American Heirlooms - August 2019

American Heirlooms - August 2019

302-653-2411

AUGUST 2019

MY FAMILY’S TRIP TO AMAZING CREATION

I believe a great way to celebrate the work of the Creator is to spend some time learning about the work He created. This spring, my family and I ventured north to Amazing Creation to learn from environmental experts about the work they are doing and the subjects they study. Our journey took us north of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, into the gorgeous mountainous region. The beautiful Susquehanna River snakes along Route 22, which we followed through the Appalachian Mountains to the Amazing Creation site, which was tucked into a hill. In the morning, the hill was quiet, calm, and peaceful. You could hear the faint whistle of a train in the background as attendees awoke for a day of inquisitive presentations and celebrations of the creations God has made. The two-day event had many family-friendly activities, and each one of us left with a favorite presentation from Amazing Creation. Personally, I enjoyed hearing about an organic honeybee operation that relies on wild pollination to flavor their honey. They had basswood, raspberry blossom, and flavored honey based on the pollination of the plants these particular hives were working near. The group doesn’t rely on high- fructose corn syrup to feed their bees — a known commercial process in Florida orange groves — and they create a product that’s just about as natural as you can get. It’s funny how the commercialization of food hides what is really inside certain products we get

at the grocery store, and, sadly, honey is one of those affected items.

yet unrecognizable forces in our universe that seem to have an effect on it. Even if we cannot identify what is causing these changes, we can see the aftermath. For example, there’s a storm brewing on Jupiter that has been changing in size since it was first discovered. The reasoning behind this is still undetermined, but it’s highly intriguing. Amazing Creation was a great family trip to kick off our summer in late May and early June. There was something for everyone at this event, whether it was looking through specialized telescopes to see the surface of the sun or hearing from an expert about beetles, the animal with the highest species count at 350,000! Our children had so much fun with the other young attendees of the event, making friends and sharing in the camaraderie of honoring our creator. We can’t wait to trek up north again and celebrate what He has created. –Ethan Zimmerman

I was amazed to learn this operation had grown from just one hobby hive a few years back to 100 active hives. By allowing the bees to live and work naturally, this group has developed a strong understanding of the amazing design that went into creating these creatures. For example, worker bees will perform a dance to inform other workers where the best food is located. Bees also require precise temperatures to keep the hive alive and functioning throughout winter, and they frequently have to manage little mites that threaten their hive. For little insects that might appear as a nuisance to a family picnic, bees are so vital to the Creator’s design! The other presentation I was fascinated with was Extreme Cosmos. This presenter focused on black holes and the extreme

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Between vacations, bonfires, and sporting tournaments, your children’s sleep schedule probably went on break when they did this summer. With school fast approaching, it’s vital to get your children back on a proper sleep schedule. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, getting enough sleep can significantly improve a child’s growth and cognitive function. But getting a restful night’s sleep is easier said than done when children have had almost complete freedom for months. Try these tips to get the children snoozing through August, ready for school. Start Early and Go Slowly When practicing this tip, think of the old adage: “It takes 21 days to break a habit.” If your children have been going to bed late this summer, set a time when they must go to bed, but don’t make it too far off the time they have been regularly hitting the hay. If they shuffle off to bed around 10 p.m., push their bedtime to 9:45 p.m., and then push it back to 9:30 p.m. one week later. Slowly work your way back to an appropriate time, and bedtime will be easier when school starts.

children to doze off when they should. Sleep experts recommend creating a sleeping space that mimics a cave: dark, cool, and quiet. This means sunlight shouldn’t sneak into the room, and the home should be a quiet zone after bedtime. No one wants to sleep while everyone else is having fun, so everyone at home should be quiet at bedtime. Just Relax This is a rule your family should follow year-round, not just when you want to reestablish a routine. At a certain time each night, begin the nightly wind-down. For example, at 8 p.m. shut off your screens, put on pajamas, and engage in a relaxing activity, like reading a book or doing some yoga. Signaling to your body and your family that it’s time for bed will help your children, and you, fall asleep at an appropriate time.

Make It Easy Though the days may be getting shorter, it’s still relatively light out at night, making it nearly impossible for your

Trees have many bountiful offerings. We use their logs to build our homes and heat our spaces, and we breathe the oxygen they emit into the air. But, whether they sprout up deep in the forest or your own backyard, all trees share a common bond generations in the making.

with one another. Older trees — commonly called Mother Trees — use this network to supply saplings with extra sugars to stimulate growth, while dying trees will dispel their excess nutrients to their

neighboring trees, so these helpful materials don’t go to waste. Trees will even warn other trees about potential dangers by sending out distress signals when invaders or diseases begin to plague them. There is a dark side to this network, however. Some trees have manipulated the system to send toxins to other species of trees, while some plants have found ways to tap into the network for their own growth and advancement.

Trees communicate with one another through an underground system scientists have dubbed the Wood Wide Web. Trees use the knowledge and strengths of other trees and helpful fungi to relay messages, share nutrients, and fight for survival. The basis of this communication begins with a relationship they have formed with underground fungi that grow in and around their roots. These fungi fail to photosynthesize since they cannot utilize

Regardless of the nefarious deeds done by some flora, scientists are still digging into the

the sun to create their own food source. Instead, they rely on the sugars and nutrients they find in the ground, so they create threads to pick up the water and nutrients from trees and plants. But the tree requires payment for this nutrient transfer.

“roots” of this system to learn more about how it works and why trees continue to do it. According to the BBC, there are two big questions: Why do plants act so kindly to one another? What in their genome stimulates this reaction?

In exchange for their energy-sourcing nutrients and sugars, the trees use the network the fungi have created to communicate

These are questions we are sure the trees would answer — if we could speak their language.

2 • THE SWISS CRAFTSMAN

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Legend claims that Sir Isaac Newton was prompted to research what would later be identified as gravity when an apple fell on his head as a child. While this story is merely speculative, the discoveries Newton would contribute to science are not controversial. Today, Newton’s findings continue to hold true, including his theories on gravity and the physics of light. (In fact, his research on light still influences the shape of telescope lenses!) But there’s another facet to Newton’s life rarely talked about, despite its heavy influence on his entire scientific career and research. This perspective was Newton’s beliefs in Creationism and the Creator. Newton’s early life was the basis for his work and devotion to the Creator. His early childhood was difficult, as his father died before Newton was born. Later, his mother would need him to stay home from school to tend to the family farm, but school officials were so impressed with Newton’s work and knowledge of the Bible that they waived schooling fees. Newton’s mother would later marry a minister, and Newton frequently enjoyed reading texts from his stepfather’s library.

Later in life, Newton’s work to discover why objects fell straight down instead of flying to the side

or upward led him to solidify his theological beliefs. He came to the conclusion that many of the same properties comprising the earth made up the heavens, too, despite his peers believing differently. Newton’s scientific research would soon lead him to discover gravitation, the “inverse square law,” and his three laws of motion in 1684. This could be applied mathematically to both the heavens and earth, further proving Newton’s theory of one Creator. Later, in 1690, Newton would become ill and devote more of his research and writing to theology and Creationism. Throughout his career and life, he held steadfast in his belief that scientific theories and research pointed to one creator. It may be highly debated whether an apple prompted these findings, but Newton’s discoveries continue to ring true today.

"This most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent Being. ... This Being governs all things, not as the soul of the world, but as Lord over all; and on account of his dominion he is wont to be called 'Lord God' Παντοκράτωρ (Pantokratōr cf. 2 Corinthians 6:18), or 'Universal Ruler'. ... The Supreme God is a Being eternal, infinite, absolutely perfect." – Isaac Newton, "Principia"

Adapted from a recipe by famed Southern chef Sean Brock, these skewers are seasoned in a Senegalese style and served alongside mustard-flavored onions.

INGREDIENTS For the lamb: •

• • • •

1/2 cup Dijon mustard 1/2 tbsp agave nectar

2 lbs. trimmed leg of lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 tbsp peanut oil, plus more for grilling Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced Salt and white pepper, to taste

•

Equipment •

•

Bamboo skewers

For the onions: •

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS 1.

Assemble skewers by placing one watermelon cube, one cucumber round, one feta cube, and one mint leaf on skewer in that order. Repeat until skewer is full.

2. Lightly season with salt and chill in fridge until right before serving.

Inspired by Food & Wine Magazine

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Inside this Issue

The Journey to Amazing Creation Page 1

Get Your Kids Back on a Sleep Schedule The Complex System Trees Use to Communicate Page 2 Sir Isaac Newton’s Research on Creationism Senegalese Lamb Skewers Page 3

A Biking Adventure Page 4

4 TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR BICYCLE

Hopping on your bicycle for a family bike ride through the neighborhood is a great activity for beautiful summer weather, but nothing derails an outing like a flat tire or dislodged chain. That’s why it's important to keep up with bike maintenance, even if you typically stay close to home. By following these four tips, you and your family can enjoy a smooth ride all summer long. Give your bike a once-over. The best way to avoid any problems with your bike while riding is to inspect it thoroughly before you head out. Check each component and make sure everything is in working order. If you notice your handlebars are loose or your brake pads are worn, you’ll be able to make adjustments or repairs before hopping on. Fill your tires properly. Proper bike tire pressure can seem ambiguous; many people just inflate the tires until they seem plump enough to ride on. But a bike tire will typically have the recommended air pressure in psi (pound-force per square inch) stamped into the side of the tire. For example, your tire might say Min. 85–Max. 135 psi . This may seem like a broad range, but it all depends on what you’re looking for: A higher psi will increase speed, while a lower psi will give you a smoother ride.

Keep it clean. Cleaning your bike regularly is essential in preventing premature wear and tear. When cleaning the body of the bike, use a damp rag with window cleaner or diluted dish soap to wipe it down, and take extra care not to get any of it on the chain. If the chain is dry to the touch, remove any debris that may be caught in it with a small brush or old toothbrush before applying a good bicycle chain lube. Involve your kids. Encouraging your children to maintain their own bikes will help them understand the importance of taking care of their possessions. Teach them to inspect their bike, clean and lubricate their chains, and regularly check their tire pressure.

This summer, set yourself up for cycling success and make bike maintenance a priority.

4 • THE SWISS CRAFTSMAN

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