my father and our Heavenly Father

Yesterday - 12/6/11 - as my Dad surprised me with awesomeness, I was thinking about similarities between my mortal father and my Heavenly Father. There aren't a lot, obviously, but one thing sticks out to me.

When you follow His commandments and do what you're told by our Heavenly Father, he rewards you and blesses your life.

When I do what my Dad wants me to do, he rewards and unknowingly blesses my life.

My Dad had been wanting me to learn how to drive. I had been scared to bits of it. Whenever I got behind the wheel of a vehicle, the thought that was always coursing through my mind was, this is how I'm gonna die. My Dad went as far as putting me through driver's ed. When I dropped out, he was extremely mad. When push came to shove with my roommate, I was forced to learn how to drive. I wasn't having much luck. I certaintly didn't make things easy for my roommate. I didn't want to. I don't like being told that I have to do something that I don't want to do. He was to the point of giving up. I had tried taking the knowledge test and my mind went blank. I was about to give up. Then in May, while I was in the process of joining the Church, I tried again. I gave praying for help a shot. I went in and aced the knowledge test. I was filled with confidence, I could really do this. It was exciting. Then on June 3rd, it was time for my drive test. I was filled with anxiety. I was sure I was going to fail. But if I failed then my roommate wasn't going to give me rides anymore and I would have been royally screwed. I can't remember how many times I prayed that day. All the way up to the instructor getting in the vehicle with me, I was praying for help. Then I took the test and I just barely passed. With an 82 actually. When the instructor told me that I passed, I was filled with joy and thankfulness. That was a very happy afternoon. I told my Dad and sent him a picture of my temporary license. Then he surprised me saying that he will pay for my car and deposited a large chunk of money in my bank account. I was so shocked and happy. Thankful. I didn't use it as he wanted me to do.. but I did get a car. Its banged up and bruised, but I love my car.

My Dad had been after me about getting dental work done. He gave up after a while and was making a case through my brother instead. I've been mortified of dentists all my life. I've had a lot of bad experiences with dentists. I was scared. Then while I was doing family research, I found that there are dentists in my family. Through recommendation of my Dad's cousin, Daryl's wife Stacie, she suggested to me one of their 3 sons, Kale because his practice is in Everett. I told my Dad and found out that he had been keeping me under his dental insurance. Then in October, 14 years later, I walked into the dental office. I was so nervous, not scared. I had been expecting to do into a panic attack. I prayed for strength. I focused more on excitement of meeting Kale. Out of the family research I've done, he's the first I've found and gotten to meet. When he walked in the room, it was really exciting and I was really happy. Outside of finding out that I need a lot of work done.. but it occurred to me that each time I'm in there is more chance to get to know him. I told my Dad and on one of the visits, he came with me and prepaid all of the work I'm going to need done. I was shocked, surprised, and thankful. After he left, I remember saying to the receptionist, wow my Dad is awesome. She was like, yeah he is. I wrote to him thanking him and telling him that I think he's awesome.

Side note: Kale is a fantastic dentist!! I'm not scared to go to the dentist anymore! I had written them a poem about their office.. I hope they got it.. If you are in need of a dentist, go to him!!
www.everettfamilydental.com

My Dad had been wanting me to go to college. Last September, I decided that I wanted to go into cosmetology. I told my Dad, he was not supportive. In July when I dropped out, he was furious. I had pleaded my case so hard, and then I just gave up. In October, I got the chance to go back. I figured, why not. I still have the passion for it. I was just thinking that I screwed myself on ever going back to school, then the school wrote to me. I went in and tested and was accepted back into college. I told my Dad and he was very happy and proud of me. He had told me that if I get good grades, that he would pay the student loans that I had accumulated thus far. I was like, ok cool. Last week, I got a letter from Sallie Mae about loans that I accumulated when I went to University of Phoenix and dropped out. I was getting confused because I was told that when I started Paroba College of Cosmetology in November, that my loans would go into in-school deferment. Yesterday, I decided to call Sallie Mae to figure out what was going on. They told me that they just received a large payment on November 29th. I was even further confused because I never made a payment. I asked for more information and they told me that my Dad payed off my student loans and that I'm caught up to date until 6 months after I graduate. I was shocked and surprised. I sent him an email of thanks. What my Dad doesn't know is that he's helped clear part of my debt, which inches me a little bit closer to my goal of becoming a full-time missionary :-D

This has all happened after I joined the Church.

I'm so thankful for my Dad. Thankful for my parents. When I first heard that we are put with our parents for a reason, I remember scoffing. I didn't used to get along with my parents. I know now that its true. I'm so thankful that our Heavenly Father placed me with my Mom and Dad. I love them so much.

In the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen