Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith: From the Life and Ministry of Thomas S. Monson

by Thomas S. Monson

President Monson recalls tender and inspiring personal experiences that will build faith and testimony for every reader.

Genres: Lds, Religion, Church, Spirituality, Lds Non Fiction, Nonfiction, Biography

277 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

pres. Monson is amazing and his experiences did help build my faith.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are 1-4 page narrative descriptions from his journal, whether directly quoted or informally, this is how the chapters read. Anecdotes are grouped into sections, for example, Service to Others, Prayer Availeth Much, On the Lighter Side. I found a chapter that suits the Relief Society lesson well that I'll be presenting this Sunday. I discovered biographical detail that gave depth and perspective to this public figure. For instance, as reknown as Pres. Monson is for looking after the numerous widows of his ward back in the 50s, he had, as a school-age boy, witnessed his father, mother and maternal grandfather look after and care for the elderly in their family and neighborhood with the tender care characteristic of his own service. Harold B. Lee, Spencer Kimball and J. Reuben Clark were influential church leaders in is adult years; his stake president, Primary president and Sunday school teacher molded and shaped many early life impressions. At turning points in his life, for instance, enlisting in Navy and later applying for officer status, his decision making process is made transparently clear. The honesty of the narrative I found refreshing and not preachy. Warning: the emotional power of the book made me tear up many times. This man witnessed many a miracle.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 250-page book filled with one-page stories of faith, service and miracles. I thought I'd keep it in the car and read it whenever I had a minute. Nope. I read it in two sittings. I loved it.

I was surprised that most of the stories weren't really about President Monson. They were about faithful people he had observed. I was touched by how he watched, recorded and appreciated the good around him throughout his life.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised at how short all the little stories are in this book. I liked being able to read a quick inspiring story at times. A lot of the experiences seemed to all become somewhat similar after a point, but I still enjoyed them. My favorite section was the last where he told some of his more humorous stories.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the short stories in this book. Yes there were many that made me feel 1. like nothing like that ever happens to me and 2. I am failing miserably as a member when I see what President Monson does. But overall I loved the inspiration and the Spirit that I felt as I read one in the morning and one at night.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this one and I need to get it back to the library. I really enjoyed this book. Some great stories in here. My only complaint is that the stories are mostly quite brief and I would have enjoyed seeing them expanded. But I found several stories to share with my family.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this collection of experiences and stories from the life of Thomas S. Monson. I took my time reading the entire contents. I would read one story here and there when I needed a few minutes of solitude, usually behind a locked door. I would happily read this book again.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of President Monson's stories. I love how he ministers on such an individual level. His life and ministry shows he has a great understanding of the worth of souls and God's love for each one.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a awesome book! I enjoyed reading about his experiences. A few I even recognized from General Conference talks. President Monson is a great man. This is the type of book you can pick up for a few minutes each day and be spiritually fed.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My m-i-l gave me this book for my birthday and I enjoyed reading it. It is full of 1 to 2 page stories that he often tells in General Conference. It would be a great reference if you have to give a talk.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you not love the stories of Pres. Monson?! These are just short stories from Pres. Monson's life. I picked this up when I needed a little lift and read the entire thing in a few days. I hope somehow to become more like him. Ilearned some things I can do better. I loved it!!!!

[Swhe641200 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of the experiences we have heard Preident Monson give in his talks but it was a neat book to read. I had used a story when I talked in Sacrament on the fast a couple of weeks ago and had never read the whole book and so I did. It was great and very uplifting.

[Valerie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of one or two page stories from Pres. Monson's life. Great stories to share with others or enjoy yourself! One of my favorite stories was of his two pet rabbits he had when he was a boy about age eleven.

[Leilani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book belonged to Tyler's grandfather and we inherited it. So glad I picked it up. Perfect format for me--each experience/story is one-two pages, so you can flip through and read for just a few minutes at a time and walk away uplifted. So grateful for the example of Pres. Monson.

[Josh · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this book helped me understand that I don't like books of just one page stories. The rating has nothing to do with the stories in the book, I just don't like short stories because there is no depth to them.

[Terry]

Another "I want" book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome wealth of wit and wisdom! Love President Monson's stories and how they build my testimony of Christ, service and love!

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Proud that he is our prophet now. A great read.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't you love President Monson's stories? This is a great collection of his classics. Very inspiring and uplifting.

[Deborah]

So far I like it - He has had an amazing life - He was a really good Bishop in his youth and every little story brings tears of admiration and of motivation to improve upon myself.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each chapter is a different story from President Monson's life, grouped by topics. If you read this book you will recognize a lot of stories from his talks.

[Lucille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one afternoon and marked 26 stories that were remarkable.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

President Monson is a wonderful story teller!

[Margaret Broadbent]

A great book to read when you have only short blocks of time. Many of the stories are familiar from President Monson's talks

[Ronna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a copy of this book signed by Monson himself. I find these short stories to be uplifting and inspiring!

[Brandon Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, vignette oriented book of great lessons in charity and leadership.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells a lot of funny stories in the life of President Monson. There are also some good spiritual ones. You should read this book.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stories Would have been better with more stories about the challenges in life he has faced. Stories will help for talks.

[Jileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book and easy read. I liked that each page was simple snapshots of moments in President Monson's life. Some amazing, some humorous.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big bawl baby! Every other chapter makes me cry. In a good way.