Promising for Sheep-Finale!

Do Ewe Like my "Expensive" million dollar profile?

In Psalm 23:5, David  revealed how much preparation is necessary for the Shepherd, prior to the summer trek to the highlands. Besides removing poisonous plants & opening up healthy drinking water, he also must treat the flock for the devastating effects of summer insects & parasites. By applying an oil, tar, sulfur, & spice mixture, the sheep are able to experience some needed relief! David now concludes Psalm 23 with some very "Promising" thoughts about the future of sheep. He indicates that sheep that have the Lord as their Shepherd, will not only have all their needs met on a day to day basis, but will also have a "Promising" future & dwelling that will be "just heavenly"!

"If God can bring blessing from the broken body of Jesus and glory from something that's as obscene as the cross, He can bring blessing from my problems and my pain and my unanswered prayer. I just have to trust Him."    Anne Graham Lotz   

My Future looks Bright!

I'm sticking close to the Shepherd & EWE, Mama!

"Surely goodness & mercy shall follow me All the days of my life;..."Psalm 23:6



David ends the Psalm on a very hopeful note.The sheep that have the Lord as their Shepherd will have "Goodness" & "Mercy" following them all the days of their lives! Now that's a "Promising" future for EWE & me, if we are being pursued by "Goodness" & "Mercy" all the days of our lives! Wow! In good times as well as trying times, we know that our Shepherd loves us, & that nothing touches us that doesn't pass through His competent hands. He will use all things to work together for our good & the good of others! In addition to that, His "Mercy", or "undeserved kindness", is "following" &"pursuing" us, actually chasing us down all the days of our lives!



"I've read the last page of the Bible. It's all going to turn out all right."

Billy Graham

I feel '"GOOD" about Goodness chasing me!

Pardon me , but Mercy is following me!

"And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
 forever."   Psalm 23:6b

David ends Psalm 23 on a very positive note. The sheep that have the Lord as their Shepherd have a bright future! After traveling the paths that the Shepherd has laid out for them, the sheep are happy to return to the "Homestead"!They all agree that the Shepherd has the best "ranch" in the land! No one else could care for them better than their Shepherd. He has fed, protected, doctored, & even
guided them like no one else could. Why would they ever want to live anywhere else?

After a hard day scrambling to find your way around in the world, it’s assuring to come home to a place you know. God can be equally familiar to you. With time you can learn where to go for nourishment, where to hide for protection, where to turn for guidance. Just as your earthly house is a place of refuge, so God’s house is a place of peace.

Max Lucado -

Sheep that stay the closest to the Shepherd enjoy a life that is truly satisfying, & a future that is "Out of his World"!

Life is Good on the Shepherd's ranch!



We are walking securely in step with the Master!



As Ewe graze on the pasture the Lord has for Ewe today, enjoy the peace that comes from closely following Ewer Shepherd. "Green Acres" is the place to be!

"I came that they might life, & have it more abundantly." John 10:10

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

Who is Andrew Charles?

DREW & ALAN on a family trip to the GRAND CANYON!



Drew loves Lizards & tries to catch them wherever he goes!

In today's Blog, I'm continuing the tradition of blogging for each of my grandchildren's birthdays. October 1st is our Michigan connection, Andrew Charles' 22nd Birthday! Andrew, whose name means, "Strong & Enduring", prefers to be called "Drew"! His Mom describes Drew as a "ball of energy", with a heart of compassion. Drew, who describes himself in one word as "Interesting", has a diversity of interests, & is known as the "Social Butterfly" of the family! I hope that Ewe will come to appreciate Drew as much as I do, as we take a closer LOOK into his life.



Drew loves Cats & Music! " Another One Bites the Dust"!

Drew laughs often, which can become contagious!

First, as a "Ball of Energy", Drew loves to go exploring on all kinds of adventures! Whether it's searching for spiders, lizards, or bugs, hiking on trails, or camping with the family, Drew's motor is always running! As a matter of fact, "Adventurous" is a great descriptive word for Drew! Webster defines "Adventurous" as: "not afraid to do new and dangerous or exciting things." This spirit can, however, produce both good & possibly dangerous outcomes.


"This is What We're Talking Bout!"

Some discovery treasures must be approached "Cautiously"!

Now this is a" DREW" spider!

 Second, Drew's adventurous spirit, along with his heart of compassion, have also appeared in his faith. About 12 years ago, Drew had the opportunity to go on a "Mission Trip" to Haiti with his mom & some other church members. After raising his own support, Drew's compassion was on full display, as they ministered to a number of orphan children! He is presently an "Avid " church  volunteer at the "Mission Café", serving to raise funds for under-privileged families! As a matter of fact, Drew would like to pursue the ministry as one of his life's goals! Pretty adventurous ambition for a 22 yr. old, who has previously served as the "Pastor of Announcements".

Joy comes from helping those who can't help themselves!

Drew loves "Big Cats" & is in hot pursuit of the ministry!

Third, Drew is also the "Social Butterfly" of the family. He's very engaging & loves interaction with people. Whether at home, in school, or in Haiti, Drew enjoys being with people. He's very easy to talk to & shows a real concern for the less fortunate. He's also the "Life of the Party" at home, always making mealtime more "interesting" for his mom, Dad, & brothers. This unique quality also appears "On Stage", as Drew has appeared in leading roles in his school's plays! Two years ago, he appeared in "The Sound of Music" as Captain Von Trapp, & he really did "Sing"! Two years ago, he was performing in a production outside of school called, "Little House on the Prairie", in the role of the "Dad", Mr. Charles Ingalls! This past year, Drew performed in the leading role "The Music Man"!


Drew enjoys seeing "Tears" turn into "Cheers"!

Did Ewe say it was "MEALTIME"? NO SUGAR , PLEASE!



I can't Believe Ewe think I'm a "SOCIAL BUTTERFLY"! What would  give Ewe that idea?

Fourth, Drew also enjoys a "Diversity" of interests! Playing the Drums for the worship band is something Drew really enjoys! It doesn't at all surprise me, since his Dad started out at the church as a "Worship" Pastor. Drew also enjoys lifting weights & has enjoyed playing GOALIE in Soccer, which I'm sure he really gets a "KICK" out of! He also enjoys running TRACK & CROSS COUNTRY, & has made some Awesome progress running the 800m, the same race as his Uncle Jon! We had the privilege of watching Drew compete in the state track meet this past June, & set a PR in his event! He presently is running Cross Country & Track at Cornerstone University in Michigan!  

Drew got an early start in his Love for RUNNING!

 There's no "Snout about it" in Drew's mind! DEFENSE helps win games!

Bodybuilding is very "UPLIFTING"!

Finally, Drew is a young man with an abundance of enthusiasm! He's enthusiastic about God, His people, family, Children's Church, Art, Soccer. Math, Reading, & Natalie, His new Bride!  He had a beautiful wedding this past summer to the "Girl of his Dreams"! His heart of compassion was recently observed by his Mom on his last birthday. For his birthday gift 9 yrs. ago, he wanted to go out to dinner with his mom, so that she could enjoy some "alone time" away from the house! We recently got to spend time with Drew at a Family reunion in June! I'm so happy to have Drew as a part of my life! Happy Birthday, Drew, & I hope that You are enjoying your   Bride & life in your 20's!

Did Ewe know that one of  Drew's favorite animals is the Hippo? 

Life with Drew is a "Ball"!

I think that Ewe would agree, that the Key for Drew is "Balance"!

Sheep benefit from "Enthusiastically" following the Shepherd on the adventurous trails that he has planned for them.



Ewe know life is not too "Baaa..d"! The Shepherd always knows what's best!

"Brace" Ewer-self  for a Great "20th" Year Adventure!

As Ewe travel on the path the Shepherd leads Ewe on today, Rejoice that the Good Shepherd is guiding Ewe. He is also working in a new generation of young people, like Andrew Charles, to lead His flock into the new adventures that lie ahead.



" But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles; They run & not be weary; They shall walk & not faint." Isaiah 40:31( Drew's life verse.)

Drew "Hanging -Out" with his Cousins at a 2016 TN Christmas Reunion!

HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY DREW! Relax & enjoy!