Great Expectations!

In honor of PASTOR Appreciation Month, let's take a look at what "SHEPHERDS" are all about. A big Thank-EWE to all who labor on our behalf! Ewe have a High Calling & a Powerful Ally! 

 

"Shepherd is the name; Protection is the game!"

 

 

The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act as the destroyer of liberty. Plainly, the sheep and the wolf are not agreed upon a definition of liberty.

~ Abraham Lincoln



Sheep that are properly cared for are liberated to enjoy life. Contented Sheep are a beautiful picture of Tranquility.

Life is "GOOD" in the CARE of the SHEPHERD!


 Knowing that there is a Good Shepherd watching out for the details of their lives gives Sheep a sense of security.

"EWE  have to believe us!" "Do these look like a faces that would lie?"

A Shepherd worth his "salt" will lead Sheep into good pastures. He will ensure they have  enough to eat & drink and provide protection from their enemies.

Follow me my precious lambs! Ewe are not going to believe what I have in store for ewe! 

Sheep living under the proper  care & guidance of a loving & passionate Shepherd will flourish.

Let's sing our favorite song,"Oh how He loves EWE & me"!

The Shepherd knows that he was created to tend Sheep! It's not an occupation, but a vocation or calling!



Will Ewe look at this FACE?

When Ewe have a PASSIONATE CALLING, Ewe love to care for Sheep!

Today, as Ewe live under His care, guidance & protection, know that The Good Shepherd is committed to EWE! That ought to put a smile on EWE-R face! Blessings!

"Surely goodness & mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the

Lord Forever."   Psalm 23:6  

"On The Lamb!"

 Lambs are very amusing to watch. They are born at approximately 9 lbs. & most often as twins.



"Can't we play leapfrog just a little longer?"

Lambs are nursed into health for approximately 3 months. They are voracious eaters & are very demanding of their poor mothers. Lambs are extremely content nursing. The expression "Three shakes of a lamb's tail" is derived from happy, nursing lambs wagging their tails so quickly that it's nearly impossible to keep an accurate "wag count."

 

 Bottle ,Please?" "Will someone out there have a little compassion"?

I'm so glad I'm cared for by my SHEPHERD!



Lambs sometimes need to be bottle-fed, especially if their mothers can't produce milk or reject them. Putting sweet corn syrup on the bottle nipple entices the lamb to eat.



Don't worry Little Lamb! EWE are NOT ALONE!



EWE can drink this my precious little LAMB!

 Lambs are very fragile & need a lot of TLC. They are truly defenseless when they are apart from the herd & the Shepherd!



EWE can tell by looking at me that I need Help!"



 Lambs are adorable creatures that are a picture of Gentleness & Dependence!

"Ewe sure are headstrong!"

 Little Lamb, who made thee?Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed,
By the stream and o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice, 

Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee.
He is called by thy name,
For He calls Himself a Lamb.
He is meek, and He is mild;
He became a little child.
I a child, and thou a lamb,
We are called by His name.
Little Lamb, God bless thee!
Little Lamb, God bless thee!

The Lamb ~ William Blake

 Today, as Ewe do life, reflect on our Shepherd, The Lamb of God. 

I'm confident THAT Ewe won't be disappointed!

And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!"  John1:36

Runaway Sheep!

Sheep are sometimes dissatisfied with the boundaries set for them by the Shepherd. They decide to explore "life" outside the sheepfold.



Follow me! Let's split this scene while we have the chance!

My bags are packed & I'm Ready to GO!

This apparent "new found" freedom can present a whole new set of challenges for the runaway.  Food & friends may suddenly be in short supply!

"Lonely. I'm Mr. Lonely!...Letter, Never a Letter!"



 

This looks really BAA..D!

Sheep are CAPABLE of doing a great deal of harm to themselves
outside the Shepherd's care! They are subject to bugs, thorns, & thistles, all of which attach to their wool.

I was a Wild  "EWE-TH" &  ran away at age 6! "I'm Baaa...d,I'm Baaa...d, I'm Baaa...d!"

Sheep also come to realize that outside of the Shepherd's protection, the world can be a dangerous place! Predators, rock slides, & avalanches are only a few of the difficulties they may encounter!





If  EWE are going to run away, Ewe need Protection!

 



Is there anybody out there? I could EWE-USE some HELP!

 

The Good News is that they have a Shepherd who is aware that they are missing! He seeks to return the runaway to the fold, even if He has to carry him home. 


I'm so happy I found EWE! Let me take care of Ewe!

As Ewe face whatever the day may hold, Enjoy the path the Shepherd has put before EWE.

  

Happy Trails!  

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and Lean not on your own understanding;In all your ways acknowledge Him,and He will direct your path."

Proverbs 3:5,6

The Good Shepherd vs. The Hireling!

Sheep ranchers often employ hirelings to watch their sheep. 

The Bible characterizes the hireling as one who flees when the wolf threatens, not caring for the Sheep, but only for saving himself.



I'm outta Here! Every Sheep for himself!

Predators, treacherous terrain, poisonous plants, & raging rivers are potential threats for Sheep managed by a Hireling.

"Lamb with mint jelly is the Best!"

"Do Ewe know where we are? Where's our Shepherd? I'm so restless!



Unlike the temporary hireling, The True Shepherd is passionate for the Sheep & will lay down His life, if necessary, to protect them.

EWE can Relax! I'm here & will Protect Ewe!

As EWE go through EWE-R day, travel securely, knowing EWE are under the watchful eye of The Good Shepherd, who always has your best interest at heart!

"The hireling flees because he is a hireling & does not care for the Sheep. I am the Good Shepherd; and I know my Sheep."

 JOHN10:13,14

Me, Stubborn? Ewe Must be Kidding!

Sheep have a reputation for being stubborn!

"I'm not stubborn!"I"'m just independent!"



Sheep can be quite Obstinate at times, refusing to Budge!

Have EWE ever heard the song,"EWE Don't Own Me?"

At times, Sheep need to be "persuaded" to follow their Shepherd's instructions.
 

Is this Really necessary? I Promise to cooperate this time!

Fortunately for Sheep, they have a Shepherd who knows how to lead them. 

Are EWE sure EWE know where we going?

With tenderness & compassion, He restores the wayward Sheep.

The Sheep are again reminded of how safe it is in The Shepherd's care!



As EWE go through EWE-R day, surrender to HIS LEAD as you follow the path the Shepherd has put before EWE! 

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For YOU are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." 

Psalm 23:4

Sheep Having Fun!

Sheep that are properly cared for by the Shepherd learn to be Content under their Master's Care.

Good Morning Little Lambs! EWE are Grazing Well Today!

A Loving Shepherd walking among them brings peace to their anxious hearts.



When their Fear is dispelled, Sheep are Free to Enjoy themselves.



"Let's Go Swimming!""Last one in is a Rotten Egg"



The Shepherd Delights seeing the Flock at Ease,Content,& Having Fun!




Don't tell anyone but I'm "Up in the Air" about being "On the Lamb!"

"Eat EWE-"r Heart Out!"Life is Good!"

Today, Enjoy Life to the Fullest & Laugh! Be at ease Knowing your Shepherd Loves EWE!

"The Lord Is MY Shepherd; I Shall Not Want."
Psalm 23:1



I Love Being a Sheep!

Sheep Counting Calories?

Sheep Love to Graze on Luscious Grass! They Love it so much that unless they are moved along , they'll even eat the Roots![Baaa..d!]

This "Salad Bar" Tastes Great! Do EWE Agree? I Hope we stay Longer!



Sheep sometimes Overeat & become Very uncomfortable!



I'm Stuffed! Do EWE  have any  Tums?

 





"Keep Eating at this Buffet,  before they take it away!" "Hurry!"

Shepherds are also Nutritionists that plan the Menu ever so Diligently!




"Let's Move on Kids!" "Follow Me !"





"Ewe are going to be Fine!" "Come with Me!"



They must watch the Flock intently for any irregularities! For example, often after overindulging, Sheep lounge in the shade &  roll over on their backs! Cast down sheep are always a concern!





"I am Not eating at that Restaurant Again!"

When Grazing Today,  Look to "EWE-R" Master 

Dietician! Enjoy!

"The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want."
Psalm 23:1