I went and saw the new Star Wars yesterday, and I think it's really good. There are a lot of good messages and good things to get out of it. Like the power of family, and what can be accomplished when we work together. I would recommend it if you have time over the break. It is a great movie and I'm sure you would love it.
I have been really busy this past week and so I'm a little behind on the Christmas Advent days, so I will be posting two today!
Always have hope,
I have been really busy this past week and so I'm a little behind on the Christmas Advent days, so I will be posting two today!
Christmas Advent Day 22
Luke 2:15 - "The shepherds said one to another, let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass."
Christmas Advent Day 23
Matthew 2:1 - "There came wise men from the east to Jerusalem."
Colby
Luke 2:16 - "And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."
Always have hope,
Colby
Luke 2:19 - "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."
Always have hope,
Colby
Luke 2:7 - "She brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes."
Always have hope,
Colby
I watched a Hallmark movie last week that really got my mind running. The main character writes a book about what inspired her and how it changed her perspective on things. I began to think about inspiration and what it can do in our lives.
The definition of inspiration is "the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative." In other words, inspiration gives us an idea to do something from what we would normally think of doing. Inspiration can change people's lives.
We can be inspired by many different things. I personally am inspired by things like pictures, words, music, people, books, movies, etc. Anything that moves us in a certain way can be inspirational.
I'm grateful for all of the inspiration I have received in my life. It has made me a better person and helped me to realize what I want to do in my life. I also want to be a source of inspiration to others by the things that I do and say.
Matthew 2: 9-10 - "And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them."
Always have hope,
The definition of inspiration is "the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative." In other words, inspiration gives us an idea to do something from what we would normally think of doing. Inspiration can change people's lives.
We can be inspired by many different things. I personally am inspired by things like pictures, words, music, people, books, movies, etc. Anything that moves us in a certain way can be inspirational.
I'm grateful for all of the inspiration I have received in my life. It has made me a better person and helped me to realize what I want to do in my life. I also want to be a source of inspiration to others by the things that I do and say.
Christmas Advent GIF day 18
Matthew 2: 9-10 - "And, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them."
Always have hope,
Colby
Luke 2:13-14: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Always have hope,
Colby
In an attempt to try and pull the Christmas spirit out of all of us, I thought of a great idea. For the last 12 days before Christmas, here is a list of 12 things you can do with your family and friends to get ready for Christmas. I think doing these things will make it really fun and help you get ready for the holiday. Enjoy!
We don't have snow here, but if you do it might make it easier to do some of these things!
1. Caroling
2. Sleigh Ride
3. Sledding
4. Build a Snowman
5. Make Snow Angels
6. Visit Santa
7. Have Hot Chocolate
8. Ice Skating
9. Make Holiday Cookies
10. Deliver Cookies to Someone
11. Gingerbread Houses
12. Do some service for others
Always have hope,
We don't have snow here, but if you do it might make it easier to do some of these things!
1. Caroling
2. Sleigh Ride
3. Sledding
4. Build a Snowman
5. Make Snow Angels
6. Visit Santa
7. Have Hot Chocolate
8. Ice Skating
9. Make Holiday Cookies
10. Deliver Cookies to Someone
11. Gingerbread Houses
12. Do some service for others
Christmas Advent GIF day 14
Luke 2:8- "And there were in the same country abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night."
Always have hope,
Colby
Last week my mom, brothers, and I went over to our friends' house to do some service. We made sack lunches for homeless people and it was really fun!
When we had decorated all of the bags and put the food in, it had only been about 20 or 30 minutes. It was really fun and rewarding!
I think that sometimes we look at service as something that can take a long time and be boring, but a lot of service opportunities are quick, easy, and fun! I encourage you to try and do service during this holiday season!
Luke 2:10 - "And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
Always have hope,
I think that sometimes we look at service as something that can take a long time and be boring, but a lot of service opportunities are quick, easy, and fun! I encourage you to try and do service during this holiday season!
Christmas Advent GIF day 16
Luke 2:10 - "And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
Always have hope,
Colby
Luke 2:9 - "And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid."
Always have hope,
Colby
Matthew 2:2 - "We have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
Always have hope,
Colby
Luke 2:6 - "And so it was, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered."
Always have hope,
Colby
I recently finished a book that I absolutely loved! I've been wanting to read it for a long time, and I finally found it! The book I read was Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson. It was really inspiring and I learned a lot.
For those of you who don't know, Stephanie Nielson and her husband were in a plane crash in 2008 and she was burned over 80% of her body. She made a miraculous recovery and has inspired many and has a wonderful life.
As she talked about the challenges and experiences she had as she was in the hospital for many months and recovering, I realized how grateful and truly blessed I am. Even though I have challenges and hard things in my life, they now don't seem that hard compared to what she went through.
One of the most amazing things to me that I read about was how she was able to move on and live life to the fullest. If something like this happened, most of us would probably just sit there doing nothing, not wanting to become active in our lives again. But because she decided to enjoy life, she has influenced many people.
I loved Stephanie's book and it made me want to be a better person. She is a wonderful example to me of motherhood and womanhood. I hope that you have the chance to read this book one day because it is one of my new favorites.
Stephanie also has a blog that I read very frequently. She blogs about many things like her family and her relationship with her husband. It is a very wonderful blog and you will come away feeling happier. It is called NieNie Dialogues.
Always have hope,
For those of you who don't know, Stephanie Nielson and her husband were in a plane crash in 2008 and she was burned over 80% of her body. She made a miraculous recovery and has inspired many and has a wonderful life.
As she talked about the challenges and experiences she had as she was in the hospital for many months and recovering, I realized how grateful and truly blessed I am. Even though I have challenges and hard things in my life, they now don't seem that hard compared to what she went through.
One of the most amazing things to me that I read about was how she was able to move on and live life to the fullest. If something like this happened, most of us would probably just sit there doing nothing, not wanting to become active in our lives again. But because she decided to enjoy life, she has influenced many people.
I loved Stephanie's book and it made me want to be a better person. She is a wonderful example to me of motherhood and womanhood. I hope that you have the chance to read this book one day because it is one of my new favorites.
Stephanie also has a blog that I read very frequently. She blogs about many things like her family and her relationship with her husband. It is a very wonderful blog and you will come away feeling happier. It is called NieNie Dialogues.
Christmas Advent GIF day 11
Luke 2:7 - "There was no room for them in the inn."
Always have hope,
Colby
Luke 2: 4-5 - "And Joseph also went up from Galilee...unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem...to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child."
Always have hope,
Colby
Yesterday was my mom's birthday. I will be eternally grateful for my mom and all the things she has taught me and helped with with in my life. I would like to dedicate this post to her and share some fun memories and things that I appreciate about her.
One thing that I really look up to my mom for is her leadership skills. Pretty much throughout her whole life, and throughout her whole career, she has been an amazing leader. With running Now I Can she always knows how to do things the right way and can teach them to others. I hope I can be a great leader like her someday.
My mom and I often have little outings together. We go and do a lot of different things. We go and get pedicures or just go walk around the mall. It is lots of fun and it's a great way for us to spend time with each other. I was commenting the other day that I was sad I don't have a sister, and my mom immediately responded "You have me"! When she said that I realized that it was so true. My mom can be exactly like a sister to me because she is always there for me.
My mom has always been a great mother and have taught my brothers and I so many valuable things. I was thinking about one of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon, Alma 56:48. The stripling warriors are fighting for the lives of their families. And when speaking of their mothers, they said "We do not doubt our mothers knew it."
I know that everything my mom teaches me she knows will be valuable to me later in my life. Sometimes as teenagers, it's hard to keep in mind that we don't know everything and that our parents' have had a lot more experience and they know what they are doing. I'm grateful for everything my mom has taught me, and what she will continue to teach me.
One of my fondest memories with my mom was when we went to the American Girl store in L.A. Ever since I was little, I have loved American Girl Dolls and playing with them and dressing them. They are like my little children! When we were in California quite a few years ago, my mom made a reservation at the American Girl Store to have lunch and walk around. I brought one of my American Girl Dolls and she got to each with us too! It was a really fun experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.
I love my mom so much and am so grateful for everything she has done for me. She has made an influence in my life and made me a better person. I don't know what I would do without her! I hope she knows how much I appreciate her. I love you Mom!
Luke 2:3 - "And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city."
Always have hope,
Christmas Advent GIF 9
Luke 2:3 - "And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city."
Always have hope,
Colby
Luke 2:1 - "There went out a decree from Ceasar Augustus that all the world should be taxed."
Always have hope,
Colby
This weekend was filled with fun Christmas parties and other family activities. On Thursday we had the Now I Can Christmas party. The ward party was on Friday, along with a fun basketball game.
The Now I Can party is one of my favorites every year. It is so fun to see the joy on the kids' faces as they play the games and receive gifts. This year my friend and I got to help with the karaoke station. Some of those kids can get very into those songs! It was a very good evening of service and made the party more enjoyable. Plus, there was good food!
On Friday, we had our ward Christmas party. We did it a little bit different this year than in years past. There was activities for the kids starting at 5, so they could sit still later. And then the dinner started at 6. I got to lead the opening hymn, Joy to the World. The Primary kids sang a very upbeat version of Jingle Bells. Since my dad is the new Bishop, he read a story to the ward about Santa Claus. Later, members of the ward went caroling and brought meals to those who couldn't attend.
Right after the ward party, my friend and I went to the Provo High basketball game. When we got there it was 0-0. But we started scoring and the lead would change every few minutes. In the middle of the 4th quarter, we were up by 11, but then we started losing it. With .6 seconds left, they made a 3, sending it into overtime. Those 4 minutes were some of the longest of my life. It went back and forth with both teams on the free throw line constantly. But we ended up winning by 5. It was super intense.
I'm grateful for this time of year and the many activities we can enjoy, Christmas related or not. This is one of my favorite times of the year and I'm looking forward to the rest of the month.
Christmas Advent GIF day 7
Luke 1: 41-42 - "When Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb."
Colby
Matthew 1: 20-21 - "But while he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream."
Tonight is the annual First Presidency Christmas Devotional. You can watch it on BYUtv and hear messages from Prophets and Apostles. I hope you will watch it!
Always have hope,
Colby
Luke 1:32 - "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David."
Always have hope,
Colby
This week has been the first week in December so that means it's almost Christmas! With snow outside and the Christmas music that has been playing for the past month, I am DEFINITELY ready for Christmas.
Every year the LDS church comes out with a Christmas video talking about the birth of Jesus and the importance of the holiday. My dad showed me the new video on Sunday and it is my favorite so far! Here is the link to this inspiring message.
We had our annual Polar Express party with my grandma on Saturday. Each year the grand kids go to my grandma's house and we watch the Polar Express and then make train cakes. It is a really fun memory for all of us and it's great bonding time. And something funny always happens, so that adds excitement! I have a good time every year. Thanks Grandma!
Another great thing about Christmas time is all of the Hallmark movies. I may love Hallmark all the time, but you've seen nothing until all of the Christmas movies come! I watch so many my mom made a rule this year that I can only watch each movie once until December 31st! But good thing there are so many of them!
I read on a blog about another fun activity/calendar that the church has put out. It is a GIF with all of the days in December. It has animation as well as scriptures to read and activities to do every day of the month. I think this would be a really fun activity for families to read and learn about the Christmas story and get in the spirit.
Anyway, I'm really excited for Christmas and the wonderful season that it is. My family and I have lots of plans over the next month to get the most out of the holidays. I hope this year you can find the true meaning of Christmas and find joy in
Always have hope,
Every year the LDS church comes out with a Christmas video talking about the birth of Jesus and the importance of the holiday. My dad showed me the new video on Sunday and it is my favorite so far! Here is the link to this inspiring message.
We had our annual Polar Express party with my grandma on Saturday. Each year the grand kids go to my grandma's house and we watch the Polar Express and then make train cakes. It is a really fun memory for all of us and it's great bonding time. And something funny always happens, so that adds excitement! I have a good time every year. Thanks Grandma!
Another great thing about Christmas time is all of the Hallmark movies. I may love Hallmark all the time, but you've seen nothing until all of the Christmas movies come! I watch so many my mom made a rule this year that I can only watch each movie once until December 31st! But good thing there are so many of them!
I read on a blog about another fun activity/calendar that the church has put out. It is a GIF with all of the days in December. It has animation as well as scriptures to read and activities to do every day of the month. I think this would be a really fun activity for families to read and learn about the Christmas story and get in the spirit.
Here are the GIF's for the past week. I will continue to post them everyday, along with a message.
Always have hope,
Colby
