Musings From A Rolling Eyed Turtle

We like things that we can study, know and understand.  Sometimes we find it difficult to accept that there are things that might be hidden from our knowledge and understanding. The Scriptures indicate that there are some things hidden by design:  “The Lord our God keeps certain things hidden. But he makes other things known to us and to our children forever. He does it so we can obey all the words of this law.”  (Deut 29:29) Some versions of the Bible translate the hidden things as “secret things”.  Regardless, there are things which have been revealed and things which are kept hidden from us and remain secret. We may chafe at having to deal with the fact that some things remain hidden, but that’s often when faith and trust come in.  The Psalmist wrote:   “O Lord , my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.”  (Ps 131:1) The Psalmist seem to realize that there are things just too great and

When it works, it really works. It even sticks! When it doesn't work, it really doesn't work. It doesn’t stick, except maybe to itself. When it does stick, it seals and secures to keep things fresh.   It protects from the air which can expedite spoiling and oxidation.   It prevents unwanted drying and prevents undesirable moisture absorption.   It also keeps odors contained. When it sticks to itself, it’s normally almost impossible to separate.   It loses its usefulness and just gets mashed up into a ball and is relegated to the trash can. We're talking cling wrap here.   It’s also known as plastic wrap and the likely most identifiable brand name is Saran Wrap.  It’s an item that you probably love or hate depending on whether it works or not.   When it works, it clings to all the right surfaces and does all the right things for food.   When it doesn’t work and it clings to itself, well that’s where the ball shape comes in and the relegation to the trash can! The d

He knew! He knew exactly what they were disposed to do: “And when many disasters and calamities come on them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten by their descendants. I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.” (Deut 31:21) Here’s how other versions translate “disposed to do”: · Inclined to do · Purposes which they are forming · Prone to do · The way they are going to live later on · Imagination they are forming · What they are planning to do · What their hearts are set on doing · What they are thinking · What they are devising · Intentions they have in mind · Plans they are making · Their ways and what they are doing Wow! Long before He called them into a relationship with Himself, He knew what they would do, that they would stray and rebel and go after other gods and yet He still remained true to His promises. In case you think that was then and this is now, the New Testament speaks similarly

What if I told you there is a root that sprouts poison? Would you be interested in experiencing it? Or, maybe you would just want to avoid it at all costs! This particular poison is also linked to bitterness, and it’s not the bitterness as in an unpleasantly sharp taste. This poison, in fact, has little to do with ingestion and taste. It is, however, a particularly nasty poison that spreads and affects others. And the bitterness that accompanies it is the kind that the dictionary defines as that which is distasteful or distressing to the mind or that which is caused by or expressive of severe pain, grief, or regret. So where does this poison and bitterness come from? It comes when we turn from being with the Lord and we go after other gods to serve them: “ Make sure there isn’t any one among you right now—male or female, clan or tribe—whose mind is turning from being with the Lord our God in favor of going to serve these nations’ gods. Make sure there isn’t any root among you that is s

The envelope had a specific command prominently printed on the outside.  It said “Open Immediately”. Immediately normally means now or without waiting; without interval of time. The envelope also had a company name prominently printed on the outside.  It was “Endurance”. Endurance normally is t he ability to sustain a prolonged effort or activity; the ability to keep doing something difficult, unpleasant, or painful for a long time. There are times when we want God to respond immediately, as without interval of time: “ But you, O Lord , do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid!”  (Ps 22:19). And there are other times when we are glad that God responds slowly, as in sustained over a long time:  “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord , the Lord , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger , abounding in love and faithfulness,” (Ex 34:6) Intentional or not, the printing on that envelope was a contradiction in terms, also known as

In my last post, I wrote about being swaddled.  I mentioned both a baby (Jesus) being swaddled by cloth and us being swaddled in God’s love. Relatedly, I ran across the word “wraparound”.  To wraparound is to encircle or to curve and lap over another.  The “wraparound” that drew my attention is from the realm of higher education.  From one particular email I received, colleges are being encouraged to consider how to provide “wraparound support” for students.  That support includes, among other things, helping to meet the basic needs of students such as food, shelter and transportation.  It also includes helping them obtain access to resources for those who might struggle with mental health issues. A word similar to “wraparound” is “surround”.  It means to enclose on all sides, to extend around the margin or edge of. The “surround” that drew my attention is from the realm of a heavenly Father who loves us.  Here’s what it looks like: You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me