"There is no chance, no destiny, no fate that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a DETERMINED soul."

Pondering

During testimony meeting yesterday I heard life compared to two different things.

The first one was a highway.  So of course I kind of thought - oh how cliche!  (Even though I love the idea of life being like a highway and its many implications.)  However this young women went on saying life is like a dark highway that twists and turns and all you can see is what is illuminated in your headlights.


So while we only have this pinprick of a point of view of the world and life, Heavenly Father sees it all and he can direct us and guide us to the right paths.  I had never thought of it that way.

The other things was a zip line.


The girl who said this comparison talked about how when you get on a zip line you see this harness and this one line and you can not believe it is going to hold you up.  You stand at the top looking practically straight down and all you can think is the rope is going to break and I am going to die.  Then after being strapped in you take that leap of FAITH and like Heavenly Father always does when we use our faith the line catches you and takes you on the most amazing journey!

Life is awesome!  Mine is of course not perfect, but its not supposed to be.  However I KNOW that I can be perfected through the atonement of Christ, and that He will guide me down my highways and lift me through out my journeys.

22 Years and Counting...

I have the most AMAZING parents in the world!
 

I have a naive habit of thinking everyone has great parents, and sometimes I forget to recognize that I am the lucky one.  I am so lucky to have these two truly unique, good, and wonderful people in my life.



Yesterday my parents celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary.  To me it feels like they have been married forever, but, you know, that's the perception one has when something is older than you.  (Not trying to dis on them being old or anything. ;) )



So after 22 years my parents have been through A LOT together.  Both have lost their parents...



they had 3 rock star children...



they have fought cancer and other health problems - emotional, mental & physical, they have been through major church callings, they have dealt with financial problems, they have dealt with children problems, they have killed several vans and one truck, they have seen practically everything in the western half of this country...















they have always been friends, and laughed for hours, and only really out and out argued ONCE, buried several fish, 2 rabbits, and 1 dog...



taken day long road trips just for the heck of it and always taken the "Long" (haha) way home...



they have been an inspiration to their daughter and been married for time and all eternity.



What do you say and give to people who have spent their entire adult lives to caring for you?  People who have done nothing but thought of you only.  I don't know... 

I guess the answer might be to have beautiful & amazing grandchildren for them to brag about???  What ever the answer is I hope to find it one day and find that way to honestly tell them how much I have appreciated EVERYTHING - from the millions of diapers, to the daily prayers and scripture study, to the fights about homework, to vacations, to the basics of shelter, food & clothing for 21 years, to spending the small pennies you have been given on making my life sweet, to hugs every day, & a knowledge that I will always have 2 supporting people who will ALWAYS love me. 



Happy Anniversary my wonderful parents!  To me you have been married for forever, and I KNOW you will be.