Nature Studies...

Since our giveaway this week
tends to have a 'nature study' theme,
I wanted to share something I wrote
a couple of years ago regarding nature studies...




As a preface, let's define nature study...
(from Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language)

'nature' is...
"In a general sense, whatever is made or produced;
a word that comprehends all the works of God..."

'study' is...
"To consider attentively; to examine closely...
To apply the mind to; to read and examine
for the purpose of learning and understaning..."

nature study~
(in my own words and the assistance of Mr. Webster) ~
To apply the mind to examining
and attentively considering all the works of God
and His creation, for the purpose of
learning and understanding it and Him.





What better way to learn about our Creator
than to study and explore His own creation?!
His handiwork is revealed all throughout His creation...
"...the heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
~ Psalm 19:1
"...thou laid the foundation of the earth:
and the heavens are the work of thy hands."
~ Psalm 102:25

In studying 'nature', we are, perhaps,
nearer to the Creator
than any other study of science.
"But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee;
and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:
Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee:
and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.
Who knoweth not in all these
that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?"
~ Job 12:7
"O LORD, how manifold are thy works!
in wisdom hast thou made them all:
the earth is full of thy riches."
~ Psalm 104:24

There are many people that know very little
about their 'natural' world
because they don't take time to really observe it.
We can bless our children with regular opportunities
to get in touch with God's creation.
They have already been given a natural curiosity
and interest in His creation...
What child isn't excited when they see a bird,
especially within their reach,
or see an interesting insect that they've not seen before,
or is thrilled when they see a deer, fox, or rabbit
on the side of the road,
or loves picking flowers for Mommy,
or simply loves to be outside?

"For the invisible things of him
from the creation of the world are clearly seen,
being understood by the things that are made,
even his eternal power and Godhead;..."
~ Romans 1:20

When we provide regular opportunities to study nature,
it sparks an interst in our children (and ourselves)
for the natural world... for His creation.
It, also, teaches them observation, inquiring, attention,
and even research skills.
It, also, nourishes them (and us) spiritually.
It deepens our understanding and appreciation
of our Creator and His attributes.
"Lift up your eyes on high
and behold who hath created these things,
that bringeth out their host by number:
he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might,
for that he is strong in power; not one faileth."
~ Isaiah 40:26

... Even God Himself enjoys His creation,
shouldn't we encourage our children to enjoy it, also,
and help them develop a spirit of praise and adoration
for His work in His creation?

"Thou art worthy, O Lord,
to receive glory and honour and power:
for thou hast created all things,
and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
~ Revelation 4:11

No matter what the season or the weather,
we have an invitation to enjoy His marvelous creation.
Let's not only send our children outside...
let's go with them and admire God's creation with them.