Ways to “Come Unto Christ”

The invitation “come unto Christ” is an invitation to become like Him. Here are some examples of ways I can become like Him:

• Accept or seek out every good thing that comes from Heavenly Father
• Don’t accept or seek out things that are “evil gifts”
• Don’t touch things that are not clean (spiritually speaking)
• Wake up
• Be alert
• Keep temple covenants
• Do what I can to strengthen the stake and ward I am in
• Enlarge the borders of my capacities, friendships, love
• Repent and turn to Christ to make up for where I cannot make up, and eventually become perfect with His help
• Deny myself of ungodliness; spoil myself with godliness
• Love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with every corner of my mind
• Love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by using my physical and spiritual strength to do good things
• Love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with the power that comes from being able to be the only one to make choices for my life

When I come to Christ completely, I then qualify for the grace He offers those who do. His grace is enough that I can be perfect—not alone, but “in Him.” By leaving evil and loving God, I meet His standard for receiving His reward: helping me where I have fallen short and thereby making me perfect.

My Favorite Chapters in the Book of Mormon (Part 1)

Here is a list of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon as of right now, and also why I like them:

• 1 Nephi 8 (because its metaphors give clear direction for the journey of my life)
• 2 Nephi 2 (because of its explanation of God's plan for my return to Him, and the doctrine of agency)
• 2 Nephi 9 (because of its explanation of what Christ did on my behalf)
• 2 Nephi 29 (because it reminds me to embrace all good and to not try to limit God)
• 2 Nephi 31 (because of its clear direction with actual words spoken by both Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father)
• Jacob 2 (because it teaches me priorities and how to interact with other people)
• Jacob 4 (because it gives a clear definition of truth)
• Mosiah 3 (because of its explanation of the type of person I should become)
• Mosiah 4 (because of its record of people repenting and the result)
• Mosiah 18 (because it give an example of unity between members of the Church)
• Mosiah 24 (because it gives an example of a good way to respond to difficult circumstances)

People I Admire

Here’s a list of some of the people I admire:

• Steve Jobs (his vision and pursuit of the most correct and best answers)
• Bill Watterson (maintaining the integrity of his work, not chasing money, not pursuing the spotlight)
• Gordon B. Hinckley (his positivity)
• Thomas S. Monson (his selfless service)
• Russell M. Nelson (his attention to detail and great life work)
• My dad (his integrity and willingness to give his time)
• My mom (her pursuit to show love to her children in her unobtrusive way)
• My boss, D.G. (his thoughtfulness and ability to remain calm)

Coming Soon to Theaters

 

Do They Know I Love Them?

A few weeks ago I was feeling down. After trips home to visit my family, I have often felt discouraged and unloved. Even though I knew logically that this was because of my thoughts and not what was actually true, it was still how I felt. I felt like I made an effort to show interest in the lives of my family members, but that this was not reciprocated—at least not to the degree that I preferred.

We have a group text with the members of my family on it. I decided to stop being involved in the text group as much shortly after the latest visit home. After a few days, my parents noticed and checked with me to see how I was doing. I told them that the text group was similar to visiting home—I just got lost amid a sea of other people. 

My parents’ response was to make a sudden trip to drive out of state to visit me. I didn’t want them to feel obligated to come, but they came anyway. I felt a little awkward when they first arrived because we didn’t really have plans, and I didn’t feel we could just hang out at my apartment all day since I have roommates. But we ended up going out and about and having a great time together, enjoying the fall weather and visiting nostalgic locations. 

In thinking about that experience today, I thought to myself about how much that action made it clear to me that my parents love me. And I thought further, what if I made sure that people I love have absolutely no doubt that I love them? 

I think it is easy for me to assume that people I love know that I love them. I certainly try to show interest when I am around them, and I try to help them in ways that at can at other times. For example, sometimes I try to help financially where I see an opportunity. Just as I knew logically that my family loved me, the actions my parents took left no doubt that they loved me.

If I wanted to be sure that those I love knew with absolute certainty that I love them, what would I do? 

The Books I Currently Own

Here is a list of all the books I currently own as of Saturday, November 13, 2021 (not including manuals or digital ebooks—only physical books). I have divided the books into three lists: those that I have read, those I have partially read, and those I have not read.

Books I own that I have read:

• The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price (Triple Combination); by multiple authors
• The Book of Mormon; by multiple authors, translated by Joseph Smith, Jr. 
• The Doctrine and Covenants; by multiple authors
• The Pearl of Great Price; by multiple authors
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; by Joanne (J. K.) Rowling
• The Magician’s Nephew; by Clive Staples Lewis
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; by Clive Staples Lewis
• Prince Caspian; by Clive Staples Lewis
• The Horse and His Boy; by Clive Staples Lewis
• The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; by Clive Staples Lewis
• The Last Battle; by Clive Staples Lewis
• The Lord of the Rings, Part Three: The Return of the King; by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
• Saints, Volume 1: The Standard of Truth; by multiple authors
• Howard W. Hunter; by Eleanor Knowles
• Becoming Steve Jobs: The Evolution of a Reckless Upstart into a Visionary Leader; by Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli
• Steve Jobs; by Walter Isaacson (I listened to an audiobook of this one)
• Exploring Calvin and Hobbes: An Exhibition Catalog; by Bill Watterson and Jenny E. Robb
• There's Treasure Everywhere; by Bill Watterson
• Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat; by Bill Watterson
• The Hiding Place; by Corrie Ten Boom (I listened to an audiobook of this one)
• Man’s Search for Meaning; by Viktor E. Frankl
• The Complete Calvin and Hobbes: Book One; by Bill Watterson
• The Complete Calvin and Hobbes: Book Two; by Bill Watterson
• The Complete Calvin and Hobbes: Book Three; by Bill Watterson
• The Complete Calvin and Hobbes: Book Four; by Bill Watterson

Books I own that I have partially read:

• The Holy Bible (King James Version); by multiple authors
• Jesus the Christ; by James E. Talmage
• Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith; compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith
• The Miracle of Forgiveness; by Spencer W. Kimball
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows; by Joanne (J. K.) Rowling
• To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson; by Heidi S. Swinton
• Saints, Volume 2: No Unhallowed Hand; by multiple authors
• The Art of the Jungle Book; by Ellen Wolff
• How to Become a Former Asthmatic; by Paul Sorvino
• The Story of My Life; by Helen Keller
• The Total Money Makeover; by Dave Ramsey

Books I own that I have not read:

• Much Ado About Nothing; by William Shakespeare
• King Lear; by William Shakespeare
• Twelfth Night; by William Shakespeare
• Macbeth; by William Shakespeare
• Richard III; by William Shakespeare
• Walden and Civil Disobedience; by Henry David Thoreau
• Ezra Taft Benson: A Biography; by Sheri L. Dew
• Narrative of the Live of Frederic Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself; by Frederic Douglas
• Just Mercy; by Bryan Stevenson

5 Things I Have Been Enjoying Recently

Reading. I recently bought a Kindle, and—believe it or not—it has changed the reading experience for me. I love that it remembers where I am in a book so that all I have to do is turn it on. I love the anti-glare screen that looks like paper and so much prefer it over a computer, iPad, or iPhone screen.

Walking. I have been trying to heal from a surgery the past few weeks. I have not been able to do strenuous exercise, but I was encouraged by my doctor to walk regularly. I enjoy walking in the morning when it is cool. It was quite painful right after my surgery, but it has been getting better. I like to hike on the Bonneville Shoreline trail, or just around the neighborhood near my home.

Listening to music. There are so many good songs. I like to listen as I work and walk. Music has the power to calm me, give me energy, distract me, and help me focus. It has helped distract me from pain, helped me focus on work, helped me to have energy when I’m tired, and calmed me when I am stressed or get caught up in anxious thoughts.

Looking at Apple products and designs. I love seeing Apple’s history through its ever-changing products and designs. I recently started following an Instagram account that uploads random images of various Apple-related products and designs from throughout the years, and I find it so satisfying to look through the work that has been produced by the people in that company. Many talented hands have touched everything from products to advertising to brochure design to software interfaces.

Writing. This is a new one. I think it is satisfying to write in order to clarify my thoughts. It helps me to understand what I am thinking. This exercise in particular has helped me to recognize some of the good things that are going on.