If you happen to be visiting someplace warm and tropical for spring break, or if you’re lucky enough to live in such a location, you likely have a Creation Inspiration right outside your front door every day-the palm tree.

Yesterday was Palm Sunday, the day we reflect on Christ’s ride into Jerusalem, and how he was greeted with cheers and anticipation. Later in the week, things were different of course, but imagine what it must have been like to have been on that street that day waving a palm branch, welcoming God himself (even if you didn’t understand that’s what was going on).

The next time you see a palm tree, whether you’re driving along an ocean front highway or maybe gazing out your hotel room, take a moment to remember Holy Week and God’s amazing love & grace.

John 12:13 (NIV) They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett

Did you know there are at least 400 “dead zones” along coastal areas around the world? Dead means there isn’t enough oxygen to support living things and there are also often toxic gases being produced instead.

When the area starts changing, things that can crawl or swim away do their best to get out. Things that can’t move die, adding to decomposition and the chemicals produced in that process.

What causes this problem? Mostly drainage and stuff getting dumped into the water that doesn’t belong there. In addition, destroying wetlands and similar environments destroys much of the natural filtering system earth has and the problems increase because of that as well.

The oceans are amazing places, there’s so much we don’t know about them. Find out more about what’s happening to them and what we can do about it on the current Nature series One Ocean (check PBS or similar TV stations).

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett

Did you know there’s a tree called a Dragon’s Blood Tree? I have never heard of it (though I watch lots of nature shows). It gets it’s name because of the color of the resin that comes out if it is cut/injured. I think Dr. Suess must have seen one at some point

BTW, the site that is linked above looks really useful if you are looking for more creation inspiration-lots of pics and videos from around the globe.

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

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)

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

In part one, I mentioned I almost chose not to go see the movie because of some comments I’d read online, maybe you’ve heard or read something similar but maybe not. The gist of comments was that Christians should not see the movie. Those I happened to see were on a blog that a well respected pastor I follow on Facebook happened to link to. Under his link were comments by some who echoed the sentiment along with those who didn’t.

The main issue for those saying it was a no-go is the fact that a major theme of the movie is a that the “religion” on the fantasy world is an equivalent to how some people worship “mother earth”.

And that is completely true, there is a big focus on all things being one, the goddess/power being able to heal and gathering and chanting almost in a frenzy while connecting to both the goddess via a tree and their ancestors.

However, there is nothing in the movie encouraging people to abandon their beliefs and try what’s depicted instead. There is also nothing blatantly anti-Christian or pro-any other specific faith. That being the case, I see no reason not to see the movie I believe, some of the religious aspects can easily be related to our Christian faith.

For example, someone is brought to the goddess power for healing. The community gathers and simultaneously prays for healing while the priestess character leads the process. So that’s different that what we do when we ask God to heal someone or lay on hands during a service how?

There is also the concept that everything is interconnected and the source of life flows through all creatures and all of their  natural surroundings. Again, we believe the same, the God is the creator and giver of life, and we as humans are connected to the world around us. Our actions, good or bad, effect other people, animals and plants too.

To sum things up, while not everything “worldly” can be used as a tool to spread our faith, I think Avatar definitely can be. In my opinion there’s enough value for it to be a both a positive influence on one’s Christian faith as well as a potential way to start conversations with non-Christians.

Okay, now it’s your turn.

Have you seen it? Are you a Christian or no? What did you think with regard to your faith?

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett

I’ve decided to add a review category here so that I can share resources or just stuff I like/dislike with you. Because I don’t have a ton of time, I won’t be doing a lot of them, and most will probably be books, but I’m going to kick things off with Avatar, the movie.

First, for those of you who don’t know me well, I don’t go to see a lot of movies because most of what’s put out now either is offensive in some way or poorly written or both. With that understanding, you now know how much it means for me to say that I truly loved this movie in addition to being inspired by it. It has been said that the technology used will advance movies much like those of Star Wars or Titanic and I agree. It’s also creatively beautiful and stunning at times. If you like sci-fi and want a brain break from daily life, it’s worth your time and money.

However, that said there are a few things to be aware of if you are planning to take a kid, or as a Christian. First, there is some adult language. The main characters are former military and they play up the rough edges. If you/your kids avoid seeing things with any such language, don’t go.

Along the same line, there is graphic violence. In my opinion, some of it is over done-I get it, blow stuff up, blow up more stuff, battle scenes. There is also a hunting/kill scene. Most of it is not as gory as some of what’s on TV especially on the crime shows, but again, if that’s something you totally want to avoid, again, you might want to reconsider.

I’d also like to take the opportunity to address some comments I’d read before I went to see it. One almost convinced me not to go, but in the end, I’m glad it didn’t.

1. The story is not new: This is true. For the most part, the story lines are familiar, which is true with many books and films. If you want a totally unique storyline with lots of surprise twists and turns you won’t find it here though there are a couple.

2. It’s a political statement of James Cameron/the studio: Could be,  I haven’t heard any direct statements either way and I get enough politics from the news so I wasn’t even looking for stuff like that in the least. If you enjoy analyzing books/films in that way you’ll probably find several angles to think about and discuss with others who enjoy the same.

Part 2 coming soon!

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett

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.

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