THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

May 5, 2021

LIFE IN THE FOLD:

Several years ago I attended an outdoor wedding. After the ceremony, as everyone was leaving, a different husband and wife approached me and asked, "You are Doyal and Bonnie Horton's youngest daughter, aren't you?" I recognized who they were, probably having seen them at a church service and having heard their names, but I had never talked to them and didn't know them. They were in the same generation as my parents, and I believe that perhaps the husband had attended school with my dad. They went on to say how much they had always liked and respected my parents.

Something that was really impressed upon me at that time was the fact that I represented my parents to the community. People know who they were, and as their daughter, I had the responsibility of representing who they were. My four sisters and I were often referred to as "the Horton girls", and everyone knew whose family we were a part of. If not called the Horton girls, we were referred to as "Doyal and Bonnie's girls". There was always that direct connection of who are parents were, and everyone in the community and surrounding area knew who we belonged to. My parents were highly respected and it was my desire to never do anything to bring them shame or disgrace. I wanted them to always be proud of having me as their daughter.

2 Corinthians 5:10: "We are Christ's ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, 'Come back to God!'"

Then in Colossians 3:17 we are told: "Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

Wherever we go, we are representative of Jesus. We are His ambassadors, speaking on His behalf. We should be a reflection of Him to others, allowing them to see Jesus through our lives. The verse in Colossians says that whatever we do or say, that we do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus. I don't know about you, but sometimes my words and actions aren't very Christlike. I get aggravated at people and say things I shouldn't at times. Sometimes I complain... judge and criticize others.... gossip... speak negatively.... and sometimes I'm just not as kind and loving as Christ.

I'm proud of my heritage and who my parents were, and it makes me happy when people remember Mama and Daddy and that I am their daughter. Even though they are no longer living, I still want to represent them well. I want to represent our family name well.

Even more so, I should have a desire to represent my Heavenly Father well and wear the name "christian" like a banner that declares who and what I am. I am a representative of Christ! I am not ashamed of the gospel and will boldly declare the Word of God. I am a child of God, a daughter of the King! Therefore, I need to speak and act like His representative, His daughter, so that everyone can see and know Who I belong to. My desire should be to never bring Him shame and disgrace, and to never be ashamed to admit that God is my Father and I love Him with all my heart. I want others to see Jesus in my words and actions consistently; not just when it's easy or convenient.

I pray that each of us will make that commitment to be representatives of Christ through our words and actions to our families, church, and communities.

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

Loretta and her sisters are also half Parton. There is a common feature among the Parton family. They have very distinctively shaped hips. It's enough that on several occasions, I've asked Loretta if some person is a Parton. More often than not, they are.

Loretta has pointed out that my family has a few manor-isms that are recognizable, too. Many families have some kind of trait that is common through the family so others can recognize them as part of the family.

As Christians, we have a common trait that others should be able to recognize in us. John 13:35 says, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." I think it also needs to go with Matthew 5:44 and 46, "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you", "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?"

When you show true love for your enemies, others recognize it. And it isn't the same as yelling at someone that they should be tolerant (while showing you yourself aren't). It is truly showing love and compassion; wishing well for those that hatefully spite you. That isn't always easy.

ON THE MENEWE:

Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole

If you are using sausage or bacon, brown; drain. Crumble sausage or bacon, or cut ham into chunks.

Mix all ingredients together in a 9x13 pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Bake in an uncovered pan at 350 for 45-60 minutes, or until eggs are set. Keep an eye on it after 45 minutes, to make sure it doesn't get overdone or burn.

Note: You can add whatever ingredients you like to this casserole; a mixture of breakfast meats, mushrooms, etc. You can also serve with salsa, if desired.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

I babysit my nephew's two toddlers, who are ages 2 and 3 (4 months apart in age... possible through adoption). The little girl, who is two years old, has recently learned how to hop. This is a major accomplishment and a miracle, because when she was a baby, she had numerous possible diagnoses and one was the possibility of not being able to walk. She is a healthy, vibrant, ornery, smart little girl and has overcome all obstacles! I messaged her mom and told her that she was hopping and how cute it was. She shared that the evening before, baby girl had started hopping. She would hop (which are short little bitty hops) and tell her parents, "I'm popping like a bunny!"

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

Don't dig up in doubt what you planted in faith. - Elisabeth Elliot

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org