Vultures are not beautiful birds with elegant markings. Unlike eagles, who also feed on carrion, they don’t inspire or symbolize great nations. Sports teams don’t adopt them as mascots. Beyond their obvious lack of beauty up close, even the distant sight of wheeling vultures gives many a feeling of dread. But I think vultures are […]
The first thing we notice about an evergreen conifer forest is its fragrance. Its pungent odor actually contains therapeutic value now recognized by science to improve health.* But while the scent of evergreens may draw us, one evergreen in particular—the cedar—repels destructive moths. This is why cedar chests are used to protect linen and wool […]
“Look at this wire. Do you know why we put this up?” asked Mr. Weiss as he pointed towards the thin metal wire hanging directly above us by the pool at his home. “Well, for the purpose of drying clothes!” I replied without hesitation. He gave a hearty laugh. “Look harder! See those creatures up […]
I could save a cockroach from death. I could pet its head and rub its skinny legs. I could feed it cockroach food, sing it cockroach songs, and build it a cockroach house—anything to make it happy. But you would think I was crazy—perhaps due for a mental health checkup. Though I cringe when I […]
I love bright, sunny days. But for me, the real wonders of the sky emerge as the sun sets and daylight fades. As I gaze up at the thousands of stars sparkling in the wide-open heavens, their beauty fills me with awe and peace. The universe seemed so vast and limitless. Yet, in spite of […]
Come with me, and let’s go swimming. The ocean is beautiful today, a sparkling blue in the bright sunshine overhead. Here’s a mask so you can clearly see what’s down there. We plunge into the gentle waves and make our way to the reef not far from shore. The water is shallow; be careful not […]
In ancient times, diamond mines were so scarce that only royalty could afford the rare gems they produced. Today, diamonds are mined in every continent but Europe and Antarctica, yet their price still reflects the unique properties for which they are valued. Diamonds are valued for their exquisite brilliance and as the strongest natural substance […]
Imagine that you are about to settle comfortably into a new home when a wild pack of intruders crowds in, claiming it as their own. Setting up residence, they rob you of your own food, rest, water, and space! Worse still, there is absolutely nothing you can do about it! This is what weeds are […]
Today many accept the theory that the universe commenced from a tiny point of energy smaller than the size of one subatomic particle. This point of energy exploded, they believe, about 15 billion years ago, producing the 100 billion galaxies of which we are presently aware. What is more astounding is that Christians accept these […]