Gumby +Deer = Flexibility

 White-tailed Deer in the late 1800's had dropped from fifty million to near extinction!Public outcry saved the animal & now there are approximately eight million in the U.S.to enjoy! Deer are very flexible, ready & alert to change plans & either hide or bolt on a moment's notice!

Do ewe know how much a "Buck"is worth these days?

There are over thirty times that deer are referred to in the Bible.The terms roe,hart,roe buck, hind, & fallow deer are all terms the Bible uses.Tame deer are a picture of loyalty, contentment, affection, & grace! Mothers take precautions with their fawns by thoroughly bathing their newborns with their tongue!This eliminates any scent that may betray its presence.The mother will lead the fawn to a place of safety when it's able to walk. The fawn will lay motionless,learning the art of camouflage,blending its spotted body with the surroundings.


I'm a "Spot-on"favorite for Fawn of the Year! I can use the Doe! 

Deer are surefooted,leaping over difficult barriers & lifting their white tails high to signal danger.They live in a constant state of readiness,flexible to change plans on a dime!


The "Tail of the tape" says that when danger appears,"High-Tail" it out of there!

Sheep operate in much the same way as deer. When sheep sense any danger,all it takes is a few sheep to start running & the whole herd frantically follows.It takes the flexibility of the Shepherd to drop everything , take care of the threat, & restore order to the "frazzled" herd.Flexibility is defined by Webster as:adjustable to change;capable of modification.Shepherds must possess flexibility!



Ewe better hurry! Ewe never know what's chasing us!I just know it's hungry!


As Ewe go through ewe-r day,remember that ewe-r Good Shepherd is prepared to assist Ewe at just the right time! Walk securely as Ewe relish that thought today!


"As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You,O God."Ps.42:1

Did Ewe Say Timberrr?

The eastern Timber Wolf is an amazing creature that inhabits North America. It is ordinarily shy, however becomes very dangerous when it joins a pack! Wolves in a pack are relentless in their pursuit of prey.They patiently wait for the opportune moment to strike as a cooperative team! Together they are able to take down a moose, twelve times their own weight, having antlers & hooves that could prove to be lethal!


"Paws"e for a moment & reflect on how Wild I Look!

Wolves travel in a pack that is led by a dominant alpha male & female.They strengthen the pack & breed, producing a litter 0f 4-14 pups.The pups are born in a den dug six to thirty feet long underground.Wolves are loyal & affectionate parents, & both  share in the responsibilities of caring for the pups.Wolves are loyal to their mates & will mate for life!The term "Lone Wolf" is a term given to a wolf that loses its mate & generally doesn't mate again. . 


Ewe might say that my life has gone to the Dogs!

Sheep do herd together for safety,however,they rely more on the Shepherd for food & drink.Those sheep that do try to explore solo, usually find themselves in trouble! They can easily be "cast down", with all four legs in the air! Left in this condition, a sheep will die without help![a pick-me-up]


I know what ewe-r thinking!  I had nothing to do with it!Do ewe think Ewe could give me a Lift?

 Sheep enjoy being cared for by the Shepherd.Of all domesticated animals, sheep need the most guidance & direction.A faithful Shepherd understands this & remains loyally by their side! Like the wolf, he's committed to the relationship for the long haul!

Do ewe think they'll notice? Be Cool & just Blend!We'll eat later!

The Good Shepherd cares for Ewe perfectly! His committment  to Ewe can't be shaken! Trust Him to care for Ewe today!

" I am the Good Shepherd; and I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognize Me" John 10:14



Humming Along!

I Fly like a Helicopter! Just call me "Twirly Bird"!

 The ruby-throated Hummingbird has the distinction of being the

world's smallest bird! They measure three and one half inches & weigh as little as a penny.The Hummer is an energy-burning machine, having a very high metabolism that,gram for gram,is hard to match. Located in North America, this amazing creature migrates twice a year to Central & South America. To prepare for the journey, the Hummer must reserve extra energy. With a 500 mile non-stop flight over water awaiting it, the Hummer hibernates at nights, using only up to one-fifth or one-sixth of the normal fuel required. The Hummer is a true disciple of the Boy Scout's motto "Be Prepared"!    

I'm a real Sucker for this stuff!

Hummingbirds eat nectar & a host of insects which, on any given day, would amount to an equivalent of 300 lbs. of human food!Hummers, like sheep, are characteristically creatures of habit. Once they have selected a perch, they will return to it faithfully, even if the perch is broken! They are also extremely protective of their territory & will fend off any potential intruders. Legends say that Hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes & embracing life & all it has to has to offer!




Do Ewe think I Look Needy?


Sheep, unlike Hummers, are not very good planners! They are very dependent upon the Shepherd to prepare the necessities of life for them. Ewe only have a few exceptions to this rule, those sheep that deliberately take off from the flock ,often  to their own detriment. Shepherds act as the "Boy Scouts" of the "Sheep" world. This is especially true when Shepherds prepare the high tablelands for grazing. They remove all poisonous flowers & scout safe locations appropriate for grazing & sleeping.




Follow Me! I have prepared some real treats for ewe! 

As Ewe reflect upon the ewe-r dependency upon the Good Shepherd, rejoice that He has gone before Ewe & knows what this day holds!


"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over." Ps.23:5




Bats & Ewe!

Though a tiny creature & considered "unclean" in the Old Testament, Myotis Bats have sophisticated secrets that have contributed greatly to discovering the principles of sonar for mankind! Equipped with a unique Echo Location System, scientists continue to study the Bat's sonar system, which is estimated to be about a billion times more sensitive than the best that man has produced!  




I brush twice a day because some bugs are just "Nasty"!

 

Bats emit ultrasonic sound waves in their Echo Location System. These waves strike objects that echo back messages, which signal to the bat what objects to avoid. Being aware of  "danger" around them is a Bat's strength!  They also use this system to locate bugs, of which they consume up to one-third of their body weight on a given evening!


 

Just think of me as a High-Flying Bug Zapper!

The Myotis Bat sports many unique features besides it's sonar ability. First, they are 300x more resistant to radiation than rats. Second, Bats have arteries that stay ageless! Finally, the bat's waste product, or Guano, is used as a rich fertilizer & was even used to make gunpowder in the Civil War! In spite of all these features, it is the bat's awareness of it's "space", that allows it to act rapidly upon sensing danger & avoid possible harm.!

When things appear to "cave- in",why not "hang-out" with me?


Sheep are quite the opposite of Bats, especially when it comes to their awareness of danger around them. They are easily startled & extremely unaware of the danger around them. Sheep need a Shepherd to assist in watching over them. 



Ewe know I'm not the sharpest tool in the box! No Sonar!

 

The Shepherd is like a sheep's sonar, leading & guiding them to safety. He intervenes on their behalf when threats do arise! Wolves, coyotes, cougars, & bears are put on notice !

 

Try to mess with them & ewe'll have to go throiugh Me!!

As Ewe meander in ewe-r pasture today,graze peacefully,knowing that the Good Shepherd is Ewe-r "sonar", aware of Ewe-r every move & ready to protect at a moment's notice.


"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil for you are with me;..." Ps.23:4



Turtle "STAYING" Power!

"SLOW & EASY Wins the RACE"

Eastern Box Turtles, in the world of nature, are true Survivors!They spend a majority of their time on land. however, they will
seek pools of water to cool themselves in summer. Box turtles use wooded habitats for shelter, and  will hibernate under stumps & shrubby areas. Box turtles dig holes to lay about 4-6 eggs. It takes 2 to 3 months for the eggs to hatch & 10 years to mature. They eat worms, caterpillars, grubs, snails, beets, grasses, fruits, flowers,& mushrooms. They are truly amazing creatures!




Try not to be envious of my living arrangements! " Have camper will Travel!" 

I watch out for raccoons, foxes, & "Possum"! They're my natural enemies!

---

Eastern Box turtles are known for their ability to protect themselves by hiding in their shell. Due to extremely strong muscles, they are able to endure long periods of attack, without opening their shell! As a matter of fact, they close up so tight that hardly a blade of grass can fit between the shells! Endurance is defined by Webster as : The ability to last, continue, or remain; Their average life span is 40-50 years, yet some turtles live up to 100 years! Now that's staying power!



"I love cracking "TURTLE" cases"!



Excuse me while I have some "Grub"!

---




I'm like a Timex watch. "I Take a Licking & Keep on Ticking!"

Endurance is vital in the life of a Shepherd. Shepherds need to endure a great deal in their care & management of sheep! They calm sheep by soothing their "anxiety" level with their physical presence. They are also the sheep's " Medical Examiner",
spending long hours tending to their physical health needs.



Why are we here? Ewe go next! I have a High Anxiety Issue!

There's really "MUTTON to it"!

This really is "Bugging" me! "Can EWE help?"

Shepherds also endure many long days & sleepless nights, searching for missing sheep & protecting the sheep from predators! A Shepherd's job is never done!


Don't ewe love this Shade? I couldn't "bear" living without it!





I'm not at all "SHEEPISH" about eating LAMB!


 The Good Shepherd knows what Endurance is! He chose to endure to the "Max" for Ewe & me! That reveals how valuable we are to Him! "Oh How He Loves Ewe & Me!" Walk assuredly today, knowing that EWE have value!

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 16:10

"This Little Lamb of Mine,I'm going to Find!"

Buffalo Business!

The American Bison, also referred to as the Buffalo, is the largest of the North American land animals. Measuring twelve feet long & six feet high, this majestic creature has few natural predators, besides the grizzly, cougar, timber wolf, & man. The male weighs as much as 2000 lbs., & the female about 1000 lbs.! Surprisingly, they are both able to gallop at a pace of up to forty miles per hour!

Don't Buffalo me! Where's the Beef? I bet ewe I can outrun ewe!

The Native American Plains Indians hunted Buffalo for survival. Killing a bison was the equivalent of going to a General store!Besides providing food, the buffalo also provided a variety of tools, weapons, clothing, shelter, footwear, blankets,& eating utensils. Plains Indians wasted nothing and used every part of the animal.



I hate to be nosey, but who does ewer hair?

The Bison struggle with poor eyesight & are easily startled, which contribute to a lack of alertness. Webster defines Alertness as: watchfulness and readiness; lively attentiveness. Indians used these weaknesses to their advantage while hunting them. They  positioned braves stealthily around the herd. At the right moment, the braves would let out a frightening scream.The startled herd then stampedes wildly,  very often either into a group of awaiting hunters, or a cliff, where they would, unknowingly, fall to their deaths.





Let's face it!Ewe wish ewe looked this Good!



EWE can't sit, oh, Ewe can't sit down! Ewe have to Move, Move, around & around!

Sheep are similar to the buffalo, in that they are easily startled &

not always alert to impending danger! They need to rely on their 

Shepherd to be alert for them.

Ewe know we look up to EWE! We owe EWE our lives!

The life Ewe live today is not meant to be lived alone! Ewe have a Shepherd who is very alert to both the dangers & possibilities this day holds. Enjoy His Care!

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it, and is safe."Ps.18:10

One Cool Cat!

Bobcats are truly some cool customers! Their ability to master their environment allows them to thrive in the wild ! Bobcats survive due largely to their uncanny ability to "fly under the radar."
Bobcats are natural scouts and spies. By taking every precaution, they enjoy the distinction of being the most accomplished spy ewe could ever think of !




"Purr"..ty nice spot! I'm branching out my hunting expedition!

Bobcats are the most extremely challenging to hunt of all our wild creatures. The Bobcat's phenomenal instincts and ability to adapt have served it well. .Their acute senses & suspicious nature, help fuel their belief that it is better not to be seen or heard! Bobcats, in the truest sense of the word, are "Born to be Wild"! Bobcats are the happiest, roaming in the territory God intended for them to be!



Ewe Know I'm at the "Top of my Game", when I'm in the Wild!

Sheep are truly happy & joyful as well, when they are roaming in the pasture designed for them by the Shepherd! Psalm 23 says , "He makes me lie down in green pastures.." If Ewe are a sheep, " Green Acres is the place to be"! That's where satisfying nourishment is available & Ewe will be the healthiest!

 



 When it comes to good food, I'm all ears!

The Shepherd knows the BEST "Restaurants"!

Shepherds long to lead sheep to places where they can eat & drink till they are satisfied! This is their joy & what they were created to do!

TRUST ME! I know how to take care of EWE!

.As Ewe graze today in pastures that the Good Shepherd has prepared for Ewe, Rejoice!  He knows what food is truly satisfying!

"He restores my soul;He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." Ps.23:3

Snake, Rattle, & Roll!

The Massasauga Rattlesnake is a very shy & non-aggressive snake. It is content making every effort to avoid confrontation. It dwells mostly near the shores of swamps, marshes, ponds, streams & lakes of  mid-western North America. Escaping into rocks & using camouflage help it to live at peace in its environment.





That's right. I'm looking at EWE! "Don't Tread on Me!"

The Massasauga has a very powerful, yet slow-acting venom.It is content only using it in an extreme situation! Venom is primarily saved tor prey, such as rabbits, rats, & large birds. 



I'm thinking that ewe might reconsider ewe-r decision to come any closer!

Sheep are also very mild-mannered & will avoid conflict if at all possible. The minute they sense danger, they will attempt to escape, frantically avoiding the intruder.

I herd a coyote! Let's get out of Dodge while the Gettin's Good!

Shepherds understand the nature of sheep & attempt to calm them with their physical presence. Sheep tend to be much more at peace, & content, when their Shepherd is nearby!

 

Ewe know ewe are safe when ewe-r Shepherd is here!

 

As Ewe live life today, seek the quiet contentment that only comes from the Good Shepherd's soothing presence! 

 

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way..."2Thes.3:16

Gator Tales

True Shepherds understand that the occupation of sheepherding requires a tremendous amount of commitment from the Shepherd. He must be willing to unselfishly give himself to the sheep on a regular basis.

Now Ewe know that living life on the edge is dangerous!

Sheep are labor intensive! They require long hours of directing, guiding, feeding & protecting. The generosity of the Shepherd will very often determine the quality of life of the sheep! As a mother tends to her lambs, so a Shepherd must tend to his flock.

Hay little Lamb Chop! Make sure ewe eat all ewe-r veggies!

Generosity is defined in Webster's dictionary as: 1. the quality of being generous; a)nobility of mind; magnanimity b)willingness to give or share; unselfishness. Generosity can be seen in the world of nature in the life of the American alligator. It illustrates generosity by giving just the right amount at just the right time!

Anyone want to join me  for a Bite to eat?

 

The mother Alligator must give the right amount of time when constructing the nest.Using its mouth & front paws, the gator constructs a nest in 3 days using both dry & damp vegetation.It forms a mound ever so carefully that will hold 20-70 eggs in the hollow center.This process forms a natural incubation chamber.  

 

I'm preparing my "nest-egg" for retirement!

 

The Alligator mother waits 9-10 weeks before approaching the nest. She lays her head near the structure & grunts. Then she listens for an answer from the young inside. Timing is so important here! If she uncovers the eggs too soon or too late, it could spell disaster! Giving the right amount at the right time is critical!

 



EWE "CRACK" me up!

Long distance is NOT the next best thing to being there!

 

Shepherds understand, more than most people, the generosity that vulnerable sheep require on a regular basis. They willing GIVE because of their love for the sheep!

 



I Love what I do because of EWE!

The Good Shepherd illustrated generosity by  giving  just the right amount at  just the right time for Ewe & me! That's Good News for us because He called & we answered !

 

"But do not forget to do good and share,for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." Heb.13:16