This Outside Life: Finding God in the Heart of Nature

by Laurie Ostby Kehler

Overview

Step Into Wonder

Has your breath ever caught at the sight of a sunset? Have you ever stopped in your tracks to listen to a birdsong? When was the last time you stood in awe of the world around you?
 
If it’s been so long you can’t remember, living life at a sprint might be leaving you nature blind. If you’re feeling stressed, disconnected from God, and disenchanted with life, this book will help you find solace for your scattered soul.
 
Through storytelling, practical application, and reflective questions, Laurie Kehler invites you on a journey of discovery to…

• escape the crazy and reset your spiritual compass to explore pathways of peace
• seek connections with nature and others—starting in your own backyard
• recognize God’s work in creation and in your life as you live in expectation of his promises

Are you ready to set out on a new kind of adventure? Consider this your trail guide for uncovering God’s signposts in the world and revealing his fingerprints on your life. 
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780736975797
Publisher:	Harvest House Publishers
Publication date:	03/12/2019
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	916,974
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.47(d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 18 Years

About the Author

Laurie Ostby Kehler’s passion for nature comes from years spent scuba diving in Palau, backpacking in Yosemite, ziplining in Canada, and swimming across Lake Tahoe. Laurie and her family live on the Northern California coast, exploring hiking trails and bike routes, always on the lookout for new discoveries.

Table of Contents

Why Nature Matters 7

1 All Creation Sings 15

2 White-Water Rafting 25

3 Adventure 33

4 Chipmunk 41

5 Wind 51

6 Compass 61

7 Falconry 69

8 Tick 81

9 Campfire 89

10 Survival 99

11 Great Horned Owl 107

12 Stars 115

13 Aroma 125

14 Fireflies 135

15 Fog 143

16 Starfish 151

17 Monarch 159

18 Bluebird 169

19 Mountain Lion 177

20 Zipline 187

21 Sunsets 197

Notes 205

Editorial Reviews

02/18/2019

Kehler (Advent Devotions for Busy Families), founder of the This Outside Life blog, reveals how she has connected to God through nature, whether deep in the wilderness or in her own backyard, in this peaceful meditation. Kehler begins by sharing stories from her travels; in her descriptions of scuba diving off the coast of Australia, camping in Sequoia National Park, or exploring the woods behind her North California home, Kehler teases out the spiritual qualities of each scene. While at times overwrought (“When I pluck a sun-warmed berry off the vine... I close my eyes in reverence.”) Kehler’s observations showcase her awe and deep appreciation for God’s natural creations. While no advice is offered, the key to enjoying the natural world for Kehler is discerning God’s subtle design. One highlight is her chapter on stars: “They may have been formed by gases and nuclear fusion in a big bang, but that doesn’t mean He didn’t set the forces in motion... I like to think of His hand scattering the confetti of brilliance across the carpet of sky.” Christian nature lovers will find this wonderfully readable set of musings to be enriching. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly