photo credit: terratrekking via photopin cc
After leaving Marah, the Israelites traveled on to the oasis of Elim, where they found twelve springs and seventy palm trees. They camped there beside the water. – Exodus 15:27
In Utah, where we used to live, it’s a desert. The most beautiful, magical desert you will ever see. There’s a National Park there, called Zion. Fitting name.
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In order to get through the park, from one end to the other, you have to go through a tunnel. It’s a marvel, a feat of engineering and a place of historic record. But it’s just a tunnel. A path carved though rock. It’s dark and it’s claustrophobic and… well… dark.
photo credit: DoubleCaeser via photopin cc
But you have to go through, you have to, to get to where you’re going because there is no other road that goes where you want to go. Truly.
Here’s the thing. This particular tunnel, so long and dark and stifling, features something called “galleries”… six of them, to be exact.
photo credit: Bolt of Blue via photopin cc
So we get fresh air and light along the way.
So we don’t miss the majesty of this place.
Carved into the cliff wall of a tunnel. Who does that?
photo credit: James Marvin Phelps via photopin cc
God does.
He plants oases in our path and scatters the stone walls with galleries, to remind us how much we mean to Him. To bless us when all seems hopeless. To be Himself.
May you smile today, as you pass them… as you stop to enjoy the breeze and the view… as you remember.
What a mighty God we serve.
Mighty Father, thank You for the refreshment You provide for our souls. We stand in awe. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Good morning! Visiting from SDG (we’re neighbors). I’m pretty sure when I think of the word ‘gallery’ from now on, it’ll have a whole new meaning. Thank you for this thought 🙂
Jody Lee Collins recently posted…Why the Armor of God is Words, not Weapons
Good Morning, Jody! It’s lovely to meet you! Thanks for blessing me with your comment today. Glad you enjoyed the “Gallery”. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
That was amazing Shelly…thanks for sharing a little of your country with me.
Thanks too for the reminder to take time to stop, look and listen to creation around me and spend time thanking God for making such an amazing world for us to enjoy.
It’s easy to get caught up and not look!
God bless you, precious friend. xx
It is way too easy, isn’t it, Mary? Praying for you and for Jono. Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I love this post, Shelly! My husband and I drove through there on our honeymoon almost 22 years ago. Thanks so much for sharing these beautiful pictures and giving us an amazing word picture. You are a blessing!
Heather+@+My+Overflowing+Cup recently posted…Shining Light In The Darkness – 31 Scripture Verses
It’s beautiful, isn’t it Heather? You are a blessing in my life, too, friend! Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Stunning!! thank you for sharing with us! I love looking at God’s gallery everywhere I travel!!
Marie recently posted…Love, JOY and Giving
His beauty just knocks my socks off, Marie! Thank you for being here! Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Your pictures are amazing. I have been to Utah but never there. I too have health issues and I don’t know where I’d be if not for God, his son, and grace. Love and God Bless!
Amen to that, Lani! I wouldn’t want to try to get through this life without Him in every moment. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Shelly, this post is beautiful in words, pictures & music! So grateful for the refreshment I found here this morning. And grateful for you too! Blessings!
Joanne+Viola recently posted…Still
I’m grateful for you, too, Joanne! Love you. Heart Hugs <3
Oh friend… simply gorgeous and encouraging. Needed it this morning. Thank you.
Sharita recently posted…The Right Kind of Pride (#EverydayJesus)
Thank you, Sharita! Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Just beautiful Shelly! I know the breaks of light and sky must feel magical. What a thoughtful design. Just wondering, but is it possible to walk through the tunnel? Happy Sunday!
Lisha+Epperson recently posted…Give Me Grace : In Which I Take a Walk to Find My Way Home
Hi, Lisha! When the tunnel first opened, people were allowed to walk through, or stop in the tunnel to get out and enjoy the view. That has now been banned for safety reasons. Once a year or so, they sell tickets for a “Tunnel Walk” and allow holders to walk through while traffic is stopped. It’s a beautiful experience. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Shelly your photos are beautiful as are your reminders that God provides respite during these crazy lives of ours. Thanks! -Visiting from “Give Me Grace”.
Carmen Horne recently posted…Sometimes we must be – still…
Thank you for blessing me with your comment, Carmen! It’s lovely to meet you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Looking at these photos made me smile. I’ve gone through Utah a few times to those national parks and some side driving areas. As much as I’ve always been a Cascade mountain addict, the first time I was driving through Utah it sure grabbed me. You shared wonderfully. Thanks.
Joanne+Norton recently posted…HELPING THIS LADY AND HER FAMILY IN SOROTI
Utah has a special way of grabbing, doesn’t it? Beautiful place. Thank you for being here with us, Joanne! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Thanks. You made me smile now. Blessings.
Joanne+Norton recently posted…DECLARE HIS GLORY… THAT’S WHAT COUNTS.