It's in Your Nature

bbyrd009 · #1 01-25-2012, 09:05 PM

We all seek God, and there is a sense in which nature is a much more accurate reflection of God than the reflection you may become accustomed to over time, without realizing it. Especially in times that suggest change, it can only be advantageous to seek the answers in nature which lead to more self~sufficiency, among other things. Nature also helps one disconnect from their idols.

When you know you can be next to a roaring fire somewhere in two hours, tent set up, elk loin marinating, colloidal silver water for infection, and a load of sweet potatoes dug up on the way out, your stress level just goes way down. I'm a big real food freak, but I've seen even that defeated by stress. Put the pc down for a half hour and go climb a tree or something. Often. Don't bring your phone.

KeptByTheWord · #2 01-25-2012, 09:30 PM

You have a way with words, and your words create a mental picture that sounds wonderfully relaxing!!!

There is something of nature that speaks clearly of its Creator. Helps put many things back in focus!

One scripture comes to mind, and being in Colorado, I am sure this resonates with you... I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Psalms 121:1-2

Cindy · #3 01-25-2012, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbyrd009

We all seek God, and there is a sense in which nature is a much more accurate reflection of God than the reflection you may become accustomed to over time, without realizing it. Especially in times that suggest change, it can only be advantageous to seek the answers in nature which lead to more self~sufficiency, among other things. Nature also helps one disconnect from their idols.

When you know you can be next to a roaring fire somewhere in two hours, tent set up, elk loin marinating, colloidal silver water for infection, and a load of sweet potatoes dug up on the way out, your stress level just goes way down. I'm a big real food freak, but I've seen even that defeated by stress. Put the pc down for a half hour and go climb a tree or something. Often. Don't bring your phone.

Tree climbing is stress relieving.

AreYouReady? · #4 01-25-2012, 10:37 PM

How about just go out on the roof?

bbyrd009 · #5 01-26-2012, 08:23 AM

Ty, "Kept," and I would say that there are elements of nature that you can reconnect with on a roof, sure, but you are sort of highlighting how disconnected we have become from nature. Understand that I would not advocate a permanent escape from people, life, by making some island in the woods, a hermitage or anything, but rather a refuge that will whisper things to you, silence, that you just can't hear on the roof. I'm minded of our many similarities to farmers, gardeners (ha, and even know of roof gardens, hmm) and an inexplicable way in which "soil" plays into this idea.

If you are older, city, and unused to camping (me, 6 years ago), I encourage you to bring a comfy bed, at least at first (I'm partial to the ground, now, for this), and try it long enough to get over the initial discomfort. i won't be able to fully convey how the transformation from fully equipped camp with roaring fire, elevated bed, aged elk loin, and grumbling about any discomfort has yielded to a blanket on the ground, a can of beans, a jug of water, no fire, and the voice of God heard with much less...clutter, but say seek your own bit of nature however you may, and wait for what God may have to tell you.

KeptByTheWord · #6 01-26-2012, 09:58 AM

We spend too much time "talking" to God. I have recently been learning to have my Bible open on my lap, and just close my eyes, and think on what I've just read, and listen for the still small voice, like Elijah had to do. If we ever want God to speak to us, we have to sit and listen sometimes. Prayer is not a one-way conversation. It is not a to-do list of stuff that God needs to do for us, and those we love. It is a communication, and a conversation.

Being outside in nature, and just listening to the birds, the winds in the tree, looking at the beauty of nature around us... you can hear that still small voice.. and see where David could pen so many beautiful psalms out in the middle of nowhere. God does speak ... we just need to listen sometimes....

RandyWayne · #7 01-26-2012, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbyrd009

Ty, "Kept," and I would say that there are elements of nature that you can reconnect with on a roof, sure, but you are sort of highlighting how disconnected we have become from nature. Understand that I would not advocate a permanent escape from people, life, by making some island in the woods, a hermitage or anything, but rather a refuge that will whisper things to you, silence, that you just can't hear on the roof. I'm minded of our many similarities to farmers, gardeners (ha, and even know of roof gardens, hmm) and an inexplicable way in which "soil" plays into this idea.

If you are older, city, and unused to camping (me, 6 years ago), I encourage you to bring a comfy bed, at least at first (I'm partial to the ground, now, for this), and try it long enough to get over the initial discomfort. i won't be able to fully convey how the transformation from fully equipped camp with roaring fire, elevated bed, aged elk loin, and grumbling about any discomfort has yielded to a blanket on the ground, a can of beans, a jug of water, no fire, and the voice of God heard with much less...clutter, but say seek your own bit of nature however you may, and wait for what God may have to tell you.

Or you could really rough it and go out with nothing but a good leather man multi-tool, a half eaten snickers bar, five or six video camera's, and a plan!

The Matt · #8 01-26-2012, 02:45 PM

That's one thing the devil managed to steal from me and I'm fighting to get back, a true appreciation of natural things.

Titus2woman · #9 01-26-2012, 03:09 PM

Living on a farm for many years now I have learned to really appreciate nature. Life and death happen almost daily. Living a pastoral life makes the bible come alive. When I have a calf that has wandered into the woods it becomes so easy to see leaving the 99 and going to find that which is lost (or in my case leaving the dozen or so

). The wheat and tares growing together, seed planted in good ground. I agree that there are so many connections to God in nature it is something that I hope each person gets to experience, even if it is just a visit to the state park for a weekend.

RandyWayne · #10 01-26-2012, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titus2woman

Living on a farm for many years now I have learned to really appreciate nature. Life and death happen almost daily. Living a pastoral life makes the bible come alive. When I have a calf that has wandered into the woods it becomes so easy to see leaving the 99 and going to find that which is lost (or in my case leaving the dozen or so

). The wheat and tares growing together, seed planted in good ground. I agree that there are so many connections to God in nature it is something that I hope each person gets to experience, even if it is just a visit to the state park for a weekend.

Nature (and the anthropic principle) are what kept me a God believing Christian during the dark years of my late teens and 20's.