Giving Thanks

        “Shout for joy to the LORD all the earth.

Worship the LORD with gladness

Come before Him with joyful songs.

Know that the LORD is God.

It is He who made us, and we are His;

We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving

And His courts with praise

Give thanks to Him and 

Praise His name.

For the LORD is good

And His love endures forever,

His faithfulness continues

Through all generations.

Psalm 100 NIV

Photo by Peter or Carlene Hardt ©2012  (Click on photo to enlarge it.) 

Lamb is Otis, 11 lb at birth. Born 11-13-12 at Peter’s farm. 

Mother is Sunny,   Father is Strider

Thankful for the LORD's blessings.

Thankful for you. 

The Shepherd and the Sheep

Do we see eye to eye?

It’s really impossible, isn’t it!

But there’s curiosity -- and caring -- and patience. 

“I’ll take care of you,” the good shepherd said,

“and you must learn to trust my leading.”

Viewing that quiet exchange of concern

gives you and me something to ponder:

We are the sheep of His pasture

And He is our Good Shepherd.

by Elaine Hardt ©2011
photo by Carlene Hardt ©2009 

An Idea for Having Fun

    
   Photo by Peter Hardt ©2011

Family Portrait

Left to right: Sirius, Lady, Rigel, Bellatrix, Pollux, Jewel, Castor, Lollie, Strider, Iris
Double click to enlarge the photo.

Family portrait, “Everyone look this way!

Show us how big, how attractive you are;

Hold still for this wonderful moment.”

Each face posed in quiet contentment,

Togetherness is something to behold;

Fun and games to resume quite soon.

The photo, ink on paper shows a stillness,

A brief moment before action springs to view;

If you were there you held your breath

For this composed family portrait,

Knowing that life will resume very quickly.

Let the fun and games begin!

By Elaine Hardt ©2011
Photo by Peter Hardt ©2011

Thinking of Ewe

Sheep do smile when they're happy or chilling out. According to our son Peter, "They're beautiful, gentle animals, unless it's the ram, and then you just have to pay him some respect." He goes on to say they call it "bliss" when they're chewing their cud because it's almost trance-like. "They know their names, like treats, complain if they need something (the only time they're noisy), etc."

Next, Peter makes some interesting comparisons.

The Good Shepherd

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. . .   

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”  

John 10:11, 14

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, 
and I know them, and they follow Me.  

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; 

neither shall anyone snatch them 
out of My hand.  

My Father, who has given them to Me, 
is greater than all; 

and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” 

John 10: 27-29. 

Carlene Hardt's photos of Peter and his lamb, ©2010