Finding Hope in the Gift of Nature
Illustrations by Matthew Kondratieff
Nature Writings / Outdoors / Creation Study / Spiritual Growth
A delightful mix of natural history, human story, and God’s glory. Each chapter “unwraps” one object of nature such as the barnacle, the honey bee, the tiniest seed. As readers peer within these gifts, they discover more of nature, God, and themselves. Heeding technology’s cry to “get connected” can result in overloaded circuits of the mind. Frenetic connections can cause frazzled lives. Step outside to cultivate a connection with creation and deepen your relationship with the Creator.
For individuals, families and groups who enjoy learning about creation and getting to know the Creator better through the wonders he has made, and those looking for hope in a hectic world. It will help restore the reader’s soul. Each chapter includes:
- The Wonder Introduced — through anecdote, natural history, or life story.
- The Wonder Unwrapped — minute hidden details revealed and explained in everyday terms.
- The Wonder Applied — Practical, spiritual lessons for daily living.
- Promise of Hope — Relevant Scripture to inspire hope.
- “Wondercise” — A short, hands-on nature activity designed to awaken heart, mind and soul to the wonder of creation and give praise to the Creator.
Carol O’Casey calls herself a Wonder-ologist. She writes from a rich background as a field biologist, teacher, and pastor’s wife. She lives in Oregon and has three children. Carol earned a B.S. in Marine Biology from California State University, Long Beach, and a M.S. in Biology from California State University, San Bernardino. She has spent years in the field cataloging plants high in the mountains of Southern California and mucking through mud monitoring shorebirds in Washington. She has taught science to college students and sixth graders.
Paperback / 6″ x 9″ / 224 pp / ISBN: 9780981892986
Buy Now $17.99
REVIEWS:
“[T]he perfect gift for men, women, or families who want to dig a little deeper into discovering the Creator through the beautiful world around us. One of my favorite parts of the book comes at the end of the chapter called “Wondercise” where you experience each wonder firsthand. The only thing needed for each activity is a notebook and a writing utensil. These special end of chapter exercises help to stimulate the child in all of us and heighten the powers of observation by restoring your natural sense of wonder and awe at the world around us..”
− Jacquelin Caffey, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, December, 2016
“A gem of a book…. Carol O’Casey’s use of metaphors that link the nuances of nature to our spiritual growth makes this a self-enriching treasure and a wonderful book for meaningful group studies.”
− Kim Patten, Ph.D, professor, Washington State University
“From the perspective of a person who has always been fascinated by the details of nature (God’s design and workmanship are astounding), I recommend this book to anyone who needs to slow down and be reminded of this amazing planet we get to live on.”
− Michelle Myers, photographer, hiker, nature enthusiast, BA in Environmental Studies
“Carol O’Casey beckons us to consider the wonders of God’s creation. To savor, to relish, to partake, to revel in: in this hurried life do we make the time to do such things? Take up the challenge. Each chapter is an event well worth it.”
− Dennis Ellingson, retired pastor and author of God’s Healing Herbs and God’s Wild Herbs
