Between holiday travel and illness, it's been a while since I've been able to write. I've seen many tender mercies in the last few weeks. Between excellent weather for traveling, a car that didn't die on us, and a toddler that didn't scream the entire way to Oklahoma, things have been pretty great around here. I could go on an on about the little miracles that our family has seen, but my heart is drawn to something completely different today. This tender mercy is one that graces my life every day, and will continue to do so forever.

Daniel is one of the most magnificent tender mercies that my Heavenly Father has ever sent me. When I married Daniel, I didn't realize that it was possible to love someone so much and I had a hard time imagining how that love could have any room to grow. As I'm sure you already guessed, it has grown.....and grown, and grown! My love for him grows deeper and stronger as our time together moves forward.

When we got married, I knew a lot about Daniel. We were best friends and we shared everything with each other. One of my favorite parts about being married is continually getting to know each other better and becoming closer friends. As I learn more about Daniel, I see more and more that the Lord knew exactly what I needed in an eternal companion. I see more of Daniel's virtues and strengths all the time, and as I do, I realize that the Lord knew exactly what I needed.

Ironically, I didn't even realize that these were qualities that I needed in a companion when we got married. It's amazing, though, how marriage forces you to get to know yourself better than you probably ever wanted to know yourself. You become painfully aware of your own weaknesses and you become acutely aware of the effect that those weaknesses can have on those around you. As I've become aware of my weaknesses and little quirks, I've also become aware of Daniel's strengths. Wouldn't you know, he is strong where I am weak.

I am so grateful that Heavenly Father helped me find someone who inspires me to overcome my weaknesses and become a better woman. I want to be better because he is just so good. I did not know everything there was to know about Daniel or about myself when we got married. But Heavenly Father knew everything about each of us, and He knew that we would complement each other and find great joy and happiness together. I am grateful for Heavenly Father's mercy in blessing me with such a sweet companion. This miracle is one that continues to unfold with time, and I know that it will continue to bless me and my family forever.

I am grateful for the temple covenants that bind us together. The power and peace that they bring into my life are miracles in and of themselves. Knowing that I can be with my sweetheart and my family forever is one of life's sweetest blessings. Who knows what tomorrow will hold, but I am grateful that I can live happily today, knowing that my family will be a permanent part of my future.