Be of Good Cheer

by Marvin J. Ashton

Shortly before his crucifixion, the Savior told his "In the world ye shall have but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33.) In Be of Good Cheer, Elder Marvin J. Ashton, a member of the Council of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares his insights about how to be happy. He discusses pure religion, enduring tribulations, choosing the good part, carrying our cross, quiet giving, commitment, doing what is right "straightway," shaking off the chains of bad habits, achieving spiritual and social maturity, holding the priesthood, finding peace, and living with courage. He offers hope and encouragement to replace doubt and despair. Elder Ashton "Being of good cheer makes it possible for us to turn all of our sunsets into sunrises. With good cheer, carrying our cross can be our ladder to happiness. When Jesus comes into our lives, cheer lights the way." Be of Good Cheer, adapted from talks by Elder Ashton, is a gift of happiness that will be treasured by Latter-day Saints and their friends the world over.

Genres: Religion, Lds

107 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Marvin Jeremy Ashton was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1971 until his death.

Ashton was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the son of Marvin O. Ashton, a prominent local leader of the LDS Church who later became a general authority of the church. The younger Ashton worked in the lumber business as a youth. He graduated from the University of Utah. He served a mission in Great Britain, where his mission president was Hugh B. Brown. He worked as managing director of LDS Social Services.

From 1958 to 1969, Ashton was an assistant to the general superintendent of the church's Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. He served as assistants to superintendents Joseph T. Bentley and G. Carlos Smith.

Ashton was ordained an Apostle on December 2, 1971 after the death of Richard L. Evans. Ashton was an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles between 1969 and his call to the Quorum of the Twelve.

Ashton died on February 25, 1994 and was succeeded by Robert D. Hales.

Ashton was involved with the Boy Scouts of America most of his life and earned Eagle Scout as a youth. As an adult he was a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA), the Silver Beaver Award and the Silver Antelope Award.

Reviews

[Lora]

I struggled several times to start this book. I finally settled in this year thinking I would do some gleaning. The power of the words filled me with soul nourishing strength to heal from certain incidents of past things and to resolve to be my best in oncoming future things. The last talk, courage for Christmas, was the finest of the bunch. I'll be rereading that one when the season comes.

[Nolan]

This is a treat to read for so many reasons. It brought back vivid memories of listening to the author deliver some of the same speeches transcribed here. I remember the nonjudgmental soft-spoken way those addresses were delivered; it seems to me that the author actually lived as he encouraged the rest of us to do, and the ability to communicate from such a position of power and respect is huge.

This is a super-short compilation. But it includes some of the author's most well known addresses. In no way does the book fling silly platitudes at people who deal with clinical depression about how Jesus can automatically make everything ok. Instead of meaningless platitudes, he provides well-reasoned approaches to happiness, respectfully recognizing that insta-happiness isn't a reality. Nevertheless, he encourages service to others as one approach to fulfillment, and at no time did I find any of these chapters heavy handed. I wish the audio copy I had to use had been narrated by the author. The narration was pretty awful, both from a performance perspective and from a technical quality one. It really sounded like the master had been created on a Fisher Price cassette recorder in a large reverberating locker room. Still, I relished the return in memory to a time when Marvin J. Ashton was alive and could draw me away from lesser things simply by the gentle power of his delivery.

[Tina]

One great book, for anyone going throught tough times, that has depression or just needs a pick me up. Great reminder of what it is to truly, be of good cheer.

[David Barney]

Wonderful stories and sound council for anyone and everyone.

[Christie Norris]

This is a collection of talk/topics. I heard his voice as I read them, which was enjoyable, but there wasn't really a flow between chapters.

[Nohreen]

Love this great little book!

"Being of good cheer makes it possible for us to turn all of our sunsets into sunrises.
With good cheer, carrying our cross can be our ladder to happiness. When Jesus comes into our lives, cheer lights the way. How powerful and comforting is the Savior’s declaration, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33.)"

[Jenalyn]

Elder Ashton's remarks and his voice have always been comforting to me. I had the opportunity to learn more about him from his friend Ronald Millett today. Bro. Millett worked at Deseret Book for 30 years and he and his wife Susan spent much time with the Ashtons. The world is full of interesting people!

[Teresakearl]

Just What the world needs, more happiness, less discouragement.

[Kathy]

Just what I needed! I miss Elder Ashton. He was always to gentle and inspiring. This book is the next-best thing. A great pick-me-up, especially the first several chapters.

[Barbara Lovejoy]

I always loved Marvin J. Ashton. His talks were always so down-to-earth. Therefore, I was anxious to read this book. It is filled with so much wisdom I want to apply in my life.