From January 7, 2018 special memorial edition of the LDS Church News (not all excerpts had links).
Marrianne Holman Prescott, an LDS Church News writer preambled the following quotes: After serving as a General Authority for more than 54 years, beloved prophet President Thomas S. Monson has give hundreds of talks–including 234 addresses in general conference — to people around the world. Whether speaking during a Church event or funeral to a high ranking civic leader or a community group, the leader has shared messages of hope and inspiration to Church members and non-members alike. HIs love of literature and musicals often made an appearance in his sermons, as well as his desire for all to be on the Lord’s errand. Below are excerpts from a few of the many talks he has given over the years.
Follow the prophet: “Follow the prophets of God. When you follow the prophets, you will be in safe territory. I know that the Lord inspires His prophets, His seers, and His revelators” (“Life’s Greatest Decisions” Church Educational System Fireside Satellite Broadcast, Sept 7, 2003).
Optimism: “Should you become discouraged or feel burdened down, remember that others have passed this same way; they have endured and then have achieved. When we have done all that we are able to do, we can then rely on God’s promised help” (“Life’s Greatest Decisions” Church Educational System Fireside Satellite Broadcast, Sept 7, 2003).
Happiness: “The happy life is not ushered in at any age to the sound of drums and trumpets. It grows upon us year by year, little by little, until at last we realize that we have it. It is achieved in individuals, not by flights to the Moon or Mars, but by a body of work done so well that we can lift our heads with assurance and look the world in the eye. Of this be sure: You do not find the happy life — you make it “Attitudes of Accomplishment,” BYU devotional, May 19, 1970)
Discipleship: “We are the product of all we read, all we view, all we hear and all we think. I join you in a united determination to so think, to so read and to so hear — and I might also add to so feel — that we may evidence that we are on the Lord’s side” (All-Church Coordinating Council, NOv 15, 1988).
In his last conference address, President Monson encouraged listeners to read the Book of Mormon: “We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness. What will protect us from the sin and evil so prevalent in the world today? I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety. If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. If it is true—and I solemnly testify that it is—then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.” (“The Power of the Book of Mormon,” April 2017 general conference)
From the January 7, 2018 LDS Church News, special memorial issue, p.15
