Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

How can you create space and time for your family to form core memories in nature? Be inspired by our guest, Ginny Yurich, of 1000 Hours Outside! Ginny reminds us that we get to make the decisions when it comes to how our family spends time, and provides practical ideas and a wealth of wisdom for investing more time in nature as a family. This episode is part 2 and the Parents Edition (always family friendly). Listen to Part 1 (Episode 28) as Ginny inspires our kids to spend their days outdoors.

Order Ginny's new book, Until The Streetlights Come On: https://www.amazon.com/Until-Streetlights-Come-Brightens-Uncertain/dp/B0CMVCZF45/

Get all of Ginny's free resources at https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/

Listen to Ginny's fabulous podcast, 1000 Hours Outside: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/podcast

Find more Bible and Nature inspiration at Erynlynum.com

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

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

When did you see a butterfly for the first time this year? When did the robins return? Learn how to create a nature "Calendar of Firsts" from our guest, Ginny Yurich, of 1000 Hours Outside! Ginny's also sharing with us all the good reasons to get out into the sunshine, and how we can inspire our friends to play outside with us. This episode is part 1, the kids edition. On part 2, Ginny will share with parents and caregivers.

Order Ginny's new book, Until The Streetlights Come On: https://www.amazon.com/Until-Streetlights-Come-Brightens-Uncertain/dp/B0CMVCZF45/

Get all of Ginny's free resources at https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/

Listen to Ginny's fabulous podcast, 1000 Hours Outside: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/podcast

Find more Bible and Nature inspiration at Erynlynum.com

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

How does something as beautiful and complex as a flower grow from an itty-bitty seed? Today we are learning about the life cycle of flowers, and what their life—and even death—teach us about God’s Word.

 Here’s our trail map:

• How do seeds grow into flowers?
• How are new seeds made?
• Why are flowers important?
• What can flowers teach us about God’s Word?

Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Download the Hints of New Life Scavenger Hunt and Devotional: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo27

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“The Lord God put the man in the garden of Eden to care for it and work it.” Genesis 2:15 (NCV)

“Then God said, ‘Let the earth produce plants—some to make grain for seeds and others to make fruits with seeds in them. Every seed will produce more of its own kind of plant.’ And it happened. The earth produced plants with grain for seeds and trees that made fruits with seeds in them. Each seed grew its own kind of plant. God saw that all this was good.” Genesis 1:11-12 (NCV)

“The grass dies and the flowers fall, but the word of our God will live forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (NCV)

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35 (NIV)

“Lord, your word is everlasting…” Psalm 119:89 (NCV)

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Embryo: The first stage of growth and development.

Dormant: To be inactive, or not active.

First Plant Shoot: The first part of the plant to push through the soil and grow above ground. Tender and fragile baby plant from which the plant will continue to grow.

Photosynthesis: A process controlled by sunlight that puts things in a plant together to turn them into energy. Photosynthesis allows a plant to use the sun’s energy to make food.

Cotyledon: First leaf-like structures in a plant, present in the seed. Not “true leaves” and might look different from the leaves to grow after. Important for the plant to begin photosynthesis.

Nectar: A sugary liquid in plants that insects and some birds rely on. Very important for pollination.

Annual Flowers: Flower plants that only grow for one growing season.

Perennial Flowers: Flower plants that grow for several seasons, going dormant in cold weather then sending up new shoots and growing again the following growing season.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Explore Creation and the Bible in the Nat Theo Club

https://erynlynum.com/club

Have you ever wondered how a rock is made? Have rocks just always been here? Is a rock…born? Let's dive into the study of geology and discover the creative and fascinating ways God made rocks—including mini crystal caves called geodes!

Here’s our trail map:

• What are three ways rocks are made?
• How are geodes made?
• What makes geodes different colors inside?
• How can we grow in beauty and wonder inside?

Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Join this month’s giveaway of a geode cracking kit and the picture book, When You Find A Rock! Enter to win at erynlynum.com/giveaway

Free Geology Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo26

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

If You Find A Rock Book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Find-Rock-Peggy-Christian/dp/0152063544

Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.” Psalm 139:14

“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty. The water I give will become a spring of water gushing up inside that person, giving eternal life.” John 4:13-14

“A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness.” John 10:10

“God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Igneous Rocks: Rocks formed from cooled lava (originally magma).

Sedimentary Rocks: Rocks formed from sediments (tiny pieces) of eroded rocks and sometimes once-living organic materials.

Erosion: A process in which something is broken down over time by wind, water, or other natural forces.

Metamorphic Rocks: Rocks changed from one form to another by extreme heat or pressure.

Minerals: Substances God made in nature that are not alive and don’t come from plants or animals. They are the ingredients of rocks. We need many minerals to live, and we get a lot of minerals from the foods we eat.

Satisfied: We are pleased and content. We have what we need and do not want or need more. To be satisfied is to have enough.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Explore Creation and the Bible in the Nat Theo Club

https://erynlynum.com/club

Have you ever heard that owls are wise? On this episode, we are meeting some very smart birds and learning how their brains are designed. But is being smart the same thing as being wise?

 Here’s our trail map:

• How does an owl’s brain work?
• Meet three other very smart birds
• What is the difference between being smart and being wise?
• How can we be wise?

Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Get Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Free Smart Birds Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo25

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Smart Bird Research from What It’s Like To Be A Bird by Sibley.: https://www.amazon.com/What-Its-Like-Bird-Singing-What/dp/0307957896 (Like many science and nature books, I don’t agree with everything this book says about how birds came to be, but it does share fascinating information about the design and behavior of these wonderful creatures God made)

Clark’s Nutcracker information: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Clarks_Nutcracker/overview

Owl whistle story from What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds by Jennifer Ackerman 

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6 (NLT)

“There are four things on earth that are small, but they are very wise: Ants are not very strong, but they store up food in the summer. Rock badgers are not very powerful, but they can live among the rocks. Locusts have no king, but they all go forward in formation. Lizards can be caught in the hand, but they are found even in kings’ palaces.” Proverbs 30:24-28 (NCV)

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 (NLT)

“It is better to get wisdom than gold, and to choose understanding rather than silver!” Proverbs 16:16 (NCV)

Prayer from Ephesians 1:16-17 (NCV): “I always remember you in my prayers, asking the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you will know him better.”

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Nocturnal: An animal that is active mostly at night

Neocortex: The area of a human brain where thoughts, ideas, emotions, senses, and self-awareness are processed.

Pallium: An area of a bird’s brain that acts similar to a neocortex. This is where birds process information in their brains.

Neuron: Nerve cells that send information all over our bodies and back to our brains. A master communication system in our bodies.

Hippocampus: An area in the pallium where a bird thinks about location, direction, where they are, and where other things are.

Scatter hoarding: When a bird finds food, such as seeds, and stashes it away, or hides it, in many different places.

Knowledge: Gathering facts. It is learning by gaining new understanding and through experiences.

Wisdom: How we use our knowledge. What we do with all of those facts we are gathering. Involves our soul and eternal perspective.

Personification: When we write or talk about something that is not a human and give it human qualities.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Explore Creation and the Bible in the Nat Theo Club

https://erynlynum.com/club

Have you ever seen a Venus flytrap catch a fly?! These fascinating plants might look like they come from outer space—but that’s far from the truth. If they’re not from space, where are they from and why do they eat insects?

Here’s our trail map:

• Do Venus flytraps come from space?
• Where did Venus flytraps get their funny name and where do they come from?
• Two theories as to why Venus flytraps eat insects
• How do Venus flytraps catch insects?
• What can the design of Venus flytraps teach us about sensing God’s Holy Spirit?

Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

What do you want to learn about on Nat Theo? Share your episode ideas on the form at Erynlynum.com/nattheo

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Free Creation and Creativity Activity: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo24

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Lambda and Universe Vital Signs information are form Michael Guillen, PhD, Believing Is Seeing https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-take-over-the-world/id1333158713?i=1000632146187

Carnivorous Plants Article: https://answersingenesis.org/biology/plants/carnivorous-plants/

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“God said, ‘Look, I have given you all the plants that have grain for seeds and all the trees whose fruits have seeds in them. They will be food for you. I have given all the green plants as food for every wild animal, every bird of the air, and every small crawling animal.’ And it happened.” Genesis 1:29-30

“So I will put a curse on the ground…The ground will produce thorns and weeds for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.” Genesis 3:17-18

“But the Helper will teach you everything and will cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name.” John 14:26

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Habitable: Suitable or good enough to live in.

Vital signs: Medical signs in your body that show if something is wrong. 

Lambda: A “Cosmological Constant.” Lambda tells scientists something about how quickly the universe is expanding outward.

Fine-tuning: God carefully dialed in the vital signs of the universe so humans, animals, and plants can live and thrive on earth.

Carnivorous plants: Plants that eat living organisms

Theory: An explanation for why things might happen or act a certain way. A theory is much more than a guess. It is based on observation, or what we see, and experimentation.

Photosynthesis: A design God made in plants that helps them turn the sun’s energy into food.

Mechanoreceptors: Tiny sensors that sense a touch or pressure on skin.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Explore Creation and the Bible in the Nat Theo Club

https://erynlynum.com/club

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:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Free Nature's Rest Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo23

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

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.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Explore Creation and the Bible in the Nat Theo Club

https://erynlynum.com/club

Have you ever had an up-close encounter with a wild animal? Seeing God’s creatures up-close is wonderful—so long as we’re aware, safe, and respectful. I’m sharing my four close encounters with mountain lions on today’s show!

Here’s our trail map:

• How did God make mountain lions special?
• What is the difference between a mountain lion, cougar, and puma?
• Can a mountain lion roar?
• How can you be safe when in mountain lion habitat?
• How can awareness keep us safe as we follow God?

Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Animal Tracking Coloring Sheet :https://erynlynum.com/nattheo22

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Mountain Lions State by State: https://mountainlion.org/state-by-state/

Closing song “Looking For Adventure”: Composed by Tim McMorris. Produced by King's Crown Productions

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

“So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you.” James 4:7

“But the Lord is faithful and will give you strength and will protect you from the Evil One.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Habitat: The natural area where a creature lives

Awareness: Staying alert and having knowledge

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Explore Creation and the Bible in the Nat Theo Club

https://erynlynum.com/club

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Why are Christmas trees not perfect? On this special Christmas feature, we're sharing one of our family's favorite children's books: Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect. Join us for this story full of nature, beauty, and wonder!

Nat Theo Club Members can access a video with illustrations to read along.

Join the Nat Theo Club to access more resources here: https://erynlynum.com/club

Thank you to Guideposts Books for granting permission to use this story.

Order Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect here: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Christmas-Trees-Arent-Perfect/dp/1501825836

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly? We’re learning how birds fly and how bird flight inspired human flight and changed history! We’re also meeting a super inspiring person mentioned in the Bible named Bezalel (Beh-za-lel).

Here’s our trail map:

• How are birds designed to fly?
• How did birds inspire and lead to the invention of airplanes?
• How can God’s designs inspire our creativity and inventions?

Episode Links:

Order Nat Theo T-Shirts Through September 3rd: https://erynlynum.myshopify.com/

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615

Free Creation and Creativity Activity: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo20

Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Thank you to the How To Take Over The World podcast for their two-part feature on the Wright Brothers: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-take-over-the-world/id1333158713?i=1000632146187

Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:

“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.” Exodus 31:3-5

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

“O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24

“By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.” Hebrews 11:3

Terms Learned in This Episode:

Lift: When a bird captures air under their wings and pushes that air down in order to take off in flight.

Pectoralis major muscles: The largest and superior muscle of the outer chest wall. In birds, it’s these muscles that allow for flight.

Supracoracoideus muscle: This muscle is deeper inside the bird’s chest cavity and allows the bird to raise its wings back up.

Pneumatized bones: Bones with small pockets of air.

Keratin: Protein that makes bird feathers as well as hair, nails, claws, scales, horns, hooves, and even the outermost layer of our skin.

Bioinspiration: When God’s designs in nature inspire human creativity and inventions.

Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Explore Creation and the Bible in the Nat Theo Club

https://erynlynum.com/club