Day 7 - NATURE CONVERSATIONS

TREES

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.  Psalm 1:1-3

Spring is a time of new growth. It's also the rainy season, at least for us here in Texas. Water allows the trees to grow. Here the Scripture paints imagery of a tree in its prime, not withering from the heat, but blossoming because it has plenty of water. The imagery points us not just to nature, but to the blossoming believer in God - to the one who is delighting in God's Word.

NATURE CONVERSATION

Notice the trees.  Point out changes in seasons and how this affects the trees.  What is blooming right now?  What will bloom next?  When I was in school, I was too busy to notice nature, but as an adult, being outside with my kids, I look for those changes and look forward to what's next.  The wisteria blooms in March, then all the wildflowers (Indian paintbrush, bluebonnet, butter cup) in April.  Next come the roses.  I look forward to the Crepe Myrtles blooming in June.  

Find trees or other plant life blossoming because it is well watered.  Let the picture sink in as you go over Psalm 1 together.  If you continue on in Psalm 1, it gives the imagery that the wicked are the opposite of the righteous.  Those following the ways of the world and not the ways of God's word are like the chaff that the wind drives away.  The chaff is the part of the wheat plant that is so light, it blows away when tossed in the air.  It is not like a tree, well-rooted and well-watered.  For an illustration, find some cut, dry grass (hay) and toss it into the wind, to be blown away.  

NATURE JOURNALING

• Sketch trees or leaves in your journal.
• Consider doing a chalk drawing.
• Collect and press leaves to be added to your journal.
• Take note of the animal life in the trees.  Maybe squirrels or a birds nest.  Maybe caterpillar eggs or cocoons.  There have even been bats in our neighborhood.
• Take note of trees or other plants that need some extra care.  Water them. Find other ways to nurse them back to health.
• Take samples of bark, flowers, seed pods or make note of them in your journal.
• Spend time reflecting on the One who made the trees.

NATURE STUDY

• Identify types of trees in your area. What trees grow well in your area? What trees don't?
• Plant a tree of shrub. Watch it grow over time. Take care of it.
• Observe trees near a good water source (growing along a creek, river or pond) and those not well watered.  What observations can you make?
• Get a book on trees.