Marvin J. Ashton Quotes & Sayings

We invite all to serve the Savior and walk in His paths straightway. There is an urgency for all of us who have this knowledge of His divinity to act upon it without hesitation or delay. The time is now. — Marvin J. Ashton

One who practices pure religion soon discovers it is more rewarding to lift a man up than to hold him down. — Marvin J. Ashton

The world is filled with too many of us who are inclined to indicate our love with an announcement or declaration. True love is a process. True love requires personal action. Love must be continuing to be real. Love takes time. — Marvin J. Ashton

Everything is given by God. All talent, creativity, ability, insight, and strength comes from him. In our own strength we can do nothing. — Marvin J. Ashton

Greatness is best measured by how well an individual responds to the happenings in life that appear to be totally unfair, unreasonable, and undeserved. — Marvin J. Ashton

Many marriage tragedies are caused, not by lack of money, but rather by the mismanagement of it. — Marvin J. Ashton

Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them. — Marvin J. Ashton

You owe it to yourself to keep fit. No matter how busy or how involved you are, you should have some type of physical program to keep the body in tune. — Marvin J. Ashton

A friend in the true sense is not a person who passively nods approval of our conduct or ignores improper behavior. A friend is a person who cares. — Marvin J. Ashton

Peace-not passion, not personal possessions, not personal accomplishments nor happiness-is one of the greatest blessings a man can receive. — Marvin J. Ashton

Constant criticism can wear one down and weaken knees. — Marvin J. Ashton

Love should be a vehicle allowed to travel without limitations. — Marvin J. Ashton

Young people . , God wants us to be victorious. He wants you to triumph over all of your foes. Stalwart and brave we must stand. God is at the helm. There is no reason for defeat. — Marvin J. Ashton

Some of us are inclined to look to the weaknesses and shortcomings of others in order to expand our own comfort zone. — Marvin J. Ashton

Some mothers seem to have the capacity and energy to make their children's clothes, bake, give piano lessons, go to Relief Society, teach Sunday School, attend parent-teacher association meetings, and so on. Other mothers look upon such women as models and feel inadequate, depressed, and think they are failures when they make comparisons ... Sisters, do not allow yourselves to be made to feel inadequate or frustrated because you cannot do everything others seem to be accomplishing. Rather, each should assess her own situation, her own energy, and her own talents, and then choose the best way to mold her family into a team, a unit that works together and supports each other. Only you and your Father in Heaven know your needs, strengths, and desires. Around this knowledge your personal course must be charted and your choices made. — Marvin J. Ashton

We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more. Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. — Marvin J. Ashton

Victories in life come through our ability to work around and over the obstacles that cross our path. We grow stronger as we climb our own mountains. — Marvin J. Ashton

One of the great tragedies of life, it seems to me, is when a person classifies himself as someone who has no talents or gifts. When, in disgust or discouragement, we allow ourselves to reach depressive levels of despair because of our demeaning self-appraisal, it is a sad day for us and a sad day in the eyes of God. For us to conclude that we have no gifts when we judge ourselves by stature, intelligence, grade-point average, wealth, power, position, or external appearance is not only unfair but unreasonable. — Marvin J. Ashton

The family as an institution today is beset on all sides. Conflicts within the family are critical and often damaging. Contention puts heavy strain on stability, strength, peace, and unity in the home. There is certainly not time for contention in building a strong family. — Marvin J. Ashton

A diet of violence or pornography dulls the senses, and future exposures need to be rougher and more extreme. Soon the person is desensitized and is unable to react in a sensitive, caring, responsible manner, especially to those in his own home and family. Good people can become infested with this material and it can have terrifying, destructive consequences. — Marvin J. Ashton

Resentment and anger are not good for the soul. They are foul things. — Marvin J. Ashton

A truly wise person will constantly move forward, striving for self-improvement, knowing that daily repentance is needed for progress. He will realize the good life is simply conforming to a standard of right and justice. The joys of happiness can only be realized by living lofty principles. — Marvin J. Ashton

A willingness to practice patience. Patience in communication is that certain ingredient of conduct we hope others will exhibit toward us when we fail to measure up. Our own patience is developed when we are patient with others. — Marvin J. Ashton

WE CAN'T ALWAYS CONTROL OUR CIRCUMSTANCES BUT WE CAN CONTROL OUR ATTITUDE.
WE MUST BE MORE CONCERNED WITH WHAT WE DO WITH WHAT HAPPENS TO US THAN WHAT HAPPENS TO US.
HAPPINESS DOES NOT DEPEND ON WHAT HAPPENS OUTSIDE OF YOU BUT ON WHAT HAPPENS INSIDE OF YOU. — Marvin J. Ashton

It is a happy day when we come to know that with God's help, nothing is impossible for us. — Marvin J. Ashton

What we are is more important than what we have or what is said of us. — Marvin J. Ashton

Listening is more than being quiet. Listening is much more than silence. Listening requires undivided attention. The time to listen is when someone needs to be heard. The time to deal with a person with a problem is when he has the problem. The time to listen is the time when our interest and love are vital to the one who seeks our ear, our heart, our help, and our empathy. — Marvin J. Ashton

The shepherds were invited to come and see. They saw. They trembled. They testified. They rejoiced. They saw Him wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger, the Prince of Peace ...
"At this Christmas season I extend to you the gift of determination to come and see ...
"A young man in deep trouble and despair said to me recently, 'It's all right for others to have a merry Christmas, but not me. It's no use. It's too late.'
" ... We can stay away and complain. We can stay away and nurse our sorrows. We can stay away and pity ourselves. We can stay away and find fault. We can stay away and become bitter.
"Or we can come and see! We can come and see and know! — Marvin J. Ashton

Enduring, or carrying on, is not just a matter of tolerating circumstances and hanging in there, but of pressing forward. — Marvin J. Ashton

Punctuality or the lack thereof oftentimes is the only introduction one will ever have to new groups and friends. Serenity and poise are not the companions of those who lack the courtesy and judgment to be on time. — Marvin J. Ashton

Ugly reports and conversations are always available to those who would promote the sordid and sensational. None of us are yet perfect. We each have failings that aren't terribly difficult to detect especially if that is the aim. — Marvin J. Ashton

Adversity will surface in some form in every life. How we prepare for it, how we meet it, makes the difference. We can be broken by adversity, or we can become stronger. The final result is up to the individual'. — Marvin J. Ashton

Shaking off restrictive chains requires action. They cannot be wished away. A declaration will never break chains. It requires commitment, self-discipline, and work. — Marvin J. Ashton

According to the dictionary, knock has two definitions: "to strike something with a sharp blow," and "to find fault with, a harsh and often petty criticism." Perhaps in human relationships both of these meanings could apply. Almost all men will respond to sincere praise and rebel at harsh and cutting criticisms. — Marvin J. Ashton

Give no time to finding fault of criticism. — Marvin J. Ashton

Leaders on every level should be primarily interested in rendering compassionate caring for others. — Marvin J. Ashton

It is up to each of us to search for and build upon the gifts which God has given. We must remember that each of us is made in the image of God, that there are no unimportant persons. Everyone matters to God and to his fellowmen. — Marvin J. Ashton

Satan is ever present, trying to destroy our glory and remove our crown. One of his most powerful tools is discouragement. Don't let your discouragement make Satan rejoice. — Marvin J. Ashton

Pleasure usually takes the form of me and now; joy is us and always. — Marvin J. Ashton

Through microscopic examination one can find in almost every life incidents or traits that can be destructive when they are magnified. — Marvin J. Ashton

Proper communication will always be a main ingredient for building family solidarity and permanence. — Marvin J. Ashton

Someone has said, "A friend is a person who is willing to take me the way I am." Accepting this as one definition of the word, may I quickly suggest that we are something less than a real friend if we leave a person the same way we find him. — Marvin J. Ashton

With God's help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. ... It is sunshine when clouds block the light. Ensign, May 1986 — Marvin J. Ashton

God grant to all of us the power and strength to be people of integrity, and the insight and wisdom to avoid being led into the snares of the dishonest. — Marvin J. Ashton

The practice of thrift is not outdated. We must discipline ourselves to live within our incomes even if it means going without or making do. The wise person can distinguish ... between basic needs and extravagant wants. Some find budgeting extremely painful, but I promise you, it is never fatal. — Marvin J. Ashton

Good cheer is a state of mind or mood that promotes happiness or joy ... With God's help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. It is a process of positive reassurance and reinforcement. It is sunshine when clouds block the light. — Marvin J. Ashton

I am acquainted with a wife and mother who is chained securely at the present time to a life-style of murmuring and criticism. She is the first to point out faults in her husband or to repeat neighborhood gossip. How damaging is a habit that permits fault-finding, character assassination, and the sharing of malicious rumors! Gossip and caustic comments often create chains of contention. These chains may appear to be very small, but what misery and woe they can cause! — Marvin J. Ashton

Financial peace of mind is not determined by how much we make, but is dependent upon how much we spend! — Marvin J. Ashton

What a spiritual comfort and blessing it is to know that, if we look to our Savior Jesus Christ and endure to the end, eternal life and exaltation can be ours. Our capacity to see and comprehend is increased only in proportion to our willingness to look. God becomes more approachable as we look to him. — Marvin J. Ashton

God knows the feelings in every human heart. He can soften sorrow and lead when there seems to be no light. Prayer can give guidance and confidence. It reminds us that no one need be alone in this world. If all else fails, remember, God and one other person can be a family. — Marvin J. Ashton

Often our self-esteem is bruised by criticism. — Marvin J. Ashton

Day-to-day acts of service, whether for good or evil, may not seem important, but they are building cords of love that become so strong they can seldom be broken. Ours is to place our areas of love in proper perspective. Meaningful love always works for our eternal progress and not against it. — Marvin J. Ashton

Many of us are perpetual reactors. We let other people determine our actions and attitudes. We let other people determine whether we will be rude or gracious, depressed or elated, critical or loyal, passive or dedicated. — Marvin J. Ashton

How comfortable some of us become as we nestle in the web of procrastination. It is a false haven of rest for those who are content to live without purpose, commitment, or self-discipline. — Marvin J. Ashton

We must at regular and appropriate intervals speak and reassure others of our love and the long time it takes to prove it by our actions. Real love does take time. The Great Shepherd had the same thoughts in mind when he taught, 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15; italics added) and 'If ye love me feed my sheep' (John 21:16; italics added). Love demands action if it is to be continuing. — Marvin J. Ashton

He who invites us to follow will always be out in front of us with His Spirit and influence setting the pace. He has charted and marked the course, opened the gates, and shown the way. He has invited us to come unto Him, and the best time to enjoy His companionship is straightway. We can best get on the course and stay on the course by doing as Jesus did-make a total commitment to do the will of His Father. — Marvin J. Ashton

The best and most clear indicator that we are progressing spiritually and coming unto Christ is the way we treat other people. — Marvin J. Ashton

Do not doubt your abilities. Do not delay your worthy impressions. With God's help, you cannot fail. He will give you the courage to participate in meaningful change and purposeful living. — Marvin J. Ashton

If we would know true love and understanding one for another, we must realize that communication is more than a sharing of words. It is the wise sharing of emotions, feelings, and concerns. It is the sharing of oneself totally. — Marvin J. Ashton

Controversy and contention are weakening habits. If Satan can succeed in creating in us the pastime of arguing, quarreling, and contention, it is easier for him to bind us with heavier sins which can destroy our eternal lives. Anger is a poor substitute for self-mastery and compassionate service. — Marvin J. Ashton

Often parents communicate most effectively with their children by the way they listen to and address each other. Their conversations showing gentleness and love are heard by our ever-alert, impressionable children. — Marvin J. Ashton

We should teach, particularly ourselves, that nobody is a nobody. We are someone, and with God's help we can accomplish all things. — Marvin J. Ashton

It takes personal sacrifice to communicate when conditions are right for the other person-during the meal preparation, after a date, a hurt, a victory, a disappointment, or when someone wants to share a confidence. One must be willing to forego personal convenience to invest time in establishing a firm foundation for family communication. When communication in the family seems to be bogging down, each individual should look to himself for the remedy. — Marvin J. Ashton

Certainly one of our God-given privileges is the right to choose what our attitude will be in any given set of circumstances. We can let the events that surround us determine our actions-or we can personally take charge and rule our lives, using as guidelines the principles of pure religion. Pure religion is learning the gospel of Jesus Christ and then putting it into action. Nothing will ever be of real benefit to us until it is incorporated into our own lives. — Marvin J. Ashton

It is not so important whether a young man has been through the experience of a mission as it is whether the mission experience has been through him. — Marvin J. Ashton

The direction in which we are moving is more important than where we are at the moment. Goal setting should cause us to stretch as we make our way. — Marvin J. Ashton

God's love for us is constant and will not diminish, but he cannot rescue us from the painful results that are caused by wrong choices. — Marvin J. Ashton

Someone has wisely stated that hate is not the opposite of love. Apathy is. We will not have time for apathy in life's journey if we speak and think positively. Seek, search, and work for worthy eternal qualities and friends. — Marvin J. Ashton

The difference between those who are committed and those who are not is the difference between the words want and will. — Marvin J. Ashton

Commitment is a word that cannot stand alone. We must always ask, "Committed to what?" ... let us be committed to ... using Jesus Christ as our master teacher. — Marvin J. Ashton

Being on time to appointments and meetings is a phase of self-discipline and an evidence of self-respect. Punctuality is a courteous compliment the intelligent person pays to his associates. — Marvin J. Ashton

An understanding, loving heart is the pinnacle of all human emotions ... . We come closest to becoming Christlike when we are charitable and understanding of others. One may have many talents and knowledge but never acquire wisdom because he does not learn to be compassionate with his fellow man. Christlike love must be continuous and contemporary. — Marvin J. Ashton

I recommend you come to know your Father in Heaven. Come to love Him. Always remember that He loves you and will give you guidance and support if you will but give Him the chance. Include Him in your decision making. Include Him in your heartaches and heartbreaks. Include Him when you take inventory of your personal worth. — Marvin J. Ashton

Lying damages others. Lying subtly permits us to destroy ourselves as we are caught in the snare and shatter our own self-image and credibility. Freedom from deceit and lying improves self and gives all of us peace of mind. — Marvin J. Ashton

If he could have his way, Satan would distract us from our heritage. He would have us become involved in a million and one things in this life-probably none of which is very important in the long run-to keep us from concentrating on the things that are really important, particularly the reality that we are God's children. He would like us to forget about home and family values. He'd like to keep us so busy with comparatively insignificant things that we don't have time to make the effort to understand where we came from, whose children we are, and how glorious our ultimate homecoming can be! — Marvin J. Ashton

Tact is rubbing out another's mistakes, not rubbing them in. — Marvin J. Ashton

As adults, if our top priorities are constantly directed toward the acquisition of more and better worldly goods, it will not take long to increase our love in those directions. The purchase of a larger house or a nicer car or a more expensive boat may cause us to sacrifice our resources and develop an unwise love for these symbols of success and pleasure. We learn to love that which we serve, and we serve that which we love. — Marvin J. Ashton

Adversity will surface in every life. How we meet it makes the difference. — Marvin J. Ashton

We need to remove unworthy from our vocabulary and replace it with hope and work. — Marvin J. Ashton

Being of good cheer makes it possible for us to turn all of our sunsets into sunrises. — Marvin J. Ashton

Proper attitude in this crisis-dominated world is a priceless possession. Never before is it more important for all of us to move forward with conviction. We may be behind, but we are not losing if we are moving in the right direction. God will not score our performances until the end of the journey. — Marvin J. Ashton

One little lie or dishonest act leads to another until the perpetrator is caught in the web of deceit. — Marvin J. Ashton

Set your goals-without goals you cannot measure your progress. But don't become frustrated because there are no obvious victories. Remind yourself that striving can be more important than arriving. — Marvin J. Ashton

Peace is a blessing that comes to those who trust in God. It is established through individual righteousness. True personal peace comes about through eternal vigilance and constant righteous efforts. — Marvin J. Ashton

We are poor in character when we think getting by is a substitute for doing our best. — Marvin J. Ashton

Once upon hearing a friend's bashing comment I said, "Did you reach that conclusion on your own, or did it come through prayer?" — Marvin J. Ashton

Blessed is he or she who avoids being offended. — Marvin J. Ashton

Soft and small voice communications with our associates make priceless friendships possible. I am appreciative of people who find no need to raise their voices as they try to impress or convince. It seems most people who argue and shout have ceased listening to what the small voice could powerfully contribute. — Marvin J. Ashton

Procrastination is a deadly weapon of human progress. — Marvin J. Ashton

God has given each of us one or more special talents ... It is up to each of us to search for and build upon the gifts which God has given. — Marvin J. Ashton

Each of us has the challenge to know the Father and to become one with Him. — Marvin J. Ashton

Straightway is a power word. Straightway is an action word. It means immediately, without delay or hesitation. It means at once. Also, it is associated with having no curve or turn-a straight course, track, or path. Procrastination would be the very opposite of straightway. To procrastinate is to put off intentionally and habitually something that should be done. Procrastination is unproductive delay. — Marvin J. Ashton

The gospel is one of harmony, unity, and agreement. It must be presented in love, and with glad tidings, by those who are calm. — Marvin J. Ashton

A man must rise by his own efforts and walk by faith. — Marvin J. Ashton

In times of hurt and discouragement, it may be consoling for all of us to recall that no one can do anything permanently to us that will last for eternity. Only we ourselves can affect our eternal progression. — Marvin J. Ashton

If we could look into each other's hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance, and care. — Marvin J. Ashton

The discerning realize that it is not realistic to expect perfection in others when none of us is perfect ... Meaningful progress can be made only when all of us can cast the motes out of our own eyes, leave judgment to our Father in Heaven, and lose ourselves in righteous living. — Marvin J. Ashton

There is a great need today for all mankind to heed the plea to cease to find fault one with another. Some of us are so accustomed to wearing faultfinding spectacles that we cannot see past them. We need to open our eyes and ears and look for the good and the blessings around us. — Marvin J. Ashton

Sometimes when family members least deserve love, they need it most. Love is not appropriately expressed in threats, accusations, expressions of disappointment, or retaliation. Real love takes time, patience, help, and continuing performances. — Marvin J. Ashton

If you have self-respect, you will take satisfaction in being well groomed and will not allow yourself to perform shabbily. You will continue to work toward high standards and goals to serve others, to continue and to practice self-discipline. You will not compromise your standards or beliefs. — Marvin J. Ashton