Ali Tozier - Christian Science Sentinel, Oct. 1, 2007
My mind was churning as I contemplated and planned. What could I do next summer? It was only the fall of my sophomore year at Williams College, but I was already forecasting months ahead of time. I felt that if I was on the ball, I could do anything.
I’ve been told more than once that I over-think. Whether I’m behind the starting block at a swim meet or planning my major field of study, my mind is usually running like a faucet—and it can be hard to shut it off.
Mark Swinney - Christian Science Sentinel, Dec. 11, 2006.
I used to know a dog that would run constantly between two doors of the house whenever his owner left. Apparently he felt so much anxiety about the separation that he almost went into a trance. I’d watch that pooch run thoughtlessly back and forth, back and forth, and whenever I could, I’d try to play with him to distract him. This would only help for a little while, though, and soon he’d return to his mechanical running. The owner always came home, but the dog’s behavior never changed.
Adapted from the Christian Science Sentinel, Nov. 13, 2006
It was a cold November morning in Colorado,and I was home, nervously listening for the phone. I’d been looking and praying for an apartment for months, so I was waiting for a call from someone who (I hoped) would be my new landlord. The phone rang and I leapt to answer it, but it wasn’t the call I expected. A friend of mine had an urgent problem. His mother’s dog, Oscar, was lost. She’d let him out in the yard to play that morning.
Usually Oscar stayed in front of the house, but today he’d darted out into the street in front of a car. My friend’s mom was sure the car had hit him.
Anjuli Graunke - Article originally appeared in the Christian Science Sentinel Oct. 30, 2006)
I was living away from home for the summer, doing an internship prior to my sophomore year in college. One bright, sunny Saturday my roommate and I decided it was perfect for rollerblading. We strapped on our skates and set out for the afternoon.
I was enjoying the day, until gravel suddenly lodged in the wheels of one of my skates. One foot stopped moving while the other kept going forward. I landed hard on the sidewalk, and during the impact my sunglasses broke, cutting my forehead deeply.
Drew Harbur - The Christian Science Sentinel, July 24-31, 2006
You may have heard of the so-called “Monday morning syndrome.” You know, that time of the week generally associated with trying to wake up after a few days of relaxing, sleeping in, and doing things you actually want to do. In freshman year, I used to start my week with this feeling, and wander around until Tuesday afternoon wishing I could take a nap—or that Friday would hurry up and arrive.
But lately I’ve been questioning the validity of this feeling. It’s a waste of a day.
Think about how many moments are in a Monday—moments to do something nice for someone, moments to pray, moments to notice a warm breeze or watch birds chasing each other. (more…)
The Christian Science Journal Sept. 2006
Throughout high school, the most dreaded days of school were the ones when I had to take tests. I’d always been good at taking them until I reached high school, when, for some unknown reason, I became stressed out before tests—gripped by the fear that I wouldn’t know the answers and would fail. Afterward, I would feel frustrated when I didn’t get the grade I wanted after I’d studied so hard.I have attended a Christian Science Sunday School since I was a little girl and have learned that God is Mind and that this divine intelligence guides and governs us always. I’ve also learned that I am God’s loved child and express all of His qualities. Still, I couldn’t seem to get rid of the fear that surrounded test taking.
The situation got even worse my junior year as I began preparing for the Advanced Placement test. (more…)
By Kim Korinek - Christian Science Sentinel, March 13, 2006
When I was in middle school, I loved to dance. I danced whenever I got the chance. At one point, my feet were getting uncommonly tired all the time. Soon after that, they were covered with warts.
Using Christian Science for healing was what my mom and I always did. When I was sick, I’d ask her to read to me from Science and Health, and I always got better.
This time, my mom suggested that I was old enough to ask a Christian Science practitioner myself to pray for me to heal the warts. I had never done this before and wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew that the practitioner had dedicated her life to helping others with prayer. The practitioner I knew was kind and had a knock-your-socks-off joy that was infectious. Still, it took courage for me to call her. Finally I did call, though, and told her I was very unhappy because of warts all over my feet. I asked if she would please help me through prayer to be healed. (more…)
By Carly Jayne Rullman - Christian Science Sentinel, April 10, 2006
There’s a story my mother once told me called The Devil’s Auction,
which she’d heard somewhere. It goes something like this: The devil was holding an auction to sell off all his implements to the highest bidder. The tools included things like hatred, deceit, jealousy, and revenge.
But there was one special tool he set off to the side. It was a small, wedge-shaped, seemingly harmless tool, and it was more expensive than all the others. Someone asked the devil, What is that . . . and why is it priced so much higher than the other tools?
Ahh . . . that’s discouragement,
the devil replied. With that tool, I can pry my way into a person’s conscience and do just about anything I want.
Then someone asked the devil, Is there anyone this tool will not work on?
Yes . . . a person with a grateful heart.
