Fruitful Living!

The Christian Life was intended to be a fruitful life. The fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, & self control. As we grow in our intimacy with Christ, & learn to "walk in His Spirit", the fruit of the Spirit will appear in our lives. I thought that I would illustrate the fruit of the Spirit through the world of nature & animals. The first fruit I would like to examine is Love. Let's take a peek at the many facets of Love. I hope Ewe enjoy it!

"Love bears all things"

Love is when  Ewe know that Ewe were meant to do life together!

Love is demonstrating a desire for closeness with the ones we care about!


"Loves Believes All Things!"

Love is watching over the young that Ewe are responsible for!

Love is seen spending time together & enjoying one another's company!


"Hopes All Things!"

Love is taking time to feed the Hungry!

Love is caring for the weak & vulnerable!

"Love Endures All Things!"

Love is standing together in a difficult situation & supporting one another!

Love is sharing one another's burdens!


"Love Never Fails!"

Love is being willing to sacrifice Ewer life for others!

Love is celebrating our differences!

One of the greatest needs we have in our lives is to Love & be loved! Sheep also share this need for love, & embrace the love of their Shepherd! They are most content when their Shepherd is near!

Love is the Greatest!

Love is being willing to "die" for the ones Ewe love!

As Ewe travel through Ewer day today, know that Ewe are greatly loved by the Good Shepherd. Why not "Share" the overflow of that "Love" with others!

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, & everyone that loves, is born of God & knows Him."1 John 4:7

How much are EWE Worth?

There are some very expensive animals in the world that generate a real "Buzz" over the value that they have garnered in the market. We are going to take a look at some of the most expensive sheep. I hope that Ewe are as amazed as I was! The first animal is a six- month-old Texan ram known as the "Deveronvale Perfection." A "Guinness Book" world record holder in 2009, it was purchased by a very happy Scottish farmer for a whopping $369,000!



As Ewe can see, I am worth every penny!




Oh Lord, it's HARD to be HUMBLE!

Our next expensive animal is also a sheep that was purchased as a lamb by a Chinese farmer. This Wagir sheep  is very rare, with only 1000 pure-bred in existence worldwide. It's long floppy ears & pure white coat are something to behold! The farmer bought the sheep, also known as the  "Swordsman", in Afghanistan, & turned down an offer of 1.1 million dollars! He will use the sheep for breeding.

Take a MILLION DOLLAR look!

My ears are longer than Ewer ears!



Our next "Expensive" breed are very rare indeed! Their unique  features, as well a scarcity in the world, help Dolan sheep to be a "hot" commodity among the wealthy. Their twin tails , distinctively curved nose, & extra floppy ears, are considered a prize ornamental possession in China. "The price depends on the pedigree" said Mr. Liu. The most valuable sheep are those with a darker fleece, darker body, curved face, & bigger ears. Mr. Liu owns 19 in all, but the most expensive Dolan is a 6- year old owned by a Mr. Reyim, a breeder in Kashgar. He turned down an offer of $1.4 million ! It's hard to fathom that at one time, Dolan were just raised for their meat! 



The "Hooked" profile gets them every time!



Let's "Face" it, I throw a good "Curve"!



It nice to know I have lots of "VALUE"!


Sheep are very valuable to the true Shepherd. While some sheep generate "mucho" money, all were created for His & our enjoyment!



I may be a "Shady" character, but I know I'm LOVED!



Even a  "Black Sheep" has a place in the Fold!

As Ewe travel in Ewer pastures today, know that Ewer worth comes from Ewer Creator, not from a price tag that society tries to assign to Ewe! Happy Trails!


"You were bought with a price, Therefore glorify God in your body."1Cor.6:20

Memorial Day Tribute!

Memorial Day is a ideal time to shout out a huge "THANK YOU", to all our military for the sacrifices they have made, & continue to make on a daily basis. In the words of former Alaskan governor Sarah Palin; " With grateful hearts Americans recognize how sweet it is to live in a country where men and women offer to serve something greater than self. They choose to support and defend the Constitution to preserve our rich heritage, they deny themselves comfort to secure our well-being, and they sacrifice their personal freedom daily that we may enjoy liberty in perpetuity. “Thank you” cannot do justice to the gratitude we feel for our nation’s finest." In addition to our military heroes, I would like to give a tribute to another group of "vets" that have also served our nation well. They are America's military " War Dogs."

Handlers & Dogs share danger together!

Dogs are willing to "risk it all" for their country!

Tens of thousands of "War Dogs" have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, alongside their handlers, since WW1 in the K-9 units. They have gone into combat & have saved our military servicemen's lives countless times. Thousands of dogs have died in the service of our country.


Paratroopers geared up & ready to go! 

Side By Side they fight our enemies!

The know how to "Hold" a suspected terrorist!

"War Dogs" were used heavily in the wars of the 20th century, & they continue to be used today in a multitude of ways. They flush out enemy forces, sniff out IED's & other bombs, locate weapon caches, & capture & subdue suspected terrorists, along with a host of other missions. They are very often the prime target of the enemy, because of their ability to expose traps & bombs to our troops.

"Two are better than one"

Preparing for a jump into enemy territory!

We all love our handlers! We will protect & stick with them to the end!

"War Dogs" & their handlers forge a bond that can't be broken. Many of the dogs have been adopted by their handlers after their  military service.. There are many heartwarming stories that emerge as a result of  this special relationship that is formed. One such story about a bomb sniffing dog named Eli, comes from Afghanistan. Eli's master, Marine Pfc. Colton Rusk, was killed by a Taliban sniper. Eli crawled over to his fallen master & laid on top of him. The Rusk family, thankfully, were able to adopt Eli at a later date, which seems so fitting, considering the bond that Eli had with their  fallen son!   .

Loyal & Faithful soldiers with paws!

The Rusk family with adopted Eli!

 As we remember our brave military heroes & heroines this Memorial Day, we can give thanks also for the thousands of our nation's "War Dogs" & their handlers that also serve us well. There is a U.S. War Dogs Memorial that was dedicated in June, 2006.


We thank Ewe for Ewer Service!

A Breed set apart!

Recently killed in the line of duty.

Sheep are no match for the dogs in the military. However, they do have an advocate in guardian dogs & in a Shepherd who will fight their battles for them.

Ewe have got to believe me! I have no idea how this works!

 As we remember our brave soldiers & the individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice, give thanks for them & their families. Ewe may choose to reflect also on  Ewer Good Shepherd, who has also willingly laid down His life for us all! Happy Memorial Day!

 "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." John. 15:1

I Love EWE That Much!

World's "Fiercest" Guard Dog!

The Great Pyrenees is not the only dog breed used to defend livestock from predators in the world. As a matter of fact, there is one rare breed that originated in the Himalayan mountains, that is ferocious enough to repel such predators as wolves, leopards, bears, & even tigers. This rare breed is the massive Tibetan Mastiff.

If Ewe mess with me, it could take a BITE out Ewer day!

I'm very Protective of my family & flock!

The Tibetan Mastiffs are regarded by many as the fiercest dogs in the world. Marco Polo once referred to the Tibetan Mastiff as being "as tall as a donkey & with a voice of a lion". Weighing between 140-170 pounds, they can grow up to 250 pounds & stand at 25-28 inches tall. They are equipped for freezing temperatures, sporting an immense double coat with a heavy mane around their neck, & shorter hair on their head. Males have a muscular neck that is arched with a moderate dewlap, which is more pronounced than that of females. They have cat-like feet & a curled, feathered tail.

I just got back from the beauty parlor. What do Ewe think?

I need a strong master because I'm very INDEPENDENT!

Tibetan Mastiffs are known in their native land as " a defender of woman & children"! They act as a guardian dog of sheep, yaks, horses, & goats. They are ferocious deterrents to any predator that considers attacking the flock. The Tibetan Mastiff is fearless, aggressive, & courageous while on duty, however, it tends to be intelligent, loyal, calm, even tempered, & protective with family members.

No predators yet! I'm getting sleepy! Bring it on!

We are the future! We are also worth $600,000 each to some Chinese elite !

I sold for over one million dollars!

Tibetan Mastiffs  are assertive by nature & difficult to train. They will respond to a firm hand of strong leadership, because they desire to please their masters at their very core.. That's probably because they are among the rarest of breeds, with only 100 pure-bred dogs remaining.(that is according to www.news.com.au) They are also known as the most expensive breed, & have actually  become a status symbol for some wealthy Chinese.


Pardon me, but which one of Ewe is going to take me home?



My head's bigger than Ewer head!


The stronger the guardian, the more secure the sheep. The Shepherd teaming up with a Tibetan Mastiff seems like a perfect recipe to keep predators away.

Me, Worried about Predators? Ewe have got to be KIDDING!

EWE are safe under My care!

As Ewe travel through Ewer day, know that Ewe are not alone! The Good Shepherd is ordering Ewer steps for Ewe!


"Do not fear not little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Lk.12:32


Sheep Guardians!

Did Ewe know that about 45% of sheep farmers use some form of livestock guardian to help protect their flocks from predators? The truth is that guardian dogs are the most popular choice of farmers, followed by llamas, & donkeys. Farmers have preferred guardian dogs for centuries, with most guarding breeds originating in Europe & Asia. The one breed that we'll take a look at today is the Great Pyrenees, which originated in France.


"I ain't nothing but a Guard Dog, barking all the time".

I sense that Ewe are Friendly!

The use of Great Pyrenees as livestock guardians dates back to the shepherds of the Basque people of southern France in the Pyrenees Mountains. After briefly being described in 1407, the breed is again mentioned in 1675 by The Grand Dauphin, & the aristocracy of France, as their favorite breed of choice. By the 19th century, the dogs created a "buzz" in the mountain towns because of their sure-footed agility in guarding sheep on the steep mountainous slopes.




Guarding sheep is what I do!

The Hills are alive , with the Sound of Music!

The reason for the Great Pyrenees relative success, lies in their   unique temperament.They are very confident, patient, loyal, affectionate, & gentle with children.Their aggressive side is on display only while protecting sheep. Predators are put on notice while these dogs are on guard.They are 80-120 pounds of sheer force.They are ready, willing, & able to repel any potential predators. They work best in pairs at night, & are rated 75% effective by researchers.

It takes two to "Tango" with the Predators!

"I'm Big & Bad, & I don't back down from predators!"

Great Pyrenees are an independent, strong-willed breed, that are quite attentive to their duties & extremely fearless! Their size alone is quite intimidating, however, owners also characterize them as  being slow to learn commands, & difficult to train. Their puppies do best when raised with sheep, enabling them to bond with them at an early age. Enclosed areas are the ideal environments for them to guard sheep inside of, & this breed will rarely turn on their masters.

My best friends are SHEEP!.

We still have time for family, even though we guard sheep at night!



I'm ready to defend & protect!

Sheep truly appreciate the added protection that guard dogs provide for the flock. It's another reminder of the Shepherd's unique ability to watch over His flock.

Do I look worried? My Guardian Dog & My Shepherd "Got my Back".

More Help on the Way! Give them some "Time"!

Walk securely today, knowing that the Good Shepherd has all the resources necessary to guard & protect Ewe, His beloved child!


"For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways." Ps.91:11