Women of Faith...

We just finished our stake conference today and what a wonderful weekend it has been! Our visiting authority was Elder Craig Christensen and his wife, Debbie. The Salt Lake Temple President and his wife, Bro. and Sister Aldrich were there for the Sat. night session and the Salt Lake Mission President and his wife, Pres. and Sister Miller were there for the Sunday session. The choir was, yet again, at its best, providing the prelude music for Sat. night and the prelude music and a special number for Sunday. The special number was, "The Lord is My Shepherd," an arrangement the Tabernacle Choir sings on the "Heaven Sent" CD. The choir is made up by a group of musically gifted people who are willing to dedicate and commit themselves to practicing in order to set the spiritual tone for our meetings. I love and appreciate all of them so much and think the world of each one of them.
Allen gave me a book for Christmas, entitled "Women of Faith in the Latter Days." It consists of a series of vignettes of LDS women of faith in the early days of the church. Each woman has an unbelievable tale. Each woman's life is amazing. Each woman sets an example for others. I am about half finished and am thoroughly enjoying the story of each woman's life.
Reading these life stories has caused me to think about the the women of faith in my life. Of course, I think first of my dear mother, who was much like many of the women I have read about. She knew there was something better for her in this life than what she had grown up with. She didn't know what...but as soon as she met my Dad and began dating him, observed his family life, the Spirit revealed the truthfulness of the gospel to her. She influenced so many others through her life and testimony. All of her family joined the church and she taught her own children the gospel. Her influence will go on forever. What a wonderful woman of faith!
My Grandmother Bisel gave birth to thirteen children, and raised eight of those children. She worked hard, supported my Grandpa and taught her children to strictly observe the laws and commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was a kind mother-in-law to my Mom and helped her adjust to country life and being a Mormon woman.
My Grandma Stokes was raised a Catholic and taught her children of the Father and the Son. She joined the Church after my Grandpa died and was a faithful member thereafter.



Earl's Mom was always a compassionate woman. She served as Relief President for many, many years and the stories are still told about her endless acts of compassion for others. A great woman of faith and mother of a wonderful son -- my husband.


I have seven great sisters whom I love very much. We have been good friends all our lives. Beth, of course, passed away several years ago. All my sisters have wonderful families and husbands. Each play integral roles in their wards, stakes and missions. Even after all these years, all of our children, and all of life's experiences, we are all still good friends and love and support each other and the Lord.
I have four wonderful daughters and a daughter-in-law, who I believe are all great women of faith. Billie Jo, Olivia, Patrice, Chelsea and Giselle all work hard in their church callings. They try to teach their children the gospel of Jesus Christ. They honor and obey the commandments and they set an example for their children to follow. They are kind and generous to others and obey their parents. They are all great women of faith.
So in this month, when we express our love to others....here's a big shout out to all the women of faith in my life! There are many of you out there whom I have not named, but you have played a very important role in my life. I am thankful for all of you and for your influence in my life and I love you all more than words can tell!