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Recently, when diving deeper into the Bible story of Christ Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (see John 11 ), I found myself valuing important details that I had overlooked before, one being that Jesus’ friendship toward Lazarus was different than we might expect of friendships today. Jesus’ love for Lazarus included seeing his spiritual selfhood as permanent, intact, and as perfect as God, the creator of that selfhood.

Thoughts we hold shape our lives. Spiritual ideas, when grappled with and understood, are even more transformative, as the biblical patriarch Jacob demonstrated when he wrestled with an angel, or message from God.

The inspired, or spiritual, message of the Bible—expressing the Word of God, good—is full of wisdom that inspires, instructs, and changes one’s life for the better. For instance, recently I came across a passage in the Old Testament that was very familiar to me—familiar, yes, but nonetheless loaded with fresh insight.

“Nooo, not one more thing. ” That’s the thought I had after the latch on my trunk appeared to be stuck.

A friend once told me that every winter she takes out a large favorite jigsaw puzzle that covers much of her dining room table when finished. “Don’t you get bored doing the same puzzle over and over?” I asked.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust” ( Psalms 91:1, 2 ).

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” ( Luke 12:32 ). With these words Jesus conveyed a key point in Christian faith, especially in healing.

Dear Reader, When I last wrote for this column in “Answering the call of hungry hearts” in the March Journal, many of you responded with suggestions and insights. Thank you! We heard about improvements we could make to help you share the magazines more widely, ideas about the Christian Science Sentinel ’s mission to “hold guard over Truth, Life, and Love” (Mary Baker Eddy, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p.

Many years ago I was looking for a new home in a European capital. Within a week I found the perfect house, and the friend who would be sharing it with me was as happy with it as I was.

Over the years, I have sincerely prayed to resolve family and other relationship issues. Actually, the desire to have harmonious relationships was the main reason I chose Christian Science as a way of life.