Topic

Life

Life is a journey that consists of both intense joy and extreme sorrow. The journey of life is never as easy as we hope it might be. Whether they come in the form of family, friends, work, school, or anything else, trials are a part of everyone’s life. We all experience disappointments but that doesn’t mean life isn’t worth living.

We are promised in the scriptures that if we take hold of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be cleansed of our sins and do our best to keep the commandments, we can one day have eternal life with our families. This blessing is huge. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father provided His gospel to help us know the way to return to live with Him again. As we shape our lives around this purpose, God will help us meet our individual goals, overcome our trials, and progress towards eternal life.

This collection of talks contains life advice from professors, Church authorities, and educated guest speakers. All of the speakers have created abundant lives for themselves. Here, you will find speakers who have gone through many of the same experiences as you. Developing their own character has taken time, and they want to share those experiences and what they have learned with you. Their life advice ranges from specific steps to general principles they have found to be helpful. The common theme between them is that, to find a future of light and happiness, living according to the gospel of Jesus Christ is a necessity. These speakers discuss long-term goals and how to accomplish them. They talk about life dreams and how they relate to yours. Their individual journeys are incredibly unique but always relatable. We hope that as you peruse this collection you will find what you are looking for to help guide you through your own personal situation.

Inspiring Shorts

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Spencer Magleby | July 15, 2013

What role does an engineer play in designing the world around us? Spencer Magelby explains how design thinking plays a prominent role in engineering.

forum 2013

Michael Flaherty | March 15, 2011

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.

forum 2011

Andrew J. Maxfield | April 27, 2006

At commencement, graduates are asked to consider their perspective, their purpose, and the need for peace in the world.

commencement 2006

Lee F. Braithwaite | September 13, 2005

We all need good influences to help us reach our potential, friends and mentors who will guide us from “trying” to “doing.”

devotional 2005

Cecil O. Samuelson | August 11, 2005

How should we face a rapidly changing world? With the optimism that we can always learn and adapt, and the assurance that some truths never change.

commencement 2005

Sachiko Jensen, student representative of the August 2005 graduating class

Sachiko V. Jensen | August 11, 2005

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.

commencement 2005

Shuei Chen Valerie Woo, student representative of the April 2005 graduating class

Shuei Chen Valerie Woo | April 21, 2005

The most-needed service is rarely planned. Service gives purpose to knowledge, making the value of our education increasing and eternal.

commencement 2005

Sharon G. Samuelson | January 18, 2005

Just as it is important to read and learn from many books, it is important to remember that our life tells its own story, and we must write it well.

devotional 2005

Dallin H. Oaks—first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dallin H. Oaks | November 9, 2004

Our choices, even small ones, have great consequences. By asking ourselves where our choices will lead, we can avoid tragedy and attain eternal blessings.

devotional 2004

Cecil O. Samuelson | August 12, 2004

President Samuelson reminds the diverse graduating class of August 2004 that the expectations for them are high, as their capacity and blessings are great.

commencement 2004

Carrie Moore | April 30, 2004

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

devotional 2004

Elaine S. Marshall | April 30, 2004

Elaine S. Marshall reminds us that because of the Atonement, we can choose to have joy in this life, no matter how difficult our trials may be.

devotional 2004

Richard G. Scott | August 14, 2003

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.

commencement 2003

Robert D. Hales | August 14, 2003

Elder Hales offers ten axioms to 2003 graduates for living a successful, meaningful life. Each axiom is a valuable lesson temporally and spiritually.

commencement 2003

David E. Sorensen | May 20, 2003

The responsibilities of adulthood come at the price of leaving behind some aspects of youth. As we put away childish things, we prepare for the future.

devotional 2003

L. Tom Perry | August 20, 2002

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.

devotional 2002

Marilyn S. Bateman | September 19, 2000

Life is like a challenging but colorful tapestry with many different stages. Christ can make the years of our tapestry rich and beautiful.

devotional 2000

Henry B. Eyring—second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Henry B. Eyring | August 15, 2000

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.

university conference 2000

Richard G. Scott | August 10, 2000

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

commencement 2000

Joseph B. Wirthlin | November 7, 1999

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin shares lessons and wisdom learned from enjoying the path of lifelong discipleship, including stories from his time as a missionary.

devotional 1999

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ.

Neal A. Maxwell | January 12, 1999

Neal A. Maxwell shares profound insights about such topics as regret and aspiration, divine blessings and human potential, and praise and criticism.

devotional 1999

Elaine L. Jack | November 16, 1993

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.

devotional 1993

Elaine L. Jack | January 3, 1993

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."

devotional 1993

George I. Cannon | August 4, 1991

George I. Cannon encourages students to remember the importance of living to make good memories that will bless them their whole lives.

devotional 1991

Dennis Rasmussen | May 9, 1989

Using the precious power to choose, we must choose to live by following the right rules, choosing discipline, and choosing the Master.

devotional 1989

John Sonnenberg | September 25, 1988

Our memories help shape us as we listen, learn, help, and serve others, and we will carry our memories with us through life.

devotional 1988

J. Thomas Fyans | April 10, 1988

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?

devotional 1988

David B. Haight | November 24, 1987

Our life is like a stream—we have been fed by many other streams that have influenced us. Are you heading toward flowing into the fountain of living water?

devotional 1987

Henry B. Eyring | August 16, 1985

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.

commencement 1985

Marvin J. Ashton | November 6, 1984

There are specific teachings and friends we should remember who are high in their personal ranking because of the values they exemplify.

devotional 1984

Photo of Sharlene Wells, Miss America of 1985

Sharlene Wells | October 26, 1984

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.

devotional 1984

Jeffrey R. Holland - Mormon Apostle - and Patricia T. Holland

Jeffrey R. and Patricia T. Holland | September 11, 1984

Honesty, education, sacrifice, and faith are among the unique characteristics that make up Zion–and we can make Zion right here at BYU.

devotional 1984

L. Tom Perry | August 21, 1984

"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.

devotional 1984

Robert E. Wells | August 5, 1984

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.

devotional 1984

Norma B. Smith | May 6, 1984

As members of Christ’s church, we should be among them that love Him by following His instructions and remembering our worth.

devotional 1984

Carlos E. Asay | March 13, 1984

"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.

devotional 1984

President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Gordon B. Hinckley | September 20, 1983

Students are encouraged to take advantage of their opportunities at BYU with a lighthearted poem, "If I Were You, What Would I Do?"

devotional 1983

Richard L. Gunn | August 19, 1982

In order to continue learning, we must experience the smorgasbords of life rather than only the hamburgers. Leave your comfort zone and explore.

devotional 1982

Camilla E. Kimball | September 6, 1980

Each generation is the hope of tomorrow, and the world will be better as we all keep God's commandments and remember the importance of family.

devotional 1980

Neal A. Maxwell | April 21, 1980

In this increasingly secular world, faith in God will bless you through. Hold on to Him through the complexity and challenges of life.

commencement 1980

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jeffrey R. Holland | March 18, 1980

Trouble will come, but discouragement doesn't have to. If we work now to prepare ourselves through patient and faithful discipleship, we will get through.

devotional 1980

Sterling W. Sill | May 1, 1977

Food storage prepares us for famine, but are we prepared for emotional, mental, and spiritual famine? Books help us prepare for those times.

devotional 1977

Hugh B. Brown | May 31, 1968

God is the gardener of our lives. When we put our life in harmony with His will, we will be able to become what we are meant to be.

commencement 1968

Hugh B. Brown | May 24, 1962

In this Baccalaureate address, Hugh B. Brown encourages graduates to get to know themselves—their talents, their passions, and their divine heritage.

commencement 1962

Mark E. Petersen | January 1, 1962

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.

devotional 1962

Belle S. Spafford | November 8, 1961

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

devotional 1961

Hugh B. Brown | May 17, 1961

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.

devotional 1961