Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Tarantulas & Ewe 2 !

The Goliath Bird-Eating Tarantula is a fascinating arachnid, that is quite resourceful. Its stealthy hunting style & unique arsenal of weaponry, assist these beloved "Goliaths" in standing out as really "Awesome Arachnids". However, they're not the only arachnids in town. They have some "cool" relatives that we're going to further explore. Hope Ewe enjoy them.
I'm a "Mexican rust leg" enjoying life "South of the Border"!
Generally speaking, female tarantulas live longer, 25-30 years, than their males counterparts, 10-15 years. The Goliath Bird-Eating Tarantula actually tries to eat the male she mates with. He is very fortunate to escape with his life! This practice adds a whole new meaning to long-lasting marriages.
Do I look like a cannibal to Ewe? I just see males as a protein source!
Tarantulas appear "creepy" to us! However, their venom is less dangerous to humans, having a similar effect as a bee sting. Many species are docile in nature & make for safe, unusual pets. Even though they have 8 eyes, they rely mostly on sensing the vibrations of insects moving around them through their hairs.



"Good Vibrations" is my favorite song!Be nice to me & I'll be nice to Ewe!
The name tarantula was originally given to spiders in the town of Taranto in southern Italy. A local legend stated that if ewe were bitten by a spider,  the only cure would be to dance. This frenzied folk dance was called the tarantella. Legend has it that if Ewe dance to near exhaustion , Ewe would sweat the poison away.

Ewe do know I like frogs & toads as well!
The Blue Cobalt tarantula of Asia is a fascinating spider that is rather fast & aggressive by nature. Blue Cobalts are about 5 inches across & their irridescent blue legs are truly unmistakable! If ewe are thinking about a pet, the Blue Cobalt is only for more experienced handlers


Ewe better not be fooled by Good Looks! I'm still deadly to bugs!

There are a host of other "Colorful" tarantulas that occupy our planet! Here are just a few for Ewer enjoyment.



I'm a "PURPLE BLOOM" tarantula that Ewe don't want to see in Ewer flowers!

I'm a "Mexican Red Knee" that will make Ewe dance!





I'm a  "KING BABOON" Tarantula that doesn't "Monkey" around!

















I'm a "Chilean Rose" & I do not make a good "Valentine's Day gift!

Sheep at times will wander & subject themselves to danger. Predators, similar to the tarantula, are always on the look-out for stray sheep. The Shepherd must always be ready to both  seek after & protect his flock.

Ewe know I could really use a little help here! Help!

Does anyone know where the herd went?
As Ewe live life today, travel close to the Shepherd. He will show Ewe the path of life!


"But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory & the one who lifts up my head."  Ps.3:3



Saturday, February 23, 2013

"Tarantulas & Ewe"!

The Goliath  Bird-Eating Tarantula is one "Bad" spider! Inhabiting South America, upon closer examination ,this Goliath emanates the character trait of "Resourcefulness".Webster defines Resourcefulness asfull of resources; able to deal promptly & effectively with problems, difficulties, etc.

I'm a predator that's ewer worst nightmare!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LmyyXcE6rw&feature=player_embedded (Check me out!)

The Goliath Bird-Eating Tarantula carries its one-foot diameter frame in a rather stealthy manner. One resource it uses is the element of surprise. This is crucial to its successful hunting. By sneaking up & pouncing on its prey, it then uses its one inch fangs to inject a fatal venom into the unsuspecting victim. No use of webs, no leaps, just one strong pounce & bite! Snakes, insects, lizards, mice, bats, & small birds, Beware!

I have "Lots of Tricks" up my Fangs!
I-inch of pure delight for any takers!  
The Goliath Tarantula also is resourceful in its ability to protect itself ! It releases tiny barb-like hairs from its body when it perceives a threat.. These hairs act as real irritants to the eyes & skin of the attacker. Pretty "hairy" escape plan, don't Ewe think?

I can't chew or tear my prey , but I love to "Slurp" my food!

The Goliath Bird-Eating Tarantula is resourceful also in the way it digests its food. With its bite, it also injects stomach juices into its victim that "liquefies" the victim's organs & soft tissue. Then, it's Slurpee Time! Ewe can understand why some humans choose to avoid these fuzzy critters at all costs. Anyone looking for a pet?


Would Ewe please come to the "Doctor" for ewer "Injection"!
The last resource available to the Goliath Bird-Eating Tarantula is its ability to make noise that can be heard up to 15ft. away! It produces a  hissing sound by rubbing bristles on its legs together. Hissing is a good way of warning predators ! Believe it or not, there are some South American people that actually eat "roasted" tarantulas! YUCK! I'll "stick" with marshmallows.

This blue cobalt tarantula is a family relative!
Sheep are not very resourceful when it comes down to protecting themselves. Unlike the Goliath Bird-Eating Tarantula, all they can do is herd together for protection. They rely on their trusty & resourceful Shepherd to protect, care for, & water & feed them.
I need the Shepherd's help in a "Baaa..D" way!

Celebrate today, with the knowledge that Ewe have a Shepherd that is very "Resourceful", walking beside Ewe at every "twist & turn" of ewer day!


"The Lord is my rock, & my fortress, & my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I trust;..." Ps. 18:2a





Thursday, February 21, 2013

Sheepish Styles!

Sheep are unique creatures that each have their own individual style. There is great diversity in their approaches to life.

Ewe have some sheep "on the Lamb"!
Ewe  have some sheep "Standing their ground"! ( Great stare.)
Sheep vary in style, even in the way they grow their wool. As Ewe can see, sheep have some fairly colorful characters.

 If Ewe eat Fruit Loops, I heard it turns ewer wool into cotton candy!
Guess what we've been eating?Are Ewe all set for St. Patty's Day?
Do Ewe Think we ate too much Corn? Why are we so Yellow?
We just can't decide on our favorite color to wear!
Some sheep like to wear some accessories to accentuate their individual styles. Style demands distinction!

I grew this coat myself, & just got it back from the cleaners!
This is one "Baaa...d" Hat!
Sheep also sport some real comedians in their midst. Sheep usually enjoy having them in their company.(Except the serious type.)
Ewe know a Good Comedian can't tell a joke without a straight face!
Ewe need to drink more so Ewe don't get "Dry Mouth"!
There is always someone who tries to "Muzzle " Ewe!( if they hate ewer jokes.)
Sheep also have some that are "rebellious" in their herd, desiring to designate their style as "Fiercely Independent".

I have a "PIERCING" independent streak!

I want to be FREE! I want to be Me!
No one tells me what to do! Take That!
Some sheep enjoy "debating", as a style of relating to other sheep.
They find themselves "Banging Heads" with the other sheep. Ewe can be sure that a headache is nearby!
Ewe will see it "My Way" or hit the Highway!
Fortunately, the Good Shepherd  knows the styles of sheep & has studied them for their entire existence! He knows exactly how to minister to each style.
To Know Ewe is to Love Ewe!
Whatever Ewer style , Ewe have a Good Shepherd who loves Ewe & cares for Ewe, just as Ewe are! That thought ought to carry Ewe throughout Ewer day!


"For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, & have believed that I came out from God." John 16:27





Tuesday, February 19, 2013

President's Day Ponderings 2

In keeping with the President's Day theme, today I'm going to blog about our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.  He was president at a very difficult time in our nation's history, & was both loved & hated by different factions. I'm going to try & have Lincoln tell his story through his own words. Welcome back to "memory lane".


Lincoln knew the secret of living "One Day at a Time".
Lincoln had many obstacles to overcome growing up, but persevered through all of them, allowing them to mold him into a stronger person of character.

Lincoln was very practical & simple in his approach!
Lincoln knew what "absolute power" could do to a man!
Lincoln was elected  president during a tumultuous time in our nation's history. The nation was sharply divided over the issues of
slavery & state's rights. This was truly a time that tried men's souls.

Lincoln stood firm on his convictions that All Men are Created Equal!

Ewe know that it comes down to how Ewe look at things !
 
The Civil War weighed heavily upon Lincoln. The Battle of Gettysburg was really difficult & he traveled to Gettysburg to speak. On the way there, he scribbled his thoughts down , which later became known as the famous Gettysburg Address.

In a speech a little over 2 minutes, Lincoln capsulized the struggle!
Unity is critical for a nation to move forward & accomplish great things!
Lincoln had his belief system indelibly etched in his speeches. When he was running for office & while in office, he looked to God & the Bible for guidance. 
"Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God!"

He seemed to know that "perfect love casts out all fear"!
"Honor your father & your mother."
The following quotes,  taken from Lincoln's life, give further evidence of his reliance on the Sovereign God of the Scriptures.


The President responded very impressively, saying that he was deeply sensible of his need of Divine assistance. He had sometime thought that perhaps he might be an instrument in God's hands of accomplishing a great work and he certainly was not unwilling to be.  (remarks to a delegation of progressive friends.)


In regard to this Great Book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it.( In response to receiving a Bible from the Loyal Colored People of Baltimore.)


The evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond, and the surrender of the principal insurgent army, give hope of a righteous and speedy peace whose joyous expression can not be restrained. In the midst of this, however, He, from Whom all blessings flow, must not be forgotten. A call for a national thanksgiving is being prepared, and will be duly promulgated.(Last Public Address.)


Sheep are similar to Lincoln , in that they are subject to many trials in their lifetime. Fortunately, they have discovered, as did Lincoln,  that they have a Shepherd to go to.

When life gives Ewe lemons, make Lemonade!
As we look back into our history, it's nice to see God's hand upon our leaders , especially during times with the most difficult of circumstances! Try to remember that as Ewe face the troubles that the day may inevitably bring.


 "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it, and is safe." Proverbs 18:10

Monday, February 18, 2013

President's Day Ponderings!

I thought that it might be nice for President's Day, to go back in time & visit George Washington & Abraham Lincoln. We will be taking a look at each of their lives through the things that they have spoken. I hope Ewe enjoy this walk down "memory lane". 


God's hand was upon me during the French & Indian War!
The quote above was spoken after a battle with the Indians in which they attempted to kill Washington, however, they came to realize that he was "Divinely" protected.
At Valley Forge, General Washington inspired the troops.
Washington had certain rules for success that he tried to live by. There's a great deal  of wisdom in what he believes.

This is great advice for any "Sheep" to follow! Not "Baa...D" at all!

 
George Washington also had some interesting thoughts on government. Ewe might also think of him as somewhat prophetic, in light of the current debates in Washington D.C.!

Thank Ewe Mr. President, for having foresight!




Ewe knew that we needed the "Separation of Powers"!

George Washington clearly had the wisdom to recognize the need for divine guidance & protection if our young nation was going to have a chance of succeeding.
Stability comes from being rooted in the TRUTH!
"You will know the Truth & the Truth will set you Free."
Empathy & Compassion are God's idea!

Ewe need to play by His Rules!

Sheep need the most guidance of all the domesticated animals. Thankfully, they have a wise Shepherd to watch over & govern their lives.
Ewe can have fun when Ewe have the right authority over Ewe!

As Ewe celebrate President's Day, take some time to thank God for the leaders He sends our way. Pray that God will use them in our lives for His Good!


"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, & the authorities that exist are appointed by God." Romans 13:1