I took my two youngest for a little hike over the weekend in Percy Warner Park. Along the way I tried to point out amazing colors and unique landscapes.
I love taking them out in nature. I feel like I get the opportunity to fulfill one of my jobs as a parent which is teaching my kids to embrace the beauty of God’s creation.
They live in a world which is full of entertaining substitutes. There’s t.v., video games, and so many other things trying to capture their attention. In the midst of all this I don’t want them to miss the beauty of creation God invites them into.
Are you teaching your kids to “embrace beauty”?
I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in. ~George Washington Carver
I forgot my camera but got a few pics with my phone…
Dude you forgot your camera?
Just wanted to say that I subscribed to your blog sometime last week, and I’m really enjoying your posts about life, church, leadership, etc.
My kids are 24 and 31 and I haven’t stopped telling them about what we have around us.
@Jason, It was impromptu hike on the way back from the gym. I had no idea it was going to be as beautiful as it was.
I have been blessed to have raised 3 very “artsy” sons. One, a photographer, one a musician, and one an artist. They constantly are teaching ME to “see things” that I don’t see. The photographer and artist through their creations, the musician through his words/music.
I’m uncovering new beauty EVERYDAY that I didn’t even know was around me.
My sons have taught me much more that I have taught them.
My last Creative Chaos post was all about fall beauty – check it out…
http://www.marcushackler.com/?p=1025
Your camera phone did pretty darned well I think.
My kids love camping. My daughter has been a tree hugger her entire life. Her summer job was trail building for the “Tahoe Rim Trail” (which is part of the Pacific Crest Trail) around Lake Tahoe.
Beautiful.
I take any opportunity I have to enjoy the beach and parks around here. Sitting on the shore looking out into the ocean at sunset really draws me into God’s presence.
I am new to your blog and Brandi’s and am lovin them both.
My son is LOVING the snow…it’s great to see the beauty of God’s creation through the eyes of a innocent, non-distracted child.
Pete–what in the world is GAGE wearing that SOONER shirt for? Bro–I need to send him a shirt from TEXAS TECH. Give me a chance to redeem that child!
Thanks for the great shots–your kids are priceless
I do try to teach my boys that. Aren’t kids just great? Especailly boys! Nice post.
I love to teach my daughter about the beauty that surrounds us. She’s only 19 months, but I don’t think it’s ever to early to start the lessons.
And speaking of beauty, could your kids be ANY MORE beautiful?!?!
I agree Pete. I’ve had a bit more free time this past fall compared to the previous five years. We’ve hit up many parks in the St. Louis area and have thoroughly enjoyed a gorgeous fall. I have always felt closest to God in the outdoors…makes me wonder why I spend some much time in the sterile hospital environment.
As an aside, keep taking those young boys on outdoor adventures. It was those experiences with my father that I remember most of my youth and have also helped shaped my character. My father, brother and I continue to meet for outdoor adventures to this day.
…kind of like nature is God’s journal to us… reminding us of His gentle beauty and infinate power…
That’s with your phone? I might need a new phone. Wow.
As my boys get older its hard for them to show interest in what I’m talking about…they know I oooh and aaaah over the ocean and the beach. Sometimes when I point out the trees right now, I get an “I know Mom. I know.” and they walk away. I’m making a difference right?!
Beautiful pictures…other than the choice of jerseys they have on…your parenting skills are definitely slipping! Maybe I should send you an University of Alabama jersey! Roll Tide Roll baby…
Boomer Sooner! That is the right way to bring a child up.
Ah, the beauty of nature. It can be so awe inducing, and just blow you off your feet. I sometimes wonder what the world would be like if it weren’t industrialized, yes cars and the internet are great. BUT what if there weren’t highways, and subdivisions spread across the land?
Apparently I’ve taught my girls to love nature too much. My five year old only wants a rock collection from Santa.
My husband is a pastor and we do a lot of communicating with church members and our conference affiliation via e-mail. On more than one occasion, he has called me to read an e-mail response he’s written in anger. I usually try to convince him that it’s okay to write those thoughts, but it’s best not to send them. That way he can get the frustration out, but the angry words never go any further than that.
wow, Pete,
amazing pictures of your kids. makes me think of Psalm 19 when i teach my kids about God being all around us.
i have to agree with Jim Drake about the sooner’s jersey though. pick your son up a Graham Harrell or Michael Crabtree. 6+5=7
Go Tech!!
Well said… Thanks for the pictures.