Why Explore God’s
Creation with your children?
Everything in nature
points to an intelligent designer. I believe you have to work at it pretty
hard to take God out of the picture and believe anything else. There are
wonderful resources available to learn more about this idea. Explore
the Grand Canyon with Noah Justice and Explore
Yellowstone are great dvd’s to share with your children. If you are on
the fence about this whole “Creation” thing – please consider reading the book The
case for a Creator by Lee Strobel or get The
case for a Creator for Kids. Lee Strobel is a journalist who set out to
prove the theory of Creation wrong – as he dug in to investigate – he uncovered
some extremely vital information set forth in his books.
Exploring God’s
Creation with your children will enrich their relationship with Him. God’s fingerprints are all over His
Creation – it’s in the beauty, the absolute magnificence, and it’s in the
order! When we spend time appreciating something He made – we begin to see and
understand – to appreciate Him more. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share
creation bible verses with your children as there are verses available on most
any topic of study. I’ve put together a nice collection for you to download
when signing up for the Adventurez monthly newsletter.
Exploring is healthy!
Getting outside is healthy for the body, mind, and soul. Science shows us
that being outside in nature helps improve immune function in children. Having
behavior problems with a child or two? Get them outside! Studies show that
people in general have less anger, feel more revitalized, have less tension,
less depression and more enjoyment and satisfaction when they spend time
exercising in the outdoors.
Spending time in
nature makes you happy! Any time parents are interacting with their
children – they are providing a greater sense of well being and a strong
nurturing connection. When you intentionally seek to connect with your children
while connecting to nature – there is an even stronger bond and feeling of
happiness. There is joy in studying God’s
creation. Have you ever gotten excited when you see a butterfly? Sharing that
excitement with your children is an important part of family time. Families who
play together stay together – families who play together in the outdoors – play
together better!
Nature makes you
smarter! Besides the fact that you learn a lot by spending time outside, it
sparks creativity and is generally good for your brain. I love this article by
Richard Louv called “Want
your child to get into Harvard? Tell them to go outside” . I can’t
personally speak to all that, but I can tell you that my children retain so
much more of what they are learning when we reinforce it with outdoor activity.
As a matter of fact – any time we are
having a hard time settling into our homeschool or sitting still – we go for a
nature walk and it works like a charm.
Most of all,
studying and investigating the work of our Lord, brings Him honor. We were made
to give honor and glory to God above. By stopping to notice the intricate
details of His wondrous creation – we are glorifying our Father in heaven.
How to? It doesn't have to be complicated. Nature is as close as your own back yard or the local park. One of my favorite memories from childhood is the after dinner walks we used to take together as a family. Be sure to get some brisk exercise and then slow down to smell the roses - or the wildflowers! Look closely to see what is hiding nearby. There may be a tiny bee gathering nectar from a flower or those weeds you keep passing by could have intricate little flowers. People sometimes think they need to set aside a day or many hours for an adventure. All you really need is 10 minutes to an hour to refresh body, mind, and soul. The important thing is to just do it - daily!
Linking with : Wooing Our Children's Hearts and -
Resources:
*article by Jane Kirkland – Education.com entitled “Nature is not a destination”
*article by Sue Beilby – “Healthy
Exercise”
*article by Richard Louv - "Want your children to get into Harvard?"
10 comments:
This is so true!
So good to hear from you! thanks for visiting ;)
After just spending a week camping at a Minnesota State Park, I completely see each of your points... (Well, it hasn't gotten them into Harvard yet...) But we had a *wonderful* time, and it was neat to see the kids carrying bird and tree identification books around with them. Most of all, it was precious to hear them tell each other how God created each thing (and "how could anyone be so silly to think this is 500 millions years old?" giggle, giggle). What a blessing!
Encouraging exploration in our children...GREAT encouragement for us homeschoolers, and for moms everywhere!!
Thanks for linking up today.
Thank you ladies! We love sharing our exploring ideas
I do send the kids outside often when there's just too much boy steam in the house! :-) I loved your ideas, and your thought behind them. I think going outside to look at how creation points to God is also a form of resting - getting out of routine, and focusing on God. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, girl!
Michelle
You inspire me to get the kids out more! I know how much my heart swells when I take my morning walks in the first light and all that I observe around me...hmm, maybe I should start taking one of the kids with me once in a while...
This is all so true and a wonderful reminder about the importance of getting outside and enjoying God's creation. As the mom of two young boys, outside time is vital to our days :)
We spent all day outside exploring and playing!! Love this post encouraging us all to do this regularly:)
Your post is very inspiring, Kelli! My neighbors often comment that my children are the only ones they ever see playing outside. It's a vital part of being a kid...connecting with His creation. Thanks for reminding us about that! :)
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