The girls and I have been a bit puny with colds. So after getting some school done this morning, I thought it might be nice to get out in the warm sunshine and explore a bit.

  Some of my favorite memories as a child were exploring the vacant lots around our house with my brother and sister. I hope someday that my kids will reminisce fondly about our explorations but even more than that I hope that an appreciation for what God has created for us is being instilled in their hearts.  

  While some may not agree with the importance of teaching children about nature, I feel I am compelled to. Sounds odd I know, but we don't watch a lot of videos or TV . I would rather they get excited about seeing a small turtle coming up for air in the spring behind our house as Samuel did this morning.

Beauty is so evident all around us in our Lord's creation and I personally believe that our need for pure and natural beauty is innate, He gave it to us. We see breathtaking photos of the Grand Canyon or violent ocean waves hitting large boulders and we're awed. Or even gorgeous sunsets, sunrises, and peaceful scenes of a lake with a foggy mist hanging over it elicits a sense of serenity.   

 I'm going out on a limb now but I think that God enjoys our enjoying His creation. That's not too out there is it? I mean He made it for us to live in and He enjoyed making it, so I don't think it's much of a stretch to say or believe that He put the desire in our hearts to be outside enjoying His artistry and creation from a very early age.

From the time that they could crawl every one of my children yearned and struggled to get outside. As toddlers they would cry at the patio door to be let out in the backyard.

I hate to say this, but it seems our society has conditioned our kids as well as adults for the most part to find entertainment by sitting and watching. I just don't think that that is what God intended for us.

I guarantee that getting out with your children and exploring what is flying, crawling, and growing around them will enlarge their world as well as yours.

We have been doing family devotions with a book called "Heaven for Kids" by Randy Alcorn and I have been so pleased with how we are able to pull our nature walks into the discussions while doing these devotions. Heaven has become so much more real to them as well as God's personal love for each of them.

Now I'm aware that I'm preaching to the choir so forgive the know-it-all tone. 

  I also wanted to add that teaching my children to identify insects, birds, plants, and other has sharpened their skills of observation and increased critical and logical thinking. I'm sure many of you would tell me the same thing. 

  If you have the time please share with me what nature study in your home looks like or a recent nature find that has excited your kiddos.

  Once again we're expecting violent storms tonite and more rain. We have had so much more than our normal amount of rain this spring and the garden is saturated. There are peas, carrots, and onions that are struggling along out there but I'll have to wait till it dries out before I can get anything else planted.

   I was able to get some clothes hung out this morning and with the Oklahoma winds rushing down the plains they were dry in no time. It's just one more way to save money around here.

Blessings and I hope all is well in your world, Julie