I saw Brother Hartvigsen at church two weeks ago and relayed all the messages that were given to me for him--from Gillz and from Spooky. He was really happy to hear the kind things you said about him. He remarked that a teacher seldom gets that kind of positive feedback directly; he was grateful to receive the compliments second hand. He talked of the delight of having you in his class.
Later, in Sunday School, he made a comment which I think is very salient. We were studying in Acts, Chapter 20 about Paul's farewell to the Ephesian Elders and his concern that they would fall away after he was gone, not there to lead and correct them. In verse 30, he says,"Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."
A quote was read from Harold B. Lee stating that the word perverse in that setting did not carry the connotation that we currently apply but rather intended to refer to things that divert or distract one from that which is correct. At that point, Kip made this comment,
"I recall having read once in a priesthood manual that one of the reasons we are to attend church each Sunday is to correct the false impressions that we may gain during the previous week, caught up in a world where we encounter on a daily basis so much that is false and ungodly.
It seems to make sense to me then that one reason we are admonished by our Church leaders to read scriptures every day is for the same reason—to correct the false impressions we gain as we live in a fallen world, except our correction through scripture can come to us each day rather than just once a week."
I appreciated this as I struggle now with the recognition that a good portion of my life has already passed and I want to make choices for my future that are of eternal import. I feel similar to James' comment when he stated, "...Maybe how short a time I have to gouge this earth deep enough people will know I was here. So many little things could take me before my dreams/ambitions are fully realized." I don't have time to be diverted.
I heard recently that people of this younger generation seem to have an inate understanding that they have a lot to accomplish in a limited amount of time. That supposedly is why "kids" today are so strong-willed. And why it's so imperative that they "will" to do those things that are significant eternally.
Well, I guess a week in bed tends to make one reflective and make one's post didactic.
So, this week I read Of Human Bondage (no underlining capabilities?) and am dismayed that I've not read it before though at times I've wanted to slap Philip for his repeated idiocy in falling for Mildred's manipulations. This prompts a question to all you English majors. Outside of the scriptures and any church books, what book would you say is a must read?
7 comments:
Mrs. Norris,
My wife and I both read a book every year. Mine is The Great Gatsby, hers is To Kill A Mockingbird. Those are two of my all time must-reads.
I read books by season now. Something else I learned from my wife who's a more prolific reader of fiction than I. Certain books just seem to pull at me during certain seasons. There are exceptions of course because I may not know anything about a book and find it doesn't fit into my summer state of mind but here's a few favorites for Autumn.
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
Picnic,Lightning by Billy Collins
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck
What The Living Do by Marie Howe
A Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
I've snuck in two poetry books there. I always have to pimp my favorite genre. If you're not familiar with Billy Collins, I think he's the most enjoyable living poet to read. His verse is light, thoughtful, and sometimes hysterical. Marie Howe is also a great poet who I had the chance to work with. Her book is accessible, beautiful, sad but ultimately hopeful.
Spooky,
Thanks for the input. Some I have already read and enjoyed; I thought I would die laughing in Catch 22. You have given me enough to keep me busy for awhile. Any time you think of something else, just throw a line my way.
Mrs. Norris
I'm mostly reading short stories these days. I recommend Chekhov, Hemingway, Carver, and King. And, as I mentioned on the phone the other day, Alice Munro.
I have forgotten. Have you read The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien?
If you haven't read it, Mrs. Norris, you need to. The Things They Carried is a life changing book in my opinion. Or at least it realigned my world view.
I'm glad you like the list. Yes, Catch 22 is ridiculous funny. If I wrote fiction, that's the kind I'd write I think. The tragically comic fascinates me.
And thank you for telling Kip "hi".
This week my list includes several Dr.Suess books and Look out kindergarten, here I come! Let's not forget the t.v.guide telling me when dora and diego are playing. There was also a fabulously predictable curious george story and a peotry reading I attended by Izzy who is learning about words that rhyme. (I don't actually know how to spell!) Does this help?
jenhirr
You're always a big help. Thanks for the comment; that's what I really needed.
Mom
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