- “Instead of focusing on the past, we need to increase our tolerance for things going well in our lives now. If we don’t learn how to do this, we suffer in every area of our lives. One area that suffers spectacularly is our relationships.” The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level (Gay Hendricks)- Highlight on Page 185
- “Self-pity will vanish as our blessings are counted.” James E. Faust, Ensign, Feb. 2006, 7
- “October 23rd, 1994 – Sunday. Puyo, Ecuador… Ecuador is sweet. It’s pretty. It’s a ghetto in the jungle. The people here are normal but don’t realize what it’s like to live well. But they’re happy. One thing I remember was today a boy with ragged clothes & who lives in a wood shack was praying for the poor. It kind of makes you think. To me, they’re poor but they don’t think so.” – Clinton Brown Missionary Journal
- “December 12th, 1994 – Monday. Puyo Ecuador…Dad wrote me some good advice today. He told me “feeling discouraged or unsuccessful comes from within you – you determine your attitude and no one or nothing can unless you allow it to. So, trust in the Lord – I dare you to try Him.” These words are so true. I should always be happy and – BE MYSELF!!! I’ve just got to press forward and work my tail off. The blessings will come. Maybe I’m just looking for baptisms as the only blessings. I need to notice the little blessings! I’ve got a ton!” Clinton Brown Missionary Journal
- “The smile on my face doesn’t mean my life is perfect. It means I appreciate what I have and what I have been blessed with. I choose to be happy.” Charlie Brown
- “In the Church especially, asking produces better results than ordering better feeling, too. Remember to tell why. Follow up to see how things are going. Show appreciation when people carry out instructions well. Express confidence when it can be done honestly. When something gets fouled up, it is well to check back and find out where you slipped up and don’t be afraid to admit that you did. Remember, our people are voluntary, free-will workers. They also love the Lord and His work. Love them. Appreciate them. When you are tempted to reprimand a fellow worker, don’t. Try an interesting challenge and a pat on the back instead. Our Father’s children throughout the world are essentially good. He loves them. We should also. People do not like to be forced to do anything, even if it is for their own good. But people do respond to effective leadership.” Manual, Teachings of the President of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson, Chapter 19, Leadership