We think of these because if we dig in the ground, those are the ones we’re likely to find. But did you know that there are animals who live much, much deeper? In fact, in 2010 scientists discovered an animal in the deepest cave on earth (that we know of so far). No one had ever seen it before.

Photo by GOC53 via Flickr

It is a tiny insect called Plutomurus ortobalaganensis . It’s more common name is springtail. The cave is located in Russia near the Black Sea and this unique creature lives at a depth of 7,188 feet. That’s about a mile and a half down!

Life is not easy for these special creatures. At that depth there is no light, only fungi and decomposing matter for food, and it’s a chilly 30 – 40 degrees (F) year round. That makes it a very dangerous and difficult place for humans to work, but these teeny creatures seem to be surviving just fine.

And you know what? Even a mile and a half below the earth God is still in control. Those insects are still part of His creation. While scientists may not know much about them, God does, just like He knows about everything from elephants to eagles and water bugs to whales. There is no place on earth where God does not see or does not know.

So the next time you hear about cave creatures, or if you try spelunking (that’s what cave exploring is called) remember that there is no place too deep. God is there and He loves and cares for creatures everywhere, especially you!

Jeremiah 23:24
Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD

The ring-tailed lemur is just one of many species of lemurs that live on the planet. Like their name says, the rings they have are on their tails. They are stacked in black and white and easy to spot.

 Photo via Flickr by Ella's Dad

In the wild, most species of lemurs, including the ring-tailed, live on the island of Madagascar. It’s a very tiny place compared to most other countries, and unfortunately, lemur habitat is getting smaller and smaller every day.

The forests they need to live are being destroyed so that farms and crops can be put there instead. Hopefully, people will figure out a way to compromise soon so that lemurs continue to have a place to live, too.

A New View

If you’ve ever gone for a hike in the woods with a group of friends, you probably chose someone to be the leader. That person walked ahead and either made a path through, or found a way to get where you wanted to go. The rest of you would have tried to keep your eyes on that person, so that you knew which way to walk.

Ring-tailed lemurs do this too. Whenever they walk together as a group, there’s always a leader. It holds its tail high in the air like a flag. The others keep that tail in sight so they don’t get lost and so they know which way to go.

In the Bible, we can read about another group that did a lot of walking and a lot of following. The Israelites walked for many years until they finally reached the Promised Land. During part of that time, they had the unique experience of being able to see and follow God himself! He appeared in a cloud and as fire in the sky moving ahead of them to lead the way. Imagine what that would have been like. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could do that today?

The next time you see a ring-tailed lemur:

Look at that fluffy ringed tail. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see them lead each other around. Remember the special way that God lead the Israelites and how confident they could be in His faithfulness to guide them in the ways they needed to go.

The ring-tailed lemur is just one of the animals featured in   Creation Inspirations: A New View of the World Around You. If you don’t have your copy yet, consider picking one up on your favorite bookseller site, or if you order directly from this site, you can receive an autographed copy. 

(Leafy Seahorse Photo by Ed Bierman)

As technology improves, submarines are diving deeper and cameras are getting more detailed video exposing creatures and habits we’ve never seen until now. From tiny crustaceans to great white sharks, we can see the never ending care and creativity of our Creator God.   And it’s a lot of fun to see all those cool things too!

photo © 2010 Tambako The Jaguar | more info (via: Wylio)

People might get that idea because bats seem to fly in haphazard patterns, darting and dashing across the sky, especially when they’re chasing down bugs for a meal. However, science is learning that isn’t the case at all.

Recently, scientists have figured out that many bat species make adjustments in flight quickly and precisely because of the tiny hairs on their wings. They’ve discovered that this hair and attached nerves send signals that help the bat understand how the air around them is effecting their flight. This is similar to some of the gauges that pilots have on planes.

Think about that for a minute. It is no simple task to design an airplane so that it stays in the sky and flies safely, yet a bat does this naturally and precisely unless it’s hair becomes damaged. Do you think it was just by luck that the hairs lined up just perfectly and that the nerves connected to the brain in the right way? Of course not, Creator God knew what would help bats fly and gave it to them. God cared about what He made down to the finest detail. And He still does to this day.

The next time you see a bat: Remember how important the tiny hairs are on its wings, and how our loving God cares about such small details in all of His creation- including us!

How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24  (NIV)

photo © 2005 Will Lord | more info (via: Wylio)

Creation Inspirations was partially born out of that continual sense of marveling at what our Creator God did and continues to do every day. A zoo lets you experience everything from the fine, fine detail of a bird wing or tiny tree frog, to the grand size of an elephant or rhino all in one place.  How can that not be awe-inspiring?

Okay, yes, sometimes it’s too hot, or rainy or your feet are tired or someone is bored so your zoo visit might not be as wonderful as you’d like it to be.  But if you at least go into it with an expectant attitude, that you will be blown away by Creator God, hopefully at least part of the adventure will life both your heart and spirit and draw you together in faith.

To increase your chances of having an inspired trip, I also recommend taking along my book for the car ride, or using it after your return home. Many common zoo animals are featured allowing you to extend your adventure a little longer in addition to filling up some of that summer free time.  You can purchase it on my shop page, or via your favorite online retailer.

I’d also love to hear about your zoo trip so please come back and comment below!

Be Inspired!
Cheryl Pickett

This year, I also read about a group that’s promoting “God Made Earth Day” which I thought was pretty cool. You can find them online if you wish.
photo © 2011 Wistful ~ | more info (via: Wylio)

As you go about your day, I hope you’ll take a couple of minutes to consider how amazing our Earth truly is. From the vastness of the sky or mountains, to the shimmering wings of a tiny butterfly, everything declares the glory of our Creator God. A God who loved us enough despite our sin, to send His son to suffer and die in our place, giving us the promise of eternal life in a place even more spectacular than here.

It is a Good Friday indeed.

Zebras live in family groups of adult males and females and younger offspring. Single males only stay with the heard for so long-basically for as long as they are the equivalent of teenagers. After that, they find a female and start their own family unit.
photo © 2006 Geof Wilson | more info (via: Wylio)
The males are in charge of keeping zebra life on track. They stand guard and also are the first to cross something like a dangerous river. The females and children only cross after a male has tried his best to pick the least dangerous place. Scientists have also discovered that the males show affection for the females and young ones and lead their families through care and concern. We might call that love

The next time you see a zebra: Remember what a cool example they are for how husbands should lead their families through loving and caring for them.

Ephesians 5:28 In this same way,  husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. (NIV)

Be Inspired!
Cheryl Pickett

photo © 2006 Geof Wilson | more info (via: Wylio)

This post by Dr Dino today offers lots of amazing and fascinating facts that will hopefully  inspire at least a  little love for those little 8 legged guys.

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett

Anyway, just a quick note to let you know that the PBS show Nature episode this Sunday Jan 23rd is all about these beautiful and intriguing creatures. If they show even a few varieties, you’ll be amazed.

If you have the book, I suggest you re-read the chapter with your family before or after. Don’t have a copy of the book? Unless you’re in the immediate area, I probably can’t fix that before Sunday-but if you are contact me ASAP and I’ll see what I can do

The Creation Inspiration with BOPs? Hint-one is in its name. There are probably others. If you watch the show and come up with one please pop over here & share!

Be Inspired!

Cheryl Pickett

In a few days, we will welcome in 2011. For many, the New Year is viewed as the time to start fresh, set goals and put dreams into motion.  For Christians, it can also be a reminder that we are made new through the Christ of Christmas and a new year offers new opportunities to serve our loving & creator God.

A happy, joy-filled and inspired New Year to you all!

Cheryl Pickett