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Small and Simple Things
In these pages, Sister Hinckley shares some of the small and simple things she has gleaned from a lifetime of experience. Gentle encouragement, expressions of faith, and enduring advice for everyday problems will bring a smile to your face and gratitude to your heart for the small and simple things in your own life that make all the difference.
154 pages, Hardcover
First published October 28, 2003
12 people are currently reading
2006 people want to read
About the author
Marjorie Pay Hinckley
7 books138 followersBorn Marjorie Pay on 23 November 1911, in Nephi, Utah, she was the first child of Phillip LeRoy and Georgetta Paxman Pay. She had four sisters and two brothers, but one brother died in infancy. The family moved to Salt Lake City in 1914 where Marjorie began her education. She graduated from East High School in 1929 and went to work at the Owens Illinois Glass Company performing secretarial duties.
As a young girl she was taught by her mother that the best husband for her would be one who loves the Lord. Marjorie met a young man with that qualification living right across the street from her family home. She and Gordon B. Hinckley were married on 29 April 1937 in the Salt Lake Temple by Elder Stephen L. Richards, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (President Hinckley was called to serve as an Assistant to the Twelve Apostles in April 1958, to the Quorum of the Twelve in September of 1961 and became the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 13 March 1995).
The young couple began their married life in Salt Lake City in a small farmhouse in Millcreek. President Hinckley was employed at Church headquarters in downtown Salt Lake, and Marjorie continued her employment at the glass company until the birth of their first child. As the family increased in size, the Hinckleys built a home on property down the lane from their first house, still in the rural East Millcreek area. By 1954 they were parents of five children, Kathleen, Richard, Virginia, Clark and Jane.
Marjorie was an energetic mother and made good use of humor to settle many of life's difficulties. She was often heard to say, "The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it." Marjorie loved being a mother and delighted in every moment with her children. She especially enjoyed the sound of the screen door slamming as the children ran in and out of the house. She was sad every fall when the children went back to school because she missed them so much during the day.
An avid reader, Marjorie encouraged her children to gain knowledge by studying and reading. As the family traveled in the car on vacations, she would read to them from the classics. Although her formal education was interrupted by economic stress during the depression, she encouraged her children to seek degrees in higher education. She was a student of the scriptures and often used the words of ancient and latter-day prophets to teach and inspire others.
Living in Utah most of her life, except for a brief time in Denver while her husband was working for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, Marjorie had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the world. She developed a special appreciation for the people in the Far East. Hong Kong became a favorite city, and she was delighted when her children and their spouses were able to gather in Hong Kong with her and President Hinckley to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary.
A dedicated student of the lives of her ancestors, Marjorie delighted in the opportunity to share stories of their faith and devotion taken from her research and that of others. Searching for family names in genealogical facilities was a major part of her life. Pedigree charts, pictures and written histories were often visible in her home, and she used this acquired knowledge to encourage others in numerous public addresses.
She developed a close relationship with her 25 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren, who always knew she was just a telephone call away. They willingly consulted with her about the joys and challenges in their lives.
Marjorie Hinckley was recognized numerous times, having named for her the Marjorie Pay Hinckley Chair in Social Work and Social Science from Brigham Young University in April of 2003, and receiving an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Utah Valley State College in April of 2001 and the heritage award during the cente
As a young girl she was taught by her mother that the best husband for her would be one who loves the Lord. Marjorie met a young man with that qualification living right across the street from her family home. She and Gordon B. Hinckley were married on 29 April 1937 in the Salt Lake Temple by Elder Stephen L. Richards, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (President Hinckley was called to serve as an Assistant to the Twelve Apostles in April 1958, to the Quorum of the Twelve in September of 1961 and became the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 13 March 1995).
The young couple began their married life in Salt Lake City in a small farmhouse in Millcreek. President Hinckley was employed at Church headquarters in downtown Salt Lake, and Marjorie continued her employment at the glass company until the birth of their first child. As the family increased in size, the Hinckleys built a home on property down the lane from their first house, still in the rural East Millcreek area. By 1954 they were parents of five children, Kathleen, Richard, Virginia, Clark and Jane.
Marjorie was an energetic mother and made good use of humor to settle many of life's difficulties. She was often heard to say, "The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it." Marjorie loved being a mother and delighted in every moment with her children. She especially enjoyed the sound of the screen door slamming as the children ran in and out of the house. She was sad every fall when the children went back to school because she missed them so much during the day.
An avid reader, Marjorie encouraged her children to gain knowledge by studying and reading. As the family traveled in the car on vacations, she would read to them from the classics. Although her formal education was interrupted by economic stress during the depression, she encouraged her children to seek degrees in higher education. She was a student of the scriptures and often used the words of ancient and latter-day prophets to teach and inspire others.
Living in Utah most of her life, except for a brief time in Denver while her husband was working for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, Marjorie had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the world. She developed a special appreciation for the people in the Far East. Hong Kong became a favorite city, and she was delighted when her children and their spouses were able to gather in Hong Kong with her and President Hinckley to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary.
A dedicated student of the lives of her ancestors, Marjorie delighted in the opportunity to share stories of their faith and devotion taken from her research and that of others. Searching for family names in genealogical facilities was a major part of her life. Pedigree charts, pictures and written histories were often visible in her home, and she used this acquired knowledge to encourage others in numerous public addresses.
She developed a close relationship with her 25 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren, who always knew she was just a telephone call away. They willingly consulted with her about the joys and challenges in their lives.
Marjorie Hinckley was recognized numerous times, having named for her the Marjorie Pay Hinckley Chair in Social Work and Social Science from Brigham Young University in April of 2003, and receiving an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Utah Valley State College in April of 2001 and the heritage award during the cente
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
January 17, 2019
Love all the simple little reminders to count our blessings and words of advice from a very wise woman.
October 6, 2010
"Think about your particular assignment at this time in your life. It may be to get an education, it may be to rear children in righteousness, it may be to be a grandparent, it may be to care for and relieve the suffering of someone you love, it may be to do a job in the most excellent way possible, it may be to support someone who has a difficult assignment of their own. Our assignments are varied and they change from time to time Don't take them lightly. Give them your full heart and energy. Do them with enthusiasm. Do whatever you have to do this week with your whole heart and soul. To do less than this will leave you with an empty feeling." What a wise woman Marjorie Pay Hinckley was!
April 25, 2008
I loved Sister Hinkley's book!! I thought her inspirational thoughts were great and the recipes were nice. I actually read this in one sitting and on my B-day I was really sick and my toddler son was so sick as well. The day was filled with doctor appointments and I just wanted to get the day over with so we could get better and not have to try and celebrate me! I just opened this book to one page and read this.
"The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead."
An awakening happened. I could chose to have a horrible day or I could change my mentality and decide to be happy on a day my husband and kids love. I don't want to get in the habit of always having an excuse to hate today and dream for tomorrow, 'when the kids are older' or 'when we have more money' and 'when I have a house'. So what!! I am going to enjoy today no matter what life throws at me.
"The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead."
An awakening happened. I could chose to have a horrible day or I could change my mentality and decide to be happy on a day my husband and kids love. I don't want to get in the habit of always having an excuse to hate today and dream for tomorrow, 'when the kids are older' or 'when we have more money' and 'when I have a house'. So what!! I am going to enjoy today no matter what life throws at me.
February 10, 2008
Love Sister Hinckley's views on life and families and love. She is always inspiring and I learn something in a new way each time I open this book. Love comes through and teaches my heart.
September 15, 2014
Great quotes from a very wise woman! This is a good book to have around when you need a little pick-me-up boost of hope and comfort. Just open to any page and be inspired.
April 12, 2015
Darling little book. But it is so much better watching Sister Hinckley live. That way you get a taste of how wonderfully human and amazing she was.
April 15, 2019
Great recipes and thoughts. Maybe for fhe?
May 22, 2021
The title describes it perfectly “small and simple”. I was able to quickly read it in an hour, but it would be perfect to reread again. Could be great to read a page a day and ponder the authors thoughts
January 5, 2025
Just a cute little book of random quotes from Marjorie Hinckley.
January 4, 2016
"... the seemingly insignificant things we do over and over actually weave the pattern of our lives."
"Who knows but that something wonderful may happen today. Have faith that it will. After all, every morning is a chance at a new day!"
"The gospel calls to us to stretch ourselves, to embrace our talents, to concentrate on our strengths, to be productive, which few of us ever do. We seem to get discouraged by such trivial things and fail to see the great things we are capable of doing."
"We are God's children, and if we ever got that through our heads thoroughly and understood that completely, we would never do a small thing, we would never say a cross word. We would not use bad language. We would not criticize anybody. We would love everyone the way the Savior loves us."
"The test, then, of our soul's greatness is rather to be sought in our ability to comfort and console, our ability to help others, rather than our ability to help ourselves and crowd others down in the struggle of life."
"We each do the best we can. My best may not be as good as your best, but it's my best."
"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"
"True spirituality makes you loving and grateful, and forgiving, and patient, and gentle, and long-suffering. True spirituality breathes reverence into every act and deed. It compels you to get in touch with your Heavenly Father every single day of your life."
"Choose carefully each day that which you will do and that which you will not do, and the Lord will bless you to accomplish the important things that have eternal consequences."
"Everything you are learning now is preparing you for something else."
"... develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. ... learn to be content with what [you] are."
"Who knows but that something wonderful may happen today. Have faith that it will. After all, every morning is a chance at a new day!"
"The gospel calls to us to stretch ourselves, to embrace our talents, to concentrate on our strengths, to be productive, which few of us ever do. We seem to get discouraged by such trivial things and fail to see the great things we are capable of doing."
"We are God's children, and if we ever got that through our heads thoroughly and understood that completely, we would never do a small thing, we would never say a cross word. We would not use bad language. We would not criticize anybody. We would love everyone the way the Savior loves us."
"The test, then, of our soul's greatness is rather to be sought in our ability to comfort and console, our ability to help others, rather than our ability to help ourselves and crowd others down in the struggle of life."
"We each do the best we can. My best may not be as good as your best, but it's my best."
"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"
"True spirituality makes you loving and grateful, and forgiving, and patient, and gentle, and long-suffering. True spirituality breathes reverence into every act and deed. It compels you to get in touch with your Heavenly Father every single day of your life."
"Choose carefully each day that which you will do and that which you will not do, and the Lord will bless you to accomplish the important things that have eternal consequences."
"Everything you are learning now is preparing you for something else."
"... develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. ... learn to be content with what [you] are."
November 15, 2012
I love this book! I love the beautiful photographs, the quotes, the scriptures, and Sister Hinckley's gentle advice on living well. I read it in its entirety again today for the second or third time. It is the perfect lazy Sunday afternoon read. When I pick up this book, even if I only read a page or two, I feel as if I'm curled up next to a loving grandmother who would do anything to help me get it right.
After today's reading, I finally understand and feel as if I have internalized Alma 37:6. "By small and simple things are great things brought to pass." After citing this scripture, Sister Hinckley goes on to tell us, "I couldn't possibly understand this when I was young like I do now. When we look back on decades of life we see that seemingly insignificant things we do over and over actually weave the pattern of our lives. And if those small and simple things are good, we will end up having lived a fulfilling life--and that is a great thing!" Sister Hinckley was in her nineties when she wrote this book. President Hinckley was also in his nineties when he taught this principle to us at General Conference. I think they both knew what they were talking about.
I keep this book next to my rocking chair and often look through it when I am holding a sleeping baby. Even just two or three pages encourage me in this work that I love and do within the walls of my home.
After today's reading, I finally understand and feel as if I have internalized Alma 37:6. "By small and simple things are great things brought to pass." After citing this scripture, Sister Hinckley goes on to tell us, "I couldn't possibly understand this when I was young like I do now. When we look back on decades of life we see that seemingly insignificant things we do over and over actually weave the pattern of our lives. And if those small and simple things are good, we will end up having lived a fulfilling life--and that is a great thing!" Sister Hinckley was in her nineties when she wrote this book. President Hinckley was also in his nineties when he taught this principle to us at General Conference. I think they both knew what they were talking about.
I keep this book next to my rocking chair and often look through it when I am holding a sleeping baby. Even just two or three pages encourage me in this work that I love and do within the walls of my home.
February 17, 2018
This felt very similar to me as Stand a Little Taller by Gordon B. Hinckley except for two things. There is not a message for every day of the year and there are random fun recipes included.
September 23, 2014
- I've always admired Sister Hinckley's outlook on life. I thought this book would be filled with fun and uplifting things. It didn't disappoint.
- I loved how she talks about food and shared some of her favorite recipes.
- I liked how she mentioned to not over schedule your kids or yourself. It is good to leave time to spend together. Gnome is in preschool and dance. I'd like her to take piano lessons, but it is hard to know how much is too much.
- The book is mostly a compilation of Sister Hinckley's favorite quotes, scriptures, and poems. It was fun to read these.
- I probably wouldn't read this again, but it is a little and quick read. I enjoyed it.
- I loved how she talks about food and shared some of her favorite recipes.
- I liked how she mentioned to not over schedule your kids or yourself. It is good to leave time to spend together. Gnome is in preschool and dance. I'd like her to take piano lessons, but it is hard to know how much is too much.
- The book is mostly a compilation of Sister Hinckley's favorite quotes, scriptures, and poems. It was fun to read these.
- I probably wouldn't read this again, but it is a little and quick read. I enjoyed it.
June 30, 2015
The Hinckleys were a couple that I admired so much because they were real, down to earth and not phoney. This book provided not only great wisdom from a great woman, but beautiful pictures, some of her recipes, and it was a quick inspiring read. Love her quote, "You can choose to cry or laught. I like to laugh. Crying gives me a headache." It reminds me of something I tell my own kids when they say, "I was thinking....." I reply, "Don't do it! It will give you a headache!"
Oh, the simple live when all it takes to make your husband happy is a tuna fish sandwich on Kneader's white bread, dill pickles, and crisp lettuce. You gotta love it and I do!
Oh, the simple live when all it takes to make your husband happy is a tuna fish sandwich on Kneader's white bread, dill pickles, and crisp lettuce. You gotta love it and I do!
May 17, 2011
This is one of those "thoughts" books on various subjects. Nice pictures too. I love the wisdom of sister Hinckley! There are so many great quotes in this book.
my favorite is probably this one:
"We each do the best we can. My best may not be as good as your best, but it's my best. The fact is we know when we are doing our best and when we are not. If we are not doing our best, it leaves us with a gnawing hunger and frustration. But when we do our best, we experience a peace."
page. 77
I have loved this quote for years, it's the very reason I had to read the book.
my favorite is probably this one:
"We each do the best we can. My best may not be as good as your best, but it's my best. The fact is we know when we are doing our best and when we are not. If we are not doing our best, it leaves us with a gnawing hunger and frustration. But when we do our best, we experience a peace."
page. 77
I have loved this quote for years, it's the very reason I had to read the book.
November 13, 2014
I always admired the way President Hinckley cherished his wife. I thought she was an amazing example of what a Latter-day Saint woman should be. At this time in my life, I've had to face many decisions and crossroads. I found this in my Grandmother's bookshelf and started to read. I felt comfort and love through the little thoughts that she shared.
If you want something simple, and to feel the spirit, I recommend reading this. Do you need a pick me up, pick this up and remember the small and simple things.
If you want something simple, and to feel the spirit, I recommend reading this. Do you need a pick me up, pick this up and remember the small and simple things.
March 10, 2008
My mother-in-law gave me this book as a Christmas present. I know she found it dirt cheap on a clearance rack, but I must say what a wonderful bargain it was! A very quick read. It was a lovely book. If you are a little depressed or down in the dumps, this book lets you have a glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman and realize she was just like you and I. Normal. I thought it was a great book. It helped me appreciate my everyday life and my role as a wife, mother and friend.
April 12, 2008
This book was given to me by a friend at my bridal shower on the day of Sister Hinckley's funeral. It is the kind of book that I like to pick up and thumb through a few pages just for a nice little pick me up. Not only are the pictures nice, her wisdom, quick humor and deeply rooted testimony are inspiring. And she included some recipes, so fun! It's a definite must read, it only takes about 30 minutes.
February 24, 2012
This is one of the books I think I want to ALWAYS be reading-- as soon as I finish it, just start again from the beginning that same day. It is full of so much wisdom from one of the sweetest ladies that ever lived, and so much of it is advice that can make each and everyday better. It's a super uplifting book that just makes life look wonderful. And the pictures in it are absolutely gorgeous-- another reminder of how blessed we are and the beautiful world we live in!
September 4, 2015
I loved this book. I love Marjorie Hinckley. I imagine this is a reflection of what legacy she wanted to leave the world, what words of advice she wanted to share with generations to come.
I love the sweet wisdom Marjorie shares. I feel as if she is my own grandmother.
Marjorie shares her thoughts,testimony of Jesus Christ, the experiences she's had throughout her own life, and recipes.
Very charming, uplifting, spiritually simple and profound.
I love the sweet wisdom Marjorie shares. I feel as if she is my own grandmother.
Marjorie shares her thoughts,testimony of Jesus Christ, the experiences she's had throughout her own life, and recipes.
Very charming, uplifting, spiritually simple and profound.
December 18, 2007
This is a great daily devotional book. I purchased it at an LDS Women's "Time Out for Women" in Sacramento last year. You will enjoy Marjorie Hinckleys gentle encouragement, expressions of faith, and enduring advice for everday problems will bring a smile to your face and gratitude to your heart for the small and simple things in your own life that make all the difference.
April 18, 2008
There are some great quotes in this book by Marjorie Hinckley as well as other quotes and scriptures that tie into her ideas. One of my favorite quotes was “The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.” There are also a few recipes that she collected over the years that I plan on trying out.
August 5, 2008
wonderful anecdotes, scriptures and recipes from a woman whose husband was a prophet/or servant of God for most of their married life. I love reading these--I have given many copies as gifts. A great pick me up--it is short--the whole book can be read in less than an hour but spend some time thinking about what she has said and improve your own life.
August 4, 2008
Great little tidbits into the life of Sister Hinckley... My favorite is when she tells the story about how her husband planted about 50 tomato plants in their garden and they had so many tomatoes they were giving them away! It was during the depression and they ended being able to sell some too and make a little extra money. She gives practical advice and you can appreciate her sense of humor!
September 1, 2008
I just re-read this book and I fall more in love with this woman the more I read about her. She has the quickest, cutest sense of humor and a wonderfully positive spirit about her. I truly admire her for the life she built, the home she created, the children she raised, and the prophet/husband she so obviously inspired as well.
June 7, 2009
This book was a lot different than I thought it would be. I loved how, to be cliche, simple it was. It make syou look at life in a more light-hearted way, no matter the circumstances. The pictures on each page helped with her effect. Her personality and sense of humor make you want to be a better person.
June 5, 2009
I have read this little treasure over and over again. I think I've bought it as many times as well. This book is the ultimate "Perfect Gift".
It has such sweet and simple beauty in it. There is something for everyone in this book.....tears, humor, love, happiness, advice, recipes, etc...You can't go wrong with this book.
Love the author dearly.
It has such sweet and simple beauty in it. There is something for everyone in this book.....tears, humor, love, happiness, advice, recipes, etc...You can't go wrong with this book.
Love the author dearly.
August 17, 2011
This book was given to me several years ago and I really enjoy it. I keep it on my nightstand and when my brain is going a mile a minute and I have a hard time slowing it down to meditate I like to pick this one up and read the liitle snippets. Great words from a beautiful and wise (and humorous) woman.
May 21, 2015
"Small and Simple Things" by Marjorie Pay Hinckley is a delightful little book filled with bits of wisdom and wit that brought a smile to my heart. It includes a few short stories, some favorite recipes, and some scriptures and quotes that are inspiring. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it!!!
April 15, 2013
This book was like little grandmotherly hugs that encourage you to be kind, to have faith, and to hold onto the simple things in life. My favorite quote is "Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." The rest of the book is just as compassionate and views the world through experienced, patient, kind eyes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews