Hanging with the Saints

My beautiful sister-in-law and friend, Kirsti
-Photo: J. Evensen

Yup, that beautiful lady from the ad on the LDS Philanthropies website home page is my sister-in-law.  The ad isn't there anymore, but you may have noticed it.  She's blond and Swedish and beautiful.

I can't think of a nicer, or kinder lady.  I'm really glad she is the mother of my highly talented niece and my four terrific nephews.  She is talented in many areas herself, not to mention intelligent, hard-working, and uncomplaining.  And she makes really good apricot jam.

Really good jam.  Yum.   And fudge.  And a host of other things.  I mean, she knows how to make Princesse Torte for Pete's Sake!

Let me wipe the drool from my chin and continue...

And she just turned 50.  Yup, Five-Oh.  And YES, she doesn't look it.  Not at all.  She could easily pass for one of her daughter's friends.

There are things you have absolutely no control over here in this life.  One of these is who your only sibling decides to marry. 

Thanks goodness my brother has excellent taste in women.  I mean, seriously!  His lovely wife has been my rock during many difficult times in my life. 

Kirsti
- Photo: L. Farnsworth

Take heed, young men!  There are many storms to pass through in mortality.  How much better to have a valiant, good woman at your side to face them with?

The scriptures ask, "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies."

Take some time this week to read Proverbs 31:10-31.  Compare and contrast the frequent images of women as portrayed in the media with the description of a "woman that feareth the Lord" as taken from these scripture verses. 

Billy Joel may protest that "sinners have much more fun", but I think I'd rather hang with the Saints.  They may not be perfect, but they'll laugh and cry with you, comfort you in times of distress, and bless your life in countless ways.

Sounds a lot better to me!