Rick - Christian Science Sentinel, Aug. 11, 2008
Photo: Stuart Bowness
A common remark regarding sports, especially from coaches, is how people can learn many of life’s lessons through athletics.
In my case, surfing large waves actually taught me how to become a better healer. Two simple spiritual realizations have been important:
From the Christian Science Sentinel, Jan. 14 & 21, 2008
The following posts are from a recent tmcyouth.com discussion. These selected comments are not republished with the Sentinel’s intent to endorse particular views, but to give a snapshot of current issues young people are thinking and praying about in today’s world.
Danie13
As a Christian Scientist, what kind of movies do you think people should watch? I’ve been wrestling with this question, and any response will be greatly appreciated.
by Meg Dendler
I had a wonderful lesson in humility and spiritual listening while I was working at summer camp last year. My role during this particular session was to serve as a Christian Science practitioner for a group of 34 high school students in the camp’s junior leadership program. Along with prayerful support and answering questions, the job often put me in the role of counselor and helping hand.
Last year I was one of the organizers of the UK’s Easter Camp. It’s an annual event run by and for young people interested in Christian Science. The theme for the camp came from the book of Psalms in the Bible: How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. There’s no better promise of safety than that. In fact, I’m learning that we’re always safe.
by Pamela Cook
I have been reading a lot in recent months about what Mary Baker Eddy said about controlling the weather, first in a book called Mary Baker Eddy: Christian Healer and more recently in a daily diary kept by one of Mrs. Eddy’s household workers in 1903.
This summer we have had numerous unusually strong storms, with thunder, lightning, hail, and pounding rain against the windows. A few weeks ago I realized that I felt afraid every time this occurred; every clap of thunder made me jumpy and I was gritting my teeth and waiting for the storm to pass. This is not what Mrs. Eddy instructed those who worked for her to do. She told them there are no clouds; there is no evil, no destructive weather.
Nicole T. - The Christian Science Journal, Dec. 2007
Performing and singing in musicals are two of my favorite things to do. One reason that I love musicals so much is that they give me an opportunity to share with others my God-given talents.
All through grade school, I watched the musical productions at our high school with the hope of some day being the lead. During the first two years of high school, I was the understudy for the lead roles. In my junior year, when auditions came around for our spring musical, “Annie Get Your Gun,” I practiced the audition material until I felt fully prepared. When the cast list was posted, I was thrilled to find that the directors had cast me in the lead role of Annie.
by Melissa Konetchy
As I drove around in the late afternoon, I wondered where I was going. My destination was the Alabama State Fair. I was lost and each wrong turn bothered me more, but I continued on, frustrated, confused.
"What is a California girl, like myself, doing? Driving around without a map or co-pilot in Alabama? I should just turn my car around and drive home. It may take a week, or so, but I need to go home."
by Keith Wommack
Quite a few years ago, my brother, Kevin, and I had just finished a musical performance. The hall our band had just performed in was located in the Bible belt, near Ruston, Louisiana. The manager of the hall came up to us and was very adamant. “Just leave the equipment. You can pick it up in the morning,” he demanded. A law stated anyone after midnight inside a building where alcohol was sold would be subject to arrest.
James Shepherd - Adapted from the Christian Science Sentinel, Feb. 5, 2007
This winter, blizzards have stranded travelers in airports, trapped motorists, and triggered at least one avalanche that buried cars on a Colorado roadway. The season has also proved fatal for several mountain climbers.
Technological advancements such as cellphones and global positioning satellites contribute to safe travel, adding to the successes of dedicated road crews and search and rescue teams. And reports of stranded motorists in my home state of Oregon prompted local TV and radio stations to broadcast safety tips. But not even all these tips, technologies, and heartfelt efforts guarantee our safety.
by Melissa Konetchy
Still in disbelief, I sat in my car, facing downhill, after spinning and flipping the vehicle on a mountain pass. My driver window had smashed completely, and I had broken glass shards in my hair. My glasses, which flew off my face in the commotion, had been located by the tow truck driver, and were back on my face.
