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Roper


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"Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best abooks words of wisdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith." - D&C 88:118 and D&C 109:7

We have discussions about inspiring hymns and scriptures.  I'd like to start a discussion about thoughtful and inspiring passages from literature.  Shiz has shared a few on his blog and in another forum. I really like the idea, so I'll start.

From "The Prophet" by Khalil Gibran, a Lebanese philosopher and poet.

On talking:

You talk when you cease to be at peace with your thoughts;
And when you can no longer dwell in the solitude of your heart you live in your lips, and sound is a diversion and a pastime.
And in much of your talking, thinking is half murdered.
For thought is a bird of space, that in a cage of words may indeed unfold its wings but cannot fly.

There are those among you who seek the talkative through fear of being alone.
The silence of aloneness reveals to their eyes their naked selves and they would escape.
And there are those who talk, and without knowledge or forethought reveal a truth which they themselves did not understand.
And there are those who have the truth within them, but they tell it not in words.
In the bosom of such as these the spirit dwells in rhythmic silence.

I'm reminded of how many times I've heard the counsel to dedicate some time each day for quiet meditation--for those "be still and know that I am God" moments.

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The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. - Julie Beck
Mahonri


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Don't you think Joel Osteen would make a great member of the Church?

Perhaps it's his North Carolina accent, but when I listen to him, I feel he is doing good in the world. I think that perhaps he is preparing folks for the gospel.

He has a new book coming out and I think I'll be purchasing it.

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no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing... the truth of God will go forth till it has penetrated every website, sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done
Roper


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For those of you who aren't familiar with Joel Osteen, here's the Wiki brief on him.

M, I take it you've read "Your Best Life Now." What is something you found inspiring from that book?

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The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. - Julie Beck
PollyAnna


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That is really interesting guys... I had never heard of him... but I am not into talking heads, in general...

In regards to your topic roper... I recently finished reading... Mahatma. Life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi; by D. G. Tendulkar ~ 8 volumes Fasinating stuff... I am still assimilating everything so I am not ready to write about it yet... I also am aware that there has been "disputed proofs," that Gandhi was not all he claimed to be... frankly my thought is: who is??? From my readings his life was one of sacrifice for others and desire/effort to make the world a better place...

Personally I am a non-confrontational person. I am not even competitive at games. I can't wait for the Savior to come... I am especially hopeful that he does away with all the political posturing... Nevertheless, I am sure the Savior is please, right now... with of the efforts of many kind, wise, and good members of the human family...

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Roper


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I read Card's "Rachel and Leah" last Sunday.  It's #3 in his Women of Genesis series.

My favorite part in the book was where Leah realized that happiness is a choice and not something "caused" by others.  So each day, she tries to choose happiness rather than anger.  At first she feels she is being untrue to her "real" self. Gradually, her "real" self grows into a personality much more at peace in her relationships with God and with her family.

I've used the phrase "plant your feet where they're supposed to be and your heart will follow" to illustrate the miracle that happens when I obey a principle for which I don't have a complete conviction.  Leah's story helped me connect that same principle to finding peace and happiness in my own life.

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The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. - Julie Beck
Cocobeem


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Dang. I just returned 98.6*-The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive, by Cody Lundin. I know this sounds like I'm totally just yukking it up and I'm really not. That book had some good ideas in it concerning one's state of mind and how critical that is to survival situations. Tidbits that could be applied to not just physical situations.

I also was reading Deep Survival:Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why?, by Laurence Gonzales. Lots of stuff about how we "teach" our brain to do certain things and how different brain functions come into play under stress, etc... very interesting as well, but I had to return that one to the library, too as it was requested by someone else, too. grr...

Great topic, roper! clap.gif

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Life is tough but it's tougher if you're stupid.  -John Wayne
rayb


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I just finished a book of fantasy called Gardens of the Moon, by Steven Erikson. It's purely entertainment, and contains a great deal of frustating details that would annoy most people who casually read fantasy. I thought it had some interesting points, though... and great characters, and well... lots and lots of wizards. :)

--Ray


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mirkwood


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So how are we defining best books? Best church books, best fiction, best history. Are we limiting ourselves here to just religion?

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Why Food Storage:
http://www.rogmo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=205&sid=d52b2e6d8f75be0a6164ab9a14f4a08b
Cocobeem


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*Obviously mirk didn't read coco's best books selection*

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Life is tough but it's tougher if you're stupid.  -John Wayne
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