Marmot I

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. – 1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT

And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from one degree of glory to even more glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. – James 1:16-17 NKJV

Yellow-bellied marmots (sometimes called rock chucks) are found in large ranges across western North America, from Canada to Mexico. They are a fascinating lot, spending much of their time underground in burrows under both soil and rocks. They live alone or in small social groups of approximately 5-10 individuals of various ages.

We know that marmots can communicate in more than one way: They have glands in their cheeks which they use to mark their territory, perhaps to convey information to others of their social status in the group. But by far the most noticeable means of communication (at least to us humans) is with a variety of whistles, some quite shrill. These sounds can convey the sighting of a predator or other threats, or possibly food sources, to other marmots in the area. They may also be used to communicate their location at any given time.

The litter size usually ranges from 3-8 young per year.  An adult can grow to approximately 27” (70 cm) long and weigh about 10 lbs. (4.5 kg).

As you look at the above photo, you might be surprised at what is really taking place in the picture. This marmot appears to be on top of a mound of rocks, with small mountains in the background, and dark sky and white clouds overhead.

But that was not the case.

My wife took this photo not long ago. She was actually above the marmot, who stood below her, near a large body of calm water. The background of the critter is actually a reflection of the sky off the dark water. This marmot is not on top of a hill of rocks, but instead only a few yards away from the slow-moving river.

The above Scriptures tell us that right now we see reflections of God and His work and majesty, but a time is coming when those who believe in Jesus Christ will see God face to face. In the meantime, beginning right now, we can continue to grow in our understanding of God. In the process, we actually become more like Jesus every day as we follow Him while He changes us from one glory to the next.

The last verse mentioned above warns us not to be deceived about God, and that He is indeed good. In fact, all sources of true good that we experience are from Him.

If you are not sure how to have a relationship with this God of the universe, please see Got God?

Hope you have a great day.

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