chain of events

have you ever taken 5 minutes to sit and ponder how you got to where you are today based off of all the events that have lead up to it?

as i was sitting in church today, i thought back to all the events that lead up to my temple marriage.

> may 2011, i graduated from high school and prepared to move up to utah state university

>>august 2011-may 2012 i was blessed with the best roommates i could ask for, who helped me stay on the right track. if it wasn't for their examples i don't think i would be where i am today.

>>> january 2012 i wanted to go to maine to work at a summer camp but my mom insisted that i work at oakcrest instead. i applied the week everything was due, and somehow made the cut to actually be interviewed.

>>> summer of 2012 was the best experience of my life. i learned so much about myself and where i truly stood when it came to the gospel. not to mention i met my great friend caitlyn, who set us up,  my future sister in law, and my best friend. working at oakcrest also helped me solidify my career path.

>>>the entire 2013-2014 school year i decided i was going to do some type of humanitarian trip, party in logan all summer, and hang out with my best friend. good thing i'm not actually truly in control of my life. Heavenly Father knew that i needed to go back to oakcrest, even though it wasn't right at the very beginning. my bishop gave me a blessing telling me that working there again would prepare my for my temple marriage. i learned so much from the wonderful staff and i finally felt like i could handle marriage.

>>>zach and i started dating in august, at first long distance (which was the worst), and eventually at utah state. we had so many things preventing us from dating we had to work hard to keep it together. but i know that these events made us stronger. and i am forever grateful.

i guess my whole point is to always remember that through every single good and bad time, it is preparing you for something better. we are not in control, it's  important to trust in His timing. my challenge for you this week.....think of all the events that have made you into the person you are today. write it down.