Thursday, October 17, 2013

Promising for Sheep?-Take 6!

What did Ewe say about setting the  table?
David has penned the 23rd Psalm as an intimate Shepherd who is well acquainted with sheep. He has included many promises for the flock that closely follows the Shepherd. Provision, protection, & guidance, are all available under the care of the Shepherd. We now look into even more of these "precious promises" available to the sheep under the care of the ever faithful Shepherd.

"Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point."
C.S. Lewis
"Tis well."  Washington's last words, as recorded by Tobias Lear, in his journal (14 December 1799). Washington said this after being satisfied that precautions would be taken against his being buried prematurely: About ten o'clk he made several attempts to speak to me before he could effect it, at length he said, — "I am just going. Have me decently buried; and do not let my body be put into the Vault in less than three days after I am dead." I bowed assent, for I could not speak. He then looked at me again and said, "Do you understand me? " I replied "Yes." "Tis well" said he. A conflation of the last two quotes has also sometimes been reported as his last statement: "It is well. die hard but am not afraid to go".

Ewe know I love Lamb! Please wander away from the flock?
Do Ewe know how many lunch invitations I've received?
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;" Psalm 23:5a 

The Shepherd has to prepare well in advance for the different seasons of a sheep's life. The summer is one of those times that requires extra planning for the trek to the highlands, or "tablelands"! The Shepherd must plan a visit prior to the sheep's arrival, to prepare the pastures. First, He must scout out the land for poisonous plants & remove them. Next, he must open up suitable places to drink, by removing all obstructions & debris from the fresh water. Finally, he must select the most lush feeding areas of the "Mesa", for the sheep to graze on, relatively free from the fear of predators. Maybe this "Mesa", the Spanish word for "tables", or "tableland", is what David had in mind when he wrote the Psalm.

"True courage is not the absence of fear—but the willingness to proceed in spite of it."--Unknown
Ewe better be on the look-out! Ewe never know what's out there!
I said I want "Mutton", & I want it NOW!
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over." Psalm 23:5

Sheep enjoy the higher altitudes in the summer, as well as the lush pastures & mountain springs. It is a welcome change from life in the valley. However, there are challenges that sheep must face in the midst of this beautiful setting. Summer is also known as "fly" time, the time that insects & parasites thrive, & love to "terrorize" livestock! Sheep are subjected to a host of flies, the worst of which, are the dreaded "nasal" flies. They literally drive sheep to often bang their heads against the trees, seeking some relief! The , attentive Shepherd, thankfully, has a "solution" for the proverbial "Fly in the Ointment". He must repeatedly apply to their heads, a mixture of tar, sulfur, spices, & linseed oil, as a remedy to bring some much needed healing & relief.

"If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t go anywhere." --Unknown

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." -----  -----
Martin  Luther King Jr.


Did Ewe see the movie "The FLY" ? How do Ewe spell Relief? OIL!


During "Rutting" season, the Shepherd greases my horns before "Battle"!

Sheep need the Shepherd's intervention, especially in the summer, when the flies & parasites are swarming! The oil mixture that He applies, brings soothing healing & relief from these annoying pests.
I take all my medical issues to Dr. Shepherd!
I brought my cap for the "Cool" evenings!
As Ewe travel on the path that the Shepherd has prepared for Ewe today, it's comforting to know that if anything starts "bugging" Ewe, the Shepherd has the right "SOLUTION". Happy Trails! 

"If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" Luke 11:13

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