Sewickley PA

On behalf of the Sewickley, PA church, I extend our deepest appreciation for the beautiful lecture series you brought to the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.

Your lectures reached out so beautifully with such simple and poignant messages, which could easily reach the thought of someone new to Christian Science or to someone just seeking some higher understanding of God in their lives. But they also held deeper messages for those of us who are "seasoned" Christian Scientists.

We were so glad you were able to give your new lecture for our church, "Texting God: Short Prayers that Work". I loved your reminder that all prayer is based on conviction, which reinforces our knowing that God is present here and now; that God is powerful and the only source of good.

I had the opportunity to refer to the story you told of the man who couldn't find anything good in his life. I very recently got a new puppy, 7 1/2 months old, but a puppy nonetheless. My husband was getting very impatient and even angry at having to deal with puppy issues, and seemed to see everything in a negative light; he couldn't see anything positive or good in this new situation. I found myself getting pulled into that same frame of mind. But I had to stop myself and immediately started seeing only the good in this wonderful little idea...the joy of running around like crazy, the love and acceptance she showed in her new home (shared with numerous other family pets!), the devotion she was already showing us, and the sweet disposition that was so trusting and sure to mellow into a wonderful little companion. I reminded my husband about seeing only the good and pointed out to him these wonderful qualities, and he as well, saw only the good; and we are now laughing at and enjoying all the puppy antics.

I would like to mention one last thing. I so enjoyed the way you ended your lectures (at least the ones I was able to attend). You reached out to all who where there and told all who were listening that God loves us, cherishes us and is there for us. I called them mini treatments! You have no idea how reaffirming it was to hear those words and drink them in with all the promise and strength His love brings.

Many, many thanks for your wonderful thought and for sharing your love of Christian Science with all of us.

With much love,
Julie