The Conscious Discipline Program's Link to A Course in Miracles and Mindfulness Meditation

The Conscious Discipline Program's Link to A Course in Miracles and Mindfulness Meditation

Conscious Discipline, the creation of Dr. Becky A. Bailey, is a program used in hundreds of  educational settings the world over--Head Start, private schools, day cares, Montessori schools, Christian schools, public schools and more.  This discipline program loudly touts its shift from a reliance on "fear to love," and from "punishing to teaching."  Shockingly, this seemingly wonderful program is filled with principles and teachings directly out of the New Age "Bible" -- A Course in Miracles!  And here is how I found out:

While teaching in a public school preschool class I noticed a "S.T.A.R." poster hanging on the board with the words beside each letter: "S-Smile.; T-Take a deep breath.; A-and; R-Relax!"  Exactly what this star was a part of I had no idea.  But, a red flag flew when I read the word: "breath!"  Shortly after, I  was in another preschool room with another "S.T.A.R!"  Right there I was introduced to "The Conscious Discipline" program--yes, right there in a school in which I often teach.  And, immediately I knew I had to find out more.  Well, find out I did, and what I was about to discover would make me understand just how deceptive and how huge is the influence of this widely acclaimed program--Conscious Discipline!

Conscious Discipline Creator:  Dr. Becky A. Bailey

Not long into my research I found out the Conscious Discipline creator Dr. Bailey was a very vivacious, gregarious long time educator, the author of fifteen best-selling books and a host of other materials.  Her books alone were said to have a circulation of 1.2 million, while her SEL (social-emotional learning) program is purported to have impacted 15.8M children. 

Exploring the Conscious Discipline web site I found many videos and webinars made by Dr. Bailey, and her master teacher ambassadors in other parts of the country.  One video episode (9-29-2017) "Episode 005: The Power and Potential of Faith" done by Bailey and master teacher Amy Speidel especially sparked my interest.  I clicked on to listen.

In the podcast Speidel shared her personal story of resenting the fact that her parent's "God" made her feel like "a flawed person."  But once Amy had encountered Conscious Discipline, she knew she was an "inherently worthy person," and that her very "core was worthy."

Bailey shared how after giving one keynote address some came up to thank her surmising she spoke of Christianity, while others thought she upheld Judaism, still others believed she taught Buddhism, and one, well he thought, she referred to the "Twelve Step Program."  And said Bailey, "I said thank you."  To end she reiterated since we've moved from "fear to love" we must all "hold hands," in order to find "inner peace."
https://consciousdiscipline.com/podcast-episode005/

Conscious Disciple Book: I Love You Rituals

The I Love You Rituals is one of Bailey's most popular books--the book where she took well-known Nursery rhymes and action rhymes changing their wording to remove anything "fearful" and instead insert "love!"  

What was Bailey's intention in changing e.g. the Mother Goose rhyme as "The Old Woman in The Shoe" to "The Wonderful Woman"?  It is all part of the over all agenda of the Conscious Discipline to eliminate punishment, and to do away with seeing anyone as sinful, flawed, or in need of a Savior.  We must change ourselves says Bailey, and as we see our own goodness and love we'll see it in others as well.

Turning to the back cover I found a positive endorsement from the late Dr. Robert Schuller.  In fact Bailey had once been Dr. Schuller's Hour of Power guest where Schuller had called her "... my new friend Becky Bailey."  Seeing Schuller's name raised a big red flag for I realized that Schuller, as Warren Smith wrote, in his booklet Fearing God in A Fearless New Age (pp.5-6) celebrated Gerald Jampolsky's book Love is Letting Go of Fear when he featured New Ager Jampolsky at his Hour of Power. 

But, it was inside the beginning pages that I found the person who has most influenced Becky, and who transformed her life--and that person was a lady of whom Bailey writes,  "As I began my personal journey ... I was frightened of the present moment.  This understanding was inspired by the work, friendship, and love of Carol Howe.  The saying goes, 'When the student is ready the teacher appears.'  This was the case with Carol who is my teacher, mentor, and friend."  With Carol's help, Becky recalled, she'd learned to stay in the present moment relaxing and feeling loved while her fears melted away.
https://www.amazon.com/Love-You-Rituals-Becky-Bailey/dp/0688161170#reader_0688161170

Conscious Discipline Mentor and Friend:  The Course Teacher: Carol M. Howe

Howe, Bailey's special friend, is a renowned expert of A Course in Miracles!  Not only is she a veteran teacher of The Course, she personally knew the co-scribe of The Course's Bill Thetford who aided in taking down the channeled message given Helen Schucman as she listened to "Jesus'" inner voice.  In fact, Carol Howe herself interviewed Thetford writing a book about him titled: Never Forget to Laugh: Personal Recollections of Bill Thetford, Co-scribe of A Course.*  Significantly, the foreword of Carol's book is given by Gerald Jampolsky, M.D.**, and Diane Cirincione, Ph.D.; while a back cover endorsement is made by Becky A. Bailey, Ph.D., Creator of Conscious Discipline,
which reads: "After only three pages, I felt energetically transformed.  By the end of the book I was uplifted, inspired, and at peace.  I completely identified with Bill's journey on so many levels. ... Bill's story is amazing testimony to this universal process."
https://www.amazon.com/Never-Forget-Laugh-Recollections-Co-Scribe/dp/1945390107#reader_1945390107

* Note the reference to Carol's book with Becky's endorsement under "Further Reading" in Wikipedia's article "A Course in Miracles."  Find it at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Course_in_Miracles

** Of Jampolsky Warren Smith writes, "A Course in Miracles gained enormous popularity when psychiatrist author Dr. Gerald Jampolsky's best-selling 1979 book Love is Letting Go of Fear promoted The Course and its New Age teachings." (Fearing God In a Fearless New Age, p.5)      

Carol is a captivating teacher having produced online lessons, and videos about The Course. In fact, in a number of Carol's eCourses as e.g. "eCourse 10-Minute Sample The Instant Healing Power" one can view Dr. Becky Bailey herself participating in the group as she took copious notes.  In other sample videos, Bailey can be seen smiling, nodding, and even being part of one of Carol's demo skits.  There can be no doubt at all that Bailey had fallen for these teachings. Later on, when one listens to her various webinars, and videos Bailey shares over and over ideas coming right out of The Course!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dvnd1pLECSA

Becky's "testimonial" picture and comments can be found at "Carol Howe: "Find Your Peace" at https://www.carolhowe.com/p/testimonials.  Notice that Dr. Gerald Jampolsky's testimony is first. 

In Howe's introduction to her online course: "See How Life Works" one can view Becky Bailey numerous times, as well as hear exactly what Carol is teaching.   Once again the themes of  "fear" and "love" loom large.  Carol teaches as one "steps into his own life" without fear, confusion, and misinformation you can ... feel safe, loved, and valuable.

Carol asserts that "fear" has distorted the process to transform your life from one of "fear and lack"  to deeper peace.  She contends this ACIM course that "we'll take you by the hand to walk you through 'the fog of fear,' and guide you into your own expanded awareness ...." Carol counsels, as you master ACIM principles you'll find the tools to lose your fears and let go of your past.  Then Carol adds, "Then you will thrive by making decisions based on love and peace instead of fear."
View the video here: https://www.carolhowe.com/p/acourseinmiraclesonline.

Further Conscious Discipline Connections to ACIM

Another Becky Bailey book Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline yielded even more connections to A Course in Miracles, and to Becky's mentor Howe with Carol's very own endorsement on its back cover.

On page ten: "The Journey from Fear to Love" Bailey wrote, "This book will take you on a journey from fear to love.  Nothing holds more power than love ...."  She also stated, "Love travels from the worthy to the worthy.  When we feel good about ourselves, we tend to focus on the beauty in our own lives, and the goodness of others. ...  Fear judges, love enjoys."

Find the book on Amazon.com. books.  Be sure to click on the "Look Inside" pages to view its contents.  Especially notice the last line of the "Acknowledgements" where she names specific people who have influenced her.  However, pay careful attention to the words she writes in the last two lines which read, "To the creative force of the universe that links all as one and models love and acceptance.  I am honored to relay the message of love and peace." (P. VIII)  Think ACIM!

Click on the "Listen" below the book picture to hear about the books emphasis on "The Seven Powers of Self Control."  Notice each power as a slogan, motto, or what I am naming a "mantra" for in later webinars on each power Bailey reiterates these mottos over and over!  Notice chapter one where on page three she states, "You must rely on love, not fear, to motivate your children."  Click on the box where you can type in a word to find out how many places that word is referenced.  Note that fear is used 56 times, while love is used 127 times. Hear the reader use these words from chapter two: "The Seven Powers of Self-Control" where Bailey emphasizes "The seven powers will allow you to look at life through the lens of love rather than then the lens of fear." (p.29)

The chapter two index explicitly highlights the books from which  Bailey takes her Conscious Discipline principles.  In this index Becky lists: A Course in Miracles (Foundation for Inner Peace, 1985); Wayne Dyer's Our Sacred Self: Making Decisions to be Free (Harper Collins, 1996); C. Myss' Anatomy of the Spirit-The Seven Stages of Power and Healing (Harmony Books, 1996); Robert Schuller's Power Thought: Achieve Your True Potential through Power Thinking (Harper Books, 1993); Mary Anne Williamson's Return to Love-Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles (Harper Collins, 1996).  In summary, such books are surely the backbone of Bailey's Conscious Discipline program.
https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Love-Difficult-Discipline-Cooperation/dp/0060007753

How very undiscerning, and sad it is that Orlando's First Academy Christian preschool has never  truly looked into where Bailey's materials really emanate from, and instead says that folks are attracted to their preschool because it uses the Conscious Discipline program.  Readers, we must be wary of every program we use, and do your research before you buy into them.  One must look up every person that the creator or writer says influenced them such as I have done with Carol Howe finding her name in the I Love You Rituals "Acknowledgements."  This unlocked for me, and for all who use her materials exactly where Becky has gotten them.  A travesty indeed, for Conscious Discipline is not a Christian curriculum in any sense of the word as shown in this paper.  How deceptive is our enemy who goes about as an "angel of light!" (II Cor. 11:14)
https://thefirstacademy.org/academics/  Go to "Preschool."
https://consciousdiscipline.com/professional-development/event/2018-growing-little-hearts-and-minds-conference/

A Course in Miracles Explained in Fearing God in a Fearless New Age

The question is why is The Course so dangerously deceptive?  For answers, Warren B. Smith's recent January 2018 booklet: Fearing God in a Fearless New Age explains why one would not want to use or subscribe to anything coming from this course. 

Listen to Smith's words (a former New Age follower of The Course) from the section "The New Age Takes on Fear." Smith writes, "In this rapidly changing world, it is important to understand  how the biblical concept of 'fear' is being redefined both by the world and the church.  In particular, a variety of voices ... would now have us believe that the opposite of love is not hate but fear."  Smith continues, "... this deceptive concept ... was popularly introduced ... by a channeled New Age Christ through a set of metaphysical/occult teachings titled A Course in Miracles.  In the Introduction on the very first page ... The Course's 'Jesus' proposes this foundational New Age teaching that 'the opposite of love is fear' but very cleverly adds--'but what is all encompassing (love) can have no opposite.'"

Smith emphasizes that ACIM teaches that his all-encompassing love means God is love, and therefore we are 'god' too. Warren then sums up ACIM teachings this way: "What becomes apparent is that these false teachings lay the groundwork for a New Age/New Gospel/New Spirituality to completely supplant biblical Christianity.  No fear and no fear of God because all are love and we are all God --all in the name of 'God's" dream."
Read the booklet here: https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog?p=27640

Conscious Discipline's Link to Mindfulness Meditation

I Can Calm Breathing Techniques:
Just like other kids' programs Conscious Discipline has a link to mindfulness components both for the children, and for the adults who use the program.  Recall how I noticed the word "breath" on the "S.T.A.R. poster" in the classrooms.  Well, Conscious Discipline has developed various ingenious ways to teach young children breathing techniques.  One can view Becky Bailey reading her book I Can Calm  (Ages 0-4) to young children, and then proceeding to teach them to: "S.T.A.R.", "Balloon," "Drain," "Pretzel," "Bunny breath" and use "breathing arms."   If you look carefully at 1:39 you'll notice that the illustration of the child doing "breathing arms" is also seated in a lotus or meditative position.  At the very end the children put their hands on their hearts, and say a Buddhist-like affirmation: "I wish you well!"
View here: https://consciousdiscipline.com/videos/i-can-calm-book-teach-composure-and-increase-literacy.

View the same breathing techniques here done by a little boy in "Mindful Breathing Exercises for Kids (as taught by my son) {Video}"   His mom says, "My son started kindergarten this year, and I was THRILLED (to say the least) to learn that his teacher is introducing the kids to a different mindful breathing practice each week.  (The breathing strategies are from the Conscious Discipline model developed by Dr. Becky Bailey)."
See one minute video here: http://leftbrainbuddha.com/mindful-breathing-exercises-for-kids-as-taught-by-my-son-video/

Breathing Tools:
Perhaps, you think "Oh, come on this is just so cute. What harm can come of something like this?"  Well, this is very start of teaching little ones how to begin meditation, and when these youngsters grow older how easy it will be for them to go deeper. Conscious Discipline even offers a unique  "S.T.A.R. Breathing Tool" suggesting that this multi-sensory tool will help children learn to take a deep breath by smelling the flower part as they breathe in, and blowing the pinwheel part as they breathe out.  This tool they enthuse, perfect for ages 1-5, is indispensable for teaching little folks "deep belly breathing." Besides, Conscious Disciple sells "Large Conscious Discipline Rugs"
ready to "Bring everyone's best friends (repeating pattern of breathing core icons S.T.A.R., drain, balloon, pretzel) to circle time to use its twenty images as seat markers or an aid to help kids learn deep belly breathing.
Watch "Breathing Tool" Video Here: 
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&p=A+Breathing+Tool+Video+Becky+Bailey#id=1&vid=09cdddb9c3eb675deeba7cf7a2e4cbf1&action=click

Conscious Discipline Affirmations: 
At one Conscious Discipline Head Start Conference PDF parents and teachers are shown a picture of someone sitting lotus style and following "The Five Rule" as they take a deep breath. Bailey's "Active Calming" uses "affirmations" or mantras a child will repeat over "I am safe.  I can handle this.  Keep breathing."  "Wish Well" affirmations include: "You're safe.  You can handle this.  Breathe with me." 

Dr. Becky's "Safe and Calm Meditation":
The popular children's "Safe and Calm for Children" is a very hypnotic guided meditation song from the CD "Brain Boogie Boosters" by Dr. Becky Bailey and The Learning Station.  Upon clicking onto the video, the voice one hears is Dr. Becky Bailey.  A note accompanying this video reads: "Give your child the best gift of their life!  A simple yet very effective technique called meditation.  This is one of the most valuable skills we can teach our children.  Regular meditation has many valuable effects on our children's emotions, mental, and intellectual development.  Meditation helps children relax, reduces stress, decreases anger, strengthen their attention span, and the ability to focus and be engaged." 

Below the video, scroll all the way down to find a copy of its words which claim that the CEO of the brain (the frontal lobes) quiets the rest of the brain.  The "song" contains mantra like refrains about being safe and calm, safe and loved, breathing in and breathing out, relaxing body parts, and thanking body parts.  To end it tells children that they are "a gift to the world.  Offer that gift to others."  This idea is straight out of The Course. 

Of the meditation one commentator said, "I really appreciate this meditation. ... I return to it again and again to hear it.  I even use its mantras in my head in day to day ... situations."  Hear the entire meditation here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVM9JKbIIqU.

A Conscious Discipline Webinar

Bailey does a series of online webinar videos specifically for teachers of Conscious Discipline on each of the seven powers which can be found at her web site.  One of these though stands out in its relationship to mindfulness.  Which one is this?  It is Webinar #3-- "The Power of Attention."  Published in July 24, 2017 you will hear Becky zeroing in this power.  In it she wears a "miner's hat" with a little light which says represents one's focus. In this video she tells the "Green Tea Story" how she went to get tea, but was distracted along the way.

However, her demonstration of the mindfulness skill of noticing our thoughts or her "Kleenex Tissue Demonstration" was unforgettable.  In it Bailey insists we must start to notice our thoughts.  And a thought will be like a tissue--she waves one in the air.  This is a Kleenex cloud "thought."  One, says Bailey, should just let it go by.  Don't notice it.  For we become our thoughts.  We must pivot.  She picks up a second facial tissue.  She waves this, and sticks it on her head. She sticks on another tissue.   She says, "How unattractive is this!"  She emphasizes if thoughts get stuck one must allow them to float on by!  At 14:43 she notes these ideas are "rooted in consciousness or mindfulness research."  https://consciousdiscipline.com/power-of-attention/

Does Conscious Discipline emphasize "mindfulness for adults?"  Yes, it does.  It specifically has  a page entitled "Mindfulness in Adults: Supporting the Positive Impact of Mindfulness in Adults."  On it lists various papers such as C. M. Capel's  "Mindlessness/Mindfulness, Classroom Practices, and Quality of Early Childhood Education."  https://consciousdiscipline.com/mindfulness-in-adults-papers-supporting-conscious-disciplines-framework/  It might be noted that two of Conscious Discipline's master teachers in Arizona are shown with Bailey on a Facebook home page:  "Mindful Discipline Representing Conscious Discipline in Arizona."  http://www.mindfuldiscipline.com/about-us.html 

While much more might be written, but as documented above Conscious Discipline has been
greatly influenced by ACIM as well as mindfulness. To end I ask Christian teachers and parents to consider the final question below.

Which Will it Be?: Conscious Discipline Says?, The Course Says?, or The Bible Says?   

Which are you following? Conscious Discipline whose creator is Dr. Becky Bailey, A Course in Miracles whose scribes were Helen Schucman and Bill Thetford, or the Bible the very word of God?   Which is it, the words of mere men and women or the word of God?   

Will you say?  Conscious Discipline says, The Course says, or the Bible says?  As a Christian we must choose the Bible.  For the others are filled with deception!  For the Bible says, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." (Ephesians 6:1)  The Bible says, "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." (Proverbs 20:11)  The Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) The Bible says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)  And the Bible says if we have this life, Jesus has promised to give us peace for he says, "Peace I leave you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)  It is your choice, what will it be?

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Colossians 2:8

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

For More Information About A Course in Miracles read:  

Warren B. Smith's books:  The Light That Was Dark: From the New Age to Amazing Grace (Warren's own wonderful testimony) and False Christ Coming: Does Anybody Care?    Find these books, and Warren's other books and booklets at:  www.lighthousetrails.com.
              

Mind Yeti: The Committee for Children's Mesmerizing Mindfulness Program

Mind Yeti: The Committee for Children's Mesmerizing Mindfulness Program

Have you heard of Mind Yeti, CFC's mindfulness program with its Yeti cartoon-like character who will help clear hubbubbles from kids and their adults' minds with its daily meditation practices both in the classroom and at home?  Touting its exciting possibilities in an almost half-hour webinar "Get Your Mind Ready with Mind Yeti for Schools" introduces a third grade classroom video where kids "take a moment to find their yeti bodies."  Its teacher too, along side of her pupils, leads the meditation.  And its students testify how great Mind Yeti is!
http://www.secondstep.org/webinars/mind-yeti-for-schools

Just who is Yeti?  Yeti is an ice-blue colored Sesame Street-like character that will help teach kids mindfulness.  And what is a yeti?  Well, a yeti is an ape-like creature said to reside in the Himalayan mountains.  Yes, the Mind Yeti creators have very cleverly used the yeti which some Buddhists worship, and whose costumes Buddhist monks use for religious ceremonies to lure youngsters into mindfulness meditation.  http://mysteriousuniverse.org/2016/01/the-yeti-whats-in-a-name/

In its webinar, CFC collaborators comment, while they haven't yet revealed Yeti's "back story," some children are sending in their own ideas.  However, the back story is that its origin is connected to Buddhism.  Even the YETI company with its drinkware carries a "Sherpa Cooler" named after
Tibetan Buddhists who worship the Himalayan peaks and who guide tourists on mountain treks.

And that's just the start of the story behind the so-called non-religious Mind Yeti, and its Buddhist connections.  Of Mind Yeti, and other such programs Judy Sklar Rasminsky from "Children with Challenging Behavior" in her article "Mindfulness, Children, and Teachers: The Sound of Silence" noted this: "Question:  What do hundreds of thousands of children worldwide have in common with Google employees, U.S. military personnel, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Boston Red Socks?  Answer: They all practice mindfulness.  No matter which mindful program or app is guiding them--whether it's Calm Classroom, Mind Yeti, MindUP, Mindful Schools, Quiet Time, Inner Kids, Kindness Curriculum, or one of the many other programs available-- it is sure to stem from the Buddhist tradition of meditation."
https://childrenwithchallengingbehavior.com/2017/06/20/mindfulness-children-and-teachers-the-sound-of-silence/

Mind Yeti's Connection to MindUP: Mind Yeti's Advisors

Now, Mind Yeti and MindUP are sort of "mindfulness cousins" for both programs have the very same advisors.  Who then are these experts that  have shaped both programs?  You can meet one of them along with MindUP's Goldie Hawn at the 2013  Heart-Mind Conference at the Dalai Lama Center.  Known as a "renowned expert in the field of social and emotion learning (SEL)" that advisor is Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl who is a professor at the University of British Columbia, Ca. who has advised both MindUP and Mind Yeti among many other organizations.  A second lesser contributor of both programs from the same university is Dr. Molly Stewart Lawlor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW0L3_XVqS0eart-Mind
Kimberly Schonert-Reichl-Mindfulness as a Pathway (June 2013)

A BC "Mindfulness Petition.Ca" by Canadian Ray Chwartkowski clearly lays out the link between Dr. Schonert-Reichl and Buddhism and MindUP.  The petition quotes from a January 27, 2015 Vancouver Sun piece "Buddhist-Influenced Mindfulness Makes Kids Kinder and Better at Math, UBC Study Finds."  Of the study Schonert-Reichl said, "... They ... performed meditation and breathing exercises three times a day to help them focus on the present ....."  Chwartkowski also notes that this study and others on MindUP were funded by the Hawn Foundation.  In addition, he mentions that Schonert-Reichl herself received a grant from the Hawn Foundation for research, as well as advising MindUP.  http://mindfulnesspetition.ca/mindfulness-case-study-bias/

Later Kimberly Schonert-Reichl and Robert Roeser edited a Handbook of Mindfulness in Education Integrating Theory and Research into Practice (2016) of which a chapter titled "Mindfulness-Based Intervention and Social and Emotional Learning" may be read on line.  It states, "Mindfulness-based intervention (MBIs) are secular programs that employ practices from primarily Buddhist  contemplative traditions with the goal of development and well being (Cullen, 2011: Roeser, 2016)."  The chapter goes on to define "mindful awareness ... as an unbiased present-centered awareness that is accompanied by states of clarity, compassion, and equanimity (Kabit-Zinn 2003; Roeser 2013)." It continues, "Mindful awareness is cultivated through specific training techniques practiced with an attitude of open heartedness, during practice (Grossman, 2015)."  It adds, "Mindful awareness can be cultivated by practicing moment-to-moment awareness of objects, sensations, and emotions, accepting them as they arise without attempting to evaluate, change, or control the experiences."
(p.213)  The bottom line here is that mindfulness is Buddhist-based, and Buddhist-laced.
http://www.springer.com/us/book/9781493935048

Dr. Candy Gunther Brown in "Mindfulness Meditation in Public Schools: Side-Stepping Supreme Court Religion Rulings" discusses MindUP in depth and notes that the "core practice" of deep belly breathing and attentive listening (mindfulness meditation) is part of "... Goldie Hawn's agenda of getting Buddhist religious contemplative practice into the classroom by another name."

Goldie Hawn, with advisor Schonert-Reichl right beside her, at the Dalai Lama Center asserted she was going to get "the show on the road" for she had its "script written."  Of the script Gunther Brown says, "The MindUP 'script' tells the story that Buddhist mindfulness is really 'secular' neuroscience."  At that time,* Gunther Brown wrote Hawn's scientific members included one person-Kimberly Schonert-Reichel who was linked to "Buddhist Contemplative Care."

* MindUP's "Scientific Research Advisory Board now has three members: Kimberly A. Schonert-Reichl, PhD., Chairman; Robert W. Roeser, PhD., MSW, and Joshua L. brown, PhD.  Notice Roeser's current research involves "the area of contemplative education."  Whereas, the Mind Yeti Team consists of Committee for Children as its founder, and Dr. Schonert-Reichl as its advisor.  Its collaborators include: Dr. Molly Lawlor, Baby Octopus, Sudden Industries, Edmund Eagan, and Lynn Brunette.  https://mindup.org/thehawnfoundation/research-advisory-board/
https://www.mindyeti.com/about-us

Gunther Brown makes it clear that meditating on one's breath and present-moment sensations, cultivating non-judgmental awareness of passing thoughts and emotions, as does MindUp and Mind Yeti, trains the mind to perceive experiences and the notion of a 'self' as transitory.  She notes, "Right mindfulness--the seventh aspect of the eightfold path of Buddhism--alleviates ... suffering by detaching the mind from pursuing desires, avoiding dislikes, or worrying about the past or future.  Compassion toward others stems from realizing that everyone is really past of the same universal process, or Buddha nature."  For the rest of Gunther Brown's excellent article please go to:
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/candy-gunther-brown-phd/mindfulness-meditation-in_b_6276968.html

Mind Yeti Webinar's Mindfulness Expert: Brigid Normand

In a Mind Yeti Webinar video "national mindfulness expert"-- Bridgid Normand--is introduced to those inquiring about Mind Yeti.  Bridgid, part of the SEL Second Step team, states mindfulness is about "bringing your attention to the present moment with kindness and curiosity.  It's bringing a non-judgmental approach to every moment."  Normand goes on to say that Social Emotional Learning skills as empathy e.g., are different from mindfulness which she calls an "embodied experiential practice" focusing on one's breath.

Bridgid, a CFC presenter, put together a fifty-two part slide show touting the Second Step agenda (October 2017) with its vision of "Safe Children Thriving in a Peaceful World."  Its program boasts of serving 25,000 schools, 70 countries, and 10 million children.  And what does slide #50 suggest educators try out-- Mind Yeti--the perfect mindfulness program to practice along side of Second Step.
https://www.slideshare.net/Mentor_UK/mentoradepis-second-step-overview-parts-12

It's interesting to note that Bridgid gives mindfulness training at varying venues. One such venue was a Hestia Retreat at a Woman's Wellness Day called "Fuel Your Flame!"  Some of its sessions included Ayurvedic Healing, Shamanic Journey, Ignite Your Temple, Psychic Readings and more.  And this is a lady who is a Mind Yeti colleague as the webinar states.
http://vashonloop.com/article/hestia-retreat%E2%80%99s-annual-women%E2%80%99s-day-wellness

Free Mind Yeti Sessions: "Moments," and a "Power Portal" Plus More!

Mind Yeti tempts the mindfulness seeker--be it an educator or parent-- to try out fifteen free scripted
programs of its eighty-plus audio sessions to see how they work.  From the get-go Mind Yeti emphasizes that it is a program anyone can use with the click of a button.  Mind Yeti says also that the difference between it and other mindfulness programs is that in the classroom the teacher must model the meditation for the children.  To me the attractiveness of the Yeti itself with its swirl of thought hubbubbles circling about it makes this program even more alluring to kids.  Such is the cuteness of it that kids are saying: "Let's Yeti!"

Mind Yeti says, "Gongs are gone!" However, each session begins and ends with a distinctive sound.  If one signs up for its free sessions you can view its contents, and hear exactly how it works.    Moments includes: "Calm Down, Focus, Get Along,  Reset, Create, and Go to Sleep" sessions; while  The Power Portal includes: "Breath, Thoughts, Kindness, Gratitude, Body, Feelings, and Senses" sessions.  Hoping to lure you into signing on to the Premium sessions Mind Yeti gives you just a taste of different kinds of sessions for free.  Then, you must pay for more.  Most assuredly, mindfulness is a money making business for Mind Yeti.

Sample Mind Yeti Session Text:

"Calm Down" (Slow Breathing 2) begins with a hypnotic voice that says: "Hello! Welcome to Mind Yeti!  Notice your breath in your body can help you settle the hubbub and find a peaceful place.  Before we begin take a moment to find your yeti body.  Sit comfortably with your back straight and your feet or legs resting on the floor.  ...  Now, notice your breath.  Try to take a slow breath in and out.  Imagine you have a hot bowl of soup in front of you.  Slowly take a breath in through your nose and smell the soup.  Now, slowly breathe the air out through your mouth and blow on the soup to cool it down.  See if you can focus all of your attention on your breath.  If the hubbubbles bubble up that's all right, it happens to everyone.  Just notice it, and try to bring your attention back to your slow breathing.  Feel your body gently fill out like a balloon.  Feel your body empty and get softer as the breath moves out.  Take one last slow breath.  Let's reflect for a moment.  How does your mind feel?  How does your  body feel?  Notice if your mind and body feel a little calmer.  Any time you feel the hubbubbles bubbling up just stop, and take a few slow breaths.  When you are ready take one more breath, and bring your attention back to the room. (Time 3:40)*

*  I have emphasized words and phrases that these audio meditations repeat over and over in various sessions.  In summary, the mesmerizing voice, script, and screen all tie into the over-all meditative effect.  It's all about focusing on the body and breath.  It's all about feelings.  It's all about being controlled by the voice that imparts its suggestions and commands.  Ponder how many times young children during the course of their day, year, or years using Mind Yeti will hear this indoctrination over and over again embedding it in their minds producing hundreds of young meditators ready to go deeper.
https://ca01802636.schoolwires.net/Page/2423  (Audio samples.)

There's no mention of monkey chatter here, but instead one's bubble-like thoughts are all in a hubbub-- turmoil or uproar-- and to chase them away one must focus on one's breath, or body parts.  Testimonials on the Mind Yeti Blog abound.  One toddler mom writes in how she calmed her three year old toddler with the above "hot soup sessions."  Another mom Nancy Schatz Alton, in "Can We Yeti?  New Tool Makes Meditation Fun for Kids." (June 2016) tells how her nine year old was having trouble falling asleep so she opted to use adult meditation apps, but when she discovered Mind Yeti she could not wait to try it out.
https://mindyeti.com/blog/    https://parentmap.com/article/mind-yeti-meditation-parent-fuel
            
Committee For Children's "New Missions Venture" Mind Yeti

On the Mind Yeti webinar Mia Doces, Director of "New Missions Venture," boasts of this innovative program.  Truly, it has a "missionary-like agenda" to help CFC's push for well-being through social and emotional learning.  To see this mission-like zeal in action one need only read about the Austin Independent School District's James Butler, mindfulness specialist and activist, who might be called an evangelist for Mind Yeti.

Last April on the "Mind Yeti Blog", Butler wrote an article titled: "Mindful Leadership: Tips for Transforming Your School District Culture with Mind Yeti."  In his article Butler begins by saying that his vision is to see Mind Yeti to spread across the entire school district.  Therefore to get ready for Mind Yeti they must "Cast a Wide Net."  To do this Butler suggests one make mindfulness accessible, share the research, make it personal, and bring it to the community.  Introduce it, e.g., by using a Mind Yeti session such as "Hello Breath."  Emphasize it's based on brain science, not anything religious.  Get the staff on board with simple self-care suggestions.

Next, "Find Your Tribe"--those educators, staff, and parents who on board with mindfulness.  Recruit them.  They will soon spread mindfulness to all levels.  Begin your meeting with it.  Offer drop-off sessions for staff, family, and students at different schools.  Don't forget to practice at lunch meetings or district trainings.  To further mindfulness dissemination: "Make Use of Existing Systems and Structures."  Morning announcements are the perfect time to begin indoctrination.  Incorporate it into your Social Emotional Learning lessons.  Do it before tests.  Use it during transitions.  Set up a mindfulness room in a corner of your staff lounge, or even a closet. 

After "Empower Youth."  As mindfulness becomes embedded in the classroom encourage students--yes, even four year olds*-- to do peer-to-peer teaching.  Choose "Mindful Student Leaders."  Don't forget athletes: sports teams and superstar athletes should be the first to get this training.  Make being a "mindful leader" a classroom job.  Use science classes to hammer home it all about the brain, and not religion.  Lastly, "Remember, It Takes a Village," and if "your village" is engaged the kids will be doing mindfulness at school and as well as at home.  Try parent workshops, family nights, or family mindfulness sessions. Think what an amazing take-home tool Mind Yeti can be.  Open schools on weekends for additional Mind Yeti.
https://mindyeti.com/blog/

*  Butler, by the way, actually taught four year olds, designed his own mindfulness program, and wrote a mindfulness book before becoming the AISD Mindfulness Specialist.   Read here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2117830395/mindful-classrooms

In short, Butler, with missionary-like fervor, encourages everyone in AISD to seize every opportunity to spread Mind Yeti.  Imagine if this was a Christian practice, and folks were spreading it with like passion.  What outrage would occur.  Public Schools though have thrown out all connected with the God of the Bible, and now in need of something moral to grab hold of, they have replaced it with Buddhist-related mindfulness.  With recent school happenings there is even more reason why school districts just like Austin, Texas will turn to mindfulness.

Christian, Are You Ready for Mind Yeti?

Lighthouse Trails in their article: "Looking Back at 2017 and Pressing On In 2018" makes this poignant statement:  There are two outstanding words that describe the danger that children of America (and really throughout the world are in): transgenderism and mindfulness.  ...  To top it off, thousands of public schools in America are now teaching children mindfulness.  So between sexual and gender deviance from God's plan and occultic practices, how can children in America have a chance?!  Also tragic is how so many modern-day Christians are falling into step with the world by embracing these dangers and trying to make it look like God sanctions both."
https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=27519

In light of this I would ask you the reader, are you ready for Mind Yeti, or other like programs?  If your children or grandchildren do not meet mindfulness at school, they are almost certainly going to encounter it at their jobs, the military, or elsewhere!  Thus, as Christians we must "take heed" to what Biblical meditation is, and teach your children, grandchildren, and others.  Sadly, though so many adults are asleep, and have not taken the time to reflect or look into how Biblical meditation differs from secular meditation.

Because "mindfulness" puts such emphasis on paying attention to the breath think about a Bible breath verse.  And no it is not doing slow breathing with a hot soup routine.  It is, however, using that breath to praise the Lord for Psalm 150:6 declares, "Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD.  Praise the LORD!"

Psalm 119 has a number of "meditation" verses urging one to pay careful attention to the Word.  Psalm 119:15 instructs "I will meditate in thy precepts (teachings)."  There's no formula to do this either such as sitting straight in a chair with feet on the floor, sitting on the floor with legs in a lotus position, closing one's eyes and fixing one's fingers, or focusing in on one's breath as I've noted Mind Yeti meditators doing.  Psalm 119:97 mentions "all the day meditation" when it says, "O how love I thy law!  It is my meditation all the day."  For at any time, or any place we can find a meditation occasion. 

Therefore, today is the time to encourage your children, grandchildren, and others to fill their minds with scripture, and to meditate upon them.  And with the Psalmist may we say: "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth."  (Psalm 119:103)

Learn to Discern Granny Verses:  Ephesians 5:15,16

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

First Ever Drag Queen Story Time: Where? Broome County Public Library, Binghamton, NY

First Ever Drag Queen Story Time:  Where?  Broome County Public Library, Binghamton, NY

Yes, you read that right.  Binghamton, NY's Broome County Public Library is planning a "Drag Queen Story Time" on January 13, 2018.  An event announcement reads: "Please join us for our first ever Drag Queen Story Time!  This is an exciting chance to see live characters from your favorite books.  Ariel, Elsa, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella and maybe a surprise guest or two will appear before your eyes and read your favorite stories!"
https://etrigg.com/event/drag-queen-story-time/58952039/

Is this a random story time in a local area?  Absolutely not!  There have been a number of such readings done by a group--"Drag Queen Story Hour"-- around the country including here in the Orlando area.  DQSH's web site describes it this way:  "Drag Queen Story Hour ... is just what it sounds like--drag queens reading to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores.  DQSH  captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity* of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models.  In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real."

*  Definition:  "Gender-fluid: of, relating to, or being a person whose gender identity is not fixed. ... There are also people who identify as 'gender fluid,' a mix of both genders, and may feel more male on some days and more female on others." (Merriam-Webster)

The DQSH was created by Michelle Tea and Radar Productions in San Francisco, but DQSH happens regularly in LA, New York, San Francisco, and events are popping up all over the world.   https://www.dragqueenstoryhour.org/

A Smithsonian.com article: "Drag Queens Are Public Libraries' Newest Storytellers: Early Reading Just Got a Lot More Glamorous" (May 18, 2017) by Erin Blakemore asks us: "Where can you find feathers, fake eyelashes, and fiction for kids?  If you're stumped, you must not live in Brooklyn. The city's public library is now ground zero for an unlikely story hour, the Associated Press reports: one hosted by drag queens."  Blakemore further writes, "Storytime has become more and more creative over the years. These days, you can find storytime incorporates everything from yoga to geek culture.  She adds, "... Reading out loud not only orients kids to books, but helps increase their vocabularies and sets them up for successful literacy.  The drag queens of  Brooklyn aren't just campy or glam--they're giving the act of reading some much-needed sparkle."
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/drag-queens-are-public-libraries-newest-storytellers-180963341/

A recent January 2, 2018 article in The Globe in Toronto: "Drag Queen Story Time Teaches Acceptance, Diversity at Toronto Libraries" by Rachael Levy-McLaughlin fills one in on more of how these story hours have gained in popularity.  Levy-McLaughlin notes, "Jack Slade's favorite hat is pink and sparkly.  But sometimes people tell the nearly 5-year-old that he shouldn't wear it because he's a boy and boys shouldn't wear pink, sparkly things."  She adds, "But Jack, sitting among dozens of children at Jones Public Library in Toronto ... listened to a drag queen decked out in sparkly shoes, false eyelashes, and a skirt read stories saying that boys can wear pink, sparkles, and dresses ... 'It's so affirming here,' comments Jennifer Slade, Jack's mother, at Jones library ...."

The article continues, "Even though it's new to the Toronto scene, drag queen story times have become very popular.  The Jones library was filled ... with so many families, there was barely standing room ....  A dad said, 'It's wild, absolutely fantastic.'  And the dad added, 'His 4-year-old daughter loves story times ... and loved seeing the drag queens and their outfits.'"

According to this article, the book read by one of the drag queens was Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis about a boy who loved wearing dresses.  The drag queens themselves were recorded as saying they were pleased to be role models for the children.  Why, at the end, the article records kids and the drag queens took selfies.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/drag-queen-story-times-sparkle-at-toronto-libraries/article37476678/

Not in Your Backyard, Yet?

Perhaps, you are appalled by this, but shrug it off with all the hub-bub that's taking place in big city libraries... so what's new?  Well, the library in Broome County is not a big city library.  And the friends of mine, who live in and near to Broome County, who alerted me to their library's upcoming event could not shrug it off for it was in their backyard!   And their backyard is not NY City, San Francisco, or Atlanta!  And they were informing each other, and their church wondering how to take a stand ASAP against this event.

Meantime, on the Broome County Public Library Facebook, a battle is raging between a host of supporters for the event, and a few stalwarts who are challenging it.  Below photos of sweet-faced little ones are comments such as one who wrote, "This is a wonderful idea!  Way to go Broome County!"  And the library itself declared, "Throughout history, American public libraries have been on the front lines of the fight to dispel ignorance, intolerance, and bigotry."  Only one man dared to bring up verses from Matthew 18 about children.

How horrendous that little ones, in an ever growing number of places, are being subjected to such story readings whether it is at a library, school, or elsewhere.  How America has fallen, and how the church has failed, and so few are aware of such happenings.  Broome County now is just another place that has opened wide its door to anything in the name of tolerance, love, and inclusiveness.  May those Christians who live there have the courage to stand up keeping in mind Jesus' warning found in Matthew 18:10: "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is heaven."  As for you, and I let's be ready and prayed up should such an event come to our backyards.

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Proverbs 17:15 

"He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD."


 
   

Nationwide Community/School Readings of Kids' Picture Book in Support of theTransgender Agenda Planned for 12-7-17

Nationwide Community/School Readings of Kids' Picture Book in Support of the Transgender Agenda Planned for 12-7-17

On December 7, 2017 nationwide "Community/School Readings" of the picture book I Am Jazz will take place in schools, libraries, LGBTQ centers, houses of worship, and homes.  Using the seemingly innocent book I Am Jazz, the true story of transgender Jazz Jennings written for ages 4-8, that is filled with LGBTQ indoctrination intentionally written to sanction the idea one can be born with what is known as GD or "Gender Dysphoria," and that coming out and choosing your own gender can be done even at a preschool age.  Inside its front flap summary it says: "From the time she was two years old Jazz knew she had a girl's brain in a boy's body."  It continues, "She loved pink ... and didn't feel like herself in boy's clothing."  It ends, "This confused her family and they took her to a doctor who diagnosed Jazz as transgender and explained she was born this way."  These three sentences concisely spell out what the book hopes to teach.

It is also hoped that one will read I Am Jazz's final propaganda page titled: "TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation" that states TKPRF is committed to the premise that Gender Dysphoria is something children can't control, and therefore, society needs to embrace them."  It insists, "Families need to support their children and allow them to grow up free of gender roles."  This page's sole purpose is to convince readers of the need for transgender acceptance everywhere.  Nowhere, does it tell how prominent doctors refute these claims citing twin studies proving no one is born with GD.  Nor does it tell about the abusive drug cocktail of hormones trans children later take, or the dreadful surgeries that complete the "transitions."
https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Jazz-Jessica-Herthel/dp/0803741073

The Human Rights Campaign Welcoming Schools' Organizing Kit for The Readings  

The kit begins with a "Welcoming Schools Letter" from director Johanna Eager.  Eager asserts that this kit was created to aid educators, parents, and community advocates to build more affirming spaces for transgender and non-binary children and youth across the country by hosting I Am Jazz readings. 

It also includes a "Step-by-Step Guide" on exactly how to plan for a school or community reading of "this ground breaking book."  Step one, decide if it's a school, public, or private reading.  Step two, select your venue e.g.: schools, bookstores, churches, temples, or mosques.  Step three, find a prominent, or celebrity reader.  If one can't find a reader, HRC has prepared a You Tube video of Jazz reading the book.  Step four, partner with local leaders that would help with refreshments, finances, and even personal copies of I Am Jazz for participants.  Finally, advertise!

Under "Educator's Notes" readers are told that at the beginning, the book "purposely" doesn't
mention that Jazz is transgender, but focuses on the things Jazz enjoys.  Avoid, cautions the notes, introducing it as a book about a transgender girl!  Readers are also told to especially emphasize: "gender is who you are deep inside," and "gender is a spectrum and not a binary ... for each child is an individual with their own unique expression of who they are in this world."  However, Scripture affirms we were wonderfully created male, and female by a creator God.  Binary we are--God said so!

The lesson script asserts children receive gender information from families, peers, communities, and media and therefore "many messages will empower them, and many messages will limit them."  And because of such limited messages as one, for example, might receive from a Christian home that honors the Word, the lesson warns "it is critical to discuss gender in the classroom" using HRC lessons, books, and ideas to indoctrinate our youth!  Therefore, it is even more imperative for Christian parents and grandparents to follow Deuteronomy 6:6 and 7 which instructs: "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

Scroll all the way down to see video, resources, and at bottom "Organizing Kit."
https://www.hrc.org/resources/i-am-jazz-a-guide-for-parents-educators-and-community-advocates

Think of what has been happening in Delaware where "Regulation 225" is proposed to be in every public school allowing children of all ages (Yes, kindergarten!) to change their gender, or race without their parent's knowledge or consent.  This, readers, could happen in your state!  So be on guard, and be ready--for public education intends to teach students so-called "messages of empowerment" regardless of a parent's position or opposition. Yes, many can remove their children from public schools, and choose homeschooling, or a Christian school.  But, what about the children who cannot do this?  Because of them we must speak out!
https://www.delawarefamilies.org/act-r225-petition

The bottom line is: if one agrees with their agenda, one is loving, an ally, and affirming.  Disagree with their agenda, then one is a hater, a bully, and non-affirming. A school system that agrees with this affirming agenda would certainly have to be Wisconsin's Madison Metropolitan School District   Read more about their plans below to hold an I Am Jazz reading on December 7th!

Wisconsin's Madison Metropolitan School District Promotes an I Am Jazz Reading 

A November 8, 2017 notice on the MMSD's web page invites educators and school employees to join them on December 7th for an I Am Jazz Community Book Reading.  This "family event" includes art activities, pizza, and ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. "In these challenging times," the notice says, "show your support for transgender, non-binary and gender expansive youth."

For its celebrity reader MMSD has chosen Sarah McBride who was the first openly transgender person to address the 2016 Democratic convention, and who is the National Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign. Sarah also is on the board of "Equality Delaware" the very same organization that has sponsored the proposed Delaware Department of Education "Regulation 225"  described above.

In addition to McBride, Wisconsin's special speaker at the community reading will be MMSD Superintendent Jen Cheatham (who hailed from Chicago) who has stated MMSD is a place "that values and celebrates diversity unequivocally."  Besides, MMSD this reading is co-sponsored by:  Welcoming Schools, The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, GSAFE, A Room of One's Own Bookstore, Madison Public Library, Fair Wisconsin, and The Madison Children's Museum. 

Host of the reading is Madison's longtime openly gay MMSD activist, and elementary school art teacher Michelle Hatchell.  Hatchell is known for her grade three-five "Lego Lesson" which she designed that challenged The Lego Group to make their product more inclusive.  Michelle, part of he Welcoming Schools Staff, is a "Welcoming Schools Expert Trainer."
https://act.hrc.org/page/16429/event/1  and http://www.welcomingschools.org/our-program/our-staff/

https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/3rd-annual-i-am-jazz-community-book-reading-december-7-2017

The Human Rights Campaign, the National Education Association, Equality Delaware, and so many more organizations are passionately becoming advocates for transgender instruction to our very youngest, and what about you?  Should such a reading of I Am Jazz be scheduled in your school what would you do? Are you ready?

We, in Christian love, must speak out, certainly never offending or hurting any child who is caught in this gender driven web; but at the same time we must not be ashamed of our convictions, nor our stand against such indoctrination. 

For a Christian there is a "transition" named in II Corinthians 5:17 that transforms us that reads, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new."  And for a Christian there is a motto in I Peter 3:15 that must shape all our reactions that says, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." 

And in the meantime, we must do what we can, on behalf of all children, to inform Christians to stand on Biblical principles and to redeem the time for truly the hour is late.

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Romans 1:16

" For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; ...."

For More Information:

National Education Association and Human Rights Foundation's "Welcoming Schools" hosts I Am Jazz Reading in Las Vegas' "The Center" with NEA's president Lily Eskelsen Garcia.
Find at: https://www.hrc.org/events/hrcfs-lasvegas-i-am-jazz

"A Public School Transgender Agenda Alert: A Wake-Up Call for Christians," (Lighthouse Trails Blog)  and  "It's Time to Speak Up Against Transgender Indoctrination Programs Aimed Against Children!"  Read my two previous blogs to learn more.
  


        

It's Time to Speak Up Against Transgender Indoctrination Programs Aimed At Children!

It's Time to Speak Up Against Transgender Indoctrination Programs Aimed At Children!

Dear reader, if ever there was a time for Christians to stand up, and speak out against the transgender agenda the time is now!  For Ecclesiastes tells us:  "There is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: ... a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.  (Eccl. 3:1,7)  For the world this time is known as the "Trans Moment."

And as the pace of this transgender indoctrination continues its targeting of the youngest in our society, Christians must endeavor to do all we can to sound the alarm.  Is anyone daring to do this?  Yes, a few are. And here are some examples:

Cambridge, New York Parents Speak Out for Righteousness!

In October 2017, parents of the upstate town of Cambridge, New York, chose to speak out against a LGBT presentation by a staff member from the Pride Center of the Capital Region during which
a Pride Center's Gender Identity Packet was distributed to students.  One handout given to seventh graders, says the article "Cambridge Parents Push Back Against LGBT 'Instruction'" in the Albany Update, was forty-two pages long including detailed information on "gender reassignment surgery" and LGBT terminology.

An alert parent, Sirell Fiel, upon reading his eleven-year-old son's handouts, later read them on You Tube.  Following complaints from other seventh grade parents, the district suspended a health teacher with pay and indicated that the Pride Center would not be welcome.  The Pride Center countered by saying they had presented materials before--over a twelve year period--without reaction.  They also said, "Transgender kids are coming out younger and younger.  Middle school is not too early to start.  If a parent has a problem with this presentation, that's the parent's problem."

At the end of the article, The Albany Update (New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms) posed this important question: "What lessons can Christian families draw from this controversy?"  Lesson one was that parental involvement is paramount.  Parents must review student's handouts, ask about guest speakers, and protest pro-LGBT advocates.  Lesson two, parents must use social media to keep each other informed.  Finally, parents must not be afraid to make "a stink" by contacting the school system, and attending board meetings.  And the bottom line was, "If you speak out for righteousness your voices can make a difference."

By the November 9 school board meeting, although the suspended teacher had been reinstated, the board chairman, the Glen Fall's Post Star reports, "acknowledged parents' concerns that some material was not age appropriate, and cited measures to ensure that parents would know ahead of time what material was to be covered" in the future.
https://www.albanyupdate.com/cambridge-parents-push-back-lgbt-instruction/

Delaware's Family Policy Council Speaks VS. Education Regulation 225

Nicole Theis, of the Delaware Family Council, recently spoke out on "Fox and Friends" program admonishing Delaware parents to sign a petition against "Regulation 225" declaring: "ENOUGH!  NO on Regulation 225!"

Just what is "Regulation 225" you ask?  "Regulation 225" is a Delaware Education proposal that allows a child to change their gender or race, at any age, without a parent's knowledge or consent.  (Yes, we are speaking of kindergarteners too.)  It is a proposal that would allow DE schools to talk to a child privately and he or she could take on a new identity.  Therefore, the Delaware Family Council urged parents to sign the petition to the governor and Department of Education by December 4, 2017.  Read the proposed regulation here: https://www.delawarefamilies.org/act-r225-petition



On the other hand "Equality Delaware," realizing Regulation 225 is under "heavy attack," has posted a sample letter for its supporters to copy.  This letter advocates immediate passage of the regulation.  It also suggests improvements to add to the bill such as e.g.; "... it would serve the regulation's purpose better if more of the antidiscrimination school language is mandatory rather than simply suggested."
www.equalitydelaware.org

In summary, it's time that Christians would awaken and realize that what is being proposed in Delaware may soon be proposed in your own state.  As Theis shared on Fox News program Regulation 225 has been one of the most controversial issues ever taken on by the Delaware Family Council!  Kudos to Theis, and her associates for having the courage to voice truth.

At Such a Time As This--A Courageous Christian Mom Speaks Up!

A Christian mom, a such a time as this mom, dared to confront her school superintendent, and the school board over transgender issues her son and others had encountered.  Her riveting story: "Christian Mom Shares Her Story Re: Public School Transgender Agenda" can be heard on the August 28, 2017 podcast of "Stand Up for the Truth."  Listen here:
https://standupforthetruth.com/2017/08/christian-mom-shares-her-story-re-public-school-transgender-agenda/

The mom, named "Jenny," to protect all of the youth involved, courageously voiced her poignant story on national radio.  Under the summary of the program it says, "If you think the transgender movement could never happen locally think again!"

Jenny shared how some of the students at her son's school were "gender fluid"-- that is on certain days they said they were one sex, and on other days the opposite sex.  Jenny also shared how a Christian teacher lost her job when she voiced concern over field trips where students were involved in all sorts of unsupervised co-ed activities.  And these were but two of the troubling incidents Jenny's son encountered in his local public school.

The radio hosts explained how listeners might contact Jenny to obtain further information on how to raise awareness of this transgender indoctrination.  Praising Jenny for her bravery to speak out they admonished parents to talk with their children about these issues, and to attend and participate in
school board meetings.  Romans 12:2, a verse quoted, says it clearly, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that it may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God."

A Christian's Challenge: It's Time to Speak Up Now!

As Christians, we need to remember the words of Ephesians 5:16 which remind us to: "Redeem the time for the days are evil."  However, many Christians are willing to sit in their comfortable bubble, and as gender issues surface voice opinions such as, "It would never be in our school system!" or "Just homeschool!"  No, perhaps it is not in your locale now, but it might be tomorrow!  "Just homeschool!" may be an option for you or your friends, but I ask what about the children who are unable to be homeschooled, nor ever will be able to?  What about them?  Is there anyone speaking up for them?

So, it is up to us--you and I-- to speak up for these children who are being inundated with transgender
indoctrination.  Even if you and your family are protected, inform pastors, parents, grandparents, and youth workers of how impassioned transgender activists have become in public education. May the Lord help us all to arise, to wake up, and to respond now! 

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:   Luke 12:48

"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."

A Public School Transgender Agenda Alert: A Wake Up Call for Christians

A Public School Transgender Agenda Alert: A Wake Up Call for Christians     

Perhaps, you've heard of the Sacramento, California charter school Rocklin Academy where a kindergarten teacher read the transgender picture book I Am Jazz, and who, after reading it, presented a little boy to the class as now being a little girl.  You can imagine how perplexing and unsettling this incident was to these little ones, as well as to their uninformed parents.

Recently, a board meeting at the school caused a huge confrontation between upset parents and a defensive teacher and school board.  In the end, the board boldly asserted that topics dealing with "gay, lesbian and transgender issues" are open for discussion at Rocklin, and that parents may not always be notified before such discussions occur. The board also maintained that opting out of these discussions promotes a "discriminatory environment ... prohibited by law."

With this incident in mind here are some questions:  What exactly is in this innocuous looking picture book I Am Jazz?  Who are its authors?  What organizations are supporting this book?  How should Christian parents, and teachers respond? Will you be an upstander or a bystander? To answer these questions and more, here is a brief review of the book, the so-called "essential tool for parents and teachers."

I Am Jazz-- Co-Author Jessica Herthel

Jessica Herthel, its co-author, is a Broward County, Florida  mom of three, and an all-out advocate of the transgender agenda.  Herthel, having met Jazz's mom at a community function, soon formed a friendship with her and her little boy who became "a trans girl" renamed "Jazz." Herthel then went on to co-write the book, along with Jazz, telling what it is like to be a trans kid.

As a result of writing I Am Jazz Herthel has become a recognized LGBTQ advocate on many fronts.  It began with her volunteering for the Florida Broward County Schools (sixth largest district in the USA) where soon she was designing inclusive lesson plans, and purchasing diverse books for elementary classrooms.  Later, she became the primary content editor of "Broward County's LGBTQ Critical Support Guide" presented to all district administrators in 2014.  After, Herthel worked as the Education Director at the Stonewall National Museum and Archives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida,  which is a nonprofit that shares the culture of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, and the role they play in society.

Beyond Florida Herthel travels nationwide spreading the trans kids agenda using I Am Jazz as a jumping off point.  This message has taken her to such diverse places as: Mt. Horeb Public Library, Mt. Horeb, WI (The Mt. Horeb School System refused to allow her to read I Am Jazz in a public school setting so it was read in the public library.); Temple Bat Yahm, New Port Beach, CA (This is a welcoming Jewish congregation for all including the LGBT community.); and The Human Rights Campaign "Time to Thrive" Conference in Dallas, TX. (HRC partnered with the National Education Association and the American Counseling Association to reach out to LBGTQ Youth).
http://jessicaherthel.com/

It must be noted the Human Rights Campaign considers Jazz Jennings their foundation "Youth Ambassador."  Coming this December 7, 2017 HRC is sponsoring an "I Am Jazz: School and Community Readings" all over the nation at many venues.  Besides, HRC has a web site www.welcomingschools.org with lesson plans to aid in creating LBGTQ-inclusive schools.  Its "Top 10 Books for a Welcoming School" includes I Am Jazz and an accompanying lesson.   Readers, I would urge you, to click on this site to view this invasive school agenda--while it gives the appearance of being about safe schools and stopping bullying, much of the its materials are about other causes.
https://www.hrc.org/resources/i-am-jazz-a-guide-for-parents-educators-and-community-advocates

I Am Jazz--Its Transgender Agenda

I Am Jazz ( Ages 4-8) is "a picture book lure," based on the actual life experiences of Jazz Jennings
designed to be read to preschool through grade three introducing them to transgender ideas.  Herthel begins by presenting Jazz as a "girl" whose favorite color is pink, and who likes girly things like drawing, dancing, and putting on make up.  Most of all Jazz is mesmerized by "mermaids."

Now, Jazz's best friends are Casey and Samantha with whom Jazz plays dress up in high heels and princess gowns.  They also do fun things like turning cart wheels, or jumping on trampolines.  However, as a "sad-faced Jazz" says, "But, I'm not exactly like Samantha and Casey."

To explain, there's a page of kids' drawings showing a very unhappy Jazz.  Below this, Herthel unleashes these troubling sentences:  "I have a girl brain, but a boy body.  This is called transgender.  I was born this way."

Herthel records Jazz's transition saga as a two year old boy starting with Jazz's mom saying he was a good boy, and him correcting her as he retorted, "No Mama.  Good GIRL!"  Herthel also writes, "At first my family was confused.  They'd always thought of me as a boy."   

The next pages show Jazz's brothers and sister.  His brothers comment that his dress up antics are "girls stuff;" while his sister comments that his girl thoughts, dreams, and ambitions made him "a funny kid."

Whenever, he went out, the text continues, his parents had him wear his "boy clothes" which made him mad!  One then hears this startling thought, "Pretending I was a boy felt like telling a lie."  Talk about confusion.  Just imagine a child's puzzlement to this thought.

Then came "an amazing day" when all was changed for his parents took him to a doctor who asked many questions.  There, says the text, he heard the word "transgender" for the first time.*  Listeners, at this point, have heard the term "transgender twice," and are now told this revelation was part of "an amazing day."

*  His parents heard the words: "Gender Dysphoria."

That night, relates Jazz, for the first time his parents told him to "Be who you are." This caused
him to smile and smile as he went to bed dressed in a girl's nightgown.  Do what you want, and whatever makes you happy is the sense one gets here, making one think of Judges 17:6 that reads, "... every man did that which was right in his own eyes." 

The book fast forwards to Jazz at school.  Here, like Jazz's family, his friends and teachers were "confused."  Upset with his teacher, Jazz found it hard to have to use the boy's bathroom, and be on the boy's teams.  Jazz longs to be with Casey and Samantha. Finally, the teachers change their minds allowing Jazz to use the girl's rest room and to play sports with the girls.

At this point Jazz shares how mean some of the children are.  "This," says Jazz, "makes me feel crummy."  Here of course, the teacher would stop and talk about not bullying, or making fun of someone who is different.  The listeners are made to take sides with Jazz for "being different like this is special!" To end, a beaming Jazz declares, "I am having fun.  I am proud.  I am Jazz."
https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Jazz-Jessica-Herthel/dp/0803741073/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508285502&sr=8-1&keywords=i+am+jazz+book

I Am Jazz--The Celebrity

What has been the result of reading, and sharing this innocent looking, but oh so influential picture book?  Well, Jazz has been promoted as one super star--one courageous reality star (TLC TV)--one influential teen (Time Magazine)-- one true to myself person (I Am Jazz)--one amazing LGBTQ activist (Human Rights Campaign)--one honorary co-founder (TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation)--a trans kid poster child.  And I must add--one exploited young person!

How sad one feels for a child such as Jazz, whose parents, believing they were doing this in love,
allowed him to become a trans kid following the world's upside down transgender ideology guidelines, and how much more should the reading of this story make us mindful of the children suffering because of it, and make us want to do all we can to stop others from following in Jazz's footsteps.  A wonderful verse to memorize and share with children is found in Psalm 139:14 which reads, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."
   
I Am Jazz--The Consequences

This picture story was meant to tug at one's heart.  Its story leads its readers to believe the lie that children can be born with gender confusion, and that if such behaviors are sanctioned by a doctor, as in Jazz's case, even young children can identify as a trans kid . But, this book is but part of the story.  For as a transgender child gets ready for puberty harmful hormones must be taken, after which comes invasive surgery.  To understand these procedures please read quotes from the article referenced below.

Dr. Michelle Cretella, President of the Amercian College of Pediatricians, in the July 3, 2017 Daily Signal article: "I'm a Pediatrician. How Transgender Ideology Has Infiltrated My Field and Produced Large Scale Child Abuse" lays out some facts.  Cretella begins by commenting that transgender ideology not only has infected our laws ( e.g. bathroom) but "has intruded into the lives of the most innocent among us--our children."

Cretella says, there's a "New Normal" where doctors in gender clinics are "affirming children who are distressed by their biological sex."  This condition, Cretella writes, once dubbed gender identity disorder, was renamed "gender dysphoria" in 2013.  Now these doctors, as did Jazz's doctor, "tell parents to treat their children as the gender they desire, and to place them on puberty blockers around 11 or 12 if they are gender dysphoric."  And if by16, they insist they're trapped in the wrong body, cross-sex hormones are then given.  After, teens as young as sixteen may have "bottom surgeries" or "sex reassignment surgeries."*

*As of a recent piece that I read, Jazz is now at this frightening point.

In her article Cretella lists eight basic facts about transgenderism including: twin studies that show no one is born "trapped in the body of the wrong sex;" puberty blockers have not proven safe; cross-sex hormones are associated with dangerous health risks; neuroscience shows youth lack adult ability for risk assessment; and transition-affirming procedures haven't solved transgender suicide.  She sums up her article by asserting the transition-affirming movement, said to help children, is inflicting a grave injustice on them. 

Cretella wrote, "These professionals are using the myth that people are born transgender to justify engaging in massive, uncontrolled, and unconsented experimentation on children who have a psychological condition that would otherwise resolve after puberty in the vast majority of cases."

Cretella finishes with these sobering words: "These harms constitute nothing less than institutional child abuse.  Sound ethics demand an immediate end to the use of pubertal suppression, cross-sex hormones, and sex reassignment surgeries in children and adolescents, as well as an end to promoting gender ideology via school curricula and legislative policies.  It is time for our nation's leaders and the silent majority of health professionals* to learn exactly what is happening to our children, and unite to take action."
http://dailysignal.com/2017/07/03/im-pediatrician-transgender-ideology-infiltrated-field-produced-large-scale-child-abuse/

*  How about the silent majority of Christians?  What are we doing?

I Am Jazz- Parent's Response 

In the case of the Rocklin reading of I Am Jazz, parents banded together to confront the board.  When the board declared they would not necessarily notify parents prior to using such materials, nor could parents legally opt out of these presentations, many parents pulled out their students from Rocklin.  Parents must work toward having the right to opt out their students should gender related materials be presented, just as they now can opt out when sexual materials are used.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/sep/19/school-defends-transgender-lessons-kindergartners/

Fearing harsh reaction to their stories, two Rocklin parents anonymously went to Fox News's Martha MacCallum to tell of their children's reactions to the academy incident.  The first parent told how her daughter, after being present at that kindergarten reading, while bathing caught a reflection of herself with her hair slicked back, and tearfully cried she had changed into a boy.  The other parent told how her daughter, now a first grader, on the play ground greeted the "trans girl" that had been presented in the kindergarten that June day, by his male name and was promptly reprimanded by the principal for "misgendering his new name."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DPTqzb8dLE

In sum, Christian parents must be active at their schools, be informed of transgender issues, be able to talk with your own children, be into the Word so as to be able to stand for truth, and be into prayer for your children, family, and schools.  

I Am Jazz--Teacher's Response

Christian teachers too must prepare themselves for the time that they will be required to read such a book as I Am Jazz.  Do your research now.  Prayerfully prepare for a coming day when one must either comply with the godless demands of the public schools or leave one's job.  As Daniel of old, in whom was found "an excellent spirit," one must stand up, and as the old song "Dare to Be a Daniel" challenged: "Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone!, Dare to have a purpose firm! and Dare to make it known!"

In today's world "a conservative upstander" will be bullied.  Bullied by whom? --by the school systems, and by pressure group organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign.  How is this done? --by taking away your rights to stand up for your beliefs, and by labeling you with all kinds of names.  And as some do "shouting you down!"  One such eminent doctor, Dr. Paul McHugh, now
85, has been maligned and mocked and called a "transphobe."  Why is this?  Of  "transgender" children Dr. McHugh dared to write such things as this: "Misguided doctors at medical centers ... have begun to treat this behavior by administrating puberty-delaying hormones to rend later sex surgeries less onerous--even though the drugs stunt the children's grown and risk causing sterility."  Read the whole article here:    
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/lgbt-activists-slam-the-most-important-psychiatrist-of-the-last-half-centur

I Am Jazz--Your Responsibility--Be An Upstander, Not A Bystander!

Whether or not you have children or grandchildren in the public school, you as a Christian must stand firm in your convictions.  Whether or not the transgender agenda has yet to come to your school or your school system, you as a Christian must not be a bystander!  Get busy, become familiar with the  transgender movement, and be an upstander*--that is one who is not afraid to stand up for a cause--the cause of little children of whom our Lord Jesus said in Matthew 18:6:  "For whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depths of the sea."

*  Upstander:  (Wordnik)  A person who stands up for something, as contrasted to a bystander who remains inactive.  (Urban Dictionary)  A person who stands up for his or her beliefs.

As someone said, "Why aren't pastors speaking out on these issues? Why?  Because so many are asleep.  Because so many are bystanders.  Some have called Jessica Herthel, the co-author of I Am Jazz and champion of LGBTQ causes, an upstander or one who is unafraid to go it alone to stand for a cause--the cause of transgenderism. Christian, are you an upstander for the Lord Jesus Christ? 

So today determine you'll be ready with answers no matter what you are told to do. Wake up!  The transgender agenda is already being practiced in some schools, and is soon coming to schools nation wide.  Set aside your apathy, and stand up for truth.  Remember Paul's admonition in Ephesians 6:10, 11: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Isaiah 5:20

"Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter."

For More Information:

Excellent Recent Panel:  "Doctors Describe Dangers of Puberty Blockers Used on Children That
LGBT Activists Don't Tell" at the Heritage Foundation (October 11, 2017)  Note: Dr. Cretella mentions Rocklin's transgender incident on the panel's You Tube video.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/doctors-describe-dangers-puberty-blockers-used-children-lgbt-activists-dont-tell-202572/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOniPhuyXeY   Note reference to Rocklin Academy 15:32-17:15.

Related Article: "The Gender Bender War on Children Rebutted by Science" posted by Marsha West from Berean Research (August 10, 2016)
https://bereanresearch.org/gender-bender-war-children-rebutted-science/

Berean Call Article:  "TBC Today"--"Opposing the Transgender Craze: How to Become a Scientific Heretic" from "ChristianHeadlines Online." (June 6, 2017)  Article names Dr. Paul McHugh.
https://www.thebereancall.org/print/46599

A Review of Lysa TerKeurst's Book: Uninvited

A Review of Lysa TerKeurst's Book: Uninvited

Recently, I picked up our church bulletin to find a Lysa TerKeurst leaflet announcing a Ladies Bible Study-- Uninvited.  Upon looking at the leaflet my questions were:  "Is this a study one should attend?  Why, or why not?"  Then, it was on to read, and to research each part of Uninvited: its author, its release celebration, its quote promotion, its Bible content, its Bible versions, its words and whispers, its references, its study guide, its publisher, and its declaration which led me to write this review.

The Book:  Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely (Thomas Nelson, 2016)

Its Author:  Lysa TerKeurst, President of Proverbs 31 Ministries
 
Its Elevation Celebration:

On August 9, 2016 hundreds of ladies were jammed into Elevation Church" for a "Release Day Celebration" of Lysa's latest book: Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely.  Lights flashed as a young Elevation Worship singer cavorted about singing: "Grace Like a Wave."  After an introduction by an assistant, a spotlight was turned on the podium where in--rock-star fashion--TerKeurst was introduced.

Lysa then read from her book, gave a scripture study, and spoke "A Declaration" over the adoring crowd.  In the end, while Lysa was gracious, and charismatic, the hoopla and hype made her seem guru-like, and her book seem sacred.
http://uninvitedbook.com/webcast

Roger Oakland, in The Good Shepherd Calls, talks about such books, and their authors when he writes,  "The Bible has been set aside, and people are reading and studying books by human beings who have ideas and motives that often contradict the Scripture.  Large Christian publishing companies in order to be financially successful, are looking for sure sellers from authors who are able to tickle the ears of their readers."  (p.206)
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/home/1397-the-good-shepherd-calls-an-urgent-message-for-the-last-days-church-9781942423126.html

Its Quote Promotion:

Uninvited has sixteen chapters, the declaration, a bonus chapter, appendices, and notes.  In it are seventy-seven personal quotes: eighteen full page, and fifty-nine smaller ones.  All are repeated   three times each: within the text, in larger script, and in an appendix: "Things I Don't Want You to Forget!" 

Now, verses, from The Message,  The Voice, and other Bible versions are written in tinier script.  At the end they are grouped under "Scriptures," but never are they especially highlighted as are her personal slogans.

Of these tweetable quotables Lysa says, "Sometimes a phrase lands in your soul with such a dead weight it leaves the deepest impression.  I collect these phrases like other people collect stamps and Beanie Babies.  I fill unlined pages of notebooks with ... these phrases.  These words that move me are treasures. (p.6)  But, Psalm 119:162, says this: "I rejoice at thy word, as one that fineth great spoil (treasure)."

A reviewer of The Best Yes (another Lysa book) noted her absorption with her own slogans.  She wrote, "These slogans are ... repeated in large ... lettering, interrupting the text through out the book.  ... there is a section at the end of the book contains all of these ....  No, she does not ... suggest you tweet these lines, but they are lying there ... practically begging like a puppy in the window."
http://www.booksataglance.com/book-reviews/the-best-yes-making-wise-decisions-in-the-midst-of-endless-demands-by-lysa-terkeurst/

Good Reads also catalogs TerKeurst's many quotes--all 780+ of them.  There one may sign on as "her follower," and find quotes listed in categories to use.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/61792.Lysa_TerKeurst

In summary, Lysa's adulation of her "treasured phrases" is troublesome, for it often seems to make them comparable to scripture.  But however clever, and however quotable these slogans are Psalm 139:17 reminds us: "How precious are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!"

Its Bible Stories:

Certainly, the book has scripture in it, but a Bible study it is not for it skips about from book to book, and verse to verse in random order that invariably centers on Lysa's issues. And while expounding on specific Bible passages, she often embellishes these stories adding to the text. 

In II Samuel 16, e.g., where Jessie tells Samuel David was out in the sheepfold, Lysa says, " ... I think* this one of the lamest excuses ....  If David's father had any regard for his ... son at all, he could have found someone else to ... tend the sheep.  I suspect* that behind that statement were ... thoughts like: Well, yes.  I have one more son--the youngest ... But he doesn't look like a king,  ... doesn't smell like a king.  So I didn't invite him.  Uninvited by his own father.  Can you imagine* how David felt ... red-hot rejection.  David's father inflicted a mark on his heart that read, 'You don't belong.'"  Lysa adds, "I can't find any where Jesse ever tended to his son's heart."  (p.97)  How Lysa has twisted this story to fit her rejection agenda.

* My emphasis.

Its "Bible" Versions:

Lysa prominently features The Message in chapter four while endorsing its author Eugene Peterson.   Lysa says, "I really appreciate Eugene's Peterson's take* on Galatians 5:22-25 ...."  (pp.50-51)  And again, in chapter nine Lysa quotes from The Voice, as well as The Message once more naming Peterson. (p.110)

*  My emphasis.
Information on The Message "Bible": A Breach of Truth from: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=16449
Information on The Voice: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=9306   

Its Words and Whispers:

Lysa has words and whispers pop into her head, or drop into her heart. Lysa writes, "God drops a word in my heart.  Like a swig of orange juice just after brushing my teeth, I recoil at the unexpected taste.  Of grace."  (p.80)

And in "Friendship Breakups," Lysa mentions a notion that popped into her mind.  Lysa says, "But one day this terrible, wonderful notion popped into my head: Fight for her. ... I asked the notion, 'Are you Jesus?'  And did you in fact just say 'fight for her?'" (p.70) 

Now, Lysa also confesses she hears whispers from God.  She relates, "I've got to spend time getting quiet so I can be prepared to hear new things from the Lord.  Isn't it a lovely thought that God might be waiting for silence ... in order to share some of His best secrets with you? ... in the silence, He whispered to my soul, You are not set aside, you are set apart ...." (p.112)  Much like Sarah Young's messages in Jesus Calling, Lysa, too, is saying she gets new revelations from the Lord.

Its References:

Of Lysa's few footnoted references two in chapter ten stand out: one attributed to Stephen R. Covey, and another to Dr. Walter Brueggemann.  Lysa asserts she liked Covey's terms: "Scarcity Mentality,"  and "Abundance Mentality" taken from: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  And Lysa maintains the Bible teaches these ideas too. (pp.121-122) However, Timothy Oliver from Watchman Fellowship, Inc. shares ideas in Covey's book are filled with "the false gospel and paradigm of Mormonism."  And in "Religion in American History: Stephen R. Covey: Business Savant, Self-Help Guru, Mormon Theologian" Matthew Bowman informs us that The 7 Habits borrows extensively from a prior Covey Mormon theology book: The Spiritual Roots of Human Relations published by the LDS Church-owned Deseret Book.
http://www.watchman.org/articles/mormonism/coveys-paradigm-for-success/
http://usreligion.blogspot.com/2012/08/stephen-r-covey-business-savant-self.html

From Covey, Lysa jumps over to positively quoting "The Liturgy of Abundance, The Myth of Scarcity" from progressive, Emergent, anti-Israel, Renovare Bible contributor, and social justice advocate Dr. Walter Brueggemann now retired from the Presbyterian Church USA's Columbia Theological Seminary. (pp.122-123)  Exactly who Brueggemann is can be heard in a 2015 video "Keynote Lecture with Walter Brueggemann" done at a "Faith and Social Justice" conference at the radical Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC.
http://www.pullen.org/finlator/

What a travesty TerKeurst references Brueggemann whose viewpoints are something we must run from, rather than embrace!

Its Study Guide:

Uninvited, like most studies, comes with a six-session workbook-like guide: the Uninvited Study Guide and video.  As I paged through it I noted that the guide was written by Lysa, and a former Nav Press editor Karen Lee-Thorp.  Researching Lee-Thorp led me to discover that she had also co-authored five other study guides (Jesus Calling Bible Study Series) with Sarah Young.
https://www.amazon.com/Uninvited-Living-Loved-Lonely-Study/dp/1400206006
https://www.christianbook.com/experiencing-presence-calling-studies-volume-1/sarah-young/9780718035860/pd/035868#CBD-PD-Description

I also found that Lee-Thorp was married to Greg Herr* who is a Roman Catholic Benedictine Oblate in California.  Herr tells of their conversions to Catholicism, he from being a Baptist and she (Lee-Thorp) from being an Anglican.  Such a sad scenario Lee-Thorp, now a Catholic, has co-authored a study guide for Evangelicals.
* Gregory Martha Herr, Obl.S.B.
http://www.catholicstand.com/first-principle-Christian-unity/
     
Its Publisher:

Uninvited, and its study guide are both published by Thomas Nelson;  Lee-Thorp's and Sarah Young's Jesus Calling series is also from Thomas Nelson.  Coming in December 2017, Thomas Nelson promises a new TerKeurst devotional Embraced.
http://www.thomasnelson.com/embraced

When naming Thomas Nelson it must be noted that the publishers, when called out by Warren Smith on specific issues in Jesus Calling as e.g. God Calling, channeling, visualization etc., removed them from later editions.  Read more about Thomas Nelson's deceptive tactics in: Changing Jesus Calling by Warren B. Smith (2014).
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/2046-jesus-calling

Its Declaration:

TerKeurst ends the book with "The Declaration" where she writes, "As you finish this book this is what I want to declare over you: ...."  One slogan-like-line with its rhyming words says, "I declare that the Lord will give you relief from your unbelief. ... It will happen."  Lysa goes on to state if an attack comes from the enemy she prays God will lift you up with truth, and draw you close with His loving tenderness.  Then Lysa adds this: "And shame Satan back to hell with His resurrecting power."

Lastly, she scripted a Lysa slogan, and more alliterative lines with rhyme declaring you are destined for love, for you have a story that you must tell to His glory.  One thing Lysa did not declare was a single word of Scripture!  (pp.211-212)

Which Is it?  Lysa's Words, or Thy Words?

Lysa loves words.  She even keeps a "Words I Love" notebook. (p.30)  Certainly, Lysa is talented, and so very likeable, but so very liable to sweep the reader along with her so as to become focused on, and fascinated with her stories and words.  Maybe you are one of Lysa's ladies.  Maybe you've posted her treasured phrases.  Maybe you've placed Lysa on a pedestal.  But after all, Lysa is just a fallible lady like you and I.  We must not worship at her feet!  We must not put her books above the Book of Books!  We must not follow Lysa, but follow the Lord alone!     

And ladies, rather than being in love with Lysa's words, may we say with the Psalmist, "Oh how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day."  May we also say, " ... I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold."  And may we pray, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law!"  For then we can surely testify, "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Psalm 119:11

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."