ABC: Bible Meditations for Me!: F Is for Focus!

ABC:  Bible Meditations for Me! F Is for Focus!

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

Introduction:  This lesson is one of twenty-six ABC lessons for parents, grandparents, kids, and teachers.  Please scroll back to view  A, B, D, L, O, P, Q, R, U, V, W, X, and Z.

F Is for Focus

F is for focus,
F is for fix,
Fix your focus
on Jesus!

I Focus on Jesus!

Some focus on bells,
Some focus on smells,
Some focus on mudras,
Some focus on mantras,
Some focus on lotus,
But I focus on Jesus!
                              LEP

Daniel Kept His Focus

In Daniel 6 we read that the prophet Daniel had a dilemma.  He wasn't allowed to pray except to the king for thirty days.  If he did pray to God he'd be thrown into the lion's den.  Did this law deter Daniel?  No!  For the Bible says Daniel kept his focus on praying at certain times just like he always did.  When it was his prayer time he got up, went to his window, opened it wide, and then as usual he knelt down by it and prayed.  Nothing kept Daniel from focusing on and worshipping his God!

Dare to Be a Daniel!

An old song "Dare to Be a Daniel" tells us to dare to be like Daniel, have a purpose firm or focus, and dare to make it known.  Listen to it here:
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&p=Dare+to+be+a+Daniel+Lyrics#id=1&vid=b32eb0bc6696ffe8c345c443c845ae7a&action=click

"Look Unto Me!" Meditation

Isaiah 45:22  "Look unto me, and be ye saved all the ends of the earth: for I am God and there is none else."  Focus on its words the Bible way!

"Look Unto Me!" Cross Marker
Cut out a cross.  Edge it with a colored marker.  Print verse on it or glue on typed verse.  Put into your Bible next to Isaiah 45:22. 

The Resolute Rugby Player

Recently there was a rugby player who wrote how he believed things in the Bible.  Oh, how people rose up against him when he decided to do this and dare to focus on Jesus.  Folks made fun of him, and he lost his sports job.  Many, like him, who have stuck to or focused on God's word have been persecuted for their faith.  Psalm 119:31 says, "I have stuck unto thy testimonies: …."

Eastern Meditation

F Is for Focus

F is for focus,
P's for pay attention
to the task at hand
with total concentration.

Pastor's "Pause" Videos

A pastor/author stops for quiet pauses at certain hours.  He sits still, opens up his hands on his knees, closes his eyes, focuses on a computer bell sound, takes deep breaths, and sits in silence saying he is thinking about the Lord.  If his mind wanders he says, "Here I am Lord."  When the bell signals he stops and breathes deeply again.  He then reads some "devotions" from Catholic sources.  Is this a Bible way to meditate?  What do you think?  What do all the things he does remind you of?

Focus on Sound

Using "singing bowls" is a popular way to let children know when it's time to begin mindfulness meditation.   A bowl is struck by a child with a mallet signaling for all to sit still in lotus, fix their fingers in mudras, focus on their breath, and relax as the bowl's vibrations slowly die off.   Later, the bowl is struck again as the kids end their meditation time.

Focus on Vibrations

My first singing bowl introduction came while working with a group of PreK hearing impaired and special needs group.  Ms. Nancy, one of the teachers, felt each child would benefit from feeling the bowl's vibrations as it was hit with a mallet. Sadly, she introduced the children to yoga also.

Focus on the Body

A body scan meditation has kids focusing on their body by sitting comfortably, closing their eyes, and noticing how they feel in their chair. After noticing the weight of their body, they then notice how their feet feel on the floor.  Moving onto the legs they are asked to notice pressure, pulsations or lightness.  It is on to the back, the stomach, the hands, the arms and shoulders, the neck and throat, the face, and finally the entire body.  Interspersed with breathing they're told to sense feelings or to soften each body part.  

Perhaps, this seems soothing but the child is totally under the sound of the hypnotic video voice. Such scans can also be done lying down before nap or bedtime every day.  These guided meditations are but stepping stones to going deeper into other meditative techniques.
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&p=Five+Minutes+Body+Scan+Meditation+for+Kids+and+Adults#id=1&vid=29204c6803b5382d3bb14de544e4887a&action=clickelf-help

Whitney Stewart's Mindfulness Card Deck

Whitney Stewart put together a card deck of 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness, Focus, and Calm for ages 4-104.  This card set, one among other such sets, is divided into five categories: feel grounded, find calm, improve focus, practice loving-kindness, and relax.   Be sure to click here to see the entire set as shown by its artist Mina Braun.  Click on each category to see some cards in each section.   Cute, clever, but oh so deceptive is how one might describe these enticing cards!     
https://www.minabraun.com/Mindful-Kids-Activity-Cards

Parental Suggestion:

Buddhist-Inspired Author Whitney Stewart

For a few minutes, focus on this Whitney Stewart image gallery that shows some of her mindfulness picture books as well as books for teens and adults. As with many of the authors that are passionate about mindfulness meditation, Stewart has an extensive background in Buddhism having lived in India and interviewed the current Dalai Lama.  Notice her picture book Becoming Buddha. Therefore, be aware how material similar to this has seeped into such places as the doctor's office, the local library, the workplace, the preschools, and the church that at its core is Buddhist, Hindu or both!

https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=Whitney+Steward+author+of+mindfulness+buddhism&fr=yfp-t-s&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fselfesteemshop.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F03%2FMeditation-is-an-Open-Sky-Whitney-Stewart-549087.jpg#id=0&iurl=http%3A%2F%2Fselfesteemshop.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F03%2FMeditation-is-an-Open-Sky-Whitney-Stewart-549087.jpg&action=click

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: T Is for Thoughts!

ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!  T Is for Thoughts!

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 A, B, D, L, O, P, Q, R, T, U, V, W, X, and Z are posted.  Scroll back to read the others.

T Is for Thoughts!

T is for thoughts,
meditate the Bible way;
Think thoughts a lot,
don't push them away!

A Bible Meditation to Think On!

Psalm 119:59  "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies."

Turn to the Word Bible Marker!

Cut out a rectangular marker; also cut out a smaller arrow.  On arrow print: "Turn to the Word!" and on its tip print: Ps. 119:59.  On back of rectangle marker print entire verse.  Turn marker sideways; attach arrow with a brad, or glue so point can be moved up and down.

Some Thought Synonyms

Here are some words that are related to thought: cogitation, consideration contemplation, meditation, introspection, pondering, reflection, rumination, and study.  In Bible meditation we do all these things when we think over what our Bible words mean.  But, in Eastern Meditation the opposite happens for one is told to get rid of, push aside, observe, notice, let go, pass by, acknowledge, not judge, and not react to our thoughts.

Thought Concentration

Using the thought synonyms, make two cards for each word.  If you find other words use them as well.  Put into pack; shuffle.  Then spread out the cards turning them over to play "Thought Concentration."  The winner is the one who finds the most pairs.

Thought Quotations

Here is a secular thought quotation: "Your mind is a garden, Your thoughts are the seeds.  You can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds."  And here are well-known "thoughts" verses from Isaiah 55:8,9:  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Think about these; talk about them!          

Eastern Meditation

T Is for Thoughts

T is for thoughts--
let your thoughts go!
That's the Eastern way
to stop the flow, so-
Your mind grows quiet.

Thoughts Are Like

Thoughts are often pictured like clouds, balloons, bubbles snowflakes, dots, butterflies, birds, fish, bees, and ….  Can you name any other images used to picture our thoughts?  In Eastern meditation you'll often seen these images in book or on videos.  Always, the thoughts are considered a nuisance or a bother.  Why is this?

What are kids sitting on a chair or in lotus told to do?  If you said sit comfortably, close your eyes, fix your hands, and notice your breath you would be correct.  However, there is one thing Eastern meditators are told not to do?  What is that?  If you said not notice your thoughts you'd be correct again.  This is the exact opposite of Bible meditation where we're told to reflect or think on our thoughts!

Let Go of Your Thoughts!

When someone teaches meditation they'll tell you to let go of your thoughts!  And they'll also often tell you that your mind with its thoughts is like a monkey chitter chattering and running here or there.  Next they will tell you how to quiet your "monkey mind."

"The Monkey Mind" Introduced 
      at a Christian Camp 

I first heard the term "monkey mind" on a Christian conference podcast where a dean of a Christian college was introducing the audience to the practice of "Centering Prayer" This prayer, like mindfulness, says get quiet, sit comfortably, and close your eyes.  Instead of watching your breath, they tell you to pick a word or words like "Lord Jesus."  You are then to repeat that word(s) over and over to help your mind forget its "monkey chatter."  Is the Bible way to pray?  to meditate?  No, and no again!  Just because you change from breath to a Christian word mantra doesn't make it Christian at all!

The Monkey Mind and the Buddha

In the Guide to Buddhism A to Z  states that the Buddha described "the agitated, easily distracted and incessantly moving behavior of ordinary human consciousness like that of a monkey swinging from tree to tree."  In contrast, the Buddha told his disciples to train their minds to be like a forest deer who was gentle but always aware.  http://buddhisma2z.com/content.php?id=274

Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda

Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda by Lauren Alderfer is read aloud on YouTube.  View it here:
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t-s&p=mindful+monkey+happy+panda+read+aloud+videos#id=1&vid=dcfbb9d05ff217dcddc36741b1132978&action=click
This is just one of the many books on mindfulness for young children teaching the belief in the monkey mind.

Peace of Mind

Say no to monkey mind,
Say hello to peace of mind
that one can find in Christ!

Isaiah 26:13:  "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee."

Parental Suggestions:

Some Thoughts on the Book Seven Little Monkeys

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

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

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


 

ABC: Bible Meditations for Me! A Is for Affirmation!

ABC:  Bible Meditations for Me!  A Is for Affirmation!

ABC:  Bible Meditations 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, W, X, and Z are posted.  Scroll back to read them.

A Is for Affirmation

A is for affirmation-
"I am" words that you
believe are true.

The I Am Man and The Sinner Man

In Luke 18 we read about two men who went to the temple to pray.  One was a Pharisee, and one was a Publican.  First, the Pharisee the "I Am Man," prayed like this:  "God I thank you I am not a sinner like these other people.  I am not a stealer.  I am not a cheater.  I am not an adulterer.  I fast two times a week.  I give money too.  Second, the Publican, the "Sinner Man," couldn't even look up to heaven, but beat his chest and said, "God be merciful to me a sinner!"   The Pharisee makes us think of those who recite affirmations about themselves like:  "I am good, I am kind, …" Which of the two prayers did the Lord accept? Why?

The "I Am" Truths Jesus Taught

The Lord Jesus spoke some words beginning with "I am" that told who Jesus was.  Do you know them?  If you don't, highlight them in your Bible.  They are: "I am the good shepherd, the light of the world, the door, the bread of life, the vine, the way, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the I AM that I AM, and I am God!  How wonderful are the words of Scripture!  May we ever hide them in our hearts, not so we can feel better about ourselves, but that we might not sin against Him!

A Bible Affirmation for Meditation

Psalm 139:14 includes a Biblical affirmation which says, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

A Marvelous Marker to Make

Cut out a bright marker.  Punch out some confetti dots; sprinkle dots on a glue dotted marker.  Print verse on a smaller contrasting strip and glue it over the confetti dots.  Insert in your Bible!

"I Am God's Child!" 

A false declaration that people often believe is: "I am God's child."  Have you ever heard that?  A friend I knew insisted we were all God's children.  Yes, we're all created in God's image, but we aren't all God's children unless we've accepted the Lord as our own personal Savior.  So, we're not automatically God's child.  If we were all God's children, Jesus didn't need to die on Calvary to take away our sins. If you hear that statement, remember this "I AM" Bible verse from John 14:6 where Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me."

Teacher Room Affirmations

Affirmations having positive words are everywhere on walls, bulletin boards, and little cubes sitting on desks and counters. Wherever one turns you bump into a few more from the bookstore to the beauty shop.  One, I've never forgotten, that I saw in a teacher's room said: "You are be-you-tiful!"  Proverbs 16:2, however, reminds us that: "All of the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but that the LORD weigheth the spirits (motives)."

The "Believe" and "Praise" Towels

Positive words are even on towels.  I saw two that read: "Believe!" and "Praise!" My grandkids saw them.  So, I used that time for a teaching moment and commented how pretty they were, but just the words alone made me wonder "believe what?" or "praise whom?"  I told them I wanted the words to mean: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved!,"  and "Praise the Lord!"

Daily Rituals

Each morning at a certain school over the intercom the principal leads the children in the pledge and some declarations.  Each day the children say The Pledge of Allegiance so thoughtlessly, and the declarations: "Be strong!  Be kind!  Be courageous!" so glibly.  Whenever I hear them I think of long ago when each morning the teacher would read the Bible, and lead the children in "The Lord's Prayer!"  After, all would salute the flag and sing; "My Country 'Tis of Thee."

Now the only mention of "God" left is in the flag salute. Children never hear the Bible read nor pray.  Most never sing anthems.   Instead, they mouth mantras and affirmations or practice mindfulness or yoga.  How we should especially care about, reach out to, and pray for children who are not able to be homeschooled and are subject to our school systems.  May we never forget these children!

Eastern Meditation

A Is for Affirmation

A is for affirmation-
a positive thought-
that parents and children
are often taught.

Louise Hay's Affirmation Instruction

Louise Hay was a New Ager who wrote an affirmation book for kids called I Think, I Am!: Teaching Kids the Power of Affirmations.(2008)  In it Hay said one begins an affirmation in four ways: "I can, I am, I do, I have."  Once written, one repeats an affirmation over and over again.  Like a mantra the affirmation is to be said against negative thoughts.  Hay suggested one look in a mirror while repeating the statement. Besides, Hay wrote that one should close their eyes and picture exactly what they wish.   And teaches Hay, if one can think it, it will happen.  Notice Hay's title once again which defines an affirmation: "I Think, I Am!"  Think about it!
https://www.amazon.com/Think-Am-Teaching-Power-Affirmations/dp/1401922082

Affirmations Become Meditation Mantras!

Liz Bragdon of  'Move with Me Yoga Adventures' wrote "Affirmations and Mantras for Kids."  In it Bragdon maintains that affirmations are terrific tools that kids use to help themselves. Bragdon goes on, "Affirmations are short 'I Am' statements that call you into an intentional way of being."  These statements should be accompanied by visualization. 

When do affirmations become mantras?  Bragdon asserts as affirmations are repeated over and over aloud they turn into mantras one can use for meditation.  This then changes how we feel aligning/attuning our body, mind, and heart around this life-changing declaration.  https://move-with-me.com/uncategorized/affirmations-and-mantras-for-kids/ 

Recall II Timothy 3:15 states, "That from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."  The scriptures, not self-created affirmations, are the words that assure us of hope, salvation, and success for life!

Scriptures
 for Me!

Will it be
affirmations?
No way!
Will it be
visualizations?
No way!
Will it be
sensations?
No way!
What will it be?
It will be scriptures
for me!  Daily!
                        LEP

Parental Suggestions: 

Affirmation Searches

The next time you're in a store that sells books or products that include affirmational items, point them out to your child.  Talk about the affirmations you see, and why or why not what they say is true or false.  Be ever vigilant to assert that repeating and thinking of Scripture, rather than repeating and thinking of affirmations, is God's way.

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

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

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 ….