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Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley
When Marjorie Pay stepped into the Salt Lake Temple in 1937 to be married to Gordon B. Hinckley, she little knew what dramatic turns her life would take. How could any newlywed envision that she might someday be the eternal companion of the prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?In Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley, dozens of family members and friends share experiences and feelings that demonstrate the character of a quietly remarkable woman. These vignettes combine with the words of Sister Hinckley herself, gleaned from talks, letters, and conversations, to create a portrait that is engaging and inspiring. From her profound yet simple faith to her optimism and sense of humor, from her love of mothering and grandmothering to her enthusiasm for learning, Sister Hinckley's personality traits are perfectly suited to her mission. She goes through life with a smile in her heart and a gift for loving that reaches out to embrace everyone she meets. As you meet her in these pages, you'll fall under the spell of her warmth, her genuineness, and her testimony."This book is not a recipe for others to follow, but just one more example of the gospel in action in the life of a fellow sojourner," writes her daughter Virginia H. Pearce. But in sharing this example, she expresses the hope that "maybe, just maybe, we who read it will be inspired to try a little harder to be a little better — to become the people the Lord knows we can be."An excerpt from Sheri Dew's foreword to Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay "Their interactions with each other demonstrate the comfortable camaraderie of their life together. During a meeting with missionaries in London's Hyde Park chapel, President Hinckley began his 'I am going to exercise my prerogative and call on Sister Hinckley to talk with you. This is something for which I will pay a dear price, but so be it.' He chuckled to himself as he turned from the podium. But without missing a beat, she stepped up to the pulpit, lowered the microphone — she always has to lower the microphone — and said, 'I like this man a lot, but sometimes I like him more than others. What would you do if you were married to a man like this?' The missionaries roared their approval."
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1999
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2960 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews
February 21, 2019
Love all of her wisdom, advice, and most of all undying faith in everything she believed in.
March 27, 2011
At first I found that I felt guilty reading this book and thinking, there is no way that I can ever be half of the woman that she was! But, after talking to my husband and reading about the story where Sister Hinckley shares some of her own mothering weaknesses, I realized that she probably didn't start out perfect. At the end in her talks, she voices the opinion that she is old and doesn't have to try to impress people now. She is what she is. I like knowing that I can work hard to hopefully come to a point where I am content with who I am in all aspects. I like how Sister Hinckley told of the goals that she had set and didn't quite achieve, but that she had set them and that is half the battle. All in all a really great book that left me with the desire to become the type of person not necessarily that will have a book written about me, but that could leave all those that I come in contact with a little better and a little happier than before.
April 30, 2015
What an amazing book! Marjorie Pay Hinckley gives a tremendous example of the kind of woman I want to become!
The titles of the chapters gives a clear list:
1-Faith
2-Genuineness
3-Mothering
4-Optimism
5-Gratitude
6-Enthusiasm for Learning
7-Sense of Humor
8-A Listening Friend
9-Confidence Builder
10-Grandmothering
11-Reaching Out
12-Synergy (in Marriage)
It seems fitting that I borrowed this book from my sweet mother, who I feel exhibits many of these same qualities as well, and who I hope to be like when I grow up!
The titles of the chapters gives a clear list:
1-Faith
2-Genuineness
3-Mothering
4-Optimism
5-Gratitude
6-Enthusiasm for Learning
7-Sense of Humor
8-A Listening Friend
9-Confidence Builder
10-Grandmothering
11-Reaching Out
12-Synergy (in Marriage)
It seems fitting that I borrowed this book from my sweet mother, who I feel exhibits many of these same qualities as well, and who I hope to be like when I grow up!
August 8, 2013
This is a sweet book that does give us a glimpse into Sister Hinckley's heart. She was a remarkable woman who "found real self-fulfillment in the pursuit of righteousness. [She was willing] to be molded by the Lord and His plan for her (p. xvi)."
Reading this book was inspiring and uplifting and made me want to be better. It is wonderful to learn about this sweet woman through some of her letters and talks and insights from others as she traveled around the world with her husband testifying of Christ.
She was a genuine woman of faith, full of optimism and gratitude. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She loved to learn and had a great sense of humor. She was a listener and a confidence builder who would reach out to others with kind words and genuine friendship.
There are so many wonderful stories, memories, and experiences that illustrate these characteristics. She was always writing notes of love and admiration to her children and grandchildren. Every year she hosted a highly anticipated cousins Christmas party. Her heart was open to everyone. She wanted to know how you were really doing. You didn't even notice what was on the walls in her house because you were immediately invited into the conversation and fun. She would invite people in to her heart just as easily while traveling all over the world.
Her kind and joyful spirit is contagious, even through the pages of a book. Here are a few quotes that I particularly enjoyed:
"We are his children, and if we ever got that through our heads thoroughly, understood that completely, we would never do a small thing, we would never say a cross word, we would not use bad language, we would not criticize anybody, we would love everyone the way the Savior loves us (p. 11)."
"We have our work cut out for us. We have a very important role to play in the building up of God's kingdom. We do not have to walk the dusty plains and live in undesirable dwellings and fight off mobs and hostile Indians, but we have our own little battles to fight (p. 16)."
"Sitting in church will not necessarily make you into a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage will make you into a car (p. 23)."
"Maybe it is because Marjorie Hinckley so clearly understands who she really is that she wastes very little energy in pretending, protecting, or defending herself. She immediately opens her circle and pulls you into her good world--whether you are one alone with her in conversation or one of ten thousand people in a foreign country listening to her translated remarks from a pulpit. Marjorie Hinckley possesses a heart without walls--she employs no artificial defenses to hide from others or shut them out. What you see is a good Christian woman, and that is what you get (P. 37)!"
"She wept each fall when it was time to send her brood back to school, even when school was in session she looked forward to the moment each day when her children burst through the door and started scrounging for an afternoon snack (p. 53)."
"The trouble with the world and the trouble with you and me is that we don't love each other enough. And if we do, we don't bother to show it, or we don't bother to say it. If the world is to know love, it has to begin at home (P. 59)."
"A grateful heart will give you a touch of refinement that can come in no other way....when you finally develop a little gratitude in your heart, make up your mind to express it (p. 90)."
"Travel is wonderful...the people are wonderful. There are so many places and people that I have come to love. I love Hong Kong....I love London, too....I love to go to Korea. I think it's the people that I love there....I love to try new things (p. 100)."
"The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it (p. 107)."
"Mother has an ability to see beyond the exterior and look into people's hearts (p. 124)."
"Why don't you apply to Harvard?....I'll pay the $50 if you'll complete the application (p. 137)."
"The best thing about Sister Hinckley's approach to helping others is the confidence she gives them in themselves. She doesn't come to help with the attitude that only she can save you; rather, she comes to uplift you, and somehow leaves you honestly believing you're so good you hardly need her help (p. 139)."
"Throughout my life, Grandma has been a wonderful teacher, because she always teaches by expressing confidence in me and by her example. I remember when my family and I were visiting her and Grandpa one Sunday. I asked if I could help her do her dishes. She replied, 'No, Sarah. That can wait until Monday. Today let's just rest and give thanks (p. 143).'"
"In all of Mother's relationships, there is an easy unconditionality. If you wipe the drainboards off in a different direction than she does, do your laundry differently, or approach a Relief Society lesson your own way, she expresses wonder and delight....Always words of admiration and validation. Never critical judgments (p. 146)."
"Pusan, Korea, May 31, 1980
Dear Emily,
There are hundreds of people on the beach today, but I have not seen on swim suit. The women are all in dresses, carrying their shoes in their hands and holding up their skirts while they wade out into the water. When the waves come up to their knees they scream and run back. It is hard to enjoy this alone. As I walked along the beach I pretended one of you was with me.
Love,
G. Hinckley (p. 165)"
"The gospel teaches us to stretch ourselves, to embrace our talents, to concentrate on our strengths, to be productive, to be creative, to reach our full potential, which few of us ever do....Let us not waste our time saying with bitterness, 'Is this what I was born to do?' Let us rather ask ourselves the question that was asked Esther, 'Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?' Perhaps what you are doing, whatever it is or however humble your offering, could be something that no one else could do in quite the same way....Be thankful and be glad (p. 244)!"
Reading this book was inspiring and uplifting and made me want to be better. It is wonderful to learn about this sweet woman through some of her letters and talks and insights from others as she traveled around the world with her husband testifying of Christ.
She was a genuine woman of faith, full of optimism and gratitude. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She loved to learn and had a great sense of humor. She was a listener and a confidence builder who would reach out to others with kind words and genuine friendship.
There are so many wonderful stories, memories, and experiences that illustrate these characteristics. She was always writing notes of love and admiration to her children and grandchildren. Every year she hosted a highly anticipated cousins Christmas party. Her heart was open to everyone. She wanted to know how you were really doing. You didn't even notice what was on the walls in her house because you were immediately invited into the conversation and fun. She would invite people in to her heart just as easily while traveling all over the world.
Her kind and joyful spirit is contagious, even through the pages of a book. Here are a few quotes that I particularly enjoyed:
"We are his children, and if we ever got that through our heads thoroughly, understood that completely, we would never do a small thing, we would never say a cross word, we would not use bad language, we would not criticize anybody, we would love everyone the way the Savior loves us (p. 11)."
"We have our work cut out for us. We have a very important role to play in the building up of God's kingdom. We do not have to walk the dusty plains and live in undesirable dwellings and fight off mobs and hostile Indians, but we have our own little battles to fight (p. 16)."
"Sitting in church will not necessarily make you into a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage will make you into a car (p. 23)."
"Maybe it is because Marjorie Hinckley so clearly understands who she really is that she wastes very little energy in pretending, protecting, or defending herself. She immediately opens her circle and pulls you into her good world--whether you are one alone with her in conversation or one of ten thousand people in a foreign country listening to her translated remarks from a pulpit. Marjorie Hinckley possesses a heart without walls--she employs no artificial defenses to hide from others or shut them out. What you see is a good Christian woman, and that is what you get (P. 37)!"
"She wept each fall when it was time to send her brood back to school, even when school was in session she looked forward to the moment each day when her children burst through the door and started scrounging for an afternoon snack (p. 53)."
"The trouble with the world and the trouble with you and me is that we don't love each other enough. And if we do, we don't bother to show it, or we don't bother to say it. If the world is to know love, it has to begin at home (P. 59)."
"A grateful heart will give you a touch of refinement that can come in no other way....when you finally develop a little gratitude in your heart, make up your mind to express it (p. 90)."
"Travel is wonderful...the people are wonderful. There are so many places and people that I have come to love. I love Hong Kong....I love London, too....I love to go to Korea. I think it's the people that I love there....I love to try new things (p. 100)."
"The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it (p. 107)."
"Mother has an ability to see beyond the exterior and look into people's hearts (p. 124)."
"Why don't you apply to Harvard?....I'll pay the $50 if you'll complete the application (p. 137)."
"The best thing about Sister Hinckley's approach to helping others is the confidence she gives them in themselves. She doesn't come to help with the attitude that only she can save you; rather, she comes to uplift you, and somehow leaves you honestly believing you're so good you hardly need her help (p. 139)."
"Throughout my life, Grandma has been a wonderful teacher, because she always teaches by expressing confidence in me and by her example. I remember when my family and I were visiting her and Grandpa one Sunday. I asked if I could help her do her dishes. She replied, 'No, Sarah. That can wait until Monday. Today let's just rest and give thanks (p. 143).'"
"In all of Mother's relationships, there is an easy unconditionality. If you wipe the drainboards off in a different direction than she does, do your laundry differently, or approach a Relief Society lesson your own way, she expresses wonder and delight....Always words of admiration and validation. Never critical judgments (p. 146)."
"Pusan, Korea, May 31, 1980
Dear Emily,
There are hundreds of people on the beach today, but I have not seen on swim suit. The women are all in dresses, carrying their shoes in their hands and holding up their skirts while they wade out into the water. When the waves come up to their knees they scream and run back. It is hard to enjoy this alone. As I walked along the beach I pretended one of you was with me.
Love,
G. Hinckley (p. 165)"
"The gospel teaches us to stretch ourselves, to embrace our talents, to concentrate on our strengths, to be productive, to be creative, to reach our full potential, which few of us ever do....Let us not waste our time saying with bitterness, 'Is this what I was born to do?' Let us rather ask ourselves the question that was asked Esther, 'Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?' Perhaps what you are doing, whatever it is or however humble your offering, could be something that no one else could do in quite the same way....Be thankful and be glad (p. 244)!"
September 22, 2015
This book is about Marjorie Pay Hinckley, the wife of Gordon B. Hinckley, a president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It took me a bit to get into it because it's arranged in an odd way. It's not a biography by any means, and I did wish for more of a life story--at least in the beginning. The book is more a collection of the memories of Marjorie's friends and family and of her own talks and writings.
However, as I pressed on through the book, I was really quite inspired, touched, and amused by all the stories about and quotes from this dear woman who spent decades supporting and standing by her husband in his significant responsibilities.
One quote really resonated with me and is an answer to all who ask me how and why I do many of the things I do in my church and in my community.
She said: "I am so grateful for the blessings that I have enjoyed in my life. I do not know why the Lord has been so good to me. I don't know why I have been so blessed. But I do know that the Lord has a right to expect a lot of me. Sometimes the commitment gets a little heavy and sometimes I wonder if I can really do this. Then I think of all that I have been given, and it is easy to get up and do a little something more."
However, as I pressed on through the book, I was really quite inspired, touched, and amused by all the stories about and quotes from this dear woman who spent decades supporting and standing by her husband in his significant responsibilities.
One quote really resonated with me and is an answer to all who ask me how and why I do many of the things I do in my church and in my community.
She said: "I am so grateful for the blessings that I have enjoyed in my life. I do not know why the Lord has been so good to me. I don't know why I have been so blessed. But I do know that the Lord has a right to expect a lot of me. Sometimes the commitment gets a little heavy and sometimes I wonder if I can really do this. Then I think of all that I have been given, and it is easy to get up and do a little something more."
January 19, 2012
one of my very favorite books EVER. own this one and will read it again and again! would definitely recommend to anyone, especially woman. shows the life of a remarkable woman- her humor, her spirit and her kindness. each page left me wanting to be a better person. LOVED!!!!!
September 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this biography of Sister Marjorie Hinckley.
Fun format with the chapters by theme with both Sister Hinckley's words and anecdotes from family, friends and admirers. Enjoyed hearing about the day to day in her life and how she was always saw the best in people. Especially enjoyed stories from his children.
I have a great love and admiration for Sister Hinckley and her husband. So this was a treat to enjoy learning more about her.
Fun format with the chapters by theme with both Sister Hinckley's words and anecdotes from family, friends and admirers. Enjoyed hearing about the day to day in her life and how she was always saw the best in people. Especially enjoyed stories from his children.
I have a great love and admiration for Sister Hinckley and her husband. So this was a treat to enjoy learning more about her.
April 16, 2024
If every Latter-day Saint woman could read this book, you would feel how wonderful you are from head to toe. Just beautiful! So glad to have stumbled in this gem. 💕
April 16, 2013
To be fair, I would probably give this book 4.5 stars, but there are no half star ratings. I have wanted to read a book about Marjorie Hinckley for a long time, so I finally coughed up my small change and orderd this one from Thrift Books. I'm glad I did. She is (was) a delightful, inspriring person and I loved being a part of her world for a short time through this book.
The great part about this is book is that you can pick it up and put it down as much as you want and not skip a beat. It is written on various topics like gratitude, motherhood, education and is not a strict biography. I felt uplifted by all of the quotes, thoughts and stories.
Keep in mind that this is a book one would purchase at Deseret Book, so do not expect the writing or the story to be up there with the classics. It's not that. However, if you want to visit with a funny, thoughtful LDS grandmother for the aftenoon, pick this one up!
The great part about this is book is that you can pick it up and put it down as much as you want and not skip a beat. It is written on various topics like gratitude, motherhood, education and is not a strict biography. I felt uplifted by all of the quotes, thoughts and stories.
Keep in mind that this is a book one would purchase at Deseret Book, so do not expect the writing or the story to be up there with the classics. It's not that. However, if you want to visit with a funny, thoughtful LDS grandmother for the aftenoon, pick this one up!
November 7, 2011
What an inspiring woman! I loved this book. President and Sister Hinckley spoke to our mission in Hong Kong in 1996. Afterward, I was alone trying to keep up with my companion when the elevator door opened at the chapel and Marjorie Hinckley smiled and waved at me. I couldn't see President Hinckley, but he called out "Hello!". It was such a brief encounter! And I treasure it!
I didn't expect to laugh so much when I read this book, but I did. She swore once at her children and then washed her own mouth out with soap! I find myself craving a large bar of soap now for all the horrible words that have come out of my mouth.
I loved reading what others said about her. She found the good in everyone. She treated all with love and respect. I wish I could do that. I am not always so nice.
This book definitely inspired me to be better.
I didn't expect to laugh so much when I read this book, but I did. She swore once at her children and then washed her own mouth out with soap! I find myself craving a large bar of soap now for all the horrible words that have come out of my mouth.
I loved reading what others said about her. She found the good in everyone. She treated all with love and respect. I wish I could do that. I am not always so nice.
This book definitely inspired me to be better.
February 5, 2015
I loved this book. I read it during a harder moment in my life and her words really helped to strengthen me. I had postpartum depression ( unknowingly and luckily it wasn't too bad) and surprisingly pregnant again and on bed rest unable to care for my family. Definitely a time for growth to occur and have reliance on the Lord for extra strength and love for me and my family to make it past another learning block.
Marjory Hinckley's perspective and especially her thoughts on motherhood were invaluable to me. I remember laying and reading this struggling to understand why I felt the way I did and why I had to deal with some of the struggles I was. I came to feel such peace in my life and know a lot had to do with this amazing woman's love for her family and heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Marjory Hinckley's perspective and especially her thoughts on motherhood were invaluable to me. I remember laying and reading this struggling to understand why I felt the way I did and why I had to deal with some of the struggles I was. I came to feel such peace in my life and know a lot had to do with this amazing woman's love for her family and heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
May 6, 2008
I have been reading this book since right after Seth was born in 2005! It's not that it's not engaging, it's a bunch of short stories, portions of talks, and quotes from her family and friends so it's easy to read some and then come back to it later. I find myself drawn to it when having a bad day or need an uplift. I am always encouraged by the wonderful example Sister Hinckley is through this book and know that I can do better and maybe I'm not doing as bad as I thought!
May 26, 2013
This has been my Sunday book for the past few weeks (PS I highly recommend having a "Sunday book.") This is probably at least the 3rd time I've read this book and I'll probably read it a few more times in my life. I want to be just like Sister Hinckley. Actually, if you mixed Sheri Dew with Marjorie Hinckley you would have the exact person I hope to become before I die. I've got a lot of work to do.
August 23, 2007
This book was very inspiring. She is such a role model. I finished this book and was disappointed that it was over. I wanted to pick it up and read it again. She is the type of women I would like to be.
April 22, 2008
Until I read this book, I didn't realize how amazing Sister Hinckley was! She is my inspiration right now. She was so positive about life and made people feel good about themselves. A true example to follow. But she wasn't only centered on the gospel--she was also very funny!
September 12, 2009
Beautiful, precious insight into Sister Hinckly. I hope I can take some of these "glimpses" and incorporate them into my life, so that I can become a better person. A keeper of of book and a read read and read read over and over again.
January 28, 2010
Have read this book several times. If you ever want a "how to" lesson in family relationships..this is your book. Her life was her legacy and it was lived with love, gentleness and steadfastness to the principles and values she believed in.
January 30, 2012
What a remarkable woman! I loved every page of this book. It made me want to be kinder and more thoughtful, a better parent, wife and friend. The pages of this book are filled with wisdom but never comes across as "preachy" - just uplifting and encouraging. Loved it. Will read again.
November 27, 2016
I loved this book. I'm normally not a non-fiction reader, but I really did enjoy it. Marjorie Pay Hinckley is my new hero. She was a remarkable woman and had many qualities that are worth emulating. UPDATE: I just re-read this and loved it just as much two years later as I did the first time.
February 6, 2017
I loved reading this book. It was so positive and uplifting, and exactly what I needed to read at this time. She was such an inspiring woman with so many great attributes. I love how she tried to find joy in the journey even though it's not always easy. This was a fun read.
May 21, 2018
The only reason this book took me so long to finish is because it went on the back burner when I needed to finish a book club book. It really is SO good! It is inspiring and uplifting and makes you want to be a better person. I highly recommend it.
March 14, 2015
This book is beautiful and wonderful and if you don't know who Marjorie Pay Hinckley is, you've GOT to read this book. She's sweet and funny and wise. Very endearing!
December 25, 2008
I want to be that kind of mother. I love that she believed in her children. She expected that her kids would be wonderful, so that is what they wanted to be. I love that.
November 19, 2009
I loved this book, full of sweet and memorable stories about Sister Hinckley, her family and her ancestors.
January 30, 2017
Individual worth, sense of humor and devout faith-all characteristics possessed by this lovely woman. She inspires me to strive to be the best me I can be.
August 23, 2018
I love happy books
July 11, 2019
What a lovely collection of memories and stories of a remarkable lady. I loved the little glimpses into her relationship with her husband. I appreciated seeing the very human side of people we might imagine to more perfect than could be related to. I particularly like reading her own words (highlighted in lavender print) - She's very real. At one point she says she has a new project, she'd been at it for four days and was only three days behind.... that's about as real as it gets.
She is an extraordinary lady. She would need to be to fulfill the mission she was destined to do. I'm grateful to have her example and her stories in my head. How blessed her family is to have had her direct influence and love and kindness and example to watch. And what a treasure for them all, and us, to have this collection of memories and her words to keep her influence alive for generations to come.
She is an extraordinary lady. She would need to be to fulfill the mission she was destined to do. I'm grateful to have her example and her stories in my head. How blessed her family is to have had her direct influence and love and kindness and example to watch. And what a treasure for them all, and us, to have this collection of memories and her words to keep her influence alive for generations to come.
December 6, 2019
This book is a complete delight, a huge thanks to all family members who work to have this book done. Thank you for sharing how amazing woman is Sister Hinckley. I felt like a granddaughter learning wonderful stories and receiving counseling and knowledge from a remarkable grandma. I am sure I will read this book over and over again through years to come.
January 18, 2021
This would be a book I’d recommend buying. I could read and reread this book many times. She is an inspirational lady with qualifiers and attributes I’d very much like to develop and emulate.
May 10, 2019
So good! I loved her before I read it, but love her even more after.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews