On Being a Sheep

Quick quotes: We, your people, the flock of your pasture, will give you thanks forever Ps 79
My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. Jn10:27
Moses said to the Lord "May the Lord set over the community a man who shall act as their leader...so that the Lord's community may not be like sheep without a shepherd"

Without a shepherd sheep can still exist, maybe. If they don't become prey. If they don't die from starvation or dehydration. The sheep by themselves don't know the way to thrive. See the early posts on this blog about being a sheep, and learning to love the rod and staff. With our personal savior we have a "good shepherd" who comes after us and restores us to the flock when we are lost. Are you lost? Do you feel alone and unloved, battling hardships that seem unfair? That alone does not mean you are lost, since we are called to follow Christ to the cross and through the suffering to share in his resurrection. The real sign seems to be: are you having trouble with sincerely singing God's song of love from your heart? Can you forgive those who wrong you? Can you love in spite of finding sin in your fellow? If that is the case, then call out constantly to your good shepherd. Look for the other sheep who do not share your problem, and try to learn what they know. If you do not understand, then trust blindly in the wisdom of the ages and the church which Christ founded and leads through the successor of Peter.

Prairie Springtime

April in the Osage: The bulls are up and getting ready for the breeding season. They are gaining weight and spend most of their time grazing and singing to the cows, announcing their availability. We turn them out the first week in May in order to have February babies. The cows are also beefing up and should be cycling by May.

Quick quote: In my God is the joy of my soul [Isaiah].

The wonder of life abounds in April. This is my favorite time of year! It is also the favorite for the cattle as they build their strength and heighten their breeding instincts in preparation to participate in God's creative work. It is easy to see God's hand at work.

Easter Saturday

April snow?

Global warming has sure taken an unexpected turn. The rain gauge now has 11.4 inches to date, 2 and a half yesterday, followed by snow this morning. All is well, though, soon it will be warm and the new growth resuming. Back to the feed trucks!

From the Canticle of Isaiah: "The parched land will exult; the prairie will rejoice and bloom. It will bloom with abundant flowers and rejoice with joyful song. Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; he comes to save you with divine recompense. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened. Rivers will burst forth on the prairie. The thirsty ground will become springs of water. Those whom the Lord has ransomed will be crowned with everlasting joy; sorrow and mourning will flee."

If April showers bring May flowers, what will April snow bring? Stay tuned! I should get a pic this morning of one of those rivers that has burst forth on the prairie. Or one of the springs of water where there had been thirsty ground. This morning, however, the cattle are fearful of God's work, but I have faith!

Coming soon: I was blind, but now I see: a true story.

He is Risen!

All the earth is full of God's Glory!

I have been to Colorado and back. It is always good to see family. We have had our Easter storm, which included a freeze that put a stop to all the grass growing which had started after the rains. 8.75 inches have fallen in total, the ponds are full and the ground is wet and springtime just awaits warmer weather.

Psalm 42:
Like the deer that yearns for running streams,
so my soul is yearning for you, my God.

With cries that pierce me to the heart, my enemy reviles me,
saying to me all day long "where is your God?"

Why are you cast down, my soul, why groan within me?
Hope in God; I will praise him still, my savior and my God.

Just as the Lord formed the beauty of the Rockies and sends yet again the magical blessing of new life with spring, I know that he lives, that he loves me, and my soul can hope in him with confidence. He has saved me, he is saving me, and he is going to save me.