Nothing calms my anxiety as well as a walk on a tree covered trail. To see the beauty of flowers in bloom makes me appreciate all that God creates. Spotting a red tailed hawk or seeing geese land on a pond lifts my spirits.
I have experienced God's presence way more intensely while out in nature than in a church. I have had deep prayer time listening to a river flow or walking a trail. To me, there is restorative power in getting out in nature that I cannot find anywhere else.
Sometimes just looking at the beauty of the petunias in my pot on my patio (say that fast five times) is enough for me to know that I am richly blessed and God has so many gifts waiting for me just out my door. I know dear reader that some of you live in cities that maybe were not planned with access to nature in mind or maybe your health makes a hike too big of a task, but think all of us in one way or another can find a way to enjoy nature in some form. How do you connect with nature? Camping? A garden? A climb up a mountain? Sitting on a porch and watching a storm move in? Let me know in the comments and leave your email address. I will be giving away five pre-release copies of Double Protection Duty which is part of the Dakota K-9 series. I hope you have a chance to get out today and see all the beauty God has gifted to us.
I will be giving away more copies of Double Protection Duty and other books in my newsletter in the coming months. You can sign up to receive a copy at my website www.sharondunnbooks.net.
Sharon Dunn
I love looking up at the sky! I enjoy the changing clouds and the colors of all the seasons. God does grace us with such beauty all around. ceedee1958@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteso true.
DeleteGrowing up on - and still living on- the family farm nature and God’s provision is a deep part of my life. Cropping, gardening, hiking in mountains or walking trail along the lake His amazing creative power is always evident. Indeed the rocks do cry out in witness! Becca1290- at yahoo
ReplyDeletesounds like a beautiful place to live.
DeleteAdorable cover!
ReplyDeleteCamping and hiking! We are an outdoors family - enjoy exploring new places and being in awe of God's creation!
kykla99ATgmailDOTcom
I would love to win it and review it. Jane jrs0350@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteMorning walks every morning. cheetahthecat1982ATgmailDOTcom
ReplyDeleteI like hiking. Nice cover. It sounds like a really interesting book.
ReplyDeletedianah7272 at gmail dot com
I have a garden,. Taking a long walk.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed Your books for years ! Thank You ! GOD BLESS !
ReplyDeleteHi, Sharon! Glad you enjoy getting out in nature for wonderful walks. We, also, enjoy walking often at Arrowstone Park, about a 1.8 mile trail, along the Clark Fork River, Deer Lodge, MT. We see a variety of ducks, wild birds, and sometimes deer there, where we (as a pastor and pastor's wife team) give out Gospel tracts, if people are open to receive them. I've always enjoyed your books, as they have a ring of authenticity, and also have that needed, important thread of prayer, and strong godly storyline. Would love to win a print copy of your newest book! Thank you for the opportunity! May God continue to encourage and bless you! Lual Krautter Email: krautter62520AToutlookDOTcom
ReplyDeletehiking
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Great combination - I LOVE K-9 stories and I LOVE your books! Can't wait for the opportunity to read DOUBLE PROTECTION DUTY.
ReplyDeleteAlready subscribed to your newsletter. :)
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Just being outside is a joy. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity alysap at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeletei am looking forward to Double Protection Duty
ReplyDeletedelighted to hear that. It a great book that is part of a good series.
DeleteI live in a small Southern town--& when my doctor advised me--several times--that I needed to exercise every day--I was reluctant. No walking trails. The highway in front of my house goes from 55 to 35 to 15--but of course, it seems like drivers go from 0 to 60 in 5 seconds flat. So, I started walking in my back yard. And I have noticed so many things! Cracks in the soil from lack of rain. Brown dying trees. Daffodils blooming (in Feb. & Mar.) in unusual places. Recently a neighbor pushed back the kudzu covered trees on one side of the yard. And I discovered even more. A black walnut tree. A Rose of Sharon bush. Deer nibbling on grass, then rushing to hide--under/behind the kudzu. I am making my own walking trail--while watching for snakes, stumps & rocks in the ground. I've discovered a new world--that was always there--but unexplored.
ReplyDeleteI love being out in nature too, prayer comes so easily when taking in God’s handiwork. I am grateful to have access to plenty of parks and hiking trails around me! My favorite thing to do is take my cup of tea and a book and sit on my porch swing and just feel the breeze and listen to the birds. Khodde95@icloud.com
ReplyDeleteWe live on 4 acres where I have a horse and a dog. In the past we had many animals to care for. Caring for my animals makes me get outside several times a day. First thing in the morning I hear the birds singing and listen to the other sounds of nature. This helps me start the day appreciating how God cares for all of his creation. At night, I look up into the sky to see the stars and thank God for the day.
ReplyDeleteDue to being handicapped and in a wheelchair, I do not get out much. I enjoy sitting at my kitchen table and looking out the door. We have open spaces across the alley, behind us and across the street. We also feed the stray cats. That brings the groundhog, raccoon, oppossum and birds to the porch. Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you. dpruss@prodigy.net
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your coming release! I totally agree with you that don't underestimate the restorative power of the nature!! I am so happy that you are blessed with easy access to the nature from your home!
ReplyDeleteI walk with my neighbor around our community a few times a week. We always stop and admire some neighbors' gardens and lemon tress (sometimes we would pick some of those lemons), the beautiful sky - especially the sunset, and bird chirpings! I always count my blessings!
cwkuen(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love going for walks around my little neighborhood seeing all the pretty flowers, but mostly I love to sit out on my deck with a book and my little fur baby curled up beside me. It’s beautiful, peaceful and calming and I don’t know why, but it’s like a bird sanctuary out there. Hundreds of birds of all kinds are constantly flying by, Robin, Blue Birds, RedBirdss, you name it. Then every now and then a male and female duck waddle by on their way back to their pond. I agree with you there’s nothing quite like nature to give your mind, body and soul a restorative power and sense of peace. jeannek330@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSitting outside watching my grands play and listening to storms.
ReplyDeleteI live in Las Vegas, so getting in nature takes a little more intention. But we have a gorgeous view of the mountains from our house and sunsets can be incredible! Anywhere we go, I often point out the beauty in God's creation to my 5 yr old daughter.
ReplyDeleteHeather Mitchell crhbmitchellfam@duck.com