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Living With Enthusiasm
Beloved L. Tom Perry inspires all on how to Live with Enthusiasm in this grab, hardcover book.
136 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
3 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
L. Tom Perry
10 books4 followersLowell Tom Perry is a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), having become a member of that body in 1974.
Perry was born to Leslie Thomas Perry and his wife Elsie Nora Sonne. Perry, Utah is named for the Perry's ancestor, Gustavus Adolphus Perry and his family, who were among the first settlers at that place.
From the time of Perry's birth until he was eighteen his father was bishop of their Logan ward. From 1942-1944 Perry served as a missionary in the Northern States Mission, headquartered in Chicago. Just after returning from his mission he joined the United States military, specifically the marines. He was among the United States troops sent to occupy Japan after the war. While in Nagasaki, Perry coordinated a group of marines to help rebuild a local Protestant church.
Perry was born to Leslie Thomas Perry and his wife Elsie Nora Sonne. Perry, Utah is named for the Perry's ancestor, Gustavus Adolphus Perry and his family, who were among the first settlers at that place.
From the time of Perry's birth until he was eighteen his father was bishop of their Logan ward. From 1942-1944 Perry served as a missionary in the Northern States Mission, headquartered in Chicago. Just after returning from his mission he joined the United States military, specifically the marines. He was among the United States troops sent to occupy Japan after the war. While in Nagasaki, Perry coordinated a group of marines to help rebuild a local Protestant church.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 11, 2022
It was so fun "getting to know" Elder Perry. This book was so uplifting and made me want to "change my attitude"
August 26, 2015
I love reading about Elder Perry's great talent to live with enthusiasm! :)
I just read this book again. I love it and am grateful for Elder Perry's teachings and example and enthusiasm. What a wonderful talent and inspiration. He did everything in his life with joy and enthusiasm. Each word of his talks is full of clear and hopeful testimony of the Lord's plan of happiness.
I love the story about Elder Perry making friends with the New York commuters, by changing up the routine on the train platform. And his example of drinking milk while participating in work functions. He is a special example of living the gospel and loving others!
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
"Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: 'Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the triumph of some enthusiasm....Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm (p. vii).'"
"'Enthusiasm signifies 'God in us.'' They joy we feel through having the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives should translate into great enthusiasm (p. viii)."
"Joseph refused to become discouraged or depressed. If he had to be a prisoner, he would be the best prisoner in all the prison. His enthusiasm found favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. He became chief among all the prisoners....Once again, he had made the best out of a bad situation (p. 3)."
"Before you feel sorry for me, you should realize that in spite of my lack of talent, I was enthusiastic. I learned from a very early age what an asset my enthusiasm could be. At the dinner table, I complimented my mother so enthusiastically that she consistently gave me the biggest piece of pie. At school, I would raise my hand enthusiastically before my teacher even finished asking the question; fortunately, she would never call on me. As with Joseph, my enthusiasm often helped me turn disadvantages into advantages (p. 5)."
"We may all strive to develop reverent attitudes so we may 'serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:28) (p. 14).'"
"The best way for parents to instill faith is to have faith. Children must see their parents on their knees daily, asking for God's blessings and expressing their gratitude to him. Children need to see their fathers using their priesthood to administer to family members in need of a blessing. They need to see parents reverently worshipping in our sacrament meetings. They need to see parents cheerfully and willingly giving of their time and talents to the building of the Lord's kingdom here on earth. They need to see parents proving their faith by the payment of tithes and offerings. They need to see parents diligently studying and discussing the scriptures to increase their faith and understanding (p. 17)."
"To maintain some semblance of stability in our lives, it is essential that we plan for our future....President Spencer W. Kimball admonished us that we cannot place sufficient oil in our preparedness lamps by simply avoiding evil. We must also be anxiously engaged in a positive program of preparation--a program based on living the gospel. President Kimball said, 'In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living (p. 23).'"
"In the Lord's instructions to his children, we find sublime consistency. What the Lord has declared to be right will always be right. What he has declared to be true will always be true. What he has declared to be sinful will always be sinful....President Benson counseled us concerning searching the scriptures: 'Let us not treat lightly the great things we have received from the hand of the Lord! His word is one of the most valuable gifts He has given us. I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily (p. 31).'"
"As I travel throughout the Church I marvel at all the positive things that are occurring, yet I never feel that we, as a people, are living up to all of our potential. My sense is that we do not always work together, that we are still too much consumed by personal aspirations for the honors of men, and that we show too little interest in the common goal of building the Lord's kingdom (p. 38)."
"There is a strong correlation between the success of nations and their knowledge and obedience to God's commandments (p. 39)."
"'I have listened with great interest to the lesson today. The thought just crossed my mind that the information presented will soon be lost if we do not find application for it.' This brother proposed a course of action. The night before, a good citizen of the community had passed away. His wife was a member of the Church, but he was not. The brother had visited the widow to offer his sympathies. As he left the home, his eyes wandered over their beautiful farm. The alfalfa was ready to cut, and the grain would soon be ready to harvest....The course of action he proposed was for the high priests to help this widow operate her farm until a more permanent solution could be found. The balance of the group meeting was spend organizing to assist her. The principle of the lesson had found immediate application (p. 46)."
"Consider your ways. Are they his ways (p. 47)?"
"In Proverbs we read, 'A friend loveth at all times' (Proverbs 17:17). One of the greatest blessings of mortal life is good friends....President McKay said, 'True friends enrich life. If you would have friends, be one (p. 49).'"
"The great friendships I made with my fellow commuters endured for many, many years. The so-called cold New Yorker was just as friendly and warm as anyone else. All I had to do was break through a thick, inner-city shell to enjoy warm, close friendships (p. 54)."
"How do we develop better friendships?....
1. Be sincere.
2. Become thoroughly acquainted....Show interest in them...
3. Be unselfish.
4. Show brotherly love and concern for them...
5. Graciously let them be of service to you when they offer.
6. Smile and be positive (p. 54)."
"Our prophets have encouraged us to be mindful of our obligations while we are here in the world. President David O. McKay said: 'The responsibility of showing to the world that the gospel of Jesus Christ will solve its problems rests upon the men who make the claim....I believe...that every world problem may be solved by obedience to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ....The solution of the great world problems is here in the Church of Jesus Christ. Ample provision is made not only for the needs of individuals, but also for nation and groups of nations (p. 57).'"
"As we live in the world, may we contribute by making it a better place through our righteous living, our service in causes that are just, and our faith that good will always triumph over evil (p. 62)."
"First, consistently do your best with the talents your Father in Heaven has given you. Second, concentrate on the basics, because they are appropriate in any situation or season of life. Third, worry more about developing sound character than about building reputation (p. 70)."
"'Happy is the man who has work he loves to do. Happy is the man who loves the work he has to do (p. 90).'"
"I have sometimes wondered what would have happened if Nephi has asked the Lord for tools instead of a place to find ore to make the tools. I doubt the Lord would have honored Nephi's request. You see, the Lord knew that Nephi could make tools, and it is seldom that the Lord will do something for us that we can do for ourselves (p. 96)."
"The principles of self-reliance is spiritual as well as temporal (p. 100)."
"The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: 'Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping the commandments of God.' True happiness comes only when we choose the right (p. 109)."
"Meekly I told the prophet of the Lord that he had overslept. I remember how kind and considerate he was to me during those few minutes we were alone together. Instead of rushing, he took time to have me sit on the bed with him. He patted my shoulder and thanked me for the small service I provided....I will never forget the experience of sitting alongside the prophet of God with his arm around my shoulder. I was just a boy of seven, but I recognized a prophet's voice. The thought never occurred to me to question any of his kind counsel. I drank in every word (p. 124)."
"Sometimes in our enthusiasm for the gospel, we cast our pearls indiscriminately, and we might even be tempted to enhance the luster of the gospel, our pearl of great price, by placing it in a much too attractive setting. This may only detract from the true value of our pearl. Our pearl will stand on its own, with all of its beauty and simplicity. We do not need to enhance it with the bright and flashy things that will bring only antagonism and conflict to the Church. We need to speak less about our accomplishments, and by our actions we need to show which kingdom we seek (p. 131)."
I just read this book again. I love it and am grateful for Elder Perry's teachings and example and enthusiasm. What a wonderful talent and inspiration. He did everything in his life with joy and enthusiasm. Each word of his talks is full of clear and hopeful testimony of the Lord's plan of happiness.
I love the story about Elder Perry making friends with the New York commuters, by changing up the routine on the train platform. And his example of drinking milk while participating in work functions. He is a special example of living the gospel and loving others!
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
"Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: 'Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the triumph of some enthusiasm....Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm (p. vii).'"
"'Enthusiasm signifies 'God in us.'' They joy we feel through having the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives should translate into great enthusiasm (p. viii)."
"Joseph refused to become discouraged or depressed. If he had to be a prisoner, he would be the best prisoner in all the prison. His enthusiasm found favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. He became chief among all the prisoners....Once again, he had made the best out of a bad situation (p. 3)."
"Before you feel sorry for me, you should realize that in spite of my lack of talent, I was enthusiastic. I learned from a very early age what an asset my enthusiasm could be. At the dinner table, I complimented my mother so enthusiastically that she consistently gave me the biggest piece of pie. At school, I would raise my hand enthusiastically before my teacher even finished asking the question; fortunately, she would never call on me. As with Joseph, my enthusiasm often helped me turn disadvantages into advantages (p. 5)."
"We may all strive to develop reverent attitudes so we may 'serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:28) (p. 14).'"
"The best way for parents to instill faith is to have faith. Children must see their parents on their knees daily, asking for God's blessings and expressing their gratitude to him. Children need to see their fathers using their priesthood to administer to family members in need of a blessing. They need to see parents reverently worshipping in our sacrament meetings. They need to see parents cheerfully and willingly giving of their time and talents to the building of the Lord's kingdom here on earth. They need to see parents proving their faith by the payment of tithes and offerings. They need to see parents diligently studying and discussing the scriptures to increase their faith and understanding (p. 17)."
"To maintain some semblance of stability in our lives, it is essential that we plan for our future....President Spencer W. Kimball admonished us that we cannot place sufficient oil in our preparedness lamps by simply avoiding evil. We must also be anxiously engaged in a positive program of preparation--a program based on living the gospel. President Kimball said, 'In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living (p. 23).'"
"In the Lord's instructions to his children, we find sublime consistency. What the Lord has declared to be right will always be right. What he has declared to be true will always be true. What he has declared to be sinful will always be sinful....President Benson counseled us concerning searching the scriptures: 'Let us not treat lightly the great things we have received from the hand of the Lord! His word is one of the most valuable gifts He has given us. I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily (p. 31).'"
"As I travel throughout the Church I marvel at all the positive things that are occurring, yet I never feel that we, as a people, are living up to all of our potential. My sense is that we do not always work together, that we are still too much consumed by personal aspirations for the honors of men, and that we show too little interest in the common goal of building the Lord's kingdom (p. 38)."
"There is a strong correlation between the success of nations and their knowledge and obedience to God's commandments (p. 39)."
"'I have listened with great interest to the lesson today. The thought just crossed my mind that the information presented will soon be lost if we do not find application for it.' This brother proposed a course of action. The night before, a good citizen of the community had passed away. His wife was a member of the Church, but he was not. The brother had visited the widow to offer his sympathies. As he left the home, his eyes wandered over their beautiful farm. The alfalfa was ready to cut, and the grain would soon be ready to harvest....The course of action he proposed was for the high priests to help this widow operate her farm until a more permanent solution could be found. The balance of the group meeting was spend organizing to assist her. The principle of the lesson had found immediate application (p. 46)."
"Consider your ways. Are they his ways (p. 47)?"
"In Proverbs we read, 'A friend loveth at all times' (Proverbs 17:17). One of the greatest blessings of mortal life is good friends....President McKay said, 'True friends enrich life. If you would have friends, be one (p. 49).'"
"The great friendships I made with my fellow commuters endured for many, many years. The so-called cold New Yorker was just as friendly and warm as anyone else. All I had to do was break through a thick, inner-city shell to enjoy warm, close friendships (p. 54)."
"How do we develop better friendships?....
1. Be sincere.
2. Become thoroughly acquainted....Show interest in them...
3. Be unselfish.
4. Show brotherly love and concern for them...
5. Graciously let them be of service to you when they offer.
6. Smile and be positive (p. 54)."
"Our prophets have encouraged us to be mindful of our obligations while we are here in the world. President David O. McKay said: 'The responsibility of showing to the world that the gospel of Jesus Christ will solve its problems rests upon the men who make the claim....I believe...that every world problem may be solved by obedience to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ....The solution of the great world problems is here in the Church of Jesus Christ. Ample provision is made not only for the needs of individuals, but also for nation and groups of nations (p. 57).'"
"As we live in the world, may we contribute by making it a better place through our righteous living, our service in causes that are just, and our faith that good will always triumph over evil (p. 62)."
"First, consistently do your best with the talents your Father in Heaven has given you. Second, concentrate on the basics, because they are appropriate in any situation or season of life. Third, worry more about developing sound character than about building reputation (p. 70)."
"'Happy is the man who has work he loves to do. Happy is the man who loves the work he has to do (p. 90).'"
"I have sometimes wondered what would have happened if Nephi has asked the Lord for tools instead of a place to find ore to make the tools. I doubt the Lord would have honored Nephi's request. You see, the Lord knew that Nephi could make tools, and it is seldom that the Lord will do something for us that we can do for ourselves (p. 96)."
"The principles of self-reliance is spiritual as well as temporal (p. 100)."
"The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: 'Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping the commandments of God.' True happiness comes only when we choose the right (p. 109)."
"Meekly I told the prophet of the Lord that he had overslept. I remember how kind and considerate he was to me during those few minutes we were alone together. Instead of rushing, he took time to have me sit on the bed with him. He patted my shoulder and thanked me for the small service I provided....I will never forget the experience of sitting alongside the prophet of God with his arm around my shoulder. I was just a boy of seven, but I recognized a prophet's voice. The thought never occurred to me to question any of his kind counsel. I drank in every word (p. 124)."
"Sometimes in our enthusiasm for the gospel, we cast our pearls indiscriminately, and we might even be tempted to enhance the luster of the gospel, our pearl of great price, by placing it in a much too attractive setting. This may only detract from the true value of our pearl. Our pearl will stand on its own, with all of its beauty and simplicity. We do not need to enhance it with the bright and flashy things that will bring only antagonism and conflict to the Church. We need to speak less about our accomplishments, and by our actions we need to show which kingdom we seek (p. 131)."
July 24, 2017
Love Elder Perry
June 9, 2022
Fabulous. Practical. Inspired.
June 14, 2023
A bit retro, but I love the message coming from the heart of this great man.
June 2, 2011
Great Read! There are a great many good thoughts in this book, (the life-changing parts, for me was in the intro and first chapter--I read that years ago and adopted his motto as my own).
"Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the triumph of some enthusiasm. . . . Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
(Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Complete Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson (New York: Wm. H. Wise & Co., 1929), pp. 77, 222)
(in L. Tom Perry, “Living with Enthusiasm,” [Deseret Book Company. Salt Lake City, Utah. 1996]. vii)
“Isn't the Holy Ghost a constant companion you need in your life? Consider what you need to do to receive the full and rich blessings of the Spirit. Commence the inner cleansing—now!”
(L.Tom Perry, Living with Enthusiasm, Deseret Book [Salt Lake City: 1996], p.44-45)
"Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the triumph of some enthusiasm. . . . Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
(Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Complete Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson (New York: Wm. H. Wise & Co., 1929), pp. 77, 222)
(in L. Tom Perry, “Living with Enthusiasm,” [Deseret Book Company. Salt Lake City, Utah. 1996]. vii)
“The friends with whom we choose to associate are major contributors to the formation of our character. We form social habits by association with our friends. Good social habits can be useful and become the bases of wholesome personalities, but bad social habits can lead to antisocial attitudes and behaviors. Gradually, bad social habits tarnish our characters and severely limit our potential as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.”
(L.Tom Perry, Living with Enthusiasm, Deseret Book [Salt Lake City: 1996], p.49)
“Our governments need standards of integrity. Our communities need yardsticks for measuring decency. Our neighborhoods need models of beauty and cleanliness. Our schools need continued encouragement and assistance in maintaining high educational standards. Rather than spend time complaining about the direction in which these institutions are going, we need to exert our influence to point them in the right direction. A small effort by a few can result in so much good for so many.”
(L.Tom Perry, Living with Enthusiasm, Deseret Book [Salt Lake City: 1996], p.61)
"Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the triumph of some enthusiasm. . . . Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
(Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Complete Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson (New York: Wm. H. Wise & Co., 1929), pp. 77, 222)
(in L. Tom Perry, “Living with Enthusiasm,” [Deseret Book Company. Salt Lake City, Utah. 1996]. vii)
“Isn't the Holy Ghost a constant companion you need in your life? Consider what you need to do to receive the full and rich blessings of the Spirit. Commence the inner cleansing—now!”
(L.Tom Perry, Living with Enthusiasm, Deseret Book [Salt Lake City: 1996], p.44-45)
"Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the triumph of some enthusiasm. . . . Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."
(Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Complete Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson (New York: Wm. H. Wise & Co., 1929), pp. 77, 222)
(in L. Tom Perry, “Living with Enthusiasm,” [Deseret Book Company. Salt Lake City, Utah. 1996]. vii)
“The friends with whom we choose to associate are major contributors to the formation of our character. We form social habits by association with our friends. Good social habits can be useful and become the bases of wholesome personalities, but bad social habits can lead to antisocial attitudes and behaviors. Gradually, bad social habits tarnish our characters and severely limit our potential as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.”
(L.Tom Perry, Living with Enthusiasm, Deseret Book [Salt Lake City: 1996], p.49)
“Our governments need standards of integrity. Our communities need yardsticks for measuring decency. Our neighborhoods need models of beauty and cleanliness. Our schools need continued encouragement and assistance in maintaining high educational standards. Rather than spend time complaining about the direction in which these institutions are going, we need to exert our influence to point them in the right direction. A small effort by a few can result in so much good for so many.”
(L.Tom Perry, Living with Enthusiasm, Deseret Book [Salt Lake City: 1996], p.61)
January 14, 2009
I LOVED this book! I love L. Tom Perry. When I was a teenager I didn't have much interest in the apostles--who they were, or even their names. For Seminary we each had to choose one to give a short report on. I didn't know any of them (truly. And I've been active all my life), so I picked "the pretty guy with glasses" as I called him. I still call him that occasionally, because he's always smiling and happy!
I saw this book at the BYU Bookstore and didn't buy it. I decided to buy it a year later and couldn't find it. Had to do a google search for it and bought it used from someone else. This will probably be a hard book to find, if you want to read it. You're welcome to borrow mine, but you'll have to give it back!
If anyone knows how to live with enthusiasm, it's L. Tom Perry!
I saw this book at the BYU Bookstore and didn't buy it. I decided to buy it a year later and couldn't find it. Had to do a google search for it and bought it used from someone else. This will probably be a hard book to find, if you want to read it. You're welcome to borrow mine, but you'll have to give it back!
If anyone knows how to live with enthusiasm, it's L. Tom Perry!
September 22, 2015
I really enjoyed his thoughts on enthusiasm and finding joy in life. But the chapter that stood out to me the most was chapter 2 where he wrote about reverence. I really love what he wrote: "I have been thinking about reverence. While I believe that reverence is often exhibited through reverent behaviors, this has not been the focus of my thoughts. I have been more concerned about attitude--an attitude of deepest respect and veneration toward Deity. If we can cultivate reverent attitudes among the members of the Church, reverent behaviors will follow." He continues: "Reverence flows from our admiration and respect for Deity. Those who are truly reverent are those who have paid the price to know the glory of the Father and His Son."
I want to be truly reverent...and to try a little more to live with enthusiasm and joy.
I want to be truly reverent...and to try a little more to live with enthusiasm and joy.
August 7, 2011
I listened to an audio recording. There were several places where I wished I had a printed copy because there were parts that I especially liked & wanted to copy out or underline.
Side 1: Preface, Living with Enthusiam, "Serve God Acceptably with Reverence..., Consider Your Ways
Side 2: Friendship, Being in the World, Staying Power, Worthy to Enter
Side 3: Worthy to Enter continued, The Joy of Honest Labor, Becoming Self-Reliant, "Therefore I was Taught"
Side 4: "Choose the Right", They Speech Reveals Thee, Heed the Prophet's Voice
Side 1: Preface, Living with Enthusiam, "Serve God Acceptably with Reverence..., Consider Your Ways
Side 2: Friendship, Being in the World, Staying Power, Worthy to Enter
Side 3: Worthy to Enter continued, The Joy of Honest Labor, Becoming Self-Reliant, "Therefore I was Taught"
Side 4: "Choose the Right", They Speech Reveals Thee, Heed the Prophet's Voice
May 22, 2012
This is a collection of excellent talks given by Elder Perry. They are simple and uncomplicated and yet contain lots of wonderful counsel. An easy read that left me feeling motivated to change some things.
July 31, 2015
With the recent passing of Elder L Tom Perry I had a desire to read a book by him. I chose this book. What a treat! I am going to reread it and note ideas I want to apply in my life. How he and his wonderful words of continued wise counsel will be missed!
April 21, 2008
This was such a fun book to read! It had alot of great insights that I have learned. I would read it again!
June 19, 2008
A collection of talks by Elder Perry. His experience of how he turned a typical, mundane New Yorker commute into the best part of the day is classic Elder Perry.
June 16, 2009
I started this book and liked it, but had to return it to the library before I finished it.
Read
February 9, 2015Filled with wonderful personal stories, Elder Perry really gets you excited about living with gusto! I have this book on tape and any age can enjoy it.
August 23, 2015
I really loved looking at the world through Elder Perry's enthusiastic eyes. Always looking on the bright side, loving others, and loving God made Tom into the man he was.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews