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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

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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Do Spiders Dream?

In 2022, researchers uncovered evidence suggesting that spiders, specifically jumping spiders (Salticidae), might experience sleep states akin to REM (rapid eye movement) sleep in humans. This discovery has intrigued scientists and the public alike, offering new insights into the complex behaviors of these remarkable arachnids.   The 2022 Study: Observing Spider Sleep Juvenile jumping spiders, with their semi-transparent exoskeletons, provided researchers a unique opportunity to o

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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 Changing Eyes of Reindeer

Reindeer Eyes Change with the Season Reindeer live in the Arctic, where summers are bright and winters are very dark. To help them see in these different light conditions, reindeer eyes change color. In the summer, their eyes are golden-yellow, and in the winter, they turn deep blue. This change helps them see better during the long, dark Arctic winters.    The Role of the Tapetum Lucidum This color change happens in a part of the eye called the tapetum lucidum, a reflective

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Wētā: New Zealand’s Remarkable Insects

Wētā, one of New Zealand’s most fascinating creatures, come in all shapes and sizes. These insects are unique to the country and play a vital role in its ecosystems. From the giant wētā to the smaller ground wētā, they show off the amazing variety of life in Jehovah’s creation.   The Giant Wētā: Nature’s Heavyweight The giant wētā (Deinacrida) is one of the largest and heaviest insects in the world. These massive insects are found mostly on predator-free islands where they thrive

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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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Cashews: More Than Just a Nut

Cashews are a beloved snack enjoyed worldwide, but their fascinating journey from tree to table reveals that they are much more than what meets the eye. In fact, cashews aren’t even nuts—they’re seeds with a remarkable story.   From the Tropics to Your Table Cashew trees flourish in warm, tropical regions where the soil and climate are ideal. Originally native to Brazil, these trees were introduced to India, Vietnam, and West Africa in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers. Tod

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Beyond the Buzz: The Intricate World of Honeybee Colonies

Honeybees are some of the most fascinating and organized creatures on the planet. Inside a hive, each bee has a specific role that contributes to the colony's survival. From the moment a worker bee emerges, she takes on various responsibilities, while the queen focuses on reproduction and the drones exist solely for mating. Let’s explore the structure of a hive, the division of labor among bees, and how worker bees maintain population control. The Roles of Honeybees A honeybee colony i

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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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Why 90% of Termites Are Essential for Life

When most people think of termites, they picture chewed-up wooden beams, collapsing houses, and costly repairs. But termites are so much more than just destructive pests. In fact, only about 10% of the world’s termite species cause the damage we dislike, while the other 90% are essential for ecosystems to thrive. Let’s dig deeper into the surprising and essential roles termites play in supporting life on Earth.   The 10% We Fear It’s no surprise that termites have a bad reputation

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The Mighty Big Toe: A Small but Strong Foundation

Your feet are incredible engineering feats, designed to support your body as you walk, run, or stand. Among all the parts of your foot, your big toe plays a starring role. Did you know that when walking normally, your big toe carries about 40% of your body weight? Let’s explore why this seemingly small part of your anatomy is so essential to everyday movement.   The Role of the Big Toe in Walking Walking might seem effortless, but it’s a complex process requiring precise coordinat

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Goats and Their Accents: A Vocal Wonder of the Animal Kingdom

Have you ever thought about how goats communicate? Remarkably, goats not only have accents, but their accents can change depending on the social group they’re in. This unique ability showcases how even these seemingly simple creatures reflect Jehovah’s incredible design.   Goats use vocalizations called bleats to communicate, and their “accent” depends on their environment and social connections. Research has shown that young goats, or kids, develop their initial bleat patterns from th

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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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Banana Trees Aren’t Trees—And They’re Not Alone!

Have you ever stood beneath the towering canopy of a banana plant, its massive leaves swaying in the tropical breeze, and thought to yourself—What a magnificent tree!?   Well, brace yourself for a surprise: banana plants aren’t trees at all! They’re actually giant herbs, and they’re not alone.   A Tree… or Just Pretending?   Unlike true trees, which grow strong, woody trunks that last for decades, banana plants are built differently. What looks like a trunk is actua

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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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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 Deadliest Animal on Earth: The Mosquito

When we think of dangerous animals, lions, sharks, or snakes might come to mind. But the deadliest creature on the planet is much smaller—so small it can fit in the palm of your hand. It’s the mosquito.   Why Are Mosquitoes So Dangerous? Mosquitoes are not deadly because of their bite but because of what they carry. These tiny insects are vectors, meaning they can spread dangerous diseases through the blood they consume. When a mosquito bites an infected person or animal, it picks

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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.

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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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 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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Goldfinches: Migrating Marvels and Seasonal Wonders

Goldfinches are a source of joy for bird enthusiasts year-round, but these delightful little birds have more to them than meets the eye. From their seasonal color changes to their unique migratory habits, goldfinches showcase the intricate designs of Jehovah’s creations. Let’s explore their fascinating behaviors and how they adapt to changing seasons.   Why Goldfinches Aren’t Always Gold   During the warmer months, male American Goldfinches are easily recognized by their bril

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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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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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