Brilliant Star/Volume 44/Issue 6/Text

[Page 0]Brilliant Star

Bahéa’i National Center 1233 Central Street Evanston, Illinois 60201 U.S. 847.853.2354 brilliant@usbne.org

SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1.800.999.9019 WWW.BRILLIANTSTARMAGAZINE.ORG

Amethe! Parel-Sewell EDITOR /CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR Susan Engle ASSOCIATE EDITOR Annie Reneau ASSISTANT EDITOR Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

CONTRIBUTORS Kim Aiello ® David Berson Lisa Blecker Bath Blenz-Clucas # Rick Doering Zia Foxhall » Keyvan Geula Geneva Gregory * Dara Z. Herndndez © Thomas R. Hernéndez Janelle Kalin ¢ Kamal King Doug Marshall © Reza Mofidi Kapono Morondos # Kaya Neubrand ® The Okee Dokee Brothers i Pare-Sewell ¢ Jenny Park © Donna Price Ellen Price © Gail Radley Avery Reneau Dr. Stephen Scotti © Dr. Olga Speranskaya Laurie Winter © Dr. John Woodall » Zayneddin Yazdani

Original illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted By Lisa Blecker: Photos for pp. 6 and 8; coloring for p. 27 By Foad Ghorbani: At for pp. 3 and 19

Story and activity credits: By Amy Renshaw: 11, 14, 16, 19, 21, 24 By Susan Engle: 12, 20, 22, 27, 28 By Annie Reneau: 2, 3, 4,7, 18 By Lisa Blecker: 6, 8 By Donna Price: 5, 9, 10, 14, 29

Historical photos courtesy of National Bah Archives, unless noted

Brilliant Star magazine invites all kids to explore the Baha'i Faith. It is the second most widespread religion in the world, with more than five million Baha'is.

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

Bahé’u'llah’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahé, interpreted His teachings and led the Baha'i community after Baha'u'llah’s passing.

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND RENEWALS To order or renew a subscription, contact Baha'i Subsoriber Service by phone at 1.800.999.9019 or by e-mail at substription@usbnc.org Standard U.S. rates: $18 (One year); $32 (Two years)

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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 Bahai of the U.S. or by individual contributors.

For permission to copy or translate material, contact: Rights and Permissions, Briliant 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 sometimes provide internet resources to encourage readers to explore a topic, orto share our references. While we make every effort to choose reliable ‘websites, Brilliant Star does not endorse or account fr all content in referenced ‘websites. We urge caution and parental uidance when using the Intemet. For more information about Internet safety, visit www.wiredsafety.org

ISSN 0884-3695

Baha’u'llah’s Life: Uniting a Community He brought harmony to His people.

Riley’s Rainforest Are cliques cool?

Nur’s Nook Build a virtuous village.

Maya’s Mysteries Your goals can soar like this fun glider.

We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.

Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.

Lightning and Luna: Episode 54 An explosive face-off at Fury’s frozen lair!

Treble Chef’s Music Café Sing about the joys of the great outdoors.

Stargazer: Dr. John Woodall Empowering kids and youth to change the world

Calendars What's special about January and February?

Shining Lamp: May Bolles Maxwell The mother of Canada’s Baha’i community

Cosmo's Corner A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon

aMAZEing ADVENTURE Jetpack your way to the Planet of Peace.

[Page 1]ITAA ali

Kecrinarions #2... Feiewe

Imagine a world with no

Cooperative Colonies Penguins unite to thrive in their icy habitat.

= | = 2 se

bullies, no prejudice, and no war. Everyone would treat each other like family. Our planet would be a unified global community.

Sometimes this vision of peace

What Do You Say? How do you encourage others during tough times?

How Warm Is Your Welcome? Quiz yourself on your friend-making skills. may seem like an impossible dream.

Wishing Tree Every day, we hear about conflicts and Make your wishes come true. wars. But we can face life’s challenges with hope and determination. Many incredible people are working to make the world a better place.

With this issue of Brilliant Star,

And .. . Action! You can play a big role in stopping bullies.

Determined Dragons

Use magical treasures to face your challenges. envision a peaceful planet—and

help to build it. Quiz yourself on Brilliant Star Mailbox your neighborly skills. Get tips for Meet some of our friends around the world. handling disagreements.

Create a group art project to share your strengths. Write and Caring for Creatures draw your wishes for Find 22 furry, four-legged, or feathered friends. the future. And meet Dr. John Woodall, who empowers kids to become peacemakers and global citizens.

Picture of Unity Paint your group projects with cooperation.

Our Global Family Color the world with your creativity.

Your Refuge Is Ready . A safe place is waiting for you, wherever you are. Creating a better world takes courage, teamwork, and creativity. The positive choices you make with your family and friends help bring us a little closer every day.

PRINTED IN THE U.S. AT AN FSC®-CERTIFIED

FACILITY USING FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER, ; _ AND ALSO PRINTED WITH SOY-BASED INKS. With love from Brilliant Star

S er SOY INK|_

[Page 2]— n Antarctica, scientists found one of Earth’s largest the females travel far to find food, the males huddle Ly Jerse: penguin colonies—9,000 penguins in all! together, protecting their eggs and each other from In 2009, evidence of the colony was discovered in bitter winds—and eating nothing! When the mothers satellite images. Then in 2012, a team made a long return in about two months, they feed the chicks, journey and became the first humans to see the group. _ and the hungry fathers go hunting. “Despite global warming, this colony . . . is The chicks grow quickly. By December, when the

growing,” said one scientist. Emperor penguins work sea ice begins to break up, they’re ready to hunt on

as a team to survive in their harsh habitat. Around their own. June (which is early winter), mothers each lay one egg, Even in the coldest temperatures, the warmth of then give them to the fathers to keep warm. While unity helps Emperor penguins to thrive. =y = —= < Search the ice and unscramble qualities that describe the Emperor penguin Community. is

WHILE PROTECTING THEIR EGES, MMLES TAKE TURNS IN THE COLDEST AND WARMEST SPOTS IN THE HUDDLE.

Qe Si

2 Brilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

[Page 3]A Brief Timeli The hife of

Baha'u'llah

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

1817 November 12_| Birth of Baha'u'llah in Tihran, Iran

1844 Recognizes the Bab as anew Messenger of God

tRR2S— FRIPT S| Imprisonment in the “Black Pit” of Tihran

1853-1863

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

Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i 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 ‘Akka, Israel

igi & FE 3) Finally free to live in countryside homes

of Mazra‘ih and then Bahji, outside ‘Akka

Bahd'u'llah passes away at Bahjj.

Baha’u'llah’s hife: Mission of Peace Uniting a Community

hen serious disunity strikes, what's the wisest way to handle it? Connect the letters in the date tree to form words

In 1852, Baha'u'llah was exiled related to the story. betters can be used more than once. from His home in Persia (now Iran)

ito Bein), Ina, Bis oalby cada we Ineling Admiration + Kindness » Joyful » Leadership

a Babi—a follower of the Bab, a Messenger of Majesty » Meditation « Powerful « Prayer God who had promised that another Messenger Transformed + Understanding + Unity + Wisdom would soon appear to bring an era of peace. ‘ The Babis and the people of Baghdad — 3 »~ a

were drawn to Baha’u'llah’s kindness and ae majesty, and He soon had many admirers. But Mirza Yahya, Baha’u'llah’s half- brother, was jealous of Baha’u'llah’s popularity. He and a man named’ Siyyid Muhammad spread lies about Baha'u'llah. Mirza Yahya even claimed to be the Messenger of God foretold by the Bab. Baha'u'llah was deeply saddened by the disunity these men caused. He left Baghdad for the remote mountains of Kurdistan and stayed away for two years. He later wrote that His goal was “to avoid becoming a subject of discord . . . or the cause of sorrow to any heart.” Alone in the wilderness, He prayed, meditated, and revealed holy writings. When Baha'u'llah returned, He found the Babi community dejected and confused. Some followed Mirza Yahya, while others split into groups. At least 25 people had claimed to be the Bab’s successor! Baha’u'llah’s powerful presence and words transformed the Babi community. “We revealed, as a copious rain, Our verses .. . ” Baha'u'llah wrote, “and by the grace of God, waywardness and folly were changed into piety and understanding . . . The renewed Babis held joyful gatherings, sharing songs and poetry. pee

a night,” wrote one Babi, “no less than ten persons subsiste: pennyworth of dates.” At the end of the night, they didn’t kno shoes they wore home. Unity returned to the Babi comm Baha'u'llah for leadership. In time, He revealed the wondrous

Messenger of God foretold by the Bab.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 * Brilliant Star 3 [Page 4]RAIN

“Send down... from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing...” —Baha’u'llah

Cliques Don’t Click

=

ave you ever felt pressure to act or dress a certain way in order to fit in? Or has a group ever made you feel like you don’t belong? If so, you may have encountered an exclusive clique—a group of kids who tend to leave others out.

It’s natural to form groups of friends. But people in some cliques decide things like how members should dress or act.

If you don't fit in, you can’t join them. And members are often more concemed with being popular or cool than with real friendship. They may leave people out on purpose or bully them, because it makes them feel powerful.

It can be hard to deal with negative cliques, whether you're outside or inside. On the outside, you might wonder if you're missing out. You may feel hurt or angry due to members’ words and actions. Seek out true friends, and talk to a trusted adult if you're bullied.

\ 4 sf , ' If you're part of a clique, you might dislike being told what to do or feeling pressure to exclude others. It takes courage to tell the group how you feel. You don’t need a clique to have friends. Ask yourself what’s most important to you in a friend. Try to get to know kids who share your interests and values.

The best way to have friends is to be a good friend. That means respecting people’s differences and being kind to everyone. When you're true to yourself,

you'll make genuine friendships— and that’s really cool.

Explore & Soar: Focus on Friendship

RY these tips for finding true friends:

Talk to kids who share your interests lore new ones together. ¢ Look for kids who are friendly to all and don’t put others down.

° Invite kids who are alone to your fun.

¢ Be yourself. Real friends like you for who you are.

4 Brilliant Star * JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

hat do you want to know about

staying healthy and happy? Health can involve your body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Send your questions to brilliant@usbne.org. Responses are given by a health professional.

66 How do | get my friends [to] understand that they should care

about hurting others’ feelings when they

leave others out and call [them] names? 99 —Geneva, age 8

Dear Geneva,

| love this question. You are asking about an invisible power called empathy—feeling how other people feel by looking at their faces, eyes, and body language. Kids who spend too much time playing video games can lose some of this power. Those who spend time with friends and play games face-to-face develop more of it.

You and your friends can play a game of "Guess That Feeling.” Ask questions such as, "How would you feel if you saw a kid crying because a bully punched him and took his lunch?" And "How would you feel if another kid offered him her lunch and told the teacher what happened?”

Our invisible powers are like seeds. We can cultivate them by asking God to help and looking for ways to serve others. Reflecting on prayers that refer to feelings

(such as hopeful, sad, or forgiving) can increase our power of empathy and give us words to understand it better.

Wishing you joy, Keyvan Geula Licensed Family Therapist

[Page 5]a @ WHAT po YOU Say?

ou can be contagious when you're sick. But you can also be contagious when you're happy! Life is full of challenges, but when you face them with hope, your positive spirit spreads to others. It’s not always easy. You might hear about a tragedy in the news. Or there may be something that worries you

at home or school. Praying, writing in a journal, talking to family and friends, and focusing on blessings can help.

You and your friends can support each other when things get tough. Ask what you can do to help. Listen if they want to talk. How do you encourage others during troubling times?

T/LL NEVER MAKE THE TENNIS TEAM. I’M NOT GOO? ENOUGH! I SHOULDN'T EVEN BOTHER TRYING OUT.

so

A SS Lt > e D SS

THOSE BULLIES ARE AWFUL. THEY MAKE ME SO MAP,

AND I CAN’T 70

ANYTHING ABOUT IT!

I’M HERE TO CHEER IF YOU DON’T TRY FOR YOU. YOU’VE QUT, YOU’LL NEVER WORKE? HARZ, AND MAKE IT. BUT IF NOW IT’S TMETO |OR| YOU O YOUR SHOW YOUR SKILLS. [_ BEST, YOU MIGHT!

WRITE WHAT YOU WouLD Say:

(— > Ne yy JUST STAY COOL. LET’S SIT TOGETHER ON TELL YOUR PARENTS, THE BUS. BULLIES DON’T AN? IF YOU WANT TO USUALLY BOTHER KIS TELLATEACHER, | OR| wuo STICK TOGETHER.

“LL COME WITH YOU. WRITE WHAT YOU WouLD Say: va XX I'S REALLY SAD. WE MAY NEVER UNDERSTAND. BUT THEIR SOULS WILL | | BUTLET’S SEE WHAT WE GET CLOSER TO CAN 70. I’M GOING TO 60D, WE COULD SAY SEND MY ALLOWANCE TO

PRAVERS FOR THEM. LOR | “HELP THE SURVIVORS.

WRITE WHAT YOU WouLD Say: la

Ne

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 * Brilliant Star 5 [Page 6]hishhh, whirr, brrr! While a cold day could freeze your fun, you can choose to focus on the joys of

sledding, snow sculptures, and sparkling snowflakes.

In a similar way, a litter-filled park, a disagreement among friends, or other challenges can put a chill in the air. But looking at the bright side adds sunshine to your life. Ask yourself, “What are the best things about my community?” Maybe you appreciate your friendly

L'L)FTS) One 2"-6" (5.1-15.2 cm) tall paper tube per Need person ¢ colorful paper ¢ scissors ¢ tacky glue

colorful markers ¢ one 4" (10.2 cm) doily per tube ¢ 7" x 10" (17.8 x 25.4 cm) sheet of corrugated cardboard (larger if needed) © pencil ¢ small twigs or pine branches optional: cotton balls, white glitter

1 Cover tubes in paper, and secure with glue.

4 Cut out paper windows, shutters, and doors, and glue to buildings. Add details with markers. Each person writes strengths he or she brings to the community.

2 Cut a straight line from each doily edge to its center.

3 Overlap doily’s cut edges to form cone. Glue a cone to end of each tube.

Creste Your Own Virtue Villaye

5 To make the ground, glue paper to cardboard and glue buildings to the paper. Poke holes through ground with pencil point. Glue a twig in each hole.

Your Cool Community

“When . . . because of frost and cold no trace of vanished spring remains, the springtime dawns again and clothes everything with a new garment of life.” —’Abdu’l-Baha

neighbors or the fun stuff to do.

Next, take action to make things even better. Get your family and friends to help. Brainstorm about community concerns and possible solutions. Start with a clear goal, then come up with a plan that uses everyone's talents.

Invite your team to create this collaborative craft. Each person makes a home or building that represents the strengths he or she brings to your cool community!

CELEBRATE YOUR COMMUNITY W

6 For a winter scene, stretch out cotton balls and glue to ground.

7 For more snow, glue cotton and glitter to roofs and trees, and sprinkle glitter on snowy land.

6 Brilliant Star 4% JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 [Page 7]{ How Warm Is Your Welcome? )

magine moving into a new neighborhood where you don’t know anyone. What about a new city—or even anew country? What would help you feel welcome? It can be scary to be the new kid on the block. When someone joins your class, team, or community, put yourself in his or her shoes. Think about how much a few friendly words might mean. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. While you're at it, think of how much a new

friend might mean to you! New friends bring new ideas, experiences, and ways of looking at the world. Getting to know people can be just as rewarding for you as it is for them. If you're not sure where to start, try

a warm smile. Make eye contact and say

hello. Give a compliment or ask a question. When you welcome newcomers, you help them feel at home—and you might just make great friends in the process.

Do you open up to new people? Circle your answers, then add up your points.

Ismile and warmly greet people when I meet them. Often =3 * Sometimes =2 « Rarely =1

If new neighbors move in, my family and I visit to welcome them.

Often =3 * Sometimes =2 © Rarely =1

IT remember that new kids may be sad about leaving their old

home and friends, and I listen if

they want to talk. Often =3 + Sometimes =2 + Rarely=1

Tinvite new friends to play

or hang out with me and my other friends.

Often =3 * Sometimes =2 « Rarely =1

36-28 points: Ahh . . . nice and cozy! You give all people a warm welcome,

whether they're new friends or old. Keep

letting your radiance shine brightly.

5 lLintroduce myself when new kids join my class. Often =3 * Sometimes =2 « Rarely =1

9 Itry to put myself in other people’s shoes and imagine how they feel.

Often =3 * Sometimes =2 Rarely =1

6 Iask new people questions, such as where they are from and if 10 If new kids need help at school, they need help with anything. I offer to study together or

Often =3 » Sometimes =2 + Rarely =1 show them around.

Often =3 * Sometimes =2 Rarely =1

7 When friends come over to play, I make sure I give them a chance to choose what we do. Often =3 * Sometimes =2 « Rarely =1

8 Linvite new kids at school to eat lunch with me and my friends. Often =3 + Sometimes =2 + Rarely =1 11 Ifa friend invites me over,

T respond by inviting him or

her to my house or to hang out.

Often =3 * Sometimes =2 Rarely =1

12 I tell new kids about fun things to do in our area, such as clubs or teams to join or cool sights to see.

Often =3 * Sometimes =2 Rarely =1

27-19 points: Hmm

might need a sweater. You can be welcoming, but you may

18-12 points: Brrr. . . it’s chilly in here! You might feel you're too shy, or you may not show it at times. Let go of your hesi- _ wait for others to take the first step. Warm

tation, and share your warmth with others. up your welcome with some tips in the quiz.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 * Brilliant Star 7 [Page 8]Glide Toward Your Goals

i = ~ Make a Hopeful Hoop Glider -

(_ yourselves a noble goal.” —‘Abdu'l-Baha we fle: 4

id you know that some piloted aircrafts have you reach your goals. Maybe an athletic friend no engines—but they can still fly? They’re could help you practice in order to make the team.

called gliders. Most are towed through the Or a sibling could help you raise funds for an sky by a regular airplane, then released. As a glider important cause. gradually drifts toward the ground, rising air can Glide on positive winds, so fears or self-doubt help it soar for over 1,000 miles (1,609 km)! don’t pull you down. With prayer and noble goals, Just as a glider gets a boost from an airplane you can really soar! Check out the activity below

and nature, there’s support all around you to help to make your own glider. Where will you fly?

You'll Need: 3" x 5" (7.6 x 12.7 cm) index card « plastic drinking straw e clear tape « scissors ¢ ruler ¢ pencil

1 Drawa line 1" (2.5 cm) from each 3 (A) Overlap long strip’s ends by 1/2" 5. Flying Your Glider: With hoops facing edge of card. Cut to make three strips. (1.3 cm) to make loop. Secure with up and the small one at front, hold tape. (B) For small loop, overlap short the center of the straw so it’s slightly strip’s ends by 1/2" (1.3 cm). Secure angled up. Throw and watch it glide!

with tape.

A B 6 Experiment: Tape the hoops in different places or use a shorter straw. What are your results?

4 Tape loops to each end of straw. What if the large hoop is in front?

Which methods fly the best?

~ How It Works . The hoops of your glider are the wings. Your throw sets the air flowing around the hoops, which generates lift—the force that keeps the glider up. The smaller hoop in the front (also called a canard) keeps the glider level, while the back one does most of the lifting. They also resist

2 Overlap short ends of two strips by Ye" (1.3 cm). Secure with tape.

the air motion (called drag), which is why the glider eventually slows down and lands.

8 Brilliant Star * JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

[Page 9]hat do you wish for most? In Japan, people ponder

that question at Tanabata, a festival inspired by an ancient Chinese legend.” In one version of the story, there were two bright stars—a princess, who was a talented weaver, and her husband, a cowherd. They

_ became so distracted by each other that the princess neglected her weaving of the clouds. Her husband ignored his cows, which went astray in the skies. The princess's \ father, the emperor, separated them by the Milky Way.

The princess missed the cowherd and cried so much

So HR wishiiid Tree UY

“Today the seed is sown . . . the day will come when it shall rise a glorious tree...” —‘Abdu’l-Baha

ey we

that the emperor allowed them to meet once a year, ~~

when a flock of magpies formed a bridge for them to cross. ~~

People celebrate Tanabata by writing wishes on colorful papers called tanzaku. The wishes are tied to | > bamboo branches.

It’s fun to wish and dream, but we can’t just wish and wait for things. It takes effort to turn our dreams

tree? How would you take action to make your wishes

come true? 7

WAL ke THAT THIS MASICAL TREE CAN GRANT YOUR WISHES FOR THE FUTURE. WRITE

Y @

Tanabata is held in July or August, depending on the region.

YOUR WISHES ON THE PAPERS. THEN DRAW ONE OF YOUR DREAMS COMING TRUE.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 * Brilliant Star 9 [Page 10]n the big screen, it’s exciting when the hero leaps

into action to save the day. But bravery is more

amazing in real life. With determination and focus, you can make a difference in the world.

When you want to solve a problem, taking action is vital. For example, bullying is a big challenge for lots of kids. In one study, when bystanders stepped in, many bullies stopped within 10 seconds. Some ways \, saness can help are by distracting bullies, telling

“Actions must be more ...than Words... itis actions that speak to the world and are the cause of the progress of humanity.” —‘Abdu't-Bana

them to stop, or reporting them to an adult. You can make an impact by speaking up for kids who are bullied and encouraging others to help.

Stopping bullies may seem like a huge task, but you can start with small steps, such as making posters or writing articles for your school website. Gather a cast of helpers. Have fun learning from your experiences. Sometimes things won't go exactly as planned, but don't give up. As ina movie, “Action!” can lead to unforgettable moments.

These Kids are making a movie about stopping bullies. Find the exact matching tools that help us take action.

~*EEBAL ALS

10 Brilliant Star 4 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 11]When you bite into most fruit, you can thank the honeybees. About one-third ~ of our food, most flowers, and many medicinal plants rely at least somewhat on bees, other insects, bats, and birds. These pollinators spread the plant pollen that produces fruits and seeds. Yet human actions such as urban growth, pesticides, and deforestation threaten pollinators and their habitats. Protecting Earth helps all creatures.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Images: Bee art by Matthen

animal by €.0., Dr. Speranskay SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

~. wo 4,” wee

EXPioRE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AND ITS CREATURES

EARTH-SAVING TIP WOW, REALLY?

Since 2006, billions of honeybees around the world have died mysteriously. Some studies show a tink to pesticides.

PROTECTING OUR PLANET

rT _ O_aTTelc( iki CTF lULU!™!™CUS OM C ET 86 [Page 12]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?

a

An inspiring hero in my community:

Age:

| live in:

| want to be: xX

Best quality or virtue:

If | could volunteer anywhere

Hobbies or sports: in the world:

Place I'd love to visit:

if met aliens who asked if

Earth is peaceful, I’d say:

| like to help people by:

| would give this message to all world leaders:

Age: I live in:

| want to be:

ve

Best quality or virtue:

Something | like about me that makes me unique:

Favorite Baha’i activities:

Hobbies or sports:

Places I'd love to visit: Ww

Favorite animals:

llike to help people by:

If | met aliens who asked if Earth is peaceful, I'd say:

Age: | live in:

| want to be: Best quality or virtue:

Something | like about me that makes me unique:

Hobbies or sports: Favorite Baha’ activities:

Place I'd love to visit:

Th

An inspiring hero in my community:

If | could volunteer anywhere in the world:

| would give this message to all world leaders

| like to help people by:

An inspiring hero in my community:

If met aliens who asked if Earth is peaceful, I'd say:

If could volunteer anywhere in the world:

| would give this message to all world leaders:

12 Brilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

| teaching is going to new places to Baha’ Faith with others,

[Page 13]Age: 11 eye

| live in: Weil der Stadt, Germany

| want to be: NTSB Investigator (National Transportation Safety Board)

Best quality or virtue: Persistence

Something | like about me that makes me unique:

I’m interested in plane crashes. Hobbies or sports: Dancing and singing

Favorite Baha’ activities: Jr. youth group

| like to help people by: Community service

If | could volunteer anywhere in the world: Iwould goto an orphanage ...somany kids... don’t have real families.

Age: 10 I live in: Missouri, U.S.

| want to be: Trauma surgeon

Best quality or virtue: Kindness and politeness

Something | like about me that makes me unique: Whenever my friends get bullied, I always come to their defense.

Favorite Baha'i activities: Devotionals, Feast,** and children’s classes

Hobbies or sports: Soccer, football, basket- ball, piano, and fishing with my grandfather

Place I'd love to visit: Mashhad, Iran

| would give this message to all world leaders:

Why is there money for war but not education?

If met aliens who asked if Earth is peaceful, I'd say:

Yes and no. There are many people working together to make it a peaceful planet, but then again, there are people in the middle of war. An inspiring hero in my community: My...teacher supported me when I moved from Michigan to Germany two years ago. She... caresa lot about her students.

| would give this message to all world leaders: Work together to be ONE!

If | could volunteer anywhere in the world

I would join the Interna- tional Red Cross and go to Haiti to help the homeless and those in need of clothes and fresh, clean water.

If | met aliens who asked if Earth is peaceful, I'd say:

Yes, because some areas of the earth are very peaceful, and no, because there’s a lot of war, which can be reduced by using our words instead of our fists, and building relationships.

®

“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!”

Age:10

I live in: Saskatchewan, Canada

| want to be: Aresearch chemical scientist and an artist

Best quality or virtue: Hospitality and helpfulness

Something | like about me that makes me unique: My sense of imagina- tion and creativity

Hobbies or sports: Drawing, reading, tae kwon do, soccer

Favorite Baha’/ activities: Ayyam-i-Ha celebrations and 19-day Feasts**

If | met aliens who asked if Earth is peaceful, I'd say:

In some areas and countries there are wars and conflicts, but that most of itis a peaceful planet.

An inspiring hero in my community:

My mom. She works very hard and takes care of my siblings and [me]. Every year at Ayyam-i-Ha, she makes food for my school.

If | could volunteer x anywhere in the world:

I would like to go to Haiti and help build houses for the people after the earthquake, [and] take food, toys, and soccer balls for the kids there.

| would give this message to all world leaders:

You should always take care of the poor and. homeless people.

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, birth date, mailing and e-mail

addresses, and phone number. Mention “Radiant Star” 4

in the e-mail subject line or in your message.

. When it’s your turn to shine, we'll send you questions

and a form for you and your parents to sign.

. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed form, 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).

“Devotionals are gatherings for prayer. Feast is a Bahl community gathering with prayers, consultation, and fellowship. Ayym-i-Ha is February 26-March 1, days of hospitality, charity, and gift giving

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 %& Brilliant Star

”

13

[Page 14]YOUR PEOPLE RUINED MY ICE VOME! AND YOU FRIED MY EQUIPMENT!

HM! YOU DIDN’T DESTROY EVERYTHING! YOU'RE NOT THAT POWERFUL.

FURY, YOUR LAIR IS FIRING ON COLLAPSING. YOUR THE CITIES! SYSTEM IS DAMAGED.

JUST STOP THE ATTACK!

TTS THE SATELLITE! WHY IS SHE SHOOTING HER OWN LAIR?

IT MUST BE POSSIBLE TO START LISHTNING’S HEART WITH MY WAVE POWER-LIKE SUPER CPR.

q JUST...NEED...TO BE...

STRONGER. I CAN 70 THIS!

Ol

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MY BROTHER . . . MYSELF.

|, I'VE LOST EVERYTHING. | MY ICE PALACE, MY PARENTS, B

YOU-—YOU

SAVED ME!

I THOUGHT

1|| LLOST you.

THANK HEAVENS!

NOW WE NEED TO HELP PULSAR-HE’S TRAPPED IN THE LAIR WITH FURY!

Brilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

[Page 15]un ¥ SZ E\ am y Si VL WHAT ry aa LDA THIS T PULSAR! Lh 5 [IT REMEMBER ... [HAD THE DIV YOU VO THIS? “MYSELF? errs x PANT YOUR | POWER OF THE SUN... TT MUST HAVE BEEN A\ HERE! USE UPLIFTER fp goocns » THE SATELLITE. \ YOUR SUPER ANYMORE. MY [] THERE THE TARGET... x STRENGTH. SUPERPOWERS IF YOU USE

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LET'S GET . YOU HAVE ALOT TO ANSWER FOR. OUT BEFORE| [1 DIDN'T REALLY WANT ! BUT THERE’S ALWAYS HOPE. EVERVIMING|| To BE ANERASER.I : ‘ COLLAPSES.) was So ANGRY WHEN | Irs Too Late. a

MOM AND DAP DIED. SAVE YOURSELF] 7

> NO. I CAME HERE TO SAVE YOU. WE’LL GET OUT TOGETHER.

|

THE SUN IS COMING }—~ UP, PULSAR. SORRY F. L YOU CAN'T SEE IT.

LCAN FEEL IT! ) = 15 rT WELL, THEY AKE Y

BROTHER AND SISTER. WOlVos

—=

BND SISTERS 70

A “ COME IN HANDY. ) = ee aS \

3 WHAT'S NEXT FOR THESE SUPER SIBLINGS? _ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 % Brilliant Star 15 [Page 16]5

~~ OMFTERMINED DRAGONS << ©

f you could make friends with a dragon who would But in China, they represent wisdom, nobility, success, help and protect you, what would it look like? What and good fortune. They're said to control rain and

powers would it have? Maybe it would whisk you floods. They’re even found at Buddhist temples in away to exciting new lands. It might protect you from China, Japan, and other Asian countries. dangerous storms or earthquakes. Or it could shower Imagine taking on your life’s biggest challenges witha you with valuable treasures or wise advice. helpful dragon at your side. Even if it lives in your dreams,

Some cultures see dragons as legendary protectors. In you can draw on that strength to achieve your real-life the West, they're often depicted as dangerous monsters. goals. Who knows what adventures you might discover?

These friendly dragons guard magical items that overcome challenges. Match each dragon to the spot it can transform.

2 MIRROR OF MODESTY

7 PEACEFUL PEARLS }<

8 TAPESTRY. 5 “ CAN oem

a ; = ZAe 16 Brilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 17]We have officially “lost” Kapono to Brilliant Star! ... He discovered Lightning and Luna last week ...and since then, we have lost him— first thing in the morning, he reaches for the magazine. And instead of his usual bedtime story with Mom or Dad, Kapono has been choosing to read Brilliant Star on his own before going to bed... He reads the magazine cover to cover. It’s such a sweet sight to see him so engrossed with each issue...

| [drew] a picture of Nur the Superfly when | was seven, but a few months ago, | decided | wanted to make a comic book ...| re-drew Nur and gave him some tools like the Bolts of Bravery, the Map of Modesty, the Sword of Steadfastness, and the Rope of Responsibility ... Nur is my favorite character in Brilliant Star because he shows people how to do very creative arts and crafts, and crafts is one of my favorite things to do.

Dara: Everyone should be reading Brilliant Star, because it is fun and educational. [I like the] ‘Abdu’l-

Baha stories and lots of activities that teach you about the Baha’i Faith and about virtues ... [and] the teachings of Baha’u'llah. |... learn abilities and have inspiration for new ideas. [It makes me feel] happy and thankful to God.

Thomas: [I like] the Shining Lamp [and] Stargazer (about Baha’i people). | like the Lightning and Lunas and the What [Do] You Say? and basically all the activities, hee hee hee... It helps me to reflect on what | do every day and think about the positive things or the wonderful and helpful .. . people that there are in the world. [It makes me feel] happy, with hope, and closer to my sister (when | read with her).

Art elements by Pixel Embargo, lolesya, L_amica

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 * Brilliant Star 17

[Page 18]hether you're doing a science project or making WA: working with a group can be fun. It can S be hard sometimes, too. What if some kids i try to boss others around or don’t do their share of the work? What if everyone has different ideas and you can’t agree? When diverse personalities come together,

conflicts are bound to happen. , Disagreements can be uncomfortable, but they’re

These kids are creating a mural about unity for their neighborhood. Find words to complete tips that will help them

rake y

anf, ren Pate

/PATIENTS

ALT

18

“Strive with all your hearts . .. that unity and love may continually increase.” —‘Abdu'l-Bahd

not always bad. The Baha’i writings say that the “spark of truth” can be found after “the clash of differing opinions.” There are simple ways to show respect and keep conflict from getting out of hand. Make sure everyone is heard, and try to find common ground. It will take some time and effort—and usually the fine art of compromise. But when unity is your goal, you can find creative solutions that work.

copperate.) = OK

Pile Ps y j it Fi A RESPECT

1. Pray for unity. Remembering we're all part of one human family can help us be more — — — — __ __ ___ with each other. 2. Listen without interrupting. Give everyone an equal chance to express his or her thoughts and 3. Even when you disagree, try to see things from other people's points of

5

Makea_ ss __s— _ that name-calling and put-downs are not allowed. Loud voices and harsh words can be upsetting.

5. Make eye contact and nod to show you're then repeat back what people say.

6. Ifyou find yourself getting upset, take a break and go for a walk to __ _ __ down. 7. Look for things people on—that’s often where solutions can be found. |*~ +

8. If you have trouble working things out, ask a parent or teacher for

Brilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 19]C2)yins) For

hen you bring home a new pet, your dog, cat, or other creature soon feels like one of the family. Animals can be intelligent, affectionate a) companions who bring lots of joy. q But many animals don’t have a warm and caring

Others lose their homes due to natural disasters. Or their owners may have to give them up because of poor health or financial trouble.

GP Ee GUT oS:

Our furry, four-legged, and feathered friends deserve respect and kindness. They feel pain just as people do—but they're not able to speak up and get help for themselves. Around the world, rescue centers care for pets, farm animals, and wildlife that need assistance. You can visit the animals, help with their care, or even adopt them.

Compassion for animals makes the world brighter and safer for all creatures—great and small.

IN THIS RESCUE CENTER, FIND THESE ANIMALS:

B CATS 4D0ES 2 GOATS 2PIES

3 CHICKENS J 3 DUCKS

2 HORSES

3 RABBITS

fal G yo

\ N\ «

WHOOO WOULD YOU f /

WANT TO TAKE HOME? Jan

Be 2 is : R

i

€ infinitely tender and loving to animals. If an animal be sick, let the children try to heat it, if it be hungry, let them feed it, if thirsty, let them quench its thirst, if weary, let them see that it rests.” Bandit Writings

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 20]MUSIC CAFE

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

AT THE CAFE, WE SOMETIMES TAKE OUR MUSICAL FEAST TO THE LAKE. IT’S SO COOL TO HEAR OUR INSTRUMENTS AND VOICES DRIFTING OVER THE WATER AS THE BOATS FLOAT BY. GRAB SOME OARS ANP JOIN ME AT THE DOCK!

Y U 9) By the Grammy Award-winning e@ Okee Dokee Brothers

\ LOVE music IN THE GREAT QuTVOORS!

p verse 1 nN Dt te — = a es See = ere e —— r — — Wedon’t need a mo-tor Wedon’t need a sail and We don’t need no fins or gills and 7 E B — p 3 t is i { { i { { T limi ao | T “ — er odd | 6.0 -2-o- — a Wedon’t needa tail _Let’s just keep it sim - ple_We’ll each get an oar_ Pad-dle out_ to 14 E A Chorus | pt ty T = = m2 == eS = | 4 no man’slake_ And float till we can’t no more Can youca- noe__ on a 20 hud £ = A — E — B A a a (a - fa ee ee e SS T 7 lit-tle boat built for two?_ Can you ca- noe?_I’ll be your cap-tain and_your crew Can you ca- noe hut E [2B te 1 —— Si =o —— y i —_— f = oo a | © — a = 32 ifthere’s no-thing bet - ter to do?. I wan - na float down a ha 4, B E 13. B; E sina f a =e! = ——=_ — = Sa os } ce ooo ooo z riv - er__ with you. I wan- na float down a_ riv- er_ with you. 2. We don’t need no outlets Chorus: 3. I'll take the bow brother We don’t need no wires Can you canoe You can take the stern Primetime entertainment’ll be on a little boat built for two? I'll move us forward Lightnin’ bugs and fires Can you canoe? While you choose when to turn Let’s just keep it simple I'll be your captain and your crew Let’s just keep it simple Unplugged and outside Can you canoe We all need a friend Sound waves on the water If there’s nothing better to do? In this current moment Don’t need to be amplified I wanna float down a river with you. Instead of lookin’ around the bend

0: planet is a big place—over seven billion people _ safety, health, education, and respect. Even though some

“nn,

speaking thousands of languages, stretching may be thousands of miles away, we can reach out to across continents, oceans, mountains, and plains. them instantly with technology. We can learn about their But we all speak the language of friendship. In any culture, _ everyday lives and share what we learn with others. And asmile, laugh, game, or kind gesture brings hearts together. we can remember them in our prayers. When we think of everyone on Earth as members of Wherever you may roam across our amazing world, one human family, we'll want them all to enjoy the same members of your global family are waiting to greet you.

As you color, find the Burj Khalifa, the Great Wall of China, and Easter Island moai. What other sites do you recognize? What places on our diverse planet do you want to visit most?

~ q Loy EE BS Sig OS PN SEE Oe Ny

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 * Brilliant Star 21

wag . $e ee. i as SJ

[Page 22]Dr. John Woodall

0 you want to help change the world? Dr. John Woodall,

Founder and Director of the Unity Project, helps kids do

just that. With the Unity Project, John empowers kids and youth to be the peacemakers of their generation. He's assisted people around the world—including war refugees in Bosnia and kids in New York after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

John grew up in the U.S. in Illinois. After completing his training as a psychiatrist at the University of California, he focused on helping people deal with trauma—by building their sense of compassion.

In December 2012, a gunman attacked Sandy Hook Elementary School in John's hometown of Newtown, Connecticut. John is now helping his neighbors through the Unity Project and other efforts. He says, "The greatest heroes, the greatest strength comes from people who have been through the greatest tragedies..."

ad jae) N < O a <= 7)

Q: What was the most challenging experience for you when you were a child, and how did you handle it?

A: An addiction that my father lived through for many years that affected our whole household . . . lt made me learn how to pray, and it made me learn how to look for the good and try to be open to God's guidance.

Q: How did you decide that you wanted to be a psychiatrist?

A: In medical school ... 1 would spend all kinds of time with my patients ... just talking to them, seeing how they were... | like to talk to people . .. It also seemed to me that it was a way to relate to people

on a more spiritual level .. .

John grew up near the Bahai House of Worship

Q: What is the Unity Project, and what inspired you to create it? in Wilmette, IL. He became a Baha’ after a A: [It] is a way of developing resilient strength among young people... visit to the Temple when he was 16. We use service or the arts as a way to mine the gems of their inner strength . . . I've developed a series of . .. transformation exercises that | Q: How do you define resilience, refine those gems and turn them into real resilient skills... | started and why is it so important? it... after many years of thinking deeply about how . . . to bring unity A: When you pull on a rubber band and and peace to the world... It just seemed to me that . . . [we] needed let go. . . resilience is that ability to something that built strengths instead of just try[ing] to treat symptoms. snap back to where you were. But another way to think of resilience Q: Describe a transformation exercise you use in the Unity Project. is thriving in the face of difficulties, A: At the end of every one of our group meetings... . each [kid] will tell the others where you not only go back to normal, the strengths they saw in them that day . . . so that they all get to develop a but might even become stronger as a sense of what their strengths are, and so that they're looking for them in other result of those difficulties . . . It's the people. The more you look for them, the more you develop them in yourself. . . ability to learn wisdom and strength...

Images: Top left portrait by Jill Buckner, photo by

22 Brilliant Star & JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 Adib Roy with illustration by C. Aaron Kreader [Page 23]Leff: At the interfaith service 5 5 |

attended by U.S. President Obama in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012, John read from the Baha’ writings. Below: John and Margo MCSPAN were on pilgrimage together in 2009 in Haifa, Israel. Three years later, they were married.

Answers with an

Q: How did you become involved with the tragedy in Newtown?

A: [My wife and] I live in Newtown .. . A lot of the kids who ran out of the school went to the fire station to be picked up by their parents. | was there that day trying to support my friends and neighbors . . . I'm running a group for teachers and the families, a therapy group. We're running the Unity Project at the high school, 1,750 kids . . . [I'm writing newspaper] articles helping people understand how to work with the suffering ... And we just started .. . an interfaith junior youth program for 11- to 15-year-olds. We teach kids from all religious or non-reli- gious backgrounds . . . that we're all one.

Q: What are the biggest challenges kids face in these tragic situations?

A: There is an inner power, an inner strength that we can turn to. .. After a terrible tragedy . .. we feel powerless over the things that are going on around us, and that can be very scary. And so we want to... manage that ... not with fear, but with a sense of love and confidence. The second thing is that... we can feel very isolated, very alone, because we don't

know how to explain what happened .. . It really builds our strength a lot

if we find at least one person who we can reach out to... Another thing ‘2012, John worked with kids in Uganda that's really helpful is to do something nice for someone else . . . during a trip for the Unity Project

Q: In this issue, we're exploring building communities of hope. Q: If you had one wish for Brilliant What are some ways kids can help build their communities? Star readers, what would it be?

A: We tell kids, we're not waiting—we're not waiting until you're out of A: That their hearts are filled with high school .. . before you can start changing the world. If you're eight joy, that every single day, they years old, you can start today ... by making the life of someone close take time to be filled with joy, to you better .. . Do something to make the family better today, and to practice joy. And they can then just go out from there, your neighbors and your school. Get do that by reading the wonder- a couple of friends to help you. And then go ask your friends, "What ful prayers of ‘Abdu'l-Baha, could we change that could make things better around here?” And Baha'u'llah, and the Bab. And to then go do it... And before you know [it], you've changed a whole not let other people's apathy dim bunch of things... their hearts.

between faiths being over forever? Those are some of the goals honored

by World Religion Day, held on the third Sunday in January. The holiday was started by the Bahd‘is of the U.S. in 1950. It calls attention to the harmony among the teachings of all faiths. The Baha'i writings say, “Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.” Baha'is celebrate World Religion Day by gathering in unity with friends of diverse faiths.

C: you imagine all religions working together in peace? Conflicts and wars

Sunday Monday TueSday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

se Every 19 Xx 1 2 2 3 days, Baha’i = a is oe — ; Feast is ret G, = Se qj ° ee a5 a on or near the New Year’s Day So a? ithex 2 ~ first day of the In Spain, people eat 12 grapes at midnight Baha’i month. on New Year's Eve for a lucky year. It’s the International Year of Water Cooperation. (UN) 9 12 ake From Cosmo’s Bookshelf », First hot-air sain, Caring for Pets, by Ann E. Mulls fli clita ER ee ity 1793 iia GOOFY GAMES, BY DEWEY HAVEFUN r ee Soe Staying in Touch, by Al Missya @

16 7 18

Religious Freedom Day (U.S.)

Pray for those who. Ifyou made a time capsule for people to tj are denied the right find in the future, what would it hold? SoRess = to practice their faith

20 21 22 23

World Religion Day — Martin Luther King Jr. Day (US.) No Name-Calling

19

BAHA'I MONTH OF

SULTAN (SOVEREIGNTY)

veda Week (Jan. 21-25) S\A—~ Inauguration Day You have the power What animal is Australia Day yi (US.) to promote peace and —_duck-billed, beaver- In Australian - respect at school. tailed, otter-bodied? SS slang, “Hooroo” nshtiory The Australian platypus! 24 25 Means “Goodbye.”

27 28 2 7

ASPIRE THE CHORAL REEF

MEANS... of 5

2

Gosmo’s Word Challenge

a) To hope to achieve a goal b) Sweating around your forehead ¢) A tall, pointed tower

24 Brilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 SHC MSNY [Page 25]FEBRUARY 2013 ¢ 169 Baha’i Era

hat’s your favorite holiday? For many Bahd’is, it’s Ayyam-i-Ha!

Celebrated from February 26-March 1, the ways to enjoy Ayyam-i-Ha

are as diverse as the Baha'i community—which includes 2,100 ethnic groups worldwide. Some invite friends to parties with delicious food, lively music, dancing, and games. Some families decorate their homes or have fun scavenger hunts for gifts. And many find ways to be of service or give to charity. It’s also time to prepare for the Baha'i Fast in March.* How do you celebrate Ayyam-i-Ha?

Saturday 2

Groundhog Day

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Every 19

days, Baha’i World Interfaith

Feast is held Harmony Week. (U.S., Canada) (UN, Feb. 1-7) Ifthe groundhog sees onornearthe — siack History Month (US., Canada) Learn something its shadow, folklore first day of the Barack Obama, the first African-American president | pew about one of says welll see six more Baha’i month. of the U.S., won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. | the World's religions. weeks of winter.

a 64

3 9

4 CONCORP 3

American Heart MEANS . . .

Month (U.S.) My Goal for the Month: Get energized! Be Gogmo’s Word Challenge MONTH OF

active for at least 20 minutes, three times a day!

a) A marine creature with a spiral shell b) A secret spaceship c) Agreement, harmony, and unity

12

MULK

c (DOMINION) /

13

1

Random Acts of Ash Wednesday

Kindness Week (Christianity) Great Backyard a) (Feb. 11-17) Lent begins—a time Bird Count i.

Chinese New Year It's the year of the snake,

Did you know?

Tigers have stripes on their fur and their skin.

Write a kind note to a friend or family member.

of prayer, fasting, and preparation for Easter.

20

World Day of Social Justice (UN)

Speak up for fairness, such as ending child labor for about 215 million kids.

(Global, Feb. 15-18) There are about 10,000

Valentine's Day bird species on Earth.

27

International Mother Language Day (UNESCO)

Half of Earth's 7,000 languages are in danger of disappearing.

"22

Ayyam-i-Ha

(Baha festival, to March 1)

HOP MUSICIANS

WHY 70 Hil GIVE ALOT OF GIFTS?

O-p YIMSNY

During the Fast, March 2-20, Bahd’is ages 15-70

do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 %& Brilliant Star

25 [Page 26]SHINING LAMP. eee

May Bolles M

nity Builder

B Commu a —

t age 11, May Bolles dreamed of blazing sunlight

A: real that when she woke, she was blinded for the entire day. Later, she dreamed of being carried by angels to gaze down on Earth. On it, she could make out the letters B and H. What could it mean? She didn’t know, but she felt those letters would change her life. She also saw a robed figure calling to her. Was it Jesus? she wondered. Born in the U.S., May was 28

and living in Paris when she found her answer. In 1898, a group of Americans visited May’s apartment. One of them, Lua Getsinger, heard about May’s dream and told her that the robed figure was ‘Abdu’l- Baha, the leader of the Baha’i Faith. May learned that her visitors were Baha'is traveling to meet ‘Abdu’l-Baha, in what is now Israel. As she often was, May was ill at this time. But learning of the new religion seemed to revive her. She accepted the Faith immediately and joined the travelers.

Transforming Visit

‘Abdu'l-Baha’s loving spirit and spiritual power “over- whelmed” her. His prayers for her filled May with energy and joy. She became a devoted Baha'i and knew she would return “never again, thank God, to the same life...” With new purpose, May returned to Paris. She was the only Baha’i in the city. She had only a few prayers and one slim Baha’i book. But May’s radiant heart attracted friends and strangers alike. By 1902, the Paris

aoe To 1 (4870-1940

ALLAHO’

May Maxwell (left) in Paris with Edith MacKaye. May established Europe’s first Baha’i group in Paris.

A

Baha'i community grew to 25-30 members, “deeply united in love and faith . . .” one wrote.

That year, May married William Sutherland Maxwell. The couple moved to Montreal, Canada. Before long, Sutherland became a Baha’i, and their home was Canada’s first Baha’i center. As always, May reached out to everyone.

May made many friends within the

black community. She expressed her love through her actions. “We must first touch the heart to awaken it .. .” she explained. When the hospital wouldn’t let a black woman have her baby there, May brought her home and hired her own doctor.

ABE

One evening, a policeman came to the door. Seeing black people among her guests, a neighbor had reported a disturbance.

After ‘Abdu’l-Baha promised to pray for May, the Maxwells had a child, Mary, in 1910. Mary became a well-known Baha’ teacher and the wife of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s grandson, Shoghi Effendi.

Though her illnesses persisted, May wouldn't give up. Earning the title “mother of the Baha'i community of Canada,” May taught throughout Canada, helping Baha’i communities grow. She also shared the Faith in Europe and the U.S. In 1940, at age 70, she went to teach in South America. Three days after arriving in Argentina, she died unexpectedly. Despite many difficulties, May had lived her vision, to “be to each other an inexhaustible source of life, strength, healing, joy, and blessedness.”

26

Brilliant Star % JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 [Page 27]Your Refuge Is Ready

WW you're worried, it feels good to find a refuge— a place that’s safe and comforting. Maybe it’s your

room ora place in nature. But if you can’t visit that place when you need to, there’s a refuge waiting for you right where you are—in prayer. You can have a conversation with God and ask for help anywhere, at any time.

Prayer can remind you that no matter what's happening —

READ THIS PRAYER, THEN CHECK OUT THE HIGHLIGHTED

WORDS BELOW.

FIND EACH WOR IN THE LIST AND SEE HOW IT’S USED IN THE PRAYER.

1. Haven 2 Trodden . Gloomy, without light ‘ a Darksome 4. Despair . Shelter, place of safety 6. Expectant . Unlimited, endless

6. Boundless

7. Perfection

manmmouay p>

8. Grace . Hopelessness

-g. Merest. I. Freedom from fault -

J. Divine assistance

. Walked along, followed

. Looking forward to something

Something that streams out; flood

. Smallest, least significant

like a fight with a friend or a move to a new school—you can handle it. You can even find unexpected blessings. Resolving a conflict could bring you and your friend closer. Your new school could give you chances to make new friends.

Your worries may not disappear instantly, but turning to God can give you hope. No matter how dark

your day seems, prayer can bring light to your heart.

have I sought nor any will I seek save Thee; no

path have I trodden nor any will I tread but the

path of Thy love. In the darksome night of despair, my

eye turneth expectant and full of hope to the morn

of Thy boundless favor and at the hour of dawn

my drooping soul is refreshed and strengthened

4 in remembrance of Thy beauty and perfection.

_ He whom the grace of Thy mercy aideth, though

& Thy roving kindness assisteth, shall shine even —‘Abdu'l-Baha

as the radiant star.

| THEN DRAW A LINE TO THE . | MEANING ON THE RIGHT.

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 %& Brilliant Star

27 [Page 28]MVS

"5 CORNER

OSMO

Look for clues throughout the magazine.

C

1. We all speak the language of - (p. 21)

2. Janelle likes to help people by when they zm need someone to talk to. (p. 12) = 3. You can be contagious when you're !(p. 5) i)

7. When you pull on a rubber band and let go... is that ability to snap back . .." (p. 22)

8. Some food, flowers, and plants rely on ,

other insects, bats, and birds. (p. 11) 9. Small acts of can make a big difference. (p. 7)

12. With prayer and noble , you can really soar! (p. 8)

13. Avery's favorite character in Brilliant Star. (p. 17)

15. Kaya would ask world leaders to "work together to be !" (p. 13)

FROM OUR MAILBOX

[Brilliant Star] makes me feel happy. It helps me learn about Baha'is all over the world. This is important, because | don't know many Baha'is where | live.

—David B., age 9, Rhode Island, U.S.

gross

AAC

WHAT 70 YOU 70 AFTER A NEW WINE 1S BUILT? WE HAVE A HOUSE-SWAKMING PARTY!

e

4. You have an invisible power called . (p. 4)

5. Make an impact by up for kids who are bullied. (p. 10)

6. The “spark of ___" can be found after “the clash of differing opinions.” (p. 18)

8. Looking at the side adds sunshine to your life. (p. 6)

10. Our animal friends deserve and kindness. (p. 19)

11. Emperor live in colonies in Antarctica. (p. 2)

14. Thomas likes Brilliant Star because it helps him think about the things or the wonderful people in the world. (p. 17)

16. It takes effort to turn our into reality. (p. 9)

17. Zia, Zayneddin, Reza, and Kamal like this sport. (pp. 12-13)

18. May Maxwell was the "mother of the Baha'i community of ." (p. 26)

KEY: T=Top, C=Center, B=Bottom, L=Left, R=Right

Page 2: 1) caring, 2) loyal, 3) unified, Page 18: 1) patient, 2) feelings, 3) view, 4) helpful, 5) responsible, 6) cooperative, 4) rule, 5) listening, 6) calm, 7) agree, 7) reliable, 8) supportive, 9) steadfast, 8) help

10) persevering ) persevering Page 19: Cats at TL, CR, BL; chickens at

Page 10: Boom pole at BL, camera at BL, BC, BL, C; dogs at BC, BL, 2 at C; ducks

laptop at BC, light at TL, microphone at at BR, CL, C; goats at CL, TC; horses

BR, meter at BR, script at CR, tape atBR at TC, TR; pigs at CL, C; rabbits at CR, BL, CL

Page 27: 1) D, 2) A, 3) B, 4) H, 5) C, 6) E, 7) 1,8) J, 9) G, 10) F

Page 11: Serengeti, Giraffes

Page 16: A) 3, B) 2, C) 8, D) 4, E) 5, F) 7, 6) 6,H) 1

“Lift up your hearts above the present and look with eyes of faith into the future!” —‘Abdu'l-Baha C)

hen you imagine the future, do you work together to share resources and live in peace. ©) think of cool gadgets, like jetpacks or The Baha’i Faith charts a path for a future society

robots? Do you dream of taking thrilling built with love, equality, and justice. It envisions us

voyages in space or living on another planet? overcoming prejudice and living in unity with friends Space-age tools already help us connect with each of all religions, races, and backgrounds, to create a

other, learn faster, and work smarter. But a hopeful peaceful planet. 2

future isn’t just about advancing our technology. It By cooperating and opening our minds to new

depends on advancing our hearts and minds. When possibilities, everyone on Earth—and beyond—can

everyone sees all people as members of one family, we'll discover new horizons of friendship.

What's your dream for the future? Help the astronauts explore cosmic virtues on their journey to the Planet of Peace.

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