“The relationship between the shepherd and his sheep, between Christ and those whom He calls, is one of personal, profound knowing; for He knows me intimately, He knows me by name.”
“Most of us are totally unaware of just how well God really does know us. We are oblivious to the staggering truth that every aspect of our lives is fully known to Him. If we examine the Word of God on this subject we will discover that even from our conception in our mother’s womb all the hereditary factors that combined to make us each the unique individuals that we are have been known to God.”
“God by His gracious Spirit calls us from and leads us out of our cramped experiences. He invites us to move out into the rich, nourishing pastures of His Word. He wants us to roam abroad in the wide ranges of new relationships with others of His flock. He longs to lead us beside still waters; in paths of righteousness; up into the exhilarating high country of the summer ranges where we are in close communion with Him.”
“The intentions that He has for us are all good. His desires and aspirations for us are enormous, full of potential for unimagined benefit to us and others. Because the thoughts He thinks toward us are thoughts of peace and blessing, let us not hold back! It is the truly wise one who will allow himself to be led out into the broad fields of God’s gracious blessings and benefits.” ~Phillip Keller
~After a bluesy, tiresome sort of day yesterday I found comfort in my Bible reading and book reading last night and this morning. It’s amazing how a fresh and steady look at Jesus makes all my own little discomforts and anxieties seem easier to deal with. (An understanding husband helps, too. The Lord used him last night to give me some much needed encouragement and something to look forward to—he’s taking the kids out all day on Saturday!)
Good to be Home 
{Trying not to be vain that apparently I am the FIRST FAN TO COMMENT!}
I have been meditating on Ps 23 this week after hearing some much needed admonishon Sunday to rest in my Shepherd’s provision for me. Thank you for a great post to encourage me to keep on!
~whatever!
Things go so much better with Christ in the center! I wanted you to know I made the Jello cookies yesterday. I can never just leave a recipe alone, so I made orange ones and added candied orange peel. I also didn’t have enough butter, so I substituted with a little sour cream. I ended up not icing them. (Ran out of powdered sugar, too and it is almost $2 a box here!) They were yummy!
I just picked up that book last night as I found it a few weeks ago at Goodwill for a $1 and forgot about it…but began skimming through it a little! 🙂
loved these quotes… and you are right in when we get our energy from God and his Word that yes, it helps my focus and perspective of life so much. What a wonderful personal Savior he is.
It is a good thing when we find our rest and refreshment in Christ. Not everyone has an understanding husband like you do, for which you are blessed,but even then, He is all we really need.
This was so very refreshing! Thank you. I love coming to your site. Sometimes I just sit here for a moment and listen to your beautiful music. (How do you get it to keep playing through the comments?? Does that make sense? lol) I love your candle photo. You have such an artistic eye. What kind of camera do you use? And do you manipulate your photos, or are they raw? They are always so bright and lovely. Sorry about all of the questions this morning! I think of these often, but have never asked. 🙂
@mtc92405 – I don’t mind the questions! I’m not sure how I got the music to play during the comments. I use a Nikon D40x and the only editing I do is sharpen them and sometimes I use color booster or change them to black and white. I don’t have time for much else, although the header is something I created using Photobucket, it didn’t take long at all. Have a wonderful day…and, also I think it’s really cool that you make those jello cookies too. You’ll have to try the glaze this year.
@whateverstate – If you are currently meditating on Ps. 23, than I highly recommend the book I am reading, it’s wonderful and was written by a shepherd who later became a pastor (another kind of shepherd!). Currently, I am reading about John 10, another good Shepherd/sheep passage. ((HUGS))
@DanishDoll – Your variation of the cookies sounds AWESOME! Wish I could taste-test! I’m making gingerbread men with Davy today….I can’t wait for him to get off the bus. We’ve been reading the Gingerbread Man story at home and he’s been hearing it at school, too. Have a great day, friend!
Thank you for this encouragement, Shan! I’m sorry that you had a bluesy sort of day yesterday, but you know where to turn for refreshment. Your husband is a wonderful treasure- how nice of him to take the kids on Saturday! Much love to you from snowy AK.
I love the book you are reading and I loved reading your quotes and comments. (especially being lead out to “the broad fields” . I have been burning the candle that you sent last year, saving it up for this time of year again. I think of you each time I light it….. Give a pat to little Onesiphorus for me 😉 (and don’t you know you are an encourager now~!!)
Maybe part of your “bluesy” sort of day yesterday is due to the fact you are a very sensitive person. The fact that you capture photos that inspire others to smile or remember happy times in their past, and the fact you quote such beautiful things from poetry and books is a testament or statement to your sensitivity. A trait that I admire in you!Everything you’ve wanted to accomplish with this blog site is a reality – it’s serene, it’s Biblical, it’s honest, and it’s a beautiful breath of fresh air whenever I visit.You are a dear, dear person and I’m SO glad we met online!
your music is playing during the comments as well as your page b/c it is in the footer. : P I put my player there on purpose! See, great minds still think alike!
Oh, these quotes are just what I needed today! They link so well with what I studied this morning…isn’t the Holy Spirit amazing that way?! Lord bless you dear one! Jenny
“It’s amazing how a fresh and steady look at Jesus makes all my own little discomforts and anxieties seem easier to deal with.” amen sister! beautiful quotes here~happy weekend to you.
Philip Keller is such a good writer, I especially like the line about allowing Him to lead us out into open fields.
Lovely quotes!