Istijlál, 16 Qudrat (Power), 178 B.E.

Seen

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Maybe my grandkids will see it bloom!

Done

After several communications with members of Ron Leonard’s family, it looks like I will take up the challenge to help finish a book—code named _The Tractor Book_—Ron was writing about the final years of his illustrious career at John Deere. Today, his son dropped off some background material to go with a digital copy of Ron’s draft:

Looks like I’ll have plenty to work with. And I’ll have the opportunity to reconnect with people Ron and I both knew in the Deere organization in an effort to close up loose ends. As enjoyable as it will be, I may have bitten off more than I can chew!

Noted

Astral Prospecting on Instagram and Astral Prospecting on Facebook

Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius) bramble

Marc Bosserman on Instagram Marc Bosserman on Facebook, and Marc Bosserman Music and Musings on YouTube

Tab’s Galaxy on YouTube

Quoted

Though the selections contained here have been published elsewhere, they have been compiled and arranged in this volume to portray a clearer vision of the purpose and meaning of our lives — both here and hereafter. This compilation presents a measure of knowledge adapted to the maturity of our age, truths whose revelation is foretold by all the great Messengers of the past. Its theme is as ancient as man, its message as fresh as the dawn.

Not only do the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh deal with life after death, but far more abundantly with life here on this planet. In the light of His knowledge, our lives glow with a hope and a purpose that reach out from the finite to the infinite; and through the power of His words our thoughts turn into the threads that bind us to the ultimate Source and Essence of our being.

As Bahá’u’lláh stirs us by a vision and a hope for a glorious realm beyond, so does He grant us the knowledge for building a splendid and lasting kingdom here on this planet. The realization of “Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven” is His foremost mission. He offers workable solutions to the needs of humankind for at least the next thousand years. He guides us toward a glorious and ever-advancing civilization foretold by all the prophets of the past.

The pillars of the new civilization are the unified peoples and races of the earth who are working together in a spirit of love and fellowship, inspired by their allegiance to one universal faith. To achieve the goal of unity Bahá’u’lláh introduced many teachings … 1

My sister and brother-in-law recently relocated and chose to donate several books in their library rather than move them. Many of these volumes are not well-known, but due to the topics they cover and the manner in which their authors explore them, they warrant a nod of recognition before being sent on their way. Accordingly, most quotes referenced in the “Quoted” section come from these books. Maybe they will stir (or renew) your interest, too.

  1. Motlagh, Hushidar. Unto Him Shall We Return: Selections from the Bahá’í Writings on the Reality and Immortality of the Human Soul. 1st ed, Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1985, x-xi. [return]