Believing Christ

Author Stephen Robinson illustrates the power of the Savior as he uses analogies and parables, such as his own bicycle story, and scriptures and personal experiences in this moving, best-selling book. "Mortals have finite liabilities," he explains, "and Jesus has unlimited assets." By merging the two, exaltation can come. As long as we progress in some degree, the Lord will be pleased and will bless us. We must not only believe in Christ but also believe him — believe that he has the power to exalt us, that he can do what he claims. People will better understand the doctrines of mercy, justification, and salvation by grace after reading this book.

Melissa and I read this book together, and I found it to be very beneficial. Br. Robinson teaches clearly these basic doctrines using scriptures and insightful metaphors. His wording is simple and straightforward. He does a great job.

I.O.U.S.A.: One Nation. Under Stress. In Debt.

The United States has been spending its way deeper and deeper into the red, and saddling future generations with the mess—but who's paying attention?To answer that question, the companion book to the critically acclaimed documentary I.O.U.S.A. talks with some of the most revered voices in the nation, including Warren Buffett; former Treasury Secretaries Paul O’Neill and Robert Rubin; Pete Peterson, CEO of The Blackstone Group; Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas); and bestselling Empire of Debt author Bill Bonner.Armed with these interviews, historical references, and damning statistics, the book takes a lively and entertaining romp through the four deficits the nation faces: the budget deficit, the personal savings deficit, the trade deficit—and what former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker, who resigned abruptly in 2008 over Congress’s lack of action, calls the “leadership deficit” in Washington.Defiantly non-partisan, the empowering solutions outlined in these pages are a must-read for any American who wants to help change “business-as-usual” in Washington as a new administration heads towards the Oval Office. “We the People” can get our politicians to stop spending, promote responsible economic programs, and hand our children and grandchildren the secure future they deserve.

I really enjoyed this book. It has five chapters:

1. The Real State of the Union
2. The Budget Deficit
3. The Savings Deficit
4. The Trade Deficit
5. The Leadership Deficit

Then the second half is composed of interviews. This book really helped me to better understand the national deficit and how important it is for us to address the issue.

My personal beliefs are that we need to cut back on social safety nets like Social Security and Medicare. The people of America are the most generous people in the world. I believe that we don't need the government to take care of us. I believe that people will look out for their neighbors and their families and their friends. We the people don't need big government programs to do that for us.

No matter how you feel, something needs to be done about the deficit. We cannot keep spending more money than we have. Sooner or later it will come back to haunt us. The authors recommended "Empire of Debt" by William Bonner and Addison Wiggin. I plan on reading that soon.

Pearl of Great Price

The Pearl of Great Price is a selection of choice materials touching many significant aspects of the faith and doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These items were produced by the Prophet Joseph Smith and were published in the Church periodicals of his day.

This is not a long read, but it was very inspiring. I know that it is true. Next, I am going to read the Old Testament.

Doctrine and Covenants

The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days. Although most of the sections are directed to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the messages, warnings, and exhortations are for the benefit of all mankind, and contain an invitation to all people everywhere to hear the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking to them for their temporal well-being and their everlasting salvation.

I know that the Doctrine and Covenants is true. I know that it is true, because I can feel the Holy Spirit while I read it. I also know that it is true, because I prayed and asked God if it is true. He answered my prayer, and I felt God's love confirming to my soul that this is His Word just as the Holy Bible is also His holy word.

2009: Posting Again

It has been a long time since I've posted what I am reading. I'm going to start posting more regularly the books that I've read.

Inventing Modern

by John H. Lienhard

I decided to read this book after listing to Professor Lienhard give a very interesting lecture called The Engines of Our Ingenuity at an ASME meeting.

The book is a history slash personal memoir that focuses on technology. At times it was a bit slow, but I enjoyed watching the progress of technology as he described it.

FairTax

FairTax: The Truth: Answering the Critics by Neal Boortz

This was a very compelling book that I really enjoyed. It was a very quick read. I actually really liked a book about taxes, but that was probably because they advocated doing away with the IRS and income tax.

I don't know if the Fair Tax is the correct solution or not, but I do believe that we need to simplify the tax code. I also believe that we need to reign in government spending.