Category: Jesus Christ

Nominative determinism

Nominative determinism means that our names can influence our interests, personality, and life choices. For example, I knew a girl in middle school named Charisma, and her personality matched her name perfectly. My dad’s name means beloved, and he is! My mother’s name is Carol, and yes, music is a huge part of her life.

My name is Angela Christie. I’ve teased my mom about this in the past, “No pressure with that name, Mom.” When I married Richard, my name became Angela C. Ross. After many years, I noticed that my middle initial and last name spell the word cross. ✝️ (Hopefully the religious kind, not the grumpy kind!)

Sometimes my name stings with the disconnect I see between the real and the ideal. Other days, I am grateful for the reminder of potential and promise.

You and I are called to be better each day, no matter our names or their origins. Those who make and keep covenants become children of Christ and take his name. Nominative determinism suggests that each covenant child is set on a path for a glorious future, and I know that Christ will help us live up to his name if we let him.

Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for in my name shall they be called; and they are mine.

Mosiah 26:18

My class

Posing for a picture to send to Mark on his birthday

I learn many things as a teacher of this Sunday School class. I have been a student of the scriptures throughout my life, and I have experience in receiving personal revelation about passages of scripture, but there is a new level of insight that has come with this calling.

Clear ideas flood my mind when I prepare to teach this group of adults.

My takeaway is that these adults are as precious to the Lord as the children and youth of the church. What happens in our Sunday School class matters to Him because He loves them and wants to help them.

He, Only One

Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him–

Saying: Father, behold the death and sufferings of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of the Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;

Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.

Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5

Today I noticed that Jesus Christ refers to himself as the advocate, meaning he’s the only way any of us is returning home. And what a tender, omniscient advocate he is!

What seemingly invisible efforts does he notice you are making to improve?

What unspoken wound does he know you are carrying that would designate your efforts as courageous?

What answers are you seeking that he can help you realize?

What noble, internal battle are you facing that he is helping you overcome?

What personal victory is he celebrating with you?

Let’s try this. Tonight, before you pray, imagine Jesus Christ close by. He is your Advocate with the Father. Ask yourself, “What would my Savior say to the Father about me?”

And then become silent.

Listen for that voice that says good things about you—the voice of the Savior, your finest friend, and your Father in Heaven, who is really there. Remember, Their love and your worth are always great, no matter what!

–Tamara W. Runia, “Your Repentance Doesn’t Burden Jesus Christ; It Brightens His Joy,” April 2025

See also Hymn #129, Where Can I Turn for Peace?

What an honor

I attended this young lady’s temple endowment this week and it was one of the biggest honors of my life to be included.

I remember my grandmother using the same word, “honored,” as she accompanied me for my endowment. I noted this, but didn’t understand why she would say it until I learned the significance of temple covenants for myself.

I think my grandmother understood that she was witnessing the sacred acts that would bring Heavenly Father closer to me and allow the Atonement of Jesus Christ to do its work in me…enabling me to overcome anything.

What an honor it is to witness the stunning grace of God for a loved one.

And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them;

Doctrine and Covenants 109:22

The Father’s good will

Luke 22:41-42

What was God’s will in Christ’s agony?

Doctrine and Covenants 29:5

I have learned that Heavenly Father wants to give us experiences with his kingdom in our lives right now, not just in the afterlife. The following parables in Matthew 13 teach us how.

Life in the kingdom begins with small acts of faith and becomes a beautiful home, providing shelter and protection from the world. Others will be drawn to it, so all kinds of personalities will be in this “tree.” There is room to sit together and figure out life.

Small acts of faith bring great blessings because God is generous. The benefits of the kingdom impact all areas of life, and can bless the people within the believer’s influence.

The kingdom is the source of joy and will require the sacrifice of all worldly things to attain it.

It’s something we must seek, and nothing compares in value. It will be the pinnacle of life’s labors.

Great pains will be given to gather all, but eventually, only those who choose to obey may stay.

So, in whatever way you are experiencing the kingdom of heaven in your life: seeking answers, finding shelter, rejoicing, sacrificing, repenting, feeling pulled away from your old life…this is all part of the plan to gather you home to the Father.

I know His will for us is so, so good, so let’s hold on together.

Amplify

Here are some of my thoughts from a recent study of Doctrine and Covenants 25.

One thing I have misread in scripture with my modern eyes is the instruction to Emma Smith that her “time shall given to writing.” The Lord wasn’t telling her to be a writer or historian while running a 19th century household. Occasionally, she was to write as a scribe for Joseph. She was also to write in preparation to expound scripture and exhort the church.

I have found guidance and wisdom from this section of scripture all my life. One reason I misunderstood what the Lord was telling Emma was because the Spirit was inspiring me to actually be a writer through these words.

This scripture is still instructive to me. Like it was for Emma, my efforts to write help me learn new things. With this knowledge, I can amplify the gospel of Jesus Christ within my circle of influence.

In writing about faith and sharing glimpses of family life on the blog these past 16 years, I don’t think I’ve expressed anything new. However, I have come to see truth more clearly, so I have “learn[ed] much!”