Raccoons teach us how to adapt to scary and uncertain times. While most of us just think they are cute and wash their food, they can teach us so much more about adapting to new landscapes in our lives.

Head to the website to add your thoughts to the "Nature Insights" session here: https://LaurieKehler.com/raccoon. Learn from others how to see God in nature more!

A last minute gift guide for the nature lover!

Whether it's the holidays, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day or a birthday, sometimes we need a gift QUICK. And we want it to be cost-effective, nature-focused, and original. This list of ideas will serve you well.

Some of these ideas are DIY, some are small but useful, and some are free!

(You can download the free bird-themed planner at: Lauriekehler.com/birdplanner)

Happy Gifting!

We all use a compass in life, whether we realize it or not.

In this podcast I read the Compass chapter from my latest book, This Outside Life - Finding God in the Heart of Nature. I really love this chapter because I think it’s so relatable. Both for me, and people I meet who are seeking direction for their lives.

View the website page for more details here.

There are many tips and tricks out there to plan your perfect garden. And this is the best time of year to do so! Catalogs abound with delightful offerings.

I talk about what a perfect garden looks like, sources for creating one, and what a perfect life looks like. (I don't think you'll be surprised—you already know this!)

Make sure to download the free resource for planning your perfect garden at www.LaurieKehler.com/perfectgarden.

Do you feel comfortable approaching God? Do you think He wants to hear from you?

Learn about the bold little chickadee—about whom Emerson said was a, "scrap of valor" for his bravery. And how this little bird is the most likely to eat out of your hand! You'll also learn how to support these small little birds during the winter so they survive the tough conditions.

We then talk about how the Bible says we can approach God boldly. And why this is true. Plus, download a free poster to remind you to be confident before God.

Peck, Peck, Peck. It's just so darn easy and fun to do! And I've noticed it's easiest to peck at the people we don't even know. Maybe they've made a big stand on social media about a moral issue you don't agree with. Maybe they seem to be absolutely flouting God's word and darn it, it really bothers you.

Take for example, the “Christian Kardashians” of our world. They're incredibly famous, they have huge followings, they get a lot of screen time, and they are guests on everyone's blog and podcast. But some of their views can be extremely polarizing. It's hard not to peck!

But then my husband, Tom said,

Ouch! So, we explore that word, orthodoxy. And I talk about how Jesus felt about the church leaders' orthodoxy. (Hint: read Matthew 35: 31-46). This verse pretty much deals with how we should treat those we don't agree with on social media, in the pulpit, in Washington.

And by the end, you'll see why the chicken crossed the road!

Today we are talking about aromas. Favorite smells. Like coffee brewing, bacon on a cold morning, lilacs in spring, and the top of a baby's head. Heavenly aromas!

Everyone has their favorite smells, and so does God. We will talk about the science of smell , and why aromas trigger memories. And why dogs can smell so much better than us, and how aromas can tell us whether we are lost or found. And how we can be the fragrance of Christ, even while playing ping pong.

Parts of this topic are from my book, This Outside Life: Finding God in the Heart of Nature.

God has your name inscribed on the palm of His hands. And it's not the name that kids have teased you with. It's not the name your family gave you, or the name you call yourself ("I'm such an idiot.") We talk about the power of your name, the power of His name, and the Red-Winged Blackbird.

Read the podcast notes on the blog/podcast page at: LaurieKehler.com/red-winged-blackbird.