Summer Reading!

I'm sad to have class come to an end. Today was lonely--I missed seeing your bright faces and feeling your bright spirits and desires to learn.

Here is the summer reading list I promised. If you want to jump right in, please do! If you need a break, take one! Hopefully you will find the time and drive to learn things over the summer that can contribute to learning again together in the fall.

#1) Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith--

http://scriptures.byu.edu/tpjs/STPJS.pdf

READ IT LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD ANY OF THIS BEFORE! Pay attention to the exact words and phrases and see what he is really trying to say. I've found that reading this and then referencing the Doctrine and Covenants has greatly increased my understanding of Joseph and his tremendous role here on earth and in the heavens.

#2) Approaching Zion-- Hugh Nibley

https://publications.mi.byu.edu/book/approaching-zion/

This book may challenge you a bit, but stay with it. Read a page or two and ponder it. It may require you to examine what you are complacent about and motivate you to change that.

#3) POETRY!

Shakespeare, Rumi, T.S. Elliot, Wordsworth, pick anyone!

https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Rumi-New-Expanded/dp/0062509594 for RUMI

Here's a wee bit of Rumi to get you started:

“You knock at the door if reality

Shake your thought-wings, loosen your shoulders,

And open”

“Half-hearted ness doesn’t reach into majesty. You set out

To find God, but then you keep

Stopping for long periods

At mean-spirited roadhouses"

"If you want to wear a robe of spiritual sovereignty

Let your eyes weep with the wanting"

"You that come to birth and bring the mysteries

Your voice-thunder makes us very happy.

Roar, lion of the heart

And tear me open!"

"Take the cotton out of your ears, the cotton of consolations, so you can hear the sphere-music"

#4) Lectures on Faith-- Joseph Smith

This is the actual printed copy in the 1835 edition! AMAZING that we can see this and read it online!!