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A Glimpses of Wonder Entry Tucked away in quiet basements, tunnels, and repurposed barns, a silent crop is at work—multiplying by the millions, even without a single ray of sunlight. Mushrooms don’t grow like typical plants. In fact, they’re not plants at all. They’re fungi—an entirely different kingdom of life. And that difference changes everything. Unlike plants, mushrooms don’t perform photosynthesis. They don’t draw energy from the sun. Instead, they grow in dark, cool, humid spaces—spaces that most crops would find unwelcoming. And yet, in these unlikely places, mushrooms thrive. A single acre of mushroom-growing space can produce up to 1 million pounds of mushrooms per year. That astounding yield is made possible by something hidden just beneath the surface: mycelium—a vast network of threadlike fibers that spreads through soil, straw, wood chips, or even coffee grounds. But how do mushrooms turn waste into food? The answer lies in their extraordinary method of digestion. Mycelium secretes powerful enzymes into the surrounding material—breaking down complex plant fibers like cellulose and lignin into simpler compounds it can absorb. This process happens outside the organism’s body. In a sense, mushrooms digest their surroundings first, then absorb the results. What was once agricultural waste becomes rich, edible nutrition. It’s a recycling miracle, built into their design. And while they don’t need light to grow, that doesn’t mean they avoid it altogether. Some species benefit from soft, indirect light to help trigger the fruiting process. What they do require is moisture—lots of it. With a preference for high humidity and mild temperatures, mushrooms flourish best in environments that are damp, cool, and rich in oxygen. Even in the darkest corners of the world, mushrooms go to work—quietly breaking down the old and building something new. Even when there’s no sunlight, Jehovah’s brilliance still shines. The line “They grow in the dark” holds a quiet irony—because what mushrooms produce is a radiant reminder of design, not accident. Jehovah’s wisdom doesn’t need the spotlight to astonish. It works in silence, in shadows, and in stillness—transforming waste into nourishment, and darkness into life. What he builds in hidden places is no less full of purpose, beauty, and power.

a little lesson The test isn’t what we have, but how we view what we have—and what we prioritize. Jehovah provided for Israel in dramatic fashion—raining down quail until the camp was overflowing. But the miracle revealed more than just divine generosity. It exposed hearts. Some gathered obsessively, driven by selfish craving. The issue wasn’t the meat itself. It was the mindset. That lesson still holds. Greed isn’t exclusive to those with wealth. It can grip the poor too—those who are constantly longing, constantly comparing, constantly discontent. Jehovah didn’t condemn the act of collecting quail; He condemned the spirit behind it. (Num. 11:31–34) Whether our fridge is full or our bank account is bare, greed whispers the same lie: “You don’t have enough. You need more.” But Jesus flips that script. He urges us to store up treasures in heaven—to measure wealth by closeness to God, not by abundance of things. (Matt. 6:19–20; Luke 16:9) Greed is never just about money. It’s about trust. Do we trust Jehovah to give what we truly need? Reference The Watchtower (Study Edition), March 2025, Article 13, ¶8 👉 Read on JW.org

A Scriptural Consideration Entry “Do not go beyond the things that are written.“—1 Corinthians 4:6 (NWT) The phone buzzed again. Another article popped up. Another video claiming to know “what’s really going on.” It would’ve been easy to click—just for a second—to see if there was something we might be missing. It’s everywhere now. Endless headlines. Endless “urgent” warnings. But somewhere under all the noise, there’s that quiet reminder from Jehovah’s Word: “Do not go beyond the things that are written.” Truth be told, it’s nothing new. In the first century, the pressure to know “more” was already there. Smart-sounding philosophies. Influential teachers twisting old traditions, mixing them with bits and pieces of truth, and making it sound almost right. (Colossians 2:8) But almost right isn’t right. It was pulling hearts away from Jehovah, the only true Source of wisdom and peace. Today, Satan’s gotten louder. Flashier. He’s not standing in a marketplace or behind a scroll. Now it’s our screens, our feeds, our daily conversations. Conspiracies, rumors, theories that grab your emotions and won’t let go if you’re not careful. It’s all designed to make people feel uncertain, suspicious, divided. Distracted from where real hope comes from. So what about us? How do we stay safe when it feels like everyone else is chasing after something new? We stay planted—right where Jehovah put us. (Proverbs 3:5-7) We don’t pile on extra rules. We don’t pressure others about their personal decisions. We don’t run after some “special” knowledge outside of what Jehovah has already given. He’s already told us everything we need—not everything we might want to know, but everything we need to endure and have peace. And honestly, that’s enough. It’s more than enough. When that pull for “more” starts creeping in—more certainty, more control, more secret information—we can stop, breathe, and hear it again: “Do not go beyond the things that are written.” (1 Corinthians 4:6) Jehovah isn’t holding anything good back from us. His hand is steady. His Word is strong. And His love still gathers close everyone who trusts Him enough to stay inside the shelter He built—with no need to look for “better” walls somewhere else. —Watchtower July 2023, pp. 16–17, ¶11-12

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural compounds responsible for a plant's fragrance and flavor. In their natural environment, these oils serve as the plant's defense mechanisms, deterring herbivores, inhibiting microbial growth, and protecting against pathogens. They function as chemical weapons, repelling threats or even harming invaders. Yet, much like the scriptural concept of turning weapons into tools, humans have repurposed these compounds for therapeutic and practical use. However, just as a hammer can still smash a thumb, improper use of essential oils can lead to serious harm. Essential Oils Are Not Harmless Despite their natural origins, essential oils are powerful chemical agents that require responsible handling. Their potency is evident in the fact that reputable companies maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for these substances, much like those required for industrial chemicals. These documents outline potential hazards, safe handling guidelines, and first-aid measures. The very existence of SDS databases for essential oils is a key indicator that they must be treated with caution. Companies such as NOW® Solutions, WFMED, and Zenith Supplies provide publicly accessible SDS sheets for their products, underscoring the necessity of proper education before using essential oils. Furthermore, poison control centers actively track essential oil exposures, demonstrating that misuse can lead to medical emergencies. Recognizing the Risks of Essential Oils One of the most overlooked aspects of essential oil use is their potential for harm. Applying undiluted oils directly to the skin may result in burns, rashes, or long-term sensitization. To mitigate these effects, proper dilution with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, is essential. Similarly, some citrus-based essential oils can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, causing severe reactions when exposed to UV rays. Even inhalation, often assumed to be the safest method, can irritate the respiratory system, particularly in individuals with asthma or other lung conditions. And while ingestion is sometimes promoted, many essential oils are highly toxic if swallowed and should never be consumed without expert guidance. Safe and Informed Use is Essential Education is key to safe essential oil use. Before incorporating these substances into daily routines, individuals should take time to research their properties and potential risks. Not all essential oils are created equal, and their potency requires careful handling. Diluting oils properly before skin application, performing a patch test to check for allergic reactions, and seeking professional guidance when necessary can prevent unwanted effects. Additionally, consulting healthcare providers is especially important for those with existing health conditions, pregnant individuals, and anyone considering using essential oils on children. While essential oils can serve a beneficial role when used properly, they remain potent substances that must be treated with respect. The fact that they are cataloged alongside industrial chemicals in SDS databases and monitored by poison control centers is a stark reminder that improper use can lead to serious consequences. As with any powerful tool, education and caution are necessary to avoid harm. The Bible reminds us of a time when weapons will be repurposed for peaceful use: "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, nor will they learn war anymore" (Isaiah 2:4, NWT). Likewise, while we may currently rely on chemical substances—whether from natural origins like essential oils or pharmaceuticals—to sustain our health, we look forward to a new system where such needs will no longer exist. In that time, perfect bodies will not require any form of supplementation, as Jehovah will provide complete health and well-being. Sources: "Essential Oils - Natural Products Not Necessarily Safe," July 2021 "Cytotoxicity of Lavender Oil and Its Major Components to Human Skin Cells," April 2019 "Essential Oils: More Harmful Than Helpful?" American Lung Association, May 2022 "Essential Oils: Are They Safe?" Kaiser Permanente, 2022 UCLA Center for the Study of Women, "The Essential Truths About Essential Oils," June 2018 NOW® Solutions SDS Database - nowfoods.ca WFMED SDS Database - wfmed.com Zenith Supplies SDS Database - zenithsupplies.com Poison Control Records on Essential Oils A Note from the Author: This blog is not intended to be your sole source of information on this topic. It is meant to serve as a starting point for education. Essential oils are powerful substances that require careful study and responsible use. If you plan to incorporate them into your routine, seek out additional research, consult reliable sources, and approach their use with an informed and cautious mindset.