ALL OF NATURE DECLARES // a new series on lessons from creation

"Nature is God's greatest evangelist."

=== Jonathon Edwards ===

I remember having an 'aha!' moment when I first read these words more than three years ago. I immediately realized I agreed wholeheartedly. I had been learning so much during that warm summer in Seattle as the trees changed from pastel greens to vibrant oranges and yellows. In so many areas of nature -- including blackberry bushes, noxious weeds, and withering flowers on a trail -- I seemed to be continually learning different lessons from creation about the Hands who lovingly and expertly molded this world together. It was a season I will never forget. I felt so loved by the Creator that He, through the Holy Spirit, would teach me lessons about His love for me through His creation.  And since that time, I often get excited whenever I read analogies, stories, or whole books written on the topic of creation in respect to teaching Biblical truths. 

As a visual learner, it generally takes pictures for me to learn deeper concepts. These can be word pictures [such as analogies or metaphors] or actual pictures [such as a beautiful painting that holds depth and wisdom]. My physical eyes regularly need to be focusing on something specific in order for my spiritual eyes to react and understand. Am I alone in this? Maybe. Maybe not. 

It seems so loving and gracious that our Father God has created a world that bursts with songs of His goodness, faithfulness, grace, and unfailing love. 

“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; 

the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; 

or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; 

and the fish of the sea will declare to you... 

=== Job 12:7-9 ===

Our eyes cannot always see the notes and our ears often are not in tune with the melody of creation's songs, for we have gotten too accustomed to the electronic world of ease and practicality. If we want to learn about something really quick, we google or youtube. We  sit inside concrete walls to study and are often oblivious to the lessons that are waiting to be taught from the very things that were created by the hands of the Creator of the universe. We settle for human-made things to teach us and look over the Creator-made things that are in plain sight. Am I alone in this? Maybe. Maybe not. 

"For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made."

=== Romans 1:20 ===

I am absolutely beside myself with excitement over starting a series that looks at pictures of the Creator's creation and the lessons that can be gleaned. Really. I am giddy as I sip on me tea and brainstorm. I hope it will be a series that brings a new understanding and appreciation for the deep knowledge that can be learned from Nature, the great teacher and evangelist. 

In general, I will be using different sources for the series, including excerpts from books, old posts from that season of learning, and new thoughts as I prayerfully study. I am also very open to any guest bloggers if anyone has any lessons they've learned from nature about Biblical truths [if so, please email me or comment below!]. 

Also, fellow bloggers, I would love your help! I am trying to think of a name for the series, so if you have an idea, share in the comments! 

Angel's Rest, Columbia Gorge in Oregon