Love Is a Verb

by Mary Ellen Edmunds

Known for her wit and wisdom, Mary Ellen Edmunds writes about all the ways to show love, to give love, to be love. From the first chapter by the same title all the way through the chapter "Charity Never Faileth," Love is a Verb is filled with charm and insight that Mary Ellen conveys through personal experiences she has felt, observed, and acted upon over the years. We learn from watching others, and mostly they don't know they're providing a learning experience for us. She tells about touching and tender moments with people who have been examples of Christ-like love. She also tells of funny incidents with people who have brought pure joy to others through love and laughter. Mary Ellen teaches that charity, the pure love of Christ, is something everyone deserves to experience — by both giving it and receiving it.

Genres: Lds, Religion, Nonfiction, Self Help, Church, Inspirational, Relationships

133 pages, Hardcover

First published November 2, 2010

About the author

Mary Ellen Edmunds has served as director of training at the Missionary Training Center and as a member of the Relief Society general board. She graduated from the College of Nursing at Brigham Young University, has been a faculty member at BYU, and has served several full-time missions. A popular speaker, she is also the author of Happiness: Finders, Keepers; Love Is a Verb; and Thoughts for a Bad Hair Day.

Reviews

[Etta Mcquade · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sentence of Mary Ellen Edmund's stands out: Does He [God] give us experiences that help us increase and magnify our talents so that we have more to share? I see that is what happened to me when my first husband was killed at age 24. I memorized the 23rd and 24 Psalms for comfort, and then thought the two together would make a good reading. When I went to BYU, Janie Thompson, who became my sister-in-law, gave me the opportunity to perform in a red-hot variety show, doing something unlikely, the Psalms, which was well accepted. From there, I added to my repertoire many poems, readings, literature, and even comedy, which I have performed for high schools, colleges, the military, Relief Societies, civic groups, and literature groups all over the world. Indeed, the Lord gave me, at a trying time, the opportunity to "magnify my talents."

[Robyn Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entertaining and inspiring. I've heard Mary Ellen speak a few times. She is funny and then profound. Until last year, she was always a big presence at BYU Women's Conf., which for years I have always tried to attend.
I didn't know that she had written a book until it came up as our daytime bookclub choice.

Here are some of my favorite quotes.
First of all, I loved the whole chapter of the Magic Wand story. She needed one as a child so she could kill the new girl on the block, w/o leaving any evidence.
And the Wait-a-While Club chapter about gratitude and writing notes.
In the chapter, On the Way to a Miracle pg. 97 there is a list of 18! things you can do to increase our love, compassion, and responsiveness to the Spirit. Too much to post here. Took a photo of the list. One favorite "Remember that your own sorrows and challenges can deepen your compassion and patience." and page 128 about playing with some random child in the sand - remembering "how" :)

also 2 Ensign articles to go with the book - "Sharmayn's Farewell" Jan 1982 and "Sharing Sarah: Our Down's Syndrome Baby" Jun 1981 - Both excellent!!

Thank you Lena for sharing this title with us, written by your personal friend.

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could read firsthand accounts of Mary Ellen Edmunds childhood antics for hours! Everything from "fooling" her mother and switching beds with her sister, to creating a fully functioning cricket hospital. Of course...you HAVE to injure the patients before rehabilitating them, RIGHT? Otherwise, there's no need for the hospital! I like my storytelling saints to have had a devious side (if only in their childhood). It helps me relate and hope for a cure for myself.

I was impressed with the unusual and spontaneous acts of service Edmunds offered as examples. Recently, I've been feeling like I've been too wrapped-up in my own sphere and -out of the blue- this book was recommended by a friend. Very timely, considering I never shared those thoughts with her. (Way to be in tune, Donna!)

Edmunds talks about the "disuse phenomenon". "That which we don't use diminishes in size and usefulness." This could be applied (as in nursing) to muscles, or talents, or (more to the point) our ability to serve and love others. Great reminder! I also appreciated the breakdown and detailed definition of charity. I've heard it a hundred times...but that one resonated well.

A great book! It can be read all at once or over snipits of time.

[Verona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Ellen Edmunds is my kind of person. She is happy, upbeat, spiritual, down-to-earth, wise, compassionate, and many more adjectives I could use to describe her. I love being around her so to speak as I read her books. I feel as if she were talking just to me, that we are having a conversation instead of just my reading her thoughts. She uses real life stories to add the personal touch to the principles she is teaching. She uses examples that are not flattering to herself, but she uses them to teach us the lessons she has learned. I appreciate her humility in sharing the wonderful life lessons that she has experienced in order to let us learn from her personally. This book on Love touched my heart to want to give more to those around me, to be more aware of others, to do what Jesus would do for those within my reach. I felt what Mary Ellen felt in visiting the people of Thailand. It made me want to be more in tune with the world. I realize how blessed I am with the myriads of blessings I am surrounded with every day. Thank you, Mary Ellen, for being you, and for opening my heart.

[Aleisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The newly-called Relief Society president of my previous ward wanted to give any sister interested a chance to read this book. I put my name on a list and then moved across the country. And forgot about it. She bought me a copy and mailed it out to me and I'm so glad she did.

The author is genuine, she's quirky, and she's a great and humble example of putting love into action. Her examples and advice are both entertaining and inspiring and her writing style-while organized-sounds very fluid and conversational, very informal at times. It's different from other church books I've read and refreshing in a way. This is one I will come back to.

[Buttercup922 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Ellen Edmunds is a constant comedian, yet pauses at times for some touching moments which she shares her deep feelings of compassion and love. I laughed a lot through this book, and cried too. What a fun book to read at your own pace as each chapter can be read independently. Perfect for yourself or a gift for someone. I received it as a gift and am so glad I got to read it.
*I was able to see her at a Time Out For Women Seminar this past year so I think it helps to have seen her to get an idea of her fun mannerisms and attitude.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a much lighter read than what I've been studying lately, but still thought provoking. The author uses analogies and personal experiences to inspire her readers to become better Christians. She has some funny childhood experiences as well as some touching ones from the many people she meets while serving missions all over the world. I can see why she would be a popular speaker, she could probably entertain an audience for hours. She has a great sense of humor.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could listen to her read the phone book as a speaker and love her as an author too. I love her sense of humor, but yet she has a way of inviting the spirit and making you feel like you too can be a better person. She mixes doctrine with her unique brand of humor and experiences to make anything she writes a fun learning experience where the spirit teaches.

[Elizabeth Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Ellen Edmunds writes like she speaks (for those of you who have heard her speak at the MTC or elsewhere), which is a good thing. She is wise, witty and kind. This is one of the best "inspirational" (not sure what a better term might be) books I have read. I want to be like Mary Ellen when I grow up!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Love is a Verb" is a collection of thoughts by Mary Ellen Edmunds. I enjoy her talks, but this collection contains fairly random stories without a cohesive storyline. Sometimes the stories seemed rather pointless. I really didn't care for the writing style of this book, but the general ideas were good. I doubt that I would recommend this book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really inspired me to be a better person. It's a really uplifting book, and I think she has a cute sense of humor. I was introduced to this book by my sister-in-law who loves Sis. Edmunds. I believe she told me Edmunds was a teacher at the MTC when she was there.

[Becca Proper · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I am really enjoying this book. I have learned a ton about what it really means to care about people. When you put them first it really makes a huge difference in your relationship and what it's made of and what it can withstand

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by a close friend years ago and started it a few times but never finished it. I am so glad that I finally did. It's easy to read and really makes you think about things. I'd totally read it again.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. While reading, I found myself thoughtlessly doing random acts of kindness. Definitely a motivational book. It was funny, yet had a great lesson in each chapter. It was worth the time it took to read.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading and listening to Mary Ellen Edmunds and I especially like how she teaches Gospel principles with humor and such a strong testimony. Thinking of love as a verb is indeed a powerful exercise. What a great read and reread.

[Terrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very uplifting and thought provoking book. I especially liked the last chapter where the author breaks down all of the qualities of Charity. In spite of realizing that I fall very short of the Pure Love of Christ, I was motivated to try a little harder to be more Christ-like.

[Wag-a-muffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Mary Ellen's conversational (I'm talking to my best friend) tone makes it feel like she knows me. It is positive without being Pollyanna-ish. And I will go back and revisit chapters often.

[Ashley Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the personal experiences she shares to illustrate her points. She has a great sense of humor and kept me engaged. Quick, easy read that encourages us to be more compassionate and aware of others' needs.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Mary Ellen Edmunds as an author and a speaker. I've really enjoyed many of her other books, but this one didn't seem quite as good as her others. But it was still a good reminder of the importance of showing love and kindness to others.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread this book whenever I need to be reminded at how blessed I am.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

December 2003 was when I GOT this book. I read it at least three times a year to keep things in perspective!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first I read of MEE and instantly felt connected! I learned to apply the principles of LOVE that I've tried so hard to learn. She makes it easy and desirable.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is one of my all-time favorite writers/speakers! I love her, she reminds me of my friend Heidi Cameron!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and uplifting book.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Jodi Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read. Enlightening and entertaining all at the same time.

[Leesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on service!!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

uplifting

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fun, easy read really made me think about how to act on love and make the love I show truly a verb and not just something I say.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book, it is a great book club read. It was the best meeting we have had.