EVEN WHEN PASTURES are not green, the Lord stands steadfast as our shepherd.
Pastures currently are not green, in the literal sense, here in Minnesota, although on Saturday we enjoyed a balmy 46 degrees.
Today we’ve been thrust back into winter’s hold, with an Arctic air mass gripping the state. Air temps are hovering around zero degrees Fahrenheit with the windchill at minus 25 – minus 34 degrees F.
Consider that yesterday I didn’t wear a coat; my long-sleeved flannel shirt proved sufficient to keep me warm while outdoors.
This morning I pulled a sweater over my shirt and bundled into my wool coat, scarf and gloves to head out for church services.
What a difference between yesterday and today.
Just like our lives. One day brings comfortable walking through green and sunny pastures. The next day brings challenges along a cold and snowy path.
No matter the route, I am assured that the Lord is my shepherd, there to guide me on this journey through life.
He gives me the tools—prayer, loving family and friends, His promises and love, and more—to help me clear and navigate the path when the going gets rough.
What a blessing to have the assurance of His presence.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Photo taken at Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church, Faribault, Minnesota
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
The weather is fluctuating here too. A few years ago you never had to check the forecast before heading out for the day – you just knew what the day would be like because it would be the same as the one before that and the one before that. These days there seems to be no pattern – hot as Hades one day, cool and wintery the next. I’ve never seen those snow shovelling implements before – no need for them in this hot, dry land. And yes, whatever we’re going through it’s good to remember Psalm 23! xx
I wonder what’s going on with this wacky weather.
Those would be snow shovels in the photo. We have at least three in our garage along with a snowblower to use when the snow gets too deep to shovel.
Psalm 23 is always such a reaffirming Psalm.
Amen sister! God is good and the weather is crazy, that’s what we get for living in Minnesota, but I wouldnt have it any other way!
And I know how you love our winters, Jackie, and our Lord.
Amen!!! And it’s available to all who would accept the gift of His Son and His redeeming sacrifice!!!! Alleluia!!!!!
Indeed!
Blessings Audrey, May you enjoy a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
Thank you so much. I am blessed by so many readers like you.
How true Audrey.
Amen, Amen.
DeLores
When I shot that image of the snow shovels resting next to the stained glass window, I wasn’t sure how I would incorporate the pic into a post. And then it all fell into place.
Amen and Amen! As a Yankee ex-pat living in the land of the largest sheep paddocks in the world it is interesting to observe how the Biblical metaphors to sheep and shepherds are almost universally understood. But as for the snow shovels, no, not for us living inthe sub-tropics. I do not miss snow.
It’s such a comforting image from Scripture, that of the Good Shepherd and His lambs.
I envy you right now living in the sub-tropics. I have not checked the temp here yet this a.m., but it’s probably around zero or below.
Beautiful – thanks so much for the reminder that we are blessed through celebrations and successes as well as challenges and weaknesses – lean into it and embrace it:) Happy Monday!
You are welcome. Sometimes it’s tough to see the blessings in the challenges. But they are there.
Sorry – brain fart – there are not they are – duh!
Yes, they are and I am learning to lean in a little more and just embrace the process.
What a wonderful piece you offered up today (I am a day late!). I love the picture to illustrate your point and love your words. Yes, indeed, the Lord is our Shepherd and we need to realize that to lean on Him is the best thing we can ever do. Blessings to you!
And leaning I am.
The tundra is frozen in Chicago and like Mn our temp dropped 50 degrees from the weekend. The words the “Lord is our Shepherd “is very comforting and warming. Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you also from the still frozen tundra of Minnesota.
Amen!