Several times this summer I had a prompting to spend some time with Colby before he started a new chapter in his life. He told me a few times he was a bit apprehensive about starting junior high. I told him about my experience and it wasn't all that good. I went from a small two room country school to a large junior high in town. I was shy and did not feel prepared at all. He's leaps and bounds ahead of me when I was his age. He has more confidence and so much support and love. Colbs also has several good friends that he can count on. I gave Colby my best heartfelt advice. He told me he likes junior high and I know he will be just fine. Of course school is school and there will be some hard days. I feel he can shake them off easily.
I gave Colby a lantern to remind him of this quote:
How Can You Walk Undaunted Toward Him?
Imagine that you are an explorer in uncharted territory. To overcome the obstacles ahead, you need a source of light. Your faithfulness to God and your constant interactions with Him are the fuel for your lantern. So when you encounter dark and perilous situations, instead of walking toward them blindly, you will turn on your lamp filled with the oil of faith in Christ to shed glimmers of hope on the uncertain path. Your past experiences will increase your hope that the Lord will sustain you on your journey.
April 2025
August 4, 2025
Dear Colby,
As you take this next big step into junior high, my heart is full. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed. I remember holding you for the first time, praying you would be safe and have a good life. But here you are, growing up into an amazing young man. You are strong, thoughtful, and capable.
Junior high is a new chapter, full of opportunities to learn and grow. There will be days that feel exciting, and others that feel uncertain, But I want you to remember this—you are never alone. You can pray and feel Heavenly Father’s love in the hallways, classrooms, and in every challenge. Remember to pray every day!
This is one of my favorite Bible verses:
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." --Proverbs 3:5-6
These verses are a reminder that when life feels new or a little overwhelming, you can trust Heavenly Father (and the Savior) completely. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You can trust Him to help you make good choices and lead you in the right direction. You can also listen for the whisperings of the Holy Spirt.
Keep your eyes on what is good and true. Continue to be kind, even when it’s not easy. Stand up for what is right, even if you may have to stand alone. Let your light shine because the world needs the kind of light that’s in you.
You can always say a silent prayer when you feel nervous. Give thanks when things go well. And hey, don’t forget to have fun.
You can always walk over to our house after school. Grandpa and I would love that.
I will praying for you and cheering you on every step of the way. I’m just a call or a hug away. I’m so proud of you. I could not be more grateful to be your Grandma!
You’ve got this!
I love you with all my heart,
Grandma
We had the best day together, better than I had hoped. We had lunch and did a little school shopping. We stopped at Harmon's and sat upstairs and talked. We both had tears and I will never forget that day. I know most of all, Colby could feel how much I love him.
August 4, 2025
Dear Colby,
As you take this next big step into junior high, my heart is full. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed. I remember holding you for the first time, praying you would be safe and have a good life. But here you are, growing up into an amazing young man. You are strong, thoughtful, and capable.
Junior high is a new chapter, full of opportunities to learn and grow. There will be days that feel exciting, and others that feel uncertain, But I want you to remember this—you are never alone. You can pray and feel Heavenly Father’s love in the hallways, classrooms, and in every challenge. Remember to pray every day!
This is one of my favorite Bible verses:
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." --Proverbs 3:5-6
These verses are a reminder that when life feels new or a little overwhelming, you can trust Heavenly Father (and the Savior) completely. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You can trust Him to help you make good choices and lead you in the right direction. You can also listen for the whisperings of the Holy Spirt.
Keep your eyes on what is good and true. Continue to be kind, even when it’s not easy. Stand up for what is right, even if you may have to stand alone. Let your light shine because the world needs the kind of light that’s in you.
You can always say a silent prayer when you feel nervous. Give thanks when things go well. And hey, don’t forget to have fun.
You can always walk over to our house after school. Grandpa and I would love that.
I will praying for you and cheering you on every step of the way. I’m just a call or a hug away. I’m so proud of you. I could not be more grateful to be your Grandma!
You’ve got this!
I love you with all my heart,
Grandma
From a precious bundle to junior high in the blink of an eye...
