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[Page i]Brilliant Star A BAHÁ’Í COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS JULY/AUGUST 2010

EXPRESS YOURSELF

[Page ii]Brilliant Star Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central Street Evanston, Illinois 60201 U.S. 847.853.2354 brilliant@usbnc.org

SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1.800.999.9019 WWW.BRILLIANTSTARMAGAZINE.ORG

©2010 NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

Amethel Parel-Sewell EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR Susan Engle ASSOCIATE EDITOR Annie Reneau ASSISTANT EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS Sahra Agahi • Nia Beane • Lisa Blecker Hayley Dickson • Geraldine Guilfoyle Gabby Hawse • Michael Horvich Mehr Mansuri • Milkshake • Arvid Nelson Donna Price • Lara Regan • Mike Relph Cameron Sabet • Ryan Shahriari Carole Nkouaga Udziela • Maya Wong

Original illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted. By Lisa Blecker: Activity art for p. 8 Historical photos courtesy of National Bahá’í Archives, unless noted.

Story and activity credits: By Amy Renshaw: 2, 6, 7, 11, 14, 23, 24, 26, 29 By Susan Engle: 5, 12, 18, 20, 28 By Annie Reneau: 3, 4, 10, 22 By Lisa Blecker: 8, 9 By Donna Price: 27

Brilliant Star magazine invites all kids to explore the Bahá’í Faith. It is the second most widespread religion in the world, with more than five million Bahá’ís.

The Bahá’í Faith was founded by the Prophet Bahá’u’lláh (“Glory of God” in Arabic) in 1863. Bahá’u’lláh taught that all people are part of one human family, and that all religions come from one God. Bahá’ís work to bring peace and unity to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.

Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, interpreted His teachings and led the Bahá’í community after Bahá’u’lláh’s passing.

Brilliant Star encourages kids to bring their virtues and talents to light, and use them to make a world a better place. Brilliant Star is produced bimonthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND RENEWALS To order or renew a subscription, contact Bahá’í Subscriber Service by phone at 1.800.999.9019 or by e-mail at subscription@usbnc.org. Standard U.S. rates: $18 (One year); $32 (Two years) International airmail: $38 (One year); $68 (Two years) Canada and Mexico: $28 (One year); $48 (Two years)

SUBMISSIONS We welcome submissions and ideas from contributors of all ages. For editorial themes or submission guidelines, mail your request with a self-addressed stamped envelope, or e-mail us (above).

RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE All content in this magazine is copyrighted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. or by individual contributors. For permission to copy or translate material, contact: Rights and Permissions, Brilliant Star, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Teachers may photocopy pages in limited quantities for classroom use. The name of the magazine and issue date must be present on all copies and proper credit given to the copyright owner.

INTERNET RESOURCES AND INTERNET SAFETY We often provide Internet resources to encourage readers to explore a topic, or to share our references. While we make every effort to choose reliable websites, Brilliant Star does not endorse or account for all content in referenced websites. Furthermore, we urge caution and parental guidance when using the Internet. For more information about Internet safety, visit www.wiredkids.org/wiredkids_org.html

ISSN 0884-3635

FAVORITE FEATURES

3	Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Mission of Peace Bahá’u’lláh’s kindness changed hearts in Baghdád.
4	Riley’s Rainforest What are your favorite ways to express your feelings?
8	Maya’s Mysteries What do anger and volcanoes have in common?
11	We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.
12	Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.
14	Lightning and Luna: Episode 39 Can the Uplifters stop Dixon Devious and the Erasers?
18	Stargazer: Mehr Mansuri Helping kids take leading roles on stage and in life
20	Music Café What if there were a statue of you?
21	Nur’s Nook Now it’s time to make a rhyme!
22	Shining Lamp: William Sutherland Maxwell Expressing art through architecture
24	Calendars What’s special about July and August?
28	Cosmo Chameleon’s Crossword A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon
29	aMAZEing ADVENTURE Overcome monsters as you find the Castle of Confidence.

[Page 1]

EXPRESS YOURSELF

JULY/AUGUST 2010 NEW DESTINATIONS

The Magic of You Check out the secret recipe for Expression Elixir.

Rate How You Communicate Exploring My World How well do you know yourself?

A Box About Me Create a self-expression box about the one and only you!

Quiz yourself on your speaking and listening skills.

Taking the Stage Focus a spotlight on your unique talents.

Who's in Your Pack? Wolves can teach us about communication and unity.

New Superhero Suits for the Uplifters Express your creativity in our new design contest!

Camp Creativity Can your hobbies lead to a cool career?

Light of Kindness Which neighborhood makes you feel at home?

Putting Out the Gossip Fire Unscramble the words to quench backbiting.

DEAR FRIENDS

Would you rather sing a song or paint a picture? Shoot some hoops or plant some trees? Help a friend or rescue an animal? Maybe you'd like to do them all—and more!

When you share your talents, ideas, and virtues with others, you're expressing yourself. Through your words and actions, you convey what's unique about you.

It's fun to explore new ways to communicate, create, and connect with others near and far. In this issue of Brilliant Star, make a self-expression box to celebrate you and your interests. Take a quiz on your communication skills. Find out how your emotions can be like a volcano. Write your own funny poem with Nur the Firefly. And meet Mehr Mansuri, who helps set the stage for kids to express their dramatic talents.

You are unique, and your skills are like jewels ready to be polished. What are your favorite ways to make them shine?

With love from Brilliant Star [Page 2]

The Magic of You

hat if there were a magic potion that would instantly make you the most popular, most athletic, or smartest kid in your school? Would you want to use it? It can be fun to be admired and have a lot of friends but that alone won't make you happy. A big part of happiness is being your true, authentic self.

You are a unique individual, with special talents and a one-of-a-kind personality. Your hobbies, interests, background, or religion may be different from others. Sometimes you may even feel like you want to change to fit in better. But it's more enchanting to follow your own dreams and goals. Focus on doing things that are best for you. And stick with friends who like you for who you really are.

It's not always easy to be yourself. You might make mistakes or get embarrassed once in a while. But you'll always be the best at it-you're the only person who can be you. And that's truly magical!

Wendell the Wizard is mixing a potion to help people express their true selves. Find the ingredients and write them on the scroll.

Start with the orange letter and follow connected lines to spell out a word. You'll return to some letters more than once.

Expression Elixir Ingredients

1. SINCERITY 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. [Page 3]

A Brief Timeline

The Life of Bahá’u’lláh

The highlighted area marks the time in which this story takes place.

1817 November 12 Birth of Bahá’u’lláh in Tihrán, Iran

1844 Recognizes the Báb as a new Messenger of God

1852 Imprisonment in the "Black Pit" of Tihrán

1853-1863 Exile in Baghdad, Iraq. From 1854-1856, He goes into the mountains to pray in solitude.

1863 April 22 Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith

1863-1868 Exile in Constantinople (Istanbul), then Adrianople (Edirne), Turkey. Begins writing letters to kings and rulers in 1867, urging world unity

1868 Last exile, to prison-city of ‘Akká, Israel

1877 Finally free to live in countryside homes of Mazra’ih and then Bahjí, outside ‘Akká

1892 May 29 Bahá’u’lláh passes away at Bahjí.

Majestic Presence

Imagine how it would feel to meet a Messenger of God in person. A Persian prince who knew Bahá’u’lláh said, "I know not how to explain it . . . were all the sorrows of the world to be crowded into my heart they would, I feel, all vanish, when in the presence of Bahá’u’lláh. It is as if I had entered Paradise itself."

Though He suffered imprisonment and banishment, Bahá’u’lláh’s kindness, generosity, and wisdom brought joy to people's hearts everywhere He went. Still, authorities who felt threatened by Bahá’u’lláh exiled Him from Persia (now Iran) to Baghdad, Iraq, in 1853. Bahá’u’lláh was a follower of an earlier Messenger of God known as the Báb, Who taught that another Messenger promised by all religions would soon appear. The authorities mistakenly thought the Báb’s teachings went against Islam, and they persecuted thousands of His followers, called Bábís.

Bahá’u’lláh had a strong effect on the people of Baghdad. Religious leaders, dignitaries, and ordinary citizens visited Him and asked for His advice. Bahá’u’lláh frequently went to coffeehouses, and whichever coffeehouse He chose would become crowded with people eager to see Him.

He showered love on many, giving gifts to the disabled, orphans, and others in need. When He went out, a poor, elderly woman would often wait for Him on the road. Bahá’u’lláh kindly asked about her health and gave her money. When she wanted to kiss His cheeks, He would bend down so she could do so. Later, when He left Baghdad, He arranged for an allowance to help her for the rest of her life.

The statements above from Bahá’u’lláh are not authenticated quotations, but are His reported words from Bahá’u’lláh: The King of Glory, by H. M. Balyuzi.

Cups by Dianka Pyzhova

In Bahá’u’lláh’s time, many people went to coffeehouses to talk about religion and philosophy. He visited these coffeehouses often, and crowds gathered to see Him.

Not everyone welcomed Bahá’u’lláh and the other Bábís. Some prejudiced people insulted and threatened them. At times, some Bábís got into conflicts with them. Once, some merchants even threatened to kill Bahá’u’lláh and the Bábís. But Bahá’u’lláh calmly went to the coffeehouse as usual. He told a companion, "We have been threatened with death. We have no fear, We are ready for them." He spoke with such authority that those who heard Him were amazed, and the merchants did not dare to hurt Him.

Another time, more than 100 hostile men came to Bahá’u’lláh’s house. Bahá’u’lláh warmly invited them in, saying, "They are our guests." He had sherbet and tea served to them. In Bahá’u’lláh’s majestic presence, the men's hearts changed, and they left as friends.

Some people recognized Bahá’u’lláh’s spiritual power and felt He was the Messenger of God promised by the Báb. In time, Bahá’u’lláh would reveal that He was, indeed, the Promised One of all religions. The authorities continued to exile Him farther and farther from Persia, but they were unable to stop His profound effect on people's hearts and souls. [Page 4]

RILEY'S RAINFOREST

"Send down... from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing..." -Bahá’u’lláh

Express Your Emotions

Have you ever had a bad day at school and taken it out on your family? You're grumpy, and no one understands why. You may snap at your siblings or go to your room and slam the door. While we all like to be happy, it's natural to feel frustrated, angry, or sad sometimes. But keeping those feelings inside can lead to more stress, stomachaches, headaches, and other problems. Expressing your emotions is an important part of staying healthy.

If you're feeling upset, start by talking to a parent, friend, sibling, or an adult you trust. Be specific about how you feel and why, such as, "I feel angry when I'm teased at school," or "I feel frustrated when I don't understand my homework." Sometimes, just telling someone what's bothering you can help.

You can also talk to God and pray for guidance and confidence. Writing and drawing can be great ways to express your emotions. In fact, studies show that writing about stressful events can be difficult at first, but in time it can lead to happier feelings and even stronger physical health.

Exercise is another way to let out intense feelings. Running, hiking, or biking can ease anxiety and brighten your mood. Even just getting outside in nature may help you feel more peaceful.

If you need to cry, let yourself. You may be surprised at how much better you feel. Emotions are one thing we all have in common, so try sharing them with others—it might be just what you need.

Joy of Journaling

Writing and drawing in a journal is creating a world of your own—no one needs to see it but you. And it's a helpful tool for sorting out your feelings. Try these ideas:

• Make a list of what helps you relax, such as listening to music, walking in nature, or praying.
• Write down what's bothering you and list five things you can do to solve the problem. Try one solution today.
• Write down the positive things you're happy about in life.
• Find inspiring images, words, or phrases to glue into your journal.
• Draw a picture of yourself successfully handling a situation you're upset about.

Fruit for Thought

"O my Lord... Thou art He Who changeth through His bidding abasement into glory, and weakness into strength, and powerlessness into might, and fear into calm, and doubt into certainty." -Bahá’u’lláh

Curiosity Canopy

True or False? Tears are chemically different, depending on why we're crying.

Answer: True. Emotional tears contain more protein than tears from eye irritation. Only humans are known to cry from emotions, but the reason is a mystery. Some theories are that crying reduces stress or signals a need for help.

• Check out the journaling activity on page 6.

[Page 5]

Rate How You Communicate

Your friend is crying and telling you about the girls who were bullying her during lunch. "They just won’t leave me alone," she says. Then you get a text from a friend who wants to go to the movies. You just have to answer immediately, right? But when your friend sees you texting, she yells, "You’re not even listening!" You shout, "I am so!" What did your communication style tell your friend?

Communication is about sending and receiving messages. Do you send yours in a way that others understand? Do you get the ones they’re sending to you? By listening to others and communicating in positive ways, you’ll earn more respect and trust from your friends and family. You can get along peacefully and develop stronger relationships. And that’s something worth talking about!

Test your communication skills. Circle your answer for each statement, then add up your points.

1) When I’m with my friends or family, I avoid wearing headphones, talking on my cell phone, or text messaging. Often = 3. Sometimes = 2. Rarely = 1

2) When someone is talking to me, I focus on what they’re saying instead of thinking about what to say next. Often = 3. Sometimes = 2. Rarely = 1

3) I ask questions if I don’t understand something. Often = 3. Sometimes = 2. Rarely = 1

4) I think about how my tone of voice and body language can change the meaning of my words. Often = 3. Sometimes = 2. Rarely = 1

5) I pay attention to other people’s facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. Often = 3. Sometimes = 2. Rarely = 1

6) I show respect for others, even when we disagree. Often = 3. Sometimes = 2. Rarely = 1

7) When a friend has a problem, I listen and ask how I can help. Often = 3. Sometimes = 2. Rarely = 1

8) If someone says something to upset me, and I’m afraid I’ll lose my temper, I think carefully or take a break before I respond. Often = 3. Sometimes = 2. Rarely = 1

9) When someone offers advice in a respectful way, I listen with an open mind and don’t get upset. Often = 3. Sometimes = 2. Rarely = 1

10) When I’ve done something wrong, I admit it, then apologize if I’ve hurt someone. Often = 3. Sometimes = 2. Rarely = 1

11) When I’m teasing or joking with a friend, I watch to be sure they feel okay about what I’m saying. Often = 3. Sometimes = 2. Rarely = 1

12) When I talk in front of a class, I speak clearly and make eye contact with my teacher and classmates. Often = 3. Sometimes = 2. Rarely = 1

My Total Points:

36–28 points: You’re doing a great job of speaking and listening positively! Keep up the awesome work.

27–19 points: You speak and listen effectively most of the time. Choose a tip from the quiz to polish your skills even more.

18–12 points: Practice the tips in the quiz to improve your skills. Then check your progress with family and friends. [Page 6]

Exploring My World

Have you talked to yourself lately? Out of all the people in the world, the most important one to get to know better is yourself. Knowing yourself helps you learn about your strengths, interests, and goals. As you go, you'll figure out how to express yourself and your talents.

Part of getting to know yourself is exploring the world around you. It's full of amazing arts, ideas, and experiences. Which ones excite you the most and make you want to learn more? What new things would you like to discover?

Delve into your interests and dreams, then see how they can help you be of service to the world. Here are some questions to get you started on your fascinating adventure.

Name: Age: Where I live: My best virtues or qualities: Who or what makes me happy: I like to be helpful by: Favorite hobbies or sports: Favorite subjects in school: My cultural background: My faith or beliefs: Favorite animal or pet: Favorite foods: Favorite combination of colors: Favorite fictional character and why: Favorite music or instruments: When I grow up, I want to be (future career): An accomplishment I'm proud of: Places I'd love to visit someday: Things I'd like to learn to do: My favorite ways to be creative: Things I collect (such as stamps or rocks): An inspiring quote or motto that I try to live by: [Page 7]

A Box About Me

Take a look around your house—do you see a lot of zebras? How about elephants or airplanes? If you have more than a few of anything—from toy figures to trading cards to cool rocks—you’ve started a collection.

Collecting is a fun way to express yourself and your interests. What you collect reflects what you love or get excited about. It can be anything you find, create, buy, or get as a gift. The items don’t need to be expensive or new. You might collect stamps, special coins, stickers, beads, or buttons. You can collect things from nature, such as seashells or leaves. Maybe you’re crazy about turtles or horses and want to collect things featuring your favorite animal. Or if you love a certain country, you could collect items from there.

If you don’t have a collection, look around for things that make you smile or feel peaceful or creative. Then you can display your special things in a self-expression box that symbolizes your talents, dreams, or virtues.

You’ll Need:

• shallow box made of wood or sturdy cardboard (ideally at least 8" x 8" or 20 cm x 20 cm)
• a photo of yourself
• cool items to display
• colored or patterned paper or fabric
• scissors
• glue

Optional:

• copies of favorite photos and magazine cut-outs
• paint and paintbrush
• smaller boxes or pieces of sturdy cardboard
• string and tape
• plastic wrap

What You Do

1. Think about your interests and what excites you the most. If you already collect things, choose some small items to put in your self-expression box. If you don’t have a collection, gather small items that represent you.
2. Choose a box that’s sturdy enough to stand on its side. You can use a box with a hinged lid, and display it propped open. Use paper, fabric, photos, or paint to decorate the outside.
3. Before gluing objects to the inside of your box, do a rough design. Choose one object to be the central focus, such as the photo of yourself. Create your background with paper, fabric, more photos, or paint.
4. Experiment with the placement of items—play with shapes, colors, patterns, and sizes. You can use smaller boxes, pieces of cardboard, or wood to create sections or shelves. You can also hang items from the top with string and tape. Have fun! After you’re happy with your box’s design, glue everything securely in place.
5. You can protect your box by taping on plastic wrap to the front.
6. Share your box with friends and family. Tell stories about the objects in your box and what they mean to you.

Concept and activity development courtesy of Michael Horvich. [Page 8]

Maya’s MYSTERIES

WHEN YOU’RE UPSET, DO YOU EVER BLOW UP?

CONTROL YOUR VOLCANO

You’re walking through the cafeteria when you stumble over someone’s sneaker, and your lunch hits the floor. The bully who tripped you laughs, then others point and join in. You clench your fists and feel like you’re about to explode!

Intense anger is like a volcano. In a volcano, pressure builds until molten rock, gases, and ash shoot out from below the earth’s surface. In a similar way, when you feel frustrated, you may erupt with hurtful words or actions. But just as land tremors and steam can signal a volcanic eruption, angry outbursts also have warning signs. What do you usually think, feel, or do when you’re about to blow up? Do you grind your teeth, feel your heart beat faster, or have angry thoughts? When you notice those danger signals, take a time out. Go for a walk, say prayers, or do other things to cool off. After you’re calm, you can express your feelings without erupting.

CREATE A VOLCANO

You’ll Need: 22" x 22" (56 cm x 56 cm) poster board • 20 oz. (591 mL) plastic bottle • pencil • scissors • ruler • stapler packing tape • brown and red acrylic paint • paintbrush • large cookie sheet • aluminum foil • 2 tbsp. (30 mL) baking soda red food coloring • 2 tbsp. (30 mL) vinegar in small cup • 1/2 tsp. (2.5 mL) liquid dish soap • hot tap water

Caution: Get an adult’s permission or help, and keep the ingredients away from anyone’s eyes.

1. Fold poster board in half. Open, and fold in half again in other direction, to make a cross in center.

2. At center of cross, trace around bottle’s spout. Cut out with scissors.

3. Cut along each crease, stopping 1/2" (1.3 cm) from opening.

4. Fold two corners up so they overlap about 6" (15 cm) and staple together. Do this for all flaps to create cone shape. Tape seams flat.

5. Place spout of bottle into hole of volcano. Trim base of cone so edges are even with bottle.

6. Paint volcano brown. Add streaks of red for lava. Let dry.

7. Cover cookie sheet with foil. Remove bottle from volcano and add hot tap water so it’s half full.

8. Add dish soap, baking soda, and 5–10 drops of food color.

9. Put bottle on cookie sheet and place volcano on top so spout pokes out of top. Pour vinegar into bottle and watch it erupt!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

In this volcano model, vinegar reacts with baking soda, and carbon dioxide gas is produced. Pressure builds in the bottle, then the gas bubbles rise out of the volcano. [Page 9]

Taking the Stage

“Thou hast endowed each and all with talents and faculties . . .” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

You’ve got talent! You don’t have to be perfect to let your skills shine. Just as an athlete learns to dribble before becoming a professional basketball player, you can take small steps to sharpen your talents.

Whether you like to dance, draw, or play music, practicing and learning can be fun and rewarding. If you’re not sure about your skills, try new activities.

Join a school club or volunteer at a favorite place, such as the library or a museum. Whatever captures your attention, from astronomy to zoos, try to find out more about it. Discuss your interests with your parents, teachers, and friends.

If you’re interested in something that other kids don’t think is cool, don’t worry—pursue what brings you joy, and that joy will spread to others.

Imagine yourself performing a talent you have or one you’d like to develop. Then draw your vision on the stage below. [Page 10]

Who's in Your Pack?

Deep in the woods, a young wolf is lost. He raises his snout, lets out a long howl, then listens. Miles away, a group of wolves recognizes his call and howls back to let him know where they are. Wolves are often feared, but intelligence and strong family bonds make them positive symbols in some cultures, such as North American Indian tribes. Wolves live in family groups called packs, usually with six to ten members. From an early age, wolves learn to communicate by howling. Each has a unique howl that its packmates can recognize. Wolves howl in specific tones for different reasons, such as to gather the pack together or to calm everyone down. Clear communication keeps order and unity in the group.

As humans, we also have "packmates," such as our family, friends, and teachers. We can ask for help from them when we need it. If we express our feelings clearly and honestly, others can know where we stand. And by listening closely to them, we can understand and respond in turn. How do you communicate with your pack?

Find 15 wolves in this Alaskan wilderness. [Page 11]

EXPLORE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AND ITS CREATURES

“All the members of this endless universe are linked one to another.” —Bahá’í Writings

EARTH-SAVING TIP

Plant trees — a lot of them.

Along with providing life-giving oxygen, trees remove about 784,000 tons of air pollution in U.S. cities alone, each year.

WOW, REALLY?

It’s estimated that human lungs contain almost 1,500 miles (2,414 km) of airways!

OUR CONNECTIONS

What do you do about 20 times a minute that’s essential for survival? Breathe. Each time you inhale, oxygen flows through your lungs and into your bloodstream. It has to reach every cell in your body to give you the energy you need. Oxygen ties us to all living things—virtually every animal needs it, and it’s provided by plants and trees. Our amazing Earth is the only known planet with just the right amount of oxygen for all of us to thrive.

PROTECTING OUR PLANET

Gretchen C. Daily, a biologist and university professor, raises awareness about how to balance conservation and biodiversity with economic activities. She won the international 2008 Sophie Prize* for her innovative work. She says, “The mass extinction of plants and animals that we are experiencing today is absolutely unprecedented in human history.”

• The Sophie Prize is awarded for creative work on global environmental problems.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Eyjafjallajökull, a glacier-topped volcano, erupted in early 2010, shooting ash 33,000 ft. (10 km) in the air. Air travel was disrupted for weeks due to ash. Unscramble the letters to find its location:

DNALCIE _ _ _ _ _ _ _

AMAZING ANIMALS

This Central and South American bird’s huge bill looks heavy, but it’s actually light and mostly hollow. It can be one-third of the bird’s total length. Fill in the blanks to find its name:

KE _ L - BI _ LE _ TOUC _ _

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 12]

RADIANT STARS

Getting to know kids who shine

Connect with kids around the world! How are they like you? How are they different? Each of us has a unique story to tell. What’s yours?

Maya W.

Age: 13

I live in: Ontario, Canada

I want to be: Lawyer, actress, or journalist, because I love acting, writing, solving problems, and helping people.

Hobbies or sports: Acting, writing, piano, photography

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Going to Green Acre Bahá’í School [in Maine, U.S.], junior youth groups

Favorite animal or pet: My grandmother’s two kittens, Minou and Annoushka

What do you like about yourself that makes you unique? I am very creative, and I use my creativity to make things [fun] that aren’t fun . . .

When your feelings are hurt or you’re upset, what do you do? I don’t stay upset for a long time, so I don’t normally do much when I’m mad or upset.

What’s one big message you want to share with the world? I would share Bahá’u’lláh’s message to the world, because that is the answer to all of our current problems.

Cameron S.

Age: 7

I live in: Virginia, U.S.

I want to be: A space physician to learn how the human body works in space

Best quality or virtue: Patient (really patient)

Hobbies or sports: Brown belt tae kwon do, violin, piano

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Ruhi Book 4 (I finished Ruhi Book 1)*

Favorite animal or pet: Guinea pig

Place I’d love to visit: I would like to visit Japan, because it has the most delicious chicken and fried rice ever, and they cook in front of you.

I like to help people by: Taking food to people’s houses and saying prayers with them

What do you like about yourself that makes you unique? I am learning Russian . . . I also know Farsi and learn French at school.

What’s one big message you want to share with the world? Give the Bahá’ís in Iran a chance to breathe. Don’t put them in jail.

Nia B.

Age: 7

I live in: Belize

I want to be: A waitress and doctor

Hobbies or sports: Riding my bike and gardening

Favorite animal or pet: My dog Lucky, who we saved from the street

What do you like about yourself that makes you unique? I like that I am a Bahá’í and am homeschooled. I love to sing and dance. I am also really good at organizing things like parties and games . . .

What’s your favorite way to use your creativity? I like to use paper and trash to make new cool things . . . because it’s fun and I’m recycling.

When your feelings are hurt or you’re upset, what do you do? I try to let it go, but sometimes it is hard . . . [and] I use an angry voice, but I am working on telling people how I feel instead.

What’s one big message you want to share with the world? I love God, I am Bahá’í, I love all religions, [and] thank you for listening . . .

• Ruhi books are a series of books about the Bahá’í teachings that people study in groups.

[Page 13]

Gabby H.

Age: 12 I live in: British Columbia, Canada I want to be: A veterinarian Best quality or virtue: Kindness Hobbies or sports: I like to horseback ride I like to help people by: Doing a chore for them

What do you like about yourself that makes you unique? I like... the way I have with animals and young children. Also I love to hike and spend a lot of time exploring nature. But I think what makes me the most unique is my taste in music. At a time when all of my friends are listening to Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber, my favorite music comes from the Beatles.

What's your favorite way to use your creativity? Making homemade cards as gifts, with fancy stickers and made-up verses

What's one big message you want to share with the world? Don't worry about [what] others think, just be you. If you like yourself, others will as well. And if they don't, it won't matter.

Ryan S.

Age: 9 I live in: Arizona, U.S. I want to be: A doctor Best quality or virtue: Helpfulness Hobbies or sports: Soccer, football Favorite animal or pet: Snake Place I'd love to visit: Italy

What do you like about yourself that makes you unique? I like to solve difficult math problems. I also like to invent new things, like robots and computer things.

What's your favorite way to use your creativity? I like to write short presentations on my computer.

When your feelings are hurt or you're upset, what do you do? I talk to my Mom and Dad, and I pray.

What's one big message you want to share with the world? I would like the world to be friendly and happy. Be friendly to each other.

"God has crowned you with honor and in your hearts has He set a radiant star; verily the light thereof shall brighten the whole world!" ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Hayley D.

Age: 10 I live in: California, U.S. I want to be: A painter or a flutist Best quality or virtue: Creativity Hobbies or sports: Art, singing in a choir, dance, and swimming Favorite Bahá’í activities: Performing skits which demonstrate virtues... Favorite animal or pet: Black-footed ferret. (They are endangered.) Place I'd love to visit: Canada I like to help people by: Cheering them up if they are sad

What do you like about yourself that makes you unique? I am thoughtful and I try to stop backbiting.

What's your favorite way to use your creativity? I use creativity in my artwork by thinking out of the box to show my personality.

When your feelings are hurt or you're upset, what do you do? I stop, and think, then pray. Then I talk to someone and tell them what's bothering me.

What's one big message you want to share with the world? End war and be kind to each other.

You can be a Radiant Star!

Here's how:

1. If you're age 7-14, write us at brilliant@usbnc.org or Brilliant Star, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201. Include your name, age, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address.

2. When it's your turn to shine, we'll send you questions and a form for you and your parents to sign.

3. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed forms, along with at least two good-quality, close-up photographs of your smiling face. Photos should be in sharp focus and show your eyes clearly. Please don't send color copies, low-resolution digital images, or copyright-protected images (like school portraits). [Page 14]

QUEST FOR CONTROL #39

AT COLIN’S HOUSE . . .

COLIN! YOU MISSED OUR MEETING!

HUH? WHAT MEETING?

ABOUT THE JUSTICE JAM PERFORMANCE.

OH, I FORGOT.

IT WAS IMPORTANT—AND YOU’RE JUST WATCHING TV?

HAVEN’T YOU HEARD? TV BROADCASTS ARE DOWN. THIS IS A DVD FROM DR. DEVIOUS.

HE’S SO AWESOME. HAVE YOU PLAYED HIS VIDEO GAMES?

NO! AND WHAT’S WITH THE ARGYLE VESTS?

THEY’RE COOL. EVERYBODY’S GOT THEM.

SINCE WHEN DO YOU CARE ABOUT WHAT OTHERS WEAR?

BUT MINNAH, DON’T YOU WANT TO FIT IN?

NOT IF I CAN’T WEAR WHAT I LIKE.

WHERE ARE BAXTER AND BRIDGET AND THE REST OF THE JUSTICE JAM? WE HAVE PRACTICE NOW.

WE CANCELED IT.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU GUYS?!

MEANWHILE, AT THE UPLIFTERS’ HQ . . .

MUCH OF THE WORLD’S COMMUNICATION SERVICES ARE DOWN.

OUR TECH EXPERTS ARE STILL INVESTIGATING, BUT WE SUSPECT SABOTAGE.

HIGHLY SENSITIVE DATA IS BEING STOLEN OR ALTERED. SATELLITES FOR EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION AND AIRCRAFT NAVIGATION ARE AT RISK!

WITH TV SERVICE OUT, THERE AREN’T MANY NEWS SOURCES. IT’S ABOUT TO LEAD TO MASSIVE PANIC.

HOW CAN WE HELP??

I HAVE THE LATEST—WHERE THE INTERNET WORKS, THERE’S BEEN A SLOWDOWN IN NEW WEBSITES, MUSIC, PODCASTS, AND MOVIES.

ALSO, THIS MIGHT SEEM TRIVIAL—BUT HUGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE ARE—WELL—DRESSING ALIKE.

IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE, ZAPPO. LOOK INTO THE MEDIA THAT’S LEFT—MAYBE WE’LL FIND SOME CLUES. [Page 15]YOU COULD SAY THE SAME ABOUT UPLIFTERS—OUR UNIFORMS ARE A LOT ALIKE.

ACTUALLY, LUNA, WE HAVE SOME CHANGES PLANNED—BUT MORE ABOUT THAT LATER.

I SURE COULD USE A SUIT THAT CAN HANDLE A JOLT.*

MEANWHILE, AT DR. DEVIOUS’S LAIR . . .

DIXON, WE NEED TO TALK TO YOU. NOW.

AVARICE, WHAT DO YOU WANT? I’M BUSY!

WE SAW YOU ON TV. TELL ME, ARE YOU A CELEBRITY OR AN ERASER?

WHAT’S WRONG WITH BEING BOTH? ANYWAY, MY FLAWLESS PLAN IS IN FULL MOTION.

WE NOTICED. AND SO WHAT IF YOU MADE THE INTERNET GO DOWN?

HOW DOES THAT HELP US GET RID OF THE UPLIFTERS?

IT’S NOT JUST THE INTERNET. I’M TAKING OVER ALL GLOBAL MEDIA!

HMM . . . SO YOU CAN ACCESS BANK ACCOUNTS. HOW MUCH MONEY HAVE YOU STOLEN SO FAR?

PLENTY. BUT THAT’S NOT THE POINT!

WHAT? MONEY IS EVERYTHING!

NO, THE KEY IS TO CONTROL MINDS, IDEAS, AND INFORMATION.

RIDICULOUS. OUR GOAL IS TO RULE THE WORLD, NOT PLAY WITH IDEAS.

WE DON’T HAVE TO ROB BANKS OR FIGHT WARS. I’LL CONTROL PEOPLE, AND NO ONE WILL OPPOSE ME.

WHY DON’T YOU TELL US HOW TO ACCESS THE MONEY, AND WE’LL JUST . . .

LOOK—I’M DOING THIS MY WAY. ALL MY LIFE, I’VE BEEN BULLIED. NO MORE! CONTROL IS FINALLY IN MY GRASP. SO STAY OUT OF MY WAY!

WE’LL SEE WHAT YOU CAN DO—FOR NOW.

BUT WATCH OUT—YOU DON’T WANT US AS ENEMIES. THE ERASERS ARE MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU THINK, DIXON.

THEY’LL WISH THEY HAD NEVER THREATENED ME. I’LL DESTROY THEM AND THE UPLIFTERS!

TURN THE PAGE FOR AN EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE UPLIFTERS . . .

• See Episode #34, September/October 2009

[Page 16]

A Design Contest: New Superhero Suits for the Uplifters

WELCOME TO THE UPLIFTERS' HEADQUARTERS! I'M PULSAR, ONE OF THE LEADERS OF OUR GLOBAL ALLIANCE OF SUPERHEROES. WE'RE DESIGNING NEW SUITS, AND WE KNOW YOUR IDEAS CAN INSPIRE US! IF YOU WERE AN UPLIFTER, HOW WOULD YOU DESIGN THE PERFECT SUIT TO HELP YOU SERVE THE WORLD, WHILE PROTECTING YOURSELF AND YOUR IDENTITY?

AS THE ERASERS LAUNCH NEW SCHEMES FOR ERASING VIRTUES FROM THE WORLD, BEING AN UPLIFTER IS ALWAYS GETTING RISKIER. AND AS WE FACE THREATS, WE RELY ON OUR POWERS, VIRTUES, AND TOOLS-LIKE PROTECTIVE SUITS. WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR CREATIVE IDEAS!

HERE'S WHAT YOU DO

1. Think about the Uplifters' qualities and what kind of suits would help them most on their missions. Do they need to blend in or stand out? Should each uniform reflect the individual's character or powers? Will symbols or colors hint at their identity as an Uplifter? Are there special features for protection? On the next page, design your suits on Lightning and Luna. You can use any tools, from pens to markers, or you can even make a collage from different materials.

2. In 150 words or less, tell us about your suit designs- why you chose them, how they can help the Uplifters in their service, and any special features they include.

3. ENTRIES ARE DUE BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2010. Send us your original drawing from page 17 or a high-resolution scan (no photocopies). Include your written description, name, age, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Submissions can be sent by e-mail to brilliant@usbnc.org or by mail to:

Brilliant Star A Design Contest: New Superhero Suits for the Uplifters 1233 Central Street Evanston, IL 60201 U.S.

BONJOUR, I'M ZAPPO, FROM THE TECHNOLOGY SECTOR AT UPLIFTERS HQ. HERE ARE SOME RULES TO REMEMBER FOR YOUR SUPERHERO SUIT DESIGNS.

THE PRIZES

FIRST PLACE: A Lightning and Luna t-shirt, a rare collection of all the Lightning and Luna episodes compiled in a book, and Brilliant Star's Super Cosmic Creativity Kit. Your design will also appear in at least one Lightning and Luna episode! (Even if your exact design isn't used for the new Uplifters' suits.)

SECOND PLACE: A rare collection of all the Lightning and Luna episodes compiled in a book and Brilliant Star's Super Cosmic Creativity Kit. Your design will also appear in one Lightning and Luna episode!

THIRD PLACE: Brilliant Star's Super Cosmic Creativity Kit. Your design may also appear in one Lightning and Luna episode!

A FEW RULES

1. Entries must be original work done by kids ages 7-14.

2. If you're in the running for a prize, we'll send you 1) a permission form for your parent or guardian to sign, and 2) a request for a close-up photo of your smiling face.

3. Winning entries may appear in Brilliant Star or on our website. Your written submissions may be edited for length.

4. If you have questions, contact Brilliant Star's Contest Coordinator at 847.853.2354 or at brilliant@usbnc.org.

French: Bonjour Hello [Page 17]START THINKING ABOUT YOUR DESIGNS BY LISTING LIGHTNING’S AND LUNA’S SUPERPOWERS AND VIRTUES ON THEIR COMPUTER SCREENS.

THEN DRAW YOUR SUITS ON THESE DIGITAL PROJECTIONS.

LIGHTNING

LUNA [Page 18]

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH MEHR MANSURI

Growing up in Iran, Mehr Mansuri caught a bug. "The whole bug of acting started out with Bahá’í school kids when [we] were taught to memorize, and I didn't really think of it as performing," says Mehr. "It's something you did as a Bahá’í." Then, when she was eight years old and moved to England for boarding school, she saw professional plays and knew that her acting bug was with her to stay. Mehr studied drama at the University of California, Irvine. She has appeared in over 40 roles in movies, television, and theater, and she won the Los Angeles Drama Critic's Choice Award.

Mehr also loves kids and wanted to be of service, so she co-founded the Children's Theatre Company (CTC) in Los Angeles in 1989. Ten years later, Mehr started another CTC in New York City, where she now writes, directs, and produces CTC plays and musicals, and prepares kids of all ages to perform. The CTCs have been so successful that Mehr helped set up more than seven others in the U.S.

Q. What's your favorite childhood memory?

My summers in Iran and my autumns in England . . . I was in boarding school in England, so for me, summers in Iran meant I got to come home, be with family, meet Bahá’ís, go to [Bahá’í] summer school... Of course, the beginning of the school year is always an exciting time of year, and when I went back to England. . . it was always the time to audition for the new school play. I was always excited to see what the new play was.

Q. What was the most challenging experience for you as a kid?

In Iran, it wasn't popular to be a Bahá’í. On the one hand, Bahá’ís were considered the most trustworthy of Iranians in business. On the other, many people considered Bahá’ís untouchable... It [also] wasn't a popular time to be from Iran . . . The government was considered to have extreme political views... But for me, the most challenging thing. . . was learning a second language, assimilating a new culture, and trying to be from Iran but give it a positive spin as a kid growing up.

Q. How did living in different cultures influence you?

The biggest influence [is] on my ability to meet and reach and immediately connect with people of different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds What was really fascinating was to go to a very Christian school where we had to go to a different church every Sunday . To be able to find a way to know who you are and be what you want to be, and yet embrace other people's faiths and respect [them] ... [Page 19]

STARGAZER

An interview with an inspirational Bahá’í

Q. How does working with the CTC impact kids' characters? [Theater] can be a very competitive experience of... being the star and getting a costume and getting ahead. It can be counter to building character. But when you take the theater experience and you frame it as a community development model... then it's all for one and one for all-an ensemble experience, not a movie star experience. And we should reflect on the words we're saying, and consider them in terms of their... application to our lives. [At CTC] we have a weekly devotional gathering for children. We call it an honor circle, where we honor each other... You can either pray to God or you can . . . not pray and just honor each other's character and spiritual qualities.

Q. What's your advice for kids who want to be professional singers or actors? They should not view film and TV as the ultimate measure of success or expression of that desire to be in the world of art and theater, because there's a lot of hurry up and wait to get the job. Start writing your own plays and creating your own material, and get your friends together and be the theater you want to be, instead of waiting for someone to give you that opportunity.

Q. In this issue we're talking about expressing yourself. What tips do you have for kids who might have a hard time expressing emotions or thoughts? I think that we have to... be accepting of expression in all its forms, that silence and introspection is also a way of expressing yourself... So I think we first take away any judgment of ourselves. . . One of the best ways to really overcome shyness or fear is to be of service. It's actually the best way to forget yourself.

Top: The CTC has appeared on Reading Rainbow and Sesame Street and in UNICEF concerts with Nelson Mandela and other celebrities. PHOTO BY MIKE RELPH Bottom: In a CTC play in Los Angeles, this prince wants to be the next king, but others tell him he's too rude. PHOTO BY LARA REGAN

Q. What is your goal for the Children's Theatre Company? A continuation to evolve . . . and to figure out how to serve as many communities as possible. . . I think that many schools are recognizing that moral education is very much the missing link in the whole academic world... [We want to] give educators more options .. plays that are about Earth, environment, race unity, the advancement of women, literacy, poverty. So that has become the future that we can see, developing musicals that are easy to do. . . for different ages and different sizes of groups...

Q. If you had one wish for Brilliant Star readers, what would it be? It's that they should really, really look to shine them-selves up so that they can become brilliant stars on the stage and know that the stage is set for them.

And the [Bahá’í] Faith is so ready for these... To learn more about the CTC, visit www.childrenstheatrecompany.org shiny stars to come. To see themselves as brilliant stars. That would be my wish for them. And then embrace the world of the arts and the theater... in terms of reaching the world through the arts. [Page 20]

MUSIC CAFÉ

“Music, sung or played, is spiritual food for soul and heart.” —Bahá’í Writings

IF SOMEONE MADE A STATUE OF ME, I WOULD WANT IT TO BE BECAUSE I HELPED BRING PEACE TO PEOPLE THROUGH MUSIC. HOW ABOUT YOU? WHAT DO YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORLD?

STATUE OF ME

Words by Lisa Mathews & Mikel Gehl • Music By Milkshake

1 If there was a statue of me, I wonder what the reason would be. Did I discover a far away world where money really grew on trees?

2 Did they make a statue of me for inventing something ev’ryone needs? A funky food-making machine? Or ways to clean the air we breathe?

3 When they make a statue of me, I hope it’s ’cause I helped people see the magic of the starry skies or mys-t’ries of the deep blue sea.

4 If there was a statue of me, I wonder what the reason would be? Maybe just for making you smile with my happy little melodies.

Chorus

All I imagine and all I do, I never know what will be. I’m startin’ to think it might be true. No-one else is just like me!

No-one else is just like me. (That’s right) No-one else is just like me. No-one else is just like... me! (You?) Yeah!

Bridge

Presidents and poets, writers and movie stars, scientists, archeologists help us know who we are. [Page 21]

Writing in Rhyme

Funny poems can make you grin. Just find a pencil and begin! Writing poetry is like playing a game — with words. And it doesn’t have to be hard. All you need is a pencil, paper, and your imagination.

You can start by keeping a notebook handy to jot down ideas, rhymes, and interesting words you notice. Check out the dictionary or thesaurus for inspiration, too. To add humor, ask yourself, “What’s the funniest thing about my topic?” Think about unusual settings, such as playing soccer on the moon or under the sea. You can also exaggerate something about your subject, or give it a twist. How about a piano with a thousand keys? A bike that flies?

Try not to be critical of your writing. Put your poem aside for a while, then see if you want to make changes. When you’re happy with it, try it out on your friends and family.

HOW DO YOU LIKE MY POEM?

Write Your Own Funny Poem

WRITE YOUR OWN FUNNY POEM ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES. YOU CAN COPY THIS PAGE TO MAKE MORE POEMS.

Art Attack By Nur

Painting, sculpture, crafts, and writing, All of them are so inviting. How can I choose just one to do? Wait! I have four hands, so I don’t have to.

Your Poem’s Title

By __________________________________________________________________________ Your Name

Line 1 – names your hobbies

Line 2 – relates to your hobbies and rhymes with line 1

Line 3 – relates to your hobbies. Don’t forget the humor!

Line 4 – relates to your hobbies and rhymes with line 3

READ YOUR POEM OUT LOUD AND PLAY WITH IT UNTIL YOU LIKE HOW IT SOUNDS. THEN I’D LOVE TO SEE YOUR WORK OF ART! SEND IT TO ME AT BRILLIANT@USBNC.ORG. [Page 22]

SHINING LAMP

A Bahá’í who served humanity with radiance WILLIAM SUTHERLAND MAXWELL: Architect of Originality

When you see an amazing building, you might wonder who designed it. William Sutherland Maxwell loved all kinds of art, and he showed interest in and talent for architecture from his teens. William, also known as Sutherland, was born in Montreal, Quebec, in 1874. After high school, he learned architecture at his brother Edward's firm in Montreal. Then he trained at a firm in Boston, U.S. During that time, he "first seriously realized the greatness and nobility of architecture." In 1899, he traveled to Paris and polished his skills.

In Paris, Sutherland fell in love with a Bahá’í named May Bolles. She appreciated his artistic nature, and once told him, “You have the charm of originality.” They married in London in 1902, then moved to Montreal. Their home became a center of Bahá’í activity.

Success and Inspiration

Sutherland could paint, draw, and carve anything. He joined Edward as a partner, and they built the largest architecture firm in Canada. They designed well-known buildings, such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. “A nation is judged,” Sutherland wrote, “not only by the tons of steel rails produced, but by the level of cultivation which the buildings and art of the country express.”

William Sutherland Maxwell was passionate about the arts and collecting books. He had about 3,500 volumes in his own library.

Sutherland had traveled and studied French and Italian architecture in Europe. He wrote, “We should make a point to every few years seek inspiration among the monuments of a past which held to standards of beauty and truth more devotedly than we do nowadays.”

In 1909, Sutherland and May traveled to ‘Akká, in what is now Israel, to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who led the Bahá’í Faith at that time. Sutherland was deeply inspired by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Later, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited North America in 1912, he stayed in the Maxwell home, which Sutherland had designed. The home is now a sacred Bahá’í place.

Sutherland’s 1944 drawing of his design for the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa, Israel.

Saintly Life

In 1937, Sutherland and May’s only child, Mary, married ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s grandson, Shoghi Effendi, who led the Bahá’í Faith after ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing. When May died in 1940, Shoghi Effendi invited Sutherland to live in Haifa, Israel, where he was planning and building the Bahá’í World Center.

Shoghi Effendi asked Sutherland to design the exterior of the Shrine of the Báb, one of the holiest Bahá’í shrines. Sutherland designed a majestic building. He also helped with other projects.

In time, Sutherland’s health failed, and he returned to Canada in 1951. He was named a Hand of the Cause of God.* He died in 1952, and the Shrine of the Báb was completed the next year. Shoghi Effendi praised his “saintly life” and named a door of the Shrine of the Báb after him.

• A Hand of the Cause of God was a Bahá’í who served the Bahá’í community in significant ways, including encouraging others in teaching and protecting the Faith.

[Page 23]

Camp Creativity

"The source of crafts, sciences and arts is the power of reflection. Make ye every effort that out of this ideal mine there may gleam forth... pearls of wisdom and utterance..." —Bahá’u’lláh

When you're doing something you love, have you ever noticed how time can zip by? When you're focused on your activity, do you feel happy and energized? Pay attention to things that make you feel that way—whether you're making music, playing a sport, or creating art. You're expressing yourself in a way that's important to you. Maybe you write imaginative stories and poems. Or your love of architecture inspires you to design amazing things with Lego blocks. As you spend time on your interests over the years, you'll develop your skills and take on new challenges. Someday, a favorite hobby could turn into a brilliant career.

When you choose work that excites you, you're likely to succeed at it and be of service to the world. At an arts camp, these kids are sharing creative interests they want to pursue as careers. Read about them, then search the room for the items highlighted in green.

I TAKE MY CAMERA EVERYWHERE, AND I LOVE TO SHOOT PHOTOS OF PEOPLE AND NATURE. I WANT TO BE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER.

I ENJOY DRAWING, PAINTING, AND MIXING COLORS. I LOVE GETTING A NEW, BLANK CANVAS. I WANT TO BE A PAINTER AND ILLUSTRATOR.

WHEN I PLAY MY VIOLIN, I FEEL PEACEFUL AND CALM. WHILE I PRACTICE, I IMAGINE PLAYING IN AN ORCHESTRA.

I LOVE TO USE MY SEWING MACHINE TO CREATE CLOTHES FOR MYSELF AND MY FRIENDS. I WANT TO BE A FASHION DESIGNER.

I'M ALWAYS GETTING NEW IDEAS FOR STORIES, WHICH I WRITE IN A JOURNAL. I DREAM OF PUBLISHING MY BOOKS SOMEDAY.

FROM HIP-HOP TO SALSA, DANCING MAKES ME HAPPY. AND WHEN I PUT ON MY BALLET SLIPPERS, I ALMOST FEEL LIKE I CAN FLY.

I LIKE TO EXPERIMENT WITH RECIPES FOR FOOD AND DESSERTS, ESPECIALLY CAKE. I WANT TO BE A CHEF AND HAVE MY OWN RESTAURANT. [Page 24]

JULY 2010 167 Bahá’í Era

Every 19 days, Bahá’í Feast is held on or near the first day of the Bahá’í month.

4 Independence Day (U.S.) The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, was shipped in 350 pieces!

11 World Population Day Our planet is home to 6.8 billion people.

18 Did you know? American Sign Language for "hello" is similar to a salute.*

25 Parents' Day Ask your parents to tell you stories about your family's history. Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon on this day in 1969.

n 1844, a new religion called the Bábí Faith spread across Persia (now Iran). It was founded by the Báb ("the Gate" in Arabic), a Messenger of God. The Báb inspired people with His writings and noble qualities. One person said, "The melody of His chanting... caught our ears and penetrated into our very souls. Mountain and valley re-echoed the majesty of His voice." The Báb taught that another Messenger would soon appear and bring an era of peace. Leaders who wanted to stop the Báb executed Him on July 9, 1850. Bahá’u’lláh, a leader among the Bábís, later announced that He was the new, promised Messenger.

Calendar and Activities

Did you know? July was named after the Roman leader Julius Caesar.

53 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

My Goal for the Month:

National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Week (Australia, July 4-11) Honors indigenous people of Australia

12 13 BAHÁ’Í MONTH OF KALIMÁT (WORDS)

14 Bastille Day (France) A celebration of liberty and equality. Vive la liberté!

19 20 21 Canada Day The hard-working beaver is a symbol of Canada.

Friday 2 Saturday 9 MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB

3 Tour de France Begins (July 3-25) Famous 2,237-mile (3,600 km) bicycle race through France

10 15 16 M 17 BR

If you could travel to any time period, when would you choose and why?

22 ARTICULATE MEANS... 23 24 26 THEN, WE SAILED TO... 27 28

Cosmo's Word Challenge a) Tardy for art class b) Having stiff joints and muscles c) Able to speak clearly and effectively

Did you know? There are only about 1,600 giant pandas left in the wild.

30 31 Ancient Greeks called summer "dog days" due to seeing Sirius, the "Dog Star."

- CENT

14-French: Vive la liberté - Long live liberty

• 18-Check out more American Sign Language at http://aslbrowser.commtechlab.msu.edu/browser.htm

[Page 25]Have you ever had an overpowering feeling that you just had to do something creative—like write a story, draw a picture, or compose a song? That burst of excitement feels wonderful. But sometimes inspiration doesn't just happen—you need to look for it. If you want to find creative ideas, try writing or drawing anything that comes to mind, without worrying if it's "good enough." Visit a library or museum and check out other artists' work. Walk in nature and let your mind wander. When you're open to fresh ideas, you can find them almost anywhere.

August 2010

• • BAHÁ’Í MONTH OF KAMÁL (PERFECTION)**

Every 19 days, Bahá’í Feast is held on or near the first day of the Bahá’í month.

• • August 4:** National Night Out (U.S. and Canada). Neighborhoods unite to stop crime.

• • August 9:** International Day of the World's Indigenous People (UN). Which native cultures live in your part of the world?

• • Did you know?** Whales sing to communicate with each other over thousands of miles.

• • August 11:** Ramadan Begins (Islam). A time of fasting, prayer, and reflection.

• • BAHÁ’Í MONTH OF ASMÁ’ (NAMES)**

Begins August 20.

• • August 21–27:** Children's Book Week (Australia). Read your favorite story to a younger friend or sibling.

• • August 25:** La Tomatina (Spain). Up to 40,000 people join a huge tomato fight in the town of Buñol.

• • August 26:** Women's Equality Day (U.S.). Women fought for over 70 years before getting the right to vote in 1920.

• • August 28:** Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech on this day in 1963.

Cosmo's Word Challenge

GREGARIOUS MEANS... a) A type of dinosaur b) Friendly, outgoing, and sociable c) Impossible to understand

Activities and Trivia

• • My Goal for the Month:**

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

• • True or False?**

Singing releases "feel-good" chemicals called endorphins.

• • Joke**

WHAT KIND OF PHONE DOES A MERMAID USE? A SHELL PHONE! [Page 26]

LIGHT OF KINDNESS

"You’re such a great friend!" Like warm rays of sunshine, kind words can brighten your day. But just as a rainstorm can ruin a party, hurtful comments can make you feel rotten.

When you use kind words instead of harsh ones, people may be more likely to listen. Even if you disagree with someone, try speaking calmly and respectfully. For example, you could say, "I don’t like it when you tease me, even though you say you’re just kidding."

Communication is more than words. Your actions, tone of voice, gestures, and facial expressions say a lot about how you feel. When you’re talking to someone, offering your full attention gives your conversation more meaning. How do your words and actions light up your neighborhood?

At these block parties, are people being kind and respectful? List at least eight differences in the scenes below.

NOBLE NEIGHBORS

[Page 27]

Putting Out the Gossip Fire

“Backbiting quencheth the light of the heart, and extinguisheth the life of the soul.” —Bahá’u’lláh

Like a wildfire, gossip, rumors, and backbiting can spread rapidly and cause trouble for everyone in their path. Talking negatively about people behind their backs can be a form of bullying. It hurts feelings, damages friendships, and can harm people who have done nothing wrong. It’s like starting a fire. You don’t know how far it will spread, and it can be a cycle that’s hard to stop. If someone gossips with you, they could gossip about you, too.

How do you know what is and isn’t gossip or backbiting?

Think about how you’d feel if the person found out you said it. If you’d be sorry or embarrassed, don’t say it.

You can help stop the spread of negative talk. Start by telling your friends that you don’t like backbiting and you want to talk about positive things. If someone starts to backbite, try changing the subject, or say something kind about the person they’re criticizing. Don’t repeat negative talk that you hear. Put out the fire of gossip, and breathe fresh, clean air into your friendships.

Check out the kids below, and unscramble their orange words to help them stop the gossip.

1. KATE AND ANNE ARE SO MAD AT EACH OTHER. THEY’LL (RKWO) _ _ _ _ IT OUT. DO YOU WANT TO GO HIKING WITH ME?

2. JULIO’S PARENTS GOT A DIVORCE! THAT’S SAD, BUT I’LL LET HIM TELL ME ABOUT IT IF HE (DDEECSI) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ TO.

3. KIRA DIDN’T COME TO THE SUMMER CAMP BECAUSE HER FAMILY DOESN’T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY. WELL, IF THAT’S TRUE, IT’S NONE OF MY (SSSNUBIE) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .

4. I HEARD ACE GOT INTO ANOTHER FIGHT. THAT’S JUST A RUMOR. LET’S (AKTL) _ _ _ _ ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE. DID YOU KNOW FROGS ARE GOOD LUCK IN JAPAN?

5. OOH, GUESS WHAT MIKE SAID ABOUT ERIN? I’D RATHER (SNELIT) _ _ _ _ _ _ TO WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU.

6. JAKE WAS TOTALLY CHEATING DURING OUR GAME. JAKE’S MY (RIDFEN) _ _ _ _ _ _. I DON’T WANT TO HEAR GOSSIP ABOUT HIM.

7. JAFAR’S RELIGION IS WEIRD—THEY DON’T GO TO A CHURCH LIKE US. I LIKE TO KEEP AN (NEOP) _ _ _ _ MIND. ACTUALLY, I WANT TO GO TO ONE OF THEIR EVENTS SOMETIME.

8. I HEARD WE’RE ALLOWED TO LIGHT FIREWORKS WHENEVER WE WANT. REALLY? WE SHOULD (ECCHK) _ _ _ _ _ WITH A COUNSELOR. [Page 28]

COSMO’S CORNER

Look for clues throughout the magazine.

HOW IS THIS FOR SELF-EXPRESSION?

ACROSS

3. Hayley likes to use her creativity by ________ out of the box. (p. 13)

4. These creatures sing to communicate with each other over thousands of miles. (p. 25)

9. Sutherland was a gifted ________. (p. 22)

10. Your actions, tone of voice, and facial expressions say a lot about how you ________. (p. 26)

14. Pursue what brings you joy, and that joy will ________ to others. (p. 9)

15. A fun way to express yourself and your interests. (p. 7)

16. Part of getting to know yourself is ________ the world around you. (p. 6)

17. These animals have unique howls that packmates can recognize. (p. 10)

18. You can design new superhero ____ for the Uplifters. (p. 16)

DOWN

1. Virtually every animal needs this, and it’s provided by plants and trees. (p. 11)

2. Cameron’s best virtue is that he’s really ________. (p. 12)

5. When you choose work that ________ you, you’re likely to succeed. (p. 23)

6. If someone starts to backbite, try ________ the subject. (p. 27)

7. Mehr says one of the best ways to really overcome shyness or fear is to be of ________. (p. 19)

8. Communication is about sending and receiving ________. (p. 5)

10. Stick with ________ who like you for who you really are. (p. 2)

11. Expressing your ________ is an important part of staying healthy. (p. 4)

12. Writing ________ is like playing a game—with words. (p. 21)

13. When you’re angry, go for a ________ or say prayers to cool off. (p. 8)

FROM OUR MAILBOX

The first thing my brother Mikele and I do is turn to the first page and find where Lightning and Luna comics are! I LOVE them and so does my brother, who is 11 years old. I know I am getting older and closer to declaring my faith as a Bahá’í, and these comics help me make the right choice during my daily life and beyond.

—Sahra A., age 14, California, U.S.

ANSWERS

Page 2: 1) sincerity, 2) honesty, 3) creativity, 4) imagination, 5) joyfulness, 6) originality, 7) self-respect, 8) courage

Page 11: Iceland, keel-billed toucan

Page 23: Camera on counter at center right; violin on back wall at center; canvas on easel at center; journal on shelf at center left; sewing machine on shelf at top right; cake on counter at center right; ballet slippers on shelf at top left

Page 26: Differences in bottom image: girl at left listening to adult; girls at bottom left waving; boy at table being polite; boy with basketball being friendly; man on stairs at center welcoming friend; girl on stairs at center going to help falling boy; boy at bottom center accepting food; kids at right clapping for musicians; boy at bottom right helping with packages

Page 27: 1) work, 2) decides, 3) business, 4) talk, 5) listen, 6) friend, 7) open, 8) check

Page 10: Who’s in Your Pack? [Page 29]

Tame Your Monsters

When you were younger, you may have thought there really were monsters under your bed or in your closet. Today, you may still imagine monsters lurking around-in your mind. Fear, worry, stress, confusion, and other emotions can be just as troubling as those fanged, scary creatures that kept you up at night. What do you do?

You can overcome the monsters and fears in your mind. Maybe you're starting a new school or you're upset with a friend. Maybe you're dealing with bullies. When you're facing a problem, use your powerful mind to tame those monsters. Calm yourself with deep, slow breaths. Say prayers for strength. Make a list of actions you can take, and choose one to start.

You can make it through any forest of fear when you focus on the positive with confidence and patience. When you need help, talk to your friends and family members-even the bravest knights get support in a battle.

Help the explorers face their monsters with courage and make their way to the Castle of Confidence.

END WORRY WAURT SOULDER BE BILDER YOU WON'T PASS BADJAM BULLY ANGRY ARGOF NOWAI NEGATIVE STRESSED STOUTE FEARSOME FRAIDA'ME START [Page 30]“No two minds are alike, no two can comprehend alike, no two can speak alike.” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Brilliant Star www.brilliantstarmagazine.org

EXPRESS YOURSELF • JULY/AUGUST 2010 • Volume 42, Number 3 AN AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES