"Contented by Grace"

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2

Photo by Eugene Wyatt

"In Psalm 23, green pastures and still waters are a sign of contentment. Few images convey the concept of peace like a flock of sheep under shady trees with their legs tucked under them, chewing the cud beside still waters. Sheep don't lie down to eat. They only lie down after they have eaten, and then they relax and enjoy again what they've previously eaten. Nor do they lie down if they're nervous or frightened. They only relax when they feel secure, content, and at peace.

The provisions of God's grace come with overflowing blessings, along with accompanying contentment and joy. God's grace enables us to enjoy His fields and His folds. When the Lord is our Shepherd, we have everything we need. We shall not want. We're blessed, supplied, led, protected, and content with our Great Shepherd.

Jesus said, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. John 10:10-11"

I have learned so much about God's grace this year. My mind is not able to comprehend. My heart just overflows to think of what God's grace means in my life. Because of it I am truly "blessed, supplied, led, protected, and content" because of my Great Shepherd. The name and the passage of scripture we have chosen for our little lady is so appropriate.

May Rachel Ann always have life abundantly

because she chooses to follow her Great Shepherd.

Rachel: God's ewe; one with purity or innocence of a lamb
Ann: Favored Grace and my precious grandmother's name
John 10:10-11 "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. "