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.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Take a Fast Break & Find a Ramah Word

Have you ever been so busy doing something that you just couldn't stop but felt like you needed a "fast break"???  Well, I have!  My grass and hedges have been totally out of control these past few weeks.  I have been gradually getting them caught up but it has been a long, slow progress.  I have some hedges that have been needing trimmed - a major project!  Of course my hedge trimmers were not here.  I had sent them to my daughters when we were threatened by the Missouri River Flood of 2011.  So I totally forgot where they were. I had brought the lawn mower back here but forgot about the hedge trimmers - silly me!!!  Anyway I had been complaining about not getting the hedges trimmed and actually thought someone had taken them out of the garage.  Then when sitting eating with by Liz and Andy, in the midst of my complaining, Andy said, "your hedge trimmers are at the house"!!!  What a relief to find them - now the work must begin . . . hedges here I come!!!

Well, it has been quite a project and I have made a lot of headway on them but it has been a hard job. And there have been many times as I continue to work on my yard and hedges that I have wanted to stop and take a "fast break"!!!!   Yes, Reese's has a great candy bar - I really like it . . . and thank goodness it comes in the snack size, which is just right for a quick little "fast break" from whatever it is you are doing - whether trimming hedges, mowing lawns, shopping, or just taking it easy.  Try them you will love them - that is if you like chocolate and peanut butter!!!

Sometimes in my spiritual life I also need to take a "fast break" from the daily routine of life. It's then that a devotional book, a bible study, a verse from the Bible is just what I need when I'm overwhelmed with my work and with my life.  I am excited about a Bible study I am starting on David - Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed.  There is so much to learn and I ask that God helps me "prepare my heart" as David did. Already, I am searching for my very own "Ramah Word"! That is something that is said or sung that will grip me and grab me and get my attention and speak to my heart.  Have you every had a "Ramah Word" that caught your attention in such a way as to change you, renew you, refresh you and bring you closer to your heavenly Father?  We all need these "fast breaks" that will grip us!  When is the last time you had such a "Ramah Word"?  Sometimes it is just that - a word, a phrase, a verse, a song, etc.  Are you looking for such a "fast break" from your schedule?  I challenge you to enjoy a "fast break" and ponder your "Ramah Word" and let it get it's hold on you until you are transformed!  
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1 comment:

  1. ShelliSeptember 7, 2011 at 5:50 AM

    Lately I have been clinging to the hope of dreams when they seem absolutely impossible. I love Isaiah 43:18-19. I can't wait to see what new thing God will do in my life and make a way in the wilderness and wasteland.

    Like the site! Love finding more country/girl Christian blogs! Mine is roadtoranching.com

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