One of God’s great blessings is the friendship of other Christians. On rare occasions, that friendship blooms into something more. God blessed me with a dear farming and writing friend, who became a “big sister”, three years ago. We all need a godly family member who’ll tell you when you’re out of line, or at least blurring it—and be your biggest cheerleader when you’re fighting battles. I’m honored to have my big sister in Christ as my guest this week. I hope you enjoy this post from Ms. Katherine Pasour as much as I have.
God’s blessings,
My sweet girl, Heidi, is my best buddy on the farm. She greets me in the morning with a happy face, a wagging tail that shakes her entire body, and enthusiastic bouncing rivaling Winnie the Pooh’s friend, Tigger.
Heidi is a farm dog. She chases squirrels, groundhogs, and deer that ravage my flowers. She barks to alert me of visitors. Wherever I work on the farm, she goes with me.
My horse, Peaches, is not the brightest bulb in the pasture. In fact, I often wonder how she managed to grow into such a big, beautiful horse. Among her many vices, Peaches doesn’t keep her head in the feed bucket when she eats. Thus, she spills her sweet feed all over the ground as she eats her breakfast and supper.
Heidi, although well-fed, takes advantage of equine carelessness and sneaks into the outdoor stall to grab a snack. Working carefully, near very large hooves, Heidi gobbles up the spilled grain, while keeping all her senses on alert to avoid being trampled or nipped by the big palomino.
Heidi is both bold and cautious.
Often, when watching and working on the farm, I ponder on lessons I learn from observing. Heidi and Peaches are no exception. I’ll skip over the lack of wisdom Peaches exhibits and focus on my dog’s smart actions.
How can we be both bold and cautious in our daily walk with Jesus? What about when spreading the Good News of Jesus? Share on XOur Holy Bible provides much encouragement for us to seek an active relationship with our Lord and to have confidence in sharing His message with others. Confidence enables us to act with boldness in sharing the love of Jesus with others.
“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with
freedom and confidence”. (Ephesians 3:12, NIV)
Just as Heidi recognizes the need to be cautious around a 1,600-pound horse with very large feet and teeth, scripture urges us to be careful, at all times.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but
as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the
days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand
what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)
And unlike Heidi, who is careful only by trial and error and an instinct for survival, we can develop the necessary wisdom to make decisions that honor our Father and further His kingdom. We have His Holy Word to guide us (scripture), wise mentors to answer questions, and prayer to ask for our Father’s guidance.
“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instructions; pay attention
and gain understanding.” (Proverbs 4:1)
If Peaches steps close to Heidi or lowers her big head to bump or nibble the dog, Heidi leaves temptation and danger and leaps to safety.
Before equipping His disciples and sending them to minister to the lost sheep of Israel, Jesus warned them to escape if they were not welcomed (Matthew 10:12-14). This was one way of protecting His followers from danger. Be bold in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, but be aware of danger and exhibit caution.
Paul the Apostle’s prayer request sets the standard for us in our quest to boldly, but with discernment, share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others:
“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given
me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the
gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may
declare it fearlessly as I should.” (Ephesians 6:19-20)
My friends, I pray we may be granted wisdom and boldness to be an ambassador for Christ, while always being cautious, carefully discerning God’s will for us in service to Him.
About the Author
Katherine Pasour is an author, teacher, farmer, and speaker with a passion for service. She blogs regularly at www.katherinepasour.com with a focus on faith and wellness. Psalm 139 reminds us that we are God’s special creation, “fearfully and wonderfully made”, thus Katherine believes we should nurture all aspects of wellness in service to our Lord. She is a regular contributor to Refresh Bible Study Magazine, published by Lighthouse Bible Studies. Katherine has published articles in several Bible Study compilations, Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character (2018); Feed Your Soul with the Word of God (2019); and The Power to Make a Difference (2020). You can connect with Katherine on Facebook and Instagram at KatherinePasourAuthor and Twitter @KatherinePasour.
It’s so nice to meet you, Katherine, here at J. D.’s place! Loved your story about Heidi being both bold, yet cautious. What a great lesson for all of us as we strive to share God’s Word with others.
Blessings!
Thank you Ms. Martha. Glad you enjoyed; and eve more glad you got to meet my friend Ms. Katherine.
Thank you, Martha. So wonderful to meet you, too. I’m always blessed when God sends me lessons through nature. He always knows what I need and a lesson in being bold to share the Gospel is definitely a need for me. Wishing you blessings!
Beautiful post with much wisdom Katherine. Those are definitely two characteristics we are to exhibit.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting Ms. Ann. Glad you enjoyed; and yes, we all need to show more of these in our lives.
Thank you for your encouragement, Ann. I’m grateful when God grants me a message to share from my farm animals. Sometimes (like Peaches), I think my resident “eaters” are not very smart. But, since God sends me a thought to share, perhaps my animals are earning their keep. May God bless you, Ann.
Cautious boldness. I love the term and it beautifully describes what our work for the Lord should look like.
Always enjoy reading Ms. Katherine.
I’m with ya Ms. Candyce. I had that same thought ma’am; “Take cautious steps, but keep them moving forward!” Thank you ma’am.
I’m so blessed that J.D. invited me to share a message. Thank you for stopping by the Cross-Dubya to “hear” his guest today. I’m grateful for your encouragement and the smile you send me through your words. May God continue to bless you, my friend.
Another great lesson for all of us. Thanks for sharing Katherine’s post JD. God bless.
Absolutely Ms. Yvonne. I’m going to have to get you to come visit us here at the Cross-Dubya ma’am. My blog is always open to you ma’am.
Thank you, Yvonne. J.D. honored me with his invitation and I’m doubly blessed by your comments and encouragement. Hope your day is wonderfully blessed!
It was a treat to read your blog here today. I loved the spiritual illustration and application you drew from simplicity. Being equipped with God-confidence rather than fear that creeps in from self-confidence makes a big difference moving us from fear to faith.
Thank you Ms. Marilyn. Glad you enjoyed ma’am.
“Moving from fear to faith…” Thank you for sharing that message with us, Marilyn. Our faith journey is ongoing. We fall back and crawl forward. I’m so thankful our God is always there to pick us up, dust us off, and nudge (or push) us back on the path. Blessings, my friend.
Thanks for sharing Katherine with us! And of course, Heidi, too! Katherine, the contrast between Heidi and Peaches hit home in my spiritual walk with the Lord. I pray to be bold and cautious in these evil days!
It was my pleasure Ms. Karen. So pleased you enjoyed as Ms. Katherine’s wisdom spoke to you also.
Thank you, Karen. Sometimes I think God grants an extra dose of kindness and wisdom to our canine friends and we are the blessed recipients. I hope you will add us to your prayers–that we may be bold and cautious. Wishing you continued blessings in your ministry.
Excellent words of wisdom today! Thank you, Katherine!
Indeed! Thank you for visiting and commenting today Ms. Edwina. I appreciate your making Ms. Katherine a part of your day; she often shares much wisdom with me.
I’m so glad you stopped by J.D.’s blog today, Edwina. I’m grateful for your encouragement. Wishing you sunshine and blessings.
Love the juxtaposition of these two words–so much in our lives has two or more dimensions. I can just picture Heidi’s careful boldness while she scarfs down that leftover food. (:
Thank you Ms. Gail. So glad you enjoyed ma’am. God’s blessings; and congratulations on your latest book release, “Land That I Love”.
My Heidi is such a good example for me–she loves unconditionally, she’s forgiving (when I accidently step on her foot), she wakes up happy in the mornings, and she’s bold and cautious. God blessed us when he created dogs. Thanks so much for your encouraging comment, Gail. Wishing you continued blessings.
Wonderful post, Katherine. You and J.D. have so much “fodder” for spiritual lessons from the farm. Thanks for sharing this truth with us.
You are too kind Ms. Dottie. I think it’s safe to speak for both my friend Ms. Katherine and myself in saying, we are so blessed to live where God wants us to be. Why else would He make our farms His classrooms for us? I think much the way your flower gardens are for you ma’am. God’s blessings.
Dottie, I always look forward to J.D.’s messages. As you say, there’s endless “fodder” for us on the ranch and farm–new lessons every day. Thank you for your encouragement. Wishing you a blessed day!
Thank you, Katherine and J.D. I’d love to visit your farms and meeting your interesting animals!
I think you and Mr. Larry are pretty close to Ms. Katherine’s. If I remember correctly you’re in/near Raleigh ma’am. Ms. Katherine would have to confirm the rest though. But if y’all are ever in Texas, the doors always open ma’am. What a blessing it would be to show you and Mr. Larry around the little place God lets me take care of for Him. Thank you ma’am. Bring the boys. Bubba will have a blast showing them where all the good mud holes are. 😀
Debbie, visiting J.D.’s ranch is something I look forward to somday. I’m not sure my little southern farm is as exciting as a Texas ranch, but would love to work that out sometime. I hope your day is filled with joy and blessings!
What an honor to be on J.D.’s blog. Katherine, I always enjoy a good dog story especially when we can learn something from our furry four-legged companions. I can also relate to Heidi in that I am not likely to pass up free food either! Thank you for sharing. And keep that rancher friend of yours in line!
You are right Karen–it is an honor and a blessing to be on J.D.’s blog. God gifted our friend with insight and wisdom and the courage to share with others. J.D. is such a wonderful role model. Thanks so much for stopping by the Cross-Dubya and taking a chance on reading message from a farm girl halfway across the country. Wishing you a blessed day!
Pretty sure the honor has been mine, in all cases where I’ve had guest bloggers. I love seeing how God uses all of us in concert to carry His messages forward. What a great band!
Katherine, those are wonderful lessons to us from your animals. You and J.D. are blessed to have such inspiring teachers in your lives! Thanks for sharing with us, Katherine and J.D.
Yes, although I am far away from Texas, Barbara, I recognize that J.D. and I are both touched by God’s grace to live close to the land. We are blessed by the lessons we learn from farm and ranch I’m grateful we are able to share some of those lessons and that you and others are kind enough to read our messages and offer encouragement. May God bless you, my friend.
We certainly are Ms. Barbara. I’ve loved getting to know Ms. Katherine and her farm and animal friends. It’s a special kinship we share with God when caring for His creations.
Loved the post Katherine! What a great message!
J.D. Thanks for featuring Katherine on your blog!
Thank you so much for commenting Ms. Cindy. Praying your Mr. Dan finishes his rehab strong ma’am. 🙂
Thank you, Cindy! It has been so exciting to be J.D.’s guest this week. So many wonderful and encouraging comments. Wishing you good health and happiness (and a wonderful weekend!)
Katherine, I love the way you combined boldness and caution in this post. Scripture supports our addressing and embracing both. A mental picture of Heidi boldly snacking at Peaches’ feet will remind me of the balance God provides and expects us to use. Thank you for this beautiful message.
Amen Ms. Jeannie. Ms. Katherine shares some great insights with us doesn’t she? Thank you ma’am.
Jeannie, I’m so grateful for your encouraging response. You truly “brighten my day” and those of all who know you. Thank you for blessing my day. Wishing you a safe and joyful weekend, my friend.
Thank you for your wise words, Katherine! As the days for Christ’s return get closer we are wise to be Bold and Cautious!
You know it Ms. Stephanie. If ever there was a time to be cautiously bold, it’s today my friend. Thank you and God’s blessings.
Thank you, Stephanie, for your kindness and encouragement. I agree, now more than ever, we are called to be both bold and cautious. Wishing you continued blessings in your ministry.
I am thankful for the mentors God has placed in my life. Thank you for sharing your “big sister” with us. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
Yes ma’am. Ms. Melissa. I am right there with you; thanking God each day for those mentors He brings into my life. While our friend Ms. Katherine might be a month or so older, her wisdom has far surpassed her years on this earth. Likewise, there are some young folks (Ms. Katy immediately comes to mind) from whom I learn a great deal from. Like you I suspect, I also pray that God can use me in some way to help others in their walk. What an honor it is to be a co-laborer with you for the cause of Christ my sweet friend. God’s blessings; and thank you for commenting.
Like J.D., I have been blessed and mentored by so many I have met through our Blue Ridge Bible Study group and fellow Christian authors. I think J.D. is a “big brother” to so many of us. His “family” is bigger than Texas! Thank you, Melissa, for taking time to read and comment. I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and encouragement I have received. May God bless you.
Such great lessons from Heidi the farm dog! Thank you, Katherine!
I know you enjoy your canine friend, Kathy. Our dogs are so special and bring such joy (and good lessons). Thank you for stopping by with encouragement and a smile!
Amen! Heidi and Ms. Katherine offer many great lessons. Was so honored to be able to share her blog with others this past week. Thank you for commenting Ms. Kathy.
Very late getting to this rich contribution to our spiritual welfare, Katherine. There were too many times in my younger days when my “holy boldness” carried unanticipated price tags. cost me potential opportunities to carefully nourish relationships that could have been spiritually fruitful, I’ve learned some things about the counterbalancing caution you so creatively illustrated. Thank you for an important lesson wrapped in a heart warming setting.
I’m still paying the price for some of those lessons my friend. Nice to know I wasn’t the only one who learned some things the hard way. Thank you so much for adding to our conversation.
Thank you for stopping by J.D.’s ranch and commenting, Ron. I remember some boldness in my youth that would most likely be labeled “unholy” and certainly caused some pain and hardship within our church family. I’m so thankful that our Father has blessed me with greater discernment, compassion, and a dose of learning to “keep my mouth shut.” So glad you shared your thoughts with us.
“ Heidi leaves temptation and danger and leaps to safety.” A lesson for all of us when tempted. Loved your post, Katherine. Thank you!
Thank you, LuAnn. Isn’t it wonderful that God sends us important messages through our animal friends? Perhaps He realizes that we’re not smart enough on our own to figure it out. Thank you for your encouragement.
Sure enjoyed having Ms. Katherine one. When are you going to guest post here about your new neighbors, “The Moo Family”? 🙂