Take a Hike!

Would you like to take a hike with God? You can! Any time you hike through the woods or take a stroll around the block, God is with you. Let’s take a look at some of the amazing things God has created. Grab this magazine, a notebook, and some colored pencils. Walk through your neighborhood, or ask your mom or dad to take you to a park. Follow the suggestions below—and have fun!

Can’t go outside? Cuddle up on a comfy couch and imagine that you are walking with God anywhere in the world!

Tons of Trees
Pick out a large tree that stands out to you. What kind of tree is it? What do its leaves look like? Draw a picture of this tree in your notebook. Trace around the edges of a single leaf and then color it in, if you like.

Isaiah 55:12 says, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Perhaps trees clap their hands as their branches sway in the wind. Everything in God’s creation can “clap” their hands in praise to God—including you!

Cool Tree Facts: Did you know that trees are the longest-living organisms on earth? The world’s oldest trees are Bristlecone pine trees. Some are of them are around 4,600 years old!

On Cloud Nine
Look up into the sky. Do you see any clouds? If so, what do they look like? Are they big and fluffy? Thin and flat? Draw a picture of what you see. If there are no clouds, then draw a few giant marshmallow clouds! Exodus 13:21 talks about how God guided the people of Israel to the Promised Land in a pillar of cloud during the day. Imagine what this magnificent cloud must have looked like. Then draw a picture in your notebook.

Cool Cloud Facts: Clouds form when water rises to the sky and collects in the form of white or gray clouds. If we didn’t have clouds, we would never have rain, snow, hail, or sleet!

Interesting Insects
Now it’s time to stop for a minute and take a closer look at the ground. See any interesting bugs? Look how fast they go! Choose one insect to sketch in your notebook. Most insects are very small but very strong and fast. Proverbs 6:7 highlights the ant: “It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” The next time you have to clean your room, think of the hard-working ant!

Cool Ant Facts: Ants can lift 20 times their own body weight—that’s quite a load! Ants usually live for around 45 to 60 days.

Beautiful Birds
As you continue your hike with God, try to find a bird flying in the sky or perched in a tree. What kind of bird is it? What color is it? Draw a picture of your new feathered friend in your notebook. Matthew 6:26 reminds us that Jesus loves us much more than anything in creation: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” We are much more important than a small bird, in God’s eyes. So if God provides food for the birds of the sky, then he will definitely take care of us!

Cool Bird Facts: The smallest bird egg is a humming bird’s egg—it’s about the size of a pea. The biggest bird egg belongs to the Ostrich—its egg can be as large as a cantaloupe!

A Solid Rock
Keep your eyes peeled for a smooth stone that fits in your hand, and draw a picture of the rock you have chosen. Psalm 18:2 describes God as a rock. Just as a rock is strong and firm, God is strong and will protect us. Take your rock home with you as a reminder of God’s strength!

Cool Rock Facts: Igneous rocks are formed from magma—really hot liquid from volcanoes! Sedimentary rocks are formed from dirt and sand that is pressed together over a long period of time.

After you’ve finished your hike with God, write him a letter in your notebook. Thank God for the amazing things in creation that remind us of the many ways he loves us and takes care of us!