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Show Volume XIX Issue XXII The Ogden Valley news Page 11 December 15, 2011 Discover Your Genius: A Book Review Songs of Christmas Remind Us of to 1553, was a man who, according the author, By Forrest Brown theBy Pastor Greatest Gift to Mankind Michael Gelb, the bestsell- was able to help others “Revolutionize” their the Messiah.” Wesley draws from a wealth Greg Baker, ing author of How to Think like worldviews and not just accept the status quo. Leonardo da Vinci, has written another book that captures your attention once you sit down and start reading it. He draws upon some of history’s most revolutionary minds in order to help the reader unleash their own creativity. Using the biographies of ten different geniuses, plus various kinds of personal selfassessments and practical exercises, this book shows you the secret of unlocking the genius inside of you. By means of the past, Mr. Gelb communicates a passionate exuberance for life lived at its best while helping the reader engage in an appealing approach to self help. Join me as we begin this great journey! The author reviews the lives of ten of history’s most extraordinary geniuses, men and women who not only changed the world, but who also developed characteristics and qualities that are highly sought after in today’s fast-paced lifestyles. The first genius that Mr. Gelb examines is Plato, the classical Greek philosopher, mathematician, and student of Socrates who established the Academy in Athens and laid the foundations of Western philosophy and science. Plato lived from around 428 to 348 B.C. and according to the author, taught his students to develop a great love of wisdom. Plato sought for truth, beauty, and goodness as the threads that weave through our lives. Using the wisdom he learned, mostly from Socrates, his teacher and mentor, Plato pioneered the ability to raise fundamental questions in his quest for knowledge and understanding. The author writes, “If . . . the Greeks provided the chromosomes of Western Civilizations, then Plato sequenced the DNA . . . . Whenever you ask for a definition of something, or wonder about the essence of things, you are expressing the influence of Plato. If you consider yourself an idealist, you are deeply indebted to him. If you are more of a skeptic, then you question idealism in terms that he pioneered.” Plato addressed fundamental questions that if studied will inspire you to strengthen your ability to think for yourself, to learn, and to grow. Filippo Brunelleschi, who lived from 1377 to 1446, is the next genius that this author examined. This man was one of the foremost architects of the Italian Renaissance and is best known for his unique design of the Duomo in Florence, Italy, which still stands today. His invention of linear perspectives was way ahead of its time. Built in the fifteenth century, the construction of the Dome is considered the technological equivalent of putting a man on the moon. Many consider Brunelleschi the original Renaissance man. His insights into the lost classical wisdom of perspective and proportion not only facilitated a visual expression of the empowerment of the individual, but it also exerted an influence on all of the art of the Renaissance era. What the author Michael Gelb desires the reader to take away from this genius is the ability to be creative in our problem solving efforts. Some call this being able to think “outside the box.” Brunelleschi also developed the skill of moving from vision to reality and keeping the big picture in the forefront of his mind. Like Filippo, this ability helps us endure enormous difficulties and setbacks, which is something all of us need. The author points out that Brunelleschi offers us vital lessons in the value of good, old-fashioned persistence, dedication, and hard work. Next, Mr. Geib explores the life of Christopher Columbus who, as we all know, completely changed the way his society viewed the world. The author says Columbus’s main contribution was that he went perpendicular. Instead of playing it safe and traveling up and down the coast of their continent like most seafaring men of his time, Columbus went perpendicular and out into the unknown where no one had previously ventured. He became the first man to navigate an Atlantic crossing from the Old World to the New World by doing what no one before him had dared attempt to do. All previous efforts to cross the vast ocean of uncharted waters had failed because they failed to venture into the unknown as Columbus did. The author points out the characteristics of Columbus that made him successful were his power of persuasion, which allowed him to secure the funds needed to attempt his voyage; extraordinary vision with a defiant attitude of succeeding; his ability to overcome opposition, despite setbacks, misfortunes, and mistakes; his ability to communicate his ideas clearly to others; researching his plans thoroughly, and willingness to experience discomfort in the pursuit of his dreams. Nicolaus Copernicus, who lived from 1473 He was the founder of modern Astronomy and the first person to present a compelling case for the sun-centered view of the cosmos or, in other words, the earth revolves around the sun and not vice versa. At this time in history, this was considered heresy by the Church, which, in most cases, tried to suppress this viewpoint. In essence, Copernicus inspired “a profoundly new way of looking at the world.” What the author is trying to convey from the experiences of Copernicus is that we need to open up our minds to the larger story and not get stuck on a few minor points. Copernicus shows us that we sometimes need to change our paradigms, which, in turn, will lead us to a whole new understanding. Basically, it is important to ask if our mind is open to new ideas, are we willing to question some of our assumptions and beliefs, do we seek truth in all things, and do we welcome and embrace change. The only woman in this list of the top ten geniuses of all time is Queen Elizabeth I. Mr. Gelb notes that there is strong reason for including this great lady. He states that her main attribute was “wielding your power with balance and effectiveness.” Elizabeth lived from 1533 to 1603. She was born a princess, but was declared illegitimate. Also, her mother, Anne Boleyn, was executed on trumped up charges from her father King Henry VIII. Elizabeth was sent to the Tower of London and placed under house arrest. She was denied paper, pen, and ink, but was still able to scratch out the following defiant verse on the window at Woodstock: Much suspected by me, Nothing proven can be. Quod (said) Elizabeth the prisoner. The author uses several phrases to describe this tremendous woman, such as body of a woman heart of a king, tolerance and ruthlessness, and majesty and mildness. Her true colors burst forth many times, but especially in 1588 when the Spanish Armada neared the coasts of England. Elizabeth used this motif to brilliant effect when she donned an armored breastplate and helmet— unheard of for a woman—to address her troops assembled to fight the invaders at Tilbury. She said “I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman . . . but I have the heart and stomach of a king—and of a King of England.” The subsequent defeat of the Spanish ranked among England’s most decisive military triumphs. What we learn from this magnificent woman, Gelb says, is being comfortable wielding power, being tolerant of other people’s points of view, being calm in a crisis, not being easily intimidated, and developing a strong sense of purpose. William Shakespeare is one of the best known names in history. The author tells us the main point we can learn from this famous playwright is learning how to cultivate your emotional intelligence. Shakespeare helped to shape and create more than 20,000 different words and greatly influenced poetry, essays, novels, opera, film, and ballet. One catalogue of Shakespeare-inspired music lists more than 21,000 compositions based upon his works. Studying Shakespeare as recommended by Michael Gelb “helps us play the many parts we are called upon to play in the multitasking, multimodal lives many of us lead.” The author list several reasons why we should pursue this master: l We become more sensitive to the emotions and feelings of others. l We take joy and delight in the richness of language. l We learn to enjoy reading and listening to poetry. l You see yourself not finished, but as a work in progress. l You become aware of the many different roles in life you must play. l Helps us understand our own emotions and how they affect our behavior. Michael Gelb examines five additional geniuses who also changed the world. Thomas Jefferson reminds us to treasure the gift of freedom and to savor the beauty and joy of life, even in the midst of stressful circumstances. Charles Darwin helps us learn how to develop our powers of observation and how to cultivate an open mind. Applying the principles of spiritual genius to harmonize spirit, mind, and body was what Mahatma Gandhi taught—not only by word, but also by his example. Albert Einstein teaches us to unleash our imagination and learn how to play. Take the step, read the book, and let me know what you think (brownfamily09@msn.com). RemembeR SHoppeRS!!! MENTiON VALLEy ELEMENTArY AT Valley Market----Target----Smith’s For our school to receive a donation from them. MAKE Any TROLLBEAD PURCHASE In DECEMBER and receive a $25 bounceback gift card to use in January! The Shop Around the Corner Fantastic gift ideas for everyone on your list in every price category. neighbors, Teachers, MOn. - sat. Co-workers, Children’s Gifts and 11 aM - 6 PM Stocking Stuffers too! Located next to Carlos & Harleys. 5522 East 2200 North Eden, Utah 84310 801-745-3930 Everything from perfume, jewelry, home decor, “Like” us on Facebook to see all the happenings, specials and events! collector tabletop dishes, candles and much more! Liberty Fellowship Bible Church I love the nostalgia of the Christmas season. Families adorn Christmas trees with generations-old ornaments, wives lovingly bake recipes passed down from their great-grandmothers, and brothers reminisce over their childhood’s best (and worst) Christmas gifts. It seems that most families in our community zealously guard their unique Christmas traditions. My family is no different. As a teenager, I attended a church in Georgia that hosted a Christmas Eve candlelight service; my family attended every year. And now, by God’s grace, I pastor a church, Fellowship Bible Church, that hosts a very similar Christmas Eve candlelight service. These services tap into my unbridled Christmas nostalgia—children’s choirs, bells, the nativity story, twinkling lights amidst the poinsettias, and, best of all, the old Christmas hymns; We Three Kings, The First Noel, and O Holy Night take center stage as we sing these familiar words to even more familiar tunes. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing by Charles Wesley (1707-1788) is one of our most theologically rich Christmas hymns. Charles and his older brother John were early leaders of the Methodist movement that swept England and eventually took root here in the United States. Of the brothers, John was the preacher and Charles the musician. In fact, Charles wrote over six thousand hymns, many of which we sing today. I counted sixteen in Fellowship Bible Church’s hymnal and six in the LDS hymnal. As famous as Wesley’s hymns are, I worry that we confuse familiarity for comprehension. We know the words well, but do we grasp the religious importance of phrases like, “Christ is born in Bethlehem,” “Jesus our Emmanuel,” or “Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth”? Many of us, I fear, have sung Hark! The Herald Angels Sing hundreds of times without understanding Wesley’s message. Let’s study the three phrases listed above to capture their meaning. First, the hymn’s initial verse proclaims, Christ is born in Bethlehem. Why Bethlehem? And why Christ? Wesley is alluding to the Old Testament prediction of Micah 5:2, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting.” The New Testament carefully records that Jesus was indeed born in Bethlehem. But why? Along with the other supernatural occurrences surrounding the nativity, Jesus’ birthplace fulfilled the prediction of Micah 5:2 and, therefore, confirmed He was the Ruler from old, from everlasting. This Ruler, as Wesley writes, would be the Christ. The title Christ is not simply another name for Jesus, but a description of Jesus’ role. The Hebrew word for Messiah was translated into Greek as “Christos” and then transliterated into English as “Christ.” When we read the name Jesus Christ, we should think, “Jesus Now Accepting Most Insurances Kenyon Tew, Ph.D. Child, Adult & Family Therapy Dr. Tew has over 25 years of therapeutic experience working with children, adults, and families. His experience includes treating anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, Aspergers, A.D.D. and school related problems. OLD TOWN EDEN (801) 334-2431 of Old Testament scriptures like Isaiah 9:6 to reveal the Messiah’s identity: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given ... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” The Old Testament uniformly anticipates a coming Messiah that is divine, “The mighty God,” as Isaiah 9:6 predicts. Second, Jesus our Emmanuel builds on the phrase Christ was born in Bethlehem. When Wesley penned these words, he recalled Isaiah 7:14 and its New Testament companion, Matthew 1:23. “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.” Matthew translates for his readership the three-part Hebrew name, Emmanuel - Em (with), Nu (us), El (God) - God with us. When we put the phrases together, Christ was born in Bethlehem and Jesus our Emmanuel, we see Wesley’s theology lesson from the Old and New Testaments. Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem signified that God was doing something special: God had sent His long awaited Messiah. Yet, as these titles teach, the Messiah is peculiar because He is divine. Jesus was not merely similar to God, nor the offspring of God. No, this Jesus, according to the Old Testament, was “from everlasting” and the “mighty God.” If these verses are true, Jesus was and is God. He is Emmanuel; He is God with us. When Charles Wesley put these words to song, he hearkened to one of the most famous passages in the New Testament, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God .... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1, 14). Wesley teaches that when the shepherds peered into the manger, they were looking at God in the flesh. Mary held in her arms the co-equal, co-powerful, co-eternal second Person of the Trinity—God the Son. It is no wonder that Wesley entitled his hymn, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing! Even the angels marveled at their Creator’s willingness to take flesh so that He could redeem mankind. And that brings us to the hymn’s final phrase, Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Wesley alludes again to the New Testament, this time, 1 Peter 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Jesus’ birth did not portend glorious acceptance, but a cross. At Easter we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, but here Wesley connects the two events. Jesus was born to die and to rise again the third day. He did it so that we might be born again. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is a glorious reminder of what we have in Jesus; the divine Messiah died so we might live. Spend Your Next Family Reunion on a Cruise |