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[Be the “carefree” reflection of Mind, “perfect for all to see.” (Hymn 453)]
Application Ideas from CedarS Camps on the Christian Science Bible Lesson: “Mind” for August 19, 2012 by
Dan Carnesciali, CS of St. Louis, MO(314.374.5616/dancarne@gmail.com)
Application Ideas from CedarS Camps on the Christian Science Bible Lesson: “Mind” for August 19, 2012 by
Dan Carnesciali, CS of St. Louis, MO(314.374.5616/dancarne@gmail.com)
[Bracketed Notes from Warren Huff, CedarS Camps Director and Editor of its Weekly Newsletters: The following application ideas for this week, and the Possible Sunday School Topics (PSST) and Possible Younger Class Lesson (PYCL) ideas that will follow, are offered primarily to help CEDARS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and demonstrate the great value of daily study and application of the Christian Science Bible lessons year-round, not just at camp! You can sign up to have them emailed to you free — in English by Monday each week, or by each Wednesday you can get a FREE TRANSLATION in French thanks to Joseph and Pascal, in German thanks to Helga and Manfred or in Spanish thanks to a team of Ana, Erick, Claudia and Patricio. YOU CAN SIGN UP at www.cedarscamps.org/newsletters]
The athletes at the Olympics taught us a lot of wonderful lessons the last two weeks. They have inspired us with great performances. Some of amazing performances were never recognized on the medal podium. Consider the inspirational story of Oscar Pastorius, a runner from South Africa. He competed in the Olympics even though he is a double-amputee below the knees. Amazingly, he made it to the semi-finals. He earned the admiration and respect of his competitors. He said he doesn't see a “difference between ability and disability.” “Disabled people in general are tired of being looked down upon. A lot of people underestimate disabled people.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3yZxCMoIf4
That made me wonder, how are we seeing ourselves? What is our perception of ourselves? Do we focus on a limitation we have, ignoring our thousand abilities? When we look at others, are we seeing limitations, or are we full of wonder seeing (perceiving) all their abilities? What if you let go and really got that Mind, Creator, I AM, is unlimited and has unlimited abilities. What if you got that as Mary Baker Eddy said, you are a spiritual reflection of God? Well, if you perceived that, if personal ego took a holiday, then resistance would fade and then amazing peace and freedom would open up. Mind is unlimited, all-seeing, all-hearing, all-active, all-intelligent Spirit. Seen rightly, God is having an experience and it's you!
Golden Text:
God has a purpose, a magnificent purpose for each of you. Even if all seems lost, don't lose faith that there is a wonderful divine plan for your life. Consider the story of Frank Inn. When he was a teenager he was hit by a drunk driver and was very seriously injured. A friend gave him a dog for companionship during his long recovery. From his wheelchair, Frank taught the dog to do cool tricks. He was able to return to work at a movie studio. One day an animal trainer was having no luck. The next day Frank brought his dog to work and showed the director what the dog could do. With just a word, he sent the dog up to a bed. The dog got into bed and pulled the covers over him. Frank got hired on the spot and became a pioneer animal trainer in the movie and TV business. He trained well-known animals named Benji, Lassie, animals in the movie Babe, the over 500 animals in the TV series The Beverly Hillbillies, a pig named Arnold in the TV series Green Acres and many more. (http://tinyurl.com/blkxq3x) Look for the divine pattern, because it's there. In Isaiah, it says, “God of the Angel-Armies speaks. Exactly as I planned, it will happen. Following my blueprints, it will take shape.” (Isa. 14:24, The Message)
Responsive Reading:
“Do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight” “By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (NIV-UK Edition)
Section 1: – The Earth is Full of The Goodness of The Lord
In the Bible passage from Proverbs it says that God founded the earth by wisdom and through understanding God established the heavens. To me, the point of this passage from Proverbs is, “You think you are sooo smart. Do you think all these things happened on earth, in the universe without a design?” The moon causes tides on Earth and many creatures depend on these changing tides. Biology, astronomy, geology, tell us that the earth is in extremely perfect balance. Many ecosystems are in a very delicate balance. (B-1, B-2) The Old Testament books Proverbs, Psalms, Job and Ecclesiastes are known as “wisdom literature”. Some of the New Testament teaches wisdom lessons, too. Most of Jesus' parables deal with the topic of money. That's right, the wisdom teachings from thousands of years ago are still relevant in the digital age. [See Warren's P.S. #1 for a link to much more about the relevance today of Jesus' parables.] No matter what happens, good or bad, you can always learn from it. I love the passage, “the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” ** It reminds me that God-good is in control and that God is the only Creator. Lean on this, really lean on it in time of trouble. “For [God] spake and it was done.” When Mind speaks, there's no conversation with evil, is there? When Mind speaks, it is done. It's entirely complete. It's perfect. The word perfect means entirely made or done. (B-2) This is the spiritual view, God's understanding of creation. Mind is aware of all that actually exists. Personal ego will never accept this understanding. You have a choice. Which one will be your perception? [**See Warren's P.S. #2 for a healing application about being “full of the goodness of the Lord”, citation B-2.]
Section 2 – Is God Smart?
“How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!” (B-4, New Living Translation, NLT) Why do we try and adjust reality? We really can't do that. We can only gain an understanding of reality. When we yearn to change our physical circumstances we get frustrated, angry and tense. That is clearly not a healing state of mind. What about a different approach? What if you relaxed, I mean really relaxed and listened for Mind's direction? In that state of mind, you could hear, feel and experience what Mind is hearing, feeling and experiencing. “‘You are witnesses that I am the only God,' says the Lord.” (B-5, NLT) It is the Mind of Christ. If there is only one Mind, then it is your Mind. As Mind's direct manifestation you are complete, whole and healthy. You enjoy immunity from confusion, pain, disease and lack. You are not injured or liable to injury. The dream (ego/mortal mind) may say otherwise. However, the consciousness of God, Mind, functions as your consciousness. In Science and Health the definition of Mind starts with, “The only I, or Us;”. Observe that God is not “out there”. Are you catching that the thought that you have a mini mind and God has a super, infinite Mind, separate from you is a myth? “God is at once the centre and circumference of being.” (Science and Health, 203:32-1) Recently, I had to speak publicly and right before I got up I was very nervous. My heart was beating fast. Maybe that has happened to you before. In the moments before went up to the podium I thought about what Mind was experiencing and realized that if there was no other mind, there was no other experience. The experience was all Mind's. The stage fright melted away and I was able to speak without hesitation.
Section 3 – The Value of Wisdom
“I don't have wisdom For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.” (B-9, NLT) I used to think that wisdom was out there, meaning God had it and I didn't. That was a logical conclusion, but it sets up separation. If you accept separation, if you believe it, you will suffer for it. Separation is a myth. It's a hoax. So, wisdom shows us how to avoid suffering.
In the story from Ecclesiastes a poor wise man saved a whole city. “There was a small town with only a few people in it. A strong king came and mounted an attack, building trenches and attack posts around it. There was a poor but wise man in that town whose wisdom saved the town, but he was promptly forgotten. (He was only a poor man, after all.) All the same, I still say that wisdom is better than muscle, even though the wise poor man was treated with contempt and soon forgotten.” (B-10, The Message) Consider for a moment what would have happened to that city if the poor wise man had been asleep mentally, convinced that all was lost.
Section 4 – Dominion – What is it?
“… we have the mind of Christ.” (B-13) We have the Heart and Mind of Christ. And we have it right now. Because this is our current and really only state of Mind, we have dominion. Having dominion means having control. Dominion comes from the Latin word dominium, which means ownership. Dominium comes from the Latin word dominus, which means master. So, dominion means being the master of a skill or master of a problem.
“There was a man in the synagogue under the influence of some evil spirit and he yelled at the top of his voice, ‘Hi! What have you got to do with us, Jesus, you Nazarene-have you come to kill us? I know who you are all right, you're God's holy one!' Jesus cut him short and spoke sharply, ‘Be quiet! Get out of him!' And after throwing the man down in front of them, the devil did come out of him without hurting him in the slightest.” (B-14, JB Phillips Translation) Notice how Jesus responded to the frightening scene. He responded with dominion. He wasn't afraid; he took charge. Have you noticed when you feel in control and when you feel out of control? Notice how when you had dominion really didn't have to do with the human circumstances or external factors, but had more to do with your attitude and perception.
Section 5 – Authority
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (B-16, NIV)
Jesus went with his students to Caesarea Phillipi, which is “situated 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee and at the base of Mt. Hermon, Caesarea Philippi is the location of one of the largest springs feeding the Jordan River. This abundant water supply has made the area very fertile and attractive for religious worship.” (www.bibleplaces.com [and as marked in CedarS Bible Lands Park at the head of a scale-version of the Jordan River]) “So they brought the boy to him, and as soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it convulsed the boy, who fell to the ground and writhed there, foaming at the mouth. 'How long has he been like this?' Jesus asked the father. 'Ever since he was a child,' he replied. 'Again and again it has thrown him into the fire or into water to finish him off. But if you can do anything, please take pity on us and help us.' 'If you can do anything!” retorted Jesus. “Everything is possible to the man who believes.' 'I do believe,” the boy's father burst out. “Help me to believe more!' When Jesus noticed that a crowd was rapidly gathering, he spoke sharply to the evil spirit, with the words, 'I command you, deaf and dumb spirit, come out of this boy, and never go into him again!' The spirit gave a loud scream and after a dreadful convulsion left him. The boy lay there like a corpse, so that most of the bystanders said, 'He is dead.' But Jesus grasped his hands and lifted him up, and then he stood on his own feet. When he had gone home, Jesus' disciples asked him privately, 'Why were we unable to drive it out?' 'Nothing can drive out this kind of thing except prayer,' replied Jesus.” (B-18, JBP) [“prayer and fasting in KJV] “But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Mark 19:26, KJV) Jesus was pointing out that there are degrees of thought and what is possible depends on that state of thought. Mary Baker Eddy said, “Mind is the master of the corporeal senses, and can conquer sickness, sin, and death. Exercise this God-given authority. Take possession of your body, and govern its feeling and action.” (S-21) What do you see in that text? What does it mean to you to exercise God-given authority? The definition of authority is: “The power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge.” (American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language) You have a choice whether to exercise this authority. What thoughts might keep you from exercising this authority? How about these thoughts? “I've tried before and it didn't do any good.” “I keep doing it wrong. I'll never get it right!” “I'll just mess it up.” “What happens if I fail?” Last week, I heard all those thoughts, and for a while believed them. I was taking a challenging physical and mental skills course and was afraid of failing or getting hurt. I tried to figure out how I could do better, but that heightened my fear. I was pretty sure I would fail the class. Then, something happened to my perception. I questioned those fearful, self-centered thoughts that I was hearing. I realized that it was ego that was afraid of failure, not Mind. That was the breakthrough I needed. When I got that, I felt such an incredible load lift off my shoulders. The next day I confidently too the class from the basis that the same Mind that designed the exam was the Mind taking the exam. I completed the course and received a very good score. I am grateful for the freedom that questioning those thoughts brought. When we do not question these thoughts, we believe them and they become real to us and rule us (even though they are a myth). I hope you find these ideas helpful as you start your school year.
Section 6 – In the World, But Not of the World
“A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8, B-19) Double-minded man literally means a man who has two souls, so it could be describing a man with multiple personalities or mental issues. “Carnal (bodily) beliefs defraud us. They make man an involuntary hypocrite, — producing evil when he would create good, forming deformity where he would outline grace and beauty, injuring those whom he would bless.” (S-23) In II Corinthians, it says, “we live in the world, but we do not fight from worldly motives.” What you are, who you are, is often influenced by what you believe others are. Let me give you an example. If you think that someone else is being a poor friend, it shows what you need to be aware of about yourself. Rather than trying to change others, we really need to start with ourselves. We can't change others. What we can do is change the way we think and what we think, and bring healing to the world.
Section 7 – Rejoice
This section is the joy-full section. Mind is aware of itself. Mind is awareness itself. It is aware of you, its magnificent manifestation. As Mind's magnificent manifestation, you are aware of your quick understanding, your clear mental vision, your relaxed clarity of thought. Reality is always in accord with the Creator, Mind, God-good. If reality can't change, what needs to? Yes, our perception of reality. “To you, O God, belong the greatness and the might, the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendor; Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth; the kingdom all yours! You've raised yourself high over all.” (B-22, The Message) “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (B-24, NLT) This week, let's live in Love, and as Love. Let's confidently say, “I know that in my right Mind, that's all I can see. You are cheerful and happy, with no sense of depression. So, I am too! I have your dominion and I am grateful. If I feel otherwise, let me humbly change my perspective to Yours, Mind!”
[Warren's P.S. #1: Click on this link to http://www.cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/default.htm?class=audio to hear last week's wonderful series of CedarS Practitioner Talks by Gary Duke on the relevance of Jesus' parables. His talks on the parables helped to prepare us to get the most out of the Musical Theater Camps' production of “Godspell” on Friday and to take its message home with us. Today (Monday, August 13, 2013) Gary will be sharing with CedarS Family Camp (and especially our many newcomers), the inspiring history of how CedarS Camps was established 51 years ago by Ruth Huff and her family and why it has flourished and grown every year since its founding.]
[Warren's P.S. #2: You can personally apply this “full of the goodness of the Lord” passage from Psalms 33:5 (B-2) to anything you are praying about with practical, healing results like I was able to do earlier this summer. After taking a top-speed spill in the line of duty I experienced a very convincing illusion of multiple broken ribs and of a punctured and collapsed lung. In the days (and weeks) that followed I declared many times a day that “my lungs and ribs are ‘full of the goodness f the Lord'” along with many other truths from the Bible and Science and Health (162:4; 495:14…). Without medication or surgery, and without missing a day of my fun work, I was able to pray my way through the illusion of pain and have a complete demonstration of being “Carefree and strong, you are His song, perfect for all to see.” (Hymn #453 refrain).]
[The College Summit taking place at The CedarS Camps this Labor Day weekend is an event not to be missed by any student or young adult near college age! To make sure that no rising high school junior thru recent college grad misses this life-changing event because of finances, this College Summit is being heavily subsidized by The CedarS Camps, The Mother Church, the Asher Student Foundation, the Albert Baker Foundation, the Principle Foundation, and the Texas Sunnyside Foundation, as well as by many local churches and Sunday Schools attended by eligible students. To unite with us in sponsoring the attendance at this event of all interested Christian Science youth, PLEASE, PLEASE help us not only by encouraging all the eligible youth you know to come, but also by picking and clicking on one or on all of the above organizations and backing us with love gifts of however much divine Love impels you to give. Your gift in any amount will be very well spent to encourage and “respect each individual young person as a future active worker in the Christian Science Movement.” (The 2nd of the Founders 5 Fundamental Concepts of The CedarS Camps written by my mom, Ruth Huff.) Lecturers at the College Summit include Chet Manchester (the new Mother Church president), Ginny Luedeman, Christine Driessen, Tom McElroy and Shirley Paulson. There will be a Weekly Musicians Concert with Alex Cook, Jay & Tessa Frost, and Grant Taylor. Check out the Summit webpage: http://time4thinkers.com/summit-events/collegesummit12/ ]
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[If you don't qualify to come to CedarS for the College Summit over Labor Day weekend, but are a student of the Bible, do come to CedarS and its rising Conference Center on the following “weekend” (Sep. 6-9) to experience CedarS Bible Lands Park and attend the Midwest Bible Conference sponsored by Bible Studies Seminars. Be inspired by talks and workshops given by Christian Science class-taught, Bible scholars. You can stay in a single (for $340 per person), shared, or triple/quad room with a private bathroom or choose a cabin with a bathroom for $200 per person. All housing prices include meals, snacks, meeting rooms, and activities. Linens are included for any housing chosen for the Conference.Enjoy camp activities during free time and great meals catered by Vicki Wolfe and friends. The theme for the 2012 Midwest Bible Conference is: “Healing and the Kingdom of God.” Tentative Conference Schedule for Thursday, September 6 through Sunday, September 9 includes: a Thursday evening, Multi-Media Theme Presentation – “Healing and the Kingdom of God”; Bonfire, S'mores, Hot Chocolate, and Singalong; Four Friday TED Talks – (focused presentations that do not exceed twenty minutes in length) followed by brief question and answer sessions; concurrent breakout sessions after Friday lunch that will be interactive and allow individuals to choose the sessions that most speak to their own interests; a Friday evening Screening and Discussion of Fambul Tok: a film about the power of forgiveness in the wake of Sierra Leone's brutal civil war; a Saturday morning Bible talk by Madelon Maupin on “Taking a Deep Dive into the Book of Ephesians: How to Study and Unpack Its Lessons, with a Focus on the Difficult Passages”; Saturday's extended World Cafe Lunch and Discussions with three-course world cafe discussion of the ideas presented and our response to them in a mix of people at each table that changes with each courses and set of new questions to discuss; Saturday afternoon free time for Fellowship, Recreational Offerings, or Personal Time; Saturday evening Panel Discussions followed by Groups Sharing; Sunday Christian Science Service ; Sunday early departure or lingering until 4:00 pm to enjoy the facilities, Bible Lands Park and its educational Time Traveler ziplines and trails, lake and waterfront activities… If you have any questions about the program please contact Dick@BibleStudySeminars.com or 636.207.7392. Enroll today online for the Bible Conference at www.biblestudyseminars.com ; for housing at http://www.cedarscamps.org/information/programs.htm?id=40 ]
[Camp Director's Note: This sharing is the latest in an ongoing, 11-year series of CedarS Bible Lesson “Mets” (Metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians. (Ask and look for “Possible Sunday School Topics “and “Possible Younger Class Lessons” in subsequent emails.) These weekly offerings are intended to encourage further study and application of ideas in the lesson and to invigorate Sunday School participation by students and by the budding teachers on our staff. Originally sent JUST to my Sunday School students and to campers, staff and CedarS families who wanted to continue at home and in their home Sunday Schools the same type of focused Lesson study, application and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson “mets “and Sunday School ideas are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension and background as well as new angles (and angels) on the daily applicability of some of the ideas and passages being studied. The weekly Bible Lessons are copyrighted by the Christian Science Publishing Society and are printed in the Christian Science Quarterly as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms or online at eBibleLesson.com or myBibleLesson.com. The citations referenced (i.e.B-1 and S-28) from this week's Bible Lesson in the “Met” (Metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the Bible (B-1 thru B-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (S-1 thru S-30). The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of the Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. The Lesson-Sermon speaks individually through the Christ to everyone, providing unique insights and tailor-made applications for each one. We are glad you requested this metaphysical sharing and hope that you find some of the ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.]
[PSST: Rejoice in your God-ordained purpose & beat restrictions to it.]
Possible Sunday School Topics by Merrill Boudreaux
for the Christian Science Bible Lesson: “Mind”
August 19, 2012
P.S.S.T. Golden Text –
What is God's plan for you? What is your purpose, your “reason for being”? See [My. 165: 20 and] Micah 6:8. “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” [Note that this is the basis for the last part of the 6th Tenet: “to be merciful, just and pure.” (S&H 497)]
P.S.S.T. – Responsive Reading –
What does the Lord charge you to do in the Responsive Reading? “…keep sound wisdom and discretion.” What is the result: “… life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck … walk in thy way safely … shall not stumble … not be afraid… thy sleep shall be sweet.” Let us look to the rest of the lesson to explore God's purpose with the assurance that what God purposes comes to pass and stands firm.
P.S.S.T. – Sections 1 –
Who founded the earth? Who founded the planets and the universe? Who founded the heavens and the seas? For what purpose? So that God/Mind may be understood through the ideas which express it. S2. Please note the phrase in citation S4, “creation is ever appearing and must ever continue to appear…” Note the key word “ever”. How long is ever? How can you use this truth to permanently support a better understanding of a seed, a flower, the mountains and great seas and their purpose as permanent expressions as ideas of God.
P.S.S.T. – Section 2 –
What is the purpose of people in citations B5 and B8? God, Mind creates man, you, as idea, as manifestation of God's self. (S8) Does, can, God make a mistake or err? (S7)
P.S.S.T. – Section 3 –
What does God provide in citation B9? What saved the little city in citation B10? The wisdom of a poor man. From where did that wisdom come? (B11) Is that wisdom available to you? Is it God's purpose that you be wise? Really, can you be wise? Why? See citation S11. To whom much is given, much is expected. Do not shirk your responsibility. See the expected result in citation S13. God has purposed perfect mankind.
P.S.S.T. – Section 4 –
What is dominion? Has God purposed dominion for you? As you start a new school year, what are some areas over which you would like to claim dominion? What has God given you to meet this expected end of dominion? (B15) What aids have God already prepared for your use? Citations S17 and S18 mention “the truths of immortal mind” and “the calm and exalted thought”.
P.S.S.T. – Section 5 –
What else has God purposed for you? (B16) Peace. Is it right for you to have peace in your personal space, your personal life, your world? Read the Bible story in citation B18. Do you think the man was originally at peace? How was Jesus able to cast out the dumb and deaf spirit? (S21 and S22) Is it ever God's purpose for someone to be sick, afraid, unwilling? Think back to the first question asked in the Golden Text: What doth the Lord require of thee?
P.S.S.T. – Section 6 –
Can you ever disobey God? Can you ever have a mind that is not God/Mind? Your obedience to the one Mind yields what? (S25) What does God/Mind demand of you? (S26) What does God provide you that you actually see when you are obedient to God's purpose and plan? (S26, S27)
P.S.S.T. – Section 7 –
It's time for rejoicing in that you know your purpose, can put it into practice, improve the world as a result, and rise victorious over all claims that would restrict you from receiving all that God has purposed for you. (B24) In citation S29 is a great memorization opportunity. Are you God's model of excellence? Ask students to write out some goals for this school year to accept, receive, and use more of what God has purposed for them and how they think the world will be blessed as a result. Remember every victory over a small error proves the ability for victory over a seemingly large error. Why? Mind is unfathomable. (Please note this does not mean that Mind is unknowable.) Close with reading together citation S30. God's purpose for you is knowable, achievable, and is sufficient – enough.
[PYCL: Find the peace of Mind's presence within that nothing in this world can upset.]
CedarS PYCLs–Possible Younger Class Lessons for:
“MIND”
The Christian Science Bible Lesson for August 19, 2012
by Kerry Jenkins, CS, House Springs, MO (314) 406-0041 [Bracketed titles by Warren Huff]
“MIND”
The Christian Science Bible Lesson for August 19, 2012
by Kerry Jenkins, CS, House Springs, MO (314) 406-0041 [Bracketed titles by Warren Huff]
[PYCL: On trusting Mind to guide you:]
Think about the times where you've genuinely trusted Mind to guide you. Maybe Sunday School is the perfect example! It can be tempting to have a firm idea of how everything should go when we get there to teach; it feels so much more secure. But where does this leave Mind? I'm not saying we don't prepare, of course we do. But to really listen and trust that Mind will reveal exactly what will speak not only to the hearts of the children but also to our own as well, is a real test of our faith. Is this maybe what is meant in some ways by that statement in the last section of this week's lesson citation S28, “Having no other Gods, turning to no other but the one perfect Mind to guide him, man is the likeness of God, pure and eternal, having that Mind which was also in Christ.”
[PYCL: How to know when we are hearing God's voice and how to find peace by obeying it:]
Let's talk to the kids this week about how we know when we are hearing God's voice. There are many Biblical examples of people hearing God speak. Some are well-known: Moses, Jesus of course, Samuel, and Elijah to name a few. You may even want to share the story of Mrs. Eddy hearing her name called repeatedly as a child and how her cousin when visiting finally confirmed that she was hearing a voice when she heard it calling Mary as well. But once you have covered some of these more audible examples, it may be helpful to share some other examples both from the Bible and from your own experience. Last week we had the story of David when he stole the wife of Uriah. How did he hear God's voice? Wasn't it through the story that Nathan the prophet shared? Is it still God's voice if you hear it through someone else? How do we know? This lesson contains so many references to the peace that comes with knowing Mind's direction. So maybe we could say that we are peaceful, not afraid, not upset, not throwing a fit. With the kids that are readers, you may enjoy looking up all the uses and forms of the word peace in this lesson and see how many times it crops up. This is the result, this peace, of hearing and obeying God's voice. Think of personal examples in daily life where we are listening to and obeying God. Ask if they have any chores that they do in their families. If they clear away their dishes after dinner and load them in the dishwasher for example, are they merely obeying their mom or dad, or is this hearing and obeying God by reflecting Love (expressed as helpfulness, selflessness, caring, and obedience). Even things like brushing our teeth can become ways to be obeying and hearing Mind. We can see these tasks as expressions of order, cleanliness, care, and so on. It may seem a stretch, but if we don't begin by seeing the day-to-day as Mind-directed, we are hard-pressed when we are in the stress of circumstances to feel that presence of Mind guiding us, because we haven't been regularly recognizing it in less stressful circumstances.
[PYCL: Disobedient Jonah:]
Another story that may be fun to look at with the little ones, even though it is not in the lesson is the story of Jonah. He was a prophet of God who heard God's instruction but didn't want to obey. I think it's important to talk about why he was reluctant to share God's word with the city he was supposed to go to. Ask how they would feel if they were going somewhere to tell everyone something they wouldn't want to hear. Would they feel afraid? Do you think that you might feel afraid to do the right thing sometimes because the people around you would make you feel____(you fill in here: stupid, too dorky, a goody-goody)? Then talk about how Jonah experienced the complete opposite of peace when he got on a boat headed away from Nineveh. Didn't that storm represent the fear, insecurity, unhappiness, etc. that comes with ignoring what we know Mind is telling us to do? What was the only way to feel that peace? Yup, he had to give in and listen to Mind and obey. Did you know that the root of the word “obey” means “to listen”. Kind of interesting. It's good to think about what we are listening to if it's not divine Mind. Pretty often it can be based in human theories, even when the kids don't think about it quite in that way. You can talk about how it maybe seemed silly to try to talk to a city of people that weren't really thinking about God at the time. But that is the way human thought works, not the way Mind works. In the end, Jonah is obedient and the people of Nineveh repent, was it worth it then for Jonah to share God's word?
[PYCL: Share examples of being led by Mind to do what doesn't seem humanly sound:]
Share some examples in your own life where you approached something in a way that you were led to do by Mind, but didn't seem humanly sound? (Citations S12 and S20…). Your examples can be really simple. One simple, little example happened to me when I was a pretty young kid: I really wanted to go swimming with my best friend one late afternoon. Her family was going to pick me up and I had been looking forward to it for the whole hot day of working in the garden, etc. I knew my swim suit had been on the line outside but couldn't find it anywhere. I was searching and searching and getting more and more upset. Finally I stopped, prayed quietly, got my thought still and began to sing the words to the poem “Feed My Sheep”. I'll never forget the instant clear direction I got to go back out to the clothesline. I walked straight there, picked up a large throw rug that my mom had hung on the line, and there underneath was my swim suit. Sound silly and small? I still feel a closeness to God when I think of that little event because the direction came so clearly and peacefully. Don't we all want to experience this sense of oneness with Mind daily? So…no example too small!!
[PYCL: Find the peace of Mind's presence within that nothing in this world can upset.]
Sometimes with my little guys they can get pretty overwhelmed by little road blocks in their lives. Maybe this is familiar to some of the other little ones in the youngest classes. Think in terms of friends or siblings knocking over a building that they were making, or not being willing to share a toy. Talk about how we can find peace in those circumstances when we don't listen to upset thoughts. See if you can come up together with a little reminder for those times to listen to the peaceful voice of Mind when someone is giving you a hard time, or if you think they are…This is a way for them to think about Mind's presence. Maybe they can hold up that one finger to remind themselves that there is only one Mind, so they can't fight because Mind is peaceful and makes peaceful reflections. For that matter, can a reflection fight with another reflection? That might make them giggle especially if you have a little hand mirror to illustrate the idea.
Have fun with your Mind-directed class this Sunday!
