I received Rooted in Wonder as a complimentary read, It was interesting and loved how they incorporated nature in it.
Reminders of Gods beauty is around us!

I decided to read this book with the hope that with all of the excellent environmental books coming out lately, I could give our Christian patrons something to read and rally around that not just reaffirms their faith but also gets them to join the fight to preserve nature.

I did *kind* of get that, but what I mostly got was rants about science that doesn't fit the author's beliefs, a regurgitation of scripture, personal anecdotes, and typical scout-like activities paired with bible study. Those last two aren't bad, though--quite the opposite.

Every time I thought this book did an excellent job on one thing, it disappointed me in the next. It's what kept me fluctuating between 3 and 4 stars for a review. Whenever I'd have a rushing excitement of "Yes!" reading one thing, the next I would cringe. For instance, the tirade on evolution, which is only about Darwin and not at all any deeper or more modern research. It's very obvious that Lynum dismissed evolution without doing any other research into the newer discoveries of such and only seemed to look for how Darwin was a "torn man" to reaffirm her position (she also does this with others, like C.S. Lewis). She also doesn't seem to understand that evolution is simply a process of change from one thing into another. All creations go through evolution; it is literally how God turned clay into man--it is a process of change from one thing into something else. Creations happen in stages, which is another characteristic of evolution. An illustration is a series of lines and colors in stages, for example. Evolution and creationism are not mutually exclusive, so when Lynum went off on a rant about how it was wrong and ONLY focused on Darwin and not a single thing else, I couldn't help but sigh. Another issue I took was with the "personal truths" rant, which is something else that she seems to have no real grasp on the truth of, ironically.

When the book was good, though, it was *good*. I loved the true appreciation for nature and its design, which is the whole point of the book. And even though Lynum says that the earth is doomed per prophecy, she says we should still take care of it because we are its shepherds. That--while admittedly I read rather cautiously because I was very afraid of where that train of thought was going--is what I was hoping for when I picked up this book. The stories she shares about her family's relationship with nature are excellent frames of reference and I really do think that the activities she outlines are an excellent way to get kids motivated to answer the call. There are very good postulations and connections made in this book.

So even though the citations in this book regarding science are dubious most of the time, the rest of the book is exemplary in my opinion. That love and care for nature and the explanation on how we can be proper shepherds of God's creation as we're meant to be according to the gospel, are why I wouldn't completely dismiss this book and will still recommend it to our Christian patrons.

I really wanted to like this book. However reading it made me feel off, like some of the things she said felt far fetched.

I did enjoy that she connected scripture to nature and the step outside portions at the end of each chapter but a lot of her writing felt long and winded. I made it most of the way through but honestly couldn’t finish it. I did skim through the last few chapters just to look at the step outside portions.

I honestly believe that being in nature and admiring its wonder can connect you to our creator in a special way, but it’s not the only way. Nature isn’t want brings you closer to God, it’s his word.

First thing that caught my eye was the lovely cover. The author feels like a kindred spirit, this book was full of inspiration and good things to consider. I liked the thought of a gloryscope lens, family hibernation, and there were lots of other ideas I want to put into practice.

I loved this book and the encouragement the author gives to nurture our children’s natural sense of wonder experienced in nature. The Step Outside prompts at the end of each chapter connect scripture with nature in practical activities you can enjoy with your children!

I thoroughly enjoyed Rooted in Wonder! Excellent information, ideas for nature-based activities, faith-based suggestions and information, and current topics related to God's creation. Wow! As a fan of getting children out in nature (and away from screens), this book dovetails nicely with my personal goals and beliefs in the benefits of being outside. I was impressed by the information, Bible connections, easy reading, and inspiration for future nature-based outdoor adventures. Well done!
#netgalley #rootedinwonder

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5224787774

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers from IPG for allowing me to have an ARC of this book. I will definitely be buying a physical copy when it comes out.

"At the metronome of God’s pace, creation answers our questions, then teaches us to ask better ones".

My husband and I love the outdoors. If we had more time to be outdoors we would do it. We kayak, hike, fish, he hunts, and I love just sitting outside reading a book or just enjoying the sun. Now that we are first-time parents, I wonder if our son will love the outdoors too. (So far he has shown that he does.) When I saw this book on Netgalley I thought, this could help me not only to encourage my son to be outdoors but how to connect with God through His creation. Maybe even teach me how to as well.

"How could I, in a world that often worships creation rather than the creator intelligently and graciously educate others about natural things and, in every detail, show how those facts and wonders point back to the One who so eloquently designed them?"

At the end of each chapter, it has a little activity along with scripture to read and questions to ask your children. This book helps to connect with God through nature as well as teaches our children how to connect with God.

I also love when she is talking about the fire that happened in Colorado by her house along with the floods that came after. My brother lives in Colorado so I was able to relate to what she was saying because my brother went through watching the fires and dealing with the floods that came after. I had a personal attachment to what she was saying because my mother and I dealt with the fear and anxiety of what was happening with Daniel. To read her connect that with God is amazing and quite dear to me. My favorite part of all.

I cannot wait until my son J is old enough to do some of these activities. Though I am definitely going to have to make it a tradition now to limit screen time. I feel like my husband might be the worst when it comes to this because he is either on his phone or watching TV, or playing video games. But it will be worth every minute we can spend outdoors.

Rooted in Wonder a new book by author Eryn Lynum, is a must read for families that love nature and/or are looking in how to incorporate more nature activities into there home that focuses on what God’s Word says. She is a homeschooling mom like me and I read her previous book 936 Pennies a few years ago. I love how she incorporated Scripture and God’s Word into this book. Great for families with kids of all ages.

Each chapter provides a thorough overview of what the Bible says and how she gets into nature, along with activities and Scripture to incorporate into your daily life with your children. She also provides questions for you and your family to discuss and dig deeper. I really can see homeschool families using this book in morning time/science/Bible time, but it isn’t just for homeschool families but those who also want to be more intentional with getting your kids outside!

What drew me to wanting to read and review this book is not only the subject but that also Eryn is also certified to teach this, so she is definitely qualified on nature and connecting it to God’s Word! In her about: Eryn Lynum is a certified master naturalist, Bible teacher, and mom of four who wants to help families encounter and understand the connection between God and creation. She shares her own story of putting her kids in front of nature, and invites other parents to consider a similar journey.

Here are a few of my highlights:

Nature speaks for itself, but we need help translating its message. We need God’s Word to make sense of His world.
Our kids are growing up in an unpredictable and ever changing world. Yet whatever drought seasons or circumstances they encounter, they can walk forward with confidence they encounter, they can walk forward with confidence rather than anxiety. They can thrive in a desert.
While some of the fruit we will never see, we can trust tht God uses every ounce of our efforts. His Word goes forth and does not return void. Don’t be overwhelmed by the big picture. Instead, ask yourself what you can do today – right now.
In nature, God has equipped us with a rich classroom teeming with robust materials that magnify His character and how he interacts with His children.
Creation is composed in a mathematical and orderly manner.

Thorough guide to why and how to strengthen a child's faith through building an appreciation for nature. Liked the concept of being a "conservationist of wonder" and appreciated how Lynum takes a Scripturally grounded approach to climate change, avoiding both denialism and alarmism. Lynum engages the reader with her family's experiences in nature and provides plenty of practical tips.

Rooted in Wonder
by Eryn Lynum
Pub Date 11 Apr 2023
Independent Publishers Group, Kregel Publications
Christian. |. Outdoors & Nature
I am reviewing a copy of Rooted Im Wonder through Independent Publishing Group, Kregel Publishing and Netgalley:
Eryn Lynum is a naturalist, an author, as well as a Bible Teacher:
Rooted in Wonder reminds a generation whose eyes always seemed to be glued on screens to take the time to encounter nature in a genuine way.
This book is divided into practical sections that remind the reader to view nature through the lens of the Bible as well as through activities to help integrate Faith in the Natural World.
I give Rooted in Nature five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!