Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a turtle and a tortoise? The answer might be surprising. The facts we're learning about their fascinating shells might be a bit unexpected, too! Here’s our trail map:What is the difference between a turtle and tortoise?What are the three main types of turtles?Why do turtles have shells and what is the shell?What built-in armor has God given us?Links:Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubFree Turtle & Tortoises Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo31Order 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/0825447615Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:10-17 (NLT)Terms Learned in This Episode:Egg Tooth: A specially designed growth on a turtle’s beak (mouth) used to break open their egg. The egg tooth falls off within a day or two after hatching.Cold-blooded: Body temperature changes according to the environment. Cannot make their own body heat.Keratin: Protein that makes turtle shells as well as other things in nature including hair, nails, claws, scales, feathers, horns, hooves, and even the outermost layer of our skin.Scutes: Individual plates or pieces of the turtle shell. Scutes are made of keratin and cover the bone part of the turtle shell.Carapace: Top part of a turtle’s shell.Plastron: Bottom part of a turtle’s shell.Vulnerable: To be without protection. Something that is vulnerable can be easily hurt.Hinged Shell: Turtle shell that can open and shut.Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.comMentioned in this episode:Enjoy our weekly Nat Theo Field Notes publication as a member of the Nat Theo Club! join at https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

What would you think if the sun suddenly disappeared? I’m sharing my story of one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced: a total solar eclipse—and what it showed me about our Creator God. Here’s our trail map:What happens during a solar eclipse?How did scientists discover solar eclipses?What is a “Totality Zone” and how can you see a solar eclipse?How does a solar eclipse reveal God?Resources Mentioned and used for Research:Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Free Solar Eclipse Activity Guide: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo30Order 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/0825447615Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies announce what his hands have made.” Psalm 19:1 (NCV)“For in him (Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV) “So don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.” Isaiah 41:10 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Solar: Something coming from or having to do with the sun. When you hear “solar,” think sun!Eclipse: Something moving in front of or blocking out something else.Solar Eclipse: When the moon moves in front of the sun, so it is between earth and the sun, and blocks out our view of the sun.Our Solar System: The collection of eight planets and their moons, along with our sun. All of these are bound together by an invisible force called gravity. Our solar system is our special place within the universe.Elliptical Orbit: An oval-shaped path. The moon has an elliptical orbit moving in a sort of oval path around earth.Astronomers and Mathematicians: Astronomers are scientists who specialize in space. Mathematicians specialize in math.Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.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/podcastFind more Bible and Nature inspiration at Erynlynum.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/podcastFind more Bible and Nature inspiration at Erynlynum.com

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?Resources Mentioned and used for Research: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/0825447615Download the Hints of New Life Scavenger Hunt and Devotional: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo27Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubScriptures 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.comMentioned in this episode:Enjoy our weekly Nat Theo Field Notes publication as a member of the Nat Theo Club! join at https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

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?Resources Mentioned and used for Research: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/giveawayFree Geology Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo26Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubIf You Find A Rock Book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Find-Rock-Peggy-Christian/dp/0152063544Order 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/0825447615Scriptures 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 16:7Terms 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.comMentioned in this episode:Enjoy our weekly Nat Theo Field Notes publication as a member of the Nat Theo Club! join at https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

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 birdsWhat is the difference between being smart and being wise?How can we be wise?Resources Mentioned and used for Research: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/0825447615Free Smart Birds Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo25Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubSmart 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/overviewOwl 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 nightNeocortex: 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...

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 insectsHow do Venus flytraps catch insects?What can the design of Venus flytraps teach us about sensing God’s Holy Spirit?Resources Mentioned and used for Research:What do you want to learn about on Nat Theo? Share your episode ideas on the form at Erynlynum.com/nattheoGet 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/0825447615Free Creation and Creativity Activity: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo24Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubLambda 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=1000632146187Carnivorous 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 14:26Terms 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 organismsTheory: 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.comMentioned in this episode:Enjoy our weekly Nat Theo Field Notes publication as a member of the Nat Theo Club! join at https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

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?Resources: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/0825447615Free Nature's Rest Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo23Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubScriptures 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 11:28-30Terms 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.comMentioned in this episode:Enjoy our weekly Nat Theo Field Notes publication as a member of the Nat Theo Club! join at https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

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?Resources Mentioned and used for Research: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/0825447615Animal Tracking Coloring Sheet :https://erynlynum.com/nattheo22Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubMountain Lions State by State: https://mountainlion.org/state-by-state/Closing song “Looking For Adventure”: Composed by Tim McMorris. Produced by King's Crown ProductionsScriptures 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 3:3Terms Learned in This Episode:Habitat: The natural area where a creature livesAwareness: Staying alert and having knowledgeFind more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.comMentioned in this episode:Enjoy our weekly Nat Theo Field Notes publication as a member of the Nat Theo Club! join at https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

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/nattheoThank 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?Resources Mentioned and used for Research: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/0825447615Free Creation and Creativity Activity: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo20Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubThank 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=1000632146187Scriptures 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 11:3Terms 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.comMentioned in this episode:Enjoy our weekly Nat Theo Field Notes publication as a member of the Nat Theo Club! join at https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

Have you ever been near a wildfire? Today my family is sharing what it was like living through the largest wildfire in Colorado’s written history. We’re also discovering how wildfire can be helpful and what important jobs it has in nature.Here’s our trail map:What is it like to live through a wildfire?Can anything good come from a wildfire?How is a tree born from wildfire?How can we grow through hard times?Resources Mentioned or Used in Research:Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubGet 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/0825447615Free Coloring Sheet for This Episode: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo19Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Have you ever gone into the storehouse of the snow or seen the storehouses for hail, which I save for times of trouble…” Job 38:22-23“Jesus answered, ‘Why are you afraid? You don’t have enough faith.’ Then Jesus got up and gave a command to the wind and the waves, and it became completely calm. The men were amazed and said, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!’” Matthew 8:26-27“We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.” Romans 5:3-5“The LORD himself will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forget you. Don’t be afraid and don’t worry.” Deuteronomy 31:8“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flames hurt you. This is because I, the Lord, am your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” Isaiah 43:2-3“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28Terms Learned in This Episode:Pyrocumulus Clouds: A towering cloud caused by a massive fire that can make its own weather.Evacuate: to move yourself away from a dangerous situation or place.Restore: To bring something back to its original condition, like a fresh start.Serotinous: In most serotinous species, a seed requires high temperature like wildfire to open or be released.Faithful: Completely trustworthy. Can be counted on.Discover more Bible and nature lessons at Erynlynum.com

Let's explore the fascinating world of invisible living creatures. That’s right—invisible! Not because they have super powers or an invisibility cloak, but because they are so tiny we cannot see them with our eyes. We're exploring:What is a microscope and how was it invented?How were the tiny, invisible creatures called bacteria discovered?What important jobs do bacteria have?Why do bad bacteria that cause diseases exist?What can bad bacteria teach us about God’s good grace?Resources Mentioned or Used in Research: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/0825447615Free Coloring Sheet for This Episode: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo18Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubThank you to Institute for Creation Research (ICR) for their episode on bacteria: https://youtu.be/7az1YsbkJBk?si=3PzS9J68LERU4ZMqScientific study on microbes on a grain of sand: https://www.mpg.de/11830658/sand-bacteriaScriptures Referenced in this Episode:“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“God looked at everything he had made, and it was very good.” Genesis 1:31“I will put a curse on the ground, and you will have to work very hard for your food. In pain you will eat its food all the days of your life. The ground will produce thorns and weeds for you” Genesis 3:17-18“Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard, and all need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ.” Romans 3:23-24“You have been saved by grace through believing. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God.” Ephesians 2:8“God, your thoughts are precious to me. They are so many! If I could count them, they would be more than all the grains of sand…” Psalm 139:17-18“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we declare with our mouths that we believe, and so we are saved.” Romans 10:9-10Terms Learned in this Episode:Microscopic: Too small to see with only your eyes, you need a microscope to see it.Microscope: A tool used in science to magnify tiny objects and see them closer and larger.Bacteria: A type of microbe (living thing that can only be seen through a microscope).Fermentation: A process in which living bacteria (and other microbes) break down ingredients and turn a food or drink into something new.Pathogenic Bacteria: Microbes that cause illnesses or diseases. These are what we call Germs.Grace: When God gives us good things that we cannot work for and do not deserve.

Have you ever seen a snake wearing glasses? Did you know dragonflies have around 60,000 eyes? We're exploring the fascinating ways creatures see the world and answering these questions:How many eyes do insects have?Do snakes wear glasses?How do chameleons move their eyes in two different directions?How can we protect our eyes to see everything good, beautiful, and true?Resources Mentioned in this Episode: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/0825447615Free Coloring Sheet for This Episode: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo17Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubChameleon Eye Research in Israel: https://www.voanews.com/a/scientists-solve-mystery-of-chameleon-eyes/3026868.htmlScriptures Used in This Episode:“The eye is a light for the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are evil, your whole body will be full of darkness…” Matthew 6:22-23“Keep me from looking at worthless things. Let me live by your word.” Psalm 119:37“Keep your eyes focused on what is right, and look straight ahead to what is good.” Proverbs 4:25Terms Learned in This Episode:Complex: Opposite of simple. Consisting of many different and connected parts.Compound: Something made up of two or more parts, elements, or ingredients.Compound Eye: A larger eye made up of many tiny lenses, like tiny individual eyes.Peripheral Vision: What we can see to the left, right, up, or down without moving our heads.Facets or Ommatidia: The tiny lenses in a compound eye that act as light receptors and send information to the brain.Eye Caps or Spectacles: Special clear scales over a snake’s eyes that protect and keep their eyes clean.Sensory Receptor: Nerve ending that take in what is happening around us and helps send that information to our brains.Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever seen a ladybug wearing a sweater? How about a bee wearing a scarf or a spider wearing snow boots? Insects might not have a winter wardrobe, but God designed them to brave the cold in very creative ways! We're exploring:Why did God make seasons?How do insects survive cold months?How can we live and do well in hard times?How can we create a legacy for those who live after us?Resources Mentioned in this Episode: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/0825447615Free Coloring Sheet for This Episode: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo16Join the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubScriptures Used in This Episode:“As long as the earth continues, planting and harvest, cold and hot, summer and winter, day and night will not stop.” Genesis 8:22“He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” Colossians 1:17“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1“This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” Psalm 91:2“We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts…” Romans 5:3-5“He (God) will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone.” Revelation 1:4Terms Learned in This Episode:Lifespan: The amount of time a certain species normally lives for.Diapause: When an insect goes dormant (stops growing or developing) to survive the cold. Similar to hibernation.Glycerol: A chemical compound some insects produce to keep their cells from freezing (same chemical used in antifreeze).Legacy: What we do in life that blesses and impacts people after our lives.Refuge: A safe place. A shelter.Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

When God created plants, He made them in a very different way than animals and humans. And so the ways trees make friends and communicate with each other look quite different than our friendships and the way we talk! On this episode, we're exploring:How are trees and plants different than animals and humans?Do trees have friends?How do trees communicate?Why is it important that we choose our friends carefully?Resources Mentioned:Join the Nat Theo Club & Get Full Episode Activity Guides!Download the free Tree Friends coloring sheet and the Tree Secrets DevotionalGet Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's CreationScriptures in Today's Episode:“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“So encourage each other and give each other strength, just as you are doing now.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11“Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together. If one falls down, the other can help him up. But it is bad for the person who is alone and falls, because no one is there to help.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10Terms Learned in Today's Episode:Nephesh: Hebrew word meaning living creatures (animal and humans) with blood, spirit, and the breath of lifeTheology: The study of GodForester: Someone whose job is taking care of a forestMycelium: Underground network of fungi, like a web of life, that produces mushrooms.Tannin: Bitter chemical compound found in plantsDiscover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.comSources that helped with research for this episode:https://www.icr.org/article/are-plants-alive/The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohllebenhttps://www.kariega.co.za/blog/do-giraffe-make-trees-talk-to-each-other

Wait... chameleons have crystals in their skin?! And there is an octopus with a costume box?? Today we're exploring creature camouflage and learning about two animals God created with very special camouflaging strategies. We're looking at:What are cells in creatures’ bodies?How does a chameleon change colors?How does a mimic octopus change shapes?Why don’t we need to blend in or change who we are?Resources Mentioned:Join the Nat Theo Club & Get Full Episode Activity Guides!Download the free Camouflage Creature Coloring SheetVideo: Chameleon Changing ColorsVideo: Looking at skin cells in a microscopeVideo: Mimic Octopus Impersonating Other CreaturesGet Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's CreationScriptures in Today's Episode:“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10“But to all who did accept him and believe in him he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12“But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.” 1 John 1:9“I praise you (God) because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.” Psalm 139:14Terms Learned in Today's Episode:Cell: Tiny building blocks all living things are made out ofChromatophore: Special cells that produce or change pigment (color) Iridophore: Special cell (building blocks) in a chameleon’s skin (a type of chromatophore)Nanocrystals: Tiny crystalline particles inside the chameleon’s special skin cells that can reflect different colorsMimic: imitate, or pretend to be someone or something elseDiscover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever seen fireflies glowing throughout a forest or field? God created a whole host of creatures that glow in the dark! Today we're exploring:What is bioluminescence?What creatures glow in the dark?How do fireflies light up?How do we shine God’s light?Resources Mentioned:Join the Nat Theo Club & Get Full Episode Activity Guides!Download the free Glow-in-the-Dark Creatures Coloring Page to go along with this lessonGet Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's CreationScriptures in Today's Episode:“It is by faith we understand that the whole world was made by God’s command so what we see was made by something that cannot be seen.” Hebrews 11:3“God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5“God once said, ‘Let the light shine out of the darkness!’ This is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts by letting us know the glory of God that is in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6“You are the light that gives light to the world… And people don’t hide a light under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand so the light shines for all the people in the house. In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16“I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness but will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12Terms Learned in Today's Episode:bārā’ (baw-raw): Hebrew word for God’s special creativityBioluminescence: light that comes from living creaturesPhotobacterium: Bacteria (tiny creatures) that produce living lightTwilight Zone: 650 - 3,300 feet deep in the ocean where sunlight doesn’t reachLuciferin: Molecule used in bioluminescenceLuciferase: Enzyme that breaks down the Luciferin molecule to create living lightLampyridae: Family or category of beetles, most which emit living light (Bioluminescence)Glowworm: Larva (juvenile) form of firefliesThank you to the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) for their very helpful podcast episode on Living Light, which we used in researching for today's lesson! https://youtu.be/_nENsJLm2E8?si=RFvzjuCRp0V2tuFcDiscover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Discover the incredible water birth of hermit crabs! Today we're exploring the many fascinating ways God's creatures have babies. We'll look at:How are hermit crabs born?What creature gives birth in a snow fort?What creature has its baby while hanging upside down?How are human babies different from creature babies?Join the Nat Theo Club!Receive a full-color digital guide to go along with every episode as they air!Resources:Download the free coloring page for this episodeJoin the Nat Theo ClubOur video of a monarch caterpillar creating its chrysalisVideo of a bat giving birth while hanging upside downScriptures Referenced in this Episode:"You (God) saw my body as it was formed. All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old. God, your thoughts are precious to me. They are so many!" Psalm 139:16-17“So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female.” Genesis 1:27“He has planted eternity in the human heart.” Ecclesiastes 3:11“Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard, and all need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ.” Romans 3:23-24“If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we declare with our mouths that we believe, and so we are saved.” Romans 10:9-10Terms introduced in this lesson:Captivity: Creatures not living in the wild, usually kept as pets.Soul: Who we are inside. We cannot see our touch our soul. It is eternal (lasts forever).Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com