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Glimpses of Wonder™: Reflections on Jehovah’s Remarkable Design

An invitation to slow down, look closer, and be amazed.

 

Everywhere we turn, Jehovah’s handiwork speaks—sometimes in whispers, sometimes in wide-eyed wonder. Glimpses of Wonder™ takes you on a journey through the marvels of creation: from the clever mechanics of a horse’s leg to the glow of deep-sea creatures, from the balance of brain chemistry to the elegance of a falling leaf.

 

Some entries will make you laugh. Some will make you pause. But all of them aim for the same thing: to stir up awe—and give credit where it’s due.

 

Blending science, storytelling, and a deep love for the Creator, this series doesn’t just celebrate the natural world. It invites you to see what’s always been there… a little differently.

Entries in this blog

Saturn’s Rings: A Sculpted Wonder — a Glimpse of Wonder entry™ —

Stretching tens of thousands of miles across Saturn’s middle, the rings sweep outward like a shimmering halo — yet they are astonishingly thin. In most places, they are no deeper than 30 feet — about the height of a modest two-story building. Even if you expanded Earth to the size of Saturn, you could hardly recreate something so wide, yet so delicate. It’s as if Jehovah Himself brushed a perfect ribbon around the planet, like a bow across strings — a harmony no hand could ever match.

The King of Bugs: Meet the Man-Faced Shield Bug — a Glimpse of Wonder entry™ —

While commonly referred to in some circles as the “Elvis Presley shield bug,” the actual species in question is Catacanthus incarnatus (Kat-uh-KAN-thus in-kar-NAH-tus), also known as the man-faced stink bug. This rare giant shield bug has captured imaginations with its unique markings that resemble a human face. For some observers, these markings evoke the eyes, nose, and iconic hairstyle of Elvis Presley, while others see something completely different. Regardless of interpretation, this insect

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Why Helicopters Help Save Cherries: The Delicate Art of Cherry Farming — a Glimpse of Wonder entry™ —

Cherry farming is as much a science as it is an art. One of the most striking examples of this is the use of helicopters to blow rain off ripened cherries. These powerful machines fly just above the treetops, producing a downwash of air and turbulence that blows rainwater off the leaves and fruit. Without this intervention, rainwater can seep into the cherries’ thin skin, causing them to swell, crack, and become unsellable. While the process may take some time depending on orchard size and condi

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Exotic Joy: The Remarkable Design of Leichhardt’s Grasshoppers — a Glimpse of Wonder entry™ —

Deep in Australia’s tropical savannas, a small but vibrant creature brings joy to observers while showcasing one of creation’s most harmonious partnerships. The Leichhardt’s grasshopper (Petasida ephippigera, pronounced Pet-ah-SEE-duh eh-FIP-ih-jeer-ah) spends its entire life on a specific group of plants: shrubs from the Pityrodia genus. This extraordinary relationship highlights the wisdom and care evident in Jehovah’s design of creation.   A Lifelong Home Leichhardt’s grasshopp

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The Rooster’s Crow: As Loud as a Jet Engine — a Glimpse of Wonder entry™ —

For many, the sound of a rooster crowing at dawn evokes images of quiet rural mornings. But did you know that a rooster’s crow can exceed 100 decibels, with some measurements reaching as high as 140 decibels? That’s comparable to the noise of a rock concert or even a jet engine during takeoff! This startling fact raises questions about how such a small animal can produce such a powerful sound and why it doesn’t harm the rooster itself. Let’s explore the intricacies of this fascinating ability, i

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Volcanic Eruptions and the Secrets in Tree Rings — a Glimpse of Wonder entry™ —

The towering spectacle of a volcanic eruption has far-reaching impacts, not just on landscapes and climates but also on the silent witnesses of history—trees. Scientists have uncovered a remarkable way to date volcanic eruptions by studying the rings of trees, revealing the subtle yet powerful effects these natural events leave behind.   How Do Volcanic Eruptions Affect Tree Rings?   When a volcano erupts, the immense release of ash, dust, and sulfur-rich aerosols into the at

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The Unique Gait of Giraffes, Camels, and Cats — a Glimpse of Wonder entry™ —

When we think of animal locomotion, most of us picture a straightforward walk or trot, with alternating legs moving forward. But giraffes, camels, and cats commonly exhibit a remarkable and rare gait called pacing, where they move both legs on one side of their body simultaneously, followed by both legs on the other side. This unusual stride sets them apart from many other animals and reveals fascinating details about their design and purpose. While giraffes, camels, and cats are notable example

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How Humidity Affects Our Perception of Temperature — a Glimpse of Wonder entry™ —

Have you ever noticed how dry winter air feels colder, even when the thermostat says the temperature hasn’t dropped? Or how, in the height of summer, the humidity in the air can feel stifling, as though you’re walking through water? These sensations are deeply tied to how humidity interacts with our body’s natural ability to regulate temperature. Let’s explore the science behind these effects, the ideal conditions for comfort, and some surprising health considerations related to humidity.  

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Ingenious Gardeners: The Self-Planting Ability of Certain Bulbs —a Glimpse of Wonder entry™—

Imagine planting a bulb too close to the surface of the soil, only to find it thriving perfectly a season later, nestled deeper in the earth. How did it get there? Believe it or not, certain plant bulbs have a remarkable ability to pull themselves deeper into the ground if they are planted too shallow. Tulips are one of the most famous examples of this natural wonder.   True: Some Bulbs Can Bury Themselves Deeper   Tulip bulbs, along with a few other species, possess an incre

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The Humble Dandelion: A Surprising Superfood and Medicinal Wonder —a Glimpse of Wonder entry™—

When most people see dandelions, they think of pesky weeds invading their lawns. But did you know that this common plant is not only non-poisonous but also packed with nutritional benefits and medicinal properties? In fact, dandelions have been valued for centuries as both a food source and a remedy for various ailments, and their usefulness continues today in modern herbal medicine.   True or False: Are Dandelions Poisonous to Humans?   False! Dandelions (Taraxacum officinal

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Watermeal: The Tiny Wonder of the Plant Kingdom —a Glimpse of Wonder entry™—

Among the vast variety of plants that adorn our planet, there is one that stands out not for its grandeur, but for its incredible smallness. Meet watermeal (Wolffia), the smallest flowering plant on Earth. At just barely larger than a grain of sand, this unassuming marvel floats quietly on the surface of ponds and lakes, yet plays an essential role in the ecosystems it inhabits.   What is Watermeal?   Watermeal, or Wolffia, belongs to the same family as duckweed (Lemna)—both

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The Incredible Jaw Power of Crocodiles —a Glimpse of Wonder entry™—

Crocodiles are among the most fascinating and powerful predators, equipped with an incredible bite force that reflects the intricate wisdom evident in their design. Their jaws, perfected for crushing and gripping, stand as a striking example of the awe-inspiring balance found in creation. In this edition of Glimpses of Wonder, we dive into the remarkable jaw strength of these ancient reptiles.   The Bite Force of Crocodiles   Crocodiles have some of the strongest bite forces

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The Incredible Jumping Flea: A Tiny Acrobat —a Glimpse of Wonder entry™—

When we think of fleas, our first reaction might be annoyance, but these tiny insects are marvels of precise engineering. The average flea can jump 8 inches (20 centimeters), which may not sound impressive—until you consider their size. That leap is approximately 200 times the length of a flea’s body, making them one of the most powerful jumpers in the animal kingdom relative to their size.   To put it into perspective, imagine a human-sized flea. If a person could jump 200 times their

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Ghost Pipe Plant: Creation's Enigmatic Parasite —a Glimpse of Wonder entry™—

The Monotropa uniflora, commonly known as the ghost pipe, Indian pipe, or peace pipe, is a botanical marvel that thrives in the shadows of forests across the world. Unlike most plants, this herbaceous perennial lacks chlorophyll, giving it its signature waxy, translucent white appearance. Found in temperate regions of North America, Asia, and northern South America, the ghost pipe’s survival strategy is as unique as its look.   A Plant That Doesn’t Photosynthesize   While mos

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The Hidden Flock of Saturn

A Glimpses of Wonder Entry     When Christiaan Huygens first pointed his homemade telescope at Saturn in 1655, he spotted something extraordinary: a tiny speck of light orbiting the distant planet. It was Titan, Saturn's largest moon — and for a long time, Titan was all we knew. One moon. One companion for that giant ringed world.   But Jehovah’s creations often unfold in layers, only revealing their fullness when we are ready to see them. In the centuries that fol

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Woodpeckers Are Behind a Lot of the Problems in the World . . .

A Glimpses of Wonder Entry     Let’s face it—if you hear an annoying rattle outside your window at sunrise, odds are good it’s not your neighbor’s car. It’s a woodpecker. And while they might look cute on a greeting card or a cartoon, in real life, woodpeckers are surprisingly destructive.   They’ve been known to: – Punch holes in siding like it’s drywall, – Riddle telephone poles with enough cavities to qualify as dental emergencies, – Peck at chimney cap

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The Leaf’s Real Agenda: Carbon Construction, Not Air Supply

We’ve been taught to thank trees for our oxygen. But while it’s true that green plants release oxygen during photosynthesis, that’s not why they do it. Oxygen isn’t their purpose—it’s their by-product. Their real work? Carbon construction.   Photosynthesis is a brilliant design by Jehovah, not primarily to refresh the air, but to build life from the air. Every blade of grass, every leaf on every tree, is on a mission: to pull carbon dioxide (CO₂) out of the atmosphere, extract the carb

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Sunflowers—More Than Meets the Eye

Sunflowers—More Than Meets the Eye A Glimpses of Wonder Entry Have you ever wondered why sunflowers always seem to face the sun? Did you know that a single sunflower isn't just one flower, but hundreds or even thousands? And are all sunflower seeds really edible? A Beautiful Beginning Sunflowers are known for their radiant beauty. Those golden petals stretching gracefully toward the sky, surrounding a dark, textured center, are captivating to behold. Yet, as amazing as the su

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The Tree That Throws Grenades

The Tree That Throws Grenades   A Glimpses of Wonder Entry   Imagine strolling through a tropical forest. Everything is peaceful—birds call overhead, sunlight filters through thick leaves—until you come across a towering tree with a straight trunk. At first, it seems ordinary. But then you look closer. The entire bark is covered in sharp, conical spikes, jutting out like armor. It’s the sandbox tree, also known as the dynamite tree. And it doesn’t just look dangerous—it explo

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The Might of the Marine Snail: Nature’s Strongest Material?

Imagine a world where the toughest material isn’t forged in steel mills or woven by high-tech laboratories, but rather, it exists within a tiny marine snail. While spider silk has long been hailed as one of the strongest biological materials, scientists have discovered that the humble limpet tooth—yes, the teeth of a sea snail—may actually surpass it in sheer strength. But how could something so small hold such incredible power? A Microscopic Marvel Limpets are small marine mollusks th

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Nature’s Clever Rest Stop: The Unusual Partnership of the Tree Shrew and the Pitcher Plant

Nature’s Clever Rest Stop: The Unusual Partnership of the Tree Shrew and the Pitcher Plant Let’s take a journey deep into the tropical forests of Borneo, where a rather unexpected partnership plays out between a tiny mammal and a carnivorous plant. It’s not a predator-prey relationship, nor is it a mere coincidence of shared space. No—this is a carefully designed system, one that might make you chuckle at first but leaves you marveling at Jehovah’s creativity. The Pitcher Plant: More T

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Hay or Straw? Know the Difference!

Hay or Straw? Know the Difference! We’ve all seen it—those golden bales stacked high in barns, dotting the countryside, or even decorating porches in autumn. But did you know there’s a big difference between hay and straw? While they might look similar, their purposes, properties, and even the way they interact with animals and the environment are quite distinct. Let’s dig in! Hay: The Farmer’s Gold Hay is food. It’s grown and harvested specifically to provide nutrients for animal

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The Silent Symphony: How Elephants Communicate Across Vast Distances

There is something undeniably majestic about elephants. Their sheer size, their slow and deliberate movements, their deep, expressive eyes—all hint at an intelligence and complexity beyond what meets the eye. But what if I told you that these gentle giants are carrying on conversations, sending messages through the air and even through the ground, in a language we can’t even hear?   The elephant’s world is not a silent one. While we may not pick up on it, they

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The Mushroom That Destroys Itself

Mushrooms have always seemed a bit suspicious to me, and I can’t say I’m their biggest fan. But even I have to admit that some of them are downright fascinating. Take the inky cap mushroom (Coprinopsis atramentaria), for example—this peculiar fungus has a built-in self-destruct button.   Unlike most fungi that slowly decompose, the inky cap dissolves into a black, inky liquid shortly after maturing. This process, called autodigestion or deliquescence, isn’t some tragic accident. It’s p

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The Incredible Design of Blueberries

The world is filled with fascinating plants, but few are as small yet remarkable as the blueberry. These little gems, bursting with flavor and rich in nutrients, are far more than just a tasty snack. Their structure, growth, and survival mechanisms reveal an intricate design—one that highlights Jehovah’s wisdom in creation.   A Berry for Every Climate   Blueberries may seem simple, but they come in four main varieties, each suited to different environments

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