Bryson City Tales

Beginning his medical practice, Walt Larimore landed in a small Smoky Mountain town called Bryson where he records the experiences not only of a country doctor, but veterinarian, and psychologist.  The simplicity of life in this rural village and the descriptions of nature are well told. 

Desiring to live in such a quiet and uncomplicated place, stimulates reflection on bucolic times and regret for loss of locales which generated meditative contemplation.

Lessons from a Sheepdog - Sheepdog Trials

Finished reading Lessons from a Sheepdog by Phillip Keller and visited Estes Park Wool Market where a version of sheepdog trials occurred. Phillip Keller discussed seven lessons to be learned from a sheepdog. First, the wrong master will enslave and cause a dog to fear and be unable to work; 2) after the dog is set free to follow the good master, he has to learn to respond properly; 3) the new master teaches the dog to trust him by his goodness and concern for the well being of the dog; 4) the dog delights to obey the new master and responds to the benevolence and kindness of the master; 5) there is a test of faithfulness for the dog to stay where he is needed, learning to obey based on signals; and not being distracted by other events, circumstances or location of the master; 6) disobedience and faithlessness sometimes result in the need for discipline to correct wrong behavior. The discipline is exercised in love by the master and his love never disappears; and 7) the sheepdog is available for any task and will perform any assignment for the master because the dog knows the master loves him.

In Estes Park, various breeds of sheepdog herded the sheep, short-legged corgis and long-maned border collies, Australian shepherds and numerous types of Heelers demonstrated the above principles and responded to cues from their master. They did not respond to the cues of others, nor did they do harm to the sheep. If left to their own, however, some would have worn the sheep out by continuing to round and drive them from one spot to another. Each breed of dog worked in a slightly different manner. Some were gatherers, some motivators, some drivers.

Seems as though God is trying to drive home a point to me. I finished the book just before leaving for the Wool Market and had no idea that the demonstration of the dogs would be part of the event. God takes me through various stages to reach the goal of His glory. Being set free from the Evil One, sin and fear; working out who is my Master, His trustworthiness, faithfulness and love for me; delighting in His sacrifice on the cross for me and desiring to obey all His commands; serving where placed and how the Master has asked me to work; the need for discipline when I am distracted from the task at hand and He has a particular job assignment for me; and being available for any assignment no matter where that might take me or how difficult the job.

Jesus, my Master, has corralled me by His love and faithfulness. How can I be so ungrateful to not respond with obedience. Sometimes I am that ungrateful and it is exhibited in my selfishness rather than selfless love and service to others. Lord Jesus forgive me! Thank You for the way You teach in objects that have meaning to me.

Cast On Podcast 1.5

Just finished listening to the song "In the Bleak Winter" a Christmas Carol done by Allison Crowe. Wow! What an ethereal and haunting melody. The tune keeps playing through my mind and the words are simply beautiful. Christ did indeed leave a wonderful realm. He joined us here on this planet of shadows to reveal Himself and the eternity that awaits those who accept His sacrifice on their behalf.

Circle of Life

Today was an extraordinary day. A child entered into the world to one co-worker and another co-worker lived through a family member departing this world. Phenomenal, uncommon and differing are these two experiences and in between the rest of us carry on our daily existence.

The happenings of this date are quite unique to my experience. These occurrences makes one ponder the transistory nature of human life and the importance of taking and making each day special and memorable.

Pastoral Peace

The realization hit me when in England last month that the reason I enjoy the Cotswolds and the Peak District is the past. The peace of farming, the unspoiled countryside with sheep and the simplicity that comes with being in the outdoors under the sky, hearing the wind speak through the trees.

So when I start to long for the English countryside, I think I need to go for a walk in the woods here along the mountains and enjoy the creation God has so richly given to each of us.

Gratitude

How easy to forget to be thankful for the very basics! Those in New Orleans have realized that these are the things that they need the most. Gratitude is an attitude needed by all of us in our relationships with others and with our Creator.

A simple "Thank you." is always welcome to be heard by any listener. I know I enjoy hearing it when any effort has been made to do something for someone else. Maybe I need to say it more often to others for the common things done as well as those times when much effort was brought to bear to help me.

Thank you so simple and yet very important.