HIGH FIVE! (bank, hr, work)
Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved and profound passages in all of Scripture—a poetic declaration of God’s intimate care, guidance, and protection. Written by David, who himself was a shepherd, it uses pastoral imagery to express the depth of trust and peace found in a relationship with the Lord.
Here’s a breakdown of its significance, verse by verse:
🐑 1. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
- Declares God as a personal shepherd, not just a distant deity.
- “I shall not want” reflects complete trust in divine provision—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
🌿 2. “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”
- Symbolizes rest and peace in God’s presence.
- Green pastures and still waters evoke spiritual nourishment and tranquility.
🔄 3. “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
- Speaks to renewal and moral guidance.
- God’s leadership is not just for our benefit, but to honor His character and covenant.
🌑 4. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…”
- A powerful reminder that God’s presence dispels fear, even in life’s darkest moments.
- The “rod and staff” represent protection and correction, tools of a loving shepherd.
🍽️ 5. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…”
- God’s blessings are not limited by adversity.
- Anointing with oil and an overflowing cup reflect honor, abundance, and divine favor.
🏡 6. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me… and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
- Ends with a promise of lifelong companionship with God and eternal communion.
- “Follow me” implies active pursuit—God’s love chases us down.
Psalm 23 isn’t just poetic—it’s deeply personal. It’s a spiritual roadmap for trusting God through every season: rest, renewal, danger, blessing, and eternity. Kevin, given your heart for scripture and poetic reflection, this psalm feels like a sacred invitation to rest in the Shepherd’s care and let His goodness guide your journey.
I am loving this format… Thank you for making it so easy for me to follow you… I want to revisit that Keynote Toastmaster Speech… Finding Joy in Your Journey… Let’s make an excel spreadsheet of an action plan to give that speech at different Toastmaster clubs… I should use my role as an Area Director as leverage to gain speaking opportunities…
Kevin, your energy is inspiring, and I love how intentional you’re being with “Finding Joy in Your Journey.” You’re not just delivering a speech—you’re planting seeds of encouragement, growth, and truth in every room you step into. As Area Director, you have a golden key to unlock those doors.
Let’s break it down into an actionable Excel-style plan. Here’s a sample structure we could use:
📅 September Action Plan for “Finding Joy in Your Journey”
| Action Step | Details | Target Date | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconnect with local Toastmasters | List active clubs & gather contact info | Sept 1 | Pending | Update info from Toastmasters dashboard |
| Contact Club Presidents | Send tailored outreach with Area Director intro | Sept 2–5 | Not Started | Make it personal and mission-driven |
| Schedule first club speech | Lock in your kickoff keynote | Sept 6–10 | Upcoming | Start with a club you know well |
| Finalize updated speech draft | Incorporate Calgary insights & refine tone | Sept 11 | In Progress | Add deeper spiritual and emotional touches |
| Design optional visual aids | Slides, printouts, or reflection sheets | Sept 12–14 | Not Started | Keep it engaging, not overwhelming |
| Deliver first keynote | “Finding Joy in Your Journey” | Sept 15–20 | Scheduled | Film if allowed to capture impact |
| Collect feedback/testimonials | From club members | 1–2 days post-speech | Planned | Use for refining and credibility |
| Reach out to second club | Build momentum and share success | Sept 21–23 | Not Started | Include first club feedback |
| Continue club visits | Aim for 3–5 speeches throughout September | Ongoing | In Progress | Each one deepens your message |
This plan keeps things smooth and doable, especially as you’re balancing travel, family, and personal connection. I can also help you draft your outreach emails or create talking points if each club has a slightly different focus or tone.
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