after we were married. Moving to Germany 4 years later we had to rehome our pets. I missed them so much. It was about 8 years before we were able to have another dog. A couple years later, a cat. They have both passed on but we now have 3 dogs ( 1 is a puppy), 5 cats and 3 rabbits. We have had up to 11 rabbits at a time (my daughter showed them in 4H and FFA). Last year we fostered 2 mama cats and their combined 11 kittens. And we do the occasional dog and cat sitting. I do a lot of cleaning up but I can’t imagine life without animals around the house.
Tamera Alexander says
Bless you, Sherry, for your giving heart, my friend. LOVED learning this about you.
Mary Burkett says
Yes, Tamera, we lost our sweet Daisy two years ago. I can’t imagine not having had the love she gave us! Something special about a dog.❤
Tamera Alexander says
Amen and amen, Mary. Much love, friend.