Day 69 Haman's Ears

3/10/2025

This little guy looked lonely and a little frightened, so I thought I'd bring him along for the ride tonight. I really don't have a clue about what I want to say. I generally scribble down notes as I'm listening to or gleaning from messages, or as I'm praying and reading the Word in my private studies. I always have so much running through this mind that never seems to slow down, even in rest and semblance of sleep. I often wake up tired after we "spring forward," with our clocks, so this morning was not much different, and during the day I ebbed and flowed, but now, even now, I have no words.

Every day is a tidal wave of enormous grief somewhere around this earth. For friends and family there are daily requests for prayer for diagnoses of cancer or recent deaths, especially of younger people who should be whole and healthy and living life. But it is not that way, and people seem so helpless and hopeless, even those some times who profess belief in Christ Jesus who offers eternal life. Our loved ones who are dead in Christ, if given a choice, may prefer to be in His Presence than return to this world. I know that if I was standing with my Beloved, I would not want to return. Nevertheless, those who remain behind, no matter how strong the faith, grieve terribly and feel so lost. I can understand, I truly can. 

News within and news without is never pleasant. So much chaos, turmoil, gruesome murder and torture of men, women, and children. I understand that it is posted all over the internet for the world to see the power of the evil one, but we must not indulge in their hatred and vulgarity. We must come before our Holy God and seek His forgiveness, and we must pray not only for those being persecuted, but we must also pray for those who are persecuting others. And, we must always remember that God watches over His people everywhere, and we can trust Him in every situation, whether in our individual lives, as well as, for those who are encountering great turmoil and pain.  

I don't want to speak of it again today, as I want my mind to stay on the focus of this week, and the celebration it brings for my beloved Israel. Purim is a celebration children enjoy so much, a time they dress in Biblical costumes associated with the Book of Esther. The story is read and acted out for the children, and as they rejoice in the ending, there are songs and games and feasting on goodies. Hamantaschen is a favorite which in Hebrew means "Haman's ears." Haman is the villain in the story who is trying to annihilate the Jewish people, not realizing that Queen Esther is a Jew! Like all villains, Haman met his own demise, by falling victim to his own clever schemes. A hamantash is an triangular filled-pocket pastry, filled with jelly, poppy seed mixture, chocolate. It resembles a hat more than ears:

 

 

 

Many delicious foods and recipes can be found on the Jewish Food Society web page, along with wonderful displays such as:

 

 

 

They even have a gluten free recipe for folks like me whose gut rebels against the protein gluten found in wheat and other products. I am waiting for my healing on this "diagnosis," but until I am delivered, I will continue to find ways to satisfy my picky taste palette. Just for anyone who may stumble across this blog, there is a young lady who lives either in Dinwiddie or McKenney who is a grand gluten free baker! My oh my, that gal can bake. The Country Store has some gluten free frozen bread and various mixes, all yummy, but trust me, Amy is the best!!

I know most don't participate in this celebration, but it is always good to learn a little about traditions of the world. Perhaps in heaven, when we are all seated around the supper table, we can take turns sharing the delicacies of the diversity of God's creation. The Bible is full of delicious meals probably missed by many, and there is so much that God has not revealed in this written Word. After all, food is just a side line matter to the greatest news of all - Jesus the King of kings and LORD of lords.

So, whatever is on your menu for tonight, enjoy with true zeal all the blessings our God has graciously provided for us. Shalom!