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.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

10 Months and More . . . Alive and More

I had an interesting week... I went to Oklahoma for a couple of days. Never been there but enjoyed the shops, antiques, and fun!  Got back & went to work Wed. - Thurs. & Fri. my computer at work quit working so I couldn't work on the bulletin or newsletter so I only worked a while in the am doing other things I could do. So I went Christmas shopping in the afternoons - only about 50 days away!! I am so excited to go Christmas shopping!!  

Last year I was not able to do anything for Christmas or really even Thanksgiving!!  By this time last year my 2 brain tumors had enlarged (though I never knew I had them) & kept me from functioning-I was pretty much shutting down, hardly talking and not doing much of anything. It seems I was barely existing. I was there but not really there!  Doctors discovered the brain tumors December 7 - operated on December 12. I had about 6 months of recovery including 5.5 months of speech therapy. It took me about 6 months to really feel comfortable talking to people & actually conversing with them and about that long to get my energy level back and feel back to normal physically. So from "May 2013" to "this day", I have improved so much and feel totally back to the "Diana" I used to be!!  LOL!!  

So this November, I am really excessively, enthusiastic & exuberant and once again on top of the world!! And I  can't wait for the holidays . . .  to spend a much different holiday routine "this year" as compared to "last year"!!  The last 10 months have been a journey I and my family will "never" forget . . . the miracles of life, the miracles of recovery, the miracles of my doctor bills and finances, the miracles of prayer, the miracles of family & friends, & the many day to day awesome miracles of God alone who knows all and sees all and gives "abundant life".  Life is grand!  It's great to be "alive"!
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)