If you ask people what they love most about President Thomas S. Monson’s teaching style, chances are they’ll say something about the personal experiences he relates. The accounts President Monson shares are always true, taken from his own life or the real lives of other people. Those warm, memorable accounts have truly become a hallmark of his messages.
Who can forget the woman who saved one of the two sticks of gum Elder Monson passed out to youth in postwar Germany? Or the neighbor who returned a box of baseballs to young Tommy as a thank-you for his kindness to her? Or the father who declined to attend a “Mormon” meeting with his family but had his heart softened by a message he heard on a radio that was actually broken?
In celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of his call as an Apostle, Consider the Blessings presents fifty of the true accounts President Thomas S. Monson has shared over the years. With beautiful photographs and heart-touching content, this is a book to treasure with the whole family.
Thomas S. Monson served as the 16th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called the "Mormon Church" or "LDS Church") from 2008 to his death in 2018. Before his time as President, he had served as a Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church since 1985. He was ordained an Apostle and called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1963 at the unusually young age of 36.
Monson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. After serving in the US Navy and earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Utah, he married Frances Johnson and they had three children. Monson worked in the local news publishing industry until church service became a full-time occupation.
Because I love to read, I absolutely love stories! I find it so fascinating that of all the people that live on earth, no two people have the exact same experiences and I enjoy reading about what other people experience. Consider the Blessings is a collection of true stories that are inspiring and full of hope.
President Monson is known for his storytelling and I have always enjoyed listening to him speak because I love that! His stories have made me laugh and cry over the years. This book has some of his stories that I've heard before and some that I haven't and again, I found myself laughing and crying. The stories are all short (anywhere from 1-4 pages) and I've enjoyed reading a story or two when I've needed a dose of inspiration. This is a book full of beautiful stories and pictures.
I also like that there's an index in back, so if you need to find one of his stories on service, missionary work, love or forgiveness, you can easily do that. This is a great book for the entire family and one we will cherish for many years to come!
I loved this book! This was the perfect book for me. I loved reading a few stories from this after I woke up in the morning and I also ended my day with a couple more. I am going to miss this book. The stories were all wonderful. Everything Monson writes always draws me in. It was hard to read this book so slow so I could stretch it out.
This was a wonderful little book containing all of the best stories from President Monson. I was familiar with many of them, but they were still worth reading.
In what could have been Pres. Monson's words:
A book was read. Tears were shed. A heart was gladdened.
These are stories I've read before that President Monson has told in his Conference addresses. However some were more fleshed out and all are good. Amazing to see the miracles that happen in doing simple good things every day. Great bedtime reading.
Love the short little stories of gospel messages from the life of President Monson. These stories would be great for talks in church (even for the youth and children).
This book. Man. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so many times reading a single book. It’s filled with so many wonderful, short and easy-to-read stories that filled me with hope and faith. I’d send a copy to everyone I know if I could.
This made a wonderful family read aloud. The stories were short and powerful. We enjoyed much discussion. Many of these were also in his biography, but that’s okay. Good stories are always worth repeating and sometimes we had forgotten them.
This is a sweet and wonderful book of 50 different stories President Monson has told over his 50 years as an Apostle. Each is characteristic of his leadership and service and love. They are accompanied by beautiful pictures. I love the subtitle: True Accounts of God's Hand in Our Lives! These are the stories he shares - how God knows us and loves us and blesses us, particularly as we listen for and heed His voice. So many tender mercies and inspiring reminders of God's love and care!
A few of my favorite stories include: * The Church helping to deliver copies of the Koran to Muslims who lost everything during the 2004 tsunami in South East Asia (see page 9) * Patients in a hospital fasting for a missionary in surgery who had been in the bed next to them and taught them for several weeks (see page 29) * A Jumbotron not working and then, after hundreds of youth gather together in prayer, working for the Kansas City Temple dedication celebration (see page 33) * The saints of St. Thomas, Canada having the faith to grow the branch in order to build a chapel and specifically going to work to look for and baptize an architect, contractor, plumber, electrician, etc. (see page 79) * President and Sister Monson's car breaking down in a snow storm on their way home from Midway, Utah allowing a young man to help them who is then inspired to go on a mission (see p. 95) * A twelve year old Thomas Monson being in the right place to save a girl from drowning in the Provo River (see page 105) * Thomas Monson's teachers' quorum adviser who taught him how to minister - with a pigeon's help (see page 110) * The example of a new, courageous missionary who went back to testify to a contact of Joseph Smith (see page 113)
Here are a few quotes that seem to be the essence of some of President Monson's teachings that were particularly meaningful to me:
"I never cease to be amazed by how the Lord can motivate and direct the length and breadth of His kingdom and yet have time to provide inspiration concerning one individual (p. 33)."
"That day I learned that the sweetest feeling in mortality is to realize that God, our Heavenly Father, knows each one of us and generously permits us to see and to share His divine power to save (p. 105)."
"I testify with all the strength and all the fervor of my conviction that our Heavenly Father will guide and bless you in the important decisions that you will be called upon to make. He knows the end from the beginning. If you follow the counsel of His appointed servants, you will be blessed (p. 117)."
This is a beautiful collection of President Monson's stories and experiences that he has shared over the years. I am always blown away by his ability to remember people from his past and their specific circumstances. He is definitely in tune to the quiet promptings of the Lord. I remember some of these stories but most were new to me. I especially like the stories that come directly from Tommy's life experiences, but I also appreciate learning about other ordinary yet extraordinary people from around the world.
The photos are gorgeous and the design is very pleasing to the eye, which complements the inspirational tone of the book.
These are the kinds of experiences we all hope to have in our lives, and I think that's the point of the book--looking for and considering the blessings that God gives us. It has also taught me that I need to remember and talk about the people that have made a difference in my life, especially if I wonder whatever happened to them, because it just might come full circle to where I can meet them again some day.
I feel bad for not giving the book 5 stars because I believe that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God and his stories are shared similarly to Christ's parables where we can draw our own parallels according to our circumstances. But although I love the man and his stories, this book is not life changing to me in itself. It has, however, prompted me to read a biography about President Monson to learn more about him; I find it fascinating all the stages of history that he has lived through.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of President Thomas S. Monson’s call to apostleship, Deseret Book has released Consider the Blessings, a compilation of 50 true stories shared by President Monson throughout the years.
I have heard President Monson share some of these stories previously, but many I had not. Some are simple, based on service to others. Some are miraculous, amazing answers to prayers. There are lovely and relevant photos throughout the book. Each story is short, anywhere from one to four pages long. I’ve listed three of my favorites below:
--“You Are Our Brothers and Sisters” (page 7): This is an excellent and moving example of loving our fellowman beyond boundaries, both physical and religious.
--“No More Strangers” (page 81): I love the way these Italian members distinguished new members, ensuring they would be recognized and fellowshipped.
--“You’re My Primary Boy” (page 135): Another example of the loving service President Monson excels at giving that has touched and inspired me.
Consider the Blessings is available as a jacketed hardcover, perfect as a gift or for use in Family Home Evenings, as well as in ebook format. I will be referring back to several of these stories in the future, and look forward to sharing them with my children.
Review originally published on LDS Women's Book Review - www.ldswbr.com FTC FYI: received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, from a design standpoint, the book is gorgeous! Each page is carefully and thoughtfully crafted. The photography couldn't be better--it is colorful and poignant. I love the font for each section title. The hardcover book, itself, is just the right size to be left out on a living room table, and with each section being only two to three pages, it's just right for filling up five or fifty minutes of spare time that couldn't be better spent.
More than the design, this book contains 144 pages of stories from our prophet's life--fifty short snippets of his words, his actions, his character, his testimony. Some of President Monson's stories I had not remembered hearing before, and others were old favorites, but each was uplifting and strengthening. Many times, a word or phrase brought tears to my eyes as the Spirit of the Lord testified to me the beauty and hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Before I received the book, I joked with my kids, "How could I give the prophet's book anything but five stars?" After I actually had the book in my hands and started reading, I found five stars is just not enough. In all honesty, it is the best book I've read all year. And let me tell you a secret--if you promise not to tell my family--I've found myself looking at my Christmas list, deciding who else I might want to share this book with.
This is an absolutely exquisite book. The attention to detail in the art and design (embossed book cover writings, photograph images, glossy paper, font, etc.) was impeccable. Each of the fifty stories had its proper serenity in the pages. Accordingly, the content was its greatest masterpiece. The book really did show affirmations of God's hand in our lives which to me clearly shouted that there is a loving God. The events addressed were not coincidences as one might argue but examples of quite miracles happening in our time. Oh, how my heart rejoiced.
This is definitely a tried and tested family book. I read three to four stories each night to my children at bedtime for nearly two weeks. I often found myself struggling in reading because I was dissolved in tears. The stories were that piercing. There's just nothing like knowing the love of God for us through the kindness that people show for each other. It's certainly a testament to me that life is meaningful.
Feed your heart and soul. Read this book.
*Hardcover copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say that I honestly love this book. I read through the whole thing in two sittings. It has beautiful pictures to go along with the wonderful stories shared by President Monson. Most of these stories were ones I have heard before but there were a few that were new to me. I could hear his voice as I read them. President Monson has this way of talking that makes his voice and stories uniquely his.
As stated in the book summary, one of the things I love best about President Monson's teachings are his personal stories. They are heart felt and endearing. My kids always remember the stories from conference when he speaks. To have a compilation of stories that he has shared in my home is wonderful. I really love this book. It makes me feel good and reminds me of how important it is to be kind and serve and help the people around me. Kindness and love DO matter.
This is such a treasure of a book. The holidays will be here before you know it and this book would be a perfect gift for so many people. I know it's on my list.
This book is very edifying. I believe you can probably find all of these stories in his various talks and sermons. It was so nice to have them compiled into one book for easy access to read and to study. It's amazing to read about how true principles apply to the apostles' and prophets' lives. Sometimes I forget that not everything is easy for them. They have to put in the work and effort to receive and act on revelation, too. Although, President Monson at times makes it look easy to me. It was also uplifting for me to read about those times where he had to take two steps into the darkness before he saw the light in his life. I am so grateful to him for setting a great example to me. Seeing modern days examples of how gospel principles apply to everyday life is very empowering. At the end of the day, I just felt happier after reading these accounts as well. President Monson is God's prophet today. I am grateful that God is merciful enough to give me a prophet, just as he was with the children of Israel.
Absolutely wonderful! This book is made up of many experiences: most are personal stories from of President Thomas S Monson's life, and others are stories told to him by other general authorities or church members. Two stories I remember hearing in LDS general conference or something. The rest were new to me and I LOVED them all. My favorite stories are those from President Monson's childhood where people refer to him as Tommy. It puts things into perspective. I think to myself "even he was once a young boy", and it reminds me to be a better mother to my son (you never know what the Lord has in store for our children!). This book was quick to read and very entertaining. Reading these experiences has strengthened my faith in the Lord, His timing, and His individual love for each of us. Also, this book has encouraged me to keep a better record of my own spiritual experiences so they are not lost or forgotten over time.
I actually read most of this in one sitting. It didn't take me 4 months to read, I just forgot I put it in my currently reading file. I love President Monson. These stories he tells are actual miracles, and tender mercies from the Lord. Each story is short, (only a few paragraphs) but filled with accounts of God's hand in the life of different members throughout the world, and his own as well. It's an inspiring lovely read, which I know I will go back to over and over again. A good reminder that God does know us each individually, and hears and answers our prayers, maybe not in the way we expect, but in the way that we need. "I never cease to be amazed by how the Lord can motivate and direct the length and breadth of His kingdom and yet have time to provide inspiration concerning one individual" ~President Thomas S. Monson
This book is so beautiful. The pictures and the layout are gorgeous. It is a treasure. I loved this book. I loved reading the stories of President Monson's that I have enjoyed throughout the years and reading some I wasn't familiar with. I did know most of them though. President Monson is a gifted storyteller. I had his voice in my mind while I reading. I imagined his sweet voice and sense of humor throughout.
I never cease to be amazed by now the Lord can motivate and direct the length of breadth of His kingdom and yet have time to provide inspiration concerning one individual. ~Thomas S. Monson
5 out of 5 stars. I will be sharing these beloved stories again with my family during Family Home Evening.
Who doesn't love President Monson and the way he is able to teach us life lessons through a simple story? I was really excited to read this book that celebrates President Monson's 50th anniversary of when he was called as a prophet. I remember hearing many of these stories, but some of them were new to me. I love the way the book is, each of the 50 short stories has beautiful photographs to look at as you are reading. I'm excited to use these stories as part of our family home evening lessons coming up!
This book is a compilation of stories told by Thomas S. Monson, President of the LDS Church. I always love to listen to the many inspirational stories that he is well know for presenting.
As I read through them, I was familiar with most. I could hear him speaking the words as I read. The stories are short in length. It could be read as a story each day to uplift and inspire, or devoured in a few sittings. The pictures are lovely and are a great addition to the message.
This book is definitely a keeper. I plan on keeping it somewhere close at hand to pick up and peruse often.
I LOVE President Monson's stories. This was a wonderful collection, and even though I had already heard many of these stories in General Conferences, it was neat to read them in quick succession. My favorite quote: "Our Heavenly Father is aware of our needs and will help us as we call upon him for assistance. I believe that no concern of ours is too small or insignificant. The Lord is in the details of our lives."
I totally believe that. I've seen it in my life too many times to dismiss it as coincidence. Heavenly Father knows us, he knows where we live, and he loves us.
My first thought when I opened the mailing envelope, This is a gorgeous book. I soon found the beauty of the book is on the inside. The stories touched me deeply and made me want to go and do good as President Monson has done throughout his life. I sat down to read a couple of stories before bed and found myself reading a dozen. Anyone who reads this book will be touched by these accounts of a prophet of God loving and teaching.
A wonderful collection of personal stories shared by President Monson. Normally, his stories are accompanied with scriptures and doctrine... which is great, but it was awesome to just have 50 stories back to back. It honestly made me more and more certain that he is the perfect man to lead the Church. He is so in tune with the Spirit, and always has been.
Reading these personal memories of the Prophet left me with a desire to be a better man.
This is a lovely little collection of stories President Monson has shared over the years. The book itself is beautiful. Each story is accompanied by photographs. The design of the book is nice. The shape and size are friendly to hands. I read this book slowly, a story or two at a time. I don't know if I would have enjoyed a cover to cover read as much. The stories are best as stand alone reads to be pondered. Very uplifting and inspiring.
I love this book. It's filled with so many wonderful stories from the life of President Monson. I've been reading it during lunch hours, generally at restaurants, and it can get a little embarrassing sitting there with tears running down my face while I read the stories. However, the feelings that I've walked away with have been even more fulfilling than my lunch.
I loved this book in spite of the fact that I had heard almost every story in a talk given by President Monson through the years. He was called as an apostle the year I was baptized so I've felt close to him through the years. The pictures were a great addition to his stories. It is truly a worthwhile book and would make a great gift.