There are so many things in life that want to steal your joy. It's so easy to get discouraged! It seems no matter how hard you try, there is always something that wants to put a damper on your outlook on life. You think, why can't anything ever go right for me? I believe that you can turn this all around if you only focus on the sunny side of things. There is always a silver lining to every darkened cloud! Think about how blessed you are in the Lord if you know Him as Savior... He has given you so much life! Think about how lovely the creation is that He made for you to enjoy. Think about the many wonderful things the Lord has so graciously given to you over the years. You have your health, your family, food, a home, a warm bed, the list goes on! We have so much to be thankful for.... don't ever take one second of it for granted!! Thank the Lord for all that He has done for you. This is indeed the sunny side of every day you live. Smile :)
This is such a cute picture... but the people sitting on the rock in the background is kind-of distracting. So in a matter of minutes (as you can probably tell) I simply edited them out of the background using Photoshop. POOOF! Gone! Photoshop is an amazing program. Because of it, I am hesitant to believe the legitimacy of pictures on the internet. Some people have really mastered the program and can make fake pictures look authentic. It's an art. Anyways, enjoy!
The name Shepherd carries so much meaning to it. Often pictured by a humble man with staff in hand, a shepherd is one who is responsible for the protection and well-being of his flock. He is the sheep’s source of guidance, provider, protector, instructor, healer, and encourager. To me, this simple but profound name is the perfect name to describe who my Lord is as my Shepherd.
I’ve heard it said that the more “blood, sweat, and tears” one puts into something he is trying to acquire, the more he will cherish whatever it is he buys. The Good Shepherd paid for His sheep with a large price. The cost: His life. Because of this, His sheep are very dear to Him. “I give [My sheep] eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” John 10:28.
The Good Shepherd wants the best for His sheep. The pastures He leads them into are rich with green grass. They never go hungry. The still waters are always abundantly running nearby. They never go thirsty.
The Good Shepherd restores the soul. He reassures the sheep that they are secure in His care. He encourages the sheep in troubled times. He gathers the flock safely together.
The Good Shepherd leads His sheep in paths of righteousness. Leading the sheep is one of the most important roles of a shepherd. He shows them the right path- the one that is safest.
The sheep have no reason to fear under the trustworthy authority of the Good Shepherd. Though there will be times when the valley is dark as death, the sheep remember the rod and staff in the hand of the Master. When they gaze up at Him and see Him ready to defend, it brings the sheep a sense of security.
The Good Shepherd provides food for His sheep. Also while the sheep are feeding, He continues to keep a watchful eye open for predators.
The Good Shepherd gives His sheep a sense of worth. The shepherd in the field would anoint the head of sheep with oil and spice to protect them from harmful insects. His sheep are well taken care of- they are blessed.
The Good Shepherd gives His flock goodness beyond measure. He not only gives them what they need, but He gives them more than they need. He is very generous.
The Good Shepherd is truly and genuinely good to His flock. His mercy towards them is a sign of His goodness. Even when the sheep wander astray, He doesn’t always punish them the way they deserve.
The Good Shepherd’s goodness and mercy is never-ending. It endures through all time.
The sheep always have a place to call home because the Shepherd will never leave them nor forsake them. They will dwell in His presence for forever.
"The closer that I come to You The more I know that I’ve been living in a LIE How could I have been so blind To think that there is something I can hide behind? The more I know You the more You…
Open my eyes now I can see
That where You are is the only place
I want to be wrapped in Your love.
For my lifetime You are the only one I am dreaming of.
How could I deny Your love? When You’re the one who takes me back when I break Your heart in two. Maybe I should listen when You call my name. You’re crying and You’re begging me to just stay here with You. The more I know You the more You…
Open my eyes now I can see That where You are is the only place I want to be wrapped in Your love. For my lifetime You are the only one I am dreaming of.
I’m starting to forget why I am here. That when You’re near me everything is all so clear. The only reason I’m alive is to Know You more so You can …
Open my eyes now I can see
That where You are is the only place
I want to be wrapped in Your love.
For my lifetime You are the only one I am dreaming of."
