Football season may be over, but...

So comes the close of another successful football season. As we wait for another 9 months before it starts up again, I thought I would share a clip I found on youtube that is beyond AWESOME. PS, if you have seen it, I feel so bad for the poor lineman. Just watch carefully, and if it puts a smile on your face like it did mine, my job is done. Have a great week readers!



If you need the link, just copy and paste...you know the drill. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lHtSaAHiAM

First Presidency Devotional

On Sunday, I had the great opportunity to watch the devotional given by the first presidency. It made me reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, why we celebrate it, (even if it isn't the official birthday of the Savior).
I thought a lot about the story President Monson shared, about the airport, the storm, and the young soldier whose only wish was to spend what may have been his last Christmas with his family. I feel a lot of times we can get so wrapped up in the commercialism and worldliness of the Christmas season, that we forget what truly matters most.
On my mission, Christmas was a great opportunity to serve others, and was the only thing that made me not think about missed memories with my family. Truly, I feel that service should be done ALL year, because truly giving and serving others help us to forget ourselves, and helps us to better and bless lives of others who truly need it.
I hope that I can take the spirit of the devotional, and not just the Spirit of Christmas, but the Spirit of the Savior with me all year long in my endeavors! :D

Tis the season...for Muppets!

This past week, I had the privilege of watching Muppet Christmas Carol with my family. I LOVE this movie, and would put it on my top 5 list of favorite Christmas movies, (along with Elf, the Grinch, Mickey's Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life).
To me the Muppets have been a source of wholesomeness. I remember watching them with my family growing up and the nostalgia always brings fond memories. My favorite part of this movie was the message that we can change, (granted it's the THEME of ANY Christmas Carol movie, book, or play), and we can give of ourselves to improve the lives of others. My goal in life is to make a difference, and to help those who may be struggling in their life. I know that if each of us did a little, a lot could be accomplished.

Warnings from an apostle

A little before Thanksgiving break, my mom sent me this link. It talks about how Christianity, which England was established on is now forgetting God, and how it has happened within a short amount of time.



http://downloads.cbn.com/cbnnewsplayer/cbnplayer.swf?aid=9425



To me, this was a warning for us here in America. I love how the founding fathers based this great nation on the belief of God. The church had not been established yet, but their loyalty and devotion to our Heavenly Father was what helped cement the principles we hold so dear.
It also made me think about the talk recently given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks at BYU Idaho, (a great talk. I'll try to post a link to it soon). We truly can't forget God, and can't forget whose hands create all things. As a boy, I remember pledging allegiance to "one nation under God" every day in elementary school. Now without being able to pledge our devotion in order to be more "accomodating" to all walks of life, what will happen next. Proposition 8 during the elections last year was a victory for the nuclear family, and for those of us who believe in traditional families and the values we instill. May we never forget our Father in Heaven in this great nation.

http://downloads.cbn.com/cbnnewsplayer/cbnplayer.swf?aid=9425

Autobots...roll out! How the mighty have "Fallen"

For the past two years, geek boys everywhere have waited with much anticipation for the sequel to the 2007 hit Transformers, (yes I am one of them). One of the opening sequences at Shanghai with the Autobots both new and old was greeted with cheers of delight, which for many of us turned to groans as the movie progressed.

(SPOILER ALERT)

Truthfully, I still think Optimus Prime is one of the COOLEST cartoon characters ever! How many guys out there wishes he had a giant 20 foot tall robot who kicks butt and turns into a truck. As a child, for me that was always something "more than meets the eye," as I had a sensory overload of sheer awesomeness. Sadly, when I see one of my favorite characters involved in an AWESOME battle die on screen, (OK so he is resurrected later), and the majority of the "speaking" robots portrayed the majority of the remainder of the film are the twins Mudflap and Skids, (Jar Jar Binks twins for a new generation) and the dirty minded little remote control truck Wheelie, it says something.

What happened to the coolness that represents Ironhide, Ratchet, Sideswipe, Arcee, and even Bumblebee seemed to take a step down this film. I miss my autobots, and was tired of how director Michael Bay tried to cater to every audience, but mostly made the movie geared towards 15 year old boys in the hood, (although having Mrs. Witwicky become high off pot brownies is not the best role model for ANY kid no matter where you are from).

Another complaint is the portrayal of women in the film. I felt they were completely objectified, and viewed sexually. Yes, sex sells, but it is not what I believe. I truly believe that women are SO MUCH BETTER and NEED SO MUCH MORE DIGNITY than what was shown. For me, this was an absolute slap in the face of what I have been taught my whole entire life. I hope to always uphold a higher standard and respect woman and motherhood my whole life, and I know that the girl I will someday marry will be treated like a princess, the opposite of how the film depicts them.

Wow! Sorry, I feel like such a pessimist. A third installment should be around in 2011, and hopefully with it, the autobots will be upgraded with dignity. Until then this is me rolling out...

Up Up and Away!!!

OK. Can I admit a guilty pleasure to you readers? I am a sucker for Disney movies. There, I said it. Growing up, my siblings and I loved these films, and even to this day, they make me feel good, and uplifted.

This past weekend, I was able to watch the movie "Up" with my family. Although this was not my first time watching it, I loved it like it was. For me, it had every aspect of a great movie. Great character development, action, a touching and heart felt plot, and a constant barrage of humor!

I think my favorite character has to be Dug. He reminds me a lot of myself, not always the sharpest tool in the shed, but always loyal and willing to help a friend when needed. I think what I like most about Disney and Pixar films is the likeability factor of each character. Although not real, they personify traits that we all see in ourselves, thus helping us to sympathize with their triumphs and trials.

Up is definitely a Disney Classic, and one I will be watching and laughing at for years to come!

So while I was in church on Sunday...

As I was sitting in Elder's Quorum this past Sunday, we showed this little video. Granted it doesn't have any true significant insight, but it was FUNNY!!! Yes, it's another awesome Youtube movie. Copy and paste the link, and hope you enjoy it. In cases like this I am actually glad I don't understand German, but the facial expressions are priceless! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGPjI0lB3FE