What's a story without magical unicorns and plump gnomes?

The Beginning

Once upon a time, in a far, far away land there was a princess. This princess was young and restless. She hated being trapped in a land where she knew no one. “How could the king do this to her?” she would ask, “Why would he punish her so?” Oh, how little this princess understood. The King had a plan for her. He could see the bigger picture.

Over time this princess met other princes and princesses in the kingdom, mostly through religious activities. There was one particular prince who she fancied above the others. His name was Prince Isenbarger. It seemed as though every princess was chasing Prince Isenbarger. Who wouldn’t? He was tall and strong. He had dark hair and blue, blue eyes. And when he smiled, the princess felt as though she would melt inside. But it would never work, she thought. The King was to ship her off to become an educated and learned princess in a few days time. Again she asked herself, “how could the King do this?” She finally met an honorable and worthy prince, and not to mention, a very attractive one. It was puzzling, to say the least. Nonetheless, the King had the final say.

Leaving the handsome and well groomed Prince Isenbarger behind, the young princess went off to the learned kingdom of Sir Brigham Young. She studied diligently and achieved high grades. She learned many great things and met many wonderful people. Yet that young and handsome prince never left her mind. No one in all of Sir Brigham’s kingdom stirred her heart the way Prince Isenbarger did. Thankfully, the princess had a magical contraption. It was a little box with magical buttons that allowed the princess to talk to the prince every night. They talked into the wee hours of the night, every night, growing more and more in love with each passing day. Prince Isenbarger was her prince charming.

They had many hardships to face. They were separated by high mountains, firey dragons, raging rivers, and empty deserts. It seemed as though there was little hope for these young lovers. They questioned the King, “why must we face so many challenges?” They were on the brink of desperation. But on one blizzardy day, Prince Isenbarger could take no more. He jumped onto his flying horse, and braved the empty deserts, raging rivers, dangerous dragons and lofty baggage fees. He soared past mountain peaks and icy tundra. Anything to return to his beautiful princess.

When he saw her, waiting for him, he knew that he would never leave her side again. He picked her up in his arms and asked her, “Will you make me the happiest man alive and be my queen for all eternity?” The princess’ skin sparkled with joy. Happiness bubbled inside of her, and just then, she had a glimpse of what the King had planned for her the entire time. She shouted with ecstasy, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Prince Isenbarger strapped her to his flying horse, and together they flew into the horizon.

Upon their return, the King praised them for their ability to overcome all trials. He gave him His kingdom for being obedient to His words. The two were married in His holy temple, with His holy consent. They were sealed together, as Queen and King Isenbarger for all eternity -- one of the greatest gifts of all.

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I say ‘The Beginning’ because in reality, this prince and princess have just begun their life together. They have begun a new chapter in their fairytale story; a chapter that will be filled with much happiness and joy emphasized by trials and tribulations that will surely come their way. It is the beginning of us -- Curt and I.

I tell this story to show that we are all princes and princesses in our Father’s eyes. We are living our lives, day by day, to return to our beloved King. And if we follow his commandments and have faith in His plan, He will bless us with all of the joys in the world. I have come to learn to trust my Heavenly Father more than ever this past year. I now understand that I cannot understand what He has in store for me; but I can follow His words and commandments. By doing so, Heavenly Father promises us everything He has.

-Curt & Vanessa

2010