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, August 24, 2011

Flooded Streets

"This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad." (Psalms118:24)                                      

Streets Flooding in Council Bluffs

We had a storm the other night - wind, golf-ball and larger hail, and lots and lots of rain!  Just what we do not need with the flooding in our area. But we got it anyway for reasons we have no clue.

But you know God knows whats going on down here far better that we do, so I just put my trust in Him.  He created this earth and even when we don't know the "whys" of these things we can know the "Who" that made it all work together. 

After the storm the other night I got up to go to work and my sister-in-law called to tell me they had water in their basement, that some of the streets were closed due to flooding, and the schools were not going to start for a while. So I drove down a couple of streets on my way to work.  Actually these streets were in a 10 block area of where I live!  I count my blessings every day when I just have a few spots of water in my basement and these people have water draining from their basements all the time! 

Sure enough there was street after street filled with water.  So many feeling so bad about their houses, cars, etc.  What do you say to these people???  I know it is hard to "rejoice" and be "glad" in it when you are the ones in the middle of all this water! But I can say that God is still true, He is still watching over you, He is still on the throne of this world . . . even when it may not seem like it at the moment!  Just remember that He cares for you, He loves you, He wants us to look to Him in our time of distress, in our times of need. 

Psalms 34:8 says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that takes refuge in Him."

Turn to Him and look around you and taste and see what God has in store for you today! Look for that smile, hello, how are you doing, that flooded street, that kid enjoying running through the rain!  Look and See!
  
I've found that many times it is the small things in life - those ordinary things that turn into extraordinary things.  Things like a smile, a hug, a kind word, a little compassion. It's in these things that I sense His tenderness and His graciousness.  I think every day is filled with God - if we will just look around us and feel His touch, His face, His voice, His love.  Look around you and see if you can "rejoice" and be "glad" and "taste and see" that He is good - even when the waters are high, tensions are strained, finances are stretched. Look and see for He is Good! 

These kids on this next block made the most of the water situation in their street and yard and the parents seemed to be making a memory those kids will never forget as long as they live!  A friend of mine commented on this picture . . . "Iowa a place to row"!!  Enjoy the moment - even when it is somewhat difficult - trust God to help you today!
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1 comment:

  1. Heather KasparAugust 24, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    Hello Ms. Diana!! I found your blog through your daughter´s blog!! I just LOVE it! This is sure the place to come when you need a little inspiration! The last couple of weeks have been kind of trying for me, but you´re exactly right. God knows what he´s doing! You just gotta keep the perseverance and the faith! The Good Lord won´t give you anything you can´t handle!! God bless you sweet lady!!

    -Heather Kaspar
    buckupbaby.blogspot.com

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