This is reprinted from Bro.Myles Young's blog. I am copying it here because there are some who read my blog that would never read his. I thought it well worth considering. I don't want to be in the camp or the company of Goliath or of goats either. I like David's camp and the sheeps pasture better!! I thank God for my shepherd!

Harold Bell Wright wrote the great classic "The Shepherd of The Hills" many years ago and what a story it is. This tale of love, mistakes, bitterness, anger and forgiveness has touched so many people through the years. At the center of the story is Dad Howitt...."the shepherd". If you haven't read it, you owe it to yourself to take the time to read it. While revisiting this story recently, my mind went to the role of shepherds in the scripture.



Shepherds are found everywhere in the scripture... I began to think about their significance and what they represent! When one goes down the path of scripture looking for shepherds, one cannot help but notice the sheep. We are the "sheep of His pasture" and we are in need of a shepherd.


The "throw-it-all-away" version of Pentecost doesn't care for shepherds. Oh, they like their blogosphere spiritist , and their "web-celebrity God experts" but an old-fashioned shepherd is not of much value (I don't think goats like shepherds either).


Running with people that do not like shepherds is to associate with quite a list of undesirables. Remember in the OT, where the scripture said that "to the Egyptians ALL shepherds are an abomination"...wow! Think about that a moment!


Do you remember the time that David was about to fight Goliath and Saul wanted him to wear what was "relevant" (lol). Hey, it made sense to Saul....oh, I forgot....he was no longer in proper alignment with God....hmmmm! David said said "I can't wear this stuff" and took it off. Have you ever noticed what David did? The first thing he did was...he picked up his "shepherd's staff". Look again at the old story of David & Goliath...what did Goliath mock? He took one look at this young man coming toward him and said...."Am I a dog to be chased by a staff". Goliath recognized that it was a shepherd coming to confront him. The giants that we are presently confronting are no different than Goliath of old. They still mock the shepherd.


Think on these things while "disposable Pentecost" is mocking the out of touch garb of the shepherd!

Apparently my dogs like pistachios. They managed to get the bowl off the coffee table and proceeded to carry the nuts all over the house. They actually shelled them, ate the nuts and left the shells, EVERYWHERE!!.
Don't they look innnocent?

I just got home from a week spent with my family in New Brunswick. It rained just about every day, but it was still good. I forgot my camera at home, so I have no pictures at all. My sisters and I with our husbands went to Bar Harbor again this year. It is such a beautiful spot!! I got to see some family that I wasn't expecting to be home at the same time as me when I booked my trip. My sister from Florida, Ken's sister from Ohio, and another of Ken's brothers and his wife and family. It was great to see you all!!
When I got home, Deidre and the girls were there to piok me up. When Lexy saw me, she ran and hugged me so tight. Her little arms and legs were wrapped right around me. I just loved that! When I held Allysa she just snuggled right in. That just melted my heart. It is good to be home.
The quilt my sister Lisa brought me matches perfectly. Thanks Lisa. I love it!

Some more random pictures of the house. Fonda, I have included some of the lighting. Let me know what you think.



My makeshift kitchen. I will be so thankful when we are able to finish the kitchen!!!



My Appliances. The fridge and the dishwasher are panel ready, which means they will have panels installed that are the same as the cabinet doors and will look like cabinets.






Below are some of the lighting choices I have made. They were not my first choice, but the ones I really liked were out of my budget. The dinig light I really loved was $800!! I have it narrowed down to the two below. One is quite formal and was the first one I put up. Then I went to a more rustic looking one. I am having a hard time deciding which one I like the best. Now that Ken has taken the first one down and installed the second one, I am leaning toward the first one again. Poor Ken, having to put up with me!! I would like your vote on the two. Which one would you choose? Keep in mind that I am trying to acheive a cottage look in this house.


2 upper bedroom lights are the same.


Angie's room ( This chandelier was on a really good sale and looks like it was made for her room. The base is a goldish metal similar to her wall color and the crystals are white and deep purple that match her bedspread and pillows.), John's room and the back entrance lights. (the back entrance light is my favorite of all.)



I used the same light fixture for the front entrance, hall and the foosball light.


We now have a temporary sink in the basement bathroom and a toilet in the upper bathroom. What a blessing. You don't really appreciate things like this until you don't have them!


Shower fixtures for the up and down baths


This is the pot filler that will be installed on the wall above the cooktop.

The Prayer of an Unknown Confederate Soldier

I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for help, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.