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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 Golden Tortoise Beetle and Its Shimmering Beauty

The insect world is full of fascinating creatures, and among them, the golden tortoise beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata) stands out as one of the most visually striking. With its ability to change color and its distinctive, metallic gold appearance, this tiny beetle has intrigued scientists and nature lovers alike.   A Dazzling Appearance   The golden tortoise beetle earns its name from its dome-shaped, tortoise-like shell that gleams with an iridesce

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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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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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The Arctic Fox: Survival, Camouflage, Danger, and Struggle

The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is one of nature’s most fascinating creatures, perfectly designed to survive in the harshest conditions on Earth. From its incredible camouflage to its tough survival instincts, this small but mighty fox thrives where few animals can. However, life in the Arctic is anything but easy—between predators, changing climates, and food shortages, the Arctic fox is constantly facing danger and struggle. Let’s take a closer look at how this amazing animal survives in the f

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The Amazing Science Behind How Cats Land on Their Feet

Cats have an extraordinary ability to twist in midair and land gracefully on their feet, even after falling from great heights. This is not magic or a supernatural event, but rather a remarkable physical process that can be explored and understood through science. The reason cats can do this lies in a unique combination of their inner ear, spine flexibility, and physics. It’s a skill called the righting reflex, and it kicks in as soon as a cat begins to fall. Scientists have spent over a hundred

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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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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.

Salar de Uyuni: Bolivia’s Dazzling Salt Mirror

Tucked away in the remote highlands of Bolivia lies a breathtaking natural wonder: Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. This remarkable expanse, covering over 10,582 square kilometers (4,086 square miles), is a testament to the creativity and majesty of Jehovah’s creation. Its unique beauty and fascinating characteristics draw visitors and researchers from around the globe.   A Landscape Like No Other   Salar de Uyuni, located in southwest Bolivia, resembles a vast,

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Pine Trees That Thrive After Forest Fires

When we think of forest fires, we often imagine destruction. But did you know that some pine trees are actually designed to survive fires and grow stronger afterward? These amazing trees don’t just survive—they thrive in the ashes!   How Fire Helps These Trees Grow For certain pine trees, like the lodgepole pine and jack pine, forest fires are essential for their life cycle. These trees have special cones called serotinous cones. The cones are tightly sealed with a tough resin tha

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Pelicans: Graceful Gliders of Jehovah’s Creation

Picture a group of pelicans soaring just above the water, their expansive wings barely disturbing the surface as they glide effortlessly. Pelicans have a remarkable ability to ride thermals and make use of natural air currents, a skill that showcases Jehovah’s thoughtful design of these magnificent birds.   How Do Pelicans Glide on Thermals? Thermals are rising columns of warm air created when the sun heats the ground or water. Pelicans use these invisible updrafts to gain altitud

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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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Maya Nord: A Biodiversity Haven in the Congo

A Unique Clearing in the Heart of the Jungle Maya Nord, a renowned “bai” or natural forest clearing, is nestled within the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo. This iconic location is celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity, serving as a meeting point for wildlife amid the dense rainforests. These mineral-rich clearings act as vital hubs for animals seeking essential nutrients and water, creating a unique ecosystem that thrives with life.   Wildlife Marvels at

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Designed for Communication and the Wonder of Learning to Speak

Have you ever wondered how babies learn to speak? At first, they seem to just make random noises, but before long, they’re forming words and sentences. It’s almost magical how an infant, starting with no understanding of language, somehow cracks the code of human speech. But behind that magic is a process that scientists are only beginning to fully understand.   From the moment they’re born—perhaps even earlier—babies are listening. They don’t just hear sounds; they start sorting them

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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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Breaking the Speed Barrier: The High-Flying Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat

When you think of fast-flying creatures, birds like falcons or swifts may come to mind. However, in terms of level flight, some bats, particularly the Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), take speed to an entirely new level. These incredible mammals can reach speeds of up to 99.5 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour) in horizontal flight, surpassing the fastest birds in this category. While birds like the peregrine falcon hold the overall speed record during dives, the Brazilian

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Bioluminescent Bays: A Stunning Display of Light

Imagine floating through water that glows with an amazing blue-green light, as if the stars have fallen to Earth and are dancing around you. This awe-inspiring phenomenon occurs in bioluminescent bays, where microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates emit light when disturbed. It’s a breathtaking wonder that showcases the creativity and beauty of Jehovah’s creation.   What Are Bioluminescent Bays?   Bioluminescent bays, often referred to as “bio bays,” are unique coastal ec

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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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