Letters

Heidi K. Van Patten, Sonia Cousin, Frederick R. Andresen

Fun little nuggets

Thank you for keeping the Sentinel so fresh—particularly the October 17 issue [“Judging rightly]. As well as enjoying the longer articles, I also love the smaller pieces (such as “The celebration” [Gloria Beasley Lausten, p. 11], “From tears to smiles” [Corey Newkirk, p. 13], and “Recipe for blessedness and true happiness” [Donna Matteson, p. 17]), which are fun little nuggets that I can read when I just have a few minutes here and there.

As I continue to learn about God and healing, it is always so inspiring to have new ways to consider Bible passages and other familiar ideas.

The focus on Church Alive is also helpful, and I especially appreciated Alex Cook’s article, “Red Sneakers” [p. 21]. His last sentence is a perfect summary of how church should be: “Church is alive when we honestly, lovingly, and soulfully share who we are!”

As the printed format of the Sentinel changes to become even more readable, each piece continues to support Mary Baker Eddy’s mission for the magazine, “to hold guard over Truth, Life, and Love” [The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 353] and to demonstrate that this can be accomplished in countless fresh new ways.

Heidi K. Van Patten
Petoskey, Michigan, US

Thanks overdue

I can no longer go on taking the gifts you send out each week in the literature unless I send you my overdue thanks. My husband passed on a couple of years ago and I followed the advice from the Bible—“Thy Maker is thine husband” [Isa. 54:5]. What wonderful advice this has turned out to be. I have been overwhelmed with love and kindness. This morning a letter arrived inviting me to a heart screening that is being carried out in the area. I destroyed the letter and opened my small Christian Science Hymnal at random. As usual it came up with the appropriate message: “In heavenly Love abiding, / No change my heart shall fear” [No. 148].

With much gratitude,

Sonia Cousin
Smithy Bridge, Rochdale, England

Sentinel themes are so timely

We all agree—my family, friends—and some newbies. You guys are doing a super great job. The Sentinel themes have been so timely. The one on pregnancy [“Pregnancy and childbirth: A spiritual approach,” October 10, 2011] was timed for me to send to my Russian friend in Rostov-on-Don who has shown interest in Christian Science, has Science and Health, and finally, after seven years of marriage to a great guy, happily announced they were expecting their first child and leaving it all to God. The issue on aging was rather appropriate [“Downhill or upward all the way,” October 3, 2011], and now the “jobs” one is right on [“God-directed careers,” October 24]. All meeting such personal needs.

A friend lost her husband last June and in August her son left for college. From an older issue on grief [“Grief healed,” November 1, 2010] an article was so welcomed, and she now will attend a lecture, and is reading Science and Health.

The Christian Science Journals, too, have more depth and are so well presented. Just pass on this thanks to all. My family and I are all so grateful.

Frederick R. Andresen
Corona del Mar, California, US

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An answer of peace

November 14, 2011

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