Podcasts about eryn lynum

282. Family Sabbath: Pause and Delight with Eryn Lynum   Mark 2:27 NIV “Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”   *Transcription Below*   Eryn Lynum is a certified Master Naturalist, Bible teacher, national speaker, and author. Eryn lives in Northern Colorado with her husband, Grayson, and their four children, whom they homeschool—mainly in the great outdoors. Eryn has has been featured on FamilyLife Today, Proverbs 31 Ministries, Christian Parenting, MOPS International, Bible Gateway, Her View From Home, and For Every Mom. Every opportunity she gets, she is out exploring God's creation with her family and sharing the adventures. To learn more about Eryn, visit ErynLynum.com.   Eryn's Books Eryn's Free Resources Mentioned Nat Theo Podcast   Topics and Questions We Cover: What can this look like to daily align our activities with our deepest values? What do people actually do on this day of rest and what do you recommend for families? Are there any other practical benefits we're missing out on if we neglect rest?   Thank You to Our Sponsor: Leman Property Management Company   Related Savvy Sauce Episodes: 81 Rest with Doctor, Author, and Speaker, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith 99 Sabbath Rest with Sandy Feit 175 Practicing Sabbath with Shireen Eldridge   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook, Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 1:34) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   Leman Property Management Company has the apartment you will be able to call home, with over 1,700 apartment units available in Central Illinois. Visit them today at lemanproperties.com or connect with them on Facebook.   Eryn Lynum is my wonderful guest for today, and she's the author of this beautiful book, The Nature of Rest. We're going to discuss all things related to rest, ways that we can prepare for it, how we can enjoy and delight in it, what good gifts God has for us with rest, and then how to reflect well on the rhythms in our life, and so much more.   Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Eryn.   Eryn Lynum: (1:34 - 4:03) Thank you. Thanks so much for having me.   Laura Dugger: Well, I'd love for you to start us off by sharing your personal journey and tell why you are so uniquely qualified to teach and write about rest, as stress can literally kill you.   Eryn Lynum: Yeah, that's correct. So, when I was 14 years old, I was diagnosed with a potentially fatal autoimmune disorder. And kind of the context of that season, I was preparing to go overseas for the first time on a missions trip. So, I was going to be in Africa for two months. And so, before you go do something like that, you have to go to the doctor and get a checkup and vaccine recommendations, all the things. And so, my parents took me in.   Again, I was 14 at the time, and we had no reason to believe that there was anything wrong. There were no red flags. Besides, I had been a little tired, a little dizzy once in a while, but really, we just thought, okay, well, I'm growing up, my body's changing. But when the nurse took my blood pressure that day, it was 56 over 48, which is deathly low.   And so, immediately, that's a red flag. And I undergo more testing and hospital visits and seeing specialists. And they diagnosed me with something called Addison's disease. And Addison's disease, it's where your adrenal glands no longer function. So, maybe you've heard of adrenal fatigue, where someone is so taxed out that their adrenal glands can't keep up because they're meant to produce cortisol, which is our stress hormone. Well, Addison's disease is the worst-case scenario where you can't come back from it, barring a miracle. Like, my adrenal glands don't work, and they haven't for over 20 years now.   And so, you know, this system that God has given us meant to cope with stress, and it's that fight-or-flight response. At that young age, I no longer had that. And so, stress became quite literally deadly to me. And at that point, my parents, they began coaching me in biblical stress management, so identifying stressors in my life.   You know, when your shoulders start creeping up, and you can feel that tension in your neck, and knowing that those are signs that, okay, you need to step back, you need to calm yourself. Like the Psalms talk about, “I have calmed and quieted my soul,” and to bring everything to the Lord and cast all your anxieties upon Him. And this is really where I can see, in my life, I developed a very consistent prayer pattern in my life where just all day long, like conversing with the Lord.   And so, that's been a big part of this. But yeah, that's really what began leading me into this deeply restful lifestyle was out of necessity. But really what I've seen since then is God designed all of us to live and thrive through rest. Like this is His original design.   Laura Dugger: (4:04 - 4:27) I love that so much. And you articulate this so well in your book. But before I ever encountered you, I had never heard of the term master naturalist before. So, if you want to share anything about that, it would be great. And as a master naturalist, where do you see these rhythms of rest in nature?   Eryn Lynum: (4:28 - 6:54) So, a master naturalist, it's really a fancy term for nature teacher. And I pursued this because my degree and my passion are in biblical theology. And I've always been passionate about rightly handling God's word of truth from 2 Timothy 2:15.   And I began to see as my own family, my husband and I, we have three boys and a daughter, and now they're 14 down to seven. But when they were younger and we started spending more time outdoors, I started to see, okay, God has given us so many visuals and materials in nature with which we can teach about Him. Coming from Romans 1:20, that His invisible attributes, those things we can't see about God, are clearly perceived through what He has made. And I saw that also Jesus in the gospels, He used nature all the time to teach.   And God throughout scripture, like it's not just Genesis 1, nature narratives are strong throughout scripture. And so, I thought if God and Jesus use this methodology to teach, then certainly we can. And so, that's why I went through this training and taught, teach with this method is because, you know, the more we understand these materials, the more we see of God and the more we can communicate about Him.   And so, I was working as a master naturalist in our city and teaching my own programs. And I started to incorporate it more and more into my book and then later on in my podcast. And at the same time, God was leading my family into celebrating Sabbath. We had come into this season where we were just exhausted, like running businesses and raising and homeschooling kids, like all of us, no matter our circumstances, face this very real human existence of fatigue. And so, we came to a place where rest was no longer optional. It was critical and vital.   And so, I'm living in these two realms of learning about nature while I'm learning about scripture. And then God is bringing us into deep rest. So, I started to ask the question, where do we see rest in scripture? And I found that it is everywhere. The roots of rest run deep and wide throughout scripture. And also asking, where do we see rest in creation in nature? And it's also everywhere there that God designed all these cycles and these rhythms and all of his plants and creatures, even the ones that we think of as so frenetic and busy that God designed them to thrive through rest.   Laura Dugger: (6:55 - 7:04) And will you give a specific example then of something in nature as it's so apparent that it's designed for rest?   Eryn Lynum: (7:04 - 8:28) Definitely. Let's focus on one of those ones that we often think of as really busy, the hummingbird. I opened the book with the analogy of a hummingbird because when you think about a hummingbird, what do you picture in your mind?   Laura Dugger: (7:17 - 7:19) Busy, constant movement in and out.   Eryn Lynum: (7:20 - 8:28) Yeah, exactly. Like they have to visit between 1,000 and 2,000 flowers every day to get all the nectar that they need. And so, they are always like here and there in the next place. And they look like this little thing just zipping through the air and you can't even see their wings beating because they can be up to 70 times a second. It's this blur of motion. And we think about that little hummingbird, and we can sometimes feel like that little hummingbird just zipping from one thing to the next, thinking there's no time to stop.   But the hummingbird does stop. It has a very strategic method of rest called torpor. And torpor is kind of like a mini hibernation where the little bird is going to go into this deep state of rest. It lowers its body temperature by around 50 degrees and becomes completely unresponsive. And this is a regular thing that the hummingbird does, and it enables it to continue its God-given, good, busy, fruitful work. So, it's this picture of, you know, busyness is not bad. God created us for fruitful work, but it's all meant to be sustained through deep, rhythmic, intentional rest.   Laura Dugger: (8:28 - 9:06) I mean, immediately that makes me think of the weeks, even that I'm most productive, I've probably prioritized my sleep the best of it. And if I get great sleep, even if it's extra hours, that doesn't take away from the rest of the day. That probably makes my time even multiplied.   Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. And I love, you point out so many times how God just clearly designed his creation to enjoy this gift of rest. So, you mentioned some of the nature parts. What about some of the foundational scriptural truths on this topic?   Eryn Lynum: (9:07 - 11:52) Yeah, well, of course, where's the first place that we get the idea of rest in the scripture? Yeah, exactly. So, God completes his work of creation and then he rests and he didn't need to rest. Isaiah 40:28 tells us that he, the creator of the world does not grow weary or tired.   I believe that one reason, and I talk about a couple of them in the book, but I believe that one main reason God rested was to stop and delight. That word Sabbath, it comes from the Hebrew word Shabbat, which can mean to both stop and delight. Like think about God finishing his creative work, bringing, bringing everything from nothing. Ex nihilo is that theological term, everything from nothing. Creating not only the animals and the plants, but the textures and the math and the shapes and the like everything he needed to make these things. And I imagine he just wanted to stop and enjoy it. I can even picture him going through creation and listening to the birds and taking in the colors and the shapes of the clouds.   What a beautiful reminder to us, because I know for myself, I'm so prone to just run from one thing to the next, like check it off the list. What's next? But here God is modeling for us. Stop delight, praise him for what he just allowed us to accomplish, to create, to do before rushing on to the next thing.   And so, we get that first mentioned there at creation, but then think about when Sabbath was actually established, there's a framework, there's a structure it's Exodus 16. And the context here is the Israelites. They're doing what they do. They're wandering and grumbling. They're hangry and God shows mercy to them in the form of quail and manna, but he has very specific instructions for them. He says for six days, you shall gather it, but not on the seventh day. Don't go out. It is a solemn day, a Holy Sabbath to the Lord.   That's the first mention of Sabbath, that word in scripture, but consider the Israelites. They had no context for what God was calling them to do. Surely they could think back to the creation story. Okay. God worked and then rested, but they had very little idea of what he was asking them to do. This was an act of faith. God was saying, stop gathering, trust me.   And this is so hard for us because like we are so prone to gather, gather, gather, do produce work more out of this scarcity mindset. But this picture is showing God is a God of abundance and his math works. When we trust him to be the provider, not ourselves. And we take that risk on rest. He provides abundantly through it.   Laura Dugger: (11:53 - 12:05) Absolutely. And within this gift then of rest, how can rest actually reorder and re-energize our lives?   Eryn Lynum: (12:05 - 14:03) I love this question because throughout the book, we talk a lot about reordering and creating margins. So, we can rest and reprioritizing. You know, it's so interesting when we look at the creation narrative, where we get that first mention of rest, because it's backwards to what we normally think.   Think about this. God created for six days and then he rested. Adam, the first human was created on that sixth day. So, Adam's first full day was a day of arrest, dedicated to rest. And in this, we see that God worked and then rested. But we, humanity, we were always meant to begin from rest.   And you see that even in the Hebrew tradition of a day, their day begins at evening. Their day doesn't start with, let's get up and get to work. Their day starts with, let me go to rest to get ready for the work. So, first we have to reorder our concept of rest, not see it as a reward. Oh, I'm going to work, work, work, get all the things done so that maybe I can rest this weekend or on vacation, or when the kids are out of the house or in retirement, that's backwards to the biblical framework. We are meant to begin from rest.   So, starting there. And as we do that, my family has found after sabbathing for three and a half years now, everything else kind of falls into place. And that happens when you operate by God's design. You know, rest allows us to tend to the most important things. Those deep values, whether like that should be of course, faith and family. So, getting clear on your values is really important. Like what is most important to your family faith? Maybe it's community generosity. Maybe it's physical health, mental health, all these things do better. And we have more time to tend to them when we first make room and space for rest.   Laura Dugger: (14:04 - 16:28) And now a brief message from our sponsor.    With over 1,700 apartment units available throughout Pekin, Peoria, Peoria Heights, Morton and Washington. And with every price range covered, you will have plenty of options when you rent through Leman Property Management Company.   They have townhomes, duplexes, studios, and garden style options located in many areas throughout Pekin. And make sure you check out their newest offering, the McKinley located in Pekin is a new construction addition to their platinum collection featuring nine foot ceilings, large spacious layouts, beautiful finishes, such as courts, countertops, and garages. You won't want to miss this outstanding new property in Peoria, a historic downtown location and apartments adjacent to OSF Medical Center provide excellent choices.   Check out their brand new luxury property in Peoria Heights, overlooking the boutique shops and fine dining on prospect. And in Morton, they offer a variety of apartment homes with garages, a hot downtown location, and now a brand new high-end complex near Idlewood Park. If you want to become part of their team, contact them about open office positions.   They're also hiring in their maintenance department. So, we invite you to find out why so many people have chosen to make a career with them. Check them out on Facebook today or email their friendly staff at leasing@lemanprops.com. You can also stop by their website at lemanproperties.com, check them out and find your place to call home today.   It never ceases to amaze me how God's economy and his math are just different. Sometimes upside down from ours, but I feel like when you're speaking, it reminds me of Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” So, if we actually obey, I think there are so many blessings that we can enjoy from this gift of rest. So, you're talking about our values. Then what can this look like to daily align our activities with our deepest values?   Eryn Lynum: (16:30 - 18:30) Yes, this is an ongoing practice because the enemy is always trying to distract us from what is most important. And that word there is key distract. And so, first we have to learn to identify those distractions, the things that are pulling us away from what is most important, but you know, getting to those core values and on my website, I have, my husband and I developed a family values guide that helps you step by step to really figure out what are our deepest values.   So, that's erinlynum.com/values. But really what it is, is this practice of getting clear on God's best for, for us and for our families and for those around us and, and making sure that we are aligning and realigning because it's going to get out of alignment, those values with God's agenda. You know, a lot of days I just start my day with a restful pause.   I call them in the book, Selah pauses. And I am quite literally, I am sitting before the Lord, my eyes closed and my hands just up in this posture of surrender and receiving. And I will say, Lord, I am surrendering my own agenda, my own expectations for this day. And I want to receive your power, your presence, your peace. And then throughout the day, just taking those checks.   Like I practice these daily Selah pauses and moments of rest because think about Selah in the Psalms. It can mean to pause, to contemplate, to redirect. And we need to do that often because as a day goes on, I think we lose energy and focus. You know, at the beginning of the day, we might feel really like focused. And this is what I'm getting done today. And that can waver like that can wane out as the day goes on. And so, constantly just checking back in.   Okay, Lord, what is it you have for me to do today? And how do I tend to those most important things? But you have to take that restful pause to be able to do that.   Laura Dugger: (18:31 - 18:46) That's good reminder. Okay. So, to check back in with the Lord and then can you give another example of one family and what their value is and how they live that out in their daily life. And maybe even what requires us to say no to.   Eryn Lynum: (18:47 - 20:15) Ooh, that's a fantastic question. Hmm. Can it be for my own family or do you want me to give them love it from your own family?   Okay. I was asked this question recently. Someone asked me, how do you make time to be outside as a family? One of our core family values is to be out exploring in God's creation. And this has been harder in different seasons. And we have two middle schoolers now, you know, we are, we have a lot going on.   And so, it can very quickly happen where at the end of the day, we're like, wow, we really didn't spend much time outdoors today, but how we prioritize this is you do have to say no to other things. So, we're a homeschooling family. And just as an example, it can be very tempting to feel like, am I doing enough? Am I teaching them enough? We need to check off all these boxes and get the lessons done. And it's constantly surrendering that and realizing, you know, I know that our value of being outdoors is important to God. I know that he is meeting my children there. He is meeting me there. He is giving us rest and rejuvenation there.   So, trusting with that, again, going back to the Israelites, stop gathering, stop checking off all the boxes, stop trying to provide and meet your own expectations. And instead stay super focused on what God has called you to and ruthlessly get rid of the rest, anything that's keeping you from that.   Laura Dugger: (20:16 - 20:36) I love that personal example. Thank you for sharing. And how can we also in our own families or in our own life, how can we distinguish which activities are vital for the abundant life in Christ that he offers so that we don't settle for less?   Eryn Lynum: (20:38 - 22:46) I love that you bring up that, that term, the abundant life. In John 10:10, that Christ came, that we might have life and life abundantly overflowing to the fullest, like brimming over is what that word means. And that scripture also says the enemy comes to steal and kill and destroy.   And I believe that one of the enemy's biggest schemes and methods for that is to send us into hurry and hustle mode. And he does that through distraction and discontent. And so, so much of this is pressing back against distraction and discontent and getting back to how God created us to thrive.   And again, I believe that that is through this, this gift of rest. You know, you talk about, you asked about settling for less. The enemy is going to put a million things in our life that would cause us to want to settle for less.   Let me give you an example of him trying to distract us. There was a recent weekend where we were coming up on the weekend, and I had several friends reach out and ask about me doing these things like these different opportunities coming our way. Like, do you want to do this? Do you want to do this? And each of them were for on Saturday and that's usually when our family Sabbaths. And so, I had this tension because these were good things.   It's hard to say no to a good thing, but I kept feeling again and again, the Lord saying, no, rest with your family, rest with your family. And it was so sweet because come Saturday morning, I was out on our back deck sipping coffee with my husband for hours, having incredible conversations, reading great books. The kids are playing in the yard.   Several times I caught myself thinking, I almost said no to this by saying yes to other things. And again, they were good things. This life is full of good things, but God's rest is one of the best things for our families. So, it's learning to be okay with saying no to those good things. So, you can say yes to that better thing.   Laura Dugger: (22:48 - 23:17) Examples are so helpful. And that requires a level of discernment and going to the Lord to ask him, but I'm wondering if you even have a system in place for how you discern that, or is it a gut piece that you follow or any practical ways that each of us can discern what's the right kind of busy that's good. And what's the wrong kind of busy and the things that we want to say no to.   Eryn Lynum: (23:18 - 25:05) Yeah. Going back to, again, busy is not bad. God created us for fruitful work, but I think, you know, when we are following Christ and God's spirit is within us, he's going to give us that sense of this is the right kind of busy.   This is the wrong kind of busy. And practically, you know, if it has any notion of distraction, like if you're doing this thing to just distract you or to procrastinate on better things, if it has a note of busyness, you know, some people will be like, well, some people, the enemy makes us want to think that sitting on our phones can be restful because you're not technically doing much of anything, but that distraction is stealing God's true gift of rest for us.   And so, you know, our family, as we practice Sabbath throughout the week, I know that come Saturday, we have a full day of rest. And sometimes it's tempting to add a little work into there, to let it seep out of those edges of the work week and kind of into our Sabbath. And as you practice this more and more and begin just ruthlessly protecting that time, whether it's a full day, whether you start with a half day, God is going to make you more sensitive to those things. Because sometimes I'll like work it out in my mind, like, oh, this isn't work. And really like it's definitely, it's definitely trying to serve my work during the work week.   And God is saying, no, like step away from that and allow me to refresh and rejuvenate your spirit so that when you go back to the work, you do so much more powerfully energized, restful, and ready to do that work to the very best of your ability with God's power.   Laura Dugger: (25:07 - 25:36) That reminds me of a previous guest I'll link to. He did two episodes, but Jeff Henderson just said he's a pastor too. And he said, sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap.   I would agree on that, which you've kind of been sharing a little glimpses of your family's experience with Sabbath, but let's just zero in on Sabbath and I'll just try and go through a series of questions. But first what's the importance of Sabbath?   Eryn Lynum: (25:37 - 26:55) Well, first God commands it. Like if God commanded it, then surely it's important, but that can also sometimes cause us to get a little legalistic about it. What is it? What isn't it? Well, it is meant to be a gift, meant to be a blessing. It's meant to empower us and what God created us for and calls us to.   And so, keeping that just center, this is meant to be a gift, but we see it all throughout scripture, the importance of rest and rest in God's design. It's celebration. Like it's not idleness. It's not doing nothing. Although sometimes like that's the most beneficial way that we can rest. Like you talked about a nap.   I love a good nap on Sabbath, but also it can be energizing activities, inspiring activities. I also love a good long walk on Sabbath. Sometimes I love cooking with fresh ingredients and working on a meal during Sabbath because I don't get much opportunity to do that during the week. Sometimes I love going out and working in the garden because that's life giving and I don't have time to do that throughout the week. And so, getting back to this concept, this idea of Sabbath and rest are celebratory. Like when we do it well as a family, it feels like a mini vacation every week.   Laura Dugger: (26:56 - 27:15) Ooh, I love that. My husband said that before about date night and I connect with that, that it's a little mini reprieve, a mini vacation each week. But then that leads me to the question because I bet so many people share their Sabbath activities with you. What do families actually do on this day of rest?   Eryn Lynum: (27:16 - 31:46) Yeah, that's a great question. And first I'll say that it should look different from family to family. We are all in unique seasons. We have different stories, different scenarios. Again, if you can't start with the full day, now I strongly believe strive and work toward that full day. That's God's design.   And we've seen the most blessing from that. But if you have to start smaller with a half day with four hours, start there. So, it's going to look different. If you have newborns, like a newborn child, it's going to look different and that's okay. No going into it, that it's going to be messy. Hebrews says strive toward rest, work toward rest. It's so counter-cultural. We have to work toward it. So, just going in, knowing these things is very helpful.   It's also going to grow, adapt, and change throughout the seasons. Our family has seen that. But a typical Sabbath for our family right now is we follow the traditional Friday evening to Saturday evening for the most part. Some people ask me, why not Sunday? Isn't Sunday the Sabbath? Well, for us, Sunday is set aside for church community and fellowship and corporate worship. And that's so life-giving to our souls. But by the time I get home from church and I'm making lunch for the family, like I'm not rested physically. So, we needed a separate day set aside for rest.   And so, Friday afternoon, we start preparing where we're going to band together and just pick up the house, get it ready, wash all the dishes and just start preparing our hearts, our minds, our bodies, our home for rest. And then we start Friday evening with communion as a family, just breaking bread and celebrating what Christ did on our behalf. And again, that, that idea of celebrate, and this marks it as special. Okay. We're heading into Sabbath. Some families will like light a white candle for Sabbath, just really marking it. And then we have, we toast to the week. So, we'll pour sparkling juice and just toast and say, “Hey, what did we see God do this week?” Like going back to that idea of stop and delight, we are setting a hard stop to the week. We are delighting. What did we see God do? What did he help us overcome? What can we thank Him for from this past week? And then we'll do an easy dinner. Think tacos, take and bake pizza spaghetti.   We use paperware, which is a bit controversial since I work as a master naturalist, but it has been an easy button for Sabbath that I'm not worried about like dishes piling up on the counter. And then we'll, we'll wrap it up with a sweet treat like ice cream and then our kids go to bed, or they'll listen to audio books. Audio books have been massive for our Sabbath because they're screen-free because we do put away all screens and work like devices on Sabbath, but they can listen to good books.   And my husband and I, we read, like people ask me, when do you find time to read? You don't find time to read. You have to make time to read. And for us, that's on the Sabbath mostly. And then Saturday we sleep in, we get up pretty early during the week and the kids just know like you don't wake mom and dad on the Sabbath. Like that's their day to sleep in.   Again, if you have a newborn or young children, that's gonna look different and that's okay. But for us, that's the season that we're in and our kids, they'll make themselves first breakfast and then eventually we'll get up and we'll join them for a second breakfast or some Sabbath. I don't want to cook at all. And so, it's just take and forage. And you know, I usually have a grocery delivery the day before or go to the grocery store and make sure we just have a ton of good stuff in the house. So, no one's, you know, everyone has what they need.   Then the rest of the day, it is just a day of delight. Reading books, playing games, being out in creation, visiting with neighbors, having great conversations together. Sabbath is this space where you get to do all those things during the week that you're like, oh, I wish I had time for that and you just don't get to them. Like recently my daughter during the week, she really wanted me, she's seven. She wanted me to sit down and watercolor paint with her, which I love doing, but it was a really busy week. And I just didn't have the space.   And so, I told her like, “Hey, I would love to do that. Can we do that on Sabbath?” And she was so happy with that answer. And come that Sabbath a few days later, she remembered, she came up to me. She's like, mom, it's time to paint. And she got all the supplies, and we went and sat outside at our picnic table and painted for the afternoon.   You know, Sabbath does so much for me as a mom to remove that guilt of the things I don't feel like I have time for because I know, and my kids know, Sabbath is coming and that's our day to be together and do those things.   Laura Dugger: (31:47 - 31:57) Hmm. Okay. That makes me curious. Then to how much of a vote does everyone in the family get for what Sabbath will look like?   Eryn Lynum: (31:57 - 34:02) Oh, that is a great question. No one's ever phrased it to me like that before. I love that. What we found that's been important to keep in mind is that we all individually find different things, restful and inspiring. I'll give you an example. One Sabbath, my husband, especially in the spring, he loves to work in the yard on Sabbath because he spends most of his week. He runs a construction company on the computer or on the phone. And so, in the spring, he wants to be out in the yard and trimming his fruit trees and just working with God's creation. And so, one Sabbath he comes and he has like the clippers in his hand and he's like, “Hey, let's go work on the yard.”   And I was like, that's great. You do that. I'm going to go read my book in the hammock. And I fell asleep for two hours while he worked on the yard. And so, a lot of this is being okay that yes, a lot of it's going to be together. Like I talked about, we did, we do communion together and we do meals together. And a lot of times we'll be out on a hike together. That's a favorite Sabbath activity. But a lot of times we're also doing separate activities.   The kids are enjoying their books or their audio books or their painting or their, uh, visiting the neighbor kids. And my husband and I are reading books on the back deck. And so, it's okay that there's going to be some together time and some separate time, you know, just being flexible with it. Like our first year of Sabbath, we went, we had to go like hardcore. We had to learn to stay. I think about in the book, I talk about the word abide meno in the Greek and it can mean to stay, to dwell, to remain.   So, we've spent our first year of Sabbath, not getting in the car. We stayed home and learned to just be home together. And after that year, we started to miss our time. We live in Colorado, missing our time hiking in the mountains. And so, we changed it. We said, okay, well, toward the end of Sabbath Saturday afternoon, Saturday evening, let's go hike or let's go have a picnic in the wilderness. And just being open to that, that God's going to change you as a family and change you individually. And just growing up in a Sabbath practice together.   Laura Dugger: (34:03 - 34:20) I like the freedom that you're communicating there. And then when you mentioned the neighborhood kids, it makes me curious. Do you encourage community for some of those who recharge with other people? Would you recommend Sabbath thing with others or just keeping it your family?   Eryn Lynum: (34:21 - 36:16) Absolutely. We love inviting others into Sabbath. And it actually started with, we started our Sabbath practice. It was so sweet because God convinced us to do this. And then our first Sabbath was on January 1st. That happened to be the first Saturday that we did it. So, it was like this fresh start. And right around that time, we had moved to a new neighborhood. And our neighbors near us are Messianic Jews.   And they follow Shabbat, the traditional Shabbat. And they invited us into that. It was the sweetest evening, and they have children, young children, like we do. So, like there's chaos and there's mess. And then there's sweet times of singing together and scripture reading. And they follow it much more the traditional method than our family has.   But it was so sweet to be invited into that and to get a picture for how to invite others into this rest. And so, absolutely, we encourage, especially our kids having friends over. And we do usually ask parents, hey, can you drop them off? And then we can bring them back maybe like later that day toward the end of our Sabbath. Or if you want to come pick them up. Because again, we like to just stay home if we can.   But our kids are to the point now too where they can ride their bikes over to friends' houses. And we're fine with that. They might not be home on Sabbath once in a while. It's not a regular thing. But they're getting fed. And we know that the people they're with are people who share our values, people that we do life together.   We love having bonfires in the backyard on Sabbath. Now one thing I have to be careful of is I don't want to invite people over and feel like I need to host or clean up first. And so, for one, we don't have full families over a whole lot on Sabbath because I just don't want any sort of self-induced, self-imposed pressure.   But sometimes it's so much fun to just be like, hey, let's go meet at a park and have a picnic dinner. Or let's have a family over and do a bonfire. Just making sure that you're keeping it really, really simple if you are going to incorporate community.   Laura Dugger: (36:17 - 37:54) Guess what? We are no longer an audio-only podcast. We now have video included as well. If you want to view the conversation each week, make sure you watch our videos. We're on YouTube, and you can access videos or find answers to any of your other questions about the podcast when you visit thesavvysauce.com.   Some of these things, like you said, “They do require forethought where you have the groceries coming or certain things in place. And I think you even refer to it as a sacred striving.” So, it's important for us to learn more about that. And here's a quick story.   I just remember we've moved states quite a few times in marriage. But when I was a young mom, there was a mom in the next season of life, and she had more kids than we did. And we went to church together, and she was just like, “Oh, we learned about Sabbath. That's not a thing for moms with multiples.” And I always wrestled with that, and I love her. She's a wonderful person. Maybe she's even changed her stance on that, so it's not to speak ill of her. But I do think that we can struggle with that because that's not an actual truth. I do think that's a message from the enemy.   So, I guess this is a two-part question. How do we protect ourselves from buying into a storyline that is not true that may hold us back from Sabbath? And then also, what is kind of the both and? It's both restful, and it requires a lot of work up front to make this a reality.   Eryn Lynum: (37:55 - 41:19) It does, and knowing that, that it is going to take work, but God's going to bless it. Think about Isaiah 55:10-11, that says, “Just like the rain and the snow go forth and produce life and bring forth life from the land, so my work goes out and does not return void or empty. It produces that which I sent it out for.”.   That is true for Sabbath and rest because, again, we find it all throughout scripture. So, know that it's going to take hard work, but God will not allow it to return void. He will bless our efforts as we step into His design that He created us for.   I talk about in the book a few ways that you have to prepare mentally, physically, and spiritually. So, mentally, for me, I have to just totally remove anything mentally that's going to distract me from rest. So, I own a business, and so a lot of my work is on the computer and on the phone. I will answer, so this is like Friday, I'll answer any lingering emails, those ones that are going to be on my mind if I don't get to them. And then I put an away message on my email. So, if anyone emails me on our Sabbath, it sends an automatic reply that says, hey, thanks for your message. My family's resting. It has a little blurb in there about Sabbath. I'll get back to you in the new week.   That gives me permission to not even look at my email. In fact, people expect that I'm not looking at my email if I'm keeping my word. And so, this has just freed me up mentally to step away, and then I literally put my laptop in my closet.   With my phone, I set it to a Sabbath mode, and you can create these different focus modes if you have a smartphone, so that I can only receive messages from my mom in case of emergency. And our people, our friends, they all know this now. Like, oh, I'm not going to hear back from Erin because it's Saturday for the most part.   And so, these little things that you might just need to mentally prepare yourself. And then physically, that goes back to preparing our home. So, this is not a deep clean that we do prior to Sabbath. It's just tending to the things that are going to distract me if we don't get to them beforehand. So, again, washing all the dishes and having the kitchen clean, vacuuming. Like, that's like just a hack to make the house feel clean is I feel like it's clean if it's vacuumed.   So, just these little things, and then physically also doing that grocery order. And I have a free Sabbath guide on my website, erinlynum.com/family-sabbath. And it walks you through creating your Sabbath grocery list so that every week you have what you need in the house. These little things that truly make it, Sabbath easier and more successful.   And then preparing spiritually, going into this, like a lot of times I'll know, okay, I'm going to study this on Sabbath. For our first year, I just had like this stack of books on Sabbath that I would work through on our Sabbath. Right now, I am parked in Genesis 1 and have been for weeks. And so, just preparing spiritually, you know, this is a time of communion with our creator, with our heavenly father. And so, just having an idea of, you know, this is how I want to spend time delighting in God on the Sabbath.   That might be a long walk. That might be time in the word or time of worship but making sure that that is a keystone part of your Sabbath practice.   Laura Dugger: (41:20 - 41:45) And, you know, it really is possible. I just think so many of us celebrate holidays and we do the same thing where we plan, prepare, prioritize ahead of time so that we can delight in that day. And what a gift to get to do that weekly. So, with all of these amazing benefits, why do we still resist God's design for rest?   Eryn Lynum: (41:46 - 43:00) Because we live in a fallen world, broken by sin, and the enemy wants to do everything he can to keep us from this. This is God's design and our faith, and our souls and our families flourish in this design. And so, the enemy is going to do whatever he can to keep us from it.   He's going to insert fear. He's going to insert distraction. He's going to insert doubt. You know, when we started this practice coming up to it, I was thinking, there's no way, like how are we going to get everything done in one last day a week, all these doubts. And yet what we found so quickly is that as we took this step of faith, we quickly became so much more productive and effective and creative during the work week, because we were starting from rest and following God's design.   We resist this because it is counter-cultural. Everything in society is set up against us doing this and succeeding in this. So, again, going and knowing that our war is not against flesh and blood. It is against the powers of the spheres, like things unseen. The enemy is against us, but God is on our side. And as we step into his design, he's going to make much of it.   Laura Dugger: (43:01 - 43:12) Okay. So, if we are convinced and we want to give this a try, what is a practical first step to just obeying this and receiving this gift of rest?   Eryn Lynum: (43:13 - 45:23) Yeah, super practical here. Two first steps. The first is to set a day and time. Now you're not committing to this forever. And again, if you, if a big hesitancy here is I can't do a full day. Okay. Work and pray toward that but start smaller. If it's four hours on a Wednesday, guard that time. Ruthlessly guard it. Don't let anything be written on the schedule besides that.   So, set a day in time and then write two lists. This is going back to the idea of stop and delight, right? Your stop list. These are things that send you into hurry and hustle mode, things that are related to normal work, things that feel heavy. Some of them are so important.   Again, our work is important, but this is going to be things like devices, media, regular work, answering emails, phone calls. It might be driving in traffic. It might be spending money. Write down those things that feel heavy. That's your stop list. The things you're not going to entertain on that day or that time.   And then write your delight list. This might be hard at first because what I've found with myself, with many of us is that we forget what we delight in but causes that childlike sense of play and wonder. This is learning to be human again, coming back to those things.   So, it might be playing music or listening to music, working with fresh ingredients, reading a good book, writing by hand, watercolor painting, going for a walk. What we find is that a lot of people who spend time during the week in front of a computer want to be outdoors on the Sabbath, but people who run a landscaping company might want to be inside with a great book. So, just writing down those things that are, again, those things that you think during the week, oh, I really wish I could get to that.   Only we don't. Those are your delight list. So, now you have a day and a time. You know what you're not going to do, what you're setting aside, even physically, that should probably most definitely be your phone. Stick it in a drawer. I have my Sabbath drawer where I put my phone, and then you know what you're going to do and spend that day on.   Laura Dugger: (45:24 - 45:47) That's so good. And for those who have been listening for a while, they could even put their phone in their RO box, and I could link to that episode as well with Joey Odom. That's incredible about where our phone could be in its right place.   But Eryn, are there any other practical benefits that we might be missing out on that you've seen as a result of this Sabbath rest?   Eryn Lynum: (45:48 - 49:44) One of my favorite benefits is how it unlocks our creativity. Whether you work in a career or position that you consider creative or not, God designed all of us to be creative, to produce. And so, what I have found is that my work, my work is very in that creative sphere, writing books, creating podcast lessons for children.   It's very creative work. And I've found that Sabbath is this day where God gives my mind rest. It's so incredible thinking about how he wired our brains to thrive through rest, and science points to that that a restful mind is better at problem-solving, connecting ideas, remembering details.   And so, as my mind is allowed to rest on Sabbath, and I'm out on a walk in nature, or I'm reading a good book, or I'm writing by hand, when it comes time to sit down at the computer Monday morning, I am ready. I am flowing with ideas. They are there.   And I'll give you an example. This one isn't from Sabbath. It's from one of my daily rest rhythms that I call Selah Pause, and that's a walk in the morning. And this might be a little controversial, but this is not an easy stroll. I have my rucking pack on, and I'm trekking up a hill, which is not physically restful, of course, but it's mentally restful for me. I love it.   And so, it was in January, so it's frigid out, and everything's covered in snow, and I'm in all my snow gear, and I'm trudging up this hill. And at the time, I was dealing with a problem in my podcast where it was a good problem. We had spent the month teaching about God's designs in the human body. So, we had taught kids about God's designs in cells and DNA and the heart and the brain, but I didn't want to just let this series end. I wanted to wrap it up in some powerful way, and I didn't know how. So, I could have stayed home that morning and hashed this out and been at the computer, and how should I end this thing?   Instead, I went on this walk, and God just dropped this idea in my mind. And it was this idea. He said, ask the kids how they are wonderfully made. And that was the top. The theme was wonderfully made. And so, I put it out there to my email list. When I got back from that walk, I said, hey, I would love to hear how you kids believe you are wonderfully made by the creator. And I opened up this little voice mailbox on our website, and I didn't know if anyone would respond. And then I'm like, what if they don't? And then I don't know what to do because I said I'm going to do this thing.   I tell you, message after message came in from children from ages. I think it was three or four up to 14 from all over the world. And I was weeping as I edited that episode. I had planned to add something at the beginning and the end to build out this episode. I didn't do that because it was, I believe it's 22 minutes straight of children saying, this is my name.   I'm five years old. I live in England and I'm wonderfully made because God made me to read well or God made me fast. Or one little boy shared, he said, I know I'm wonderfully made because my mama lost a baby before me. And I'm here and I'm wonderfully made. And I'm weeping.   And this idea that God gave me, I would have missed it if I hadn't taken that pause to be out in his creation walking that day. And so, that's a very roundabout way to get back to your question of what are the other benefits? We hear from God when we make time for rest. And if we keep just rushing and hurrying, I'm concerned that we are walking by so many opportunities to hear from his spirit and to let him unlock that potential within us.   Laura Dugger: (49:45 - 50:22) Oh, I love that. And I'm even reminded of one other thing that you write in your book that today, one way we can practically experience his original design of rest is by stepping outside. And you're full of tips and ideas like that, but I so appreciate those stories.   So, you've equipped us with this foundation of rest and ways that we can prepare for it, how we can enjoy and delight in it. And so now, Eryn, how can we reflect well on our rhythms of work and rest?   Eryn Lynum: (50:25 - 53:19) So, much of this is reflection. So, much of this is stopping to consider where God is at work in our lives, where we need to recalibrate, where we need to realign, where we need to step back into his pace because we're trying to run ahead of him. And one way that we can see it, you know, like you might ask the question, am I at rest? Even me sometimes on Sabbath, I'm like, am I doing this right? Like, is this actually restful? Is this what I'm supposed to be doing?   I think we can answer that question by the fruit in our lives, the fruit inside of us that God is producing and the fruit that we are producing. So, one thing I kind of sum up the book on is this question of, are you growing in truth and love? Because the enemy, when he gets us away from God's rest and into hustle, into distraction and hurry, we are not fully experiencing God.   And so, our levels of experiencing his love and offering it to others is going to suffer. Our experience of hearing his truth and living that truth out in our lives is going to suffer. And so, the opposite is true that as we live at rest, this whole concept of abide, that is living at rest, not just these rest practices, but living at rest in God's restful presence, we are going to be producing more love and more truth.   So, that's like a key visual. And then I love on that idea of abide. We spent a whole week on abide in the book and, you know, John chapter 15 being the abide passage. And what we see there is there's these 11 mentions of that word abide. And they all refer to us abiding in Christ, Christ abiding in us, God's word abiding in us. So, all this connectivity between Christ and God and us and his word.   But then it's, I think it's verse 16. There's a different mention of meno, abide. And it says that he wants us to go out and produce fruit that abides. So, this is different. It relates to our fruit and that word abide. Yes, it can mean dwell, remain, stay, but it can also mean continue and endure.   God created us to produce fruit and fruit that endures. Doesn't rot, doesn't fade, but continues into eternity. So, we can look at, okay, am I personally in my spirit? Am I growing in truth and love? Because God's spirit actually has the space to minister to me when I rest. And is that rest directly affecting the fruit of my life?   These are key things that we can look at and ask to see. Are we truly living from God's rest?   Laura Dugger: (53:19 - 53:53) I love questions so much. And that's so good to reflect then on the fruit that's being produced. And a mentor many years ago said, you never reap what you sow in the same season. So, that's a great place to even begin just reflecting. What did we do in the past season and what fruit are we reaping now? And where do we want to go then from here?   And one place we could go from here after this chat is to follow you. And you've mentioned your podcast. Do you want to elaborate on all the places that you're available?   Eryn Lynum: (53:54 - 55:03) Yes, thank you. So, the new book, The Nature of Rest is available wherever you get your books, along with my second book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation. And that's all about taking our kids or grandkids, the next generation outside and reconnecting the dots between creation and creator. Really returning nature study and time outdoors to its proper place as theology and the study of God.   So, those are available anywhere, including Amazon or my website, which is my name, erynlynum.com. And then my podcast is Nat Theo, short for Natural Theology. It's nature lessons rooted in the Bible. It's a podcast for kids and families where we dive deep into science and all the design and intelligence we see in creatures and plants. And we tie it all back to biblical truth so that our kids are learning science and theology at the same time.   And that's available on any podcast platform, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, right on my website, erinlynum.com, as well as YouTube. We actually provide visuals so you can watch what you're learning about as well.   Laura Dugger: (55:04 - 55:22) So, incredible. We will add links to that in the show notes for today's episode. And Eryn, you may already be familiar. We're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, what is your savvy sauce?   Eryn Lynum: (55:24 - 56:34) I love this question. And this is one that actually I was like, oh, I'm not asked this much. I'm going to have to really think deeply on this one.   It's get outside every day. That seems so simple, even though it's not really simple in practicality. But one thing I've learned through rest and through time outdoors is that 10 minutes matters. Like if you think I don't have time for this, but you have a 10 minute slot, go for a walk and see how God just communes with your spirit. Even in the dead of winter, if you live somewhere cold, like if it's safe to do so. For me, I had to buy like the best pair of snow pants I could find because I used to really dislike the winter. And I would just become like really down in those winter months.   And so, God just convinced me, don't go outside every single day if it's for 10 minutes. And then pretty often he just extends that. Like I think I'm going out for 10 minutes. And sure enough, I'm like playing with my kids outside. It's much longer.   But yeah, as best as you can, just prioritize that. If you have to do it first thing in the morning to make sure it happens, go for a walk and watch the sunrise. And God is going to minister to your soul through his creation.   Laura Dugger: (56:35 - 56:54) Amen. Amen. That is so good.   And this conversation has been so rich. Eryn, it is just very clear you have filled up on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you have just poured out goodness and love and truth for all of us, all over all of us today. So, thank you for all that you shared. And thank you for being my guest.   Eryn Lynum: (56:55 - 57:03) Thank you. Thank you so much for that encouragement. That means a whole lot to me. So, thank you. And for the opportunity for a great conversation.   Laura Dugger: (57:03 - 1:03:10) I really enjoyed it.    One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

If you feel like you're living at hummingbird speed—heart racing, always “behind,” never quite done—this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. Eryn Lynum is back for her second appearance, and she brings the kind of gentle, sturdy wisdom about how all of nature rests and prepares to rest. Through the stunning design of creation Eryn helps us see what we've forgotten: rest isn't a reward for finishing everything. It's part of the design. It's how we were meant to live. Together, Ginny and Eryn talk about Sabbath in a real-life family rhythm—preparing for it, protecting it, and letting it become the day that reconnects you to God and the people you love most. They explore “Selah pauses,” seasons of waiting , and the quiet truth nature keeps repeating: everything fruitful has a rhythm. If you're heading into a new year craving calm, clarity, and a pace that actually feels sustainable, press play—then share this one with a friend who's running on fumes, and leave a quick review so more families can find it. Get your copy of The Nature of Rest here Check out the Nat Theo Podcast here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text"You're allowed to stop."In this conversation, I explore rest not as a luxury or reward, but as a sacred practice woven into the very heart of creation. We dive a little deeper into Dr. Arianna Molloy's book, "Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work."If God rested, why is it so hard for us?We'll discuss the pressures that drive us to perform and strive, the stories we've inherited about productivity and worth, and what it means to honor our humanity by slowing down. This is an invitation to step into living a life from a place of rest, not when everything is done, but right now, right where you are.Order Dr. Arianna Molloy's Book: Healthy CallingVisit Taylor University's Center for Scripture EngagementRead Hebrews 4:9-11: biblegateway.comListen to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith on E. 93: RESTListen to Eryn Lynum on E. 318: RESTListen to E. 273: Nurturing the Soul with Forest BathingListen to Asheritah Ciuciu on E. 183: Everyday Prayers of RestListen to Asheritah Ciuciu on E. 182: Everyday Prayers of RestListen to E. 14 with Janell: REST: Collecting StrengthSupport the showBegin Your Heartlifter's Journey: Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online coaching center and meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide. Download the "Overcoming Hurtful Words" Study Guide PDF: BECOMING EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW Learn more about my books and work: Janell Rardon Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International

Wonder doesn't vanish—we just forget how to see it. In this conversation, master naturalist and author Eryn Lynum shows how kids can reboot ours: inviting us to become “collectors of sunrises,” to trade a single scrolling hour for sky, creek, and trail, and even to bring the wild indoors with bird feeders, houseplants, and the surprisingly magical fish tank. She explains why nature imprints our memories so intensely—through scent, sound, and touch—and how a simple ritual like a “quiet hike” helps families slow down enough to notice flickers' wingbeats, rabbits in the brush, and those blink-and-you-miss-it moments kids beg us to see. Time, it turns out, is the real terrain. Before the light bulb, people slept about eleven hours; today we try to stretch each day past its natural rhythm while children spend an estimated 22% of childhood on devices—roughly 205 waking weeks—compared to just 4.5 weeks outside. Eryn offers a hopeful reset: treat screens like invasive plants, remove a little each day, and let outdoor hours compound—because one hour outside makes the next one easier, richer, and more alive. Heed the invitations (“Come see this!”), lose track of the clock together, and watch your family's curiosity—and capacity for rest—grow. Get a copy of Rooted in Wonder here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Erin Lynam joins the conversation to share a powerful perspective on rest—why God created it, how we see it modeled in scripture, and even how creation itself points us to rhythms of work and rest. Erin is a certified master naturalist and the host of the Nat Theo kids' podcast, which blends science and theology in ways the whole family can enjoy. She explains how rhythms in nature—like hibernation, dormancy, and even the patterns of trees—reveal God's intentional design for us to embrace Sabbath. Together, we talk about the cultural lies that view rest as laziness, the struggle of slowing down in hustle culture, and how choosing to rest is actually an act of faith that God will keep things moving even when we stop. Whether you're a mom, an entrepreneur, or someone trying to find peace in a busy world, this conversation will encourage you to see rest not as optional, but as essential for your soul, your family, and your faith. This episode is brought to you by our sponsors: Olive App and Angel Studios. Their support makes these conversations possible and provides you with tools to live healthier and more intentional every day. Don't miss this refreshing discussion that will inspire you to reframe rest as a gift from God. Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtqJ8I4hmCH-w3Cw4XzFZoQ Go to the app store today and download the Olive holistic food scanner app to start eliminating harmful ingredients from your family's diet: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/olive-holistic-food-scanner/id6739765789 Become a Premium Angel Guild member today to get your SKETCH tickets & more movies that inspire, uplift, and leave you better than they found you: Angel.com/blake

09/08/2025 - Eryn Lynum -on what the Bible and creation teach us about Sabbath Living

Are you craving more peace, creativity, and connection with God in your daily life? In this beautiful and faith-filled conversation, Kristin talks with author and certified naturalist Eryn Lynum about how embracing God's rhythm of rest can radically transform our minds, bodies, and spirits.Eryn shares powerful insights from her new book The Nature of Rest, helping us reframe rest not as doing nothing—but as intentional engagement with God's creation, Scripture, and rhythms. Whether you're exhausted, overwhelmed, or simply feeling spiritually dry, this episode will renew your soul and encourage you to step into a more balanced, joy-filled, and creative life.✅ Key Takeaways:Rest isn't passive—it's an active way to draw closer to God and recharge our creativity.Observing a Sabbath rhythm creates margin for reflection, joy, and spiritual renewal.Nature is one of the most powerful places to reconnect with God and reset emotionally.Our productivity and inspiration increase when we follow God's natural design for rest.Living in sync with Scripture's rhythms fosters deeper connection with God, ourselves, and others.Connect with Eryn to learn about here books, podcast and more at ErynLynum.comDownload My Free Joyful Living Devotional: https://kristinfitch.com/devotionalReady to take your first step towards a more joyful, faith-filled life? Download our Reignite Your Passion Workbook and start living with purpose today!What to feel more energized in midlife? Grab my 5 Day Energy Reset Jump Start Guide here.Ready to work with Kristin to make a shift in your life? Click here to get started.Christian women podcast, biblical rest, Sabbath for families, Sabbath for women, faith and creativity, rhythm of rest, spiritual growth podcast, Christian mental health, faith and nature, Eryn Lynum interview, the nature of rest book, women's faith and balance, God's design for rest, motherhood and rest, faith and wellness, living with intention

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’re joined by certified master naturalist and author Eryn Lynum. Eryn gives us insight into how Jesus used nature in His teaching, and how scripture reflects thoughts of nature as well. As she looks at these connections, Eryn finds that God is beckoning us toward rest, and she shares some practical ways we can weave rest into our day-to-day lives. Guest’s Links Facebook: @authorerynlynum Instagram: @erynlynumauthor YouTube: @erynlynum Watch this interview on our YouTube channel! https://bit.ly/4l7Gbn5 ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website TikTok *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It seems impossible to watch an otter and not smile. God designed river and sea otters in amazing and playful ways. Join biologist Jill Smith and Eryn Lynum as we discover what makes otters so amazing!Here's our trail map:What is the difference between a sea otter and a river otter?How is a sea otter like a pool noodle?How do otters help protect God's creation?Why do otters make great parents?How can we stay safe through a healthy community?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Jill Smith's Website, Nature Education Cards, and Book, Nature Unveiled: https://jillsmith.my.canva.site/life-long-learnerTry CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/Save 10% with code NATURE at Christianbook.com: https://www.christianbook.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videosGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Otter Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/river-otter-vs-sea-otter/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 (NCV)“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 (NIV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Mustelidae: The animal family that includes otters, weasels, ferrets, badgers, and wolverines.Semi-aquatic: An animal that lives partly on land and partly in water.Holdfast: The root-like part of kelp that anchors it to rocks on the ocean floor, keeping it from floating away.Sea Otter Raft: A group of sea otters floating together on the water's surface, often holding paws to stay connected.Community: A group of people (or animals) who live, work, or spend time together and help each other.This podcast episode contains paid...

Eryn Lynum, host of the Nat Theo Podcast and author of "The Nature of Rest," discusses the importance and approach to resting well with Rachael Carman on Apologia's "Let's Talk Homeschool" podcast.Connect with Eryn Lynum @erynlynumauthor on Instagram and  @erynlynum  on YouTubehttps://erynlynum.com/

In today's episode, Eryn and I are going to talk about how she went from food blogging to becoming a Certified Master Naturalist, how the podcast started with an idea and zero plan, and how it's now grown into membership, curriculum, and ministry.Listen to Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the BibleLinks mentioned in this episode:Eryn's website936 Pennies by Eryn LynumRooted in Wonder by Eryn LynumThe Official Adventures in Odyssey PodcastNat Theo ClubThe Nature of Rest by Eryn LynumThe Nature of Rest podcastEpisodes on OctopusHow Many Brains Does an Octopus Have? Lesson 63How Does An Octopus Change Color and Shape? Lesson 64Social Media:YouTubeInstagramLinkedInFacebookMentioned in this episode:Learn more about podcast editing with sonimorphicPodcast Editing

Join us for our second interview with Eryn Lynum! Eryn is a master naturalist and Bible teacher in Northern Colorado with a passion for using God's wonderful creation to point us back to Him and His Word! Her new book The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living is a book that we believe every Christian should work through. It will edify you and bless your walk with Christ.For more information about Eryn's ministry, please visit her website: erynlynum.com

If you're struggling to cram your busy schedule into each day, it may surprise you that finding time for REST is one of the most important things you can do to live a purpose-filled life. Eryn Lynum will help you to step away from information overload, stressing the need to abide in Christ daily. Also, Chad Robichaux shares powerful stories of military heroism that inspired his new novel. He opens up about his journey of healing from PTSD and finding renewed purpose. With raw honesty and hope, Chad offers encouragement to those struggling - and advice for reaching out to Veterans. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/776/29

Does rest feel impossible in your busy life? Eryn Lynum joins me again for part two of our conversation about biblical rest—and how nature models it beautifully.In this episode of the Simply Convivial Podcast, we explore what God teaches us through perennials, adrenal failure, and the Israelites in the wilderness. Eryn shares how her chronic illness as a teen forced her to build rest into her life—and how Sabbath rhythms have borne fruit in her family, faith, and business ever since.You'll learn:

On this episode of 'Practice Makes Parent,' Dr. Danny Huerta and Rebecca St. James discuss the significance of rest and the outdoors in family life with Eryn Lynum, a master naturalist who shares insights into the importance of rest, its biblical foundations, and practical ways to incorporate daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms of rest into family life. Receive the book The Nature Of Rest for a gift of any amount. The 7 Traits of Effective Parenting We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. Click Here to Support the Show!

Rest is not a reward for getting everything done—it's a rhythm God designed us to live by.In this episode of the Simply Convivial Podcast, I talk with author and naturalist Eryn Lynum, whose new book The Nature of Rest invites us to rethink what real, God-honoring rest looks like. Eryn shares a surprising lesson from hummingbirds—yes, hummingbirds!—and how their built-in rhythms of torpor illustrate God's wisdom for our own lives as busy moms.We talk about:

We have lost two important things in modern life — wonder and rest. How have we missed the most important things? This happens largely through diversion and distraction, neither of which make life all that wonderful. Eryn Lynum helps us with reintroducing wonder and seeing God's fingerprints on His works of creation. This program includes: 1. The World View in 5 Minutes with Adam McManus (Trump: Israel & Iran agreed to cease-fire, Zelensky assassination plot foiled, Older Americans more likely to have Biblical worldview) 2. Generations with Kevin Swanson

Nine hundred and thirty-six. That's how many weeks there are from birth to 18 years old. Eryn Lynum shares about the importance of cherishing each day with your children, as she drops a penny in a jar every week, reminding her to make the most of her time with her kids.

As a pre-teen, Eryn Lynum was diagnosed with Addison's Disease. As an adult, she became a naturalist. Both taught her that rest isn't a luxury—it's a vital, God-given activity designed to fuel everything else you do. Scriptures referenced:2 Timothy 2:15Romans 1:20Matthew 11:28-30Isaiah 40:28John 10:10Exodus 16Dive deeper: The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath LivingMore from Eryn: Website | Podcast | Family Values GuideEryn's favorites: NASB 1995 | ESV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible | Fine-Tip Sharpie Pens | Gel Pens | Blue Letter Bible | Logos Bible SoftwareClick here to send us your email for our newsletter OR to send a message to the show! We have no way of responding unless you leave your email.Join our community! If you are a Christian woman seeking to know God deeper, study Scriptures, pray with and for others, strengthen your faith, and support other in doing the same, this is the place for you. Want to study God's Word for yourself? Try our In-Depth Bible Study Academy Click here to try a free mini-course!

If you're struggling to cram your busy schedule into each day, it may surprise you that finding time for REST is one of the most important things you can do to live a purpose-filled life. Eryn Lynum will help you to step away from information overload, stressing the need to abide in Christ daily. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/776/29

What does the Bible and creation teach us about Sabbath living? We all need true rest but how do we achieve it?  Where can we find examples to follow?  In this week's episode, Carrie talks with Erin Lynum, master naturalist and author of the new book, The Nature of Rest, to answer some of these questions.  Carrie and Erin discuss how to return to God's original pattern of rest and work, how to experience daily rest, how to practice Sabbath in a way that fits your lifestyle and how to live every day in God's restful presence.  Join Carrie and Erin for a  little coffee and conversation about nature and rest.  Check out Erin's new book, The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living.Listen to Erin's Weekly Podcast for Kids, Nat Theo https://erynlynum.com/nattheoFollow Eryn on social media @erynlynumauthor and subscribe to her website: https://erynlynum.com/ Support the showAttend the Bloom & Blossom: West Coast Conference in San Diego, October 10th & 11th. Register at https://www.christinacarpenter.org/bloom-and-blossom-conference. I'll be there! Come join me and friends! Purchase Homeschooling High School: A Handbook for Christian Education.Purchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee): Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably. Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie Join The Coffee House, Coffee With Carrie Premium Membership. Join Today! Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter and blog at https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

* The Natural: Listen in as RSR host's Fred Williams and Doug McBurney interview homeschool mom, author, podcaster & Certified Naturalist Eryn Lynum about the scriptural, and Godly nature of rest for the mind, body and soul.   * Rocky Mountain HomeSchool Conference: Visit RSR and Eryn on the exhibitors floor at the 2025 CHEC Conference June 12-14 in Denver! And use coupon code NatTheo25*! to save $30.00 on CHEC registration!   * Nat Theo: Check out NathTheo Eryns Nature Lessons rooted in the Bible!   * Fairy Shrimp Tough: Find out how fairy shrimp can survive conditions that would make a Green Beret cry.    * Rest of the Hummingbird: Hear about God's design for torpor - how hummingbirds rest!   * House of the Sparrow: Hear about sparrows in the Holy Land, and the story of the Bird Whisperer!   * Foragers: Find out how God designed certain bees to communicate the intricacies of foraging for nectar by both rest, and the "waggle dance."   * Great Frigate Bird! Discover the God given gift of unihemispheric sleep that helps the Great Frigate Bird rest while flying over the ocean!   * Renewing Body & Mind: God's pattern of rest for the axolotl and the human teaches us how Jesus wants us to renew our minds by the washing of the water of the Word, and that we be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

* The Natural: Listen in as RSR host's Fred Williams and Doug McBurney interview homeschool mom, author, podcaster & Certified Naturalist Eryn Lynum about the scriptural, and Godly nature of rest for the mind, body and soul.   * Rocky Mountain HomeSchool Conference: Visit RSR and Eryn on the exhibitors floor at the 2025 CHEC Conference June 12-14 in Denver! And use coupon code NatTheo25*! to save $30.00 on CHEC registration!   * Nat Theo: Check out NathTheo Eryns Nature Lessons rooted in the Bible!   * Fairy Shrimp Tough: Find out how fairy shrimp can survive conditions that would make a Green Beret cry.    * Rest of the Hummingbird: Hear about God's design for torpor - how hummingbirds rest!   * House of the Sparrow: Hear about sparrows in the Holy Land, and the story of the Bird Whisperer!   * Foragers: Find out how God designed certain bees to communicate the intricacies of foraging for nectar by both rest, and the "waggle dance."   * Great Frigate Bird! Discover the God given gift of unihemispheric sleep that helps the Great Frigate Bird rest while flying over the ocean!   * Renewing Body & Mind: God's pattern of rest for the axolotl and the human teaches us how Jesus wants us to renew our minds by the washing of the water of the Word, and that we be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Today Eryn Lynum joins me to share about the beautiful connection between nature and rest. Sabbath has become such a hot topic right now but Eryn had to learn from age 14 how to rest like her life depended on it when she was diagnosed with Addison's disease. She is now a homeschooling mom of four, a master naturalist, author, and business owner. Her family is committed to their family values and weekly sabbath amid a very full life. She reminds us of some deep ancient truths that God created us to fully live and gives us tools to find new rhythms. We explore: How Jesus taught through nature The meaning of “Shabbat” — to stop and to delight How to build in Selah pauses (even if you only have 5 minutes!) God meant for the sabbath to be a celebration, not a stuffy rule following day  Rest is the perfection of vital activity- what is vital in this season for your family  Connect with Eryn Lynum:  Website:  Eryn Lynum Author Facebook: Eryn Lynum Author and Speaker Instagram:  Eryn Lynum | Master Naturalist and Author (@erynlynumauthor) Links Mentioned:   The Nature of Rest: By Eryn Lynum Nat Theo Podcast | Eryn Lynum Rooted in Wonder: By Eryn Lynum Tired of Being Tired: By Jess Connolly Related Episodes: Sidetracked with Jess Connolly :: Cynthia and Heather [Ep 484] Which Type of Rest Do You Need? :: Saundra Dalton-Smith [Ep 209] Thinking Differently about Sabbath :: Shelly Miller [Ep 181] Featured Sponsors:  Gabb–Protecting your kids has never been easier. For the best deals, sign up to Gabb today–no contract required- at Gabb.com/dma. Terms and conditions apply. Green Chef–Make this season your most delicious yet with Green Chef. Head to greenchef.com/50ALONE and use the code 50ALONE to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping.  Function Health– I highly recommend Function. Learn more and join using my link. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/DMA to own your health. Find links to this week's sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors. 

Discover the way ahead at Indiana Wesleyan University. Learn more here. We live in a world that prizes hustle,and constant productivity. How do we break the habit of hurry? Eryn Lynum is here to show us from nature, God's Word, and her own family life how to truly live more rested. If you're longing for a little bit of rest in your life, this is for you. We're sharing rich thoughts from Eryn's new book, The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living. On today's episode, you'll learn: 3:00 What we can learn from hummingbirds 8:00 How to practically honor the Sabbath 13:50 What does it mean for God to “stay us”? 17:43 How society lies to us about rest 23:07 How to get your kids outdoors more frequently 26:20 The two ways that God reveals Himself to us Eryn Lynum is a certified master naturalist and Bible teacher. She is the podcast host of the popular Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible. Her books include Rooted in Wonder and The Nature of Rest. She lives in Colorado with her husband and 4 kids. Learn more about Eryn and her new book, The Nature of Rest https://erynlynum.com/ Check out Eryn's podcast, Nat Theo https://erynlynum.com/nattheo Can kids be happy without smartphones, social media or video games? Check out our family documentary, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words (it's free!) https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/film Tickets on sale now! You're invited to see David, Sissy, and Arlene at the Parents Rising Conference in San Diego, September 6, 2025 https://parentsrisingconference.com/ Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Please email Arlene your questions and the topics you want covered on the show! Email speaking @ arlenepellicane.com Purchase the Storyteller's Bible HERE.

In a world that prizes hustle and constant productivity, breaking the habit of hurry can seem far-fetched. Yet we still try to achieve it with life hacks to get more sleep and increase energy. However, self-help strategies are not the solution to our exhaustion problem.  Today, Eryn Lynum joins me to talk about what it looks like to move away from the hurry and toward the rest that God has for us.  This episode will be balm for your soul!   Resources mentioned in this episode: Link to podcast episode search bar Raising Boys to Men Book Raising Boys to Men Audiobook The Unhurried Homeschooler The Unhurried Homeschooler Audiobook Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart The Four-Hour School Day The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living Host of the podcast for kids: Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible Illustrated Children's Chapter Book Coming in the fall of 2026 (New Growth Press) Author of "Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation" (Kregel, 2023) Author of "936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting" (Bethany House, 2018) ErynLynum.com Instagram.com/erynlynumauthor Facebook.com/authorerynlynum Linkedin

Through the Bible … GUEST Steve Shwetz is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Thru the Bible, and a volunteer host of the program since the early 1990s. The Nature of Rest … GUEST Eryn Lynum … certified master naturalist and Bible teacher … podcast host of Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted In the Bible … Eryn Lynum.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Through the Bible … GUEST Steve Shwetz is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Thru the Bible, and a volunteer host of the program since the early 1990s. The Nature of Rest … GUEST Eryn Lynum … certified master naturalist and Bible teacher … podcast host of Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted In the Bible … Eryn Lynum.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can hummingbirds teach us about the heart of God and what it means to truly rest? Master Naturalist Eryn Lynum, author The Nature of Rest, will help you see creation and your place in it from a new, freeing perspective. ResourcesThe Nature of Rest by Eryn Lynum

In a world that prizes hustle and constant productivity, breaking the habit of hurrying can seem far-fetched, yet taking time for rest is far more productive than we may realize.Listen to a conversation with naturalist Eryn Lynum and the author of The Nature of Rest as we consider patterns of rest from Scripture and nature and share practices for these times of refreshment in our own lives. Eryn's new book launches today! Check it out on amazon 

Eryn Lynum and Dr. Saundra discuss how Scripture and creation reveal a better rhythm—one where rest isn't earned but embraced, and Sabbath becomes a lifestyle that invites peace into our everyday lives. Check out Eryn's Nat Theo podcast for educating kids on science topics. Get your copy of The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living. I Choose My Best Life Podcast is one of the  Top 20 Christian Women Podcasts I Choose My Best Life Books: Being Fully Known, Colorful Connections, Sacred Rest, Come Empty, Set Free to Live Free Connect with Saundra: Twitter: @DrDaltonSmith Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drdaltonsmith Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrSaundraDaltonSmith

My guest today is Eryn Lynum: master naturalist, author, bible teacher, home schooling mom, and podcast host. Friends, she's incredible! And this episode with her is just so fun! We had the best time talking about nature and seeing God at work there. Eryn's love of nature and God's word have taught her much about the importance of pursuing rest. But this learning actually began when Eryn was a young teen.   At the age of 14, Eryn learned that she had a potentially life-threatening disease that required rest to keep her alive. This started Eryn on a journey of learning to manage the stress and anxieties of life in a way that was healthy and holy.  In this episode, Eryn talks about her new book, The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living, and how it is the story of all she's learned about rest from her own life journey, to studying creation and God's word. Eryn is a joy to talk to. She is a wealth of fun and fascinating nature knowledge, as well as a wise guide to biblical living. I love this episode, and I know you will too! Be sure to get Eryn's new book today! You can find it right here.  Resources mentioned in this podcast: Find Eryn's new book here Find Eryn's first book here Find Eryn's website here Find Eryn's podcast here Find Eryn on Instagram here Find more about Awana programs for kids here The Greta Eskridge Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Eryn Lynum is a homeschooling mom of 4, certified Master Naturalist, educator, and host of the popular podcast for kids, Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible. Today she joins us to talk about her new Bible study, The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living. Eryn shares what Biblical rest actually looks like and how we can create Sabbath rhythms in the midst of our busy homeschool days that allow us to serve our families from a place of peace and connection with God.Grab your copy of the Nature of Rest here.You can find the complete show notes for this episode at homeschoolcompass.com/podcast.We'd love to connect with you outside your podcast player!Follow the Homeschool Compass on Instagram or FacebookDownload Christianbook's new free printable homeschool plannerBrowse our book listsThank you for leaving The Homeschool Compass Podcast a rating and a review in your podcast player! It helps new homeschool families find these encouraging conversations. We so appreciate you.

What does creation reveal to us regarding a restful and flourishing life? As we head into the summer months, anticipating time away or time off from our regular schedule, we pause on Mornings with Seth and Deb to visit with author and Master Naturalist Eryn Lynum about what can be learned from a hummingbird flight or a bee's waggle dance about Sabbath living! Don't miss this great conversation that will help us step out of the hurry and into God's design for work and rest!Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshow/wdlmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if rest wasn't a reward for finishing your to-do list, but a rhythm woven into creation itself? In today's fast-paced culture, biblical rest can feel elusive—especially for homeschooling families juggling responsibilities and expectations. But as Eryn Lynum shared in our recent conversation, true rest is not about doing less, but about being rooted in God's presence and design. Are you longing for slower homeschool days, a more peaceful heart, or a deeper understanding of Sabbath? Today's Homeschool Conversation explores the patterns of rest found in Scripture, creation, and daily life and how you can bring those rhythms into your home today.Find show notes and full transcript here: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/finding-rest-in-a-restless-worldEryn's books hereWhile you're here, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review in your podcast app? Send me a screenshot of your review and I'll send you my Abolition of Man webinar for FREE! Just email me your review screenshot at Amy@HumilityandDoxology.comJoin Made2Homeschool for exclusive content and community: HumilityandDoxology.com/M2H ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Homeschool Planner Calendar: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/free-homeschool-planner-calendar/Year of Memory Work: https://humilityanddoxology.com/year-of-memory-workFollow Humility and Doxology Online:Blog ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amy's Favorites: ⁠⁠⁠https://humilityanddoxology.com/favorites⁠⁠⁠This podcast and description contains affiliate links.

Send us a textWhat if your very life depended on rest? For author and Master Naturalist, Eryn Lynum, diagnosed with Addison's disease at just 14 years old, this isn't a philosophical question—it's reality. With adrenal glands that no longer function, Erin's body can't produce the stress hormone cortisol, making overwhelming stress potentially fatal. Yet from this sobering reality emerged profound wisdom about God's gift of rest that might transform how you view your rhythms of work and rejuvenation.Looking back at her teenage diagnosis before departing on a two-month mission trip to Ethiopia (her first time on a plane!), Erin shares how her parents' faith-filled response modeled trust in God's provision. Their first question to the doctor wasn't about limitations but possibilities: "Can she still go to Africa?" This foundation of faithful trust would later inform her approach to rest not as restriction but liberation.Three years ago, Erin and her husband—overworked, running three businesses while homeschooling four children—made the countercultural decision to embrace true Sabbath practice from Friday evening to Saturday evening. The results were stunning. Not only did their family life deepen, but her husband's struggling one-man business grew exponentially, now employing nine people with revenue increased by 500%—all while maintaining their commitment to rest. This paradox challenges our productivity-obsessed mindset: What if rest fuels our most meaningful work?Erin draws powerful parallels from nature, especially the hummingbird—a creature whose wings beat 70 times per second yet survives through "torpor," a state of deep, restorative stillness. Similarly, she suggests implementing "Selah pauses" throughout our days—intentional moments of reflection that restore our perspective and energy. Perhaps most profound is her insight that "want and discontentment are often the drivers of hustle and hurry," revealing how contentment becomes the foundation for true rest.Join us for this heartlifting conversation that reframes rest not as something earned after productivity but as the vital foundation upon which all meaningful work should be built. Looking for practical wisdom on implementing restful rhythms in your family life? You won't want to miss Erin's forthcoming book, "The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living," which will be released on May 13th—just in time for Mother's Day.Order Support the showBegin Your Heartlifter's Journey: Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online coaching center and meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide. Download the "Overcoming Hurtful Words" Study Guide PDF: BECOMING EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW Learn more about my books and work: Janell Rardon Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International

  This week on the @theaccidentalhomeschoolmama podcast

Eryn Lynum is a certified Master Naturalist, educator, and national speaker. Eryn hosts the popular podcast for kids, Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible. She is author of Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation, The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living, and 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting. She lives in Northern Colorado with her husband, Grayson, and their four children whom they homeschool. Key Topics:
- Eryn's story of suffering from Addison's disease at 14 - What a hummingbird teaches us about rest - The pattern of rest as reflected in Scripture - How we adopt a mentality of rest and delight - The way Jesus models rest for us in the gospels - The protective nature of rest - How to prepare for rest, daily and weekly - The structure of her new Bible study, The Nature of Rest Listen to Eryn's incredible family-friendly podcast, Nat Theo, wherever you find podcasts. Learn more about her work and grab her new study at erynlynum.com. Join Erin's monthly mailing list to get health tips and fresh meal plans and recipes every month: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup Preorder Erin's new book, Live Beyond Your Label, at erinbkerry.com/upcomingbook/

Ep 335 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/335 Before we dive in, I'd love your input on how the Devoted Dreamers Podcast can better serve YOU. Whether you're a longtime listener or this is your first episode, I want to hear what's resonating, what you need more of, and what's not working for you. Share your thoughts here: merrittonsa.com/input.   When was the last time you truly rested? In a world that glorifies hustle—even in Christian circles—rest often feels like a luxury we can't afford. But what if stepping away is exactly what your soul (and your dream) needs? In this episode, guest Eryn Lynum returns to talk about what Sabbath rest has meant for her family, her dream, and her spiritual life. She shares insights from her latest book, The Nature of Rest, to remind us that choosing rest isn't laziness—it's obedience. This is an invitation to stop striving and start trusting the God who never sleeps. In this episode, you'll learn:

Ep 334 show notes are here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/334 What if your dream isn't a straight line but a winding path that God is faithfully unfolding? That's the story we're exploring today with my returning guest Eryn Lynum. I interviewed Eryn in 2017, (eight years ago!) about her first book, 936 Pennies; it was her very first podcast guest appearance ever! What neither of us could have predicted then was how that tiny step of obedience would lead to something much bigger. Now Eryn is a Bible teacher, certified master naturalist, and host of the wildly successful Nat Theo Podcast, where she helps families and children discover God's truth through His creation. In this episode, we trace her journey—from saying yes to an unfamiliar opportunity, to watching God bring her dream to life in the most unexpected way. In this episode, you'll learn:

Be sure to visit cultureproof.net For more on Eryn's ministry check out Eryn's website Please consider supporting the Culture Proof Podcast. We aim to bring engaging content that will challenge and equip Christians to live according to the Straight Edge of Scripture. All gifts are tax deductible. Our Address is: S.E. Ministries PO Box 1269 Saltillo MS, 38866   Episode sponsors: BJUPress Homeschool We Heart Nutrition – Use the code CULTUREPROOF for 20% off Accountable2You – Try free for 10 days Forever-Written  Culture Proof Listeners  THANKS!   Culture Proof Podcast Theme song "Believers" courtesy of Path of Revelation    

In a world that prizes hustle and constant productivity, breaking the habit of hurry can seem far-fetched, and yet we still try to achieve it with life hacks to get more sleep and increase energy. But self-help strategies are not the solution to our exhaustion problem.Today I've invited Eryn Lynum on for a discussion regarding her new book The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach us Sabbath Living.Eryn Lynum is author of the book 936 Pennies, and has been featured on FamilyLife Today radio and the Simply Wholehearted podcast, as well as at Proverbs 31 Ministries, MOPS International, and For Every Mom. She lives in Northern Colorado with her husband and four children.In this six-week Bible study, you'll explore the deep roots of rest found in Scripture and the outdoors while unearthing attainable rest for everyday life. Through nature reflections, scriptural word studies, and guided journaling prompts, you will learn how toreturn to God's original pattern of rest and workturn seasons of waiting into restful growthexperience daily rest through selah pausespractice Sabbath in a way that fits your lifestylelive every day in God's restful presence

Check out my course⁠⁠ You CAN Homeschool⁠⁠. Use code PODCAST at checkout for $10 offWhat if nature could be your best homeschool curriculum? In this episode of Super Simple Homeschool, I'm joined by Eryn Lynum to talk about the beauty and simplicity of a nature-based homeschool—where the outdoors isn't just a subject but the foundation of learning.We discuss how you can use nature study to teach any subject, from math to language arts, while helping your children form deep, meaningful connections with what they're learning. Eryn shares practical ways to let nature take the lead, making homeschooling feel less overwhelming and more organic.If you're ready to simplify your homeschool while sparking curiosity, wonder, and a love of learning in your kids, this episode is for you!Check out these gorgeous Christian Nature Journals for Kids- perfect to go with your nature study!

In this second conversation with Eryn Lynum of the Nat Theo Podcast, we discuss how to be outside in nature with our children. Is better to be in awe without much guidance or to point out all kinds of things in our natural world?Eryn encourages new naturalists with some helpful tips to take your first few experiences into nature. She offers practical ideas like setting up bird habitats, utilizing your local library for nature books, and using simple tools like microscopes to make science come alive. Join us!RESOURCES+Nature book list +ErynLynum.com+Nat Theo Podcast-Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible+Build Your Family's Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Unplugged Children BundleGive your child the gift of a nature-rich, low-tech childhood!Unplugged Children

Rachel Winchester speaks with Eryn Lynum, naturalist and podcast host of the Nat Theo show, about how nature points us to our creator God. They discuss the origins of modern scientific thought and how we as homeschool parents struggle with “teaching” or over-explaining nature. This first of a two-part conversation gives you the whys behind Eryn's focus on nature. Next week, we'll dive into the how-to's of nature exploration. Join us!RESOURCES+Nature book list +Check out the Nat Theo Podcast!+Get Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder+Build Your Family's Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestEryn Lynum | Website | Nat Theo Podcast | InstagramMentioned in this episode:Unplugged Children BundleGive your child the gift of a nature-rich, low-tech childhood!Unplugged Children

In this episode, guest Eryn Lynum talks about how nature can be a powerful tool for discipling children and nurturing a deeper connection to God's creation. She also shares practical ways parents and church leaders can use nature to disciple others—whether through simple activities like gardening or by seeing God's handiwork in the world around us. She encourages us to reflect on God's creativity and offers resources, such as her book "Rooted in Wonder," to help families integrate these lessons into everyday life. To learn more and order D6 Everyday Foundations curriculum, visit .    Check out the latest book from Dr. Rich Griffith, "Discipleship Is Leadership" here, Tune in to Eryn Lynum's podcast for kids, Nat Theo, discussing nature lessons rooted in the Bible, visit To learn more about Eryn's book "Rooted in Wonder" visit

Stream Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution for free! There's a Revolution Transforming Education and it's NOT Happening in the Classroom! Stream the groundbreaking documentary, Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution for FREE today and see why homeschooling is the REVOLUTION that is saving children, families, the church, and culture! Get your FREE Homeschool Survival Kit If you are considering homeschooling or just need some great homeschooling encouragement, get your Homeschool Survival Kit today! Support the Schoolhouse Rocked Ministry! Please consider making a donation to support the ongoing ministry of Schoolhouse Rocked. Support from the homeschool community allows us provide resources and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world.  Whether or not you can donate, we ask that EVERY listener support the show by sharing it with your friends and family, by leaving a review, and by praying for our team. Your support is making an ETERNAL impact! The Homeschool Insights podcast is sponsored by CTCMath. Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum? CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Visit CTCmath.com today to start your free trial today.

Stream Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution for free! There's a Revolution Transforming Education and it's NOT Happening in the Classroom! Stream the groundbreaking documentary, Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution for FREE today and see why homeschooling is the REVOLUTION that is saving children, families, the church, and culture! Get your FREE Homeschool Survival Kit If you are considering homeschooling or just need some great homeschooling encouragement, get your Homeschool Survival Kit today! Support the Schoolhouse Rocked Ministry! Please consider making a donation to support the ongoing ministry of Schoolhouse Rocked. Support from the homeschool community allows us provide resources and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world.  Whether or not you can donate, we ask that EVERY listener support the show by sharing it with your friends and family, by leaving a review, and by praying for our team. Your support is making an ETERNAL impact! The Homeschool Insights podcast is sponsored by CTCMath. Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum? CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Visit CTCmath.com today to start your free trial today.

Stream Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution for free! There's a Revolution Transforming Education and it's NOT Happening in the Classroom! Stream the groundbreaking documentary, Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution for FREE today and see why homeschooling is the REVOLUTION that is saving children, families, the church, and culture! Get your FREE Homeschool Survival Kit If you are considering homeschooling or just need some great homeschooling encouragement, get your from the producers of and the . This 70+ page guide includes helpful articles, videos, and audio, for every stage of homeschooling, from pre-school to graduation. It will give you the encouragement you need to start strong and finish well! The Homeschool Survival Kit also includes an extensive directory of must-have homeschooling resources. Support the Schoolhouse Rocked Ministry! Please consider making a donation to support the ongoing ministry of Schoolhouse Rocked. Support from the homeschool community allows us provide resources and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world.  Whether or not you can donate, we ask that EVERY listener support the show by sharing it with your friends and family, by leaving a review on iTunes, and by praying for our team. Your support is making an ETERNAL impact! The Homeschool Insights podcast is sponsored by CTCMath. Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum? CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Visit CTCmath.com today to start your free trial today.

In this weekend edition episode of the Raising Godly Girls podcast, Patti Garibay welcomes Eryn Lynum, a certified Master Naturalist, educator, and author who has made it her mission to connect families with their Creator through the beauty and wonder of His creation. Eryn's work, including her books Rooted in Wonder and 936 Pennies, inspires parents to nurture their children's faith by embracing the natural world as a testament to God's glory. Eryn also hosts the popular kids' podcast Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible, where she shares engaging nature lessons that build Biblical truths, making her a valuable guide in this journey of faith.  Patti and Eryn dive deep into the importance of outdoor adventure, a key component of American Heritage Girls programming. Eryn explains how time in nature can build confidence, reduce stress, and foster spiritual growth, even when it challenges us to step outside our comfort zones. She shares insights from her book Rooted in Wonder and explains why she and her family honor the Sabbath by spending Saturdays resting in God's creation.  With nature serving as a powerful tool for both resilience and spiritual lessons, Eryn talks about how parents can overcome fears of getting outdoors and create faith breakthroughs for their children. She also reflects on how Jesus used nature to teach deep truths and how families today can follow His example by modeling those lessons in their own lives.  Whether you're an avid outdoor adventurer or just starting to explore God's creation with your family, this conversation offers practical advice, inspiration, and encouragement for raising Godly girls who are rooted in wonder and faith. Tune in for a rich dialogue on the intersection of nature, parenting, and faith with Patti and Eryn Lynum, and don't forget to check out Eryn's podcast, Nat Theo, for even more insights on nurturing faith through nature!  Tune into the Nat Theo Podcast, visit erynlynum.com/nattheo  To check out Eryn's latest book, Rooted in Wonder, visit erynlynum.com/rootedinwonder 

Stream Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution for FREE! There's a Revolution Transforming Education and it's NOT Happening in the Classroom! "Schoolhouse Rocked will rock your educational world to the foundations and give you and your kids great hope for the future! The old-school paradigm has proven broken and a new way of learning is here. Don't miss this important film!” – Kirk Cameron Stream the groundbreaking documentary, Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution for FREE today and see why homeschooling is the REVOLUTION that is saving children, families, the church, and culture! Get your FREE Homeschool Survival Kit If you are considering homeschooling or just need some great homeschooling encouragement, get your FREE Homeschool Survival Kit from the producers of Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution and the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast. This 70+ page guide includes helpful articles, videos, and audio, for every stage of homeschooling, from pre-school to graduation. It will give you the encouragement you need to start strong and finish well! The Homeschool Survival Kit also includes an extensive directory of must-have homeschooling resources. Support the Schoolhouse Rocked Ministry! Please consider making a donation to support the ongoing ministry of Schoolhouse Rocked. Support from the homeschool community allows us provide resources and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world.  Whether or not you can donate, we ask that EVERY listener support the show by sharing it with your friends and family, by leaving a review on iTunes, and by praying for our team. Your support is making an ETERNAL impact! The Homeschool Insights podcast is sponsored by CTCMath. Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum? CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Visit CTCmath.com today to start your free trial today.

Stream Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution for FREE! There's a Revolution Transforming Education and it's NOT Happening in the Classroom! "Schoolhouse Rocked will rock your educational world to the foundations and give you and your kids great hope for the future! The old-school paradigm has proven broken and a new way of learning is here. Don't miss this important film!” – Kirk Cameron Stream the groundbreaking documentary, Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution for FREE today and see why homeschooling is the REVOLUTION that is saving children, families, the church, and culture! Get your FREE Homeschool Survival Kit If you are considering homeschooling or just need some great homeschooling encouragement, get your FREE Homeschool Survival Kit from the producers of Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution and the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast. This 70+ page guide includes helpful articles, videos, and audio, for every stage of homeschooling, from pre-school to graduation. It will give you the encouragement you need to start strong and finish well! The Homeschool Survival Kit also includes an extensive directory of must-have homeschooling resources. Support the Schoolhouse Rocked Ministry! Please consider making a donation to support the ongoing ministry of Schoolhouse Rocked. Support from the homeschool community allows us provide resources and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world.  Whether or not you can donate, we ask that EVERY listener support the show by sharing it with your friends and family, by leaving a review on iTunes, and by praying for our team. Your support is making an ETERNAL impact! The Homeschool Insights podcast is sponsored by CTCMath. Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum? CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Visit CTCmath.com today to start your free trial today.

In this episode of the Super Simple Homeschool Podcast, we have special guest Eryn Lynum, author and host of the Nat Theo podcast. Eryn joins us to talk about her new book, The Nature of Rest, set for release in April 2025. Learn how to incorporate rest into your homeschool routine and why you should! Learn more about Eryn Lynum at erynlynum.com Check out the Nat Theo podcast!

"As parents, we have just 936 weeks with our children before they turn 18, and every week is an opportunity to invest in their legacy and eternity." ~ Eryn Lynum Watch this full interview on our YouTube Channel. Dive into an insightful interview with Eryn Lynum on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast, where she and Yvette Hampton unearth the connection between homeschooling and nature's wonders. Discover the joys and challenges of teaching children within God's natural design and how to be intentional with the fleeting time we have with our kids. Whether you're in a bustling city or the serene countryside, gain valuable tips on bringing the great outdoors into your children's education, nurturing their spiritual growth through observing his creation, and making fun and lasting family memories. If you're looking to infuse your homeschooling routine with adventure and God's word, this episode is for you. Come back tomorrow for the rest of this important conversation. Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. Would you please consider a year-end gift to support the Schoolhouse Rocked ministry? Recommended Resources: Podcast Note-Taking Guide ErynLynum.com Nat Theo Podcast – Nature Lessons for Kids, Rooted in the Bible 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting, by Eryn Lynum Rooted in Wonder, by Eryn Lynum Discussing Climate Change With Our Kids from a Biblical Perspective   iNaturalist app Merlin Bird ID App Bug Bingo Game   Hike & Seek on Answers.TV Schoolhouse Rocked Content on Answers.TV   Related Podcast Episodes: The Importance of Outdoor Play - Aby Rinella Ginny Yurich - 1000 Hours Outside  

"Rich time spent outdoors is a beautiful legacy we can offer our children, teaching them the value of every moment we're given." ~ Eryn Lynum Watch this full interview on our YouTube Channel. Step into a world of discovery, as Eryn Lynum joins Yvette Hampton on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast, to guide us through the art of being a 'wonder conservationist' in homeschooling. Learn to engage your children with nature, build an understanding of God's intricate design, and embrace outdoor learning with expert advice from the author and homeschool mom. Drawing from her personal journey and professional insight, she reveals how to effectively use technology and community resources to amplify natural curiosity in our children. This episode offers a treasury of inspiration for parents seeking to create an enriching homeschool environment that builds an abiding faith in God through a deeper understanding of his creation. Come back tomorrow for the rest of this important conversation. Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. Would you please consider a year-end gift to support the Schoolhouse Rocked ministry? Recommended Resources: Podcast Note-Taking Guide ErynLynum.com Nat Theo Podcast – Nature Lessons for Kids, Rooted in the Bible 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting, by Eryn Lynum Rooted in Wonder, by Eryn Lynum Discussing Climate Change With Our Kids from a Biblical Perspective   iNaturalist app Merlin Bird ID App Bug Bingo Game   Hike & Seek on Answers.TV Schoolhouse Rocked Content on Answers.TV   Related Podcast Episodes: The Importance of Outdoor Play - Aby Rinella Ginny Yurich - 1000 Hours Outside  

"It's not just about biology or theology; it's about opening the door to wonder and walking into a world that speaks of its Creator." ~ Eryn Lynum Watch this full interview on our YouTube Channel. Yvette Hampton is joined by Eryn Lynum, homeschool mom, author, and master naturalist, to discuss the beauty of integrating God's natural world into homeschooling. Listen as Eryn shares insightful methods for fostering a love for the great outdoors among children and dive into the benefits of integrating natural theology in homeschooling. Get inspired by engaging stories, practical advice for intentional parenting, and learn how to turn everyday encounters with nature into profound learning experiences that draw us closer to our Creator. This episode is a must-listen for any homeschooling family seeking to strengthen their faith and foster life-long learning through the wonder of nature. Come back Wednesday and Thursday for the rest of this important conversation. Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. Would you please consider a year-end gift to support the Schoolhouse Rocked ministry? Recommended Resources: Podcast Note-Taking Guide ErynLynum.com Nat Theo Podcast – Nature Lessons for Kids, Rooted in the Bible 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting, by Eryn Lynum Rooted in Wonder, by Eryn Lynum Discussing Climate Change With Our Kids from a Biblical Perspective   iNaturalist app Merlin Bird ID App Bug Bingo Game   Hike & Seek on Answers.TV Schoolhouse Rocked Content on Answers.TV   Related Podcast Episodes: The Importance of Outdoor Play - Aby Rinella Ginny Yurich - 1000 Hours Outside Discussion Questions: 1. How do you think natural theology can play a role in homeschooling, and why is it important for children to learn about God through nature? 2. What are some of the most impactful lessons you've learned about God through your encounters with nature? 3. In your experience, how can community involvement enhance the homeschooling experience and lead to a deeper connection with the God's created world? 4. What strategies can parents use to balance screen time with outdoor activities, and what are the benefits of doing so? 5. Can you share some practical activities that parents can do to help their children become more engaged with nature and develop a sense of stewardship of Creation? 6. In what ways do you incorporate biblical truths into your children's experience of nature during your homeschooling routine? 7. How do you approach teaching your children about complex and often divisive issues, such as climate change, from a biblical perspective? 8. What tips do you have for other parents who might feel overwhelmed by the task of teaching their children about nature and theology? 9. How should the practice of observing a weekly Sabbath influenced your family's appreciation of rest, nature, and God's created order?  

Nature Study is about more than merely observing God's creation and learning about the natural world. Nature study in the Christian homeschool is rooted in natural theology. Homeschool nature study has become hugely popular in the homeschooling world especially in the Charlotte Mason, Wild and Free, Classical education, and other homeschool communities that prioritize wonder, outdoor experience, and hands-on learning. But for the Christian parent, nature study ought to be so much more. Nature study provides a way to nurture our family's faith as we explore God's created world. Show notes + full transcript: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/nature-study-christian-homeschool/ Join Made2Homeschool for exclusive content and community ⁠https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t⁠ Homeschool Planning Guide: ⁠https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/homeschool-planning-guide⁠ Subscribe, rate, and review ⁠⁠⁠Homeschool Conversations with Humility and Doxology⁠⁠ Follow Amy @HumilityandDoxology on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ Follow Humility and Doxology Online: Blog ⁠⁠⁠https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology⁠⁠⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠ Book Lists ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠ This podcast and description contains affiliate links. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/humilityanddoxology/message

Eryn Lynum shares the value of appreciating God's creation as a spiritual practice, encouraging you to take your kids into the great outdoors. Eryn shares about the benefits of slowing down to observe creation and discover lessons about God's power and truth.

Eryn Lynum's passion is to inspire and equip others to make the most of family time, and utilize the rich resources in nature to teach your kids deep truths about God.  Using her certification as a Master Naturalist alongside her degree in Biblical studies, Lynum encourages families to step outside together and discover all the connections between God's written Word, the Bible, and His natural revelation through creation! In this episode, Jared and Eryn discuss intentional parenting through the use of God's creation. There is so much available to us through the world God has created for us to live in. Listen and learn how you can apply these techniques in your life, and continue to build a strong family.   "When we learn about what God has created, we start seeing it all around us. It means more to us." - Eryn Lynum   Time Stamps   1:13 – Welcome to the ‘Strong by Design' podcast 1:49 - Get to know today's special guest, Eryn Lynum, the author of the book ‘Rooted in Wonder' 2:42 - Eryn recounts her family's journey to knowing God 7:14 - Discover why she responded ‘thank you' to 'I love you' 11:45 - Eryn talks about how she came up with the idea of 'Nurturing your family's faith through God's creation' 13:01 - What are the two ways of God's revelation 16:15 - Understanding how 'Recency Bias' connects to finding God and creation 21:02 - The Invasive of Technology: Eryn shares her testimony of how she utilized God's creation for her family 25:22 - 936 Pennies: Eryn on how to intentionally invest in your children's personal growth 29:46 - The importance of implementing RULES for your kids 33:35 - Family Hibernation: What is it and what are its boundaries? 42:26 - Get in touch with Eryn and learn more about her books and podcast 'Nat Theo'     Resources:   ·       Nat Theo Podcast ·       ErynLynum.com   Connect w/ Eryn: ·        Instagram ·       Facebook ·       YouTube   Connect w/ CriticalBench:  ●      Youtube ●      Facebook ●      Instagram ●      CriticalBench.com ●      StrongByDesignPodcast.com

Eryn Lynum shares the value of appreciating God's creation as a spiritual practice, encouraging you to take your kids into the great outdoors. Eryn shares about the benefits of slowing down to observe creation and discover lessons about God's power and truth.

Eryn Lynum is a homeschooling mom of 4, master naturalist, Bible teacher, and author of the new book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation. In this conversation we discuss how we as parents can help our children cultivate an unshakable faith by encountering their Creator in nature and synthesizing the truth of Scripture and the truths found in creation to stand firm against the lies of our culture.Check out Eryn's book: Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's CreationVisit the show notes page at homeschoolcompass.com/podcastFollow the Homeschool Compass on Instagram and Facebook for daily homeschool inspiration and encouragementSign up for the Homeschool Compass email newsletter to receive articles, inspiration, and homeschool deals delivered right to your inbox each week: https://mailchi.mp/e0bd51f61dfb/x5rn6z49e8

Join us for the final message in our series, Rooted in Wonder, as we talk about nurturing your family's faith through God's creation. This series is loosely based on the book Rooted in Wonder by Eryn Lynum.

Join us for our series, Rooted in Wonder, as we talk about nurturing your family's faith through God's creation. This series is loosely based on the book Rooted in Wonder by Eryn Lynum.

Join us for our series, Rooted in Wonder, as we talk about nurturing your family's faith through God's creation. This series is loosely based on the book Rooted in Wonder by Eryn Lynum.

Nine hundred and thirty-six. That's how many weeks there are from birth to 18 years old. Eryn Lynum shares about the importance of cherishing each day with your children, as she drops a penny in a jar every week, reminding her to make the most of her time with her kids.

Join us for our series, Rooted in Wonder, as Pastor Kurt Notehelfer talks about nurturing your family's faith through God's creation. This series is loosely based on the book Rooted in Wonder by Eryn Lynum.

Join us for our series, Rooted in Wonder, as we talk about nurturing your family's faith through God's creation. This series is loosely based on the book Rooted in Wonder by Eryn Lynum.

Join us for our series, Rooted in Wonder, as we talk about nurturing your family's faith through God's creation. This series is loosly based on the book Rooted in Wonder by Eryn Lynum.

Master naturalist, Bible teacher and author joins Sarah Taylor for a conversation on how her passion for the Bible and nature have come together in a beautiful way to share with others how we can all find God in nature.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3rqYLQF

The evidence of God is everywhere if you know where to look. Naturalist Eryn Lynum joins The AllMomDoes Podcast host Julie Lyles Carr for an insightful look at why we can build our relationship and our kids' relationship with God by getting outdoors, why science and God work together, and a few details about monarch butterflies that teach an incredible spiritual lesson.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3O8swit

Kids used to play outside for hours. Now they game or stay on their phones for hours indoors. How can you get your screen-saturated kids to put down their devices and head outdoors? Eryn Lynum, author of Rooted in Wonder, is here to help us fall in love with God's creation as a family. You don't have to live on a beach or near a national park to enjoy the many benefits of nature. In this conversation, you'll learn about: 3:10 Getting your kids interested in nature 6:00 Boys are drawn to the wildest things 8:30 Connecting the dots between the created world and the Creator 13:40 Invasive plants and what they teach us about technology 17:00 Nature is not relative - there are definitive truths about nature 20:00 Going into creation to sort your thoughts and get perspective 22:50 Practical ideas to get outside even with little kids 25:11 Word of encouragement to the non-outdoorsy people Today's guest Eryn Lynum is the author of Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith through God's Creation. Eryn is a certified master naturalist, Bible teacher, wife, and mom of four. She's been featured on Family Life Today, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and MOPS International. Find out more about Eryn on her website, ErynLynum.com Get her book, Rooted in Wonder Are your kids getting too much screen time? Take the free quiz at happyhomeuniversity.com/screentimequiz More Resources for Your Family: Arlene's Free Marriage Webinar -- Get Unstuck in Your Marriage. If you feel stuck in a rut or you've just lost that lovin' feeling, register for Arlene's free marriage webinar. Subscribe to Arlene's free email list for a monthly resource to help your home at happyhomeuniversity.com/subscribe Watch a VIDEO clip from the podcast on Arlene's new Happy Home YouTube Channel @arlenehappyhome

How is our wonder at the natural world connected to our awe of the creator?  How can spending time outdoors strengthen the faith of our families? How can experiences in nature show our kids absolute truths in a society prone to relativism? How should we think biblically about climate change? What can we learn from invasive species? How do we manage the dirtiness of the outdoors?Listen in for a delightful conversation full of practical encouragements and suggestions with Master Naturalist and Author of the delightful book, Rooted in Wonder, Eryn Lynum. Rooted in Wonder The Nat Theo Podcast More of Eryn's wonderful resources can be found here

Eryn Lynum shares the value of appreciating God's creation as a spiritual practice, encouraging you to take your kids into the great outdoors. She combines her experience in the study of nature with her knowledge of the Bible to teach people about the countless ways the wonders of the natural world point back to the Creator. Eryn shares about the benefits of slowing down to observe creation around us and discover lessons about God's power, absolute truth, and perspective on grief.   Receive a copy of Rooted in Wonder and an audio download of "Helping Kid's See God's Glory in Nature" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.   Get More Episode Resources   We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail.   If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Find show notes here.  How do we find opportunities for growth in faith and in life? In last week's episode, you heard Eryn Lynum discuss a long season of waiting for her dream to become what it is today. When Eryn first came on the show five years ago, we discussed her book on the topic of intentional parenting and her search for a publisher despite her small platform.  In this episode, she returns to share what has occurred in the ensuing years. In this new conversation you'll learn:  How embracing doubts becomes an opportunity for God to reveal His plan, That waiting is not idle; it allows for growth and strength in preparation for when it's time to act, and  How spending time in God's Word and connecting with Him through nature provides a better understanding of both God's written Word and His created world.   My LIVE-taught Imposter Syndrome course is now open for enrollment! If the enemy has you all wound up in →  worry about what people might think →  or embarrassment because you don't want to appear to be focusing on yourself →  or shame that you haven't begun on your dream →  or that you've already wasted too much time already This is the course for you! We'll spend 7 sessions together over the summer (Jun – Sept, every other week) working through the curriculum so that you can come out on the other side with strength and hope to pursue your dream AND tools in your toolbelt to fight back against imposter syndrome.  If you'd like to stop hiding in fear and start living in the joy and flourishing promised to us in Christ, click here to get the details and register today.    NEXT STEPS: Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call Get Connected with the Facebook Community Support the Podcast Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST: Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions. Ad music: “New Day” used under Creative Commons by Lee Rosevere.

Find show notes here. Have you ever been told you need a bigger platform before you can publish your book? At the time of this recording, in 2017, Eryn Lynum lived in Northern Colorado with her husband and three boys and they spent their time hiking, camping, and exploring the Rocky Mountains. Eryn's passion has been to come alongside authors and help them market the message God has laid on their hearts. She loves to travel and share at conferences, churches, and writers' groups. But every opportunity she gets, she is out exploring God's creation with her family.  The author of 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting, Eryn talks in this episode about the shift towards intentional parenting that happened when she and her husband were faced with the reality that they have only 936 weeks – from birth to 18 – with each of their children. Eryn also shares about the process of writing her first book, including the ups and downs of trying to find the right publisher and how it felt to be told again and again that she didn't have the platform for a successful book. The road blocks she's faced along the way have given Eryn perspective and helpful suggestions for anyone wondering how to become a published author.    Looking to reignite your prayer life? Get 30 short, guided prayers in your inbox, one a day, for the next 30 days to connect with God and grow your intimacy with Him. Subscribe here: https://www.merrittonsa.com/prayer NEXT STEPS: Connect with Merritt: Website || Instagram || Book a Discovery Call Get Connected with the Facebook Community Support the Podcast on Patreon Leave a Review: Apple Podcasts/iTunes Subscribe: on Apple Podcasts * on Android MORE ABOUT THE DEVOTED DREAMERS PODCAST:Produced by Jonathan R. Clauson. Theme music by Reaktor Productions.

We're very excited to introduce you to Master Naturalist, Eryn Lynum! In this episode, Eryn shows us how we can learn more about God through exploring nature. Summer is here and Eryn's ministry will serve as a great guide through nature hikes, backyard play, and much more. Check out Eryn's new book! https://amz.run/6gB8 Subscribe to Eryn's new podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nat-theo-nature-lessons-rooted-in-the-bible/id1679872468 Visit Eryn's website: https://erynlynum.com/

Christian Medical and Dental Association's Jeff Barrows talks about how to have the conversation surrounding marijuana with our kids. Eryn Lynum, author of "Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation," shares about maintaining our child-like sense of wonder no matter our age, always finding a way to connect with our Creator. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

This week we have Eryn Lynum on The Christian Parenting Podcast. Eryn is a mom of four, a certified master naturalist, and author of the book Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation.   There are so many lessons to learn through creation, but it can be hard to make outdoor time a priority as a family. Whether you are outdoorsy or indoorsy, this episode is full of amazing (and easy) ideas for getting outside and connecting the dots between creation and creator so that you and your kids can experience the fullness of God!     Connect with Eryn   Website: https://erynlynum.com/ Instagram: @erynlynumauthor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorerynlynum   Links Mentioned   https://erynlynum.com/shop https://www.kregel.com/christian-living-and-devotionals/rooted-in-wonder/Our Sponsors:* Check out HelloFresh: https://www.hellofresh.com/Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Parents only get 936 weeks with their children before they turn eighteen. Author and speaker, Eryn Lynum, is determined to make certain that those pivotal weeks of parenting are both intentional and inspiring. Eryn is the author of 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting. She lives with her husband and children in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado, where they collectively work hard and learn together about God's creation. Surrounding kids with the great outdoors, allows them to connect the dots between the Creator and His creation, Eryn shares. She encourages parents to discover their core family values and choose a lifestyle and location that will allow their family's vision to flourish. Be prepared to potentially make some major life changes for the better. TAKEAWAYS Kids spend a shocking average of six hours every day watching a screen and only six minutes playing outside Before any screen time, children should clean something, read something, create something, and play outside Families should work hard and smart during the week, while additionally making time for a restful Sabbath Eryn's devotional, God of Wonders, provides five lessons for teaching your child who God is and how much He loves them

Parents only get 936 weeks with their children before they turn eighteen. Author and speaker, Eryn Lynum, is determined to make certain that those pivotal weeks of parenting are both intentional and inspiring. Eryn is the author of 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting. She lives with her husband and children in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado, where they collectively work hard and learn together about God's creation. Surrounding kids with the great outdoors, allows them to connect the dots between the Creator and His creation, Eryn shares. She encourages parents to discover their core family values and choose a lifestyle and location that will allow their family's vision to flourish. Be prepared to potentially make some major life changes for the better.   TAKEAWAYS Kids spend a shocking average of six hours every day watching a screen and only six minutes playing outside. Before any screen time, children should clean something, read something, create something, and play outside. Families should work hard and smart during the week, while additionally making time for a restful Sabbath. Eryn's devotional, God of Wonders, provides five lessons for teaching your child who God is and how much He loves them.  

“Christ makes you enough for the children He has called you to.” Today Stacy talks with author, speaker, and homeschooling mom of four, Eryn Lynum.  Listen in as she shares how the Lord has taught her to number her days and in return how He has given her a heart of wisdom.  Is it too late for those of us parenting grown children?  Don't miss this hope-filled encouragement straight from the heart of our loving heavenly father who is able to redeem, restore and make new.  About our Guest: Eryn Lynum is a speaker and author of the book 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting (Bethany House Publishers), along with features in four books by Guideposts. She holds a degree in Biblical studies and is a certified Master Naturalist, pointing others to the Creator through the wonders He has made. She lives in Northern Colorado with her husband, Grayson, and their four children. One of their top family values is to “do life together,” and they seek to do that in work, homeschool, faith, and play. Eryn has been featured on Focus on the Family, FamilyLife, Proverbs31 Ministries, MOPS International, Bible Gateway, Her View From Home, and For Every Mom. Every opportunity she gets, she is out exploring God's creation with her family and sharing the adventures at www.ErynLynum.com Books:   “936 Pennies” by Eryn Lynum “A Praying Life” by Paul E. Miller Links: https://erynlynum.com http://erynlynum.com/how-936-pennies-will-forever-change-how-you-parent/ http://erynlynum.com/for-when-your-9-36-of-parenthood-has-all-been-spent/ https://momsinprayer.org/new-to-moms-in-prayer/ https://momsinprayer.org/join-a-group To give to the ministry of Moms in Prayer: Support Our Mission | Moms In Prayer International             Moms in Prayer International- www.MomsInPrayer.org

FamilyLife Today® Radio Transcript  References to conferences, resources, or other special promotions may be obsolete. The Team Approach Guests:                      Dennis and Barbara Rainey                       From the series:       Art of Parenting: What Every Parent Needs (Day 3 of 3)  Bob: As parents, it's important that you continue to grow in your relationship with the Lord and in your understanding of Scripture, because Barbara Rainey says you never know when your kids are going to ask you a question that's a stumper. Barbara: I'll never forget—my grandson said to our daughter—he said, “Mom, why do I need to tell God what I did when He already knows?” Those are the kinds of things that parents run into. You've got to teach your children—what it means to forgive; why you need to confess your sin to God—because kids are smart, and they're going to start thinking about that stuff. They're going to press you on it. You have to know why you're going where you're going with your kids.  This is FamilyLife Today for Wednesday, October 31st. Our host is Dennis Rainey, and I'm Bob Lepine. As parents, we don't have to have all the answers to the questions our kids ask us; but we need to know where to find the answers. We'll talk more about that today. Stay with us. 1:00 And welcome to FamilyLife Today. Thanks for joining us. We've been spending time this week talking about: “What's at the heart of parenting?”—what parents need to be thinking about and processing, together, as they raise their children. I'm thinking back to when you first started working through what the Bible has to say about parenting—this was more that a quarter of a century ago— Barbara: Gosh, that's sounds forever. Bob: I know. It does; doesn't it? [Laughter] Right in the middle of— Dennis: I think it is forever. [Laughter] Bob: —in the middle of raising your kids, you took an extended season of time and dug into the Scriptures, and talked to a lot of pastors, and Bible teachers, theology professors. Dennis: —men and women. Bob: You got a lot of input. What is in your book, The Art of Parenting, is a lot of the fruit that came from those conversations, back years ago.  2:00  The thing I love about that is the fact that it's still as relevant today as it was then, because we're talking about things that are eternal—not things that are temporal.  Barbara: Yes.  Dennis: This was created in 1990 and ‘91, prior to radio. Because once radio started—it's daily—I wasn't able to get the time away to be able to do the fresh thinking that I took over a 12-18-month period. But I looked to see if I could condense down: “What's the essence of parenting? What does God want us to do?”—and I found four things. I think He wants us to teach relationships to our children—how to relate to God / how to relate to another sinful, selfish human being. We're preparing our children, someday, probably for marriage. But our kids need to know how to love God and love one another. Secondly, we are establishing and building their character. We're shaping a child, who's wise and not a fool—who knows what's right and what's wrong—how to choose one and not the other.  3:00  Character development is something that God works, over time, in our lives to create. The Bible is full of all kinds of illustrations of this. In fact, I think we take a whole chapter in the book, talking about how God develops character in us. I think we could take a page out of “How God Does That” and apply that to us, as parents; and we do that.  Third is the issue of identity. Keep in mind this was developed in 1990 and ‘91. We talked about how God created us with a spiritual identity: “Who are we?” “What are we to be about?” “Do we have value?” “Do we have purpose?” The answer is: “Yes.” Also, sexual identity. One of the first descriptions of man—in Genesis, Chapter 1, verses 26-28, was that He identified them as male and female. He says that definition three times in a matter of three verses.  4:00 Our sexual and spiritual identity, I believe today, are on the line as never before. Finally, the fourth area is mission: “Why are we here?” “What's our purpose?” These arrows were not designed to stay in the quiver. Children were made to be pulled back on a bow and let go and released to fulfill God's mission for their lives. Bob: Your wife Barbara is joining us this week as we talk about what parents need to keep in mind as we raise the next generation. Barbara, we've talked about the big picture—having the end in mind as you raise your kids. But parents need to also have kind of a working strategic plan for what they're doing. Dennis: Yes. Bob: In fact, this is really the heart of you book. You help parents come up with a short-term strategic plan that needs to be reviewed and updated throughout the parenting years so that you're always thinking: “In the next 12 months, what are the priorities?” 5:00 Barbara: Yes; right. Bob: “In the next 24 months, what are the priorities?” Then come back—revisit that/readdress that—so that you're being intentional as you raise your kids. Barbara: Yes; and that's a big word for us. Dennis and I have always wanted to be very intentional with our kids, and with our marriage, and with our lives; because we think that is what God has called us to do. He hasn't called us just to exist and have fun. He has created us that we would glorify Him, and that we would raise godly children, and that we would have a marriage that would honor Him. That takes intentionality; it isn't going to happen accidently. It's not going to happen just by doing life. You have to make decisions that cause that to happen. As we talk about parenting, you have to begin with the end in mind.  In our book, we write and try to create a vision—try to help parents see the big picture—help them see the wonderful calling it is to be a parent, because it's so easy to get caught up in the messiness of being a parent.  6:00 We are constantly casting that vision; but we're also trying to be very practical and help—you know: “How to make decisions,” “How to work together as a team,” “How to be intentional,” “How to have the right values govern your everyday life, as a mom and a dad,”—so it's both, together. Dennis: And the way we did that was on a date night. We'd get out on a date; and initially—I've got to admit—I was kind of looking for some romantic date nights, [Laughter] where we just had a fun time; because we had six kids in ten years. Ultimately, those date nights became the Vice-president and President hiding away from the kids [Laugher] on a date in a restaurant.  Barbara: They were strategy sessions on how to survive the next week. Dennis: They were! [Laugher] We would look at the calendar—we would look at where we were going. We would review our road map: “Where are we taking them?” “What does this child need?” “What does that child need us to especially work on in his or her life?” Barbara: And sometimes, our dinners were preoccupied by one child that was especially needy at that particular time.  7:00 Dennis: Exactly. Barbara: We didn't always go over all of them.  Dennis: No, no; sometimes, there was no room for romance.  Barbara: Oh, most of the time. [Laugher] Dennis: Okay; most of the time. [Laughter] But Bob, here's the thing—we would use those times to pull back to the big picture and get a clearer road map, going forward, and just say: “What are we doing here? We don't want to be held hostage by comparing ourselves with other families that may be too busy—that don't have the same stuff going on that we have.”  We tried to say: “Lord, here's what You called us to do to make an impact in other people's marriages and families. Help us to not lose our own marriage in the midst of this, but also raise effective children in the process.” Bob: Anybody, who's in the business world, understands a couple of things: First of all, there are some things that are urgent, and there are some things that are important. We usually focus on the urgent and ignore the important—and that's not good.  8:00 Secondly, you understand that, unless you take some time to develop strategic priorities, you can get caught up in the day to day but never be thinking about: “What are our goals or our aspirations?”  You've mapped out in your book, The Art of Parenting, a way for parents to do some concrete, short-term, strategic planning—to get away from the urgent for a little bit and focus on the important. There are seasons, where the urgent is going to dominate—I get that; right?—the house is on fire—you don't think, “Where do we want to go on vacation next summer?” But get away from the urgent for a few minutes and look at the bigger picture—the important.  When parents do that, it's a fundamental shift in their parenting; and all of a sudden, now, they're parenting with a level of intentionality.  Dennis: Here's where our book and the video series, The Art of Parenting™, spells out and takes people through a process where they reduce in writing on a sheet of paper that is called “Your Child's Arrow.” It's actually a picture of an arrow, where you fill out each of the four areas I mentioned at the beginning of this broadcast—  9:00 —relationships, character, identity, and mission—you look at those.  It's interesting—Barbara and I would move from child to child and look at where they needed to be developed. From time to time, every one of them had something of those four things that they needed us to either anticipate an issue that was coming down the pike, or where we needed to give them a little more focused attention to be successful in one of those four areas. Barbara: It seems to me, as I look back on that, that we most often talked about character and relationship issues; because those are the ones that seem to be the ones that we run into, day in and day out, in raising a family. We would talk about: “What are we going to do about lying?” We would talk about: “What are we going to do about hitting siblings?” or “…not respecting your sister's closet?”—you know: “You can't just go in and take stuff.  10:00 “You've got to ask.” There were all of these character/behavioral kinds of things that we were instilling values in. Then, the relationship side we talked about all the time, too; because we had sibling rivalry every day—thousands of times, it felt like, every day. We were teaching over, and over, and over again about being kind; about how to ask for forgiveness; how to say you are sorry / “Will you forgive me?”; how to pray and ask God to forgive you, and why you wanted to. I'll never forget—my grandson said to our daughter—he said, “Mom, why do I need to tell God what I did when He already knows?” Those are the kinds of things that parents run into. You've got to teach your children—what it means to forgive; why you need to confess your sin to God—because kids are smart, and they're going to start thinking about that stuff. They're going to press you on it. You have to know why you're going where you're going in all four of these areas with your kids.  Bob: When your kids hit pre-adolescence and then adolescence, that's where the identity piece starts to really emerge.  11:00 Barbara: Yes. Bob: During toddlerhood and elementary years, you're probably not focused a whole lot on identity. Of course, in these days, it's happening younger and younger with these kids as they start to say: “Okay; who am I?  Barbara: Yes.  Bob: “What did God make me to be? What am I good at? Will I ever be popular? What's my life all about?” This is more subtle than some of the character and relationship issues we deal with— Barbara: That's right.  Bob: —but parents can't just tune this out and think it's going to happen; right?   Barbara: No; and I think probably, in this culture, you need to be more intentional and more aggressive even than we were; because, you know, your kids are hearing it. If you don't know your kids are hearing it, we want to tell you: “Your kids are hearing it. They're aware of it. They may hear somebody say something at school or even at church.”  Bob: You're talking about gender identity. Barbara: We're talking about gender identity issues; yes. I think you have got to be—parents have to be proactive today, even at younger ages, because of what children are being exposed to.  12:00 Bob: Even beyond the gender-identity question, which is huge, every junior high kid is figuring out: “Am I one of the popular kids?” “Am I a jock?” “Am I part of the theater group?” “Am I a nerd?” Barbara: Yes.  Bob: They're coming up with a self-assessment, saying, “Where do I fit into the pack here?” Those can be challenging years for an adolescent. Dennis: They can. I think the adolescent years are where the character begins to emerge and where you're still not done with discipline of your children. Bob: There are a couple other things that you think are vital for moms and dads if they are going to be effective, as parents—one is that they not try to go this alone, just the two of them. They need to be in community with other parents. This is essential; isn't it? Dennis: It is absolutely essential.  Barbara: Yes. Dennis: I think, especially, today with the issues coming at young people, as never before, it takes a village. Bob: Well, I've shared this before—you guys have heard me say this— 13:00 —but we were part of a small group with other parents with kids the same age as our kids. I remember many a Sunday night when we were headed over to our small group, leaving the house and just going, “Okay; they're all going to jail pretty soon,”—[Laughter]—you know—“because they're all just messing up.”  We would get to small group and, somehow, in the conversation that night, we'd learn that everybody else's kids were acting out too.  Barbara: Yes. Bob: And we'd drive home going, “Okay; we're not alone in this.” It just gave us a such a sense of relief.  Dennis: I want to give the shout-out to a principal, who's just a couple of miles up the road from FamilyLife's headquarters—one of the top schools in America. It's called Little Rock Christian Academy. Dr. Gary Arnold courageously stepped up and he said: “You know what we're going to do? We're going to require every sixth grader to go through Passport to Purity™ with their parents.” I thought—when Gary told me that, I thought: “This is the best kind of peer pressure— 14:00 Bob: Yes. Dennis: — “to have 140 sixth-graders—with their mom / with their dad—go through this Friday night-Saturday experience by themselves with their parent. But then, come back to school and begin to talk about it.  Here's a whole class of kids—they're [now] seniors in high school—so they've got other eyes, who know what the content was in that Passport to Purity weekend—the entire class having been through it. I think it's the best kind of peer pressure that's available today.  Barbara: Another thing that we did—that I think was really helpful for our kids and for us—is we knew a lot of people—still do—who are great faith heroes / people who walk with God. When we had the opportunity to bring them over to our house for dinner, we would get the kids around. We'd all sit at the table; and we would just hand it over to our friends and we say, “Tell our kids the story about what happened when you went to Africa,” “Tell our kids the story about…”—whatever—because I wanted our children to hear that faith was real and authentic for people other than Mom and Dad.  15:00 Because it's real easy for kids to think: “Aw, it's just Mom and Dad,” and “They're old, and they're archaic,”—and whatever. If they can hear someone else being in love with Christ, and being excited about walking with Him, then they might go: “Oh, maybe Mom and Dad aren't so dumb after all. Maybe they're on to something.”     That was something that we did. It's an idea that I think a lot of other families can incorporate, just with people who are in your church. There are heroes of the faith in your churches that you can bring over and say, “Tell a story to my kids.” Bob: There's one other essential for effective parenting. This is one of those things that we could say it—and people would go, “Yes, yes; that's one of those ‘Put it on the list, so you can check it off.'” But you guys really feel this is not a cliché—this is a vital part of parenting. Dennis: This is how you do it—Proverbs 24: 3 and 4 says: “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.  16:00 “By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” How do you get the wisdom to build a house?—you cry out to God and you say: “Help! Help! We don't know what we're doing, God.”  We've prayed the prayer of a helpless parent on so many different occasions, because we were brought to our knees around issues we didn't know how to answer/address——didn't know how to tackle. We would pray for the kids; we would pray with our kids. We would pray we'd catch our kids doing what's right and we would catch them doing wrong—all for the purpose of shaping their lives to reflect what God wants to do in their souls.  Bob: We put together a prayer challenge for parents not long ago. Barbara: Yes. Bob: This was as kids were heading back to school; but honestly, this is something you can do at any point in time. We were sending out prayer prompts every day, where a mom or dad would get an email that says:  17:00 “Here's what you can pray for your kids today…”—a 30-day practice—just to try to jumpstart this discipline in the life of parents so that you get into a rhythm of regularly praying for your kids. I know, for a lot of parents, it can feel like: “Okay; I did that. I can check it off the list. Did anything really just happen there?” This is where we got to, by faith, go: “There's a God, who's listening, who's called us to pray / who wants us to pray. This will be good for us and good for our kids.” God hears those prayers and responds to them. Barbara: Yes; and t's important that we pray with our kids, and in front of our kids, and for them; so that they see it modeled. They don't just hear that we do it; but it's something that they participate in, as they're growing up.  When we were writing the book, The Art of Parenting, one of the things I wanted to do was get our children—who are all grown now—I wanted to get their voices in the book; I wanted to get some of their experience in the book, because all of them are married and all of them have kids now.  18:00 I wanted them to kind of say: “What have you learned?” “What are you using that you learned?” “What are you changing that you thought we did terrible, and you're doing it differently?” I wanted their voices to be heard.  We asked our kids to write some stories. One of the ones that came in first—that we still, to this day, delight in—is the story of Dennis praying with the kids when he would drive them to school in the morning. He didn't do it every day, but he did it enough that this one child—our daughter—remembers him praying.  What's so fun about it is that, when we would do this—when we would pray with our kids in the morning before school / when we would pray with them at night—so often, they would give us this, “Oh, do we have to?” kind of a thing. As parents, you think: “My gosh; is this making any difference? Am I getting anywhere?” You just so doubt yourself and second-guess yourself.  But our daughter wrote the story of how she remembered Dad taking them to school in the morning.  19:00 She describes him “Octopus-arm Dad”; because he would have his coffee in one hand, a handful of cereal in the other. Then, he'd be shaving with another hand, [Laughter] and throwing the cereal into his mouth and eating while he was driving all along. The way she described it—it was just this beautiful picture of all the things that were happening in his seat, as he was driving to get to school.  But she said, “I remember he always prayed for us; and he always prayed three things: that God would protect us from evil, and from harm, and from temptation; and he ended all of his prayers with that.” She said, “I remember, at the time, thinking, “Ya, ya, ya—whatever.” But she said, “Now, that I'm a mom, when I take my kids to school every day”—they're in elementary school—“I pray the same words, every day, over my kids; because I know God hears, and I know that's what He wants me to do with my girls.”  It was really encouraging to see, as parents; because we do want to quit and give up, because we don't see results. You're not going to see results quickly like we would like.  20:00 It's not a short-term process. Hang in there; and pray together, as a couple. But pray for and with you kids; so that they can hear it, and see it, and you can model it for them.  Bob: I know your heart for this book and for the video series is that moms and dads will not just read this and go: “That was a good book. That was helpful.” You want this to be a strategic plan. Barbara: Yes. Bob: You want them to begin to implement things in their parenting that are going to have an eternal impact on their children's lives. Dennis: We know it will impact generations— Bob: Right. Dennis: —because that's what children are all about. Bob: Well, we've got copies of your book and the video series in our FamilyLife Today Resource Center. I'd encourage our listeners—if you don't have a copy—or if you know a couple, who have just begun a family / maybe some moms and dads, who've got three or four kids, and they could use a little help—get a copy of the book, The Art of Parenting, and pass it on as a gift to them. You can order from us, online, at FamilyLifeToday.com; or call 1-800-FL-TODAY to order.  21:00 I'll tell you what—better yet—if there are four or five couples that you know in your neighborhood or in your church, why don't you invite them over, have a potluck meal, and then watch session one of the Art of Parenting small group series, and say, “Would y'all like to come back in a couple of weeks and we'll go through Session 2?” Take them through all of this content—it would be a great outreach—a great way to help equip and train the next generation.  Find out more about the Art Parenting small group series kit when you go to FamilyLifeToday.com. You can order that from us, online; or you can call 1-800-FL-TODAY to order. I tell you what—you could invite them over—and the kit includes the movie, Like Arrows, that was in theaters, back earlier this year. Invite them over for a movie night—watch the movie together, and then ask them if they'd like to go through the content from there— 22:00 —maybe a little less threatening; huh? Again, all the information is available, online, at FamilyLifeToday.com; or call to order: 1-800-FL-TODAY.  You know, we think the things we've talked about today—these issues are eternally significant. When we talk about marriages and families, we're not simply talking about how you can all get along better and have a happier family. We recognize there's more at stake here than just happiness. We're talking about the eternal trajectory of your life, your spouse's life, your children's lives.  Here, at FamilyLife®, we want to effectively develop godly marriages and families—not just happy marriages and families—but godly marriages and families. We are so grateful that some you, who are regular listeners, feel as we do—that this kind of conversation is critical. We know that because you have supported us in the past.  23:00 You've made today's program possible, and it's been listened to today by hundreds of thousands of people. On behalf of those who have benefited from our conversation today: “Thank you for your support that has made it possible.”  If you are a long-time listener and you have never become a part of the team that helps FamilyLife Today happen, we'd like you to go to our website, FamilyLifeToday.com, to donate to support this ministry or to become a monthly Legacy Partner. You can donate, online, again, at FamilyLifeToday.com; or you can call to donate at 1-800-358-6329—1-800-“F” as in family, “L” as in life, and then the word, “TODAY.”  When you do, be sure to ask for the gift we want to make available to you this month. It's our 2019 calendar, “A Year of Togetherness as a Family.” There are activities and Bible verses to memorize each month—things that you can do to build, and bond, and grow together, as a family.  24:00 Again, the calendar is our gift to you when you donate to support the ministry of FamilyLife Today. We appreciate that support.  And we hope you can join us again tomorrow when we're going to hear from a mom, who got a wakeup call one day when her pastor handed her a jar of pennies. Eryn Lynum will be here tomorrow to explain why that was so significant. I hope you can be here as well.  I want to thank our engineer today, Keith Lynch, along with our entire broadcast production team. On behalf of our host, Dennis Rainey, I'm Bob Lepine. We will see you back next time for another edition of FamilyLife Today.  FamilyLife Today is a production of FamilyLife of Little Rock, Arkansas; a Cru® Ministry. Help for today. Hope for tomorrow.  We are so happy to provide these transcripts to you. However, there is a cost to produce them for our website. If you've benefited from the broadcast transcripts, would you consider donating today to help defray the costs?   Copyright © 2018 FamilyLife. All rights reserved. www.FamilyLife.com  

Eryn Lynum lives in Northern Colorado with her husband and three boys, where they spend their time hiking, camping, and exploring the Rocky Mountains. Her work and passion is to come alongside authors and help them market the message God has laid on their hearts. She loves to travel and share at conferences, churches, and writers' groups. But every opportunity she gets, she is out exploring God's creation with her family. Eryn is the author of 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting, which will be available in February of 2018. In this episode, you'll hear Eryn talk about the shift towards intentional parenting that happened when she and her husband were faced with the reality that they have only 936 weeks – from birth to 18 – with each of their three boys. She also shares about the process of writing her first book, including the ups and downs of trying to find the right publisher and how it felt to be told again and again that she didn't have the platform for a successful book. All the lessons along the way have given Eryn great perspective and some helpful tips for listeners who are wondering how to become a published author.   Want to chat more about today's show? Use the hashtag #DreamerChat54 to share your thoughts wherever you like to hang out online. If you need a question to spark the conversation, here's one for you: What has God taught you through rejection?   You'll find the show notes, links to resources mentioned, and ways to connect with Eryn, here: http://www.merrittonsa.com/podcast/54   Join the Devoted Dreamers Insiders Facebook Group to connect with other like-minded women in pursuit of their God-shaped dreams.   Apply for Free Coaching on The Devoted Dreamers Podcast.   Leave your review of the show on iTunes or Stitcher Subscribe on iTunes * Subscribe on Android