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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 explodes. The Fruit That Detonates Midair High in the branches of this tree grow small, ridged fruits that look a bit like miniature pumpkins. But they’re not sweet or soft. As they dry out under the tropical sun, something remarkable begins to happen: pressure builds inside the fruit’s thick shell. And then—boom. With a startling crack, the fruit explodes while still attached to the tree, hurling its seeds at up to 150 miles per hour, sometimes over 100 feet away. Bits of fruit shell may go flying too, all part of the tree’s dramatic seed dispersal. This violent burst isn’t chaotic—it’s precise. By launching its seeds far from the parent tree, the sandbox tree gives them space to grow in open soil, away from the shade and competition below. Even this loud, aggressive method has a life-giving purpose. Built for Defense The sandbox tree isn’t just explosive—it’s well-guarded. Its bark is lined with large, sharp spikes that make it nearly unclimbable. And the milky white sap inside the tree is toxic, known to cause severe skin irritation or even temporary blindness. In centuries past, indigenous peoples used the sap to poison their arrow tips. It’s a tree designed to defend itself—and it does so effectively. An Unlikely Writing Companion Despite its fierce defenses, the sandbox tree once played a role in something gentle: helping people write neatly. Before quick-drying ink and ballpoint pens, people wrote with quill pens dipped in liquid ink. That ink took time to dry and often smeared across the page. To solve this, writers would sprinkle fine sand or powder over the wet ink to blot it. That sand was stored in small containers called “sandboxes”—many of them made from the dried fruit of the sandbox tree. The ridged, rounded fruit, once hollowed out and fitted with a perforated lid, made the perfect dispenser. So a tree that explodes high in the canopy once sat quietly on desks, helping preserve the written word. A Glimpse of Divine Wisdom The sandbox tree might seem strange, even dangerous. But it’s also deeply purposeful. Its explosive fruit, toxic sap, and spiked armor each serve a role in its survival and growth. Nothing is random. The design is deliberate. As Proverbs 3:19–20 says: “Jehovah founded the earth in wisdom. He established the heavens in discernment. By his knowledge the watery deeps were split apart, and the clouds drip with dew.” (Proverbs 3:19–20 – JW Study Bible) Even the fiercest creations in the forest are part of that wisdom. They don’t just survive—they tell a story. One of wonder. One of purpose. Another glimpse—of wonder.

The Fastest Animal? A Race Against Resistance Glimpses of Wonder We all know the answer, don’t we?

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 sunflower appears at first glance, there is so much more happening beneath its surface—truly more than meets the eye. Towering Wonders Sunflowers can grow impressively tall, with some varieties reaching heights of over 12 feet (3.7 meters)! Did you know there are about 70 different species of sunflowers, each with unique sizes and growth habits? Some sunflowers aim high toward the sky, while others remain short and compact, each suited perfectly for their environment. Originally from North America, sunflowers have now spread across the globe, thriving in diverse climates from sunny fields to backyard gardens. Many Flowers in One Sunflowers aren't merely one large flower; each sunflower head actually contains hundreds, sometimes thousands, of tiny individual flowers, called florets. Each floret has its own purpose, as these tiny blooms eventually produce the seeds we enjoy as a delicious snack. It's as if an entire community of flowers lives within one bright bloom, working together to create something remarkable. The Fibonacci Secret But the sunflower holds even deeper wonders. Look closely at the pattern of florets spiraling in perfect harmony. You'll discover they're arranged according to an astonishing mathematical design known as the Fibonacci sequence (pronounced fib-oh-NAH-chee). This fascinating sequence of numbers can be seen in various forms throughout Jehovah’s creation—from seashells to galaxies—showing purposeful design rather than mere chance. Chasing the Sun Yet the sunflower's wonder doesn't stop there. When young, sunflowers exhibit an amazing behavior called heliotropism (hee-lee-AH-troh-pizm). Each morning, their heads turn eagerly toward the rising sun, gently following its journey across the sky until evening. Overnight, they quietly rotate back eastward, ready to greet the dawn once more. But as sunflowers mature, this movement slows until they eventually stiffen, permanently facing eastward. Why do they stop moving? This eastward-facing position has an essential purpose. By consistently greeting the morning sunlight, mature sunflowers become warmer and more inviting for bees and other pollinators during the crucial early hours. Pollinators love warmth, and the sunflower, always facing the sunrise, provides them exactly what they seek. It's a brilliant example of thoughtful design, ensuring pollination and survival. Delicious and Nutritious Seeds Not every sunflower produces equally tasty seeds. While nearly all sunflower varieties produce seeds, some are specifically grown to provide larger, meatier, and tastier seeds. Smaller, ornamental sunflower seeds, while technically edible, are often bitter and less enjoyable. Edible sunflower seeds can be enjoyed both raw and roasted. Raw seeds have a mild, nutty flavor perfect for sprinkling over salads, cereals, or yogurt. Roasting the seeds brings out a richer flavor and adds crunch, making them a beloved snack or topping. A Deeper Appreciation Indeed, the sunflower you see is breathtakingly beautiful. Yet knowing the remarkable complexity hidden just beneath its sunny surface gives you an even deeper appreciation. It’s truly a glimpse of wonder—another vivid reminder of the careful planning and love of Jehovah, the Designer who crafted the sunflower to be both delightful to the eye and full of unseen marvels.

“They say if your hand is bigger than your face, you have cancer.” At some point, many of us fell for that playground prank—only to be met with a swift palm to the face. But beyond childhood antics, “They” seem to have a lot to say. “They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” “They say lightning never strikes the same place twice.” “They say good things come to those who wait.” Who are they? Are they scholars, scientists, wise old sages? Or are they just a convenient way to pass along whatever sounds reasonable in the moment? The Power of “They” Using “They say” gives weight to an idea without requiring proof. It’s an invisible panel of experts, always present but never accountable. It’s conversational glue, making opinions sound like established facts. Sometimes, “They” represent genuine wisdom passed down over generations. Other times, it’s just a cover for hearsay, half-truths, or outright nonsense. “They say we only use 10% of our brains.” (False—every part of the brain has a function.) “They say swallowed gum stays in your stomach for seven years.” (Also false—it passes like anything else.) “They say cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.” (Not true—but it does annoy some people.) When “They” Get It Right Despite the misinformation, sometimes “They” are onto something. “They say actions speak louder than words.” That’s biblical wisdom wrapped in common sense. “They say you reap what you sow”—that sounds a lot like Galatians 6:7. Perhaps some of these sayings persist because they echo universal truths that Jehovah has already taught us. Testing the Source The next time someone says, “They say,” ask, “Who exactly?” It’s a good reminder to be discerning, to test what we hear, and to seek wisdom from reliable sources—especially Jehovah’s Word. Unlike the ever-changing, faceless “They,” the Bible gives guidance we can trust. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, trusting in Jehovah—not just human sayings—will make our paths straight. So the next time “They” have something to say, take a moment to find out if it’s really worth listening to. Thanks to the @Qapla Monday Night chat group with @Piano Man, @Sheep & @just1-4all.

The human body is full of intricate designs, each organ serving a specific purpose. One such organ, often overlooked, is the gallbladder. Though small, this pear-shaped organ plays a crucial role in digestion, working closely with the liver to manage bile flow and aid in fat digestion. What Is the Gallbladder? The gallbladder is a small, hollow organ located beneath the liver. It acts as a storage unit for bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. When you eat foods high in fat, the gallbladder contracts, releasing bile into the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine, in response to the hormone cholecystokinin. This bile aids in breaking down fats and supporting nutrient absorption. Essentially, it’s like a bag that holds bile; when the body needs it, the gallbladder squeezes or contracts to release the bile. [1] The Role of Bile Bile is a yellow-green fluid composed of bile salts, cholesterol, and waste products like bilirubin. It also contains water, electrolytes, and phospholipids, which aid in digestion and maintaining the right chemical balance in the digestive tract. Bile emulsifies fats, breaking them into smaller droplets so enzymes can digest them more efficiently. Without bile, fat digestion would be much more difficult, leading to nutrient deficiencies and digestive discomfort. [2] Gallbladder Health and Common Issues Despite its essential function, the gallbladder is not an organ people often think about—until it causes problems. Several conditions can affect its function, including: • Gallstones – Hardened deposits of cholesterol or bilirubin that can block bile flow, causing pain, nausea, and inflammation. Gallstones are the most common cause of gallbladder disease. [3] • Cholecystitis – Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones or infection. [3] • Biliary Dyskinesia – A condition where the gallbladder does not contract properly, leading to inefficient bile release. [3] Life Without a Gallbladder Interestingly, a person can live without a gallbladder. If removed due to gallstones or other issues, the liver continues to produce bile, but instead of being stored, it flows directly into the small intestine. Some people may experience digestive changes, such as difficulty digesting fatty foods or occasional diarrhea, but many individuals continue to digest food normally without a gallbladder. Dietary adjustments can help the body adapt to these changes. [3] Jehovah’s Amazing Design The gallbladder may seem small, but its function reflects Jehovah’s incredible design. Even organs that are sometimes removed serve a purpose, helping the body operate in harmony. This reminds us of 1 Corinthians 12:25-26, which says: “so that there should be no division in the body, but its members should have mutual concern for one another. If one member suffers, all the other members suffer with it; or if a member is glorified, all the other members rejoice with it.” (New World Translation Study Bible) Jehovah designed the human body with wisdom, ensuring even the smallest parts play a role in our well-being. The gallbladder’s role in digestion is just one more example of His perfect design! Sources 1. Cleveland Clinic. “Gallbladder What Is It Function Location & Anatomy.” Published 2023. 2. Britannica. “Gallbladder.” Published 2023. 3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Gallbladder Disease.” Published 2023.