#14 - Clover, Ecc 3:11, Ps 75:1.

I mentioned in the course of my writings an experiment that I and some young family members conducted, the results were really quite surprising.

After the results, I will discuss the real world applications of this experiment.

I proposed an experiment to two of my young grandsons.

If we were to cut the leaf section off of a clover plant, will it grow back the same, that is replacing the 3 or 4 leaves, at the stem, that is, from where we cut it off of, or will it grow back different, 3 instead of 4 leaves for example?

I'm not a botanist or any kind of plant specialist, so I could not tell you the species or the Latin name etc, it's probably something long and hard to pronounce, to me though it's just clover.

Why this experiment?

I have always had a curiosity towards clover, possibly instilled into my brain since infancy.

I recall hearing things about Clover, like, four leaves are lucky!

Which always puzzled me. How can a piece of grass be lucky? I thought.

I also remember hearing that a minister of a Christian church, Irish Catholic, I think, used clover, the three leaves in particular, to illustrate the long taught and much loved teaching of the trinity.

Being that; The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit are like a Clover or Shamrock in that they are separate but the same, co-equal and co-eternal, or something like that.

I'm sure the teaching and use of this illustration was something his listeners and he himself could possibly get their heads around. As the clover has three leaves off of one stork. I'm sure this helped to re-enforce this teaching into their hearts, being something tangible, something they could see.

But we will examine this, the "Luck" factor, Darwin's THEORY and other more personal observations later.

The Experiment

Method: We selected a section of clover and proceeded to make a 6" or 15cm square pen, to section off the area and pinned it into the ground, so as to keep it designated and manageable, and as true an experiment as possible. A round pen would also do.

Originally we tried to count all the clover leaf heads in the designated zone and hopefully come across some four leaf ones in the process, Big mistake.

We got to over 100 and still had way more than the experiment needed and zero four leafed ones.

So we changed the parameters a bit. We walked around till we came across some sparse areas of grass with limited clover leaves growing amongst it. That was much easier.

We found an area that had a number of large clovers and a four leaf clover, and penned it off, we did this twice. why?

We removed at the vine, any extra clovers and stems, and left only, 1 four leaf clover in each and

3 x 3 leaf clovers. I also had the thought. "if we cut some just below the leaf's in one pen.

And in the second cut them 3/8" or 1cm down" or so, to see if that altered the result.

Here we go!

All other clover stems were removed, down to the Vine, just the 4 in each pen remained.

So as to keep them visible, we wrapped coloured cotton around them and took photographs.

So the experiment was set. The Question to be answered. Once cut, "will they re-grow the four leaf where it previously was"? And likewise with the 3 leaf's.

What were the results?

Maybe before you read the results you might want to try it for yourself.

The Results

The purpose of the experiment was to answer a question. I wondered, "If you cut the leaf section off of a four leaf clover or a three leaf, what will grow back exactly the same? Will it be an identical leaf head or different?

After 1 week, nothing! No new growth was visible on the top of the stems. Which I found surprising, considering how fast clover seems to grow after mowing.

After 2 weeks, surprisingly, No new growth! At this stage, looking at the stems. it doesn't look like at any height you cut the stem that new growth appears.

In fact, what was noticeable was the tip of the cut ones had begun to turn brown, decay was setting in.

What happened though became clearer with every passing day.

An Unexpected result

What did this simple weed, this marvel start doing?

As most living things do, live. It began to shoot out new flowers and stems with leaves on them.

It had simply shot out new growth from the vine that creeps through the grass.

Why? Thinking about it logically, it is alive. For it to continue thriving, it somehow knew, or within it's D.N.A., or somehow, that to keep living, it not only needs nutrients from the soil and moisture.

It somehow new that the leaves that were once there, were gone and were no longer doing their job and needed to be replaced. So that the Suns Ray's could be harnessed.

That is the process of photosynthesis, i believe. That is, it's taking in energy from the sun and converting it into whatever it does. A botanist or horticulturalist or scientist probably knows.

Maybe, If you don't already know, you can do research with others on the subject.

Conclusion?

Simply put, The experiment revealed that; Instead of wasting energy to mend and re-grow the damaged stems, it shot out new ones, very efficient.

So, not being experienced, or a scientist by any stretch of the imagination, the conclusion I could come to was that;

Clover plants, when missing the leaves, the very leaves a plant needs to continue to flourish and reproduce. It then throws out new growth to quickly continue the required steps or processes to flourish.

I'm sure there is a scientific term for this process.

Also interestingly and surprisingly is; that the area we decimated has far more growth than was previously there.

And guess what? Not one four leaf clover among them. Really not the results I was expecting, but still fascinating.

Look at this yourself

Do you know what clover does at night? You may be amazed, find out for yourself. Take a look after sunset. What do the leafs do????

Then ask, why does it do that? Who other than a wise creator input instructions like that into a simple and supposedly unintelligent mistake of a plant?

Bible writers of old gave it some thought. Ps 75;1 says; "We give thanks to you O God; we give thanks to you, and your name is near. Men have to declare your wonderous works."

Another thing surprised me

During the experiment, for the first time ever.

I found some really peculiar clovers. They have 3 leaf's as is typical but from the centre of a single leaf, another has sprung out, really different, still, normal. I found 2 of these.

And, also, a very different one. I will post photo's, hopefully you can see what I mean.

Look at that! Wow!

How cool are they? A surprising experiment, not a surprising God, All his works are astounding.

No, it's not a prank, I can assure you I'm not that creative or clever enough to even think up such a thing, and I do not lie!

Are you like Clover?

Considering the differences among Clovers, some bigger, some different shapes, some with extra leaves etc or a seemingly endless field of identical ones.

Does that mean that each are less valuable or more important than the others? Certainly not.

Remember the function of the leaves, each one is vital for the plant to grow, to be healthy.

Really then none are less valuable than another, are they?

What about you! Are you able to contribute to those around you? Are you reliable and can you step in when a job needs doing? Are you a stabilising force for good?

What about your feelings? Do you feel that "maybe I'm just too different?" Your just not the same as your family or community? Or maybe you know someone who's personality is a bit different to some.

Just as in all creation, we are all loved and valued equally by our God and creator.

Each of us too have the ability to absorb, to learn, to grow, to flourish and love.

Some at differing rates, and in our own way, on different occasions and with differing results. Nevertheless, all are valuable and needed. Never fear, you too are valuable, you have purpose.

Even if at times you do feel a little different, you will grow into your own skin.

Becoming uniquely, you! In your own time, in your own way!

And like Clover, sometimes different is surprising, amazing.

Or at the other end of the scale you may feel your invisible in the crowd, no-one special!

Even if twins are identical, they do not have exactly the same mind, or heart, do they?

Your life experience is yours alone, you too are unique. Their will never be another you.

Also, never forget, Jehovah knew you before you were born. He is excited to see you grow and flourish and see what decisions you make. The same as for those who care for you and love you.

It will happen, you will fit, give it time. Although really, like clover, you always have. you ARE normal, we all are. :)

If you, or someone you know is struggling with depression, etc. Blog 12 "What Can We Do? may help.

A Spiritual illustration.

I was thinking to myself; how can the Clover plant be used to illustrate how The Living God's arrangements work.

Life of course that exists in your blood, is the same as in all things. Therefore, Jehovah is the life force that makes all things possible.

"Jerusalem above", or his heavenly arrangement is like the code written within the seed that dictates all parameters. This is God's Kingdom rule in the hands of Jesus our Lord.

This is the Root stock from which all things are.

The Co-rulers alongside The Christ, the 144,000 are the vine. The stabilising force that feeds us and in turn supplies the love we return.

The Clover heads are the Earthly Children, the subjects of the Kingdom.

These as individuals are a vital part of God's arrangement. Learning to benefit themselves from God's supply of every good thing. While being an imitator of love, loving good while hating bad.

The flower is the family arrangement. From which come unlimited potential for good. Producing seeds, to be blown, here, and there.

Other Applications

Darwin's theory of Evolution, in this case and in all that I have considered, falls short.

If four leaf Clovers are obviously better because they capture more of the sun's ray's, converting it into needed energy and into life sustaining growth. Then surely by his reckoning Three leaf clovers should be far less common than Four?

Concerning the Theory of evolution. I heard it said that Lizards or Dinosaurs Turned into Birds.

Ok then. My question is, logically then, where did this need "For survival" come from.

Did it arise from every type and size of four legged reptile running and jumping off of a cliff. Then somehow, By some unintelligent mistake, the D.N.A. of the remaining ones and species knew. We Need Wings???

Until after millions of years of lizards jumping to their death, Why Look! Wings!

The whole scientific community say their field is evidence based. From what I can see. It is, provided a creator is not under consideration.

Likewise, men today are investing billions of Dollars and as many hours to give "hope" so that men might understand the UNIVERSE AND EXPAND OUR FOOTPRINT ONTO OTHER CELESTIAL BODIES. Hello!

Shouldn't we examine, nurture and show, at least some, care for the life we can see?

Shouldn't, even scientists take ALL the evidence into account? Including the multitudes of evidence, the Bible history? The prophecies fulfilled?

In both of these cases. They agree, these recorded places and events, ALL marry in with scriptural and even secular historical evidences, including archaeological. Yet, they say anything to downplay in their commenting upon them, that an Almighty and Loving God has anything to do with it.

Blind ones, misleading gullible minds. Do they tell you that the Bible described the Earth as a sphere some 3500 years ago? Or that it is "Hanging on nothing? Both thoughts considered idiotic until only a few hundred years ago. Is 40;22, Job 26;7.

Why? If there was no causer of "The Big Bang" they can live in their fantasy world they so love to muse over. The makeup of the universe, the Stars, the fabric of time???

Isaiah 40;26 explains; "Raise your eyes up and see. Who has created these things? It is the one bringing forth even the army of them even by number, all of whom He calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, He also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing."

Obviously, there is intelligent design in this and all living things. Take a look at a 'frog fish', what do you think. It is a marvel, but you tell me, Design? or Accident?

Think about this then. If He names and numbers ALL the billions of stars, how much more interested in you do you think he MUST be, a living being, made in His image. What do you think?????

From what I have been told, even Mr Darwin suggested that his "Theories" or "Observations" were simply that. The curious observations of things of curiosity within the living things around him.

And that the "Cells" might contain further details which refute his conclusions.

Yet, Science has taken his writings as Gospel and declared mankind a mistake, and thus nullifying any need to search for God or biblical truth.

With no real evidence to prove the "Evolution from "Lower life forms", they take a fragment of bone from another life form and make a connection, real or invented, and that's all the evidence they need. Foolish ones. I'm sure I heard that even with Genetics, it indicates we are closely linked to pigs?

I thought scientific conclusions were supposed to be based on evidentiary fact. Not further theories based on the dreams of men.

The scriptures clearly state; "From dust you are". We are all Carbon based life forms in a myriad of varieties are we not?

Not one instance in the wildlife that surrounds us do I see the Chance or Chaos that would be evident in life. It is as though a loving creator has His signature on all things. Even the most feared apex carnivores generally love their young. They do not stop the lion cubs from playing, do they? As if to say, "No! We are feared and mean, don't have fun and be nice". No! we see a family at peace, if they are fed, Lol. God's Love, His Holy Spirit, animates us and is in all life.

Lucky

So what about the Luck factor? Isaiah 65: 11 "But you men are those leaving Jehovah, those forgetting my Holy mountain, those setting a table for the god of Good Luck and those filling up wine for the god of destiny." It is a false religious doctrine, a lie, an unreality.

I realise that luck and destiny are things of tradition and dear to the hearts of many today.

Why, many make a living and career from it.

We discussed at other times that the true God gives us Free Will, our decisions are what we live by, guided by right and wrong. Even if things happen around us or to us, it's our decisions that have the final say. Not Destiny or Luck.

If people around the globe suddenly stopped buying into the saying, "You've got to be in it to win it", Families would be financially better off in general and i'm sure marriages as well.

Was it luck that I found the four leaf clover? No! I just happened to look, there are many around if you look.

They are not "lucky" are they? Or do they only become lucky because someone picked it?

Of course not, its a piece of grass. It has no power to give anyone, unless we are foolish enough to give it power in our hearts.

I can tell you now, Jehovah God finds that sort of behaviour very distasteful, as Isaiah relates.

What about the Trinity teaching?

It is quite easy to prove or disprove the trinity teaching as to weather it is correct or not.

Paul wrote in his second letter to Timothy 3:16, All scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching and setting things straight." So, lets use Gods word to set things straight.

Are the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost or Spirit. Equal, different but the same?

The Trinity Doctrine, as I understand it is that; God The Father, God The Son and The Holy Spirit are Co-equal and co-eternal! Is that true? Lets see what God's own Word says about it.

The Father: In the scriptures he is described by titles such as - Heavenly Father, Grand Creator, Almighty God, Most High, The Rock, and identifies himself with a personal name :- Exodus 6: 3, "As regard's my name; Jehovah." And Isaiah 12: 4, "Call upon his name and make his dealings known among the peoples, make mention that his name is put ON HIGH".

Regarding being a single person not three, he say's; "To none shall I give my own glory".

So, the scriptures clearly describe, God The Father as an individual personality.

The Son: The scriptures speak of Jesus as having titles such as; The Messiah or Christ and mighty god, (small g). Also it speaks in prophecy regarding his Sacrifice, his Glory and his work.

But concerning his position in the scheme of things, Colossians 1: 15, say's "He is the firstborn of all creation". He clearly had a beginning, whereas the Heavenly Father has existed forever.

After his creation, Jesus, formerly Michael the Arche Angel, was the only other being in existence along with his Father. They spent unknown time together before others were created, so the scriptures describe their closeness in this way; "He is the image of the invisible God".

Interestingly, the name Michael I believe literally means, "who is like God"

One of his disciples asked him; "Show us the father" knowing that in the past other faithful ones had been blessed with visions of God. So obviously these did not think Jesus was in fact God The Almighty, did they?

Being just like his Father in many ways and especially being his representative in the flesh, Jesus explained his relationship with God and that glory should go to him alone, then in verse 28 Jesus plainly says; "The Father is greater than I am". John 14: 8-28.

Jesus is referred to as Mighty god, never Almighty, he never claimed to be equal to the great one. When explaining how to pray he said to direct our prayers to Jehovah alone, not to Angels or saint nor even himself, Only the Father. At Matthew 6; 9. he did explain that our prayers should be done "in his name" (Jesus'). And Psalms 65: 2, describe Jehovah as the hearer of prayer, a job he gives to no-one.

Then if acceptable, like a secretary, Jesus allows the acceptable prayers to reach the Father. John 14: 14 and other scriptures indicates that if action is required then its Jesus who see's to it.

So; Jesus clearly had a beginning, Jehovah didn't. Only Jehovah is referred to as Almighty, no-one else. He alone is referred to as The Creator. So they are not equal in age, power or experience.

Jesus , ALWAYS show's himself to be a willing and loving Son even saying he was obedient, "sent".

Directing glory to his father, admitting that Jehovah alone hears prayers and that the Father is greater than himself.

Although; yes! He is in complete unison and harmony with his Father and his purposes, "not equal".

The Holy Spirit: What is it? Some religions call it The Holy Ghost. To see what it is, lets look at how it is used and operates.

Luke 3: 22, it is described as being "shaped like a dove", distributed to many.

Genesis 1: 2, speaks of God's spirit moving "to and fro" K.J. over the waters.

Acts 2: 4, says about people being "filled" with Holy Spirit.

So, from these accounts we can see that it can take on many forms, be divided and even was used in creation. It can then be used to take on various tasks or actions.

Used in creation, healing and giving people special abilities and interestingly, given to more than one at one time.

Therefore the Holy Spirit can't be equal to God or Jesus, it can't possibly be an individual entity, a person.

By these and other scriptural descriptions the Holy Spirit would best be described as God's active force, his will or power in action. A force Jehovah alone distributes.

Even The Lord Jesus Christ could only perform the miracles and healing by having God's Holy Spirit Available for him to do so. On one occasion explaining to his disciples, a certain action could only be accomplished, "by prayer alone".

Is the trinity a scriptural teaching? No! The word trinity or an explanation of such a teaching does not exist in God's word. I believe it wasn't till some 300 years after Jesus ministry that this teaching even came into existence.

The clover or shamrock illustration, though cleaver, really doesn't help those seeking to worship with "spirit and truth".

Even when I first heard this when I was a boy I remember talking to my brother and we said "if Jesus is God, why did he need to pray?" Laughingly we thought "he's talking to himself."

So clearly the Trinity teaching is not based in the scriptures or in reality.

My other Observations

It's not lucky at all to find a four leafed Clover. My old Home had a lot of grass area and there was a lot of clover.

I would notice four leaf Clovers everywhere. I even found some 5 leaf and a couple of 6 leaf clovers.

With the 6 leaf ones, the leaf's were varying sizes. some very small.

Once I found a perfect six leaf clover. But when I looked closely. No!,

It wasn't a six leaf at all, it was a conjoined pair of clovers. Just like some of our brothers and sisters have been, conjoined. But this one was like a set of mirror twins as well, identical, joined all the way up the stems but separating, just at the head. Truly Beautiful.

If you look closely, some have a pattern of cream or white on the leaves, some have none. Others had one patch had yellow speckle's and another had a purple colour blended through the leaf.

Some leaf positioning is the same, 90 degrees apart, some 180 or varying. Some leaf shapes are pointy, others rounded, still others, squarer.

Sometimes in a patch of clover, where all are patterned, look! a single one with no colour, or 1 Four leaf in a field of 3 and sometimes many 4 leaf here and there. etc.

So; is it luck to see a four leafed clover? Modern science has already answered it for us, it's Genetics. All living things have one job to do, live. And that's what we do. Variety is normal. How boring would it be if everything was identical?

That explains more readily differences in species or "kinds'" of creatures as God's word describes it. Why, even people seem to have lighter skin, the further from the equator our heritage is.

Within the plants genetic code are instructions for things like; Hight, vine structure, flowers, reproduction etc. All the required information in just one tiny spec of wood, called a seed, volumes of information. Although just a plant or weed, it has great wisdom and design.

I mentioned how science is looking to the skies. One thing they are looking for is life.

The thing is life is all around us. What gives a seed life????

I'm sure science would give you the processes leading to a seed becoming a great tree. But that doesn't explain where it originally comes from, does it?

Speaking of God, Psalms 36;9 tells; "for life's own fountain is within thy, and in thy smile we have the light of life". Moffatt translation.

I think that is far more beautiful and logical an explanation than, .....We came from soup.

Another fascination about Clover and other, so called Weeds.

Have you noticed where it seems to start growing more readily?

It seams to flourish where there is poor soil or damage to a lawn. This plant and other "weeds" seem to sprout and move in, as if intentionally, and stabilise the soil, retaining the loose ground.

Where there is a heathy lawn, weeds may seem easier to manage. Therefore Clover seems to me to have been designed for a purpose. Not just for bee's or to annoy gardener's.

A definite marvel of wisdom and creation, this humble weed is.

 Ecc 3;11 says; "Everything He has made Pretty in it's own time".

May this experiment benefit you, as it has me. And may you be the everlasting recipient of the fountains of waters of life, that my God has in abundance, that is, his Love to all Earnestly seeking Him.

By being guided by Godly principles and even discipline, we grow stronger personally, and in our abilities to be there for others.

man in expectation :)

The mash-up! "You must love Jehovah your God, with your whole Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength and keep His Commandments. If you do, you will be wise enough to bypass any trial with ease, and have an indefinitely lasting name with The Living One. Those who fail to take these things to heart, will suffer shame and fall short in a large way, all that is his, will be destroyed and cease to exist.

You who love Him, however, will flourish with joy, under the tent cloths of Jehovah, always." Ecc 12:13, Mark 12:30 and Ps 37:18-20.

Added 24.9.24.

Considering the other things I have written down in these blogs regarding the raising of children, I find it necessary to make another observation known.

Children are in a large way, the product of their upbringing, correct. Like new clover leaves that spring from the vine, they are only as good or strong as the vine from which they spring, generally.

If a child can see it, they can imitate it. If a household is full of screaming, will they feel safe, will they learn to love and show empathy.

Every house is constructed by somebody.

So, help those in your home, neighborhood and community by not only displaying the fruits of the Spirit, but having them.

Then it will be a better environment for the young to learn in.

My own joy is made firm by the joy I have witnessed in others as they do a good deed or in service of others.

That's not to say they should be sheltered from everything. A strong tree needs to withstand a storm.

So we can all personally and collectively do a lot for our young, with courage, strength of conviction and kindness.

Of course, the greatest gift a child can have, is to learn to love good and hate bad, in imitation and respect for God's feelings in all things.

If they can't see it, they won't be it. Either with eyes of Faith, or in every day life.