Promising for Sheep? -Take 2!



Let's continue delving into the wonderful promises for sheep, as outlined by David in Psalm 23 . We've already established that sheep have the privilege of having the Lord as their Shepherd, by invitation. As sheep welcome the Lord as their Shepherd, they joyously discover that He will provide for all their needs! The next part of the Psalm deals with their "Diet", or choice of "restaurant".

"But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" 1Corinthians 6:19,20


It's all a matter of "SELF CONTROL"!

Honestly, I'm not trying to "Pull the Wool over Ewer Eyes"! I don't Overeat!

"He makes me to lie down in green pastures;.." Psalm 23:2a
David now conveys the scenario of the Shepherd leading His sheep to a place that's rich in Nourishment & in Security. Did Ewe know
that sheep will graze for 7 hours a day on average? They eat mostly at the crack of dawn & at sunset. Sheep love to eat grass, clover, & a broad leaf  flowering plant known as a forb. The Shepherd, as an expert "restaurant" manager,  is responsible to lead the sheep to the finest "Grazing Restaurants".  The  Shepherd will lead sheep away from the poisonous plants & into the finest nutritious plants. After all, we all know that, "Ewe are what Ewe eat"!

"And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food." Genesis 1:29

These days, Ewe just can't find grass this GOOD!

So much Good Grass to eat  & so little Time!" God is GOOD!

"He leads me beside the still waters."  Psalm 23:2b

David continues to elaborate on how the Shepherd cares for the sheep by taking care of another one of their basic needs, which is water! David intimates that the Shepherd leads sheep, not only to the finest "restaurants", but also to the most refreshing "drinking holes"! He knows exactly what will satisfy the sheep's thirst. Sheep require anywhere from 1/2-4 gallons of water a day, depending on how much moisture is in their feed. Generally speaking, there are 3 main water sources for sheep. They are deep wells, streams & springs, & dew on the grass! Did Ewe know that sheep prefer to drink still water? Diverted streams & dew on the grass are both excellent sources of "Still" water that they can drink from until they are satisfied! Shepherds recommend redirecting moving streams, when possible, to hewn-out caverns, due largely to the potential health & environmental hazards.

"Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10

"The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price". Revelation 22:17



I'm enrolled in an AP course in "WATER DRINKING"!

I'm so thirsty! This Line to the water hole seems really long today!

Sheep have the same basic needs of Food & Water as we do. Fortunately, sheep have a Shepherd that is "Looking Out" for them.


I Thank God for my Shepherd! Without him, I wouldn't survive!

I feel like a "million bucks" under the care of my Shepherd!

As Ewe travel on the trails God has for Ewe today, be thankful that Ewe are well-cared for by a Shepherd that is "Crazy about EWE"!

"He makes me to lie down in green pastures;He leads me beside the still waters." Psalm 23:2


Promising for SHEEP?

New seasons of life are always a good time to take inventory of  what's needed for the days & months ahead. I personally like to go to God's Word at such junctures, which I see as a compass, providing all the direction necessary for a sheep's life. I've been  "Blogging" for about "Six " years, & it's truly been an awesome experience!It seems as if I have a lot less time now, but I'd like to start our "Seventh" year together in the 23rd Psalm. There are some encouraging promises for "Sheep", that should leave all of us with some "Happy Faces"! Hope EWE enjoy the Feast!

The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools.”
- United States Congress 1782

Even the Government started out seeing the benefits of God's Word!

Filling up on God's Word is like storing up nuts for the winter!

 "The Lord is my Shepherd.. " Psalm 23:1a

 In Psalm 23, David reminds us of an outstanding promise. The Lord desires to be our Shepherd! Sheep NEED a Shepherd because of their own natural inability to independently meet their own needs. Sheep need a capable leader for their own well-being & frankly, is there any Shepherd more capable than the Lord?

"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock"1Peter5:2,3

Aren't Ewe glad our Shepherd found us? Boy, were we "Lost"!



Stick close to the Shepherd, kids! He knows the way.

  "I SHALL NOT WANT". Psalm 23:1b

David continues in the Psalm with a comforting thought. He declares that he shall not want! He knows that having the Lord as his Shepherd is all that he needs to be content! Let's take a look a some of the duties of a Shepherd, revealing the length & breadth of His care. The duties of a shepherd are numerous. Their main duty is to move the sheep safely from one place to another. He has to make sure that he leads them to graze and then to return to the pen. He is responsible for protecting the sheep from wolves or other predators, keep them from eating poisonous plants, etc. Often times the shepherds have to administer the sheep's routine vaccinations and any emergency situations that occur, he has to make sure that the sheep get to the veterinarian..

We're "singing the blues" because the Shepherd is looking out for His sheep!

When E.F. Hutton (OUR SHEPHERD) speaks, WE LISTEN!

Sheep are naturally gentle by nature & somewhat aloof. They are startled easily & definitely need boundaries & guidance! That's why the Shepherd's presence is the perfect solution for the sheep's ability to be at peace.

Did Ewe know that we are Not in Want? Our Shepherd's "Got our Back!" 



Freedom from fear is really quite enjoyable! "Will Ewe get off my back, already?"

Today, as Ewe graze the pastures that the Shepherd leads Ewe to, enjoy the feast. Contentedly graze with the knowledge that He has everything under His control!

"I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep & my sheep know me." John10:14




Watch the GOAL Posts!

"True friends face in the same direction, toward common projects, interests, goals. " Author: C.S. Lewis
    

Don't Ewe worry about a thing. We can do this!

Summer is ending for most Florida school children, & the yellow
"Vacuum Cleaners" are back on the roads, "picking-up" & taking students to another year of learning. It's a fresh, new start with new teachers, books, & possibly some new classmates! It's a perfect time of the year to set some new "Goals", that Ewe would like to accomplish for the new school year. Webster defines a Goal as:" an object or end that one strives to attain." Let's take a look at some noteworthy "Goals" for the beginning of a new school year.

EWE mean they want us to set "GOALS"?

The first "Goal" that comes to mind at the start of a new year, is to be RESPECTFUL to all teachers & classmates. Honoring others as more important than "Ewer"-self, is a "Biblical" concept that will help mold Ewe for a life of Respect toward GOD & others! "God's greatest blessings are upon those who show the proper respect for the poor and the needy." Author: Lestor Rolloff

I promise to LOVE & Respect EWE & to put Ewe first above all others!

Respect is something that's hard to define, but Ewe know when Ewe see it!

A second "Goal" to set for a new year, is to be "Diligent" to do my very best in everything I am given to do. Excellence is a quality  that we all should strive for in our lives! Ewe show me a diligent student, or a teacher who is aiming at excellence, & I'll show Ewe a successful result. English author Charles Kingly once wrote, "Being forced to work, and forced to do your best, will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues which the idle will never know."


I might be a little "Picky", but It takes hard work to do things RIGHT!

Oh, how "SWEET" it is to help the hive! I'm "Busy as a Bee!" 

A final "Goal", that's noteworthy to set at the beginning of a new school year, is to be Responsible. Taking responsibility for Ewer own life & decisions will serve Ewe well, not only as a student, but also as an adult later in life. Parents should not have to"Nag" Ewe about Ewer responsibilities. To borrow a slogan from Nike, "JUST DO IT!"    Author,  F. B. Meyer, framed it best with this quote;  "It is impossible to be our best at the supreme moment if character is corroded and eaten into by daily inconsistency, unfaithfulness, and besetting sin."
 


I'm not trying to "Buffalo Ewe! Ewer responsibility is to DO what I Show EWE to Do !

Being Responsible for a horse is hard work & very "Scary" at times!

Sheep are creatures that have most of their "Goals" set for them ! Their loving Shepherd provides for all their needs & also daily guides them.

Don't Ewe worry little lamb. The Shepherd has lots of good things in store for EWE!

How does the Shepherd know where all the Good Grass is?

As Ewe travel in the paths that are marked out for Ewe today, be encouraged! The Shepherd has already gone before Ewe, preparing the way. Allow that thought to give Ewe His peace.

 "You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."  Isaiah 26:3

STUDENT "Response" Time?

Returning to the classroom has varied responses from different students. There are some of the "studious", "athletic ", & "social" types, that are "Chomping at the Bit" to return to classes! There are others, the "spontaneous" & "recreational-minded", that are most likely unaware that "Back-to-School" is even on the radar! Let's take a look at some possible "student" responses to the return of school. I will try to portray their reactions through the world of nature & some pertinent  "Back-to School" quotes. Hope Ewe Enjoy! 

Ewe are kidding me ,right?

Say it isn't so! I didn't even start my "Summer Reading" yet!

 "If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn’t want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher’s job."  Donald D. Quinn



NO! Please MOMMY? CAN"T I play a little longer?

 Ewe can't be Serious! Are Ewe Sure?

  "If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers".  ~Edgar W. Howe

EWE said it starts when? I'm a little "SLOW"!

 What if my teachers don't like me?

"Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army". Edward Everett

 Hurry! I can't wait to see my friends!



Can't wait to start my "AP" classes!

"As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in schools".
Author Unknown

It's all about RECESS! I can't wait! 

Is there still a ban on Electronics? 

"Home computers are being called upon to perform many new functions, including the consumption of homework formerly eaten by the dog."  Doug Larson

Can't wait to get back to ART class!

SPORTS ROCK! SCHOOL ROCKS!





 Sheep long to return to new pastures after spending the "Summer" in the highlands! It begins a new year of adventure both for them & their Shepherd!

Are EWE ready for another school Year? Ewe can "see" that we are!

Do Ewe think that we can wear this until our uniforms arrive?

The old expression, " Out with the Old, & in with the New", seems very appropriate for the beginning of a new school year. Look to the Shepherd to calm Ewer fears, as Ewe begin a new adventure today.

"Do not fear ,little flock, for it is your Father's

good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Lk. 12:32

Back to School "Daze" Thots!

The first day of school is shortly about to arrive for many students in our communities, as the summer is rapidly coming to an end! Mixed emotions are normally experienced by many parents & students, as a new year of opportunities, growth, & learning approaches. I thought we might take a humorous peek into what it might look like, as people prepare for that big "First Day"!  "Labor Day is a glorious holiday because your child will be going back to school the next day.  It would have been called Independence Day, but that name was already taken." Bill Dodds


"Squirrels at WAR" represents those students who won't return without a Fight!

Some students are praying that this is all some sort of  misunderstanding!

"What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child".
George Bernard Shaw

Has anyone seen my school shoes? I didn't get my school haircut yet!

Did Ewe say Ewe want me to learn something? I can't see it!

"I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework."Lily Tomlin as “Edith Ann”

Trying to run away will not work! EWE must face school!

"Say it ain't So"! Summer can't be over already! I can't "BEAR" it! 

"To laugh is to risk appearing a fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out for another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self. To place your ideas, your dreams before the crowd is to risk their loss. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk despair. To try is to risk failure. But the risk must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, and is nothing. He / She may avoid suffering and sorrow, but she/he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live. Chained by his/her certitudes, she/he is a slave, he/she has forfeited her/his freedom. Only a person who risks, is free." ~Author Unknown



Starting School means that Families must all face possible "Separation Anxiety"!

Taking a risk sometimes involves a friend lending Ewe a helping hand!

"The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives". Robert Maynard Hutchins


I heard that there are 4 new teachers! I wonder if they allow "TALKING" in class?

 Ewe don't think, this dress is too much, do EWE ?

Sheep are characteristically "Creatures of Habit"! They have a difficult time realizing that, "the only thing constant about life, is change"! Shepherds initiate these changes, as sheep must begin to leave the high country due to the change of season."If you always do what you always did-you'll always get what you always got." ~Author Unknown 

I don't do change well! Do I look "Pale" to Ewe?

Do Ewe think we can go "School" shopping tonight?

Today, as Ewe face all the emotions that accompany the beginning of a new school year, look to the Good Shepherd for his calming presence. He promises to be Ewer Peace! Happy Trails!


 "Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7