Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

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

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

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

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

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

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?

Episode Links:

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

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

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 Coloring Sheet for This Episode: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo19

Scriptures 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 8:28

Terms 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?

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 Coloring Sheet for This Episode: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo18

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

Thank you to Institute for Creation Research (ICR) for their episode on bacteria: https://youtu.be/7az1YsbkJBk?si=3PzS9J68LERU4ZMq

Scientific study on microbes on a grain of sand: https://www.mpg.de/11830658/sand-bacteria

Scriptures 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 10:9-10

Terms 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?

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 Coloring Sheet for This Episode: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo17

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

Chameleon Eye Research in Israel: https://www.voanews.com/a/scientists-solve-mystery-of-chameleon-eyes/3026868.html

Scriptures 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 4:25

Terms 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?

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 Coloring Sheet for This Episode: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo16

Join the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club

Scriptures 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 1:4

Terms 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?

Episode Links:

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

Join the Nat Theo Club & Get Full Episode Activity Guides!

Download the free Tree Friends coloring sheet and the Tree Secrets Devotional

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Scriptures 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 4:9-10

Terms Learned in Today's Episode:

Nephesh: Hebrew word meaning living creatures (animal and humans) with blood, spirit, and the breath of life

Theology: The study of God

Forester: Someone whose job is taking care of a forest

Mycelium: Underground network of fungi, like a web of life, that produces mushrooms.

Tannin: Bitter chemical compound found in plants

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Sources that helped with research for this episode:

https://www.icr.org/article/are-plants-alive/

The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben

https://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?

Episode Links:

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

Join the Nat Theo Club & Get Full Episode Activity Guides!

Download the free Camouflage Creature Coloring Sheet

Video: Chameleon Changing Colors

Video: Looking at skin cells in a microscope

Video: Mimic Octopus Impersonating Other Creatures

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Scriptures 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 139:14

Terms Learned in Today's Episode:

Cell: Tiny building blocks all living things are made out of

Chromatophore: 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 colors

Mimic: imitate, or pretend to be someone or something else

Discover 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?

Episode Links:

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

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 lesson

Get Eryn's new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Scriptures 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 8:12

Terms Learned in Today's Episode:

bārā’ (baw-raw): Hebrew word for God’s special creativity

Bioluminescence: light that comes from living creatures

Photobacterium: Bacteria (tiny creatures) that produce living light

Twilight Zone: 650 - 3,300 feet deep in the ocean where sunlight doesn’t reach

Luciferin: Molecule used in bioluminescence

Luciferase: Enzyme that breaks down the Luciferin molecule to create living light

Lampyridae: Family or category of beetles, most which emit living light (Bioluminescence)

Glowworm: Larva (juvenile) form of fireflies

Thank 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=RFvzjuCRp0V2tuFc

Discover 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?

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Resources:

Download the free coloring page for this episode

Join the Nat Theo Club

Our video of a monarch caterpillar creating its chrysalis

Video of a bat giving birth while hanging upside down

Scriptures 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 10:9-10

Terms 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

If mushrooms are not plants or animals, what are they? Today we're exploring the fascinating world of fungi! We're looking at:

• What are mushrooms? (Are they… aliens?)
• What other living things are like mushrooms?
• How does fungus help humans, plants, and our planet?
• How does fungus use code like a computer?

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Resources:

Video of wild orchids

Video of fly agaric mushroom

Eryn's New Book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:

“But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...” Galatians 5:22-23

“I (Jesus) am the vine, and you are the branches. If any remain in me and I remain in them, they produce much fruit. But without me they can do nothing.” John 15:5

“How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24

Terms Introduced:

Fungi: Category of living things including mushrooms, lichen, yeast, and mold.

Mycelium: Underground network of fungi that produces mushrooms.

Decomposing: Breaking down organic (natural) material. Decaying.

Biocomputing: The scientific study of how living things compute or use information like computers.

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Disclaimer: Fungi can be dangerous! This guide & podcast episode are educational only and not to be used as a guide for determining whether a mushroom is safe. Never touch mushrooms without expert advice.

Can butterflies remember their younger days as caterpillars crawling across plants and munching on leaves? My kids are chiming in on today's episode as we explore:

• How do caterpillars turn into butterflies?
• Do other creatures experience a similar change?
• Can butterflies remember being caterpillars?
• Why are our memories so important?

Resources:

Video of ladybug larva (babies) on Eryn's Instagram Page

Eryn's New Book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Caterpillar memory study

Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:

"If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Remember the wondrous works that he has done.” 1 Chronicles 16:12

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

“You made my whole being; you formed me in my mother’s body. 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 139:13-14

Terms Introduced:

Metamorphosis: A big change in physical form. A change of the body.

Larva: Baby form of an insect.

Exoskeleton: Hard outer shell, skeleton on the outside of the body.

Molt: When an insect sheds its exoskeleton.

Pupa: Protective case a creature enters into to go through metamorphosis.

Imaginal Discs: Group of cells that become the new parts of the butterfly.

Mushroom Bodies: Part of the brain that stores memories about taste and smell.

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever seen a bear in the wild? If so, what color was it? I once saw a bear fishing in the river, and its color surprised me! On this episode, we're exploring:

• Are all black bears black?
• How did the black bear get its name?
• How are black bears designed to thrive where they live?
• Likewise, how does God give us what we need to live well and follow him?

Resources:

Eryn's New Book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

The Burgess Animal Book for Children

(Note, the Burgess book is not faith-based and uses "Mother Nature" as a main character. However, it's a lovely book that helps kids learn and remember the details of amazing creatures God has made)

Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:

"You make springs pour into the ravines; they flow between the mountains. They water all the wild animals; the wild donkeys come there to drink. Wild birds make nests by the water; they sing among the tree branches. You water the mountains from above. The earth is full of the things you made. 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 104:10-13, 24

"Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God.” 2 Peter 1:3

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

"Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds. You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.

And why do you worry about clothes? Look at how the lilies in the field grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can be even more sure that God will clothe you. Don’t have so little faith! Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ The people who don’t know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them. Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well." Matthew 6:26-33

Terms Introduced:

Recessive gene: A gene that can be passed on by both parents to a child, or in a bear's case, a cub. It can be responsible for a child born with red hair, or a black bear born with white fur.

Hyperphagia: Extreme unsatisfied desire to eat. Bears go through a stage of Hyperphagia when storing up fat before they nam in colder months.

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Once upon a time, I watched the sun disappear! On today's episode, I'm sharing my all-time favorite story about the sun. We're exploring:

• Why the sun is so important

• How the sun gives energy to plants

• Why sunflowers follow the sun all day long

• And how in the same way, we can follow God’s light all day long!

Resources:

FREE Printable Summer Verse Cards

Eryn's New Book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Focus on the Family Interview: Helping Kids See God's Glory in Nature

Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:"

Then God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." Genesis 1:3

“...God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5

“My eyes are ever toward the Lord... Psalm 25:15"

...so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.” Psalm 123:2

“In him (Jesus) there was life, and that life was the light of all people. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overpowered it.” 1 John 1:4-5

Terms Introduced:

Helianthus: Sunflower (Helios: Sun, Anthos: Flower)

Heliotropism: When a plant grows toward the light

Photosynthesis: A process controlled by light that puts things in a plant together to turn them into energy.

Chlorophyll: Responsible for a plant's green pigment, and allows a plant to soak in sunlight.

Elaborated Sap: The "super food" of plants. It's created when sunlight, through chlorophyll, turns the minerals from water and carbon dioxide from air into a plant's sugars.

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever held a roly-poly? My kids and I recently became roly-poly trainers! We made some fun observations and today we're exploring:

• The fascinating life of a roly-poly

• What really is a roly-poly?

• Are there things in nature that aren't what they seem?

• Are there words we use and hear that aren't what they seem?

• How can we trace words and things in nature back to their identities?

Note for parents and caregivers: This episode breaks down the concept of "Linguistic Theft." A very helpful read on this is in the book Mama Bear Apologetics, Chapter 4: Linguistic Theft.

Scriptures & Quotes Referenced in this Episode:

“God is love.” 1 John 4:8

“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you.” John 13:34“the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people.” Mark 10:45

“The solid world (that is, nature), exists. It’s laws do not change. Stones are hard. Water is wet.” George Orwell, 1984

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.” John 14:6

“We are called to be loving, but in love we should recognize and point out false definitions. Disagreement does no equal hate.” Hillary Morgan Ferrer, Mama Bear Apologetics

“We will speak the truth in love.” Ephesians 4:15

“Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have, but answer in a gentle way and with respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

Resources:

Eryn's New Book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

When my kids told me about axolotls, I thought they were mythical creatures! But then we brought one home as a pet. On this episode, you'll hear from my kids what they think about axolotls. We're exploring:

• What is an axolotl?

• How does it regrow parts of its body?

• What other creatures "regenerate?"

• How does God, in a similar way, regrow our hearts and minds?

Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

"And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart." Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT)

“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.” Jeremiah 24:7

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

“Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.” Romans 12:2

“If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Eryn's New Book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Eryn's Instagram Page: Instagram.com/erynlynumauthor

Download free Bible + Nature activities and devotions on Eryn's website: Erynlynum.com/free

Over six billion birds are on the move! We're exploring the magnificent wonders of bird migration and answering these questions:

• What is migration?

• How do birds know when to migrate?

• How do birds prepare for their long journeys?

• How do birds find their way and navigate the skies?

• What can birds teach us about boldly following God’s plans?

Discover the two things birds need to take their incredible journeys, and three "compasses" they use to navigate the skies.

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

“God blessed them and said, 'Have many children and grow in number. Fill the earth and be its master. Rule over the fish in the sea and over the birds in the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'” Genesis 1:26

“As the people migrated to the east, they found a plain in the land of Babylonia and settled there.” Genesis 11:2

“So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth.” Genesis 11:8

“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

“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21

“When people’s steps follow the LORD, God is pleased with their ways. If they stumble, they will not fall, because the LORD holds their hand." Psalm 37:23-24

“Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105

Resources mentioned:

• Eryn’s new book, Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family’s Faith Through God’s Creation

• Birdcast.info to track bird migrations over your county

• Taking Flight: Boldly Following God's Plans Devotional and Birdwatching Guide“

• How Do Birds Find Their Way?” children's book

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Which animals have antlers? What are antlers made of? Why do deer shed their antlers? And what does all of this have to do with the way we live and follow Jesus? On this episode, we're exploring the antler world, playing a game of "Spot The Imposter," learning why people collect antlers, and discovering how we can shed our old ways and live in God's abundant life.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Order Eryn's new book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Have a question for the Nat Theo podcast? Reach out at erynlynum.com/nattheo

Thank you to the Wildlife Anatomy book by Julia Rothman for assisting with my antler research

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

“If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

"Because of God you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God. In Christ we are put right with God, and have been made holy, and have been set free from sin." 1 Corinthians 1:30

"Your old sinful self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God. Christ is your life, and when he comes again, you will share in his glory...

But now also put these things out of your life: anger, bad temper, doing or saying things to hurt others, and using evil words when you talk. Do not lie to each other. You have left your old sinful life and the things you did before. You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you. This new life brings you the true knowledge of God." Colossians 3:3-4, 8-10

“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 10:9-10

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Do you have questions about climate change? We all do. What is it and is it really happening? Most importantly, what does the Bible say about climate change? Wait...what? The Bible talks about climate change? It does!

Today we'll explore what's really happening, what God says about a changing planet, and why we should not live in fear. Plus, we'll explore a few fun ideas for caring for God's creation!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Order Eryn's new book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Have a question for the Nat Theo podcast? Reach out at erynlynum.com/nattheo

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

"And God said, 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.'” Genesis 1:24

"And to Adam he said, 'Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field.'" Genesis 3:17-18

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. . . And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” Revelation 21:2,5

"The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." Genesis 2:15

Facts and sources for this episode:

From 1880 to 1980, the combined temperature of land and sea rose a total of 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit. (Rooted In Wonder, research from this article on climate.gov)

There was a previous warming period that lasted around 400 years between 800 and 1200 AD (or some point to 900-1300 AD). (From Answers in Genesis and A Different Shade of Green by Dr. Gordon Wilson)

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Have you ever sensed something was not right?

God created monarch caterpillars with an incredible ability to sense danger and avoid it. They cut toxin off at its source so they can stay safe and thrive in God's design. God created you to do the same! He will help you sense harm and stay clear of danger as you live out his great plan for your life!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Order Eryn's new book: Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

“I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.” Psalm 101:3

"Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” Psalm 119:37

Discover more nature lessons rooted in the Bible at Erynlynum.com

Do you think Jesus had a favorite bird? If he did it might have been... (spoiler alert!)...

The house sparrow!

The house sparrow is one of the most common birds, found on every continent except Antartica. The oldest fossil of a house sparrow was found in Bethlehem. It's likely that Jesus grew up with house sparrows much like the ones in our own yards! But when we learn a little more about how Jesus taught using birds in the Bible, and how much it takes to feed a house sparrow, we discover powerful truth in God's promise of provision.

Resources mentioned:

Merlin Bird ID App

Eryn's new book, Rooted In Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

“Through his power all things were made—things in heaven and on earth” Colossians 1:16“​​

"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26"

"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

Discover more biblical truth taught through nature and free resources at ErynLynum.com