I’m sure I don’t have to tell any of you that life can be stressful-very stressful at times. Sometimes you don’t know what to do or where to turn to find a little peace, respite or comfort. When that happens, take a moment and go outside. You can go someplace special or just in your own backyard, driveway or porch.

Take a minute to really look and listen to what’s around you. Maybe you’ll hear chirping crickets or the power of the wind blowing. Maybe you’ll see a butterfly float by softly, find a flower that just bloomed or simply a clear blue sky. Maybe something will show up that’s just meant for you.

Take comfort in these things.  Breathe.  Allow yourself to be at peace. Remember the love the Creator has for His creation and that includes you. Take comfort.

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett

It’s 2010  and we humans are still discovering new surprises on a regular basis. Think about that for a minute. 2000 years of looking, searching, stumbling upon and setting sail to find new worlds, we’re still finding new creatures.

500 years ago, people may have thought they’d seen all there was to see never dreaming of deep ocean dives that would reveal even more fascinating life forms.

I still don’t understand how someone can look at pictures like this (scroll the gallery at the right) and not be amazed, in awe and have a desire to take care of the earth. We don’t even know about everything that’s here, how many answers are held in the deep, or on the floor of the forests and jungles. I’m at least glad we’re still searching.

^{Psalm 135: 5-7 (NIV)}

5 I know that the LORD is great,
that our Lord is greater than all gods.

⁶ The LORD does whatever pleases him,
in the heavens and on the earth,
in the seas and all their depths.

⁷ He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth;
he sends lightning with the rain
and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett

Most of you probably know that every person’s finger prints are one of a kind, but are you aware of just how unique and amazing they really are?

To begin with, every fingerprint is some variation of only three basic patterns-just three: arches, loops & whorls. Think about that for a minute.

There are a few billion people in the world today alone, that means those three core patterns have been tweaked billions of times. And  all that information ends up in an area of only 1 to 1.5 inches (depending on how big your fingers are).  When someone says you are a unique child of God-believe them!

The next time you see your finger print think about how they not only remind us that we are one of a kind creations, but also of our Creator God-the Trinity-three in one.

Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the  Holy Spirit (NIV)

For some of you, the statement above was an every day occurrence during childhood, especially on weekends or during the summer. And most of the time, we followed the instructions and usually had fun doing so.

Unfortunately, in many households that phrase has been replaced by, “where’s your DS” or maybe “see if (insert neighbor kid’s name) wants to play (insert video game name here)”.

Most doctors, teachers and childhood experts agree kids need more “go outside” and this year Greenhour.org and the National Wildlife Association would like to do something about that.

They simply ask that you resolve to Be Out There, to spend quality time as a family outdoors and to encourage a love of nature in your kids. You can certainly participate unofficially, but if you’d like to resolve publicly you can do that too. Simply go to www.greenhour.org Either way check out the site for ideas and inspiration & see you outside!

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett

BTW-my book has several outside activity ideas the whole family can enjoy. Take a peek on the “What Are Creation Inspirations” page.