Monday, September 22, 2008

O THE BEAUTY ... The Mystery of His Majesty reflecting opposites yet whole

Monday. September 22nd 2008

Perhaps you think it is Mount Kilimanjaro or the Rift Valley to which I refer in this caption. Or, Lake Baringo, which lies in the solitude of the "semi-desert area and is described as a haven of peace and beauty in harsh, rugged but majestic surroundings." Vance and Dima are experiencing these beauties on their pilgrimage. Google the areas … and we can catch a glimpse…

There is satisfaction in holding seeming contradictions together -- peace and beauty with harsh and rugged circumstances... or a desert with springs of refreshment... or one's unspoken struggles hidden in deserted aloneness and hardly anyone knows ~ except HIM, The One Who holds all things together by the power of HIS Word.


What marvelous “coincidences” are prepared by Providential grace! The Shepperson Men accepted the assignment. And, the “taste and see… The Lord, He is Good” … is beyond their description.

And, HIS majesty extends to all His Creation… including you and I. Our road is full of surprises. To quote a favorite of ours, J. H. Jowett, “We see the frowning, precipitous hill, and we fear it, but when we arrive at its base we find a refreshing spring!” “That is the surprising way of the Lord. He delights to hang great weights on apparently slender wires, to have great events turn on seeming trifles, and to make poverty the minister of “the indescribable riches of Christ.”

What joy it was for me to receive this message below just minutes before I commenced my first work day of this week.

September 22nd @ 7:55 AM. “It’s been a good day with Edgar (family to Helen) and Dima. Traveled 175 miles in E’s car through gorgeous country. Now at hotel with hot springs, pools. Swim and eat ~ with monkeys eating off table. God is good.”

Simple and true.

May God enliven your steps, catch you by surprise, to see the splendor of Him next to refreshing, yet surprising available springs. One of my surprising springs? That I’m EVEN writing in this sheppersonsblog… - no less enjoying it! This was never a conversation between Vance and I. Won’t he be surprised when he initiates his first entry since Sunday, September 14th? Oh, yes!

1 comment:

Vance and Bethyl said...

From: Dr. Suzanne Stubblefield

It was delightful to get your updates about your boys. Off the mountain, visiting your "daughter" and soaking in the experiences together. I get such a positive feel about how Vance and Dima are enjoying one another - I am praying that God would knit their hearts together as they see and serve. I sent a comment to the blog but noticed mine did not register. Please send my greetings on to them both.