Depending on where you live, this summer you might have experienced heavy rain, thunderstorms or even flooding in places where it doesn’t usually flood at all. In addition to that, hurricane season is well underway now in the US and many coastal areas are keeping an eye on those storms. Weather can be scary sometimes.

As Christians we have something that can take at least some of that fear away-God’s promise and covenant that He will never destroy the earth with floods again. He also reminds us with the rainbow:

Bible Verse: Genesis 9:14-15a (NIV) Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind.

After it rains where you are, maybe you’ll see a rainbow, maybe you won’t, but you know what, you can see rainbows in lots of places besides after a storm. Here are just a few ideas to help you remember rainbows:

What You Need:

You’ll need to be able to remember the colors of the rainbow and what order they appear in. Use this memory trick: ROY G BIV which stands for red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.

What To Do

Start looking at life with “rainbow eyes”, try to notice where you either see the colors of the rainbow together, or where you can put things together to make the right combination.

Here are some examples to get you started:

A) There is a candy that has the slogan “taste the rainbow.” Hint: it starts with an S. If you eat them, remember the rainbow God sent to Noah.

B) Look in your closet. Can you organize it so that you see a rainbow of clothes? Is there a coat closet in your home? Try it there too.

C) Watch the sun coming through a glass, crystal, or maybe even a fish tank. Sometimes rainbows show up in unexpected places!

BTW, if you like these ideas, each chapter in the book has “un-plugged” activities just like this that you can do with your students/family.

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett

The moment one gives a close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world unto itself. ~ Henry Miller

When I read this quote, I immediately thought of the Creation Inspirations concept. There’s so much God shows us every day, we just have to pay attention. Sometimes it’s something big and awesome like a beautiful sunset sky or a mountain landscape that reminds us of God’s power and majesty. But other times it might be a single flower, a teeny tiny bug or a single blade of grass that reminds us of the intricacies and care God places in every bit of what He makes-and that we’re part of that plan.

Much of the summer has been super hot here in MI and in other parts of the country so staying in and staying cool has been the mode of operation for many I suspect. Now that things are cooling off a bit (or they will soon) if you haven’t taken much time to simply be outdoors, to breathe in both physically and spiritually what is offered, hopefully you can take opportunity very soon. I can guarantee with almost absolute certainty you’ll be glad you did.

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett

Did you know the average length of a blue whale is 100 feet, that their heart can weigh as much as a small car and their tongue as much as an elephant??

BTW, this is the first installment of my new category “did you know?” which will consist of fun (and hopefully interesting) facts about our amazing planet. Hope you enjoy them! Feel free to let me know if you do

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett

After a little discussion over on Facebook, I decided to expand to another part and touch on a couple of thoughts that were brought up there.

With regard to the supreme being in this movie being a female and that being contrary to my faith, I agree wholeheartedly and  I’m not saying the writer’s/producers view of God is accurate. The movie clearly does not depict God as Christians believe Him to be. But I also did not feel watching the story of their idea of god as a threat to my faith as some reviewers have claimed it to be. That’s a little like saying we shouldn’t watch or read stories about Mormons or Jehovah’s witnesses practicing their faith because we don’t agree with them. And again, this is a story with fictitious people, places and goddess. It has similarity to belief systems we know but it doesn’t proselytize in any way that I could see.

The biggest worship scene does have the entire community gathered around a sacred space, chanting (somewhat over dramatically) and yes they are worshiping a false god by Christian views. However, I still felt the scene was moving and inspiring because it reminded me of scenarios that can and do occur in our churches too. There are few sounds that give me goose-bumps (in a good way) more than hearing an entire church, banquet room etc. praising God together in acapella voice. That’s why I felt it was such a powerful scene, potentially no matter what your faith. It was beautifully filmed and acted as well.

Again, not supportive of this particular view of what god is and I still believe the same thing I did before I saw the movie, but I feel there is enough redeeming value in the movie as a whole and also plenty of stuff that Christians can relate to positively to make it okay to go see.

Feel free to keep the conversation going!

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett

It has been so incredible to see what God has done with the book in just a few short months! I’ve sold about 125 copies and I’m honored that so many were Christmas gifts. Thank you to all who’ve supported me so far either in sales, prayer or words of encouragement. 2009 will certainly be a memorable year.

In the coming year, I’m not 100% sure what the next project will be (though something may get started as early as this week ). Whatever it is, I’m excited to see where God will lead. I hope you’ll come along for the journey .

I also wish you a most prosperous, peaceful New Year and that you find the strength, courage and wisdom to pursue whatever it is God has in-store for you too.

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett

It’s official, Creation Inspirations: A New View of the World Around You was launched yesterday at Shepherd’s Gate. My family, friends and church family blessed me with wonderful support. Now just waiting/working to figure out what comes next!

Here’s a photo from Sunday