Graze: To feed on growing grasses.



The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

-Ps. 23:1-6

Growing up on a farm, I used to watch the cows, sheep & horses graze in the pasture. Each morning we would open the gate to the barnyard and they knew there was freedom from that small pen they were in. They also knew there was nice green grass beyond the barnyard. Once the gate was open, look out because those animals wanted to get where the tall, green grass grew – the pasture! They would take off sometimes even running up the old fenced lane that went up over the hill through the cornfield to the lush green pasture on the other side of the farm. There they would graze for a while then lay down and rest for a while then graze some more. They did this all day long. Come evening we would go over to the pasture’s edge and call the cows – 'come boss, 'come boss. They would gather at the pasture gate. Sometimes we would have to go round up a few stragglers and when all were accounted for, we’d open the lane gate and back over the hill they would go to the barnyard for the night. The next morning was the same routine, day after day. What a life, huh?!

Oh that we could just graze and rest in shady green pastures all day long! But we can rest and graze in God’s green pastures and restore our souls . . . The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Ps. 23:1) I believe God wants us to slow down and “rest” and “graze” and “feed” on His Word. Life throws so many things our way and we are so busy – busy doing good things. But are we running on empty a good share of the time? Are we feeling stretched to extreme? Are we content with who we are in God’s divine providence? Slow down and take some time to just leisurely graze, rest a while, then graze and feed on the good things God has provided for you. Graze, rest, and enjoy the “shady green pastures” of God’s abundant love, grace, and mercy.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Maple Bacon Flavored Coffee


Free Sample - Maple Bacon Flavored Coffee



The delicious flavors of sweet maple syrup and the aroma of crisp country bacon combine in this coffee brew to produce a taste you’ll jump out of bed for! Experience the ambiance of a charming maple farms with the fresh flavor of sugary sweet maple syrup. Maple bacon flavored coffee will not disappoint those lovers of breakfast flavors! . . .

I received this ad today and thought it sounded a little far out!!  Now, don't get me wrong - I like my coffee and I like lots of different flavors.  But I must say, this one really didn't hit me as the flavor that I would "jump out of bed for"!  (Sorry!)  I like maple syrup and I could "maybe" taste that in my cup of coffee but I'm not so sure about the "crisp country bacon" in my coffee cup!!!!  I like my crisp country bacon to crunch in my mouth not in my cup! And preferrably with a couple of eggs and toast. And, yes, with a cup of coffee that does NOT have crisp country bacon in it!

What do you think?  Does this sound like your cup of coffee? Needless to say - I did not send for my free sample.  I think I will just have to pass on this "freebie"!

Isn't if funny how some things in life we can simply live without - like Maple Bacon Coffee! And yet I am sure there is somebody out there that thinks "Maple Bacon Flavored Coffee" sounds just wonderful! And the smell of it in the morning probably does make them "jump out of bed for it"!  But that is what makes life so interesting, isn't it?  We can't all like the same things or we would be standing in line forever waiting to get our sample of Maple Bacon Flavored Coffee! (You know - because that is the kind everyone wants!!!)

Thank goodness we are all different! All unique in our own God-given ways. God gave each one of us special characteristics, talents, abilities, ambitions, dreams, and expectations.  Creating a special being that is like none other.  No two human beings alike - all special ordered by God Himself!   WOW!  That is exciting when you think about it, isn't it?  You and Me - special ordered by God.  And let me tell you - YOU are "special".  He (God) knows the plans He has for you and for you alone.  Plans that no one else can accomplish or fulfill - only you!  Jeremiah 29:11-14 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the lord, " plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you  a future and a hope." God gave you everything you need to fulfill those plans.  Everything you need to fulfill your future and your hope in Christ.

Have you thought about your "special-ness" and how you are using the gifts you have.  What are your special gifts and talents?  Is it teaching, reaching out to others, music, laughter, computer skills, babysitting, visiting those in the hospital, care-giving, sending cards, cooking, cleaning, showing hospitality, working on cars . . . oh my, the list could go on and on . . . the real question is, how are you using these abilities to impact those around you?  Those that could use a little help and encouragement.  

It's easy to get so busy with all that we are doing "in and of ourselves" that we forget that God wants us to share "who we are" and "spread His love" to others through the "gifts and abilities" He has given us.  God wants to "SHINE" in and through each one of us.

So tomorrow morning when you smell that coffee aroma (whatever flavor it is!) rise and shine - jump out of bed ready and willing to share who you are and what God has done for you.  Somebody needs to see God's love through you!
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