Psalm 23 -- explained

The other night after my wife's grandfather's funeral, some of us in
the family were sitting around talking about God and Heaven, and
plenty of other things like faith and parenting... Pastor's sermon was
about how forgiveness leads to an attitude of thanksgiving. Someone
admitted that it's very hard to forgive yourself sometimes, and its
hard to receive God's love and forgiveness as free gifts- we often
think we have to do something, we have to be better or somehow win
God's approval. We decided that this may be why He gave us analogies
like fisherman, farmer, potter and shepherd- these are all occupations
where the person supposedly in charge doesn't have absolute control.
Any kid in 4H or FFA who's had to show sheep will tell you how they
want to do what they want to do. As an art teacher, I can tell you
that throwing a pot on a wheel is no where near as fun and sexy as
Demi More made it look in the movie Ghost, and my Farmer-in-law tells
me that he'd drive himself crazy if once he tilled and planted the
seed he didn't tell God, "Okay, I've done my part, now I need You to
bring some sun and rain."

Now today, my sister-in-law (on my side of the family this time) sent
this email forward. Guess I'm too much of an Art snob to have
appreciated all the schmaltzy pictures that came with it (no offense
intended, Deb) so I took them out before posting it here. (Like this
blog isn't full of cheesy pictures) Be that as it may, I just thought
that the explanations are so simple and clear and practical and real
and... well, beautiful. It really makes Psalm 23 meaningful and
powerful, rather than just a piece of rote memory work from Sunday
School. I hope you find it as moving and profound as I did:

Me ka pule,
Pirate Ted

Some probably never thought nor looked at this Psalm in this way....
even though they say it over and over again.

The Lord is my Shepherd
That's Relationship!

I shall not want
That's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
That's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters.
That's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul
That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness.
That's Guidance!

For His name sake
That's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
That's Testing!

I will fear no evil.
That's Protection!

For Thou art with me
That's Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me,
That's Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
That's Hope!

Thou anointest my head with oil,
That's Consecration!

My cup runneth over.
That's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
That's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord.
That's Security!

Forever
That's Eternity

Face it, the Lord and I think you are special.
Send this to the people you think are special.
I thought this was pretty special, just like YOU!!!
What is most valuable, is not what we have in our lives;
but WHO we have in our lives.

_______________________________
Ted's cartoons, artworks, photos, and commentary at:
http://tmal.multiply.com

Pirate Prayers at:
http://malloryprayer.blogspot.com

"The gospel is meant to comfort the afflicted and afflict the
comfortable." ~Garrison Keillor