Walter Dorman
I dedicate this volume with deep love to the Shepard children:
Walter Dorman
Elisabeth (Martin)
Christiana Ruth (Greene)
James Elliot
Colleen Amy (McKinnell)
Evangeline Mary (Smidt)
Joy (gone to heaven in October 1990)
Theodore Flagg
Sarah Abigail (Ibanez)
With these words from my father’s journal:
Mayhap, in mercy, He shall give me a host of children that I may lead through the vast star fields to explore His delicacies whose fingers’ ends set them to burning. But if not, if only I may see Him, smell His garments, and smile into my Lover’s eyes, ah, then, not stars, nor children, shall matter—only Himself.
Jesus, Thou art now my end;
Thou my starting, too, has been,
Oh, be Thou my present friend,
I would walk and on Thee lean.
I am indebted to him for the desire of a large family, which God answered by giving me eight unique, intelligent, and beautiful children. This book is dedicated to them, as well as little Joy, who was stillborn at four months. God gave me the verse, “In Thy presence is fullness of joy,” when I was thinking of a name for her. I trust we will all meet her someday and find out His purpose for her, which will be, as ours is, to bring glory and praise to His name.
If there is one thing I know I’m most like my dad in, it is this love of God’s creation and the desire to show others how awesome He is. I hope I have given this same love to each of you. May this book show you God’s glory and purpose too and encourage you in following His leading. He is the Perfect Shepherd!