This Outside Life: Finding God in the Heart of Nature

by Laurie Ostby Kehler

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… 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. 
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christian, Christian Non Fiction, Nature

208 pages, Paperback

Published March 12, 2019

About the author

Laurie Kehler's passion for nature comes from years spent scuba diving in Australia, backpacking in Yosemite, ziplinging in Canada, and swimming across Lake Tahoe.

Laurie wants to help sojourners who are disenchanted with life and disconnected from God find solace for their scattered soul.

Reviews

[Vivi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of practical wisdom about the spiritual way of life connected with anecdotes from nature. I'm giving this book only 3 stars because I thought it would be about how we can find God in nature. It dealt with this partly - finding spiritual truths in nature, but those truths seemed a bit randomly thrown together. I wanted to read a book that was exclusively about how nature can show us more about the Lord and how we can practice to open our eyes more to his creation and his wonders.

[BooksNCrannies · Rating 3 out of 5]

"[S]tep outside and find the heart of God in nature. He spoke the world into existence and He continues to speak through His creation.... Just step outdoors, breath deep, and fall in love with this outside life."

✏️ Review ✏️

This Outside Life brings elements of nature into a new light. By artistically drawing parallels from nature, Laurie Kehler reveals just how much it can teach us about God, practical living, and keeping a positive outlook on life. Some of these parallels, though, weren't as connected with nature as I would have liked to have seen but are still practical to learn from. The practicality and personal feel of the writing and the tactful use of anecdotes make for some engaging reading. There is so much good advice and helpful lessons you can learn from reading this. No matter if you love spending time in nature or not, This Outside Life will be sure to outfit you with a fresh view of the outside world and a revived desire to explore God's wonderful creation.

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📊 A Quick Overview 📊

👍🏼 What I Liked:
•The practicality of the parallels drawn from nature.
•The sprinkling of storytelling here and there.
•The amount of inspirational and motivational blurbs that can be pulled out of this book

👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
•Some of the parallels weren't as connected with nature as I would have liked.

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📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3/5)
~Fundamentals {Nonfiction Version}: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📑 Didactics: 3/5

— 📝 Writing: 4/5

— 👀 Engagement: 3/5

— 🧩 Clarity: 3.5/5

~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)

— 🤬 Language: 0/5

— ⚔️ Violence: 0/5

— ⚠️ Sexual: 1/5

•There are some mentions of rape and sexual abuse.

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📣 Random Comments 📣

•(None)

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💬 Favorite Quotes 💬

•(Too many to list.)

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This Outdoor Life” by Laurie Kehler is a new release from Harvest House publishers.  As you can see from the subtitle “Finding God in the Heart of Nature”, this book is a treasure trove metaphors between God and His Creation.

“This Outdoor Life” is packed with ideas for you and/or your family and friends to study the character of God through the physical world He has given us.  I would particularly recommend this book to parents who would like to find ways for their kids to be more involved outdoors.

One thing I noticed about “This Outdoor Life”, is that it tends to amplify the verses in the Bible that say humans are sinners in need of forgiveness.  This is, of course, completely true.  However, I felt this book could have put more emphasis on those other verses in the Bible that portray humans as made in God’s image, and as His beloved Sons and Daughters.  The verses about sin without accompanying verses of love and value made the book feel a little dismal at times.

That being said, much of the text is also uplifting, affirming, and insightful, and I love the way that the author brings characteristics of God to life through nature and the world around us that we can taste, smell, see, touch, and hear.  Laurie Kehler’s godly passion for the natural world is evident in practically every page, and I believe this book will serve as a springboard for countless adventures as it passes through the hands of many people who will enjoy it.

This book was provided courtesy of Harvest House Publishers, in exchange for my honest review.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From stars to bluebirds to sunsets to fireflies and more, this is a beautifully written book full of reminders of the creations of God and His love for us. The author shares personal experiences with nature. Questions for discussion and thought are offered at the end of each chapter. After reading this book, I have a new appreciation for nature. Great read and great to give as a gift. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Natalie Ogbourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In This Outside Life, Laurie Kehler highlights the connection between creation and the life we live as Christians. She blends personal stories, facts, and spiritual insight to point the reader to consider their own spiritual life. Her passion for both the outdoors and her faith shines. I'm so grateful to find a book with this perspective and message on the market.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! There is nothing like getting outside and seeing and hearing all of God's beautiful creation. This book is well written and a book I will read more than once. Thank you Harvest House Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We know God is the Creator of all things but how often do we really stop to really look at all that He has created? I her book, Laurie, takes the time to do this in beautiful word prose. Each chapter delves into a specific story about nature. She also includes both personal and Biblical applications as well as discussion questions. Each story is beautifully detailed and makes you feel as if you were a part of it. Even if you’re not an outdoorsy person, seeing the beauty through Laurie’s eyes is an amazing experience. I enjoyed traveling places I’ll probably never see otherwise and doing things I’m pretty sure I’ll never choose to do for myself through the lens of her experiences. Go ahead, take a walk on the wild side and “see” God’s creation for the majestic miracle it is.

[SJ Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I'm not an outdoorsy kind of person, meaning- I've never gone on a long Mountain Hikes, or water rafted. I've just barely stuck my toe in nature, with walks in the woods or sitting by the lake watching the sun glisten on the water. But this book reminded me I can to be filled in the aww of God every time I step outside if I just pay attention. I highly recommend this book to everyone searching for peace and joy in their daily lives. I released a sigh of happiness as I read each chapter.

[Kayla Hunley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jumped around and wasn't quite what I was expecting. More about her personal stories and less about how to see God in nature. Didn't connect to scripture nearly as much as I had hoped. This seemed best for a newer believer.

[Ginger Hudock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Outside Life is a very interesting and thought provoking book. I am a thoughtful Christian who loves taking walks at the beach or here at home in SC, but I don’t know a lot about biology or nature. Every chapter in this book gives a story about nature as well as Biblical and personal applications related to the chapter’s topic. In one engrossing chapter, Laurie tells about a dive trip in Australia where she got lost because her compass was set for the northern hemisphere. This leads to a comparison with Christians who know where to go for direction (the Bible) but do not. Because I am a singer, the first chapter was one of my favorites. Laurie explains the singing capabilities of a number animals including humpback whales, birds, insects and others. She notes that God gave them the ability to sing because it please and delighted him. Likewise, we should voice our gratitude in word and song. Another chapter talks about the “greed” of chipmunks versus the real greed of many people. I really enjoyed the writing style in this book as well as the comparisons between the natural world and people. This book is highly recommended for any nature lover.

This book was provided courtesy of Harvest House Publishers, in exchange for my honest review.

[Kristi Clemow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the structure and pacing of this book - it was not what I thought it would be - but still I enjoyed it. The author takes examples from nature and life to draw us closer to God and challenge our own walk with God. A good book to go back to from time to time for a refresher.

[Lauren Prezzano · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked up this book, I planned to learn more about God’s marvelous creation; what I didn’t expect, was to be deeply challenged by my faith in the best way. Laurie Kehler does a remarkable job of teaching us more about God’s creation, while also integrating gripping stories with scripture references. I throughly enjoyed this book and will be purchasing copies for others!

[Kelly Catlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Outside Life: Finding God in the Heart of Nature was a surprise for me. I had read a couple of other books about connecting the outdoors with God and creation, but this book was different. Kehler makes comparisons and teaches us lessons we may have never known in nature that are wonderful! Her writing style flows nicely and is like having a conversation or listening to a friend describe the experiences they have had in the great outdoors. Some of these observations are little things that we just don't take time to notice. Other experiences are quite exciting like white-water rafting and the exhilarating feeling of flying out of the raft into the freezing, swift current. One of my favorite chapters was titled "Chipmunk" and the comparison made that we like to stuff our lives with things we really don't need. "While I find their overstuffed cheeks adorable and their hoarding habits admirable, it's not so cute when humans do it." Other chapters I enjoyed was "Falconry," and how it challenges us to commit to something. In the Zipline chapter I liked the quote, "Enjoy the ride because God's got this. He can hold you. . ." This is a great book for reading here and there, on the go, because each chapter is a distinct topic. Put this one on your summer reading list! My thanks to the author for the advanced reader copy and the thoughts here are my own.

[Pat J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love nature, but not enough to become an expert in any area. I love being out in God’s creation, but don’t know enough to truly appreciate what I'm experiencing. I love nature, but not enough to become addicted to any aspect of it. I see God in nature, but generally with a very broad brush.

Laurie Kehler, on the other hand, loves nature and digs deep to understand not only the obvious, but also the hidden details. “This Outside Life” is a beautifully poetic book filled with surprising and informative tidbits on 21 different aspects of creation. But it doesn’t stop there. In each chapter, Kehler weaves in spiritual and personal applications that allow us to see God more clearly. This book is a wonderful example of Eph. 3:10 where Paul talks about the “manifold wisdom of God.” The word for “manifold” in the Greek means diverse, intricate, multi-colored, poly-variegated.” We think we understand God and then we learn something new. That’s what Kehler does in this book. You think you understand stars, but she shows you something startling and wonderful. You’re interested in whales, but here you learn something fresh. You don’t like ticks, but did you know….?

This is a book anyone who loves nature, but especially for folks who love God but don’t find him in the institutional church. For folks whose spirits soar outside.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Harvest House Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. I was initially drawn to this book because of the name: This Outside Life: Finding God in the Heart of Nature. I am a huge believer in the value of regularly being outside (and personally, I feel closest to God when in nature!) The introduction highlights God's character which can be seen throughout every aspect of nature; we are encouraged to slow down and take notice. Kehler's book is a standout to me - it's a unique outdoor commentary that combines personal experience with God's Word. I enjoyed the ending section of each chapter where the author provides further discussion questions regarding the specific topic. There were a few grammatical errors that I marked; however, Kehler is a beautiful writer who notices the details many of us have failed to see. I recommend this book for anyone who desires to slow down to 'stop and smell the roses' (so to speak!) There is so much God is ready to reveal to you as you get outdoors and seek Him!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know, I somehow managed to download this book by accident. But it was a happy mistake because I ended up enjoying it quite a bit! I had a little trouble getting started but eventually found her format to be somewhat similar to Gift From the Sea. The author focused each chapter on one aspect of nature- wind, bluebirds, starfish- and after giving us some facts, she skillfully directed our attention to spiritual insights. I learned a lot of science, which was an unexpected bonus. The best gift, however, was the application part of the chapter. Taking our spiritual lessons and learning to apply them in our life is an ongoing journey. The questions at the end of each chapter were well considered and would enable this book to be adapted for bible study or small groups.
I want to thank the author, the publisher and Netgalley for this advance copy. I'm happy to find a new author who speaks to my heart and I look forward to reading more of her works.

[Ashley Bartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This Outside Life” is so timely, as our time outdoors dwindles, replaced with screen time and climbing rates of anxiety and ADHD. Laurie Kehler offers inspiration through her stories of lessons learned from her adventures in nature, as well as encouragement to be mindful of the world around us, appreciating the lessons we can draw from parallels in nature. She has included thoughtful prompts at the end of each chapter, from reflecting on our own personal adventures and memories, to tackling clutter, to cultivating hope. Her suggestions are applicable and realistic and do not involve a grandiose lifestyle change; even small adjustments can make an impact. Thank you, Laurie, for this breath of fresh air!

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book invites the reader on a journey of discovery using nature and the outdoors to draw closer to God. It helps you to seek connections with nature. The chapter that stocks most with me was about the Monarch. It talks about the vulnerability of the Monarchs and how we have lost approximately 90% of the Monarch population. The author then ties this to the vulnerable population of young woman to human trafficking and even in some communities where children are being bullied. Just like we need to create waystatuon for the monarch maybe we can be a waystation for the vulnerable people in our community. Very good book. Read this book to find out the other signs of nature used to draw closer to God.

[Debra Southern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nowhere, do we see, hear, smell, or taste God, then through being outdoors. In this book, chapter upon chapter, from her adventures with scuba diving, wind, chipmunks, fireflies, etc... Laurie not only talks about her love of outdoor adventures, (in which she describes some of them in educating details) she shows how God is there among all of it. In her stories and that of others, she opens a whole new way of relating with God, the Creator of the great outdoors. And at the end of every chapter she invites you through questions to reflect upon that relationship.

[Amanda Andrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way the author weaves together stories from her own outdoor adventures, facts about nature, and spiritual insights and encouragement. She has experienced outdoor adventures that many of us only dream of, but she also shares more accessible examples of encountering God while walking in the woods or gardening. This book left me inspired to get outside more, and it taught me a lot I didn't know about God's incredible creation.

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Outside Life by Laurie Kehler is a wonderful exploration of how God works through nature. The Scriptures are full of references to nature and how it expresses God's glory. This book is a wonderful reminder to stop and soak it all in. This is a book to savor and enjoy. I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Elizabeth Prata · Rating 3 out of 5]

fine. nothing earth shattering. A bit too liberal for me. The chapter where she recounts her husband explaining to her about the Big Bang caused me to rethink reading it at all. The Big Bang contradicts Genesis 1. You can muse upon God's creation all you want but if he isn't the God of the Bible, then what good is all this musing?

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really gentle book and a delight to send me off to sleep at night with beautiful thoughts and pictures in my head. I enjoyed the stories from the author's life as well as the questions for reflection at the end of each chapter.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning about different outdoor things, coupled with the author's experiences and how it connected to the Bible. It made me want to experience the outdoors more than I already do.

[Katherine Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Outside Life by Laurie Kehler is a beautifully written book about nature and our faith and the importance of seeing God's glory in creation all around us. Laurie has lived a very adventurous life full of travel, of which I find myself jealous of at times (in all honesty) because it sure sounds fun! From the fireflies and birds and sunsets and more, there was a lot to explore. She was also very knowledgeable about topics related to different birds and animals and their habits as well as the importance of varieties of plants in certain regions, while ultimately relating it to the personal through experiences and to the faith through anecdotes. There is nothing like being outside in God's creation, and Laurie gives you the eyes to see it through this proper lens. Just pay attention to creation around you - God's glory in full display! It was very well written. There are also discussion questions and biblical applications at the end of each chapter to further your learning about different phenomenon as well as to bolster your faith. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the book to review (years ago - finally sitting down to write!)

[Kevin Sandell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed being outdoors, and my mood, attitude, and zest for life skyrocket when I'm outside on a beautiful day. This book painted a new picture of outside life for me, and Laurie does such a good job of tying aspects of the outdoor life to our Christian walk with God.

These are the lessons from the book:
-"Forest bathing" in Japanese means immersing yourself into nature, and letting your five senses take over.
-Take note of all the beauty that surrounds us. God wants all of us to surrender to his glory.
-Focus on the Who, not the what of your circumstances. God is in control.
-Lots of things about animals and their weird habits or features. God designed each of them to remind us about a certain aspect He wants us to remember about Him and his kingdom.

This book would make an excellent gift or resource for those looking for a new way of looking at God's creation. I will recommend it to my church and friends!

[Carly Wiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a wonderful book all about the gift of nature told through various experiences, such as beholding a sunset, witnessing the beauty of fireflies, or the mystery of an eagle. I love being around nature, but I am not as brave as author Laurie Kehler, who went ziplining after a bike accident and injured arm! Or loves the thrill of white river rafting in Colorado. I have done that once, and it was too risky for me with the chance of being thrown overboard! That being said, I am not as immersed in nature as she is, but I still admire her courage as she takes risks and ties it as an analogy to stepping out in faith. This book is filled with Scriptures and themes on trusting God, spreading a positive aroma of hope, beholding beauty in a dry, deserted place, etc. My only downside is this book’s themes are too repetitive at times, but I really enjoyed it, and I would definitely recommend it to others, esp. those enamored with nature.

[Greg Skodacek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and encouraging! Highly recommended!

“God’s handiwork is not only beautiful, it’s healthful. It is good for us. Good for us to live in, eat from, and delight in.”

“The goal of this book is to have you fall in love with and delight in God’s handiwork and to discover His heart in it. The more you learn about the amazing things He has done, the more you want to learn and enjoy them.”

“We have the erroneous notion about what the Genesis directive of dominion and stewardship means. Think of what dominion and stewardship mean in your relationship with your children. It means not poisoning them, not harming them for financial gain, not doing things that would stunt their growth.”

“I want to turn climate change debates into discussions about creation care.”

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only feel right about myself on days I go outside, no matter the weather. That’s why This Outside Life caught my eye. Laurie Kehler has lived a far more adventurous life than I have, yet I enjoyed living vicariously through her nature stories. She also shares interesting facts about the creation and paints poetically beautiful pictures. Her book inspires me to praise God every time I set out on a country walk, even today while it was pouring down rain. It’s a great Christian book for nature lovers who enjoy communing with the one true God in creation.

Favorite quote:

“When I pluck a sun-warmed blackberry off the vine in the late afternoon and taste exploding summer sweetness, I close my eyes in reverence.”

I received a preview copy of This Outside Life from Netgalley.

[Rocky Henriques · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars even though...

...it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. Other readers in their reviews have said the same thing. I don't believe the problem is with the book, but more with the title. Or perhaps it was me. But I was expecting more of lessons from nature and not So much of the author's adventure stories. There were flashes of insight from nature here and there, and the stories were well written. But when she writes about the butterflies and the starfish and so on, I wanted more of that.