Stand Ewe-r Ground!

Sheep sometimes can find themselves "out in the cold " due to their natural tendency to wander! They easily become separated from the flock & vulnerable to danger.



Do Ewe know where the rest of the flock went? They must be lost!

The unsuspecting sheep is unaware of all the "Possibilities" this little excursion holds; "Lions & Tigers & Bears Oh My!" Besides predators, there are numerous other difficulties . There are food concerns, weather, treacherous terrain, & natural disasters!
 

Independence Day has arrived! "The Hills are alive with the Sound of Music!"
 

Thank goodness there is a Resolute Shepherd who notices that the sheep is missing! He immediately sets out on a search & rescue mission to recover the stray sheep. He understands the danger involved, yet refuses to back away from the challenges of recovering the lost sheep.

 

I will carry ewe back the whole way if necessary!

 

The Shepherd's resoluteness, defined as:"an unwavering & fixed refusal to budge or back down", is observed in the world of nature in the Badger. This tenacious member of the weasel family will hold its ground when confronted. The Honey Badger, located in Africa & India, is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most fearless creature in the world!

 

Are Ewe feeling lucky? Ewe better think twice!

 

The Badger has 2 in. claws which enable it to dig itself out of sight in 90 seconds. With  its vicious long teeth & powerful  jaws, A Badger is even able to fend off a dog up to 4x its weight!

 

When it comes to digging, I'm Baaa...D!

 

Sheep are protected from their "Tendency" to wander, by a Resolute Shepherd, who has devoted himself to their safety & care! They truly have "Someone Looking out for EWE"!



Oh No! Not AGAIN! HAS anyone out there seen my Shepherd?

 

Our Good Shepherd is resolute about seeking & finding His Sheep! He is relentless when it comes to saving EWE! Now that's a comforting thought Ewe can Live with! 

 

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast,

immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord ."1Cor.15:58

 

Persistence Pays off!

Arctic Terns are famous for their annual long distance migration. The bird leaves its breeding grounds in the Arctic Circle & flies to Antarctica in winters, which covers around 22,000 miles. This is the longest distance traveled yearly by any bird & is a wonderful display in the world of nature of Persistence!

Do I look like a World Traveler? Come Fly With Me!
 

Persistence according to Webster is: The act of persevering; persistence in anything undertaken; continued pursuit or prosecution of any business, or enterprise begun. "The king-becoming graces . . perseverance, mercy, lowliness." --Shak. [1913 Webster. The Arctic Tern  clearly possesses this trait!



It's time for me to take ewe out to lunch, My Treat!

The Arctic Tern is able to complete this phenomenal journey by persistence. In accomplishing smaller, more achievable goals,each day it's able to concentrate on covering approximately 150 miles!Through a great deal of Persistence, it is able to fly around the world in 20 weeks!



My favorite tune is,"I'll Fly Away"!

 

Sheep require persistent care & attention from the Shepherd  in order for all to be well in their world! Sheep are mentioned quite often in the Bible,largely due to their stark similarities to humans!

 

 

 I have a face that only my Shepherd could Love!

 

Shepherds understand Sheep! They know how to order their world when there's chaos.They know how to find them when they go astray.They also know they need protection from predators, weather, bugs, & each other! As they persist in caring for the needs of the sheep, their love becomes more & more obvious to the sheep!

EWE are Precious to Me! I would die for EWE!

 

Observing the persistence of the Good Shepherd in both His Love & Pursuit of EWE, is  deserving of only one appropriate response. Thank EWE, Lord!

 

"As the Father knows Me,even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the Sheep."Jn.10:15

Diligence

The Beaver energetically works from dusk to dawn buzzing through trees in order to have an adequate supply of food & housing materials. The largest rodent in the U.S. is a picture of Diligence in the world of nature.

Ewe just have to "Stick" with it if ewe want to get anywhere in this world!

 The Beaver is a skilled engineer in building dams, elaborate canals, & underwater homes. It also is a diligent groomer & uses rather unorthodox methods to rid itself of annoying fleas & parasites. For example, it finds a particular mound of dirt containing ants. As it rolls around in the mound, the ants enter its fur & eat all the unwanted guests!



Ants help me to "Take a Licking & Keep on Ticking!"

 

Sheep require diligent care on the part of the Shepherd. The Shepherd is responsible for every aspect of the sheep's life & must diligently monitor each area. Nutrition, health care, & safety from predators are daily concerns of the Shepherd. 

 

When Ewe are born a sheep, Ewe need a lot of Guidance!   

 

Webster defines Diligence as:1. The quality of being diligent; carefulness; careful attention; -- the opposite of negligence.The definition clearly identifies the importance of this character trait being associated with a Shepherd!

Here ewe go my precious lambs-Just a Hop, Skip, & a Jump!

 I work hard at caring for EWE! I Love what I do!

Knowing that all the details of Ewe-r life are being monitored by the Good Shepherd is a very comforting thought! While He diligently works on Ewe-r behalf,  Ewe can rest in Him !

 

"There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest,"...Heb.4:9,11a

 

 

 

 

Initiative

Shepherds that are real leaders must initiate most of what occurs in the life of a sheep. What the sheep will eat, where they will sleep, & what they will drink is all initiated & planned by the Shepherd!




Ewe Know I have no sense of direction! I'm Lost without Ewe!

The 1913 Webster dictionary defined Initiative as follows: Character Trait manifested in a readiness & ability to initiate action; an enterprising spirit; a go getting attitude; energy & drive; & get-up-and-go. A Shepherd possessing this character trait will tremendously benefit the life of the sheep!

"!
Shepherding is not for the "Couch Potatoes"!

In the world of nature, Initiative can be observed in the life of the

 Raccoon. A Raccoon displays initiative in its desire to explore the world around it by investigating everything that sparks its insatiable curiosity!

I was just curious.Do ewe have any "Will work for Food" signs?

Raccoons are famous for eating out of trash cans. They are able to open lids, gates, & cabinets rather easily! They catch crawfish  by allowing it to pinch its finger  in the water. With one sweep the raccoon pulls it from the water into its mouth.Now that's Initiative! It also catches clams in a similar fashion,only needing to use its teeth to force the clam open.

Curiosity killed the cat but I'm still here! Show a little Initiative!

Shepherds that take the proper Initiative find that they lead more content sheep! The flocks can rest, knowing that their Shepherds "Have their Backs"! 

 LIFE under the care of my Shepherd really "LIGHTENS" my load!

As Ewe face ewe-r day & all that it holds, recall the "Love"
"Initiative of the Good Shepherd! Coming to earth to die for Ewe & me is Good News that should put a smile on Ewe-r face!

 

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that  He loved us and sent His Son..." 1 John 4:10

 

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!