From John 16:33: “I have said this to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!”
With the everlasting grace of our Savior’s Resurrection, our faith is strengthened daily. Jesus Christ is indeed alive, and may we always know that we shall never walk alone.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one. You are invited to participate with the opening question.
Brain Teaser Question
Johnny throws a ball as hard as he can. It comes back to him, even though nothing touches it. How does this happen?
(answer found at the end of this post)
Featured Facts
The insect world is filled with an endless variety of fascinating creatures. The soldier beetle is quite unique with its colorful appearance and shape.
Here are a few quick facts about the soldier beetle:
Length: .5 to 1 inch (12-25 mm)
Body shape: elongated and cylinder-like
Diet: aphids, mites, caterpillars
Location: found throughout the world
The soldier beetle’s appearance resembles leather or a soldier’s uniform. The red soldier beetle appears to be dressed like a British redcoat from the 1700s. Other beetles may appear more yellow (goldenrod) or yellowish-orange. Their body’s bright markings are offset by dark markings on the wings and legs.
Soldier beetles are frequently found in and around flower gardens where they mate, hunt, and eat. Their graceful flight patterns are distinguished with short bursts of flying, followed by gliding. Without a need to bite or sting, they are harmless to humans.
They contribute in a positive way to the balance of life in any ecosystem. They do not damage gardens or crops as they provide pest control and serve as agricultural pollinators. In turn, they are a source of food for birds.
The life cycle of the soldier beetle begins with a female laying her eggs on leaves of a plant stem. Later, they will hatch into larvae with a worm-like appearance. Once the larvae are fully grown, the pupae will form a protective cocoon. After metamorphosis, they will emerge as a transformed adult. Adults live for a few weeks to several months.
This post is inspired by the nature photography of Linda’s blog at Lagniappe. Her camera enjoys sharing nature’s treasures along with her insightful narratives.
clockwise from top left: The goldenrod (yellow) color is quite common for many of the soldier beetles in the United states, a hungry larvae waits for its next life cycle to begin, and a red soldier beetle (REMINISCENT of the british redcoat’s uniforms). (Images courtesy of Pinterest)
Nature’s journey will be filled with a promised kaleidoscope of experiences and emotions.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
Children have neither past nor future–they rejoice in the present.
The child must teach the man.
John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) was an American poet. His Quaker background entrusted him to advocate for the abolition of slavery in the United States.
With every step taken today, may our thoughts and actions bring praise to God’s glory.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
Instead of living in the grip of fear, held captive by the chains of treason and dread; when we release our preoccupation with worry, we find God’s hand at work on our behalf.
From Ephesians 2:13-14: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace; in His flesh He has made both into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.”
Big Sky Buckeye 