Bible Edition If Only I Were... Summary Missy the mouse has a very big problem she's dissatisfied with who she is and what she looks like. She thinks her ears are too big and her tail is too skinny. Even worse, Horace the cat is constantly chasing her, and she can't do anything about it! If only she could be as big and beautiful as Horace, then all her problems would be gone. One day, while being chased by Horace, Missy wishes herself into becoming a big cat. Her wish comes true, and she chases Horace. Missy is delighted that she is now the biggest and most beautiful cat in the whole world. But she quickly discovers that cats have serious problems with dogs. As Missy wishes herself into becoming bigger and stronger creatures, she discovers that everyone has problems. Missy finally learns to accept herself for what she is. This delightful and powerful story by Carl Sommer shows children the importance of self-esteem, trust, and cheerfulness. Main Virtues Self-Esteem/Trust/Cheerfulness Other Virtues Appreciation, Caring, Compassion, Fairness, Obedience to Parents, and Trust Contents Self-Esteem Accepting Yourself Recognizing Everyone Has Problems and Trials Trusting and Obeying Parents Facing Our Problems and Trials Doing to Others What You Would Have Them Do to You Living a Life of Joy Questions
Self Esteem Accepting Yourself Missy could have been the happiest mouse in the world...if it had not been for her one BIG problem; Missy did not like being a mouse. I m tired of being so little! she groaned. Besides, my ears are too big, and my tail is too skinny! Never be ashamed of the way God has created you. Besides, you can t change the way you were born, so learn to accept yourself. You will be much happier if you learn to accept what God has created. Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. [27] So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Psalm 104:24 O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions. * Psalm 139:13-14 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother s womb. [14] I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. * The check is a recommended Scripture to teach the particular lesson. All verses are from the New King James Version Additional verses: Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 12:24 If Only I Were... Recognizing Everyone Has Problems and Trials Papa and Mama told Missy, Everyone has problems even big cats. But Missy did not think so. Missy soon discovered that Papa and Mama were right. Missy discovered that EVERYONE has problems. Mice have problems with cats, cats have problems with dogs, dogs have problems with tigers, tigers have problems with elephants, elephants have problems with people, and people have problems with mice. 2
John 15:19-21 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. [20] Remember the word that I said to you, A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. [21] But all these things they will do to you for My name s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Romans 8:35-36 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written: For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 2 Timothy 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Additional verses: Proverbs 24:10; Matthew 10:22-25; Matthew 16:24; Matthew 23:34; John 16:2, 17:14; Acts 14:21-22; Romans 8:37-39; Hebrews 11:36-38; 1 Peter 2:20-21 Trusting and Obeying Parents Missy did not agree with what her papa and mama told her about everyone having problems. Missy became very sad. She wanted so much to be like Horace the cat. If only she had trusted and obeyed her papa and mama, she wouldn t have been so sad. Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. Proverbs 6:20-21 My son, keep your father s command, And do not forsake the law of your mother. [21] Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. Proverbs 13:1 A wise son heeds his father s instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. If Only I Were... 3
If Only I Were... Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: [3] that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. (These quotation marks are fine because you have both opening and closing marks.) Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Additional verses: Proverbs 1:8-9; Proverbs 3:1-2; Proverbs 4:1-15; Proverbs 15:5; 1 Timothy 3:4 Facing Our Problems and Trials Here we go again! huffed Missy. Horace was chasing her. Today was starting out just like every other day. Poor Missy was so tired of being a tiny little mouse. Missy was living in misery because of her problem with Horace. God wants us to learn to face our problems and trails and even rejoice over them. God is with us even in our problems and trials. Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. [12] Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 1 Peter 4:12-16 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; [13] but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. [14] If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people s matters. [16] Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. Additional verses: Luke 6:22-23; Acts 5:41; Romans 5:3; 2 Corinthians 4:17; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:6 4
Doing to Others What You Would Have Them Do to You Missy knew just what to do. Like all the other cats, she began chasing Itty and Bitty. This is fun! she laughed while running after her friends. Missy didn t like being chased when she was a little mouse, but now that she is big, she does the same to others. The Lord has given us the Golden Rule that we should do to others what we want them to do to us. Matthew 7:12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Mark 12:28-31 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, Which is the first commandment of all? [29] Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. [30] And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. [31] And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. Galatians 5:13-14 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. [14] For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. [4] Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Additional verses: Isaiah 1:16-17; Amos 5:14; Micah 6:8; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Timothy 1:5 Living a Life of Joy Once Missy discovered that EVERYONE has problems, she decided not to be sad anymore about being so little. And she did not even mind looking like a mouse big ears, skinny tail, and all. Missy finally learned to accept herself. Now she was cheerful. We can also have a joyful life if we learn to trust God s promises. Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. If Only I Were... John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 5
If Only I Were... 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 John 1:4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. Additional verses: John 16:33; John 17:13; Romans 15:13; 1 Peter 1:8; 2 John 1:12 Questions 1. Where did Missy live? Missy lived with her papa and mama in the zookeeper s house, next to the kitchen. 2. What would Missy s papa and mama do at night? At night Papa and Mama would tuck her in and read her a story. 3. Who were Missy s two best friends? Itty and Bitty were Missy s two best friends. 4. Missy always had something good to eat, a place to sleep, and lots of friends. What was her one BIG problem? Missy did not like being a mouse. I m tired of being so little! she groaned. Besides, my ears are too big, and my tail is too skinny! Missy dreamed of being like Horace the cat. Never be ashamed of the way God has created you. You will be much happier if you learn to accept what God has created. The Bible says, For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother s womb. [14] I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well (Psalm 139:13-14). 5. Missy thought, If only I were a big cat, I wouldn t have any problems. Then I d be happy, just like Horace. What did her papa and mama say? Papa and Mama told Missy, Everyone has problems even big cats. But Missy did not think so. Missy will soon discover that Papa and Mama were right. The Bible says, I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). 6. One night Missy was so sad that she went straight to bed without eating supper. What was Missy crying about? Missy cried, It s just not fair! Why do I have to be so little? And why must I have such a skinny tail and big ugly ears? Missy did not agree with what her papa and mama told her about everyone having problems. Missy became very sad. She wanted so much to be like Horace the cat. If only she had listened to Papa and Mama, she wouldn t have been so sad. The Bible says, My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother (Proverbs 1:8). Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord (Colossians 3:20). 6
7. What was Missy moaning and groaning about as she was drifting off to sleep? Missy was moaning and groaning, If only I were like Horace. 8. The next day started out just like every other day with Horace chasing Missy. What was Missy so tired of being? Missy was tired of being a tiny little mouse. Missy was living in misery because of her problem with Horace. Missy should have faced her problem and made the necessary changes. Moaning and crying do not change problems. God wants us to learn to rejoice when we have problems and trials. The Bible tells us, My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (James 1:2-3). 9. While running away from Horace, what did Missy wish out loud? Missy wished out loud, If only I were...a great, big cat! 10. What did Horace do when Missy arched her back and gave a loud, Hsssss...? Horace ran away as fast as he could. 11. What did Missy do to her friends Itty and Bitty when she turned into a big cat? Missy began chasing Itty and Bitty. This is fun! she laughed while running after her friends. Missy didn t like being chased when she was a little mouse, but when she became big, she did the same to others. As Christians, we should always remember the Golden Rule: Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12). 12. What did Missy think about her problems as she raised her beautiful tail and strutted through the park? Missy thought, No more problems for me! 13. Who did Missy meet next? Missy met a great big dog. 14. What thought did Missy have about being a cat? Missy thought, Being a cat isn t much fun! If Only I Were... 15. What did Missy wish for as she was running away from the great big dog? Missy wished, If only I were a big...tiger! 16. What did Missy do about the dog when she was a tiger? Missy began chasing the dog. 17. What did Missy say about her problems as she pranced around as a tiger? Missy said, Now my problems are gone for sure! I don t have to be afraid of anything! 18. When Missy met some of her tiger friends, what did she say to her new friends? Missy told her new friends. Let s have some fun and tease the elephants. 19. As the tigers silently crept up to the elephants to tease them, what did one of the elephants do to Missy? Quickly an elephant spun around and grabbed Missy. 7
If Only I Were... 20. Where did the elephant finally toss Missy? The elephant tossed Missy into a nearby pond. 21. What thought did Missy have about being a tiger? Missy thought, Being a tiger isn t much fun! 22. What did Missy wish for as she was running away from the elephant? Missy wished, If only I were...a giant elephant! 23. What thought did Missy have as she felt like the biggest creature in the whole world? Missy thought, No more problems for me! Surely no one can bother me now! 24. What were some men looking to buy when they came to the zoo? Some men had come to the zoo to buy an elephant. 25. What did the zookeeper use to get Missy into the big truck? The zookeeper used a bucket full of peanuts. 26. What did Missy do when she saw the bucket full of peanuts? She hurried after the zookeeper...right into the back of a big truck. 27. What did the woman trainer shout to Missy as she cracked her whip? The woman shouted, Come on! You re going to learn to do tricks! 28. What did Missy say about being a strong elephant? Missy said, Being a strong elephant isn t much fun at all. 29. What did Missy wish real hard for when the woman left? When the woman left, Missy wished real hard, If only I were...an elephant trainer! 30. What kind of tricks did Missy have the elephants do when she turned into an elephant trainer? They had to stand on their back legs, stand on top of a ladder, hold a ball, and do many other hard tricks. 31. What thought did Missy have about her problems when she was an elephant trainer? Missy thought, Surely now all my problems are gone! I can make the biggest animals obey me! 32. What did the ringmaster say to Missy? The ringmaster said, These elephants can do much better tricks than that! Either you teach them some new tricks or you re fired. 33. What thought did Missy have about being an elephant trainer? Missy thought, Being an elephant trainer isn t much fun at all! 34. What happened when Missy was just about to set her food down? A wee, little mouse ran across the floor right between her feet! 35. What did Missy wish for then? Missy wished, If only I were...a mouse! 8
If Only I Were... 36. What did Missy shout when she jumped out of bed and ran to take a peek at Horace? Missy shouted, Yippee! I am a mouse! 37. What did Missy discover about problems? Missy discovered that EVERYONE has problems. Mice have problems with cats, cats have problems with dogs, dogs have problems with tigers, tigers have problems with elephants, elephants have problems with people, and people have problems with mice. Missy finally discovered that Papa and Mama were right. The Bible says, For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake (Philippians 1:29). 38. What did Missy decide not to be sad about? Missy decided not to be sad about being so little. And she did not even mind looking like a mouse big ears, skinny tail, and all. Missy learned to accept herself. You also will be much happier if you learn to accept yourself just the way God made you. The Bible says, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1Thessalonians 5:16-18). 39. Missy became a happy mouse. Now when she saw Horace, what did she do? Whenever she saw Horace, she just stayed home. 40. What did Missy do when Horace left? When Horace left, then she would go outside and play. 41. What was the best thing Missy learned? Best of all, never again was she sad about the way she looked, or about being...a wee, little mouse. Be wise and never be ashamed of the way God has created you. 9