The Abundant Life
By making covenants and centering our lives in Jesus Christ, we accept the vision He has for us and choose to live an abundant life.
It’s a Dangerous Business, Going Into the Laboratory
By following the directions of simple ideas and discoveries, one can be swept into all sorts of adventures.
Everything We Need
Heavenly Father has given us gifts to help us through our time on earth. From the Atonement to living prophets, we truly have been given everything we need.
Wrestling with Comparisons
Life is not a race. Treating it as so will stunt our spiritual growth. The only comparisons that we need to make are those with our past self.
“Lay Hold upon the Word”: The Power of Wholehearted Living
When we truly lay hold upon the word of God, believing it and committing to it, we open ourselves up to the life-changing power He has in store for us.
A Few Secrets of Life
These three little secrets will help you graduates make the most of your life: use your time wisely, know who you are, and love the right things.
“Go Forth to Serve”
To recall my experience, the BYU motto “Go forth to serve” has exerted boundless inspiration, courage, and guidance.
Life Connected
When we make connections between different aspects of living, we see the big picture more clearly, and we find unexpected opportunities to do good.
Your Learning Doesn’t End
Terry R. Seamons, president of the BYU Alumni Association of the time, reminds graduates that their learning doesn't end at the end of formal education.
The Abundant Life
To live a more abundant life, we must seek light and truth, have an eternal perspective, and feel and express gratitude.
What Do You Envision in Life?
Family and marriage are essential to happiness. Prioritize marriage and family in your vision for life.
Life Lessons from the Front
Mitt Romney's campaign trail taught him many lessons, including how to keep his faith on the forefront while in the political arena.
The Four Steps on the Stairway to Heaven
Motivational speaker Dan Clark explains the four steps to on the stairway to heaven: life, time, prepare, and preform.
On the Measurements We Make in Life
C. Shane Reese invites us all to be more fair in our measurements of ourselves and a little more patient in our measurements of others.
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!
BYU graduates are urged to prepare for the life of service ahead; to get ready, get set, and go! While remembering to assist other students in their work.
“My Life Is a Gift; My Life Has a Plan”
Have you ever wondered about God's plan for your life? I know His promises are sure, even when you cannot fully see His complete design.
Live Your Life with Purpose
Janie Penfield teaches that we must live our lives with purpose: determine your purpose, determine your course, stay on course.
Beware the Dragons
We can choose to wander into the danger of spiritual "dragons," or we can choose to hold onto the iron rod, keeping our covenants and character safe.
The World at Our Doorstep
As BYU students make campus our world, we learn more about the world waiting at our doorstep and develop our character accordingly.
Persistence, Patience, and Posies
Our plans and goals may change or be difficult to reach, but if we are persistent and patient, we can find joy and progress.
“Hold the Banner High”
April 2012 Commencement - As a graduate of Brigham Young University, you hold a mark, or banner, to represent yourself, BYU, and the Church.
Harvey and Howard: Lessons from Two Grandfathers
We can learn lessons from the stories of our ancestors.
Life’s Two Big Questions
Mark DeMoss speaks on life's two big questions and the answers we can get through the Lord, wise friends, and the book of Proverbs.
Truths Most Worth Knowing
Elder Boyd K. Packer shares some of the basic, eternal truths of the gospel that will protect us and bring us true happiness and peace.
Lessons from Life’s Laboratory
We may not know where life will take us, but the experiments in life will yield fruitful results with the gospel of Christ.
Building Your Bridges
Just as we walk over bridges built by our ancestors, we must build bridges for our descendants. Christ builds the ultimate bridge - between death and life.
“Into the Burn!”
This life is for us to learn. We will be blessed as we use our agency to exercise our faith in God.
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
Professor Novilla shares that while it may seem the Lord is leading us in the wrong direction, He is often simply helping us grow through personal odysseys.
Ships Are Safe in the Harbor
Ships are safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. Don’t be afraid to leave your safe harbor for the open waves of your future.
The Gardener of Gethsemane
While the future is scary and unknown to us, God knows exactly how things will work out. Overcoming adversity is possible when we have faith in His timing.
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?
What is your calling in life? Jeffrey A. Thompson instructs his audience how to seek the Lord's help in finding their individual life's purpose.
The Choices Before You
Moving forward with your lives, you will face opposition. The choices you make, if guided by the Spirit, will help you benefit from all your experiences.
“Act Well Thy Part”
You will need to serve many different roles as students, employees, family members, friends, and Church members, but "where'er thou art, act well thy part."
Our Journey into the Wilderness
I will...discuss how we can prepare now to find our way through the unknown territory through which we will travel in our lives.
Your Future
There are many aspects of the future that we can't control. However, we do have power over the things of utmost importance - relationships and covenants.
The Cycle of Becoming
God is more interested in who we are becoming than in who we once were. This speaker encourages us to evaluate our progress in life as we move forward.
“Neither Trust in the Arm of Flesh”
As we face the challenges of life, we must remember to put our trust in the Lord rather than "the arm of flesh," the limited knowledge of man.
Lessons Learned
Often we learn life lessons through mistakes, but we don't have to personally make every mistake if we learn how to learn.
Great Expectations
You are a choice generation, and you will do marvelous things as you strive to meet great expectations Heavenly Father knows you are capable of.
What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye to Be?
As we ask what manner of men and women we ought to be, H. David Burton reminds us that striving to be like Christ is how we make something of ourselves.
As We Face This Beginning
Jessie Leatham Wirkus addresses her graduating classmates about the expectations they arrived to BYU with and the skills and humility they leave with.
Using Spiritual Maps to Navigate Through Life
Mary Anne Prater shows how spiritual maps help us navigate life, and also how we can relate the counsel given to Emma Smith to ourselves.
“When upon Life’s Billows”: Take a Friend
Beth Vaughan Cole teaches that friendship is one of the greatest blessings we can have. Friends provide comfort and counsel and help us feel loved.
To Establish a Secure Foundation for Life
Elder Richard G. Scott speaks to us as friends as he uses the Book of Mormon to explain ways that we can establish a secure foundation for life.
Our Book of Life
Kevin D. Stocks likens our actions to entries in our own "book of life." Each page has eternal impact and will be reviewed by Heavenly Father.
Strategic Writing, Strategic Living
Deborah Dean compares the writing process to our own lives, including God's plan for us. When we apply both correctly, we can see success.
Guideposts for Life’s Journey
On life's journey, these four guideposts will lead us to our heavenly home: glance backwards, look heavenwards, reach outward, and press onward.
The Great Value of Your Boundless Choice
When you feel overwhelmed by the many choices ahead of you, remember to be grateful for the freedom to possess such boundless choice.
Live Right Now
As we learn to make important decisions, we must find the balance between seeking the Lord's guidance and having the courage to make our own choices.
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
Looking through the generations, back to our ancestors and forward to our descendants, we find an enhanced perspective of who we are and who we can become.
Perspective, Purpose, Peace
At commencement, graduates are asked to consider their perspective, their purpose, and the need for peace in the world.
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 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.
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
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.
Where Will It Lead?
Our choices, even small ones, have great consequences. By asking ourselves where our choices will lead, we can avoid tragedy and attain eternal blessings.
High Expectations
President Samuelson reminds the diverse graduating class of August 2004 that the expectations for them are high, as their capacity and blessings are great.
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”
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.
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
Elder Hales offers ten axioms to 2003 graduates for living a successful, meaningful life. Each axiom is a valuable lesson temporally and spiritually.
“Put Away Childish Things”
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.
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
Earl M. Woolley advocates building your future by learning from experiences, seeking information, and developing positive character traits.
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
Richard G. Scott uses object lessons to illustrate the principles of trust and discernment. He admonishes listeners to live with no regrets.
Sharing Insights from My Life
Neal A. Maxwell shares profound insights about such topics as regret and aspiration, divine blessings and human potential, and praise and criticism.
“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
George I. Cannon encourages students to remember the importance of living to make good memories that will bless them their whole lives.
After the “Y”— What Then?
BYU students must build a sure spiritual foundation so they can bravely and faithfully travel the right path after they leave the Y.
Therefore Choose Life
I have spoken of rules or laws as essential elements in our decision to choose life. But they themselves are not the end we seek. They are the means for helping us to achieve it. The end is eternal life.
Making Memories
Listen, learn, live, and serve, and as you do so you will carve out memories that will be etched into your heart and soul. Our memories and experiences, our friendships and closeness that we have developed will last with us wherever we go.
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
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?
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?
There are specific teachings and friends we should remember who are high in their 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”
As members of Christ’s church, we should be among them that love Him by following His instructions and remembering our worth.
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?
Students are encouraged to take advantage of their opportunities at BYU with a lighthearted poem, "If I Were You, What Would I Do?"
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
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.
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
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.
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 BYU president shares five habits that will carry us through the journey of life: learning, loving, thinking, appreciation, and worship.
Avoiding Diseases of Character
Elder Clark examines some of the common diseases that plague men's characters and shows that Christ gives spiritual healing.
