Honor Code video

This video is one my old ward made for their Stake's FHE Honor Code Video this semester. I pretty much cracked up. Hope someone else finds it as funny as I do.

Christmas Contemplation #12

There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary and the triumphant fact of the resurrection. - President Gordon B. Hinckley

Conversation about Cami

Mom: "Guess what your dog did today."
Me: "I don't know."
Mom: "Guess what she had in her mouth when I came home."
Me: "Umm . . . her Christmas present?"
Mom: "YES!"
Me: "Why'd you leave it where she could get it?"
Mom: "It was in a cardboard box!"
Me: "So?!"
Mom: "Who knew she'd get it?"
Me: "I did! That's why I guessed it."
Mom: "She shredded the box."
Me: "I can't believe you left it where she could get it."
Mom: "She was really proud of herself, prancing around with a reindeer in her mouth."


What you have to understand about this to get the full gist is that this dog is surrounded by boxes. We move so much, she is really used to it, and she never touches anything. But when my mom brought that box in from the mail the yesterday and then left it where she could reach it, she got into it. She has this uncanny, yet irritating, and also adorable way of knowing whenever we have a toy even if it is new and hidden. She is so cute. But now she doesn't get a gift on Christmas. Jacoba does. She's a good dog and left her new tug toy alone.

Christmas Contemplation #11

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie,

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by,

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the Everlasting Light,

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

I've developed a new appreciation for this hymn this year as I've really listened to the words. In the dark, the Light of the World is born and in Him are met all the hopes of fears of all eternity as only through Him can they all be resolved.

Christmas Contemplation #10

Following are the lyrics from one of my most favorite songs on the playlist currently on my blog. You can scroll to the bottow and play "Happy Birthday, Jesus" or click on the link to play it on You Tube.

Happy birthday, Jesus, It's that time of year
All the lights on the tree say Christmas time is near

Another year's behind us, You helped us make it through
So happy birthday Jesus, this song is just for You

We all get so hung up, on material things
At times it seems like we forget what Christmas really means

It should be thanks we're giving, that's why I wrote this tune
Happy birthday, Jesus, this song is just for You

There's a gift for everyone but You underneath the tree
No it's not much, but I hope You like this song to you from me

Happy birthday, Jesus, that's why I wrote this tune
So happy birthday, Jesus, my song is just for You

Christmas Contemplation #9

I wish I knew how to add videos to my blog. Like from You Tube. But I don't, so a link will have to suffice.

I heard the song The Rebel Jesus for the first time today. Jackson Browne clearly states in the song that he is "heathen" and a "pagan." A listen to the lyrics however shows that he is being sarcastic- kind of- he really doesn't believe in Jesus Christ in the Christian, Savior of the World sense- he is apparently a believer in the "social gospel" (so maybe satirical is a better word)- but he does believe that all of us who profess to be Christians are doing kind of bad job of living like the Savior.

Jesus came to the world to help the poor, the downtrodden, and the helpless. For those of us who do believe He is the Savior, we have a responsibility, as followers of Jesus Christ, to help them too- at all times but especially, especially, at this time of year when we celebrate His birth.

This Christmas season, it is my prayer that we all remember Christ and choose to serve those to whom He would pay the most attention were He here. I know I at least have much to learn from the Savior's example.

Christmas Contemplation #8

Do give books-religious or otherwise-for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal. - Lenore Hershey

Good advice! I bought my niece a series of books that I absolutely adore and I hope she falls in love with them too. I also hope we get some time to start reading them together before we head home (we're only going to be in Oregon from the 24th-29th, not very long). I can't wait for Christmas and am super excited to spend it with family.

Christmas Contemplation #7

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. - Charles Dickens

Christmas Contemplation #6

Behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed unto Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. - Matthew 2:13-15, KJV

For some reason that I really can't explain, I really felt the Spirit when reading this today. I am grateful for the tender mercies the Lord gives to me in allowing me to feel Him confirming the truthfulness of the gospel. I am grateful for the sacrifice our Savior made on our behalf and for His Father and ours allowing Him to do so.

Christmas Contemplation #5

True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service. It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which will bring ‘peace on earth,’ because it means—good will toward all men. - President David O. McKay

Christmas Contemplation #4

For the Spirit of Christmas fulfills the greatest hunger of mankind. - Loring A. Schuler

Christmas in Hale Nalimanui

Christmas Contemplation #3

I sometimes think we expect too much of Christmas Day. We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness and humanity of the whole year. As for me, I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all through the year. And thus I drift along into the holidays - let them overtake me unexpectedly - waking up some fine morning and suddenly saying to myself: "Why, this is Christmas Day!" ~David Grayson

Christmas Contemplation #2

Isn't it funny that at Christmas something in you gets so lonely for - I don't know what exactly, but it's something that you don't mind so much not having at other times. ~Kate L. Bosher

Christmas Contemplation

Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home. ~Carol Nelson