THE ECONOMY AND STAYING CALM

Thank you for the Sentinel of November 10, 2008, on "Calming financial fears." The article by Christine Negley, "Remaining calm amid the financial storm," was inspiring. It reminds me how King Solomon prayed to God, and how He showed him the way forward in leadership. Solomon demonstrated divine wisdom in life experience.

Similarly, we can trust God for guidance and supply in the management of our family, business, and public finances, knowing that prayer, based on the spiritual understanding of the operation of the divine economy, brings the progress we need.

DANIEL OTIENO OKELLO
SUNA-MIGORI, KENYA

MY SENTIMENTS EXACTLY

Nate Talbot perfectly described my sentiments in his November 17, 2008, letter to the Sentinel, since I appreciate this "needed and even refreshing conversation in [the Christian Science] movement" about Bible translations.

This year I've delved into Bible translations more than ever before. I recently prepared Wednesday evening testimony meeting readings on "Job," using an 1861 edition of what Mary Baker Eddy called the "excellent translation" by Rev. George Noyes (Science and Health, p. 360). The night before Thanksgiving, the topic of "Harvest" included Mark 4:28. The readings were from a 1904 20th Century New Testament, since it translates that verse the same as the 1901 American Standard Bible Mrs. Eddy used for The Christian Science Monitor's logo.

I often use the New King James Version instead of the King James, as it has the familiar KJV passages we love, but the most egregious KJV translation errors are corrected, with American spelling and normal verb tenses. Since Jesus and other Bible characters are not from the 17th century or the Church of England, where the KJV dates them, I prefer the NKJV translation of Matthew 13:44: "he goes and sells all that he has and buys" to the KJV: "thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth." The words are easy to pronounce, in current, correct English, and they add clarity without changing meaning.

LINDA BARGMANN
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, US

'PRECIOUS ISSUE'

Thank you so much for the newest Kids' Sentinel. I was able to share it with my grandchildren, Nathaniel, Laura, and Emily. We read Mary Trammell's statements, "The Christ reminds you that, as God's child, you're linked up with a pool of love that's bigger than any ocean. With a Helper that will outlast the stars. With a rescue-power that will find you wherever you are, faster than any cellphone or GPS system that will ever be invented." Nate and Laura understood the significance of those analogies.

They enjoyed the interview with Mike Laggart and his healing approach as a police officer. They loved hearing about Alexander and his family from Milan, Italy, and they thought his dinosaur drawing was "awesome."

Laura and Emily wanted to be sure we didn't skip any of the children's testimonies, and they liked seeing the different countries in which they lived. Nate is really into heroes, and David is his favorite hero in the Bible. I had so much fun helping them find the answers to the puzzle about David, and learned a few things myself. I've encouraged them to send in a drawing about their favorite part of Daniel in the lions' den for your next Kids' issue. Thank you so much for this precious issue and for all you do.

PAULETTE WATKINS
ELKHART, INDIANA, US

A HELPFUL REMINDER

This is a quick thanks to "brand new" Christian Scientist Amanda Johnson for her testimonial ("Healed of head cold through prayer") in the December 22, 2008, Sentinel ("Christmas—Hearts lifted to gladness"). As an established student of Christian Science, struggling with the same problem Ms. Johnson described, how I appreciated her reminder of the wonderful simplicity of Christian Science healing!

CAROL CUMMINGS
POLSON, MONTANA, US