A, J, N, Q, T, U, V, Parental Suggestions

A, J, N, Q, T, U, V  Parental Suggestions for ABC: Bible Meditations for Me!  Bible Meditation Vs. Eastern Meditation

A Is for Affirmation

Parental Suggestion:

Affirmations for Kids Aligned with New Age "Law of Attraction"

Here's a video Youtube look at the book:  The Law of Attraction for Kids: Using Affirmations to Build Self Esteem by Jennifer Quaggin for 7-10 year olds which combines saying affirmations with the New Age "Law of Attraction."   Beside its Amazon.com book photo it says, "Do you believe in magic? …  If you use The Law of Attraction you can be anything you want to be, you can have anything you want to have.  All your most wonderful dreams will come true!  …  All you have to do is read this book for twenty-one days in a row. …."  What outright lies this book teaches!  View it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNgnB_XZUsM&t=2s

 J Is for Judgment

Parental Suggestion:

"Are You Raising a Judgmental Child?"
 

"Are You Raising a Judgmental Child?"  That is the question "Being the Parent" asks.  A Christian parent might answer it saying, "Yes, I am trying to raise my child to be able to judge, to discern, and to know good judgment because I put my hope in the word of God." 

However, the writer of the question, lists ten ways to avoid having a child learn to make good judgments and to know right from wrong.  And for much of the world these days deciding between light and dark, good and evil, and right and wrong are just not politically correct and are certainly not tolerant. 

The writer begins warning the reader to be careful to seldom say, "that is right."  Rather, one should say of certain situations, "that is socially acceptable."  Another tip to raise a non-judgmental child is not to have a "my way, or the highway attitude."  But, God's word says in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me."  If you are a true believer, there is but "one way."  Find article here:  https://www.beingtheparent.com/are-you-raising-a-judgmental-child/

N Is for Namaste

Parental Suggestion:

Notice Namaste Is Much More than A Greeting!

Familiarize yourself with Yogapedia by looking up "Namaste" in its dictionary.  Note its article

"Yogapedia Explains Namaste"  which begins: "The significance of the word namaste goes far beyond its use as a greeting; namaste is an acknowledgement that we are all divine and that we all are ultimately connected. …"  Find it here at:      

https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/4988/namaste

Q Is For Quiet

Parental Suggestion:

Sitting Still Like a Frog Parent Book Look 

Sitting Still Like a Frog (2014) for ages five-twelve by Eline Snel can be viewed at Amazon.com books.  Click below the "Look Inside" words to see a bit about this popular book.  Note that Jon Kabot-Zinn, mindfulness guru, has done the foreword, and his wife Myla Zinn does audios of exercises described in the book.  The book published by Shambhala Publishers is but one of the numerous books that you might find in your local library or bookstore.  Red flag this and like books, or anything published by Shambhala.*

Hindu or Tibetan Buddhist mythical paradise spoken of in ancient texts.  (Wikipedia)

Click here:

https://www.amazon.com/Sitting-Still-Like-Frog-Mindfulness-ebook/dp/B00GS6H3E6/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1574211543&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Sitting-Still-Like-Frog-Mindfulness/dp/1611800587/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19H979RFC1KBW&keywords=sitting+still+like+a+frog&qid=1574211543&sprefix=sitting+still+l%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1

T Is for Thoughts

Parental Suggestion:

Some Thoughts on the Book Seven Little Monkeys
 

View the book Seven Little Monkeys by Joanie Woodward based on the well-known rhyme "Five Little Monkeys" However, this bedtime tale teaches little ones about a monkey who had seven tiny chakra-colored monkeys chitter-chattering in its brain picturing the "monkey mind thoughts" that stopped it from sleeping.

As the rhyme progresses (complete with background monkey sounds), one by one a little monkey leaves the monkey's mind until it falls asleep. Be sure to notice the wall sign: "Om Sweet Home."  Next comes pages with the Om symbol itself.

At the video's end the listener should pause the button to read carefully the note: "To the Reader" explaining the words and symbols in the book including: definitions of yoga, deep belly breathing, Om, yogi, yogini, namaste, and chakra colors.  This book truly is what the "monkey mind" is all about, and it isn't a cute bedtime tale at all.  Ponder this parents!  Beware of these words, symbols, and colors! Beware of this book! View it here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoR73WOW1xo

V Is for Verses/Visualization

Parental Suggestions: 

Be Alert to Bedtime/Naptime Guided Meditations!

Guided visualization scripts are often used before naptime or bedtime.  Be especially aware of this should your child or grandchild be enrolled in any kind of a PreK or K program (even a church program!) that includes a rest time.  Always ask what is done to get the children to settle down.
Steer clear of programs where the teacher uses the internet via a smart board, for example, and randomly chooses video visualizations that seem soothing.  

Listen to Dr. Becky Bailey's (Conscious Discipline Founder) Meditation Script!

Dr. Becky Bailey's "Safe and Calm Meditation" (The Learning Station) done in Bailey's mesmerizing voice instructs children how to quiet and calm their bodies and minds.  Listen to it twice!!  Can you discern its deceptions?*  Click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVM9JKbIIqU

*  For more about this video and Dr. Bailey's program read; "The Conscious Discipline Program's Link to A Course in Miracles and Mindfulness Meditation" found on my blog.

Another Example of a Guided Kids' Visualization Video

View the brief kids' Youtube video "Falling Leaves Meditation-Guided Visualization for Kids" from Simply Successful Program (2017) to see what guided visualization is all about.  View here:
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t-s&p=falling+leaves+guided+meditation-visualization+for+kids+youtube#id=1&vid=f7588a88d953ab699ce9e666ad23a069&action=click

U Is for Understanding/Upside Down

Parental Suggestion:

Wisdom from Proverbs for Parents
 

In this lesson kids were taught that understanding comes from the Lord, whereas our own understanding takes us away from the Lord.  The mantra of the world is to "believe in yourself" or "have it your way."  While the mindset of a Christian is to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)

Instead of running to such worldly teachers as John Kabat-Zinn, the Dalai Lama, or Thich Nhat Hahn we are to read the Word and follow God's wisdom if we truly desire understanding that gives life, happiness, and peace.  And the book of Proverbs is the perfect place to begin.  

Therefore, become a Proverb parent and study the book, highlighting and meditating on all the "wisdom and understanding verses."  Share them with your children.  As Proverbs 9:10 reminds us:  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me! Bible Meditation Verse List

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!  Bible Meditation Verse List 

KJV List Having Words Meditate/Meditation in them:

Joshua 1:8

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth: but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Psalm 1:2

"But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

Psalm 5:1

"Give ear to my words O LORD, consider my meditation."

Psalm 19:14

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer."

Psalm 49:3

"My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding."

Psalm 63:6

"When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate upon thee in the night watches."

Psalm 77:12

"I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings."

Psalm 104:34

"My meditation of him shall be sweet:  I will be glad in the LORD."

Psalm 119:15

"I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways."

Psalm 119:23

"Princes did sit and speak against me:  but thy servant did meditate in thy statues."

Psalm 119:48

"My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statues."

Psalm 119: 78

"Let the proud be ashamed;  for they deal perversely with me without a cause; but I will meditate in thy precepts."

Psalm 119:97

"O how love I thy law!  it is my meditation all the day."

Psalm 119:99

"I have more understanding than all my teachers:  for thy testimonies are my meditation."

Psalm 119:148

"Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word."

Psalm 143:5

"I remember the days of old:  I will meditate on all thy works; I muse on the works of thy hands."

I Timothy 4:15

"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all."

Glossary for ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!

Glossary for ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!

Glossary for ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!:  Bible Meditation Vs. Eastern Meditation


Affirmation:   an act of saying something is true

Sentence:  Affirmations often begin with "I" or "I am."

Breath:  air taken in or sent out by the lungs

Sentence:  I can feel my breath.

Calm:  a quiet and peaceful state

Sentence:  Bible meditation can make one calm.

Discern:  to see, recognize, or understand something

Sentence:  It is a good thing to learn to discern what danger symbols mean.

Emotions:  strong feelings as anger, love, joy, fear often accompanied with emotional reactions

Sentence:  Psalm 119:47 says: "I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved."

Focus:  direct or cause to direct at

Sentence:  In mindfulness one focuses attention on one's breath.

Grounded:  based on, founded upon

Sentence:  I must be grounded in God's word, not grounded in the earth.

Heart:  center of feelings

Sentence:   The heart is the place where emotions, desires, and thoughts are found. 

Instruction:  the act or practice of teaching

Sentence:  We should pay attention to God's instruction book --the Bible!

Judgment: the ability for reaching a decision after careful consideration

Sentence:  While God tells us to judge between right and wrong, some tell us not to
make any judgments at all.

Knowledge:  what is known

Sentence:  The Bible helps us grow in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lift Up:  to raise from a lower to higher position

Sentence:  I can lift up my hands to praise the Lord.

Muse:  to think about something carefully

Sentence:  I mused about God's amazing creation.

Namaste:  Hindu greeting that means "the god in me greets the god in you"

Sentence.  Yoga classes begin and end with Namaste.

Out of:   from the inside to the outside

Sentence:  When people do yoga meditation sounds or chants often come out of one's mouth.

Present:   not past or future: now going on

Sentence:  Mindfulness meditation tells you to not think of the future or the past, but to notice what is happening in the present.

Quiet: the quality or state of being calm with out noise

Sentence:  Mindfulness tells children to get quiet, be still, and sit comfortably.

Ruminate:  to think carefully and deeply

Sentence:  I reflected and ruminated on my Bible verse.

Sun:  the heavenly body God created that gives us light

Sentence:  God warned us not to worship the sun, but to praise and worship Him.

Thoughts:  ideas formed in the mind

Sentence:  Mindfulness tells us to not notice our thoughts, but let them go.

Understanding:  ability to get the meaning of, and judge

Sentence:  King Solomon asked God for an "understanding heart" so he could wisely judge the people.

Verses:  one of the short parts of a chapter in the Bible

Sentence:  ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!  has many Bible verses to meditate on and to memorize.

Well Doing:  doing right

Sentence:  Galatians tells us we should never get tired of well doing or doing good things for others.

X-tra/ X-out:  add and subtract

Sentence:  God's word tells us not to add x-tra words to it, or to subtract or x-out out words from it.

Yoga:  Sanskrit word that means to yoke with the divine or Brahman

Sentence:  In yoga people practice poses that have to with the Hindu gods.

Zeal: eager desire to get something done or see something succeed

Sentence:  If you have great zeal or are zealous for the Lord Jesus you will want to tell others about Him.

Appendix for ABC: Bible Meditation Verses for Ages 3-6

Appendix for ABC: Bible Meditation Verses for Ages 3-6 

Introduction:  These shortened verses include: hats, add-on pieces, motions, and a reflection selection word/phrase to know.  These verses are designed to teach little ones the difference between reciting the verse and thinking about it. 

A Is for Affirmation: 
"I will praise thee;          (Raise hands.)
for I am fearfully and
wonderfully made."        (Raise voice; point to self.) 
Ps.139:14

Make Hat:  Cut two strips of construction paper 12"X2".  Staple together.  To strip add words, stickers, cutouts, and so on.  Work on each hat while flat; then put round child's head, measure, and staple.

Add on pieces for Aa:  Write "I am"  add child's photo, "fearfully and wonderfully made."
Ps. 139:14  To decorate glue some shapes on each side as circles, squares, or triangles.

Meditation Recitation:   Put on hat.  Say: " Stand on your feet, to repeat."  Repeat verse aloud.

Selection Reflection:
Say:  "Sit in your seat.  Don't neglect to reflect."  Think/meditate on" wonderfully made."
Everyone pause briefly to think about the word/phrase selected. Ask: "What does "wonderfully made" mean?"  Talk about it.

B is for Breath:  
"Let every thing      (Point all around)
that hath breath       (Point to lips.) 
praise the LORD."  (Raise hands; moving them as say PTL!)
Ps. 150:6

Hat/Pieces:  Make hat strip.   Add:  Glue on large "P.T.L.!" at center; may use large stickers.  Fit; staple.  Put on hat.  Recite; stand, move.  Reflect; sit, pause, talk.  What does "PTL!" mean?

C Is for Calm: 
"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep:             (Lay on floor; curl up; snore!)
for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."    (Say quietly, happily.)
Ps.4:8

Hat/Pieces:  Make hat strip.  Print big Z's across strip.  Print verse strip one per child.  Center verse on strip; and glue on over Zs.  Put on hat.  Recite; reflect.  What does "peace" mean?

D Is for Discern:
"... the word                                (Put two hands together palms up to make "Bible.")
is very nigh thee in thy mouth    (Point to lips.)
and in thy heart                           (Hands over heart)
that thou mayest do it!"             (Shake index finger!)
Deut.30:14

Hat/Pieces:  Write "Do It!" in hat center.  Glue on small mouth and heart shapes in a pattern on either side of "Do It!"  Put on hat.  Recite; reflect.  What does "Do it!" mean?

E Is for Emotions:
"My meditation of him     (Point to head)
shall be s-w-e-e-t:             (Spell out s-w-e-e-t; say sweet!)
I will be glad                     (Smile; trace lips.)
in the LORD."                   (Point up!) 
Ps.104:34

Hat: Pieces:  Draw "happy or glad" faces across the hat strip.  Print out verse on computer strip; glue to center over happy faces. Put on hat.  Recite; reflect.  What word tells how you feel? glad.

F Is for Focus:
"Look unto me, and be ye saved  (Point index finger up.)
all the ends of the earth:               (Spread arms wide.)
for I am God, and there                (Make two fists; shake.)
is none else."
Isaiah 45:22

Hat Pieces:  Draw crosses across hat; print out "Look unto me and be ye saved …."  Put on hat.  Recite; reflect.  What does "there is none else" mean?

G Is for Grounded:
"... his delight is in the law of the LORD;  (Smile; hands together palms up.)
… and in his law doth he meditate             (Hands together; palms up for "Bible.")
day and night."                                            (Point to head.)
Ps.1:2

Hat Pieces:  Make one strip blue for "day;" other "black" for night.  Staple together.  On blue side draw or glue on sun; on black side draw or glue on moon and stars.  Print word:  "Meditate!"  Glue on so centered with half on blue side and the other half on black side.  Recite; reflect.  What does "meditate day and night" mean?

H Is for Heart:
"Let the words of my mouth,      (Point to mouth)
and the meditation of my heart,  (Point to self.)
be acceptable in thy sight,           (Raise voice.)
O LORD …."                               ( Point up.)
Ps. 19:14

Hat Pieces:  Print out "Acceptable!" Glue to hat center.  To sides glue alternate mouth/heart cutouts.
Recite; reflect. "What does "be acceptable" mean?

I Is for Instruction:
"Give instruction to a wise man,  (Point to self.)
and he will be yet wiser: …."       (Raise voice on "wiser.")
Prov. 9:9

Hat Pieces:   Print large separate pieces:  Be, a, wise, boy!, girl!, Proverbs 9:9.  Let children glue on:  "Be a wise girl/ boy!" and reference.  Recite; reflect.  What does "instruction" and "wise" mean?

J Is for Judgment:
"Teach me g-o-o-d judgment    (Point to self; spell good.)
and knowledge:                        
for I have believed thy              (Point to self; Hand together palms up
commandments."                       for "Bible.")
Ps. 119:66

Hat Pieces:  Print large separate pieces:  Teach, me, g-o-o-d, judgment!, Ps.119:66.  Let children glue on separate pieces in order.   Add Bible stickers to either side.  Recite; reflect.  What does "good judgment" and "good knowledge" mean?

K Is for Knowledge :
" … grow in grace                      (Spread arms wide.)
and in the knowledge
of our Lord Jesus Christ."           (Point up.)
II Peter 3:18

Hat Pieces:  Write GROW! in big letters across center.  On each side put Bible stickers.  Recite;
reflect.  Who gives us "grace and knowledge?"

L Is for Lift Up:
"My hands will I lift up           (Lift up both hands.)
unto thy commandments …
and I will meditate in thy         (Put hands to head.)
statues."
Psalm 119:48

Hat/Pieces:  Lay hat strip on table; find center.  Draw two lines for child's wrist for each hand; draw just a little bit apart.  Trace child's left/right hands; cut out.  Glue/tape to wrist area front of hat.  Print out verse strip:  "My hands will I lift up/ unto thy commandments …. Ps.119:48"  Glue half of verse strip "My ---lift up" to left of hands, and "unto --Ps.119:48" to right side of hands.  Recite; reflect.
Where do we find God's "commandments and statues?"

M Is for Muse:
"... I meditate on all thy works;        (Touch head; point round self.)
I muse on the works of thy hands."  (Touch head; point round self.)
Ps. 143:5

Hat/Pieces. Print out "I Choose to Muse!"  Center, and glue to hat strip.  On either side print:  "Think, think!"  Recite; reflect.  What does "muse" mean?

N Is for Namaste:
"Who can say,              (Hands out to side; palms open.)
I have made my heart   (Hands over heart.)
clean?" 
Prov. 20:9

Hat/Pieces:  Print out "Who?" plus several big questions marks.  Cut apart.  Glue "Who?" to hat center and big questions marks to either side.  Recite; reflect.  Who can make their own "heart clean?"  Who takes away our sins?

O Is for Out of:  
"... It is written,                          (Make open hand Bible.)
MAN SHALL NOT
LIVE BY BREAD ALONE,     (Shake head.)
BUT BY EVERY WORD         (Point up; shake finger.)
THAT PROCEEDETH
OUT OF THE MOUTH
OF GOD."
Matt. 4:4

Hat/Pieces:  Print out:  "It is written …" strip; glue to center of hat strip.  Fold small 'Bible'  papers to glue back side so open up.  Glue several little open-up 'books" to either side of "It is written …"
strip.  Inside little 'Bibles' print Matt. 4:4.  Recite; reflect.  Where is our verse "written?" Whose words are in the Bible?

P Is for Present:
"... Consider it in thine heart         (Point to head.)
that the LORD he is God               (Point up.)
in heaven above, and in the           (Point down.)
earth beneath: there is none           (Shake head.)
other."
Deut. 4:39

Hat/Pieces:   Print out:  "Consider it!" strip.  Glue to center of hat.  Write "think"  and  "meditate" on several "Post-It Notes."  Stick on either side of the "Consider it!" strip.  Recite; reflect.  What word means "think about" or "meditate on?"

Q Is for Quiet:
"Stand in awe and sin not:              (Shake head.)
Commune with your own heart      (Point to head.)
upon your bed, and be still."           (Finger to lips.)
Ps. 4:4

Hat/Pieces:   Provide oversized Q for center of hat.  Glue to center.  Print out strip: "Commune with your own heart/ … and be still. Ps.4:4"  Cut strip so "Commune … heart" half is to left of the Q and to right is "...and be still. Ps.4:4."    Recite; reflect.  What does "commune" mean? 

Q Is for Quiet!*

When in bed
if you're mad,
be quiet and still
until you think
about it!

*  Not in document
lesson.  Helps explain
verse.

R Is for Ruminate:
"How precious also   (Point up.)
are thy thoughts
unto me, O God!        (Point to self.)
How great is the         (Raise voice.)
sum of them."             (Expand arms.)
Ps. 139:17

Hat/Pieces:  Across hat strip write different colored "+" signs. Explain "plus" means a lot of thoughts.  Print a verse strip for hat; center and glue on over plus signs.  Recite; reflect.
What does "how great is the sum of them" mean?

R Is for Rumination*

R is for rumination
that's not done in
mindfulness meditation,
for instead they're taught
to dismiss each
distracting thought!

*  Should be added to "Eastern
Meditation" section of R Lesson.

S Is for Sun:
"Give ear to my words, O LORD,      (Point to lips.)
consider my meditation.                      (Hands on head.)
… in the morning will I direct my      (Fold hands.)
prayer unto thee, and will look up."    (Keep hands folded; look upward.)
Ps.  5:1,3

Hat/Pieces:   Use blue paper for hat strip.  To center bottom glue yellow half circle for a "rising" sun.  Around it glue small yellow, red, and orange paper strip rays.  Print out: "Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation."  Glue to hat top over sun.  Recite/reflect. When did David pray and meditate?

T Is for Thoughts:
"I thought on my ways,        (Hands on head; march in place.)
and turned my feet                (Turn left; repeat line turn right) 
unto thy testimonies."           (Make hand "Bible.")  (Yell: "Turn
Ps. 119:59                               to the Word!"

Hat/Pieces:  Print off a picture of a Bible, or let children draw one.  Glue to middle of the hat strip.
Cut short paper strips some for arrow top/stick.  Allow kids to glue strips to form arrows to left and right of "Bible" pointing toward it.  Print verse in small print.  Cut strip in half after "feet."   Glue
verse strip to left of "Bible;" and glue rest of verse to the right.   Recite; reflect.  What does "thy testimonies" mean?   What book should we turn toward?

U Is for Understanding:
"My mouth shall speak of       (Make a "W" placing two thumbs
wisdom; and the meditation    together; and extending out index fingers.)                               
of my heart shall be of             (Make a "U" by covering one thumb
understanding."                        over the other; bringing fingers together.)
Ps. 49:3

Hat/Pieces:  Print off entire verse; center and glue to hat strip.  To sides glue on mouth and heart cutouts.  Recite/reflect.  What does "understanding" mean?

V Is for Verses:
"Whatsoever things are true,           (Shake index finger.)  
whatsoever things are honest,          (Shake finger again.)
,,, think on these things."                  (Tap head with fingers four times.)
Phil. 4:8

Hat/Pieces:  Cut oversized T. O. T.T. letters or use larger stickers.  In center glue letters for "think on these things" verse.  To the right write true once or twice, and to left write honest the same amount of times; or stick on printed word strips.  Recite; reflect.  What things should we think of?

W Is for Well Doing:
"... Let us not be weary in well doing     (Shake head.)
… as we have … opportunity,                (Raise voice on "opportunity.")
let us do good unto all men...."               (Point to others.)
Gal. 6:9-10

Hat/Pieces:  Print: "Let us do good unto all men …."  Glue strip to center.  To sides glue pictures of different people cut from magazines.  What does "well doing" mean?  Who do we want to do good to?

X Is For X-tra/X-out:
"I will not forget thy word."      (Move hand "Bible" up and
Ps. 119:16                                  as you say verse.)

Hat/Pieces:  Print verse strip; stick to center of hat strip.  To each side write X-out or print strips to glue on.  Recite; reflect.  What is another word for "forget?"

Y Is for Yoga:  
"Thou art my trust from my youth."
Ps. 71:5

Hat/Pieces:  Print verse strip; cut words apart.  Mix up.  Let kids glue it on in order.  Add decorative lines to sides of verse.  Recite; reflect.  Who is our "trust" from our youth?

Z Is for Zeal:
"O how love I thy law!       (Raise voice; say with passion! )    
It is my meditation all         (Make hand "Bible.")
the day."
Ps. 119:97

Print out "O how love I thy law!  three times.  Glue onto hat.  If child can write it (K, 1st) let them do it three times.  Explain if one has zeal we feel really excited about something.  What was the Psalmist's meditation "all the day?" What did he say?






 

 


























        

Yoga and Mindfulness Babies and Their Books

Yoga Board Books

Board book toddlers
pictured doing yoga.
Take a look!
Board book toddlers
posed like cobras.
Take a look!
Board book toddlers
crouched in poses.
Take a look.
Board book toddlers
doing yoga here, there,
everywhere.  Look
again, then do something!

Yoga and Mindfulness Babies and Their Books

Baby board books abound. You'll find them everywhere. Made of heavy cardboard with wipe clean pages these board books are the first books of little ones as young as six months.  They are sat on.  They are studied.  They are chewed..  They are pointed at.  They are mimicked.  They are loved.  And they are read and reread by dads and moms, big brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, grampas and grammas, caregivers and baby sitters, preschool teachers, and wellness instructors. 

Of all the images viewed while writing these lessons, the pictures seen in yoga and mindfulness baby board books and early picture books online, in book stores, or libraries are the ones that touched me deeply.  These shiny board books are filled with cuddly little folks posed in cobra and child poses.
Clever and winsome, these tiny books are filled with deceptive teaching especially designed for little ones.  Truly, these books for the very youngest of us should be a bright red flag that something has happened to our culture.  Upon seeing these books, as well as several picture books, I realized I'd never noticed any Bible way meditation books for little folks--none whatsoever-- and so was born my desire to write ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!:Bible Meditation Vs. Eastern Meditation.  
    
These lessons. written for parents, grandparents, kids, and teachers, are filled with current examples and stories about what this author has experienced. And they are written for anyone from three to one-hundred-and-three who needs to learn and discern what is happening to our children everywhere in all venues--yes church too!
 
They are written for anyone who may not have realized that yoga asanas are associated with Hindu idol poses, and that mindfulness is mixed with Buddhism teachings. They are written for anyone who may have assumed yoga is just stretching, great exercise, and can be changed to honor the Lord, and for those who've believed mindfulness is secular involved with breathing, focusing, and calming.
And they are written for Christians who are totally unaware what is happening all around--written so one may pause, think about, and read these stories, and facts or view some of the videos and read-aloud books coming away with a passion to share these lessons to awaken others.

As you read, understand why your children, grandchildren, or students shouldn't participate in either yoga or mindfulness.  Instead, determine that the Bible will be the book they will remember, and that Jesus will be the one they will come to know from babyhood.  Endeavor to teach your children the words of Scripture that will ready them to receive the Lord Jesus as Savior and go on to love him all the days of their lives.  Teach them not only to love the word, memorize the word, but to meditate on it too.  Make time to do your own research and to learn why nonbiblical meditative practices are something one must flee from.

Because Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not!" (Mark 10:14) this book was written to help us all become the godly role models we need to be to win children and their loved ones to the Savior, and to warn them to learn to discern the deceptions the Enemy puts in our pathways desiring to turn us away from the Lord and his word.  With great love for children, Grandmother Lois



 

ABC List: ABC Bible Meditation Verses

ABC:  Bible Meditation for Me!  ABC List

ABC:  Bible Meditation for Me!  Bible Meditation Vs. Eastern Meditation

This is a list of all of the lessons, and their meditation verses.  Scroll back for the lessons.

A Is for Affirmation:  Psalm 139:14

B Is for Breath:  Psalm 150:6

C Is for Calm:  Psalm 4:8

D Is for Discern:  Deuteronomy 30:14

E Is for Emotions:  Psalm 104:34

F Is for Focus:  Isaiah 45:22

G Is for Grounded:  Psalm 1:2

H Is for Heart:  Psalm 19:14

I Is for  Instruction:  Proverbs 9:9

J Is for Judgment:  Psalm 119:66

K Is for Knowledge:  II Peter 3:8

L Is for Lift Up/Lotus:  Psalm 119:48

M Is for Muse:  Psalm 143:5

N Is for Namaste:  Proverbs 20:9

O Is for Out of:  Matthew 4:4

P Is for Present:  Deuteronomy 4:39

Q Is for Quiet:  Psalm 4:4

R Is for Rumination:  Psalm 139:17

S Is for Sun:  Psalm 5:1-3

T Is for Thoughts:  Psalm119:59

U Is for Understanding:  Psalm 49:3

V Is for Verses/Visualization:  Philippians 4:8

W Is for Well Doing/Well Wishes:  Galatians 6:9,10

X Is for X-tra and X-out:  Psalm 119:16

Y Is for Yoga:  Psalm 71:5

Z Is for Zeal:  Psalm 119:97

 

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: M Is for Muse!

ABC:  Bible Meditation for Me!:  M Is for Muse!

ABC:  Bible Meditation for Me!:  Bible Meditation Vs. Eastern Meditation

Introduction:  This lesson is the last lesson in a series of twenty-six ABC lessons for parents, grandparent, kids, and teachers.  Scroll back for the others.

M Is for Muse

When I muse
I choose to
use my mind
to mull over
or think about
things.

I Can Choose

I can choose to meditate or muse on God's word--that's the Bible way.  Or I can choose to lose my words and just let them pass--that's the Eastern way.

I Will Muse!

I will muse,
I will use words,
I will recall,
I will meditate
on all your works!
From Ps.143:5

Reflection Selection Psalm 143:5

Psalm 143:5:  "I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the works of thy hands."  David doesn't stop his words, or thoughts.  David doesn't just think about the present moment, but he thinks about the past too.  David chooses to muse!

"I Choose to Muse" Marker

Punch out the cardboard opening strips from two tissue boxes.  Turn design side over and staple together the pieces making an easy marker.  Use bright markers to edge it, and print on it: "I Choose to Muse" on one side, and on other side print: Psalm 143:5.  Use in your Bible.

David's Distress

David wrote Psalm 143.  David was distressed because of his enemies.  David did not have peace.  What did David do?  He prayed.  He cried out to the Lord..  David meditated and mused.  He remembered the old times.  He thought about all of God's works.  He mused or thought a lot about the works of God's hands. He begged God to answer him quickly.  He told God that it is in Him he trusted. He asked God to rescue him from his enemies and to help him out of his troubles.  "For," says David, "I am your servant!"  Do read the whole Psalm story.

Some Muse Synonyms

Some muse synonyms include brood, cogitate, consider, contemplate, deliberate, feel, meditate, moon, percolate, ponder, reflect, roll, ruminate, speculate, think, weigh, chew over, mull over, puzzle over, think over, and turn over.  Pick several synonyms and use them in sentences as you think about the muse reflection selection. Here are two to get you started:  David pondered the past or the days of old, or  David reflected on the works of the Lord.  How many muse synonyms can you use?  Did you try cogitate?

Eastern Meditation

M Is for Muse

To muse is something
Eastern meditators don't
do, choosing instead
to ignore thoughts that
come into their head.

The I Am Yoga! Read Aloud Story 

"Kids Story Time" does a read aloud of I Am Yoga by Susan Verde.  The puppets, Green Bear and Big Bear, introduce the story.  Green Bear. chattering loudly, asks why it is so peaceful and relaxed all around.  Big Bear says its because of yoga. The reader asks Green Bear if he'd like to partake.  He decides yes he will.  The reader then reads the story about a young girl whose world is spinning out of control.  To stop this she tells her wiggling body to be still, her thinking mind to be quiet, and her racing breath to be slow declaring "I am yoga!"  In her imagination via yoga poses, she becomes all calm and peaceful. Green Bear, the puppet, then reenters all mellow and relaxed.  Big Bear can't get over the change.  She asks Green Bear why he's so laid back.  He answers, "Yoga happened to me!"  Big Bear replies, "Wow! This yoga stuff is so powerful!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2i3RK22BsI&t=313s

Emily Arrow's "I Am Yoga" Song

A singer Emily Arrow, the author Susan Verde, and several children sing and move to a "I Am Yoga Song."  So endearing is this song and its participants it might easily capture any undiscerning person into believing yoga provides a cure for every problem, and like salvation, is "life changing."  It is so 
very opposite of the Bible way where David cried out to the Lord for help.  Yes, in the book and in the song as Big Bear said, "Yoga is so powerful!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmXL821PklY

The I Am Peace! Read Aloud Book

A second book in Susan Verde's "I Am" series is  I Am Peace!: A Book of Mindfulness. This book 
tells of a young boy whose mind feels like rushing water carrying him away into a place where he's in deep waters. In a boat, he capsizes.  But, the boy assures himself he's alright; soon he's grounded to the earth in the here and now.  He thoughts settle; his mind clears.  He declares, "I am peace."  His worries pop and disappear as he lets them go.  He spreads kindness.  He hugs a tree thanking it for its beauty and strength.  He connects with nature.  He lays under the tree breathing; all is still.  He says he has found his anchor; all is well.  He states, "I am in THIS moment. I am peace."  He sends peace to others.  It ends, "We are peace."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXA3837uv3w

Emily Arrow's: "I Am Peace" Song

Just as Emily did with the yoga song, so she does with the peace song.  It is again compelling, catchy, and seductive.  How very busy yoga and mindfulness evangelists have become all over.  Be aware, and be alert for their message.  Their anchor is their breath and their meditation practices.  But, a Christian's anchor is the Lord Jesus Christ.  Is He your anchor?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqkPdIjjSFI

She Used Mudras!

I shall never forget while working with some special needs little ones an aide had had enough of their chaotic behavior.  What did she do?   Suddenly she stopped, stood still, fixed her fingers in mudras, and breathed a lot.  Nothing was said.  I observed.  I wasn't aware of mudras then, but I now know she used the Eastern way anchored in the breath and finger mudras.

Yoga and Mindfulness Explosion

In her recent book Debating Yoga and Mindfulness in Public Schools: Reforming Secular Education or Reestablishing Religion? Candy Gunther Brown wrote: "Yoga and mindfulness are the hottest trends in American education." (p.1) It must be added also that yoga and mindfulness can be found in every aspect of our culture as these lessons show.

Yoga and Mindfulness

Yoga and mindfulness combined,
Mindfulness and yoga intertwined.
All over--deceptive! Sad!

Parental Suggestions:

A look at Susan Verde's background is to uncover her devotion to children, pictures books, yoga, and mindfulness. One can find her visiting with an elementary school group via Skype.  In it, the kids sing for her, and she speaks to them.  She praises them for being into mindfulness at such a young age.  They ask her questions. "What is your anchor they ask?'  "Well," replies she, "my anchor is my breath."
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video;_ylt=AwrC5rK1jlFdsCcAjan7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBncGdyMzQ0BHNlYwNzZWFyY2gEdnRpZAM-;_ylc=X1MDOTY3ODEzMDcEX3IDMgRhY3RuA2NsawRjc3JjcHZpZANCd296UVRFd0xqRmw1dU5VVjVmVFJBSmZOamd1TVFBQUFBQzMwWVQ0BGZyA3lmcC10BGZyMgNzYS1ncARncHJpZANGSzI1NWhuTlMxVzdEYy50T050bFhBBG5fcnNsdAM2MARuX3N1Z2cDMARvcmlnaW4DdmlkZW8uc2VhcmNoLnlhaG9vLmNvbQRwb3MDMARwcXN0cgMEcHFzdHJsAwRxc3RybAM0NQRxdWVyeQNJJTIwQW0lMjBQZWFjZSUyMFN1c2FuJTIwVmVyZGUlMjBSZWFkJTIwQWxvdWQEdF9zdG1wAzE1NjU2MjYxMTA-?p=I+Am+Peace+Susan+Verde+Read+Aloud&ei=UTF-8&fr2=p%3As%2Cv%3Av%2Cm%3Asa&fr=yfp-t#id=25&vid=ec5a04935669cd24cef4d41789b7b26d&action=view

Now, Verde has another book in the "I Am" series coming out in September 2019 called I Am Love!   This book will include heart-opening yoga poses and a guided meditation.  Besides, there is another "I Am" book I Am Human.  How thankful I am that we can know the very one who is the true "I Am," the Lord Jesus Christ!  The gospel of John is full of his "I Am" verses.  For as he said in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Love-Book-Compassion/dp/1419737260

In an interview about a non-fiction book, The Water Princess, Verde is asked what she does to help herself with her writing.  Verde confides it is yoga that has been a strong support for her as long as she could remember. Verde added if she gets stuck in her writing: "I take it to my mat."  Rather than run to our yoga mats, may we go the Lord for our strength and help for as Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
https://www.behindthebook.org/meet-author-susan-verde/

 

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: K Is for Knowledge!

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: K Is for Knowledge!

ABC:  Bible Meditation for Me!:  Bible Meditation Vs. Eastern Meditation

Introduction:  This is one lesson in a series of twenty-six lessons for parents, grandparents, kids, and teachers.  Just one additional lesson "M" is left to post; scroll back to read the others.

K Is for Knowledge

K is for knowledge,
truths you will read,
found in the Scriptures
which God said to heed!

A Meditation to Know

II Peter 3:18  "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."  Did you know that the words know, knowing, and knowledge appear in II Peter a number of times?  Can you find them?  Say, do you see a little "k" word in knowledge?

Accordion Fold "Grow in Grace Verse"

Accordion fold a length of paper,  Open it.  On top section write: GROW!  Then write "G" on the next space, "R" on the next, "O" on another, and "W" on the fifth space.  Fill in the next spaces with the rest of the verse writing several words per line.  Pinch it together.  Open it slowly reading the verse as you go.  Keep it together with a paper clip or clothespin.
 
"Add to Your Knowledge" Key Ring

Make over-sized door key cutouts.  Punch a hole on the top of each one.  Attach together with ribbon or yarn to make a Bible verse key chain.  On each key write know, knowing, known, or knowledge verses you can learn.  Hints:  Use a concordance to get started.  Find Proverbs "knowledge" verses.

Bible Verse Research Techniques
            Kids Should Know

In Child's Bible:
*  Select a verse: e.g. "From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."  II Timothy 3:15
*  Go to N.T. "Table of Contents".  Find II Timothy.  Highlight it.  Turn to it.
*  Find II Timothy 3:15.  Highlight it.  * Find verse. Write a "K" for known near it.
*  Read aloud softly or loudly.  Raise your voice on "knowledge" or "known" words.
*  Reflect/ talk about it.  Ask ?s:  e.g. When should a child begin to know the Bible?  How will it make him wise?  What is salvation and so on? 
*  Find the Concordance.  Circle know, known, knowledge.

Bible Verse Make-it:
*  Make a Bible verse marker.  Design your own.
*  Add another key to your verse keys.  

On-line: 
*  Go to an on-line dictionary and find the word "knowledge" and read the definition.
*  Go on-line to a KJV site; type in the verse you want to find.  Let child help.
*  Go on-line to a KJV site; type in knowledge and known and see how many verses you find.
*  Go on-line and type your verses there; try different colors or fonts.  Try different sized print, and underline or darken verse words  Save the verses, or print them out for posters.

Bible Verse Journal:
*  Each day write the verse. Vary the tools.  One day use a marker, another a colored pencil, another a pen, another a glitter pen, and so on.
*  Each day draw a picture, and write a sentence.  e.g.  Little kids can know scriptures. Draw a
Bible.
*  Write out a definition found for each ABC word.

On Dry Erase Board:
*  Each day write the verse out on a dry erase board.  Discuss.
*  Write the verse on the board.  Play with another person.  Without them looking, erase one word.  The other person guesses word that has been erased.  Keep playing until verse is gone.  Don't forget to recite it every time.

Other:  *  Write verse in finger paint, sand, shaving cream, whipped cream, or with play dough.
*  Learn some of the little rhymes.  Rhyming words help things stick and are fun!

Remember, do use these ideas with all the other meditation ABC verses!

Eastern Meditation

K Is for Knowledge

K is for knowledge
of which to beware
lest you, or I also
stray there.

You're Responsible to be Knowledgeable!

Many deceptive meditative practices have been  covered in these lessons that all parents, grandparents, and teachers must be ready to teach their children about.  Yes, you're responsible to be knowledgeable --to be armed with knowledge about biblical as well as nonbiblical  meditation.

Practical Things to Know

*  Know the definitions and meanings of meditative terms covered in these lessons  as being grounded, centered, balanced, and so on.  Explain them to your children.

*  Know places to go to take your kids for walk throughs to point out what is happening.  Do this at every opportunity. 

*  Know or recognize store signs, advertisements, bumper stickers and the like that "red flag" danger.  Alert your kids whenever you see something.

*  Know the sections in your local library where new materials are featured. Browse through the books pointing out any to your children that are questionable.   For example, self-help books are full
of meditative suggestions/practices.

*  Know how to use "Amazon.com" to "Look inside" books to get a flavor of what they are like and for instruction purposes.  Other book publishers often have different "preview" pages.

*  Know names of publishers; just their name often becomes a red flag!

*  Know when to stop, and page through a yoga book or mindfulness picture book with your kids pointing out what is wrong with them.  I've seen, for example, yoga baby board books, opened them to a page, and photographed them. Later, I showed the photo to someone and talked about it.

*  Know or be alert as to questionable books and products in stores that purport to be Christian.
(Christian book chains!) Challenge the clerks/owners if you see yoga, mindfulness, or self-help books.  Be polite and kind.

*  Know to click below any part of the lesson to read the articles or to view the videos from which the information was taken.

*  Know or be aware that "Images" of a particular topic or book are so useful.  If you want, for example, to know about Namaste then type in  "Namaste Images"  and look at the pictures.  You can get close ups of pages, posters, or quotes.  Pinterest does the same.

*  Know about the YouTube "read aloud" books where one may see and listen to the entire picture
book.  If you wish you can enlarge the screen, or stop/pause at any point for a closer look.  Remember to always research book authors!!

*  Know about sites that have a shop or a store; preview their products to get an idea of what they are selling.  For example, show a "Meddy Teddy" teddy bear photo, and talk about it.

*  Know or become familiar with Light House Trails Research site or similar sites like The Berean Call to find articles on a topic you want to research.

*  Know how to supervise your kids and let them do "research."  Have children research, for example, the King Cobra god. Discuss how that relates to yoga. After, write a short essay and draw a picture.

* Know or recognize meditation signs as closed eyes, hands in mudras, or lotus legs. Point them out.

Parental Suggestion:

Verses to Ponder

Finally, meditate on this Hosea 2:6 verse: "My people perish for lack of knowledge!"  May this not be said of you or me. May we instead beware of false teachings or teachers as Peter warned in II Peter 3:3,4: "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the latter days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying Where is the promise of his coming?...."  In II Peter 3:17 Peter wrote, "Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness." To end II Peter 3:18 instructs: "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. …."

Challenge:  Read II Peter and note all the knowledge, and know verses.  Meditate on them.

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: N Is for Namaste!

ABC:  Bible Meditation for Me!:  N Is for Namaste!

ABC:  Bible Meditation for Me!:  Bible Meditation Vs. Eastern Meditation

Introduction:  This is one of twenty-six ABC lessons for parents, grandparents, kids, and teachers.  There are two more lessons to be posted: M and K.  Please scroll back for all the others.

N Is for Namaste

N is for Namaste,
something I can not say,
for I must not bow
to the god in you, for
it's not the Bible way!

The Day I Heard "Namaste!"

The first time I recall hearing Namaste was after a bird program I watched at a theme park.  Just as I was about to get up, the program narrator bowed to the audience saying, "Namaste!"  Namaste?  I had never heard of that word until then.  What did it mean?

I Bow to the God in You!

Namaste, a Sanskrit word, is a Hindu greeting which means: "I bow to the god in you, and you bow to the god in me."  Other variations include: "I bow to the divine in you, the light in you, the goodness in you, the good in you, the divine spark in you ...;  while others say, "I bow to you with respect..., the goodness and light in me, sees..." and so on.

Bible Meditation Reflection

Namaste says we all have a spark of the divine inside us, but Proverbs 20:9 reminds us we are but sinners until we come to know the Lord as Savior and are not divine within.  It asks this question, "Who can say I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?"  Can you answer this question?

"The Question Mark" Hanger

Draw an over-sized question mark. You can use as a book mark or door hanger.  Instead of a circle shape at the end of the question mark, draw a heart.  Cut it out.  On it write Prov.20:9.  Inside the heart write the reference.  Hang it over a door knob.  Think about it!

Jesus Gives Light Within

It is Jesus who gives us light within, for he said, "I am the Light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."  John 8:12  Have you asked Him to be your Savior?  If so let your light shine for Him!

Have No Other Gods Before Me!

The very first commandments given to Moses tells us to have no other gods before the Lord, and not to bow down to anyone or anything.  For to do so is idolatry.  This is another reason we shouldn't bow to another person believing there is a god in them. (Exodus 20)

Should A Christian Say Namaste?

Should a Christian say Namaste?  No way! The Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."  (Romans 3:23)  All means everybody, you me, and everyone else!  It also says in Roman 3:10: "There is none righteous no not one."  The only righteousness or goodness Christians have is righteousness through Jesus.

Eastern Meditation

N is for Namaste

Namaste is
the Hindu way
To say: I bow to
the god in you.
You bow to the
god in me.

The Namaste Way

Namaste requires one to place one's hands together over our heart. When one does this, it is called the "Anjali mudra."  This mudra, often accompanied by "Namaste!," is done in the tree pose, the mountain pose, and before sun salutations. A Yoga Education Institute article "Teaching and Practicing Mantras and Mudras" says the namaste salutation is, at the very core of yogic practice, seeing "the Divine within all of nature."(pantheism)  As one brings their hands together at one's heart center it is said to connect the right and left hemispheres of the brain.  This yogic process is called "unification."

The Namaste Song

Kira Willey sings the "Namaste Song" (1:34) on this video; this song is part of "Dance for the Sun: Yoga Songs for Kids" (Vol.1)  Here are its lyrics:  "The light in me sees the light in you. (2x)  I honor you as you honor me."  Namaste!  (3xs)"  Willey's soft voice easily captures the hearer drawing them in.  Wiley also produced two more yoga song collections: "Kings and Queens of the Forest: Yoga Songs for Kids Vol. 2" and "How to Be a Cloud: Yoga Songs for Kids Vol.3."  Besides, Willey has made a "Mindful Moments for Kids" song time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E70pNrQt0k
 
Yipee Ki-Yay Namaste 

A kids yoga program called "Yiipee Ki-Yay Namaste Yoga for Kids" associated with Fernbank Elementary School in Atlanta, Georgia has a TV program with videos that can be viewed.  This is a  program that is full of all kinds of yoga and mindfulness, with a mix of new age teachings thrown in.  Clever words and poses are used which are drenched in meditative teachings. 

Every lesson begins and ends with the sound of the singing bowl, followed by the cowboy term "Yipee Ki-Yay" which they say means "inner joy," along with"Namaste" which means "the goodness in me sees the goodness in you".  Its teacher, Cheryl Crawford, talks about tuning into themselves and being grounded and balanced. 

In one video she tells the kids that yoga is a dance between earth and sky and between warm energy like the sun and softer energy like the moon. She tells them that "2" is a harmonic number and involves balance with two feet, two hands, or a hand and a foot.   

These programs are part of a Yoga Movement Namaste in School.  A web site states: "Yippee Ki-Yay Namaste is the first TV show for elementary aged children!  Its mission is to connect the children of Atlanta to their breath, to their bodies, and to each other. …  "Our first two season classes are part of our celebrated Yoga by Number Curriculum.  Our third season celebrates colors and energy and center … our forth season explores the five elements."
https://atlantayogamovement.org/programs/yippee-ki-yay-namaste

May our mission be to fill our own hearts and our children's hearts with scripture and with information that will help kids learn to discern that such meditative practices as described above are not the Bible way.

Parental Suggestion:

Notice Namaste Is Much More than A Greeting!

Familiarize yourself with Yogapedia by looking up "Namaste" in its dictionary.  Note its article

"Yogapedia Explains Namaste"  which begins "The significance of the word namaste goes far beyond its use as a greeting; namaste is an acknowledgement that we are all divine and that we all are ultimately connected. …"  Find it here at:      

https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/4988/namaste

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: S Is for Sun!

ABC:  Bible Meditation for Me!:  S Is for Sun!

ABC:  Bible Meditation for Me!:  Bible Meditation Vs. Eastern Meditation

Introduction:  This is one lesson in a series of twenty-six ABC lessons for parents, grandparents, kids, and teachers.  There are three more lessons left to post: K, M, and N.  Scroll back to read the rest.

S Is for the Sun

S is for the sun,
a part of God's creation
that I must not worship,
nor to it give adoration.

In the Morning Meditation Verses

Ps. 5:1-3 tells us what to do in the morning when we wake up.  Do we greet the Sun?  No, but we can meditate with our words, our prayer, and our lifting up eyes to the Lord.  Listen!
"Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.  Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, my God: for unto thee will I pray.  My voice will thou hear in the morning.  In the morning I will direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."  

Arrow Book Mark

Seal an envelope; cut off its corner.  Cut out a rectangular marker.  Slip your corner marker triangle over the top of the rectangular marker to make an easy arrow.  Type out Ps.5:1-3; glue it to marker front.  Move arrow upwards as you say verse.  Place near to Psalm 5.

Twenty-five Men Worship the Sun: 
     An Abomination Meditation

In Ezekiel 8:16, the prophet tells of about twenty-five men who were outside the temple of the Lord.  What were they doing?  Well, God's word records that they had their backs to the temple, and their faces were looking east.  Why were they looking east?  They were worshipping the sun. What did God say about this?  Was this the Bible way?

God's Warning Against
Sun, Moon, or Star Worship!

In Deuteronomy four, God told his people they needed to take good heed that they did not worship the sun, the moon, or the stars!  Here's how it reads, "And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided (imparted) unto all nations under the whole heaven."  (Deuteronomy 4:19)

A Praise Verse to Recite!

Psalm 148:3 is a praise verse to recite and write:  "Praise ye him, sun and moon.  Praise ye him all ye stars of light."  Who is to receive praise?  The sun, the moon, the stars?  No, for over and over this Psalm tells us that all God's creation including the sun, the moon, and the stars are to "Praise Him!" As verse thirteen says, "... for his name alone is excellent, his glory is above all the earth."

"Praise Ye Him!" Door Hanger

Cut out a sun, moon, and star shape; overlap and glue together to form a chain.  Tie a yarn loop to the top to fit over a door knob.  On the sun write "Praise," on the moon "ye," and on the star "him!" On the back write: "Psalm 148:3."  Hang on a door knob! 

Crown Him King of Kings!

Glory, laud, and honor
to the Lord proclaim,
Bowing down before Him,
bless his holy name.
Give him praise and worship
as creator of all things,
Worship and adore Him,
crown him King of Kings.
                                       LEP
Eastern Meditation

S Is for Sun
Salutations

S is for sun
salutations,
a yoga
sequence done,
in the morning 
to greet the sun.

Salutations to the Sun God--Surya

Surya, the sun god, one of Hinduism's supreme deities, is the deity that yogis greet each morning during the sun salutation sequence.  In Debating Mindfulness and Yoga in Public Schools (2019)  Candy Gunther Brown describes in "Modern Ashtanga Yoga" what sun salutations or "Surya Namaskara" involves. 

Brown writes "Ashtanga Yoga" opens with Surya Namaskara, 'a prayer to the sun god,' Surya.  A Hindu Brahmin, Pattabhi Jois, or Guruji stated that ancient Hindu texts teach such salutations are dear to the son god Surya.  Brown notes that sun salutations have priority since "the postures of yoga have each a presiding deity, and there are 72,000 such deities in total." 

One begins with the sun god, Brown says, because according to belief, Surya contains the rest of the pantheon or other gods.  After, Surya salutations one may worship other deities by doing various asanas. (p.71)  Also see Berean Call's Candy Gunther Brown's article synopsis noted at the end of Lesson: "X Is for X-tra and X-out!" 

Rhyme and Shine: Yoga
Sun Salutations for Kids

Karen Thygerson has written Rhyme and Shine: Yoga Sun Salutations for Kids a book aimed at three to ten-year-olds.  But, says Thygerson, it is truly for all ages. These salutation poses are all in rhyme, and after several readings all will begin to memorize the verses.  One rhyme says, "Let's find your light inside today with sun salutations the yoga way."   Another rhyme says, "Now we stretch in cobra pose: lift your shoulders, eyes, and nose.  Stretch your chest, and use your arms, Show off all your cobra charms."
https://www.amazon.com/Rhyme-Shine-Yoga-Salutation-Kids/dp/0615858066

Sun Salutations for Kids

Here's another wordless Moovlee video showing the meditative monkey doing yoga asanas to greet the sun.  Examine this provocative video made for young children here: 
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&p=Yoga+for+Kids%3A+Sun+Salutations+A+%26+B+Moovlee+Kids+Video#id=1&vid=f5f396d9b784a5fb6631637800a8bed9&action=click

Bambino Yoga

"Sun Salutations" by Bambino Yoga has a whole script for teaching young children to salute the sun: Songs, Affirmations, Sanskrit, Nature, Props, Breath, With Books, and more.  It ends with "Have fun and happy sun saluting!"
http://bambinoyoga.com/blog/2015/6/16/sun-salutations-for-kids-yoga

Little Kids Hello, Sun!

An upcoming September 2019 book Hello, Sun!: A Yoga Sun Salutation to Start Your Day! by talented artist Sara Jane Hinder will add to the resources for more sun salutes by innocent little folks.  Hinder's new book begins and ends with the mountain pose plus ten classic postures.  At the end is an illustrated flow of poses, a brief history of sun salutations, and a special sunshine meditation.  Note also this book is published by "Sounds True."   (See "Y Is for Yoga.")
https://www.amazon.com/Hello-Sun-Yoga-Salutation-Start/dp/168364283X

https://bestselfmedia.com/hello-sun/


Parental Suggestion:

Caryl Matrisciana's book Out of India has a chapter titled "Yoga Uncoiled," not to mention the amazing story of Caryl's conversion out the New Age.  If you haven't read it get it, and share it with your children too.  Find it here:  www.lighthousetrails.com

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: J Is for Judgment!

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!:  J Is for Judgment!

ABC:  Bible Meditation for Me!:  Bible Meditation Vs. Eastern Meditation

Introduction:  This is one lesson in an ABC series of twenty-six lessons for parents, grandparents, kids, and teachers.  Left to post in the series is: K, M, N, and S.  Scroll back to read the rest!

J Is for Judgment

J is for judgment,
a decision you make,
that will determine
the actions you take.

A Psalm 119:66 Meditation Prayer for Good Judgment

Psalm 119:66 is a great verse to pray and meditate on to ask the Lord for good judgment and knowledge.  It reads, "Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments."  Do you know what book gives us guidance to know which judgments or decisions are good and knowledgeable? 

"The Good Judgment" Marker

Flatten an empty toilet tube to make a sturdy marker.  It should measure about 2 1/2" X 4".  Take strands of ribbon or yarn and push them through the inside of the tube; flatten.  Cut two colored papers to size; glue one to the front, and one to the back of the marker.   Staple ends. Print one part of the verse on one side and the other half on the back.  Also include Ps.119:66.  Insert in your Bible.

Jesus the Righteous Judge

We have judges here on earth.  They make decisions, decide cases, and look up laws.  But sometimes they make bad judgments, not good ones.  People have to make decisions too.  They have to make judgments. Is something right or wrong? Is something good or bad?  Those who know the Lord as  Savior should pray, search their Bibles, and meditate on scriptures to get help. On the other hand many trust just in themselves. Many say be nonjudgmental. One day, the Bible says, Jesus will return, and he will be the judge.  His judgments will always be fair, just, and right.  He will be the righteous judge. (II Timothy 4:8) 

Eastern Meditation

N Is for No Judgment

N is for no judgment,
a mind transaction 
that observes one's
thoughts without
a reaction--to let them go!

J Is for Jon Kabat-Zinn

Jon Kabat-Zinn is someone you need to know.  He is a Zen Buddhist follower known for spreading the practice of mindfulness meditation everywhere. Because he didn't want people to know mindfulness was from Buddhism, he tried to make it sound secular or scientific.  The only problem is when one looks into mindfulness, you'll find many passionate practitioners are ardent Buddhists and have studied under other Buddhist masters such as Kabat-Zinn himself did.  Read more about him here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Kabat-Zinn

Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness Definition

If one looks up definitions of mindfulness you will find many, but the definition you will find the most is Kabat-Zinn's which reads: "Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally." (2005)
http://mindfulnessapps.com/mindfulness

Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness Pillars

In his book, Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness, Kabat-Zinn talks of the seven pillars of mindfulness.  The first is "Non Judging" or standing back and observing our own thoughts.  Another is "Trust."  Kabat-Zinn says, "trust in your own inner wisdom."  Another pillar he states is "Letting Go."  He urges, "Consider what outcomes you are attached too, and see if you can practice non-attachment."   How opposite from what the Bible teaches!  Recall Proverbs 3:7,8 where it says, "Be not wise in thine own eyes:  fear the LORD, and depart form evil.  It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones."
http://www.inesemillere.com/2012/11/the-seven-pillars-of-mindfulness-by-jon.html

Parental Suggestion:

"Are You Raising a Judgmental Child?"

"Are You Raising a Judgmental Child?"  That is the question "Being the Parent" asks.  A Christian parent might answer it saying, "Yes, I am trying to raise my child to be able to judge, to discern, and to know good judgment because I put my hope in the word of God." 

However, the writer of the question, lists ten ways to avoid having a child learn to make good judgments and to know right from wrong.  And for much of the world these days deciding between light and dark, good and evil, and right and wrong are just not politically correct and are certainly not tolerant. 

The writer begins warning the reader to be careful to seldom say, "that is right."  Rather, one should say of certain situations, "that is socially acceptable."  Another tip to raise a non-judgmental child is not to have a "my way, or the highway attitude."  But, God's word says in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me."  If you are a true believer, there is but "one way."  Find article here:  https://www.beingtheparent.com/are-you-raising-a-judgmental-child/

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: I Is for Instruction!

ABC:  Bible Meditation for Me!: I Is for Instruction!

ABC:  Bible Meditation for Me!:  Bible Meditation Vs. Eastern Meditation

Introduction:  This is one of twenty-six ABC Bible lessons for parents, grandparents, kids, and teachers.  There are five more to post: J, K, M, N, and S.  Please scroll back to read the others.

I Is For Instruction

I is for instruction,
teachings Solomon
did say, wise men will
heed day after day.

Proverbs Meditation Verse to Ponder

Proverbs 9:9:  "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."  How will wise kids respond to instruction?

Proverbs 9:9 "Corner Book Marker"

Follow these instructions:  select a sturdy envelope; seal it.  Cut off a corner "triangle section."  Cut out a rectangle corner book marker section on the other side.  Attach your "triangle corner" to the rectangular bookmark's top right hand corner.  Write Proverbs 9:9 on triangle part; and "A verse to underline--Proverbs 9:9." on bookmark part.  Put in your Bible with the "corner part" over the page and the main bookmark part behind the page.   Do underline Proverbs 9:9 in your Bible!    

Introduction to Instruction

King Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs. In its first chapter we find the word "instruction" four times.  In verse two and three it says the proverbs of Solomon will help us know wisdom and instruction. In verse seven we find that fools despise or hate instruction.  In verse eight Solomon says a son should hear the instruction of his father and the law of his mother.  There are more instruction verses in Proverbs.   Can you find some more?

A Verse to Spot!

Here's one more instruction verse to chew on or turn over in your mind!  The verse to spot is, "Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not!"  Proverbs 8:33  Dot this verse in your Bible.  

Instruction in Righteousness

To help us ponder or think over Bible verses we can meditate on them.  We are instructed that if we do, as Prov. 9:9 says, we will become wiser and increase in learning.  There's also a verse in II Timothy 3:16  that mentions "instruction."  It says, "All scripture is given by the inspiration of God for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down?

Instructions:  Check out these Proverbs verses.  Draw a small thumb up for good advice, or draw a small thumb's down if bad advice.

1.  knows instruction  1:2
2.  receives instruction  1:3
3.  despises instruction  1:7
4.  hears instruction  1:8
5.  takes fast hold of   4:13
6.  keeps instruction   4:13
7.  hates instruction  5:12
8.  doesn't listen to instruction  5:13 
9.  gives instruction  9:9
10. keeps instruction  10:17

Eastern Meditation

I Is For Instruction

I is for instruction,
I is for indoctrination-
false teachings using
Eastern meditation.

The Dalai Lama's Instruction About Children

The Dalai Lama has written about children and meditation.  He says, "If every eight year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world in one generation."  Is this what the Bible says?  No, instead Jesus says, "Suffer little children forbid them not, to come unto me: …."  Paul also wrote in II Timothy 3:15, "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."  The Bible says kids need to know scripture so they may seek to know that Lord as Savior; after kids need to know Bible words so they may meditate on them the Bible way.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/389279961517248740

A Dalai Lama "Instruction for Life Poster"

Religious master and Buddhist monk, the Dalai Lama, has printed an inspirational poster containing nineteen instructions for living mindfully.  One can find it advertised at many sites.  But, the Lord has given us the Bible with its sixty-six books full of instructions: how to know him as our personal Savior and how to live life well.  For Jesus said in John 10:10, "... I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
https://posterfoundry.com/instructions-for-life-dalai-lama-poster-24x36/

Zafu's Meditation Instructions for Kids

"Zafu the Monkey in Instruction in Meditation" is a video of an adventurous monkey who instructs kids how to feel "super happy" by learning to sit quietly and close their eyes to meditate.  Zafu demonstrates how to breathe in and out several times.  After, he says imagine white puffy clouds round your body, and enjoy the "peace you've created."  Next, put your hands together, hold them up, and send peace to all your friends.  What do you think about such a video?  Can we create our own peace?
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&p=Zafu+the+monkey+in+instruction+in+meditation#id=1&vid=668ab29bc083ac69347fd58d33a9a66c&action=click

Parental Suggestion:

A Need-to-Read Booklet with Instruction about Mindfulness 

A must read on mindfulness is the Lighthouse Trails booklet  Mindfulness: What You May not Know and Should Have Been Told (2018).  Order it here:
https://www.lighthousetrails.com/new-age-movement/1664-booklet-mindfulness-what-you-may-not-know-and-should-have-been-told.html