Jewel # 378 (Oct. 24, 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 grandchildrem

The Great White Shark

By the Lord God were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth.  Colossians 1:16

There are about 350 kinds of sharks in the oceans of the world.  We usually think of these creatures as dangerous, and many are, including the one know as thegreat white shark.  When one of these 20-foot, fearsome-looking citizens of the sea is spotted, it is easy to see why they are called great white sharks.  They swim extremely fast and can keep up with big ships as they follow them for the food scraps that are being thrown overboard.

These sharks are found in many places, including off the coast of South Africa and Australia, and along the Pacific coast of North America as well.  They usually travel alone or in pairs and are always on the lookout for fish and other seafood, including seals, sea lions and small porpoises.  

Their most common method of capturing food is to hide in rocks deep under the surface, waiting for a seal or other victim to swim by.  They make a quick dash, attacking the victim from underneath if it is too large to be swallowed whole.  Their jaws have many strong, sharp teeth, with spare ones embedded under those on top.  The spares soon fill in the space of any that break off.

It is through its snout that a great white senses the nearness of other creatures swimming nearby.  This is a more reliable way of locating food than by their rather poor eyesight.  Incidentally, it is thought by marine experts that the rare attack on a human is the result of mistake identity—probably thinking a swimmer is a seal.  These experts suggest that where sharks of any kind are likely to be, it is best for swimmers not to wear dark swimming suits.  They say divers and others who wear black wet suits may really be asking for trouble.

Baby great white sharks are about three and a half feet long at birth and look just like a miniature of the mother.  They stay close to her while learning how to catch their own food. 

We might wonder why such vicious creatures were placed in the oceans, but they were not vicious until sin came into the world and spoiled all of God’s creation.  But there is a day coming, after

those who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour are taken to heaven, where all creation will be at peace again.  This is the time referred to in Isaiah 11:6 where we are told, “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the baby goat; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.”     

Will you be with us in heaven looking down on this happy peaceful scene?   

Love you all - Grandpa

Jewel # 377 (Oct. 16, 2019)

Red-Billed Oxpecker

Yellow-Billed Oxpecker

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

Helpful Oxpeckers

The glory of the Lord shall endure forever: the Lord shall rejoice in His works.

Psalm 104:31

South of the Sahara Desert in Africa are forests and fields where many wild animals and birds live.  Among the animals are giraffes, rhino, buffalo and warthogs.  These feed on grass and foliage which often conceal insects that leap or fly onto the grazing animals.  These insects eat into the skin of the animals, causing much discomfort and pain.  Some animals will roll in a dusty spot in an effort to get rid of the insects.  However, most of the pests just seem to hang on a little tighter .

The Creator has provided relief for the animals.  The oxpecker, a bird about the size of a large pigeon, finds the insects good to eat and easy to get.  The oxpecker clings to the animal’s back, side or head where, gently swinging its bill back and forth through the hair, it finds and eats the ticks, lice and other insects.

There are two varieties of these birds—one called red-billed and the other yellow-billed, both of which have dark wings over light-brown bodies, short legs and strong claws.

These birds spend most of the daylight hours on the backs, sides, legs and faces of the distressed animals and remain there several hours or even a full day, eating the insects.  The birds may take naps or even get into noisy fights with one another, but the animals pay no attention.  They never try to shake the oxpeckers off,  even when they peck insects from tender spots like eyes, ears and nostrils.  The animals seem to know the birds are doing them a big favour.

As a matter of fact, if the Creator had not provided such relief, none of these animals would survive very long, for the open sores the insects cause would result in infections that would have wiped them out long ago.  Of course, the animals don’t understand that, but God has given them a sense that oxpeckers are really their friends.

The Creator has been kind to send these helpful birds to the animals.  But some may ask, “Why does He allow the harmful insects to bother them?”  When God created the world and all things in it, every insect was harmless.  But when Satan tempted man and he became a sinner, all things were spoiled, including insects.

Our sins will keep us from entering heaven forever when life on earth ends.   But Christ has died on the cross to put those sins away forever from all who accept Him as their Saviour.  A Bible verse tells us, “I will forgive their iniquities, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34).  

Have you admitted to Christ that you are a sinner and accepted Him as your Saviour?  

If so, you are assured of a home with Him in heaven.  And that’s good news!

Love you all - Grandpa         

Jewel # 376 (Oct. 8, 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

An Underground Resident

“Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see Him? saith the Lord.”

Jeremiah 23:24

The mole is a little underground animal that thinks it is hidden from every eye, but it doesn’t know about God, it as Creator, whose eye is always on every living thing.

About eight inches long, the mole is a tireless, rapid digger which the Creator has prepared for its underground life.  Its body has a round shape with a narrow, pointed nose that helps it dig through the soil.  Its front feet, which do the digging, have long, broad claws and are twice the size of its back feet.  It has tiny eyes and is almost blind, which is suitable for its underground life.  In spite of small ears, it has good hearing, as well as a keen sense of smell.

The mole’s fur also has a special design.  It looks and feels like velvet and is made up of short hairs that lie smoothly in any direction in which they may be rubbed.  This enables it to move forward or backward in the tunnels without getting its coat full of dirt.

This little fellow spends all its waking hours either enlarging its tunnels or hunting for worms, insects, spiders and snails.  It always stay underground except for very short trips outside to eat a few green plants.

Their tunnels are always wide enough for two moles to pass and lead from one feeding ground to another, with a living area in between.  As a safeguard, two circular rooms are made at different levels that connect to each other.  When danger threatens, the little animals can escape through any of the many runs that come out from these rooms.  Since it likes a lot of water to drink, it makes little wells in the passageways, enabling it to stay underground.

People with lawns and gardens often consider the mole a pest because its tunnels near the surface raise the soil slightly.  But it does have a useful place in God’s creation by controlling many harmful insects and improving the soil by loosening it as it digs.  

How instructive it is to see the wisdom of God in providing for each of His creatures according to the special needs of its environment.  Have you considered His goodness in providing for your needs?  The Bible says, “God shall supply all you need according to His riches in glorify by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Most blessed of all, He knows the need that each person has for deliverance from sins and judgment.  He has also provided a Redeemer, His own beloved Son Jesus, for all who put their trust in Him.  “He gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world” (Galatians 1:4).  

If you have not yet accepted this wonderful gift, do so today and thank Him for it.  

Love you all - Grandpa    

Jewel # 375 (Sept. 27, 2019)

 

Tip-Up Sandpiper                  Large Beak Spoon Bill Sandpiper

   

 The Greater Yellowlegs Sanpiper                     Red-headed Sandpiper

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

Charming Sandpipers -  Part 2

Of the Lord God, and through Him, 

and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever.

Romans 11:36

In the last issue we looked at the lovely sandpipers in general.  Here are some interesting facts about a few of them.  The one named spotted is one of the best known all along the Pacific coast.  It is usually seen running along the shore, stopping now and then to teeter up and down several times, then running again.  This has given it the nickname “tip-up.” 

The large-beaked-spoonbill and the broad billed are among the great migrators.  Their large beaks contrast with the small beaks of others.  The westerns, also migrators, are very pretty with white breasts and underparts and mottled dark and light brown wings, tan heads and sharply pointed beaks.

An unusual one that doesn’t migrate is named eastern.  It spends winters and summers in the midwestern United States in deep woods, wading in shallow ponds and swamps, stirring up food with its feet.

The greater yellow has long, colourful legs, making it nearly a foot tall.  Another tall one is the nine-inch stilt, living along the Atlantic coast and in Texas.

Among the shorter ones is the least, probably given this name because it is so small.  It is quite pretty with black wings, speckled top and tail feathers and white underparts. Its head, with a sharp, black beak, fits snugly into its round little body.  It often stands a long time on one leg, with the other tucked under its bodying and completely hidden.

The one called purple is really black with gray and brown markings.  Its winter home is in Central America, but it migrates far north in spring and summer.  Then there is the red-headed, with a long, black beak and pretty, reddish feathers so smooth against its small skull that it looks almost bald.

A provision the Creator made for many birds is in Delaware Bay, near Washington, D.C.  This is where great numbers of horseshoe crabs migrate each spring and lay millions of eggs, which many birds eat.  Great numbers of sandpipers find this a good stopping place when migrating north, including the semi-palmateds.  Feeding on this tasty treat, they fatten up for the last lap of a several-thousand-mile migration.  Many other kinds of birds join them in this feast.

We must stop here, although there are many more interesting species.  These are all examples of God’s creation, placed on the earth by Him and dependant on Him for their short life span.  

They do not know of God’s care over them, but we can know about His care over us and thank Him for it.  The Bible tells us, “The Lord is good, and a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him” Nahum 1:7.      

      

Do you know His care, and do you trust in Him?

Love you all - Grandpa

Jewel # 374 (Sept. 18, 2019)

             

Western Sandpiper                                 Spotter Sandpiper

Common Sandpiper

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

Charming Sandpipers  (Part 1)

Thou art worthy, O Lord . . . for Thou hast created all things, 

and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation 4:11

When we look at the great variety of birds the Creator has placed on the earth, it is not difficult to understand the above Bible verse and see that He had real pleasure in creating them.

There are many millions of sandpipers in many varieties throughout the world.  They are found mostly in North America and Europe but some live in other countries also.  The one most often seen in Europe is known as the common sandpiper, and the two most common ones in North America are the spotted and the western.  Some of them are given nicknames such as “stilts,” “shanks” and “peeps,” because of their special habits.

Most sandpipers migrate, spending fall and winter in warm southern areas and flying thousands of miles to northern Canada, the Yukon and Alaska in spring.  As an example, over six million of the western species leave South America in May for northern places where they nest, raise their young and find abundant food provided by a kind Creator.

Some of these fly along the Pacific coast, others across Midwestern states, but the greatest number prefer the Atlantic coast.  Whichever route is taken, many stops are made along the way for eating and resting.  They fly in great masses, but not in formation like geese and ducks.

Sandpipers find much of their food in water or on sandy shores, eating mostly at night.  Food includes many kinds of small sea life, such as clams, mussels, a small fish now and then, and many insects caught while flying over the seashore.  Large groups often stand perfectly still on the sand, heads pointed into the wind, and many, if not all, stand with one leg tucked up under their feathers.  They are also interesting to watch as they run rapidly in a group, feet in shallow water, some stopping now and then to poke their beaks into the sand or water to snatch a tasty bit of food.

Sandpipers usually nest on the ground, scraping out a shallow round spot and lining it with grass.  Two or four eggs are laid, with both parents taking turns incubating them.  By late fall, parents and young are ready to make the trip south to their winter homes.

In the following issue we will look at a few of the interesting varieties in more detail.  Meanwhile, if you are near a sandy lakeshore or ocean beach, keep your eyes open and you may see them.

We have already mentioned the Creator’s pleasure in placing these bird on the earth.  Another Bible verse tells of His watchful care over them: “Thou hast made . . . the earth, and all things that are therein . . . and Thou preservest them all” (Nehemiah 9:6).  

Have you thanked Him for His watchful care over you?

Love you all - Grandpa       

Jewel # 373 (Sept. 10, 2019)

And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make make up MY JEWELS.

Malachi 3:17

To my dear grandchildren

The Stately Moose

"God said, let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind . . .

and God saw that it was good.” 

Genesis 1:24-25 

Moose are often seen on roads and in towns of Alaska, but they keep more hidden in forests on both sides of the Canada - U.S. border.  They can be found all the way from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast.

The moose is the largest American animal.  A full grown one will be about seven feet high and weigh 1500 pounds or more.  Its antlers are immense, rising from the top of the head and spreading six feet wide or more.   They look like two gigantic hands turned upward like an armour of spike-like "fingers”.  They are a vicious weapon when a moose defends itself.

Because of its great size and strength, a healthy moose is not like to be attacked by other animals.  But if one is sick or weak from age, it is apt to become a victim of a hungry grizzly bear or pack of very hungry wolves.

The upper part of a moose’s muzzle extends three or four inches over its chin.  This muzzle has huge nostrils.  A short, coal-black triangular beard hangs from the neck.  The ears are large and, in contrast, its tail is just a short stub.  Its coat is a deep brown colour.  Sadly, the young calves are often the victims of wolves and other creatures when the parent are not close by.  Only about half of these younger ones make it through their first year.  But the mothers try to keep them from wandering off and have been seen helping them cross ponds too deep for their short legs by giving them “piggyy-back” rides all the way over.

Favourite foods include leaves and twigs of trees, as well as water lilies and other water plants.  This is why they are often found wading in ponds or along lake shores.  

Unlike most wild animals, a moose crossing a road or railroad track (sometimes alone and at other times a large group) usually pays no attention to traffic.  It may even stop in the middle of a road or railroad track to watch a truck, car or train approaching.  Experienced drivers of trucks and private cars, as well as engineers of trains, are always alert to this when going through moose country, and many drive more slowly so they can stop in time to avoid a collision with them. 

How interesting to look on these and other examples of the marvels of God’s creation and have the assurance that He has pleasure in creating and watching over them.  Psalm 36:6-7 tells us, “O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast.  How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God!”  Another verse tells us, “His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He sees all his goings” (Job 34:21).

What does He see as He looks on you?

Love you all - Grandpa  

Jewel # 372 (Sept. 2, 2019)

Chrysalis - - - - Butterfly                                                                        

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  

Butterfly and Moth Facts - Part 2

The Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our corrupt body, that it may be . . . like . . . His glorious body  Philippians 3:20-21

In the last issue we looked at a pair of lovely moths and a pair of beautiful butterflies, but these are only examples of the hundreds of thousands the Creator has made.

What do they look like when they are first born?  They actually hatch, for they come from tiny eggs laid by the females.  There is a great variety of moth and butterfly egg shapes—some are smooth,  others are covered with hair, some are flat, and still others are round or oval.

These usually hatch in just a few days, but instead of a pretty butterfly or moth coming out, it is always a caterpillar (larva) that hatches.  This is the part growers of vegetables and flowers don’t like, for the caterpillars immediately start eating leaves, flowers and buds.  They can do a lot of damage, but quite often they eat invasive or useless plants too.  Some of the caterpillars become food for many birds and other insects.  And some caterpillars are camouflaged to protect them from their bird and insect enemies. 

As the caterpillars grow, their skins become too tight and split, to be replaced by looser coverings.  This may happen several times.  They finally attach themselves as cocoons to leaves or plant stems with a silk-like thread drawn from their heads.  In Japan, silk moths are raised from cocoons in great numbers for their silk threads, which are used to make silk clothing.

Before very long, the caterpillars reach a changing point in their lives.  Some make burrows in the ground that they can crawl into, and others crawl into curled up leaves.  Still others stretch-out on a plant stem and spin a silk covering around themselves and the stem.  In contrast to this, others do not make this kind of a cocoon but just attach themselves to a twig with a few strands of their silk thread, forming what is called a chrysalis.  It may have patterns that make it look like a leaf or some other part of the plant.

Inside the cocoons or chrysalises, these creatures begin to change from a caterpillar to a moth or butterfly.  In the spring they come out of their temporary homes— this time having wings, which at first are wet and soft.  But before long their wings begin to unfold, and now they are no longer caterpillars but fully developed moths or butterflies.  When fully dried they fly off and are the rest of their lives beautiful specimens of God’s creation—no longer pests.

The beginning Bible verse tells of a  wonderful change promised to each of us who know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour.  As we think of lowly caterpillars becoming something beautiful, how much greater will be a Christian’s change in that wonderful time!  

Will you be included in that change?

Love you all - Grandpa