Also, I have really appreciated Sister Beck and her forthright and clear teaching.

And, yeah, Stephanie Nielson is an inspiration. I’ll second that.

And Selwyn, isn’t Segullah great?

1. My mother sacrificed so much to be a great mother and wife. She has endured a lot of heartache in her life and still chooses to be cheerful and faithful.

2. There are three women in particular that I met when I moved to Sweden who made a tremendous impact on my life. One friend taught me that chronic illness doesn’t have to limit your ability to live a full life. One taught me remain intellectually curious and enthusiastic regardless of what I am doing in my life. One has taught me the power of service willingly and lovingly offered.

3. My sisters

I’m grateful that wherever I go, I meet wonderful, amazing women that uplift and inspire me.

Blue – All weekend I’ve been thinking about the connection between my post and the guest blogger’s post on Friday — so the quote you shared was perfect… We certainly didn’t plan it that way…thanks for noticing and sharing your thoughts!

Sue – I am a neophyte in the blogging world, so I only vaguely knew Stephanie Nielson’s story; however, last week someone on the Segullah staff posted a link to the Oprah video clip where Andrea, the mother from California was interviewing Stephanie in her home. The mother was in tears by the end of the clip and so was I:
http://www.oprah.com/media/20090924-tows-stephanie-struggle-crash
Talk about a powerful and influential force for good…I can see why Stephanie Nielson has uplifted and strengthened you.

Recently, Stephanie Nielson has been someone who particularly uplifts and strengthens me.

I have a deep love and respect for three women in my ward whose names I will not mention, but who have overcome considerable adversity with incredible grace.

And, of course, my mother and grandmothers have each, in their own ways, been mentors to me.

“Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982], 322-23).

it kind of goes with the theme of having that something about you, like your sister brown did, and also with our guest blogger who wrote “I Love Mormons” and her observation that there is something about us that is different…or beautiful or good.

anyway, just thought this was a good place to share it.
♥

1. My Mum. We don’t have the traditional mother/daughter relationship, but I know she would do anything for me. Her persistance in becoming more Christlike is an inspiration to me, and her love of family is amazing.

2. My best mate Natasha. We met nearly 8 years ago, and in that time we’ve grown in testimony, girth and personality together. She’s been a source of strength and laughter and tissues and will always tell me the truth, not what I want to hear. She texted me scriptures every night for months when my husband left, and went through the temple with me the first time afterwards as well. Her faith burns brightly, and I want to be the friend she is to me.

3. My Grandma. Who isn’t related to me by blood, but I still know I’m her favourite. A devout Catholic, she helps whoever she can however she can and just lives beautifully.

4. Two of my great-aunts, both of whom are Catholic nuns. One was a globetrotter and would send me postcards from Rome, Ireland, Pompeii, Japan, US, wherever, always signing it “God bless”. The other rarely left New South Wales, and is now crippled with arthritis. She knitted my first born a jacket with wattle flowers embroidered on the lapel – I can only imagine how much that would have hurt to make. Both of them shine with a life of faith and devotion, and are such gentle, true ladies.

5. Mother Theresa. One of my all time favourite quotes is one of hers “I know God won’t give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish He didn’t trust me so much.” I figure if Mother Theresa thought that, I can’t be too awful thinking the exact same thing.

6. The ladies here at Segullah – the staff and the commentors. The faith, example, courage, humour and determination are amazing to me.

Thanks for making me think and be thankful!

tkube – you have been an unstoppable force for good since the day you were born…

Annie W and Kathryn Soper – I guess I’ll just have to be content with being mentored by the wise and talented friends and former students of M. Catherine Thomas…
And Anne, there can ever be too many plugs for journal writing.

Melissa M – Your Auntie Ro sounds like my Great Aunt Ramona. Great Aunt Ramona taught me everything I know about being a passionate, family history diva. Her name is spoken with reverence in our family…