Life
Everything We Need
Our Heavenly Father has provided us with great and marvelous gifts for our journey here in mortality—and for the greatest quest of all: to come unto our Savior and gain eternal life.
Wrestling with Comparisons
We can notice how false these comparisons most often are...That is worth noting, worth confronting, and worth constantly reminding ourselves.
“Lay Hold upon the Word”: The Power of Wholehearted Living
I believe that one of the most significant obstacles to our laying hold upon the word is our inability to fully immerse ourselves in the word or other worthwhile things—our inability to fully focus on them.
A Few Secrets of Life
This is your turn on earth. In eternal time, it is like a minute. There are only sixty seconds in it. We can’t refuse it. But it is up to us to use it.
"Go Forth to Serve"
No matter what the outer conditions are, keep spirits high and just persevere. Personal righteousness, responsibility, discipline, and devotion are requirements for final achievements.
Life Connected
When we apply the gospel to all aspects of our life, we stay true to ourselves and connected to our purpose for living.
Your Learning Doesn’t End
Well, we believe in you, my dear brothers and sisters, and so does our Heavenly Father. I pray that you will follow His counsel for you throughout the eternities because He sees in you the power to become perfect and to dwell with Him eternally.
The Abundant Life
Everything the Savior did and said was for the benefit of humankind. His Atonement, His example, and His teachings—everything was to help us not only to have a more abundant life on earth but also to attain the most abundant of all life—even eternal life.
What Do You Envision in Life?
It requires faith to establish and act upon a vision. But it is only when we move forward in faith that we put ourselves in a position in which the Lord can bless us.
Life Lessons from the Front
I can assure you that finding someone who cares enough about you to tell you the truth and then is willing to take time to give you their counsel and their coaching is invaluable. Look for it.
The Four Steps on the Stairway to Heaven
So the question isn’t, Are you going to crash and burn every once in a while? Of course you are—you are human! In Romans 3:23 we read, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” The question is, What are you going to do about it?
On the Measurements We Make in Life
I pray that we will all be a little more fair in our measurements of ourselves and a little more patient in our measurements of others. As we hone our measurement skills, we will be more like our Savior, and we will be more effective instruments in His hands.
Designing Your World
What role does an engineer play in designing the world around us? Spencer Magelby explains how design thinking plays a prominent role in engineering.
In the Race of Life: Get Ready, Get Set, Go!
Just as our students consider the world our campus, BYU alumni have truly gone forth from this campus in excellence to work and serve in communities locally and all around the globe.
“My Life Is a Gift; My Life Has a Plan”
The Lord knows you by name. He is so eager to share His infinite love with you. He wants you to feel His love so that you will embrace your life’s plan and cherish the gift that it is.
Live Your Life with Purpose
What can we do to ensure that we build a lifetime of righteousness and accumulate wise choices? We can live our life with purpose—the purpose to gain eternal life and be counted as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Beware the Dragons
The paths your lives take today have areas that could be marked by the phrase “Here Be Dragons” as a warning that you should and must avoid them. A firm testimony of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ is so necessary to maintain the proper perspectives and withstand the buffetings of the adversary that can and often will bombard you from all directions.
The World at Our Doorstep
As we listen to the stories of others, we form invisible connections that bind us to our ancestors and to strangers. These connections can be both fulfilling and compelling, driving us to strengthen relationships, to develop new friendships, and, ultimately, to make the world a better place.
Persistence, Patience, and Posies
Most of our plans have bumps along the way. Your plan may include an education program that because of limited resources cannot admit all applicants. Your bump may be that you are not able to get into your program or that you have to apply to it more than once. Maybe you will find some of your courses especially challenging. This is when persistence and patience are particularly helpful.
"Hold the Banner High"
Though men’s hearts are failing them, you should take heart. There have always been challenging times. We, the generations of your predecessors, have survived daunting challenges, and so will you. The answer to all of these challenges is the same as it has always been. We have a Savior, and He has taught us what we should do.
Harvey and Howard: Lessons from Two Grandfathers
Perhaps one of my messages today is to learn from our family histories. Both Howard and Harvey were born in large families in small towns. One became an internationally known scientist, bearing his testimony to large numbers of people throughout his life and while working in New York City. The other quietly served a mission, raised a family, worked hard on a farm in Victor, Idaho, and served the Lord with all of his heart whenever called. Perhaps in the eyes of the world one was great and one was relatively obscure. However, in the eyes of the Lord, I think that both were good. Both were valiant servants of our Lord Jesus Christ throughout their lives.
Life's Two Big Questions
I will not attempt to speak for your church, but I will speak for and to mine: It is never an option to claim Jesus Christ as Savior and behave in an uncivil manner with anyone, under any circumstance. Never.
Truths Most Worth Knowing
I know words carried by the gift of the Holy Ghost can bring to your understanding “the truth of all things.” All truth is worth knowing. Some truths are more useful, but there are truths that are most worth knowing.
Lessons from Life’s Laboratory
Today I would like to share three lessons that I have learned from the experiences from my life. I do so with the sincere hope that these lessons might in some way be helpful to you.
Building Your Bridges
You have loved ones in your past who created pathways and bridges to connect you to them and thus enable you to benefit from their dreams, experiences, sacrifices, and teachings—necessary components of bridge building.
"Into the Burn!"
I have pondered the analogous circumstances in which many of the recorded prophets found themselves faced with commands from God that were, if anything, counterintuitive. How and why did they respond?
On a Film and a Prayer: The Stories of Our Lives
When he discovered the power of stories, Michael Flaherty used his love of teaching and of God to build a film company devoted to spreading good.
Journey of the Soul, Anchors of the Heart
Throughout the uncertainties of life, only Christ and His love are constant. There is no more perfect example of love than the Atonement itself. Its power and promises are the “hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast.”
Ships Are Safe in the Harbor
Even when turbulence caused by the storms of life naturally comes our way in this mortal existence, we can be led by the lighthouse of the gospel and by our testimonies of our Savior Jesus Christ.
The Gardener of Gethsemane
If we are looking, we will see the caring hands of the Gardener of Gethsemane shaping our lives in ways we cannot now imagine. I pray that we might yield to this pruning so that we can become the people God would have us be.
Encircled in the Arms of Love
The awareness of God’s love for us, of His unreserved guidance and support, should inspire us to likewise extend our reach to those who look to us for direction and relief.
What is Your Calling in Life?
When it comes to asking what our calling in life is, Jesus Christ is in the answer. The grace of Christ, that same power that helps us do things we otherwise couldn’t, is what will guide us to our callings and enable us to excel in them.
The Choices Before You
One of the blessings of your BYU experience is that you should be familiar with the promise of the Lord that “I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.”
"Act Well Thy Part"
Throughout your life you will have opportunities each day to be reminded of the admonition that was followed by a prophet of the Lord: “Whate’er thou art, act well thy part.”
Our Journey into the Wilderness
When I return from my journey in the wilderness each year, the first thing I do, even before I get cleaned up, is call my husband on the telephone. I tell him: “I am back. I am safe. I love you.” I can only imagine that it must be like that when we return to our Heavenly Father.
Your Future
There is significant truth in the notion that much of what happens to us is unexpected and not in our control. However—and this is most vital and critical to understand—the things of greatest ultimate importance to us are largely in our control and are within the scope of our agency.
The Cycle of Becoming
This cycle of learning, doing, and becoming is literally going on in some micro or miniature form every day of our lives. That’s how we’ve become who we are today.
“Neither Trust in the Arm of Flesh”
To increase your wisdom and stature, you will exercise your agency. You will choose your teachers and your role models. Choose them wisely.
Lessons Learned
It has been said that one of the purposes of education is to learn to avoid mistakes. While this is true, it is also important to understand that we can learn very significant lessons from mistakes.
Great Expectations
Actually, my young friends, the period of your preparation did not begin the day you walked into your first college or university classes. It began long before you ever came to mortality, when we lived as spirit children of our Heavenly Father.
What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye to Be?
I pray that we will always endeavor in our lives to focus on matters of most importance. I testify that we are on the Lord’s errand. We are blessed to be led by living prophets.
As We Face This Beginning
I’m guessing we all had various expectations as we arrived here, some outrageous and some reasonable. If your experience has been like mine, all of your expectations were not met, but I would surmise that our unmet expectations, whatever they were, brought good things to our college experiences, contributing to the people that we’ve become.
Using Spiritual Maps to Navigate Through Life
Not unlike physical maps, we have spiritual maps to help guide and direct us to our ultimate destination—back to our heavenly home.
“When upon Life’s Billows”: Take a Friend
Friendship is one of the greatest blessings we can have. Our friends provide comfort and counsel. They accept—or at least tolerate—our peculiarities and often laugh spontaneously at our jokes. Most of all, they are really quite forgiving of our imperfections.
To Establish a Secure Foundation for Life
I energetically encourage you to establish a personal plan to better understand and appreciate the incomparable, eternal, infinite consequences of the perfect fulfillment by Jesus Christ of His divinely appointed calling as our Savior and Redeemer. Profound personal pondering of the scriptures accompanied by searching, heartfelt prayer will fortify your understanding of and appreciation for the Atonement.
Our Book of Life
...it is important to recognize that we are all, day by day, moment by moment, writing our book of life. Although not written on paper, the entries in this book are just as real and will have an eternal impact.
Strategic Writing, Strategic Living
We prepare for living in the same way we prepare for writing: by learning what we need to learn and by doing what we need to do.
Guideposts for Life’s Journey
I testify to you today that turning away from God brings broken covenants, shattered dreams, and crushed hopes. Such a quagmire of quicksand I plead with you to avoid. You are of a noble birthright. Eternal life in the kingdom of our Father is your goal.
The Great Value of Your Boundless Choice
I wish you every success and hope your wildest and fondest dreams come true. Clearly you are the hope of our nation, our church, and your families.
Live Right Now
Promptings from Heavenly Father through the Holy Ghost can help us live right now. I am grateful Heavenly Father respects perfectly our agency and at the same time—in circumstances and at times He knows best—also prompts and guides us.
How Do We Think about What Is Human?: C. S. Lewis and The Abolition of Man
Political philosophy professor Jean Bethke Elshtain, citing C.S. Lewis, warns against tampering with our definition of what is human and deserving of life.
Seeing Through the Generations
As you can learn to see through the generations—by looking back and by looking forward—you will see more clearly who you are and what you must become. You will better see that your place in this vast, beautiful plan of happiness is no small place. And you will come to love the Savior and depend on Him.
Perspective, Purpose, Peace
Our perspective is limited, so we must act with restraint and compassion. Indeed, our purpose must be to serve. And we, perhaps more than any other group on the planet, are equipped and obligated to establish peace.
From I’ll Try to I Will Do
There is a big difference between liking to accomplish something and doing it—a big difference.
The Changing World
How do you view the changing world? I hope it is with optimism and encouragement rather than with the disappointment or dismay that we find in some circles.
Beyond Baby Shampoo
Looking back upon journal entries from my freshman days at BYU, I found what I had written to sum up my year of learning: “An unconfident man will say he has no talent. A foolish man will believe him.” This idea has made a strong impression upon me.
More Than Knowledge
Perhaps the most unique thing about a BYU education is that it prizes eternal and not simply academic progression. This difference in priorities encourages both faculty and students to factor in service alongside their pursuit of knowledge.
The Books of Our Lives
Each one of us here is writing the book of his or her life, and reading, learning, loving, serving, and worshipping are integral parts of the process.
Where Will It Lead?
What seem to be only small deviations in direction or small detours from the straight and narrow path can result in huge differences in position down the road of life.
High Expectations
We promise we will never forget you and expect that you will not forget BYU. You will demonstrate your great love for this institution and all that it represents by the way you live your life. You will live in such a way that objective observers will be able to tell that you are different—in a very positive way. They will usually not know exactly how or why, but they will appreciate the goodness and example of your life.
In This Life I Shall Have Joy (Moses 5:10)
The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
“In This Life I Shall Have Joy”
The message of the Atonement is a message of joy. Our Savior knows our suffering. He took upon Himself our suffering that we might have joy.
As You Go Forth
Establish a set of guiding principles for your life, and never compromise them. Make no exception to them. Difficulties in life begin when small deviations from true standards are made to justify a quick move to a greater accomplishment.
Living Life by Axioms
As the years go by, you will discover many axioms that reflect your own experience of living the gospel. Learn them, live them in your life, and share them.
“Put Away Childish Things”
For any among you who have made serious mistakes and are feeling spiritually scarred, remember the words of Isaiah: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Finding a Refuge from the Storm
Our refuge from the storm must be based on a foundation of the gospel of our Lord and Savior, which is to be understood, lived, and taught.
Building Your Future
It is frightening to be asked to speak to you today. It is even more frightening when I hear those who have sacred callings in the Church—those much closer to the Spirit than I—acknowledge the great responsibility they feel when asked to speak at a BYU devotional. I don’t know that I will say anything profound today, but I will tell you a few things I have learned from others…
Tapestry of Life
Life is like a challenging but colorful tapestry with many different stages. Christ can make the years of our tapestry rich and beautiful.
A Life Founded in Light and Truth
The simple principles of agency, opposition, and obedience can help us teach our youth and fill our lives, and theirs, with ever-growing light and truth.
Four Keys to a Happy Life
The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
Lessons Learned in the Journey of Life
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin shares lessons and wisdom learned from enjoying the path of lifelong discipleship, including stories from his time as a missionary.
Have No Regrets
I am deeply humbled to be in communication with you tonight. You are some of the most choice, righteous, and devoted of Father in Heaven’s children on earth. I have had the personal privilege of being with many of you in different locations throughout the world. I am most grateful for this opportunity to share another experience with you tonight. You represent the flower of the youth of the Church.…
Sharing Insights from My Life
I love you. I have great hopes for your generation. Thank you for this chance to bear my witness to you today. This is the Lord’s work.
“Never Take No Cutoffs” or “You Have Nothing to Fear From the Journey”
We can learn from the mistakes of the Donner party's failed trek West and glean principles that assist us on our eternal journey back to Heavenly Father.
Get a Life
To "get a life," we must use our agency to love God and serve others. Then, no matter our circumstance, we can say "Life can't get any better than this."
Live to Make Good Memories
The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
After the "Y"— What Then?
Since I am a relative newcomer to BYU and somewhat unfamiliar with its traditions, when I initially received the invitation to give this devotional address, instinctively the thought went through my mind, “Wow, maybe they think that I haven’t been working hard enough and this is the punishment!” A few moments reflection, however, convinced me that this invitation was an honor, although I can’t help thinking that the punishment is…
Therefore Choose Life
In the thirtieth chapter of Deuteronomy we read, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life” (19). With these words Moses challenged the children of Israel to renew their covenant with the Lord. We may have heard the same words earnestly addressed to us by parents, teachers, and church leaders. We know what they mean. Or do we? Perhaps we could gain by pondering…
Making Memories
Sensing the importance of this occasion and knowing how valuable your time is, I have decided to speak upon a subject that is vastly important to all of us—that of making memories. Early Times It was forty-eight years ago that my brother and I arrived in this beautiful valley from Chicago, Illinois, and enrolled as freshman at BYU. We were two bewildered young men as we gazed at those majestic…
Cycle of Life
We all experience life's peaks and valleys—moments of spiritual highs and lows. How can we remain at the top rather than slide back into spiritual darkness?
The Streams of Your Life
Someone has likened each of our lives to a mighty river as it flows to the sea. It is the product of many streams—some large, some small … I thank God for the streams, clear and pure, that have influenced my life;
Good Judgment and Common Sense
To succeed in life, we need the kind of good judgement and common sense that will compel us to keep learning, keep doing our homework, and keep caring.
What Is Your Personal Ranking?
Let me share some teachings and friends to remember. They are high in my personal ranking because of the values they exemplify.
Whatever We Ought to Be, We Better Be Becoming
Sharlene Wells, daughter of Robert E. Wells, speaks with her parents at a fireside as reigning Miss America, where she shares her story of becoming.
“In the Thick of Life’s Urgencies”
Honesty, education, sacrifice, and faith are among the unique characteristics that make up Zion–and we can make Zion right here at BYU.
“What Seek Ye?”
"What seek ye?" Heavenly Father wants us to seek after the very best and stretch ourselves to do that which is for our eternal good.
Seek Higher Flight Levels
Just as airplanes are safer when flying above inclement weather, so are we safer when we seek higher “flight levels” by being obedient to the commandments.
Them That Love Him
I would like to thank the choir for their beautiful musical number “Let the Mountains Shout for Joy.” They couldn’t have chosen a song that I would have enjoyed more. You see, I collect mountains. I treasure them. I think it began by being raised at the foot of Timpanogos on the Wasatch side (that is where you can see the sleeping princess). I love that mountain and everywhere I…
Would You Sell?
"If you could sell me ten years of your life, would you sell?" We must never take the time we have on this earth for granted.
If I Were You, What Would I Do?
With a lighthearted poem, "If I Were You, What Would I Do?" President Hinckley encourages students to take advantage of their opportunities at BYU.
Hamburgers and Smorgasbords
In order to continue learning, we must experience the smorgasbords of life rather than only the hamburgers. Leave your comfort zone and explore.
The Hope of Tomorrow
My brothers and sisters, I feel almost as if I should look in the coffin to see if I am there. I am grateful for Brother Haycock’s kindness. I assure you it was overdone. I congratulate you young students who have the good fortune to be students at this great university. I am grateful that several of our grandchildren are with you. It is sixty-eight years this month since I…
In This Time of Complexity and Challenge
In this increasingly secular world, faith in God will bless you through. Hold on to Him through the complexity and challenges of life.
For Times of Trouble
Troubles we all have, but the “germ” of discouragement, to use Fitzgerald’s word, is not in the trouble, it is in us.
Bottles and Books
Food storage prepares us for famine, but are we prepared for emotional, mental, and spiritual famine? Books help us prepare for those times.
God Is the Gardener
Whatever undertakings may demand of you and of your attention, I tell you, young men and young women, you cannot make a better resolution today than this: “I am going to keep close to the Lord. I am going to understand Him better, and, understanding Him, I will understand myself and will try to put my life into harmony with His.”
Baccalaureate Address
In this Baccalaureate address, Hugh B. Brown encourages graduates to get to know themselves—their talents, their passions, and their divine heritage.
A Proper Orientation on the Threshold of Life
You are just now on the threshold of life, with many important decisions to make. Make them wisely and in keeping with the teachings of the gospel.
Youth's Responsibility for Purposeful and Influential Living
The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
Your Eternal Flight
Your life's journey is like a flight in an airplane—you need to pay careful attention to your instruments, and keep your sight fixed on your destination.
It Is Good to Live Now
The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
The Purpose of Mortal Life
Though we may face trial, temptation, and distraction, let us not lose focus: the purpose of mortal life is to prepare for eternal life.
The World Is Waiting to Test You
This life is a test, and a rigorous one; don't expect it to be easy. However, remember that you write the book out of which you will be judged. Write well.
Learning to Live
The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
Art and Culture in Everyday Life
The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
Life under Control
Elder Harold B. Lee shares some life advice for graduates, whether they are heading into business, military, or homemaking: don't forget the Lord your God.
The Journey of Life
A former BYU president shares 5 helpful habits that will carry us through the journey of life: learning, loving, thinking, appreciation, and worship.
Avoiding Diseases of Character
In an insightful and humorous way, Elder Clark examines some of the common diseases that plague men's characters—and shows that Christ can cure them.