From Rebecca

God's tapestry of abundant care for us is revealed in many ways. The notes and stories sent to me are certainly part of this, and becoming more and more significant! The support that God brings from people thinking about me and praying for me across the globe, encourages me in such a deep, humbling way.  Who am I?  Yet God cares enough to send me a moment of encouragement.  I am seeing this happen day by day, and in ways I could never have imagined!

The following is from my dear friend, Rebecca.

Dear  Nancy,

You are much in my thoughts and prayers. Thought of you in my devotions today through Psalm 23.

Do you need a picnic right now?

Think of Psalm 23 where the Good Shepherd cares for his flock. Even in the valleys of fear, He prepares picnics along the way (see verse 5). I pray that you will have a kind friend to break bread with you, to sit and enjoy a cup of tea, to reach across the table of troubles, and spread the picnic blanket.

Surely goodness and mercy will pursue me – and you –  all the days of our lives. 

Surely. Not maybe. Not perhaps.

The text promises God's presence all the days of our life. This is a promise, an assurance that the God of mercy will be with us through the good and bad days, the rich and poor days, the sick and well days.  All the days of our life. (see verse 6)

Believing in this promise, brings our Lord, our Good Shepherd, into our every valley, and into our problems. He is seated with you at the picnic table, and at the grand table for the banquet feast.

Best Regards,

Rebecca

The Lord Is My Shepherd

A Psalm of David.

23 

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

3 He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

A 'lemonade picnic' with Janell and Ken - and Elvis - at Harry's Diner, Sheboygan