Jewel # 328 (July 26, 2018)

“And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I 

make up MY JEWELS.”

(Malachi 3:17)

To my dear grandchildren

Lively Spider Monkey  (Part 1)

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: 

for thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.”

(Revelation 4:11)

There are many species of monkeys in Central America and the northern parts of South America, and all have long, prehensile (grasping) tails.  The Creator also gave them long legs and arms—all important to their way of life.  They use their tails not only to grasp branches, but the tips of their tails have a remarkable sense of touch, enabling them to capture tasty insects or other creatures out of crevices or holes in trees.  If a spider monkey is mortally wounded, it will curl its tail around a branch as it dies and remain suspended until it is removed or its body decays.

The long tails and sprawling legs of these monkeys make them appear awkward when on the ground, as they walk with the soles of their hands outward and the feet inward.  But in trees they are skilled acrobats and move swiftly and gracefully about, using their long arms, legs and tails, and they can cover 30 feet in one flying leap.

The red-faced variety is only about a foot long from nose to tail; its tail adds another 2 feet.  The name “red-faced” is not entirely accurate, for its head is actually a dark copper colour, showing some red in bright sunlight.  The rest of it is mostly shiny black.

These residents of tropical rain forests in both Central and South America are much loved by most people.  They will swing by their tails or lean against a tree for hours at a time.  But if threatened, they scoot away so swiftly that nothing but a bird could keep up with them.

A hunter told of trying to shoot one of these in the top of a tall tree.  It fell headlong for about 30 feet, at which point its tail wrapped around a limb, bringing it to an immediate stop. It hung there briefly and then took off making its escape before the hunter got in another shot.  Aren’t you glad it got away?  So am I.

Another species living along the Amazon River, is the variegated with quite similar habits to the others.  Its black fur is somewhat longer and its tail more bushy.  Those who have watched it report that it will sit for great lengths of time high in a tree, without moving; then suddenly it becomes active swinging swiftly backwards and forwards in an upside down position, just like the pendulum of a big clock.

Another interesting variety will be considered in the next posting.  Meanwhile, let us remember that these creatures are part of God’s creation in which He took delight, as our opening Bible verse tells us.  Like God, we too may take delight in His creation.

(To be Continued)

Love you all - Grandpa   

Jewel # 326 (July 6, 2018)

“And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I

make up MY JEWELS.”

(Malachi 3:17)

To my dear grandchildren 

The White Pelican

“God that made the world and all things therein . . . is Lord of heaven and earth. . . .

In Him we live, and move, and have our being.”

(Acts 17:24-28)

The white pelican is found in many places around the world, including Canada and the United States.  Its huge, broad bill with a pouch on the underside is the most noticeable feature about it, along with its  beautiful wings which spread 8 to 10 feet across.  Although this large water bird walks awkwardly, it is graceful when flying or swimming.

Pelicans thrive on a diet of fish and sometimes work together to catch them.  Large numbers of these birds will swim together in a line, beating the water with their wings.  Frightened fish find themselves trapped as the birds scoop them up in their open bills.  With their stomachs filled, they return to shore to digest the meal and soon fly into the air in great flocks.  They are often seen flying single file.   

These large birds nest in groups of a thousand or more on the shores of an island or inland lake. The females lay just two eggs that take a month to hatch. The chicks have no feathers at first and are quite ugly, but the mother is very attentive, keeping them well fed with fish which she first digests and then brings back up into her pouch.  Opening her upper bill wide, she lets the little ones help themselves, which they are always ready to do, practically crawling into her pouch in their hurry.  The little chicks stay in the nest three months before learning to fly and then are taught how to catch their own fish.

With their 8- to 10-foot wingspan, adults glide on air currents, covering as much as 40 miles or more a day over water in search of fish.  When a fish is spotted near the surface, the bird dives down and scoops up several quarts of water in its pouch along with the fish.  Lifting its head to let the water run out, it then gulps down the fish.

It is easy to understand why fishermen don’t like the competition from pelicans.  Actually, much of pelicans’ catch is made up of sick or injured fish, which the fishermen wouldn’t want anyway.

The Bible verse above causes us to think of God as the Creator of every living thing on earth.  But what is more important is that everything we do depends on His care and loving-kindness.  How important it is to accept His invitation to take the Lord Jesus as our Saviour.  His Word, the Bible, says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).  When we do this, He calls us His sons and daughters and assures us of eternal life with Him.

Are you clean and forgiven?

Love you all - Grandpa