Read Time: 3 min 50 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

WORLD NEWS

Nature’s Wild Week

Natural disasters and wonders have been making headlines.

Taiwan was shaken up by its biggest earthquake in 25 years last week. Landslides and falling buildings caused injuries and loss of life. However, the country’s improved preparations caused much less damage than previous quakes. 

Two days later, some New Yorkers felt rumblings, even though earthquakes are rare on the East Coast. The quake didn’t cause much damage (other than a few lawn chairs and salt shakers falling over). 

In other news, people have been excited about Monday's total solar eclipse for years. People in the “path of totality" (where the moon totally blocked the sun) saw the sky become dark for about four minutes. Highways, hotels, parks, and restaurants from Texas to Maine were full of people in funny eclipse glasses.  The millions of people traveling to see the moon's photobomb spent about $6 billion dollars in total(ity). 

If you missed it, check out these eclipse pictures, and mark your calendars for the next U.S. total eclipse in 2044. Until then, you can travel to remote northern Russia to see an eclipse in 2026!

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Natural disasters and wonders can make us feel really small… and that’s not a bad thing. The universe God created and operates is enormous, and we are small in comparison. It’s good to be humble in the face of our Creator’s incredible power. 

“I made the earth, and created humans on it. It was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded everything in them.”
Isaiah 45:12 (CSB)

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Whether we’re talking about creation causing disruption or providing something beautiful, the Bible is clear that God created and is in charge of all of it.

As Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands,” and those around Jesus marveled when he quieted the storm, saying, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!” (Mark 4:41)

What Biblical worldview can be taught through this story?
When discussing the eclipse, it was very common to hear people saying things like, “It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen” and “I’m in awe of the universe.” One headline read, “Total Eclipse Awes Millions Across America.” 

Imagine how much more beautiful and awe-inspiring is the One who created the sun and moon and directs their orbits!

In Acts 17, Paul speaks to a group of unbelievers and says to them, “Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it—he is Lord of heaven and earth.” What an honor it is to know the Creator and praise Him for this marvel. 

Talk as a family about a part of creation that you are in awe of.  

Memorize Psalm 19:1 - “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands.”

Thank God for the beauty his creation provides. Ask Him to make Himself known to friends and neighbors who don’t know Him.

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