How do I love thee? Let me count the ways

Thank you, Elizabeth Barrett Browning for writing this sonnet. Thank you, because I am going to use your inspiration to share the ways which I myself love my husband of one year and one month.

"I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach[!]...I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life!--and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death."

Dalin, I love you. 

I love...

that you sacrifice sleeping in to come to my early classes with me

the way you kiss me tenderly and savoringly 

when you twist my hair around your fingers

when you stroke my arms and back because you know I love it

how strong you are--mentally, spiritually, and physically

when your shirt is off

your adorable haircut

your innocent and sincere smile

when we say things at the same time and in the same tone

when I know exactly what you are going to say and beat you to it

when we start laughing at the same time

that we are so alike in many ways

that you are so much more patient than I am

that you speak Spanish fluently

that you want lots of children

that you are so motivated in your pursuit to be a dentist

that you love your family and are so dedicated to them

how you are always so kind to your sisters

that you get along so well with my brothers

that you come to work with me when I need you

that you are frugal and cautious with money

how patient you are with me

how you sing hymns and happy tunes all the time

our secret whistle for finding each other in crowds

when you use our secret sign language to tell me you love me most of all

how you give me massages when I am feeling stressed or sad

knowing that our children will be little replicas of their dad

imagining our life once we have finished school

that you are true to what you stand for

that you always buckle up

you for always obeying the law

the example you set for me

that we are so down to earth and real as a couple

how you kiss my forehead after our nighttime couple's prayer

that you are so supportive of my desire to teach our children Spanish

when we hold hands while we sleep

when I can crawl on the couch with you while you rest there

that you defend me

the way we run to church holding hands when we're late

when you do the dishes for me after I toiled over a meal

that you surprise me with wonderful gifts...even though I hate surprises

when you hug me for a long time and don't say anything

our fake kisses

how you call me "little dear"

when you write notes to me and leave them somewhere I'll find them

that you love my art

how you are so sports-savvy 

when you wear glasses...it's hott

when you send me a text that i can lock on my phone

being with you--all the time

when we make up after an argument

when you wipe my tears away

when you rest your head on mine at church

when you tell me you like my prayers

when we rub our noses and smile

when you put up with me

when you tell me I'm the best cook ever

that you're really good at teaching the gospel (hence why you're Sunday School President)

the way you messily paint my toes, trying your best

that you love to read--so much that you sometimes hog the kindle fire...

that you are extremely talented at picking our gifts I will like from Good Morning America

when we daydream about the things we want to do someday

when you bring me to the temple

how you always call me tiny and small

watching you with babies and little children

the way you are my very best friend--no matter what

that we found each other in this life

most of all, that we are sealed to one another for all eternity

i <3 you

The Savior's Instructions About the Holy Ghost

Holy Ghost (Bible Dictionary)

The third member of the Godhead and, as the name implies, a personage of Spirit, not possessing a body of flesh and bones...The Holy Ghost is manifested to men on the earth both as the power of the Holy Ghost and as the gift of the Holy Ghost. The power can come upon one before baptism, and is the convincing witness that the gospel is true. It gives one a testimony of Jesus Christ and of his work and the work of his servants upon the earth...The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. More powerful than that which is available before baptism, it acts as a cleansing agent to purify a person and sanctify him from all sin. Thus it is often spoken of as “fire”...When a person speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost that same power carries a conviction of the truth into the heart of the hearer. The Holy Ghost knows all things and can lead one to know of future events.

John 14

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

15 ¶If ye love me, keep my commandments.

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 15

26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

John 16

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 

14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

      ~What the Savior taught that the Holy Ghost would testify of Him and bear witness. 

      ~The Holy Ghost came when the Savior departed. He is a guide of all truth. 

      ~The disciples needed to listen and act upon the Spirit's words in order to glorify Christ.

The Holy Ghost Brings Man to His Fullest Potential

“The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being. 

“In the presence of such persons, one feels to enjoy the light of their countenances, as the genial rays of a sunbeam. Their very atmosphere diffuses a thrill, a warm glow of pure gladness and sympathy, to the heart and nerves of others who have kindred feelings, or sympathy of spirit.” 

As a Messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost Teaches Faithful Members

“The Holy Ghost is a Personage of Spirit, in the likeness of God the Father, in other words a likeness of the Father and the Son. His mission is to instruct and enlighten the minds of those who, through their faithfulness have obeyed the commandments of the Father and the Son. He bears witness of the truth, quickens the minds of those who have made covenant and reveals to them the mysteries of the kingdom of God. He is a special messenger from the Father and the Son and carries out their will. . .”

How did the Holy Ghost help the apostles fulfill their mission after the Savior's death and resurrection?

The Holy Ghost helped the apostles fulfill their mission because he was a witness and testament of Christ. He confirmed in the hearts of the unbelievers of the truthfulness of their message. He confirmed truth and was an aid as they taught those who did not yet know of Christ. The Holy Ghost brought peace to the troubled and calmed sad hearts. He was their guide.

How the Holy Ghost has blessed me

I love that the Holy Ghost helps us to be our best self. I used to wonder whether on not I even could feel the spirit when I was in high school. I was a very obedient kid and never felt much of a difference because I was always happy and always making good choices (well, for the most part. I certainly was not perfect). I did not enter into unclean places and so I never really felt the spirit leave me--at least, not in many memorable instances. It was not until I went to Rexburg for college that spiritual promptings became more discernible. It was like a message to me, reminding me that my parents were not with me to rely upon--I would have to use my own judgement and follow the promptings I received without the guidance of my parents. It came much more naturally to me than I had thought it would. My mom, who is so good at discerning the spirit, was always great at giving advice and letting me know when she had a bad feeling about something. I thought she had a gift for it. But at college I realized that I too could recognize such promptings and I took care to obey them. 

How the Holy Ghost has inspired me

When it came time for me to decide whether to date my future husband seriously--that was a big decision for me because I had never had a steady boyfriend previously--I knew that my answer was a resounding YES. When I accepted his offer to continue dating, I felt a confirmation that it was right. Through multiple nights of sincere and earnest prayers, as well as numerous temple visits, I also learned that I should marry him. This message came surprisingly clear and fast to my heart. I was so grateful for this confirming feeling, but also very shocked. I had never imagined that I would receive an answer so plainly before me. I am thankful for the example of my mother in her obedience to the whisperings of the Spirit. I am glad to have been raised in a church where we are always given a source of help and comfort. Never are we left alone to fend for ourselves.