Thomas S. Monson

"Perhaps the word character best describes one who is true to himself.

For character takes no account of what you are thought to be, but what you are,

Character us having an inner light and the courage to follow its dictates. one who is true

to himself develops the attributes needed to survive errors, to keep marching on the road that seems to be without end, and to rise above disappointment and distress."

Fun Fact: "Remarkably, President Monson and President Hinckley are our only church presidents who were baptized in traditional baptismal fonts.  President Monson was baptized in the Tabernacle Baptistery on Temple Square in September of 1935.  All of our other 14 prophets were baptized in naturally-occurring bodies of water or swimming pools." Also president Monson and I share the same birthday (not considering the year difference, August 21).

History: Thomas S. Monson became an LDS bishop at age 22. At age 27 he became a councilor in the Presidency of the Salt Lake Temple View Stake. Monson was  sustained to the  quorum of the Twelve Apostles at general conference on October 4, 1963. As of October 2012, 31 temples were announced by  Monson were either under construction or in planning.Monson has written a number of books, some of which are compilations of speeches given by him, or of quotes. Others discuss particular LDS gospel themes. He also wrote Faith Rewarded which is an autobiographical account about his work in leading the church in Eastern Europe.. He has worked closely with the World Organization of the Scout Movement to find ways to strengthen the links between the Church and national Scout associations.

The Perfect Path to Happiness: There is a particular section in this last October 2016 talk that stands out to me the most. It exemplifies the importance about missionary work.
"Our Father’s plan for our happiness and our salvation is shared by our missionaries throughout the world. Not all who hear this divine message accept and embrace it. However, men and women everywhere, just like my young friend at the New York World’s Fair, recognize its truths, and they plant their feet on the path that will lead them safely home. Their lives are forever changed." I know that if it wasn't for the kind sister missionaries and the wonderful missionary program that they are a part of, I wouldn't be here where I am today. I have some wonderful memories with those missionaries and they didn't have to say much, just speak the truth and testify about our kind and gracious Heavenly Father. They really helped changed my life and I know it was God who guided them to me. Now my mission is to help others gain an enriched testimony about our Heavenly Parents and I hope that slowly through my example, they can see that the restored Gospel is true that Christ's church stands on this earth today. I am grateful that we have a wonderful organization of the church. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the true prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I hope that like those wonderful missionaries who taught by example others surrounding me (particularly those who aren't members) may see the light the gospel brings into our lives. This is truly the perfect plan to happiness.

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The Perfect Path of Happiness

Gordon B. Hinckley

"By and large we come to see that if we complain about life,

it is because we are thinking only of ourselves."

Fun Fact: Appears on the U.S television program 60 minutes, thus interviewed by Mike Wallace.
Mr. Wallace: How do you view non-Mormons?
Hinckley: With Love and respect. I  have many non-Mormon friends. I respect them. I have the greatest admiration for them.
Mr. Wallace: Despite the fact that they haven't really seen the light yet?
Hinckley: Yes, to anybody who is not of this Church, I say we recognize all of the virtues and the good that you have. Bring it with you and see if we might add to it.

History:
As a prophet, President Hinckley accomplished many things. He becomes the senior Apostle at the death of President Hunter. He was the one to issue ,"The family: A Proclamation to the World". In 1996, during his presidency, the number of church members outside the U.S. exceeds the number of Church members inside the U.S. He organizes three new Quorums Seventy and announces a plan for smaller temples to be built throughout the world. Also with the help from his fellow Apostles, publishes "The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles." I thought it was so thoughtful of him to speak to primary children via satellite broadcast to celebrate the 125th Primary anniversary. One remarkable thing is that he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award given in the United States.

Fellowship with Those Who Are Not of Our Faith.
"May the Lord bless us to work unitedly to remove from our hearts and drive from our society all elements of hatred, bigotry, racism, and other diverse words and actions. The snide remark, the racial slur, hateful epithets, malicious gossip, and mean and vicious rumor-mongering should have no place around us." Thinking about this statement made me reflect about my childhood. I was bullied growing up, I gave in to peer pressure so easily which I think it's continues to be one of my biggest challenges. I was exposed to people who would treat each other with no respect and that affected my character more than I realized at that time. It took until I met a friend, now my husband and his family to show to me that it is not wrong to be different, to be kind to others and to respect one another. When we remember that all people are children of God, we reach out more to lift and help those among us. We should live with respect, appreciation, and friendshiop toward people who are not of our faith. It took one person, one family to make the big difference in my life and I will forever be grateful for that. Through their acts of kindness, they showed to me that they were true deciples of Christ. "Our kindness may be the most persuasive argument for that which we believe."

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