By George, That's Confidence!

Sheep are fascinating creatures. They are very tentative about a number of issues, except one; growing wool. Sheep display the character trait of confidence, when it comes to their ability to grow wool. All sheep need to do is eat, sleep, & drink life's basic daily requirements, & wool will appear naturally on their bodies. They don't even have to sweat cleaning their wool. Their Shepherd will  keep it clean of bugs, burrs, etc., as part of his basic caregiving. 

Ewe can be confident that I'm not trying to pull the wool over Ewer eyes!

I found that even as a young lamb, growing wool came naturally !

In the world of nature, we see confidence in the Badger, a tenacious member of the weasel clan.It eagerly responds to any challenge to "back down"! Badgers have 2 inch claws, powerful jaws, & vicious teeth, that all convey "Confidence"! The Honey Badger of Africa & India, is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "most fearless creature in the world"!

 Ewe go ahead & "Make My Day"!

HELP! I'm "stressing"! Why don't Ewe stop "Badgering" me.

As I continue the theme of character this month, I'd like to introduce Ewe to an individual in whom God built the character quality of Confidence! His name is George Muller. Born in Germany on Sept. 27,1803, George was a "wild" child! Living as a thief, gambler, & heavy drinker, at age 16 was thrown into jail. His father had sent him to school, hoping he'd become a minister, but George had other ideas. Finally, he was converted after a prayer meeting. This was the turning point in Muller's life, & where God began to shape his character.

" the beginning of anxiety is the end of faith" & the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety."

Muller moved to England in 1829, where he eventually became a popular preacher. As a minister, he was somewhat radical in his approach, deciding to eliminate "pew-renting" & refusing to take a salary! He wanted people to give out of desire, rather than duty. His confidence began to grow in God's ability to touch people in the area of giving. Muller said," When sight ceases, it is the time for faith to work. The greater the difficulties, the easier it is for faith."

I define success this way: "Do the Lord's work in the Lord's way". 

Muller's confidence in God's faithfulness to answer prayer grew as God put the poor orphans of Bristol, England, on his heart. Up to that time, only wealthy orphans were accepted into orphanages. In 1835, he & his wife Mary took 30 orphan girls into their house. He had a conviction that he wouldn't  solicit gifts, but rather, he would pray to God & confidently trust Him completely to meet his needs. He said, "Be assured,  if you walk with Him & look to Him,  & expect help from Him, He will never fail you."

Muller's confidence in God enabled him to care for thousands of orphans! 

Amazing things happen when Ewer confidence is placed in God. One day, Muller had the children stand behind their chairs as he thanked God for what He was going to give them to eat. A knock on the door shortly followed, with a baker who told Muller of God waking him at 2 A.M. to bake fresh bread for them. Muller thanked the baker & God , prior to hearing another knock on the door. It was the milkman, sharing that his cart had broken, & could they use any milk! Breakfast was served, compliments of God. Wow!

Confidence will lead Ewe to trust, that Ewe can hit the shot!( with His help)

 At the end of his life in 1898, at the age of 92, Muller was poor monetarily, but rich in heavenly treasure. As director of Ashley Downs orphanage, in Bristol, England, he & his team of servants & educators were able to care for over 10,000 orphans! God also used him to establish 117 Christian schools & educate & give hope to more than 120,000 poor children! He did all this without going into debt, or asking for donations. He prayed & trusted His God!

 

He was very humble, making sure God would get all the glory!

 Trusting the Good Shepherd is much easier, once Ewe realize how trustworthy He is. Today, I  pray Ewe will travel confidently on the path He sets before Ewe!


"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists & that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews11:6

"Dr. Livingstone, I Presume?"

As we continue examining the theme of character, I want to introduce Ewe to David Livingstone, a dedicated & courageous missionary to Africa. He was fueled by a burning belief that African people were better suited to minister to their own people, than the English were. He dedicated the rest of his life toward that end, boldly exploring where no missionaries had gone before.

Ewe have to fight for what's important to Ewe! Stand Ewer Ground!

David Livingstone was born to a poor Christian family in Scotland, on March 19,1813. After studying medicine in 1840, he traveled to South Africa with a London Missionary Society. Upon arriving at the mission, he shared his vision about training Africans to preach to their own people. He argued that, "when their own people tell them about Jesus, they see the truth". The mission board didn't agree, so he raised his own money & got permission to start a mission at Mabotsa, a mere 200 miles into the interior.


I love Africa & its people! I fought against slavery for many years!

Livingstone worked 3 months building the new mission,  excited along with his friends & an African teacher named Mebalwe. One day, people came from a nearby village, terrified because lions were attacking their livestock. Livingstone & Mebalwe agreed to go & help them. After shooting a lion, it attacked both men & injured them quite severely. He was bitten in the shoulder & shaken like a ragdoll. Livingstone was very thankful to be alive, & was only able to supervise the work at the mission while in recovery.



Ewe were attacked  because Ewe broke my # 1 rule! Do not disturb my meal!

The Holy Spirit is a Master Builder of Character!

Livingstone needed additional medical attention, so he went back to headquarters to recover further from his injuries. I think I might have gone all the way home, but that's why I'm writing about his character! The nurse who assisted him was Mary Moffat, daughter of the mission director & famous Bible translator Robert Moffat. God had an unusual way of introducing husbands & wives, but still very effective!

Follow me & I will take Ewe places Ewe never dreamed of!

David Livingstone took 3 expeditions into the interior of Africa, exploring, sharing God's Word, & fighting the horrors of human slavery. On his last expedition , he sought to find the mouth of the Nile river, but was unsuccessful. For years he was not heard from. As a result, the New York Herald sent a reporter, Henry Stanley, on an expedition to find him. After 7 months of searching , he finally met Livingstone with the famous greeting, " Dr. Livingstone, I Presume?" Before returning, Stanley joined him on an expedition.

I started with 2000 men & finally found him with only 54 men!

Henry Stanley tried arduously to convince Livingstone to return to England, however, Dr. Livingstone replied, "Africa is where my heart is. I love the people" When he died 2 years later, his 2 friends, whom he'd rescued from slavery 20 yrs. earlier, buried his heart beneath a tree in Africa, before sending his body back to England.

We stick together like peanut butter & jelly. That's dedication!

In the world of nature, We see this same dedication in the life of the Grizzly Bear. It is virtually impossible for Ewe to come between a mother Grizzly & her cubs! She is dedicated to their safety & care!

We are free to explore!  Ewe don't want to mess with our Mama!

I'm their Mama! Do Ewe have any questions?

Sheep also experience this same dedication from their Shepherd. If one sheep is missing , the Shepherd will search for it tirelessly until it is found. Shepherds understand how much sheep need them!

I'm so glad I found Ewe. Ewe are so precious to me!

As Ewe  live life today,  know that Ewer Good Shepherd is dedicated to Ewe. He's even more protective than a Grizzly, because Ewe are so precious in His eyes !

 For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Is. 41:13

What a Character !

"Character isn't the main thing, it's the only thing." This is a quote I heard early in my Christian walk that provoked me to pursue a further study of this valuable resource called character. Character is defined by Webster as; a distinctive trait, quality, or attribute; characteristic. This month I'm going to deviate from the norm, & expand our studies to include some individuals, as well as animals, that display character traits. Hope Ewe enjoy the ride! 
 

Even though physically blind, Helen  has some real insight!

 Dwight L. Moody was born in 1837 in Massachusetts, & dreamt getting rich as a young boy. At the age of 17 he left home, seeking fame & fortune working for his uncle as a shoe salesman in Boston. A gifted salesman, Dwight moved to Chicago & was hired  by a wealthy shoe tycoon. While selling shoes, he also had a desire to
minister to kids in the Chicago slums. On Sundays, Moody would  walk the streets & gather kids to take to Sunday school. " Selling  kids on God" became  his passion, replacing selling shoes, forever!

Do Ewe know why I felt like a "Heel"? I was working for the wrong kind of souls!

Moody was designated as a missionary by the YMCA & received the challenge of his life while speaking in England in 1867. Rev.
Henry Varley spoke words to Moody that would radically change his life. He said, "The  world has yet to see what God can do with one man wholly dedicated to Him". Moody was so touched that he dedicated himself to becoming that man! In 1870, Moody met the singer Ira Sankey at a YMCA convention, invited him to join his team as choir director, & the two became world famous! 

"There is nothing in the Bible that is not wise"..!

Moody faced a crisis in Chicago in 1871. The Illinois St. Church, the YMCA, & Moody's own personal residence was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire! This is when emotions took a back seat to the character in Moody's life. He saw the tragedy as an opportunity to spread the Gospel in evangelistic campaigns. His strength of character , given to him by God, led him to travel more than one million miles, & preach to over 100,000 million people. Even though Moody lacked a formal education, God used him to start a Bible college which still exists today as Moody Bible Institute.



We also see this strength of character in the world of nature. The Arctic male Emperor Penguin, exemplifies this character trait of strength. He faithfully stands in -76 degree temps, without eating for over 2 months, to ensure the birth of their young chicks. Huddled side by side , with eggs at their feet, these penguins brave the harsh elements to incubate their eggs.

We must be Strong, & not go down in  "DEFEAT"!

Sheep are protected by Shepherds that exhibit this same character trait of Strength. Whether facing dangerous animals, losing sleep while caring for sick sheep, or seeking after lost sheep, Shepherds need strength as a part of the fabric of their character.

When it comes to Strength of character, I've got one "Baa..d" Shepherd!

As Ewe walk on the path of life that God has for Ewe today, know that Ewe aren't walking it alone. The Good Shepherd has enough "Strength" for both of Ewe!


"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."    Ps.73:26

Orca, Whale of a Tale:Take 2!

The Killer Whale  got its name from killing other whales, not from killing humans. The Killer Whale, or Orca, is the largest predator of mammals & is the only cetacean to do so. A cetacean is any group comprising whales, dolphins, or porpoises. They have no predators besides humans, so they are at the apex of the food chain.

  I can't understand why sea mammals are so afraid of me! Is it my teeth?

 Killer Whales have a complex & fascinating social structure. They form what is known as a Matriline, which allows their lineage to be traced by the females in the pod. The pod is lead by a mature lead female, followed by her daughters' & other adults' offspring. The group forms very tight bonds & usually stays together for life. 

We are similar to Italians, because "Family Ties" are really important to us!

Killer Whales are the largest members of the dolphin family. They are known by a number of names, such as Orca, Blackfish, Sea Wolf, & Grampus. Orca was a name given by the Romans & means "sea monster". In 1929, the "New York Times" characterized these whales as "the  most vicious & sinister of living creatures"!

We invented the original "Pods"! "Apple" eat Ewer heart out!

Some Killer Whales are "resident", living with their pod in the same vicinity for life. Others are "transient", meaning that they travel & don't have a permanent address. Still others are known as "off-shore", moving about primarily in that locale. Whatever group they identify with, they all hunt together, & are  known as the "wolves of the sea" because of the way they hunt!( in packs)

When it comes to Hunting-"Two are better than one"!

Killer Whale males are called bulls. They often have scarred bodies due to the battling that ensues before mating! Males also swim on the outskirts of pods to protect them. Females are called cows & manage the pods efficiently, even disciplining their calves by scratching or restricting their movement! 

Follow me & I will make Ewe a fisher of...? "Ewe can fill in the blank!

 One of the most fascinating observations about Killer Whales is their sophisticated method of communication. Each resident pod has its own unique dialect which they communicate with. They use
a variety of sounds, including whistles, clicks, & screams while mating & hunting. They also use echolocation as a "GPS" system,
assisting them in their hunting for a good "Restaurant"!

This is what Ewe call a "Feeding Frenzy"!

Sheep & Killer Whales are almost on opposite extremes of the food chain, yet they share a similar need in common. Both animals need to cooperate with their leader & their group to survive. Whether in the sheep pen or the pod, cooperation & leadership are essential!

"Cooperate", "Cooperate", "Dance to the Music"! I'm Free Indeed!

Cooperating with the Good Shepherd will only lead Ewe to "Green Pastures".  Enjoy Ewer journey with Him today.


"Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle & lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Mt.11:29

Orca's Whale of a Tale!

Killer Whales, or Orca, didn't get their name from being identified as a "serial killer" by the local Coast Guard. They got their name from feeding on dolphins & other whales in their habitat. The only known attacks on humans have taken place in famous water parks, while in captivity.Orcas require 500 lbs. of food a day! I guess Ewe could say, " Go Big or Go Hungry"! ( My idea for a motto)



 Let me introduce Ewe to my pearly whites! The enamel is quite convincing!

Killer Whales live in waters globally, but they clearly prefer cooler waters. Approximately 50% or more of Orcas live in the Antarctica region. They are one of the fastest moving mammals in the sea, "clocked" at 30 knots at a normal pace. This speed assists them in hunting other prey, such as tuna, seal, penguin, salmon, herring, turtle, birds, squid, shark, rays, & walrus.


10,9,8,7,6,....3,2,1..Ready or not, here I come!

Killer whales, are actually dolphins.They are the largest dolphins on record, reaching 30 or more feet in length, & weighing up to 12,000 lbs.! The largest male on record measured 32 ft. long , weighing over 20,000 lbs. Females are slightly smaller than males, measuring 16-23 ft. long & weighing about 6-8000 pounds.The largest female on record measured 28 ft. long, & weighing about 15,000 pounds.


As Ewe can tell from my size, I shop in the "Plus" section!

Killer Whales travel in groups, or pods, & work very well together as a community. When hunting together, besides using sonar or echolocation, they use a couple of unusual techniques to capture their prey. First, when encountering sharks, they hold the shark upside down, submerging it for about 15 minutes, until it suffocates & drowns. They also employ the technique of carousel feeding, in which they force herring into a tight ball by surrounding them with bursts of  bubbles. They proceed to use their tail fluke to smack the ball, killing or stunning 10-15 fish at a time! Dinner is then served!


"All-Ewe-Can-Eat" Buffets are my favorite restaurants!

What a "Bird Brain" idea Ewe have, thinking Ewe can escape from me!

Killer whales are considered among the most intelligent of sea mammals. Orcas are highly social, & travel in groups of 5-30, called pods. Each pod has a female leader who makes sure the ill & the young are cared for & protected. She ensures the pod operates harmoniously as a family. Females also give birth to a 8 foot,400 lb. calf, after a 15-17 month pregnancy. The calf will nurse for up to 2 yrs., with a survival rate that is very low. Adult Orcas in the wild live up to 90 years .They have a shorter life span in captivity.

Killer whale calf is jumping for joy at the news he's going fishing!

Can Ewe tell that I'm hungry?

Sheep & Orcas both enjoy the safety afforded by moving in groups. By working together as a herd & pod, they are able to protect their young more effectively. Sheep receive additional help from their Shepherd!

Do Ewe think Orcas are" green with envy" over our Shepherd?

As Ewe begin a new day, thank God for the family He's placed Ewe in. Working together as a unit will pay rich dividends as Ewe allow the Shepherd to lead & guide!


"For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body; being many, are one body, so also is Christ." 1 Cor. 12:12

The Dolphins Not From Miami,Take 2!


In the book, Random Acts of Kindness by Animals, there's an awesome story about Dolphins, & the bond they have between mothers & babies. When a baby is caught in a tuna net, a mother will desperately seek to join it, knowing that it means certain death. The mother will sing to the baby & cuddle it, as they both drown in the net! It has been reported by the tuna industry, that the highest percentage of  Dolphin deaths, in net entanglements, are mothers & calves! Wow! Now that's love!


"Ewe & me & me & Ewe ...So Happy together!"

Bottlenose Dolphins are phenomenal creatures! They are very intelligent, sociable,& extremely effective communicators. They communicate in a language of "squeaks, whistles, leaps,
snaps of the jaws, flapping of the tail, & butting of heads! They  even  become "Rescue Rangers"  when a dolphin is in a crisis!



"Pod-ding" along, singing a song, side by side!

I'm a little "Up in the Air" about my plans tonight! How about Ewe?

Bottlenose Dolphins may look like fish, but they are actually mammals! They have to breathe air just like we do. Do Ewe know why they are called Bottlenose? It's because their 3-in. long beaks are shaped like bottles. Did Ewe know that the "killer whale", or Orca, is actually considered a Dolphin?

I love my Bottlenose! It helps me find hidden food on the bottom.

Family life is important to the Bottlenose. Males are larger than females & each pod family has a female in chief. Females give birth to 1 calf after a pregnancy of 12 months. The calf is born tail first to avoid drowning, & nurses underwater for about 8 months. Calves are 3-4 ft. long & weigh about 40 lbs. Pod Dolphins are so close, they even nurse each other's calves, which stay for 2-3 yrs.!
 


I'm sticking closer to Ewe than peanut butter does to bread!

http://youtu.be/5X8-aWCU0do(Click)

Dolphins have some unusual peculiarities! First, unlike fish which move their tail side to side, they move their tail up & down. Next. adult Dolphins have up to 210 teeth that are used to hold the food which they swallow whole. Third, Dolphins were created to stay awake to breathe every few minutes , while one side of their brain sleeps. At this rate, they sleep about 8 hours a day. Finally, They do not have a sense of smell, yet have excellent vision & hearing.

I'm not only humble, but quite fascinating! Don't Ewe agree?

Once Ewe get to know me, Ewe will just flip over me!


Sheep & Dolphin mothers both bond with their young. Dolphin mothers will sacrificially die for their calves. Sheep have a different story. They have a Shepherd who's willing to die for them.

Sheep have a "Big" reason to be Grateful & Celebrate!


Today is the first day of the rest of Ewer life. Think about the love of the Good Shepherd as Ewe face the challenges of the day.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for His friends." Jn.15:13

The Dolphins Not From Miami!

Bottlenose Dolphins are well known for their numerous appearances at a variety of aquarium shows. Leaping up to 16 ft. high really "Wows" the crowds, & even cools off the front rows! Their intelligence, permanent smiles, & advanced abilities to do complicated tricks, all make them very popular stars.



When Ewe Smile, the whole aquarium Smiles with Ewe!

Dolphins live in social groups of 10 to 30 members called pods. Dolphins are able to communicate with each other through a sophisticated  series of squeaks & whistles emitted from their

blowholes. Injured Dolphins will even send out "distress" calls, which schools in the area will immediately respond to.

  

We are the "Pod Squad" at Ewer service!

Dolphins are mammals & are incredible carnivorous creatures. They measure 10-14 feet long & weigh up to 1100 pounds. They are also able to swim at speeds of over 18 mph, surfacing 2 or 3 times per minute for air. They live in captivity for 45-50 years!

"Communicate, Communicate, Dance to the Music!"

Dolphins swim in tropical waters & are superb at locating fish. They are equipped with an echolocation system. They can emit up

to 1000 clicking sounds per second underwater, waiting for the sounds to bounce off an object nearby. Once detected, information about the size, shape, & location is "bounced" back, & assists the Dolphins in locating prey & predators.

Closed for lunch! Out Fishing! "Sounds" Good!

Dolphins employ a variety of strategies to catch fish. First, they use the  "kerplunking"  method in which they slap a fish out of the water & stun it with their tail flukes. "Kerplunking" also is used to smack the water with their tail flukes, scaring the fish into moving. "Strand Fishing" is another strategy used, in which a team of dolphins drive fish into the shore by creating a wave that washes them ashore in low tide, making an easy meal.

Time to "School" these fish on how Teamwork works!

 Sheep & Bottlenose Dolphins do share something in common. Sheep herd together in large numbers for added protection against predators. Dolphins do the same in open seas, able to keep sharks & killer whales at bay, swimming in groups of up to 1000! Sheep, unlike the Dolphin, also have the Shepherd as a secret weapon to assist them! 



Have Ewe seen the movie " Safer by the Dozen"?

Today, as Ewe travel the first few days of the New Year, know that Ewe don't walk it alone. Ewe have family, friends, & a Good Shepherd to walk with Ewe!

.."And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Mt. 28:20b