Jewel # 368 (July 27, 2019)

White-Tailed Ground Squirrel

“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-Tailed Ground Squirrel

“Thou hast made . . . the earth, and all things that are therein . . . and Thou preservest then all. ”(Nehemiah 9:6)

Many kinds of ground squirrels are found in the desert.  Most of them are harmless and curious and fun to watch.  One of these is called the white tail or antelope chipmunk and is often mistaken for a true chipmunk.  It is identified by its black and white stripes ending at its shoulders, where as the chipmunk’s stripes go to the tip of its nose.

The white tail is easily recognized as it scampers along with its white-backed tail held over its back.  It spends all its time gathering seeds and nuts, stuffing them into its cheek pouches and then carrying this food to store in its den.  It also eats parts of cactus and yucca plants, beetles, crickets and other insects.

It is amazing to see the white tail climb a spine-covered cactus, stuff its pouches with seeds, turn around and go back down headfirst to the ground, never getting a scratch from those sharp needles.  How can it possibly do this?  This ability is, of course, one of the special features supplied by its Creator who wisely provides for every need and who "does great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number” (Job 5:9).    

Like most other ground squirrels, the white tail lives in the rocky foothills.  The entrance hole to its den is always hidden under a boulder or behind the covering of a bush.  Since rattlesnakes, coyotes and hawks are a constant threat, it has other hidden entrances that are ready for any emergency.

In its underground den, it builds a nest lined with feathers, grass and other soft materials.  There are usually a dozen or more babies born each spring.  These are nursed by the mother until they are strong enough for the outside world.  Once outside, the little ones are great fun to watch . . . so full of life and amusements as they play together.  But the mother keeps a sharp eye on them to see that they do not wander from her hidden shelter.  The family stays together until the young ones are big enough to care for themselves.

As part of the wonders of God’s creation, these little animals remind us that “the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord" (Psalm 33:5).  Referring to that goodness, the psalmist also said, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).

Have you thanked Him for His goodness to you?  He has promised that you may also live in His heavenly home for all eternity, but only if you willingly admit that you are a sinner in need of salvation and accept Him as your Saviour.

Love you all - Grandpa   

Jewel # 367 (July 18, 2019)

“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

Whistling Swans

“When I applied mine heart to know wisdom . . . I beheld all the work of God,

that a man cannot find out all the work that is done under the sun.”

(Ecclesiastes 8:16-17)

There are seven species of swans, all graceful and lovely.  Many of us are familiar with the one called trumpeter.  The one we will look at today is a close relative, the whistling swan.

This swan nests around the Arctic Ocean and the Hudson Bay region of Canada and flies to southern Canada and the United States for the winter months.  It is strictly a water bird, larger than a goose and very graceful when either swimming or flying.

Among the seven species, the whistling swan has the sharpest, most piercing call, which accounts for its nickname whooper.  Actually it doesn’t do much whistling, but makes a loud, musical “woo-ho, woo-woo.”  Its the whistling-like calls as it flies that have given it the whistling name.

Although related to ducks and geese, this bird looks a lot different and is much larger.  It doesn’t mix with them except when they might by chance pick the same wintering home.  Migration follows three flyways—one down the Atlantic coast, another along the Pacific coast, and the third over the Midwestern United States.  They fly in long lines and at great heights, at speeds up to 50 miles per hour!

Watching swans swimming in a pond or lake is a lovely sight, with their long, straight necks and sharp eyes searching the water for a fish.  Beautiful snow-white feathers completely cover this lovely bird except for a yellow spot between the nostrils and eyes.  The feet, legs and bill are black.

Full-grown males may weigh 25 pounds or more and have wingspreads as much as seven feet across.  But in spite of their size, they float gracefully on lakes and ponds and are excellent swimmers.  Leaving the water is something to watch.  First, they flap their wings vigorously, to raise their bodies in the water.  Then, with wings still flapping, they run along the surface with their necks stretched out.  Finally, they pull their feet back under their tails and are airborne.  When returning to the water, they glide down, and when just above the surface, they extend their feet to touch the water first, then glide before coming to rest.

These birds mate for life, showing much attention to each other, as well as their young.  Cygnets (baby swans) are raised in huge nests, five or six feet across.  It takes almost five months of the parents’ protection and training before they are on their own.

The psalmist certainly enjoyed the creation of the Lord and often wrote about it.  “The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. . . . He has made His wonderful works to be remembered (Psalm 111:2,4).  

Do you remember to thank Him for His care over you, and have you accepted Him as your Saviour?

Love you all - Grandpa