Nat Theo Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

3d ago

Why do adult axolotls look young? And how exactly do axolotls regrow body parts? We are diving deep into axolotl DNA and discovering how God designed these magnificent and mysterious amphibians. Here’s our trail map: Are There Still Axolotls in the Wild? How Do Axolotls Regrow Body Parts? Why Do Axolotls Never Grow Up? How Can We Grow Up In God? 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/0825448891 Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782 Episode Links: Try CTCMath for free and enjoy their 12-month money back guarantee: https://ctcmath.com/ Explore dinosaur books for kids by Master Books: Dinosaurs for Kids: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-for-kids-hardback-single Dinosaurs by Design: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-by-design Dinosaurs of Eden: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-of-eden-revised-hardback-single Master Books Dinosaur Bundle: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaur-basket Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club Free Axolotl Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-does-an-axolotl-regrow-body-parts/ Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask Some but not all resources used in research: Axolotl populations in the wild: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/1095/53947343#population Axolotl mRNA regeneration: https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2023/07/how-an-ultra-sensitive-on-off-switch-helps-axolotls-regrow-limbs.html#:~:text=Further%20experiments%20showed%20that%20axolotl,protein%20synthesis%20occurred%20during%20regeneration . (*mentions evolution) Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: “I tell you the truth, you must change and become like little children. Otherwise, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The greatest person in the kingdom of heaven is the one who makes himself humble like this child.” Matthew 18:3-4 (NCV) “When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode: Regenerate: To grow back or be made new after something is hurt, lost, or broken. RNA: Copies of DNA, instructions for building cells. mTOR: A tiny control switch inside cells that tells them when to grow, make and repair (by making new proteins) Paedomorphic: When an animal is grown up but still keeps baby or juvenile features. Neotenic: An animal grows up without losing its baby features because its body develops more slowly. It can be an adult (able to have babies) while still looking young. This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Dec 9

Why do giraffes have spots, and do those spots serve a purpose? Why are giraffes so tall, and do they get dizzy when they stand up? And how does being the tallest land animal help keep themselves and other animals on the savanna safe? Discover God’s amazing design in giraffes and how they show us excellent engineering in nature. Here’s our trail map: Does a Giraffe Get Dizzy? What Do Giraffes Teach Us About Engineering? Why Do Giraffes Have Spots? How Are Giraffes Like a Watchman? 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/0825448891 Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782 Episode Links: Apologia’s Zoology 3 Land Animals Course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-3-course-set/ Explore all of Apologia’s Zoology courses: https://www.apologia.com/subject/science/zoology Discover Apologia’s Christ-centered and award-winning curriculum: https://www.apologia.com/ Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club Free Giraffe Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/what-is-special-about-a-giraffes-heart/ Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, because you made all things. Everything existed and was made, because you wanted it.” Revelation 4:11 (NCV) “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24 (NIV) “I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well.” Psalm 139:14 (NCV) “Human, I now make you a watchman for Israel. Any time you hear a word from my mouth, warn them for me.” Ezekiel 3:17 (NCV) “If the Lord doesn’t build the house, the builders are working for nothing. If the Lord doesn’t guard the city, the guards are watching for nothing.” Psalm 127:1 (NCV) “I look up to the hills, but where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let you be defeated. He who guards you never sleeps.” Psalm 121:1-3 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode: Giraffidae: A family (category) of animals including giraffes and okapi. Heart Ventricles: Two chambers in the bottom of a heart that pump blood out of the heart into the rest of the body. Irreducible Complexity: Something has many parts, and needs all of those parts at the same time to keep working. If anything is removed, it will break. Thermoregulation: How an animal or person keeps their internal body temperature stable. Watchman: Someone who keeps a lookout for danger to protect others. This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Dec 2

How do wild horses find food and stay warm in winter? Discover God’s designs in domestic and wild horses. Uncover the secrets to their strength and how horse power points us to the much greater power of our Creator. Here’s our trail map: How Did God Design Horses to be Strong? Did God Make Horses to Help Humans? How Do Wild Horses Stay Warm? Should People Trust In Horses? 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/0825448891 Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782 Episode Links: Support Nat Theo: https://erynlynum.com/give Marvels of Creation Book Set by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/marvels-of-creation-3-book-pack Dinosaur Books by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/apologetics/dinosaurs Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/ Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club Free Horse Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-do-wild-horses-stay-warm-in-winter/ Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: “Job, are you the one who gives the horse its strength or puts a flowing mane on its neck? Do you make the horse jump like a locust? It scares people with its proud snorting. It paws wildly, enjoying its strength, and charges into battle. It laughs at fear and is afraid of nothing; it does not run away from the sword.” Job 39:19-22 (NCV) “Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image and likeness. And let them rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the tame animals, over all the earth, and over all the small crawling animals on the earth.’ So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female. God blessed them and said, “Have many children and grow in number. Fill the earth and be its master. Rule over the fish in the sea and over the birds in the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28 (NCV) “You put them in charge of everything you made. You put all things under their control: all the sheep, the cattle, and the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that lives under water. Lord our Lord, your name is the most wonderful name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:6-9 (NCV) “The godly care for their animals…” Proverbs 12:10 (NLT) “Horses can’t bring victory; they can’t save by their strength.” Psalm 33:17 (NCV) “You can get the horses ready for battle, but it is the Lord who gives the victory.” Proverbs 21:31 (NCV) “Some trust in chariots, others in horses, but we trust the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode: Muscle: A stretchy part inside a body that can tighten and pull. Muscles help parts of the body move or stay still. Extensor Muscles : A group of connected muscles that run along the top of a horse from its neck and along its back to its tail. Flexor Muscles: The group of connected muscles beneath a horse’s spine. Biomechanics: The study of how living things move like machines. Sebaceous Gland: Tiny glands in a horse’s skin that create oil (called sebum) to protect their skin and hair. This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Dec 1

What is it like in the Nat Theo studio? Are there monkeys swinging around, tanks of exotic fish, or fancy lighting? We're going behind the scenes and sharing what it's like (and what it takes) to make Nat Theo happen. We are also sharing an exciting goal for 2026 and inviting you on the adventure! Finally, we are answering questions from curious listeners. Give a one-time or monthly gift. Every gift goes directly toward producing Nat Theo and reaching more families in 2026: https://erynlynum.com/give Please note: Nat Theo is not set up as a non-profit and gifts are not tax-deductible.

Nov 25

Have you ever wondered how sharp a lion’s teeth are? Or why lions have to hunt and how do they do it? Discover God’s designs in lions including how they work together in prides, care for lion cubs, and what they can teach us about God’s grace in a fallen world. Here’s our trail map: Where Do Lions Live? How Do Lions Raise Families Together? How Sharp Are Lion’s Teeth? How Can We Glimpse God’s Goodness In Carnivores? 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/0825448891 Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782 Episode Links: Grab your copy of Wonders of Creation and discover God’s designs in a fallen world: https://www.masterbooks.com/wonders-of-creation Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/ Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club Free Lion Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/how-sharp-are-a-lions-teeth/ Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: “God said, ‘Look, I have given you all the plants that have grain for seeds and all the trees whose fruits have seeds in them. They will be food for you. I have given all the green plants as food for every wild animal, every bird of the air, and every small crawling animal.’ And it happened.” Genesis 1:29-30 (NCV) “Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence.” Genesis 6:11 (NIV) “Everything that moves, everything that is alive, is yours for food. Earlier I gave you the green plants, but now I give you everything for food.” Genesis 9:3 (NCV) “Then wolves will live in peace with lambs, and leopards will lie down to rest with goats. Calves, lions, and young bulls will eat together, and a little child will lead them. Cows and bears will eat together in peace. Their young will lie down to rest together. Lions will eat hay as oxen do.” Isaiah 11:6-7 (NCV) “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone.” Revelation 21:4 (NCV) Terms Learned in This Episode: Sub-Saharan Africa: The large area of Africa made up of many countries that is south of the Saharan Desert. Asiatic Lion: A protected species of lion living in the Gir Forest of western India. Lion Pride : A family group of lions that lives together—usually related females and their cubs, plus one to a few adult males—who share food, protect each other, and defend their territory. Lioness: A female lion. Matrilineal: A family system where related females (mothers, daughters, sisters) stay together and pass the family group on through the mother’s side. Allomothering: When females other than a baby’s own mother help care for it. Canine Teeth: A set of four long, sharp teeth lions use for gripping and holding onto prey. Carnassial Teeth: Sharp molar teeth lions use for shearing meat. Obligate Carnivore: Animals that rely on meat for the nutrition they need. They must eat meat. This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Nov 18

Have you ever heard of the “Unicorn of the Sea”? Discover how the narwhal inspired the unicorn myth, why its long tusk is so special, and what happens when this Arctic whale faces danger and experiences “brain freeze.” Just like narwhals can panic when threatened, we can feel overwhelmed too—but God gives us peace and clear minds as we trust Him. Here’s our trail map: Are Narwhals Unicorns of the Sea? What Is a Narwhal’s Horn? Can a Narwhal Get a Brain Freeze? How Can We Stay Calm When Scary Things Happen? 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/0825448891 Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782 Episode Links: Grab your copy of Wonders of Creation and discover God’s designs in a fallen world: https://www.masterbooks.com/wonders-of-creation Explore books, curriculum, and resources by Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/ Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club Free Narwhal Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/narwhal-facts/ Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and there was no sea anymore… The One who was sitting on the throne said, ‘Look! I am making everything new!’” Revelation 21:1, 5 (NCV) “For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLV) “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) Terms Learned in This Episode: Cetaceans: Scientific order (category) of mammals including whales, dolphins and porpoises. Marine Mammal: Mammals (warm-blooded, have hair or fur, breathe air through lungs, and feed their babies with milk) that live in or near the ocean for their whole lives. Unihemispheric Sleep: When a creature allows part of its brain to rest while the other part of its brain is still active and alert. Nerve Endings: End points of nerves that send messages from different parts of the body to the brain to tell it what is being felt. Panic: When someone suddenly feels very scared or worried and has trouble thinking clearly about what to do. Disorientated: When someone feels confused about where they are or which way to go. Some (but not all) sources used in researching: History of unicorn myth and narwhals: https://www.cshwhalingmuseum.org/blog/from-narwhals-to-unicorns Narwhal Tusks: https://whalescientists.com/narwhals-tusk Narwhal Tusks: https://oceanographicmagazine.com/ Narwhal Tusks: https://www.britannica.com/science/What-Does-a-Narwhal-Use-Its-Horn-For This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.

Nov 12

What is it like hovering in the water above countless hammerhead sharks? Or raising baby corals in aquariums? Or scuba diving at night beneath the moonlight? Dr. Robert Carter from Creation Ministries International shares what it’s like (and what it takes!) to honor God as a scientist and professional diver on this special guest episode. 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/0825448891 Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782 Episode Links: Creation Ministries International: https://creation.com Grow together in faith, wonder, and wisdom with Master Books: https://www.masterbooks.com/ Explore Apologia’s award-winning courses and classes: https://www.apologia.com/ Free Coral Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/coral-reef-facts/ Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask This podcast contains paid advertisements.

Nov 11

Is coral a plant or animal? Discover the incredible ways God designed coral to build itself and create entire underwater communities. Joining us is coral ecologist Dr. Robert Carter who works with Creation Ministries International. Let’s dive in and learn about these amazing mystery creatures! Here’s our trail map: What Is a Coral? How is a Coral Different From a Coral Reef? How Does a Coral Build Its Own Home? What Important Work Did God Give Corals to Do? What Do Coral Reefs Teach Us About Hospitality? 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/0825448891 Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615 936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782 Episode Links: Creation Ministries International: https://creation.com Apologia’s Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day course: https://www.apologia.com/shop/zoology-2-course-set Explore Apologia’s award-winning courses and classes: https://www.apologia.com/ Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/ Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videos Get full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/club Free Coral Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/coral-reef-facts/ Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/ask Scriptures Referenced in This Episode: “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 (NLT) “When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 (NCV) This podcast episode contains paid advertisements.