ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: P Is for Present/Being Present!

ABC:  Bible Meditation for Me!: P Is for Present/Being Present!

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

Introduction:  This lesson is one of twenty-six ABC lessons in a series for parents, grandparents, kids, and youth leaders.  There are already eleven other lessons completed; please scroll back to read them.

In the Present

In the present
every minute
I can live in it
for Christ!

Consider It! A Contemplation Meditation!

Deuteronomy 4:39 says, "Know therefore this day, consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and the earth beneath: there is none else."    Recall, the Deuteronomy "Do It" verse; this is a Deuteronomy "Consider It!" verse.

A Calendar Contemplation Marker 

Cut a marker from an old calendar page; edge it with a colored marker.  On it glue a copy of Deuteronomy 4:39.  One side of marker glue a strip saying:  "Consider It!"

Moses' "This Day!"  

Deuteronomy tells us the story of Moses' talk to God's people where he kept saying "This day!"
"This day" was a day when Moses also told the people to remember the past.  "The day" Moses reminded the people of the day they had stood before Mt. Horeb to hear God's words to fear the Lord all the days of their lives and teach them to their children.  That day had been dark, cloudy, and smoky for the mountain was on fire.  And on that very same day, God gave them the ten commandments as he spoke to them out of flames. 

Not only did Moses speak of that day when the people stood near to Mt. Horeb, but Moses warned them of what would happen on a latter (future) day that would come, when they'd be far away in other countries because they had not remembered to obey the Lord. Moses also reminded them  that  God was in heaven above, in the earth beneath, and there was no other God besides him.  (Deuteronomy 4)

Discuss: Moses talked about "this day," the day Moses was talking to them.  And Moses spoke about a past day when they had been near Mt. Horeb.  Moses also talked about a later day when they would be far away in another place. That's called past, present, and future.  By the way, God doesn't tell us to forget all the past, nor does he tell us not to think about the future.  Instead, he wants us to think of the past and learn from it for today, and today he wants us to get ready for the future!       

"This Day" Verse Search

Open your Bible to Deuteronomy 4.  Read the story yourself or have your parent help you.  Search through the verses to discover how many times Moses said "this day."    Mark each one with a highlighter.    

"This Is the Day!"  Sing It Verse  

"This is the day which the LORD hath made;  we will rejoice and be glad in it." Ps.118:24
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&p=this+is+the+day+the+Lord+has+made+I+will+rejoice+and+be+glad+in+it+video#id=18&vid=e2da5e3f9a0de6411a21b9598420ea1e&action=view

Today I Can
  Meditate!

In bed, or out,
Sitting or standing,
Walking or playing,
No matter where,
No matter when,
I can meditate,
I can pray today!
                        LEP

Eastern Meditation

P Is for 
Being Present

P is for being
present right
this minute,
forgetting the
past or future,
to live in it.

Puppy Mind by Andrew Jordan Nash

Andrew Jordan Nash wrote a book called Puppy Mind.  In it there's a boy who says his mind is like his puppy, always scampering about running toward whatever passes by.  Sometimes his mind takes him back to when he was little or to the future when he'll grow up. When this happens, he gets angry at his puppy mind because it jumps about so much.  If only, the boy says, I can make my mind stay still.  To do this the boy tries three deep breaths.  In the end,  the boy decides to train his puppy mind to be present to the moment by remembering to breathe and breathe and breathe. This boy was doing mindfulness.

Do boys and girls have to worry about puppy minds?  No!  Do they have to keep watching their breath?  No again!  Instead, we can use the breath that the Lord gave us to talk about the wonderful things He has done, and made.

What Does It Mean to Be Present? by Rana DiOrio      

What Does It Mean to Be Present? by Rana Di Orio is a picture book that perpetrates being present from the point of view of mindfulness meditators.  This begins with the questions as to what it means to be present, followed by illustrations and insertions of all their teachings. 

It says we must focus on what's happening now, not what is happening next.  It mentions needing to be kind and grateful.  It mentions eating mindfully.  It highlights using all the senses.  It sums up its message with a two-page spread of a boy, girl, and dog lying on the ground breathing in and out, feeling peaceful, closing their eyes, and listening to their "inner voices."  It further states being present means living in the moment knowing yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery, and today is a gift. 

It encourages kids to spread the word among their friends that being present makes our world so wonderful.  Its yoga-loving, global-leaning author is highlighted near the end as wanting positive change!  Parents, explain these teachings to your kids, and help them understand that God desires  boys and girls to come to know scripture, come to know the Lord as Savior, begin to live as Jesus taught, and be ready to meet him some day. 

https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&p=What+does+it+mean+to+be+present+read+aloud+on+YOuU#id=1&vid=4ec7481fed751ac9d99ae80dcc04cc38&action=click

Parental Suggestion:

A Look at Puppy Mind's Author 

Who is Andrew Jordan Nance?  What is his agenda?  What does he believe?  In short order you will see that he is a an ardent mindfulness evangelist with a passion to spread it everywhere.  He is founder of Mindful Arts of San Francisco and has worked in SF schools.  There he has volunteer
taught fours/fives in transitional kindergartens "the gift of using the breath to focus the mind and body" in the classroom.  He teaches basic meditative techniques telling little children to breathe quietly while thinking "with this breath my mind grows stronger so I can focus a little longer."   He even suggests a mantra word or two.  If they think thoughts, or get antsy he tells them to go back to their breath.

Hear Nance interview:  "Mindfully Taming Your Puppy Mind with Andrew Nance" here:
https://www.hacktheprocess.com/andrew-nance-on-hack-the-process-podcast/

Where did he learn all this?  He's gotten training from Mindful Schools, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, the Greater Good Science Center, The Omega Institute, Esalen, and more.  Note that Spirit Rock's Buddhist teacher Sylvia Boorstein endorsed Puppy Mind.  Nance also is a long time member of the retreat center's Wednesday Sangha.*  Go to "C Is for Calm" to read more about Nance and his upcoming book: The Lion in Me!

*  Definition:  Mostly used to describe a community of fellow practitioners in Buddhism.


  

           

  

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: W Is for Well Doing/Well Wishes!

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: W Is for Well Doing/Well Wishes!

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

Introduction:  This lesson is one of twenty-six ABC lessons for parents, grandparents, kids, and teachers.  As of now B, D, L, O, P, Q, R, U, V, X, and Z have been posted.  Scroll back to read the others.

W Is for Well Doing

W is for well doing:
a term we should learn
to do good to others,
to show our concern.

A Lady Full of Good Works

In Acts 9 we read of a certain lady named Dorcas or Tabitha who was full of good works.  And it came to pass, the story says, that Dorcas died.  Dorcas' friends knowing the apostle Peter wasn't too far away sent for him.  When Peter arrived, all the widows stood round Peter weeping showing him the coats and clothing Dorcas had made while she was with them.  Afterwards, Peter put everyone out, knelt down and prayed.  Then he turned toward where Dorcas lay and said, "Tabitha, arise!"  Right away she opened her eyes and sat up.  After helping her get up, he called all the saints and widows and presented her alive.  This miracle was known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

A Meditation Reflection About Well Doing

In Galatians 6:9,10 we read:  "And let us not be weary in well doing, ….  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially those of the household of faith."

Well Doing Verse Marker

Cut out a marker from sturdy paper.  Hold vertically; punch holes so evenly spaced down both sides.  Use two lengths of yarn to thread in and out of both sides.  Print verse and glue on.   

P Is for Prayer

P is for prayer,
the Bible way,
to pray for
others every day
asking the Lord
to let us see
how we can help
so we may be--
like Jesus!

Suspicious of Well Wishes!

Once I was in a class full of PreK children. It was morning circle time. The teacher looked round the class and named the children who weren't there.  Let's sing the "Wish You Well" song she said.  So everyone did.  Now, that seemed nice to do, after all one would want anyone who was sick or had problems to get well.  But soon the teacher said think of one of your friends that's absent, picture them in your mind, and send them some good wishes!  What?  I was astounded. Something wasn't right, and I became suspicious of these well wishes!  This seemed like prayer, but they weren't allowed to pray.  So what kind of ritual was this?
https://consciousdiscipline.com/free-resources/shubert/shuberts-classroom/wish-well-ritual/

Eastern Meditation

W Is for Well Wishes

W is for well wishes,
a Buddhist prayer done
as good wishes are visualized
to be sent to someone.

"Making a Difference the Buddhist Way"

Still puzzled over the term "well wishes," an article titled "Make a Difference in the World-- the Buddhist Way" by Dr. Kim/Dr. Hil caught my attention.  In it was the practice of wishing someone well.  The authors said this practice was known as "Tonglen."  Reading other articles, I soon found that "Loving Kindness Meditation or Metta" was something very much like Tonglen, but usually was taught first followed byTonglen.   However, I now knew the root of the well wishes visualizations--Buddhism.
http://www.authenticityassociates.com/make-a-difference-in-the-world-the-buddhist-way/

Start With Yourself!  The Lovingkindness Ritual

An article "How to Teach Children Lovingkindness Meditation" found on mindfulness guru Sharon Salzberg's site says: "We must first love ourselves before we can love others and offer lovingkindness to the world around us."  Metta or lovingkindness meditation, says the writer Sandi Swartz, means sending "positive thoughts" and "well wishes" first to ourselves.

To begin, you sit, close your eyes, and say one of four mantra-like phrases in your mind or out loud.  These wishes are:  "May I be safe.  May I be healthy and strong.  May I be happy.  May I be peaceful and at ease."  After, visualize someone else you want to send kind thoughts to.  Change the praises to "May you be safe. …  May you be peaceful and at ease."  Next, direct your thoughts and phrases to a neutral person-one neither liked or disliked.  Follow that with someone you dislike or are having trouble with.  Lastly, direct your thoughts at all living beings universally.
https://www.sharonsalzberg.com/teach-children-lovingkindness-meditation/

Biblical Lovingkindness Verse

Here's a Bible lovingkindness verse to sing!  Is this "lovingkindness" like the Buddhist meditation?  No, this verse is about God's love, not about sending well wishes to one's self or others.  Sing it and the next verse here:
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t-s&p=thy+loving+kindness+is+better+than+life#id=8&vid=14af5ea6804ed903f91c0a4ec6a8e978&action=view

Psalm 63:3,4  "... thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee,  Thus will I bless thee, … I will lift up my hands in thy name."

Parental Suggestion:

Parental Book Look

A new picture book called May All People and Pigs Be Happy to be published in October 2019 is about a seven-year-old girl named Claire and her stuffed pig "Pigalina."  Through different encounters Pigalina teaches Claire loving kindness meditation.  Claire first learns to wish herself well: "May I be safe, May I be happy, and May I feel love."  After a bit, Pigalina helps Claire change the phrases to others: "May YOU be safe, May We be safe, and May ALL people and pigs be safe." 

This book is written by the former pupil of mindfulness zealot Jon Kabot-Zinn and founder of Mindful Living Micki Fine.   Its first endorser is Andrew Jordan Nance who wrote Puppy Mind.  Another is U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan (Ohio), an author of a mindfulness book as well, declaring our nation will benefit from such a book.  Still another is a Texas doctor who says of the book,  "It should be in every health care provider's office."  Perhaps, the endorser who tells best what the agenda is says, "Through May All Pigs and People be Happy Micki has found a way to teach loving-kindness meditation to children with no background in meditation or mindfulness."
https://www.livingmindfully.org/aboutmicki

The Wellness Agenda

At our local health center what does one see on the screen of the constantly running wellness programs, but a real push to sell meditation and mindfulness being presented every few minutes.  This push is everywhere.  Be prepared for it!





  


  

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: U Is for Understanding/Upside Down!

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!  U Is for Understanding/ Upside Down!

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

Introduction:  This is a lesson in a twenty-six part ABC series created for parents, grandparents, kids, and youth leaders.  Please share these lessons.  Scroll back for B, D, L, O, Q, R, V, X, and Z.

U Is for Understanding

U is for understanding
when one lifts a voice
to discern good and evil-
to make a wise choice.

Meditation Verse for Contemplation

"My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding."  Psalm 49:3

This is a "W" and "U" verse,  for often you will find wisdom and understanding are paired together.
Mark the verse "M" for meditation; and "W" and "U."  Look for other verses like it!

Our Own Understanding

Proverbs 3:5 tells us to: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding."

Another verse that mentions "our own way" is found in Isaiah 53:6.  It says that like sheep we often want to go our own way, rather than trusting in the Lord Jesus as our Savior.  Have you met the Savior, the Good Shepherd, who wants to change you to from wanting your own understanding to wanting God's understanding?

Our Own Way

Like a sheep
we go astray
always wanting
our own way!

From Isaiah 53:6

Solomon's One Wish

King Solomon was King over Israel.  One night he had a dream.  In it, God came to him telling him that he might have anything he wanted or wished.  Wow!  What did Solomon ask for?  Did he ask for a long life? lots of riches?  peace from his enemies?  No, Solomon told God he felt just like a small child not knowing what to do with all the people in his kingdom.  Therefore, he asked God if he might have an understanding heart, so he might judge the people to discern between good and bad so as to lead them in the right way.

Did God grant Solomon's wish?  Yes, for God was pleased with him, that he didn't want a long life, many riches, or punishment for his enemies.  So later God gave him all those things too.  And the Bible says there was no man before, nor after Solomon, that had such a wise and understanding heart.  Read the story here:  I Kings 3

Question Mark Book Marks

Cut two oversized question marks with big circles at the bottom.  Write on the ? marks:  "Which will it be?"  On one circle bottom write:  "God's understanding!"  or "My own understanding!"

Happy Is the Man!

Proverbs 3:13 tells us how to be happy.  It says, "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."  Make a happy and sad face; cut out.  Tape to a straw or popsicle stick.  Listen to statements below, or others a parent makes up.  Hold up a happy face if its a wise choice, or a sad face if an unwise choice.  Discuss.

1.  I should lean to my own understanding.
2.  I should try to find wisdom.
3.  I should always meditate or think about God's word.
4.  I should believe evil is good, and good is evil.
5.  I should understand things aren't always as nice as they look.
6.  I should realize some say things aren't religious when they are.
7.  I should say dark is light, and light is dark.
8.  I should try to shut out my thoughts to calm down.
9.  I should meditate to try to relax and find peace.
10.  I should turn to God and ask him for his help.

Eastern Meditation

U Is for Upside Down

It's upside down to say evil is good and good is evil.
It's upside down to say light is dark and dark is light.
It's upside down to say sweet is bitter and bitter is sweet.
It's upside down.  It's not right!  From Isaiah 5:20

Man's Way to Meditate

In Eastern Meditation do people ask God for things they need?  No, they want to fix things themselves and to try to calm themselves doing it their own way.  And their way is to fixate on their breath, to fix their fingers in mudras, and even to fix their bodies certain ways.  They hope this might help them relax and be less stressed.  They hope inside them they will get inner peace.  Sadly, they don't know the God of the Bible from whom they can get help, hope, and salvation.

ABC: Mindfulness for Me Review

There's a book called ABC: Mindfulness for Me which your dad/mom looked at.  It had some things in it that made one know they were red flags. It had pages where you could see a little Buddha figure.  If you saw this Buddha, what would you know?  What verse could you say?  It also had a page where it said to "thank the earth" for one's vegetables.  What is wrong with that?  It had a little lotus flower pictures too.  Do you remember what that symbol was about?  If you see it, what should you think?  It had kids sitting lotus meditating.  Is that the Bible way?  If you see a book like that, will you be wise and understand its false teaching?  Will you be wise and understand that is not something for you to read or to do?       

Everything Is Always Upside Down!

When God says listen to my words to get peace and help, Eastern meditators repeat their own sounds and words when they chant. When God says have no other god before me, they believe in many gods. When God says love me, they love themselves instead.  To them it does not matter what God says. They do just the opposite--for they have it backwards or upside down!

Parental Suggestion: 

Wisdom from Proverbs for Parents

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

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

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

     
   
 

  

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: B Is for Breath!

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!  B Is for Breath!

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

Introduction:  This lesson is one of twenty-six ABC lessons for parents, grandparents, kids, and teachers.  As of now:  D, L. O, Q, R, V, X, and Z have been posted.  Please scroll back to find the ones you haven't read. 

B Is for Breath

B is for breath
with which I can say,
"Praise ye the Lord!"
Any time, any day!"

A PTL Verse to Think On!

Psalm 150:6, the very last verse of the Psalms, is a grand meditation verse to ponder:  "Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD.  Praise ye the LORD!"  Think about this verse!  What is a reason God gives us our breath? 

Praise Ye the Lord!

Look at the beginnings and the endings of Psalms 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150.  What did you notice?  Highlight this in your Bible.  If you know the chorus "Hallelu" sing it.  Hear it here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pbNBKK2jA0

P.T.L. Book Mark

Make a P.T.L. book mark.  If you have them, stick on large P.T.L. letters on one side and write the words on the other side.  Put it in your Bible.

I Can Meditate the Bible Way

I can meditate the Bible way
Any time, any day,
I don't have to breathe just right.
Nor push my thoughts out of sight.
Not at all!  For its God's words
That I recall--to think about them!
                                                LEP

Eastern Meditation

"The Take a Deep Breath" Red Flag

I was in a Pre-K classroom when I saw a "S.T.A.R." chart on the wall.  It meant "Smile, Take a Deep Breath, and Relax."  The words "Take a Deep Breath" made me stop and think.  Because I knew that  mindfulness meditation uses different ways to breathe, I wondered if something else was happening so I asked someone.  Sure enough, this chart was part of a program named "Conscious
Discipline."  Why, the lady said they had special ways to breathe, and they even used a "breathing tool" too.  Now, I was curious.  So I looked into the program.  How sad I was at what I found out was being taught to small children.  What could I do?  Well, I wrote an article; and I warned some of the Christian teachers using it.  This program could be in a daycare, Christian school, or public school near you.  Read more about it here:
https://whputnam00.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-conscious-discipline-programs-link.html    

Mindfulness
Meditation

Mindfulness
meditation
is all the craze,
as people breathe
various ways
to achieve calm
inside themselves.

Mindfulness Breath Obsession

Mindfulness teachers want kids to become obsessed or focused on their breath.  They invent all kinds of ingenious ways to help them do that be it balloon breathing, shoulder roll breathing, back to back breathing, belly breathing, buddy breathing, and the list goes on.   However, God never tells us to do that. Instead we are to use our breath in many ways to honor the Lord.  Can you name some of those ways?

Bless the Lord!

Don't obsess
over your breath,
But instead,
bless the Lord!

Psalm 103:1  "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name."

Breathing Tools for Kids

Not only are there innovative breath techniques, there are some unique breathing tools as well.  One of them is "The Hoberman Sphere" sometimes called "the breath ball," "the magic mindfulness sphere, " or even "the Breathing Orb."  This sphere comes in three sizes: the mini,  the original, and the mega which helps show how the lungs fill and release air or expand and contract. One then is to hold the sphere closed in front of the chest and with the in-breath to open the sphere to its full size.  Then, with the out-breath, close the sphere to its smallest size.
https://heartmindkids.com/hoberman-sphere-mindful-breathing/

Another tool is the Conscious Discipline's "multisensory tool" which is a pinwheel with a flower attached below it.  On the in-breath one inhales pretending to sniff the flower, and on out- breath one exhales as the pinwheel is blown.  View the "S.T.A.R." Breathing Tool Video" here.
https://consciousdiscipline.com/videos/s-t-a-r-breathing-tool/

Parental Suggestions:

Alphabreaths:  The ABCs of Mindful Breathing by Christopher Willard PsyD. and Daniel Rechtschaffen (May, 2019) is a new ABC book in the mindfulness tool box that through
unusual breath techniques lures parents and kids into breathing practices that seem so innocent.
View it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dnvn6t51TyQ and here: http://bestselfmedia.com/alphabreaths/

The author, Dr. Christopher Willard, is someone steeped in mindfulness teachings.  Willard has had retreats with Jon Kabat-Zinn. He's also studied under: Pema Chodron, Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, Tara Branch, and others.  Besides, he's spent time with Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dali Lama.  Mr. Rechtschaffen, as well, also has an extensive background in mindfulness.
As you view parts of the book, realize that the authors' agenda is to encourage kids to become lifetime mindfulness meditators.  On the other hand, a Christian's agenda is to encourage kids to become lifetime Scripture meditators!

Bible Breath Challenge 

Alphabreaths is filled with mindful ways to notice and to control one's breath, but the Bible is filled with God's ways to use the breath to worship the Lord.  Help your child find ABC Bible words and verses to describe ways we use our breath.  Here's a list to get your started.  Can you continue this list right to Zz?

A: Ascribe: Deut. 32:3  B: Bless: Ps.103:1 C: Come: Ps.95:1  D: Delight: Ps.1:2  E: Exalt: Ps.99:5
F: For: Ps.33:21  G: Great:  Ps.145:3 ….



        

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me! D Is for Discern!

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me! D Is for Discern!

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

Introduction:  This is a lesson in a twenty-six part ABC series for parents, grandparents, homeschoolers, kids, and youth workers.  Look for many more letters to be posted one by one.
Please share!

D Is for Discern!

D is for discern!
Yes, it's your turn
to learn how
to detect deception,
to do it right now!

D is for discern!
Yes, it's your turn
to do your part
to work passionately
to nurture young hearts.
                               LEP

ABC: Bible Meditations for Me!

These ABC lessons are written to help you learn to watch out for deceptive practices people are teaching.  Many people do these practices, e.g. yoga or mindfulness, thinking these activities are good for them not realizing the hidden dangers behind them.  Through these lessons I hope you will instead of ignoring them, or practicing them will learn to red flag them.  Most of all I pray that you will learn to discern things that are good, or dangerous for you.  And after, share with others!

Danger!  Red Flag Warnings! 

Have you ever been to a beach that had a flag that flew when there were stormy seas, strong tides, or other dangers?  I have.  When I spy a red flag I don't get in the water for I know bad things might happen.  Yes, sometimes certain things we see or hear alert us to danger, and we call them red flags!

Red Flag Warnings!

Red flags are warnings,
there's danger somewhere.
Yes, red flags are warnings
to stop and beware!

The Dee B. Red Flag Letter

Dee B. and her husband once sent us a letter.  It was a warning letter telling us some folks had brought in strange doctrine or ideas into the church we attended.  She warned us this was deception.  And we listened.

Old Testament Warnings!

God often warned his special people, the Israelites, that they were to be careful not to do things with the people who lived round them, for these people worshipped other gods or idols that they bowed down to and served.  Over and over God, through Moses and others, told them "Ye shall not go after other gods of the people which are round about you." Today too, the Lord commands in Exodus 5:7: "Thou shalt have no other god before me."

A Deuteronomy Do-it Meditation Verse

Here's a verse to think about, and to learn.  It is what I like to call a "Deuteronomy Do It Verse!' 
Deuteronomy 30:14  "But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it!"

This Book of the Law

This book of the Law
shall not depart
Out of my mouth,
Out of my heart,
For I will meditate
the Bible way
in its words every day.
                            LEP

From: Deuteronomy 20:14/Joshua 1:8

The Do-It! Book Mark
Cut out a rectangular book mark.  Hold vertically, fold over the top of marker about half way down the remainder of the marker.  On top flap print: Deut.30:14  "Do it!  Open flap and print the verse onto the marker.

Eastern Meditation

Your Turn to Discern

Everywhere today one will encounter signs, logos, books, videos, magazines, and so on that promote yoga and mindfulness.  The bottom line is while your children are with you whenever you spot a red flag word, logo, or item talk with them right then.  Point it out.  Use scripture.  If parents will consistently do this, kids will soon be pointing things out to you.  Deuteronomy 6:6,7 says: "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."  

Make a Red Flag Word Box 

Allow kids to cut out red flag rectangles; tape to straws.  Help them to write red flag words found in the lessons onto the flags.  Keep them in a box or bag.  Talk about them with your youngsters.  Play a game with them by describing or defining red flag words selected from your child's collection.  See if they can pick out what you are describing. 

Parental Suggestion:

Book Look:
Listen to the YouTube read aloud book ABC: Mindfulness for Me by Christiane Engel.  Be sure to hit the full screen icon.  Use the pause button so you may view each page carefully. Notice the illustrations.  Listen to the clever rhymes.  Pay attention to terms you need to learn.
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&p=Mindfulness+for+Me+Read+Aloud#id=1&vid=cd1cac8ebcd1ef408240b72271188fa1&action=click

Pictures/ Words to Notice:
First Picture Page:  View. Buddhas, lotus flower, dream catchers.  Especially notice these terms/pictures: B: breath, breathing tool  C:  compassion, Buddhist term  D: dreamcatcher  E: energy, flow  F: feelings  M: meditation, inner peace  N: Namaste  P: present, mandala   U: universe, all one  V: thank the earth  W: mindful walk  Y: yoga  Z: Zen   Pay attention to ending sections as well.
 

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me! O Is for Out of!

ABC:  Bible Meditation for Me!  O Is for Out of! 

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

Introduction:  This lesson is one of twenty-six ABC lessons for parents, grandparents, teachers, kids, youth leaders and anyone at all.  Besides this lesson L, Q, R, V, X, and Z have been posted.  Scroll back to find them.

Out of God's Mouth

Have you read
Jesus once said,
one shouldn't live
by just bread,
but by every word
heard out of the
mouth of God?

From Matthew 4:4

A Matthew Meditation Selection 

Matthew 4:4  "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

Matthew 4:4 Make-it!

Cut an empty toilet tube in half.  Cover it with colorful tissue wrapping paper; tuck in ends and tape.  Type verse on bright paper; cut into strip.  Stick verse strip (s) into tube verse holder.  Pull out strip.  Recite.  Think about it.

Babe Praise

Jesus also said
that out of the mouth
of babes comes
amazing praise.

From  Matthew 21:16

A Babe Praise Verse

Matthew 21:16  "Yea have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?"

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Jesus spoke of the wonderful words he heard from the lips of little folks--little folks spoke--and it is up to us to teach them the Word every day so they too may think upon his word.

However, Eastern meditation evangelists are teaching little ones to repeat words, greetings, and mantras they should not say.  In yoga, they are learning to say Namaste and Om; in mindfulness they are mouthing well wishes and parroting false affirmations.

Eastern Meditation

Out of Man's Mouth

Out of man's mouth
repetitions are heard,
Out of man's mouth
come mantra words,
Out of man's mouth
come again and again
vain repetitions
from the hearts of men.

Meditation Practices Everywhere

Children are being introduced to every meditative practice imaginable at every possible place from gyms to day cares to schools to churches to wellness clinics to libraries and so on.  No one, even if they are home schooled is safe from the onslaught.  Therefore, as Christian parents, grandparents, or teachers we must be aware of what is happening, and prepare our children with true Bible meditation and instruction so as to understand what lies behind these practices.

A 'Sacred' Meditative Sound  

The Free Dictionary defines "Om" in Hinduism and Buddhism as "... the supreme and most sacred syllable, consisting in Sanskrit of three sounds (a), (u), and (m) representing various fundamental triads and believed to the spoken essence of the universe.  It is uttered as a mantra and in affirmations and blessing."  "Om" in Hinduism: "... is a sacred syllable typifying the three gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (Siva) in the threefold operation of integration, maintenance, and disintegration."

The OMazing Kids Yoga

OMazing Kids Yoga has PDF pages overflowing with information and resources.*  These pages
tout line after line of supposed yoga benefits.  However, one line in bold print stood out:  "Yoga is not … A religion."  However, the very name OMazing Kids contains the most sacred syllable in Hinduism and Buddhism!  https://omazingkidsllc.com

*  PDF pages are from the "Oklahoma Statewide Autism Conference" (November 19, 2011) as presented by OMazing Kids' founder Angela Moorad.

Out of the Mouth of Grammas

I have heard and witnessed a group of grandmothers and other seniors practicing "laughing yoga" at a nearby pool.  Not only did they laugh loudly, but they also "omed" loudly.  Very sad it is that these older ladies are so deceived to be chanting this dreadful sound.

Out of the Mouth of Yoga Bunny

Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo is a beguiling little picture book for ages 4-8 about a cute little bunny who loves to do yoga.  "This book is just adorable," quips one reviewer.  Bunny, the main character, so wants his animal friends to do yoga with him, but they all make excuses why they can't be bothered.  Finally, one by one these friends join in with Bunny to do various poses.

This book seems so innocent, but at its end, while Bunny lying in "the resting or corpse" pose, suddenly opens his mouth with a loud "Om" sound coming out which is immediately followed by the "Oms" of all of his friends.  Adorable, highly recommended?  Not at all, but deplorable indeed! 

Parental Admonition:

I would urge you, the reader, to click on the site below, and take a hard look at this picture yoga story that's being foisted on little ones. Listen closely to what is said, especially to what is stated at the end of the YouTube read aloud reading.

https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&p=Yoga+Bunny+by+Brian+Russo+Youtube+read+aloud#id=1&vid=633215916e8287ee283dbfc22fe72cc9&action=click

May this open your eyes to just a tiny fraction of all the teachings that are being given to precious children often unnoticed or understood by their parents.  The question I'm asking, where are you, and where is your church, and where is your pastor in giving warnings to its members on what is actually happening every where around us?  Who is teaching true Biblical meditation?  May it begin with us.









 

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: L is for Lift Up, L Is for Lotus

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

L Is for Lift Up/ L Is for Lotus

Introduction:  This lesson is part of an ABC series of twenty-six lessons for parents, grandparents, kids, and teachers.  Please share with others especially those who homeschool.  

L Is for Lift Up

L is for lift up,
H is for hands,
That I can lift up
To God's commands.

I Can Meditate the Bible Way!

I can meditate the Bible way,
any time, any day,
I don't have to sit just right,
nor close my eyes up real tight.
Not at all!  For its God's words
that I recall-- to think about them!
                                               LEP

Meditating the Bible Way

When we meditate on God's word we don't need to have a fixed position, or pose.  We can sit, stand, walk, or even lie down.  We can lift our hands, or close our eyes if we want, and use our minds to think a lot about God's word.

A Psalm 119:48 Meditation Verse

"My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statues."   Find this verse in your Bible, and make an "M" beside it for "Meditation."

"Lift Up My Hands to Thy Commands"

Draw two hands; cut them out.  Overlap thumbs a bit; tape or glue.  Print Ps.119:48 on card.   Stick verse in between fingers; tape.  Hang it up. Think about your verse.

The Eastern Way

Focus on Lotus

L Is for Lotus

L is for lotus,
A kind of a flower,
That's said to bring
enlightening power.

L is for lotus,
A position you'll find
people sitting in
while clearing their
mind.

Signs of the Times

Not long ago I passed a shop with a Lotus flower logo and name--"The Lotus Nail Salon."  Nearby at a T.J. Maxx store I spied three shelves of Buddhas sitting in the lotus position.  At still another store I saw sloth figures sitting lotus on a top shelf.  Have you seen a Lotus flower logo or someone sitting lotus?  What signs of the times have you noticed? 

The Lotus Flower

The lotus is a Buddhist/Hindu sacred flower said to have special powers.  It begins as a little seed way down in muddy waters and rises up to become a lovely flower.   Gregoire A. Hodder wrote a  clever picture book for little ones titled The Little Lotus Flower.   Parents take a look at this on line at Amazon.com under "Look inside!"

The Lotus Flower
and the Gods

In "Lotus Flowers Meaning and Symbolisms" e.g. in Hinduism the lotus is linked to many of its gods and goddesses.  The goddess of prosperity, Laxmi, is often shown seated atop a fully opened lotus flower.  Brahma, the god of creation, is shown emerging from a lotus flower coming out of the belly of the sustainer Lord Vishnu.  For more read: https://www.lotusflowermeaning.net/

The Lotus Mudra

The article "Mudras for Children" explains "Mudras are symbols made with the hands that tune us into the subtle energies of the body."  To form a Lotus Mudra or Padma Mudra one presses together the base of the hands, the pinky fingers and the thumbs together.  The index, middle, and ring fingers then extend outward to stand for the lotus petals. It's said this mudra helps one release and accept kindness.  Besides, it is said to calm and ground a person.  Kids are told to imagine a light or kind thoughts coming out of the center of their hands.  Readers, realize any of these "mudras" or "finger yoga poses" aren't similar to moving one's hands to a cute little rhyme but rather are spiritual in nature.  Talk with your child about them.
*https://beginnersmindresources.com/blogs/news/mudras-for-children
 
The Lotus Pose
In yoga the lotus pose Padmasana is very difficult, so grownups and kids often do an easy pose called the Sukhasana.   If you look at old pictures of ancient yogis you will often see them doing the Sukhasana.  When people sit lotus they practice breathing exercises called pranayama. 

Criss-Cross Apple Sauce

Have you ever been asked to cross your legs and sit "criss-cross applesauce?"  Is this the same as the lotus pose?  No!  The lotus pose has special ways to tuck in your toes. When you do criss-cross applesauce, no one asks you to breathe a special way or fix your fingers in a mudra.     

The Lotus Way

When one wants to meditate
folks are told to sit up straight,
cross their legs the lotus way,
fix one's fingers in a pose,
inhale n' exhale through the nose
keeping every thought away
so one's world will be o.k.--calm!
                                               LEP
Meditation like this will not calm our world.  Remember Jesus' words when he said, "... 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  

Parental Suggestions:

Pigs Sitting Lotus

Peaceful Piggy Meditations (2004) by Kerry Lee Maclean is a picture book worth reviewing.  Find it on You Tube read aloud books and Amazon Books.com.  In it you'll view two piggy siblings that are always in a hurry, fighting, or upset.  So the pigs are taught to meditate. See pigs sitting lotus throughout the book. 

Learn more about the Lotus Mudra here:  http://saltspringmalas.com/lotus-mudra/