Today's Tuesday's Time To is all about learning new things! We're never too old to learn - in fact, as I get older, I want to learn more than ever! We're lucky to have access to the internet - which when used sensibly, can be a source of fascinating facts and information. I like to use Wikipedia to research things I am interested in learning more about - often there are external links provided on the information pages, so if you want to take your learning further, you can click on the links to expand your knowledge. Just type in a question or topic, and you'll get a myriad of exciting answers! Here are some of the things I've learned recently ...
A time to plant ...
Did you know that the world's tallest tree is the coast redwood, a type of coniferous (evergreen) tree that grows up to almost 380 feet tall? That's approximately 76 times taller than I am! The very tallest coast redwood can be found in Hyperion, Redwood National Park, in California, USA.
A time to heal ...
Research has shown that honey from the flowers of the manuka bush, which is found in New Zealand, has amazing healing properties. It is antibacterial, anti viral and anti fungal. It's a bit more expensive to buy Manuka Honey than other types, but you can now get it in supermarkets in England. We've tried it and it has a strong but pleasant taste and works well in a mug of warm water with lemon juice added, to heal colds and coughs.
A time to laugh ...
We've all heard the theories about how it takes far more muscles to frown than it does to smile (the implication being that therefore it is easier, and healthier, to be happy and cheerful than to be surly and negative all the time). But experts say that in fact, it is impossible to quantify how many muscles it takes. Everyone is different too - we all have unique ways to frown or smile. Regardless of the fact that it isn't possible to know which is easier to do, it is definitely better for us and everyone around us, if we smile - and remember, being happy is a choice - so let's work those muscles out, and keep smiling!
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this,
that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1: 2-4).
A time to embrace ...
Did you know that monkeys are so intelligent that they can remember each other, even after years of separation? At the Monkey World sanctuary in Dorset, England, the late Jim Cronin and his wife Alison reintroduced a baby monkey to its mother, years after it had been taken from her in the wild. The two monkeys recognised each other and even embraced.
A time to keep ...
The phrase "Keep Calm And Carry On" was invented by the British government during the second world war, and used as a motivational advertising campaign to improve the morale of the public during the war. Nowadays the slogan is still popular in England, and you can buy items such as mugs, tea towels and posters with it printed on. It's a phrase I have in mind sometimes, when I'm busy with lots of things at home, and something goes wrong! Keeping calm and carrying on is definitely part of a homemaker's resume!
A time to sew ...
Sewing is a skill that goes back to the beginning of time - the first known use of the word was in the 14th Century, when metal sewing needles were invented. Sewing machines arrived on the scene much later on - in 1830. Although I enjoy sewing by hand, this is more for ornamental items such as cross stitch or patchwork. I use my machine to sew clothes - it's quicker, and the results are much neater. Conversely, curtains are actually better sewn by hand.
A time to speak ...
Another incredibly intelligent creature in the animal kingdom is the dolphin. They are extremely social animals and are able to communicate with each other individually through complex whistles, yelps and squeaks. They also speak to each other through a variety of different body languages. They use their bodies to give messages to each other, just as animals on land do. Although dolphins in zoos may appear to be able to understand their keepers, this is just conditioning. We personally don't like zoos - we'd rather see animals in their natural habitats, behaving like animals and not as a source of entertainment for humans. This is one reason why we have a television - so that we can learn about animals through nature programmes and documentaries.
A time to love ...
Did you know that the world love is mentioned in the Bible (KJV) 310 times? The word hate is only mentioned 87 times. Isnt't this a fact worth remembering, especially in the light of the horrifying number of incidences where faith is used as a weapon to promote intolerance, bigotry and even violence, in our already damaged world?
A time of peace ...
And using the same theme - the word peace is mentioned 429 times! What a strong message for us all of the true spiritual calling that we have - man, woman or child. Not only to be peaceful in ourselves through our relationship with our Father God, but to promote peace and harmony amongst each other - through our own example as His servants.
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 5: 9).
