Heaven and Nature

We continue with our theme of how to thrive through desert seasons with a look at several well-known people from the Bible. Their stories will inspire your own journey through literal or spiritual deserts! Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com Buy your print book “Heaven and Nature Sing” Read the blog Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heavenandnaturesingbook PHOTOS/VIDEOS © Sharon Brodin unless otherwise stated Mountain sheep kids in the Badlands, South Dakota Badlands, South Dakota Arrowroot, South Dakota Cactus flower AI-generated art from Canva (in all the biblical examples) Mountain streams MUSIC: Cello Suite #1 in G Major, Allemande by JS Bach, performed by Yo-Yo Ma All scriptures from Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

As any follower of Jesus knows, life often involves some desert seasons. But these are never without hope! In the Lord, we can learn how to thrive even in the desert. Order your own "Heaven and Nature Sing" print book: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/ Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com Read the blog Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heavenandnaturesingbook/ PHOTOS/VIDEOS: Judean desert, Israel Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Wyoming/Montana Gooseberry River, Minnesota Bitterroot, Wyoming Prickly pear cactus, Bighorn Canyon, Wyoming/Montana Cactus bud (don’t remember where!) Bitterroot, Wyoming Cedars next to the Gooseberry River, Minnesota Badlands National Park, South Dakota (2) Bighorn River Canyon, Wyoming/Montana Badlands National Park Bighorn Canyon Nat’l Rec Area MUSIC: “He is Good” Joshua Aaron All scriptures from Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

In 1 Peter 4:19, we read we can entrust our soul to God, who is our faithful Creator. Why does Peter use "Creator" rather than Father or Shepherd here? Let's explore that in this devotional video. This devotional is part of "Heaven and Nature Sing: 365 Daily Devotionals for Outdoor & Nature Lovers" published by Brodin Press ©2022 Sharon Brodin To get your own paperback or ebook copy visit: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/ Music: Sharon doodling on her 1928 Brambach 5-foot grand piano in her living room. World English Bible, public domain Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com Read the blog Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heavenandnaturesingbook/

In this Bible study we look at God's call for a rhythm of rest to bless us and cause us to thrive. Our culture idolizes busyness—but God's heart is for that rhythm between work and rest. Let's look at the ways REST is good for us! Most of the content for this video is taken from a blog post by the same name on our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/creation-story-day-7-and-god-rested/ A Day of Rest: 12 Scientific Reasons It Works: https://www.inc.com/rhett-power/a-day-of-rest-12-scientific-reasons-it-works.html “The Emotionally Healthy Leader” by Peter Scazzero. page 145 Mr. Scazzero’s website: https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com Read the blog Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heavenandnaturesingbook/ PHOTOS/VIDEOS: Canoe campsite, Boundary Waters, Minnesota A calm evening on Lake Superior, Minnesota Hammock time, Apostle Islands, Wisconsin Lake Superior’s North Shore, Minnesota Northern Minnesota lake Superior Hiking Trail, MInnesota Camping rest, northern MInnesota Gooseberry River, Minnesota Summer cookout, North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota Merganser pair on Lake Superior waves, Minnesota (2) Lake Superior shoreline, Minnesota All scriptures from Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Philippians 4:8 tells us to think about things that are lovely, excellent, worthy of praise. One of the Lord's best gifts to us is beauty. In this short devotional video we look some of nature's beauty as well as how it can help restore and encourage us. This devotional ©2022 Sharon Brodin It's part of "Heaven and Nature Sing: 365 Daily Devotionals for Outdoor & Nature Lovers" published by Brodin Press. To get your own paperback or ebook copy visit: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/ Music: Sharon doodling on her 1928 Brambach 5-foot grand piano in her living room.

In this third of three video-series, we continue to look at what our outdoor experiences can teach us about God and about our own faith journey. We look at the seasons, renewal and restoration. And we look at how being in nature—especially wilderness—tends to remind us we're not in control! Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com Read the blog Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandnaturesingbook All photos/video © Sharon Brodin: Tulips coming up, Minnesota Lost Valley, Colorado Central Colorado Wildflowers, Minnesota Stream, northen Minnesota Kettle River, Minnesota Boundary Waters, Minnesota Two Medicine Lake, Montana Bible verses: Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

This short devotional video based on Psalm 134 explores our personal time with God and what that can look like. We hope it blesses you! This devotional ©2022 Sharon Brodin It's part of "Heaven and Nature Sing: 365 Daily Devotionals for Outdoor & Nature Lovers" published by Brodin Press (the January 8 devo) To get your own paperback or ebook copy visit: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/ Music: Sharon doodling on her 1928 Bramback 5-foot grand piano in her living room. Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com Read the blog Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandnaturesingbook

Outdoor experiences have the potential to teach us so much about God and our Christian journey. In this second of three videos, we look at parts of God's character we can learn about through the natural world He created. And we can see how the interconnectedness of nature also reveals how God designed His church to live. Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com Read the blog Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandnaturesingbook All photos/videos © Sharon Brodin: Wildflowers, Minnesota Blueberry Hill, Minnesota Red maple leaves, Minnesota Sunset in North Dakota Coneflowers and butterfly, Minnesota Lake Superior’s North Shore, Minnesota Wild Aster, butterly, bumblebee, Minnesota Moose family, Minnesota Snowshoeing in the Boundary Waters, Minnesota Meadow and aspen, Minnesota Three Chef Friends, Minnesota Praying among the olive trees, Israel Campfire worship, Minnesota Bible verses: Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

In this Bible study, we go through just a handful of the hundreds of scriptures in the Bible that refer to the natural world. Some talk about things in nature and others use the natural world to teach us something about life. Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com Find free downloadable PDF study sheets: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Natural-World-Study.pdf Read the blog Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Photos/Videos in this video © Sharon Brodin unless otherwise noted. PHOTOS: The heavens (Canva) Clouds Stars (Canva) Mountains surround a valley, Colorado Boulders under a mountain, Wyoming Hiker in Nepal (Simon English, Unsplash) Medicine Bow Peak, Wyoming Fall color, Minnesota Trees by a stream, Colorado Apples on an apple tree (Canva) Tree leaves (Canva) Kettle River in flood stage, Minnesota Fish (Canva) Oasis in a desert (Canva) Waterfall, Wisconsin Wild rose, Minnesota Wildflowers, Minnesota Pincherries, Minnesota Ripe berries (Canva) Deer, Minnesota Lion (Canva) Horse rearing (Canva) Bald eagle (Canva) MUSIC: “You’re Beautiful” Phil Wickham Bible verses: Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Part 1 of 3. Outdoor experiences can teach us so much about God and make His word come alive. The Bible is full of references to nature, and nature is full of expression about its Creator. If we pay attention when we're out camping, backpacking, paddling, hiking—we'll notice that these experiences can help us grow in knowing God. Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com Read the blog Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandnaturesingbook All photos/videos © Sharon Brodin (except where noted) Lake Superior’s North Shore, Minnesota Amnicon River, Wisconsin Devil’s Island, Apostle Islands, Wisconsin Moon and stars (Canva) Cool clouds, Minnesota Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesota Start & End Screens: Boundary Waters, Minnesota Bible verses: Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved. Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation

This Bible study takes a look at what the Bible says about our responsibility to care for our planet. Especially the natural environment. How should we, as Christians, care about it? And how do we care for it well? Get free downloadable PDF study sheets for this study here: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Bible-Environment.pdf Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com Read the blog Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandnaturesingbook All photos in this video © Sharon Brodin Wilderness canoe trip, Minnesota Pair of mallard ducks, Minnesota Mountain hike, Montana Cow and calf moose, Wyoming Glacier lilies, Wyoming Rocky coast of Banderas Bay, Mexico Lake Superior plunge, Minnesota Bible verses: Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" from 1 John 1:18. In this devotional we apply this beautiful verse in the context of a multi-day kayak camping trip in Wisconsin's Apostle Islands. Music: Sharon doodling on her 1928 Brambach 5-foot grand piano in her living room This devotional © 2022 Sharon Brodin. It's part of "Heaven and Nature Sing: 365 Daily Devotionals for Outdoor & Nature Lovers" published by Brodin Press. To get your own paperback or ebook copy, visit: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com Read the blog Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Bible version: World English Bible, public domain

This devotional from Revelation 4:11 becomes a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God, the Creator. Join us in meditating on this beautiful verse and the blessings of the Lord in our lives! This devotional ©2022 Sharon Brodin It's part of "Heaven and Nature Sing: 365 Daily Devotionals for Outdoor & Nature Lovers" published by Brodin Press. To get your own paperback or ebook copy visit: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/ Music: Sharon doodling on her 1928 Bramback 5-foot grand piano in her living room. Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com Read the blog Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandnaturesingbook All photos in this video © Sharon Brodin except where noted: Lost Valley, Colorado Lupine, Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota McDonald Creek, Montana Galaxy (Jeremy Thomas, Unsplash.com) Wildflowers, Montana Trail ride above Lost Valley, Colorado St Croix River, Wisconsin/Minnesota border Up North Minnesota Blueberry Hill, Minnesota Lake in northern Minnesota Winter hiking friends in northern Minnesota Bible verses: World English Bible, public domain

The Creation story in the first couple chapters of Genesis is just the beginning of the theme of God as Creator that runs through the entire Bible. Turns out the Bible has a LOT to say about this theme! Join me as I dig into several passages in the Old and New Testaments that will, I hope, encourage you in your journey with the Lord as much as it has me. "Fine Tuning for Life on Earth" article: https://reasons.org/explore/publications/articles/fine-tuning-for-life-on-earth-updated-june-2004 "What the Bible Says about Creation" downloadable Study Sheets: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Creation-in-the-Bible-Study.pdf Science resources that support design in nature: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/suggested-resources/ Blog post: "What the Bible Says about Nature & Creation" https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/bible-and-creation/ Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com Read the blog Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandnaturesingbook All photos in this video © Sharon Brodin except as noted: Misty sunrise in northern Minnesota Boundary Waters sunrise Rabbit Ears Pass, Colorado Night Sky (Cosmic Timetraveler, Unsplash) Sun rays behind clouds Butterfly and coneflowers Eagle Mountain, Minnesota Banderas Bay, Mexico Sunset in the Snowy Range Mountains, Wyoming Emilie jumps, northern Minnesota Bible verses: Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Outdoor adventure trips and activities are some of the most fun, organic and challenging ways to build Christian community! Let's go through some of the Bible's clearest passages about what healthy Christian community looks like. Then we'll look at why an outdoor setting is a perfect place to develop it. Free PDF Study Sheets (printable): https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Build-Community-Study.pdf Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com • Read the blog • Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandnaturesingbook Photos in this video: Canoe Trip Crew, BWCAW Minnesota (courtesy of Sarah Rinke) BWCAW campsite, Minnesota (Sharon Brodin) Apostle Islands, Wisconsin (Sharon Brodin) Campfire smiles, BWCAW (Sarah Rinke) Cross country ski crew, Minnesota (Sharon Brodin) Portaging the canoe, BWCAW (Brittany Dokter) Caribou Rock overlook, Minnesota (Sharon Brodin) Bible verses: Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved. The Living Bible, copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Why does outdoor adventure provide that kind of place where we can hear God? In today's Bible study we dig into three Old Testament men and women who heard God clearly speak to them in the wilderness. Then we take a look at the modern story of a friend of mine who experienced the clear voice of the Lord during an intense outdoor adventure. Read my full interview with Emilie on the Heaven and Nature blog: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/hearing-god-in-our-outdoor-adventures/ Free Printable to go with this Bible study: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Hearing-God-Outdoors.pdf Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com Read the blog Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter Photos in this video: Bighorn Canyon, Montana (me, Sharon Brodin) Night sky (Cosmic Timetraveler on Unsplash) Overlooking the Bighorn Mountains (Sharon Brodin) The rest are of courtesy of Emilie O'Connor: Emilie at Humantay Lagoon Trail to Salkantay Pass Emilie (right) with two tripmates at a high point The last four are Emilie's experience in Bolivia as a missionary nurse Music: "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" Chris Rice Bible verses: Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

What does the Bible say about Jesus as Creator? In this short Bible study we look at some New Testament verses that clearly teach Jesus was instrumental in the creation of heaven and earth—including us! Get free downloadable Study Sheets for this video: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/what-the-bible-says-about-jesus-as-creator/ Suggested science resources that support design in nature: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com/suggested-resources/ Visit our website: https://heavenandnature.brodinpress.com • Read the blog • Sign up for our twice-monthly email newsletter All photos in this video © Sharon Brodin • Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak • Seagull Lake, Boundary Water, Minnesota • Bighorn Canyon, Montana • Bow Lake, Gunflint Trail, Minnesota • Lake Superior, North Shore, Minnesota Bible verses: Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.