Showing posts with label getting along. Show all posts
Showing posts with label getting along. Show all posts

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

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Ewe Need Courage!


Shepherds require a great deal of Courage in their profession. They will face a variety of precarious situations in which they will need to display courage on behalf of their flock.





Now stay away from the edge! Stick close  to the path.

,
Rockslides, avalanches, floods, & predators are dangers that
the courageous Shepherd must be prepared to face, without hesitation, if the flock is to remain safe.
I know what Ewe-r thinking, but I'm really not the "Big, Bad, Wolf!


Courage is defined by Webster as: " the attitude of facing & dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful, instead of withdrawing from it". In the world of nature, this courage can be observed in the Wolverine.



Trust me, I Don't Back Down! 

Wolverines are so fierce & courageous  that even bears & mountain lions back away from this 35 pound ferocious member of the weasel family. They will fight any opponent, regardless of size or strength!



Ewe are in need of "Courage, Courage, Courage!

Sheep are very vulnerable & defenseless creatures. They will need a courageous Shepherd to defend & protect them daily!




Ewe have a Good Shepherd that is more courageous than anything or anyone on this earth! He will not back down when it comes to protecting EWE! Travel peacefully today.
"The Lord your God is in your midst,The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness,He will quiet you with His love..."Zeph.3:17a

Friday, October 5, 2012

"We Report, EWE Decide."



Shepherds are decision makers. Every day they are faced with a multitude of decisions that need to be made regarding the care of their unsuspecting, often vulnerable sheep.




A little direction here would be nice!
Sheep are dependent upon the Shepherd for eating,drinking, & all sleeping arrangements. Deciding what's best for the sheep is the Shepherd's primary responsibility.
 
 
Hmm! Do Ewe believe in heaven? I believe I'm there! 
Decisiveness can be observed in the world of nature in the life of the Osprey. The Osprey's ability to make swift & correct decisions enables it to achieve 90% accuracy on  fishing expeditions!
  
 
 
Time to leave "school" & go to lunch !
 
 
An Osprey's keen eyesight enables it to spot fish swimming from high above the lake. They must be decisive regarding their capability of lifting the size & weight of the fish.Ospreys have powerful wings & sharp talons which afford them unique fishing abilities.
 
 
"Pardon me Mr. Bird, but I don't recall ordering a taxi!"
 
A Shepherd loves his sheep & makes decisions that will make the sheep's life optimum! As Ewe reflect on the Good Shepherd, & all the decisions He makes, rejoice that Ewe are in capable hands!
 
 
 "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me
beside the still waters."Ps.23:1,2


EWE are what I decide to wake up for!
 

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

It Takes all Types!

Journey through life, & Ewe will be sure to encounter a smorgasbord of "Personality" types.  

Ewe can give me the "BAAAD" NEWS,! I'm all EARS!

The"Black Sheep," known for their tendency to rebel, are the first to object, argue, refuse, and are often seen running in the opposite direction of the rest of the flock.


"Did Ewe see the movie, "Rebel Without a Cause?"

The "cool cats" ward off intimacy and criticism by attempting to impress the flock with their superiority. 
 
"Are ewe feeling Lucky? Go ahead & Make my Day!"
 
The "Fiercely Independent" can "take or leave" the rest of the herd, and prefer to "go it alone" whenever possible. They keep others at a distance by projecting the image that they are doing perfectly fine on their own.  



One is not the loneliest number! Have ewe heard my favorite song, "I Did it My Way?"

 The "Class Clowns" use humor to avoid conflict and are masters at deflecting "serious talk" by keeping things light at all times. They provide the flock with plenty of laughs and entertainment.

Lighten Up! When ewe smile, the whole world smiles with ewe!


The "Intellectual" is constantly seeking more knowledge and is passionate about educating EWE about things EWE didn't think EWE needed to know. When in doubt, ask the expert!


Here's a News Flash!My brain's smarter than Ewe-r brain!


  Finally, Ewe have the, "Image Is Everything" type. Always hip and trendy, they tend to gravitate toward impressing others with "things" and rarely expose what lies beneath the surface. Outward appearance is everything!

No, this wasn't accidental. Haven't EWE 'herd'? 'Color mismatching' is all the rage this Fall.



Whatever personality types are in Ewer midst, it's best to remember that we are all still Sheep in need of a Shepherd!

Keep it simple! I just want to be a sheep,"Baaah, Baaaah!"

The Good Shepherd created all types of Sheep. We all need Him and each other. Look to Him & rejoice, as He guides & directs Ewe today!


"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another."
Romans 12:10