Response - Ability!

Shepherds  need to be responsible in leading their sheep to graze in pastures that are lush with green grass. They lead their flocks to eating places that create healthy sheep. which is one reason sheep must be on the move.





EWE know I eat good!



Ewe know that I'm a real "SUCKER" for these meals.

This Bethlehem Shepherd is responsibly guarding these sheep as they graze. He has a rod in his hand to ward off dangerous predators. Shepherds spend long hours with their sheep making sure they are healthy and safe.



"Lean on me, when ewe are weak. I'll help ewe carry on!"




My Rod & Staff are ready to PROTECT my flock!


   Responsibility is a character trait required for any serious Shepherd! The Webster 1913 dictionary defines Responsibility as: The state of being responsible, accountable, or answerable, as for a trust, debt, or obligation. In the world of nature , Responsibility can be observed in the life of the  Great Horned Owl.




Responsibility is the "ability" to "respond" properly! 

The Great Horned Owl demonstrates responsibility in adjusting her schedule around the needs of her chicks. It builds its nest in the colder months at great personal sacrifice in order to incubate the eggs responsibly.

I'm a Responsible Mother! Child care is just too expensive!

The Responsible mother will go for over 2 months, during freezing temperatures, with very little food to eat to ensure that the eggs  have the best chance of survival! Afterwards, when the arrival of her chicks is secure ,the snow on the ground actually allows the owl greater hunting opportunities, enabling it to spot small prey easily. 

When it comes to hunting, my big eyes Rule!

Sheep rest easier, knowing that they have a  "RESPONSIBLE" Shepherd, who is looking out for them & leading them to the best eating places in the area.

Do I look like I'm worried? My Shepherd has "Got my Back"!

Ewe have a "Responsible" Shepherd on the job 24/7! Take comfort in His ability to care for Ewe, as Ewe travel with Him today!

"My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me" John 10:27

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

"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!

 

Determination Pays Off

Shepherds, due to the overwhelming demands of sheepherding, must possess the character trait of determination. Shepherds must doggedly pursue their sheep to guarantee their safety, health, & general well being. Shepherds must pursue sheep, in the same way  Detective Columbo, pursued answers that would solve his case on television!

I have a few Questions for EWE!

Bleat! Bleat !Bleat! Catch us if ewe can!



Shepherds have many obstacles to overcome in caring for their

sheep. They must monitor the sheep's health, genetics, & safety
The Canadian sheep farmer, below, almost lost her farm, while determined to preserve the "Shropshire sheep" bloodline in a battle with a government agency.



Montana thinks Ewe are worth it!




Where did Ewe get Ewer GENES?

Determination can be seen in the world of nature in the King Salmon. There are numerous obstacles to overcome in order to reach the spawning ground of its birth. It must swim upstream, jump up to 15 ft. waterfalls, & swim by fishermen, predatory birds, & bears. Determination & instinct drives it  to complete its  journey, where it will lay its eggs & die.

Life is sure an "Uphill" struggle!

I get the next salmon that swims by! "Oh Yeah!" "We'll see about that!"

The Good Shepherd went to great lengths to ensure the safety of His sheep! He was determined to go to the cross, no matter what obstacles He had to endure. Allow that thought to comfort & encourage Ewe today!

 "Greater love has no man than this, than he lay down his life for his friend."Jn.15:13

Loyalty Lifts Ewe!

Shepherds display a loyalty toward their flock that enables them to bond readily & possess an attachment that is not easily broken.



He Loves Ewe, He loves Ewe not!

Ewe Know I love EWE!

 A Shepherd's loyalty will motivate the Shepherd to lead, feed, & protect  the flock, very often at the risk of their own personal safety.Wolves,coyotes, & cougars are all on the prowl near the flock,waiting for an opportunity to strike.



The spin stops here cause I'm looking out for EWE! 





Lamb &"Little Red Riding Hood"! Delicious!

Webster defines Loyal as: faithful to those persons, ideals, etc. that one is under obligation to defend, support, or be true to. This quality can be seen in the world of nature in the Grizzly Bear!

Don't Ewe Dare go near my cubs!

EWE need to Stick closer to me than peanut butter does to jelly!

Ewe don't want to try & get between a mother Grizzly & her cubs!She will make Ewe pay or go to her death trying!The Bible speaks of this Loyalty in Prov.17:12 "Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man rather than a fool in his folly."



 I root for The Cubs! Any Questions?

Our MOMMY is bigger than Ewer Mommy & has a "GRIZZLY" temper!

The Loyalty a Shepherd demonstrates for his sheep is just a reflection of what the Good Shepherd displays toward His flock.Know that Ewe are loved both Royally & Loyally! Travel Securely!

"Though the mountains be shaken & the hills be removed,yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed..."
Is. 54:10

Sacrifice for Ewe?

 

Shepherds sacrifice on behalf of sheep, mainly because they understand how much sheep need them.

Ewe hang onto the bars & let me drive!

 

Self-sacrifice is a  quality of the Shepherd that enables him to sustain much hardship in caring for the flock. Staying up all night & watching over the flock is not uncommon for a conscientious Shepherd. 

 

 

 

Ewe rest my precious lambs.Morning comes early. 

 

Self-sacrifice is a quality that also can be observed in the world of nature in the life of the Emperor Penguin.The male penguin is

charged  with the dubious task of incubating the family egg! It 

shelters the egg under a flap of skin by it's feet. 

 

 

 



EGG -cellent Location! We don't want to see ewe go down in defeat!



 



I Knew Ewe would make it!

The male penguin huddles together with hundreds of other males in freezing temperatures as low as 76 degrees  below zero. They endure these harsh conditions for over 2 months to ensure the safety of their offspring! 

 

 Somehow huddling in football was much easier!

 

 

The male sacrifices all other activity for the sake of the egg! He goes without food for  65 days until the  egg hatches,ensuring the chick's safety.He clearly understands that if the egg dropped to the ice, it would freeze within 2 minutes! 

 

 

Tell me what ewe think. Am I worth it?. 

 

 

The Good Shepherd  demonstrates the ultimate  example of self- sacrifice for His Sheep! Meditate on that today if Ewe-r tempted to doubt His Love. Blessings!

 

 

"Greater love has no man than this, that a man  lay down His life for His Friends."Jn.15:13

 

"Shepherd on a Role"

A Shepherd has many roles to play in the life of a Sheep.First, He needs to provide Leadership to his helplessly "Lost" flock.




Do ewe know which way to go? I don't have a clue!

Where's the Shepherd? I got a "BAAA...D feeling about this!

Another role of a Shepherd is that of a GPS system for the sheep.Generally speaking, Sheep find themselves "Handicapped,"   somewhat due to their limited sense of direction.Without the Shepherd's guidance, they can really hurt themselves.

Ewe don't have to say a thing!I Learned my lesson. 

 

"I'm Falling & I can't get up"! Why didn't I follow the Shepherd?

 Another role  a Shepherd serves is that of a Doctor. Sheep at times are resistant to guidance & need a sedative before  calming down  enough to follow.I'm sure ewe get the point!

 

I think I have the dreaded "WHITE-COAT SYNDRONE"!

A Shepherd also must function in the role of  a Search & Rescue operator.  Some sheep like to do it "their way"!Stay tuned as this cliffhanger unfolds!

This is turning into a real "CLIFFHANGER"!

I feel like I'm between a "ROCK & a Hard PLACE"!

Finally, the Shepherd must serve in the role of "Family" counselor.Sheep need guidance while raising their kids. 

My husband needs his head examined!

 

We just can't seem to get these "KIDS" off our backs!

As Ewe live life today,take time to count Ewe-r blessings. Be thankful that Ewe have a Shepherd available to guide Ewe on the path of life.Happy Trails!

"He will show me  the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore. "P.16:11