Britta Lafont

Britta Lafont

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December 14, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Remember: God Loves a Shepherd

Slider Posts· Walking Through Advent

God Loves a Shepherd

A Shepherd Works

We have been thinking about getting a puppy for quite a while. When you’re going to get a puppy, you hear a lot about other people’s puppy stories. Last week, a new friend was telling me about her Australian Shepherd, which reminded me of a patient I’d had when I was a dental hygienist. This lady and her husband had two Australian Shepherds.

Two people and two dogs lived on one piece of land, out in the country, with a duck pond. With no sheep to herd, the dogs herded ducks. They herded geese. And when they had the opportunity, they herded any small children who came to visit. When she wasn’t careful, the Australian Shepherds herded my patient, too!

A Shepherd Protects

We use words like protector, guardian, defender, keeper, and overseer to describe shepherds. Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd to teach us about His character. He is our protector, guardian, defender, keeper, and overseer:

  1. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep (John 10:11, NLT).
  2. I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me (John 10:14, NLT).

It’s no coincidence that the first people outside of Jesus’ family to hear about His birth were shepherds. God loves shepherds. King David was the most beloved king in Israel’s history, and he had been a shepherd in his youth. Tending sheep prepared him to protect and oversee the nation of Israel.

A Shepherd Watches

Shepherds are watchful; they must keep an eye out for bad weather and predators. One miraculous night, while they were keeping watch, some shepherds saw an amazing sight. These modest men were invited to meet baby Jesus, the Great I AM, Who came to Earth to be the Lamb of God.

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:8-12, NLT

In Week Three of Advent, we light the Shepherd’s Candle, which is also called the Joy Candle. Are you an overseer at work? Do you shepherd a flock of little lambs seated around your kitchen table? Do you lead a Bible study group? Maybe you watch over an aging parent? As you toil in the field that God gives you, try to see yourself as a shepherd, like those bewildered common people who were visited by the heavenly host.

A Shepherd Listens

Picture yourself, visited by God’s messengers, in the midst of your day job. Their message? Look for Christ, in the humble places…this news should bring you great joy! He’s here. He’s here to save and this is what He says:

Come to me with your ears wide open.
Listen, and you will find life.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.

Isaiah 55:3, NLT

Image Copyright: Koljambus / 123RF Stock Photo

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In my typical social media introvert fashion, I re In my typical social media introvert fashion, I realize I didn’t share Gracie’s post on my feed at the time. 🤦🏻‍♀️
We are so thankful for this young man. ❤️ We are so thankful for this young man. ❤️
When the first day of school is also the day your When the first day of school is also the day your firstborn drives herself to college, it’s a lot. We moved her stuff into her dorm last week. Today she got up early to say goodbye to Dad (too early! Not pictured 😂), her brother, her doggo, her piano, and her momma. Before she left, she made blueberry scones to share with her little bro @sjoshlafont —they homeschool and relocated together, went to @westminsteroakmtn together, and have shared a love of music, Legos, superheroes (and villains), Transformers, and so much more. She played my favorite song. She even made banana bread to bring to her new roomie. @graciethenerd You are my little nut brown hare, and I love you to the moon and back. Auburn University is a better place because you are there! ❤️
Josh just started working in the bakery at Publix. Josh just started working in the bakery at Publix. Today he got his braces off. I just can’t believe it—where did the time go? @sjoshlafont
I’m a social media introvert mostly, but I’m r I’m a social media introvert mostly, but I’m reflecting today and feeling grateful for my sweet girl, my baby, my first-born. 🥰 She sure is a blessing to our family and her friends. Also, so grateful for the wonderful school where she spent the last four years—the perfect place to land after years of homeschooling on the move. “For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Ps 100:5) #curatingthegood #graduated🎓 #wisebeyondheryears @graciethenerd @lafonte04 @westminsteroakmtn
Best Thanksgiving that I can remember. I am so gra Best Thanksgiving that I can remember. I am so grateful for my people!! 🤗 ❤️@graciethenerd @thecardboardqueen @lafonte04 
#Psalm8 #highlandlakes #birminghamalabama
My friend @amy_young1234 is so generous! She has f My friend @amy_young1234 is so generous! She has found a way to share her birthday with friends all year long. This past week, I had to privilege to be her #FOTW You can read about her plan to celebrate her birthday by celebrating others in the link to her blog at the end of this post. That’s SO like Amy. 🤗 https://www.messymiddle.com/52-cards-52-weeks-52-years/ #curatingthegood
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