Did you know bears don’t hibernate? But what is it called when they take a long, sleepy nap in winter? We’re exploring four fascinating ways God designed creatures to rest and why rest is important for us, too!

Here’s our trail map:

• What is hibernation?
• What is a bear’s winter nap called?
• What are four ways God designed animals to rest?
• Why is rest important for us?

Episode Links:

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Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“So the sky, the earth, and all that filled them were finished. By the seventh day God finished the work he had been doing, so he rested from all his work. God blessed the seventh day and made it a holy day, because on that day he rested from all the work he had done in creating the world.” Genesis 2:1-3

“...The Lord is the God who lives forever, who created all the world. He does not become tired or need to rest…” Isaiah 40:28

“This is what the Lord commanded, because tomorrow is the Sabbath, the Lord’s holy day of rest.” Exodus 16:23

“Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The burden that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Hibernation: When an animal goes into a dormant, sleepy state and its metabolism slows, heart rate slows, and body temperature lowers.

Metabolism: A chemical process in a body that changes food into energy.

Denning: A bear’s winter nap. Similar to hibernation, but they only lower their body temperature by about ten degrees. (Also called Ursid hibernation or carnivore lethargy)

Estivation: Like winter hibernation but happens during the summer.

Torpor: Similar to hibernation but only lasts a few hours. Like a small, daily hibernation

​​Circadian rhythm: Circadian means “around a day.” Circadian rhythm is our internal clock that helps us know what time it is.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Order Eryn's New Book, The Nature of Rest

The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891