Brightness of Hope

Have you ever felt like the world is waiting for something only you can bring to it - like there's a specific role in God's great plan that no one else can fill quite the way you can? Imagine realizing that your unique gifts, experiences, struggles, and testimony aren't random; they're divinely designed for a purpose bigger than yourself, part of gathering Israel and changing lives in ways only you can.By: Brad Wilcox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© BYU Continuing Education

The scriptures repeatedly show that you have to go through the wilderness to get to the promised land. It was true for Lehi and his family, and it's true in our personal lives. Many people who had a rough beginning end up having a great finish.By: John Bytheway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

To keep our faith in troubled times, we must utilize President Russell M. Nelson's plea to study the Book of Mormon every day. President Nelson said, "Nothing opens the heavens quite like the combination of increased purity, exact obedience, earnest seeking, and daily feasting on the words of Christ in the Book of Mormon."By: Jack R. Christianson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

Have you ever stood at a crossroads in life and felt that crushing weight of "What if I choose wrong?" like one wrong turn could derail everything? Picture this: you're praying, weighing options, feeling the pull in different directions, but the fear of missteps keeps you frozen. Yet what if those very "wrong" paths aren't failures at all, but divine detours that teach you who you are, confirm the right way, and draw you closer to Christ?By: Rhea Maynes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© BYU Continuing Education

They are everywhere, on our right hand and on our left, in our neighborhoods and in the workplace, in every community and county and nation of this world. Take your team and wagon; load it with your love, your testimony, and a spiritual sack of flour; then drive in any direction.By: Edward KinghornDate: February 2, 2016⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University - Hawaii

Have you ever wondered if that quiet nudge in your heart is really the Spirit speaking - or just your own thoughts, excitement, or even wishful thinking? The Holy Ghost works not with fireworks or loud voices, but with a still, small confirmation that lifts your mind, softens your heart, and stirs a deeper desire to choose the good.By: Hank Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

Our tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs does not cause us to abandon our commitment to the truths we understand and the covenants we have made.By: Dallin H. OaksDate: September 11, 2011⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

There will be rough terrain, blisters, and crashes, but there will also be a meadow of flowers. Will we see it? We must pay attention to and appreciate the flowers, and we must learn from the rough trail. The process, not the product, will allow us to find joy on our way to the finish.By: J. Ty HopkinsDate: November 12, 2024⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

As you look out, and as you look up, you become flecks of gold to an often troubled world. You rejoice in becoming flecks of gold. You build yourselves while you’re here. You practice these simple principles of reaching out and kindness and love each day.By: Kalani SitakeDate: March 11, 2025⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

Have you ever caught that whispering lie in your head - “I’m not enough” - echoing louder during hard days, comparing yourself to everyone else’s highlight reel, feeling like your efforts, your faith, your very self just fall short? Imagine staring at that lie head-on and realizing it’s exactly that: a lie straight from the adversary, designed to keep you small, doubting, and distant from the truth that you are already enough because of Christ.By: Kristen Walker Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© BYU Continuing Education

Are the standards of the Church like a fence that says “Keep Out,” or are they more like a guardrail that says, “Arrive Alive?” You'll see that Satan's strategy is to take you on forbidden detours and send you off a cliff, while the Lord's way is designed to lead you to the temple and maximum joy. More than just a long list of do's and don'ts, the standards are the highway to happinessBy: John Bytheway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

Just as your name gives identity to you, your behavior can give identity to your own name.By: Janette Hales BeckhamDate: September 3, 1995⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

The question of whether Mormons are Christians has received a lot of attention lately. It has been debated in the media and by members of other faiths, and the debate will probably continue for a long time. However, the final word on whether Mormons are Christians will be decided by only one and that is Jesus Christ himself.By: John Bytheway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

True faith, forged through life’s trials and uncertainties, becomes an unshaken anchor by trusting in God’s timing and wisdom. By embracing patience, seeking divine guidance, and holding fast to spiritual convictions, individuals can find enduring strength and peace, transforming challenges into opportunities for deeper reliance on the Savior’s love and eternal promises.By: S. Michael Wilcox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

If you get your heart broken, good for you! That means you’re a step closer to finding true love. If you’re struggling in school, awesome! That means you’re pushing yourself through some discomfort and learning new skills. If you’re struggling financially, that’s okay. It means you’re learning how to budget and will be thankful and humble when more compensation arrives. And if you didn’t get the job, that only means that there’s something better waiting for you. God knows that good times are ahead.By: Patrick KearonDate: September 17, 2024⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

A person who engages in self-congratulation over a supposed strength has lost the protection of humility and is vulnerable to Satan’s using that strength to produce his or her downfall.By: Dallin H. OaksDate: June 7, 1992⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

When we distance ourselves from relationships, covenants, and the physical body in an online virtual reality, we lose sight of things as they really are.By: David A. BednarDate: May 3, 2009⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

All the "awake" and "arise" verses in the scriptures are meant for those who are already awake physically, but need to arise spiritually! We should encourage young people to "Get up and glow!" and let their standards shine to their family, their school, their neighborhood and the world.By: John Bytheway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

Your prayers offered in righteousness will be answered. I bless you to be true friends to each other and to those not of your circle to whom we should reach out. Above that, I bless you to be friends of the Savior of the world, to know Him personally, and to have confidence in His company.By: Jeffery R. HollandDate: January 2012⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Intellectual Reserve

We have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord.By: Jeffery R. HollandDate: October 7, 2012⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Intellectual Reserve

I want it absolutely clear when I stand before the judgment bar of God that I declared to the world that the Book of Mormon is true.By: Jeffery R. HollandDate: October 4, 2009⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Intellectual Reserve

Today I focus on 12 presents that I would like to give you. If carefully thought about and used, they will keep you on the path of peace and joy today, tomorrow, and perhaps forever. Make this your happiest Christmas!By: Hugh W. PinnockDate: December 9, 1977⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

Just as our bodies hunger for food when we are fasting, our souls hunger for daily nourishment. “If you’re not praying, studying the scriptures, and going to the temple, it’s like letting the battery on your cell phone run down. You get grouchy and depressed and start questioning your testimony. Your spiritual batteries need recharging, too.”By: Hank Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

The true essence of Christmas lies in embracing the full scope of Christ’s life - His birth, ministry, atoning sacrifice, and Resurrection - which brings profound comfort and joy even amidst personal trials. Through faith in the Savior’s redemptive power, every season can be transformed into a time of hope, healing, and divine reassurance, no matter the challenges faced.By: Jeffery R. HollandDate: December 1, 1998⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University - Idaho

Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others.By: Gordon B. HinckleyDate: March 6, 1977⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

Some people really want to see how close they can get to the edge without having to see the bishop. Other young people go to seminary, go to church, and keep high standards just because they're 'post to.' But, there are people who want to do what's right, please the Lord, and return to live with Him.By: John Bytheway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

Please don’t postpone activity and service in the Church until you get through school and settle down, until you don’t have to go to school and work a job at the same time. Please don’t postpone it. You have your youth. And you can choose to not waste it rather to consecrate it. Seek the help of the Lord, and do it now.By: Brad WilcoxDate: October 12, 2021⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠the original content.© Ensign College

The healer's art is a sacred calling to restore wholeness to body, mind, and soul through patience, presence, and faith. Rooted in compassion and inspired by the Savior’s grace, healing transcends mere cures, embracing small acts of kindness that mend a hurting world and reflect divine love.By: Elaine S. MarshallDate: October 8, 2002⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

Why it is that we are kind to our friends and even to strangers but are often unkind to our own family members? President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, said, "[You must] learn to see yourself as [your] Heavenly Father sees you—as his precious daughter or son with divine potential" and, "You are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others. Please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself."By: Hank Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

Ever feel like your life's story was written by a really bad author? You get to dream up a brand-new story, complete with epic challenges that will only make you stronger. By actively creating and declaring what comes next, you can partner with God to turn your biggest messes into a masterpiece, crafting a future that is unbelievably, fantastically good.By: Connie SokolDate: 2022⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

We do not need to fear. God has a divine plan for each of us. He can certainly make adjustments to ensure we do not lack the experiences we need to choose to return to Him.By: Steven TuellerDate: January 17, 2024⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University - Hawaii

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.”By: Hugh B. BrownDate: May 31, 1968⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

In this high-tech era, we are overflowing with information - and sadly, some misinformation. More information means more questions! Evaluate them with three types of questions: "Gotcha," "Google," and "Golden." Golden questions are the most important in life, involving gospel truths and our place in the plan of salvation. The problem is when we expect Google-speed answers to Golden Questions. And the first step in this vital process is to "Ask of God."By: John Bytheway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

Gratefully add to your list of blessings thanks for the covenant—the Abrahamic covenant—by which you will be vital and precious participants in God’s promise to bless all the nations of the earth through that choice seed.By: Russell M. NelsonDate: November 22, 1988⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

"Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water," Peter said, and Jesus' simple response was "Come." Peter had the faith that, if Jesus asked him, he could do anything - no matter how impossible the task appeared. We, too, desire to do all that the Lord asks. However, often in life's trials and uncertainties and even the Lord's commandments- especially that all-encompassing injunction, "Be ye therefore perfect" - make that objective appear as impossible as walking on water. Yet the Savior also calls to us across the darkness, "Come."By: S. Michael Wilcox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

The Lord’s invitation to seek our daily bread at our Heavenly Father’s hand speaks of a loving God, aware of even the small, daily needs of His children and anxious to assist them, one by one.By: D. Todd ChristoffersonDate: January 9, 2011⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

If you heard that two-thirds of all cruise ships were doomed to shipwreck and failure, would you want to take a cruise? Unfortunately, the statistics for marriage are equally frightening. “If you want your marriage to survive later in life, you need to work on it before you get married, during the dating years. Dating without direction is like boarding a sinking ship.”By: Andrew Horton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

Because the Father and the Son love us with infinite, perfect love, and because They know we cannot see everything They see, They have given us laws that will guide and protect us.By: Russell M. NelsonDate: September 17, 2019⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

Some of the best teachings, stories, and examples we hear in the Church come from those whose work ethic was forged in the rigors of farm life. What is it about farm life that has taught us some of our most enduring lessons about life and work? And what can you do if you weren't raised on a farm? The good news is, whether you were raised on a farm or not, you can still benefit from the lessons to be learned there.By: John Bytheway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

Agency and responsibility are inseparably connected. You cannot avoid responsibility without also diminishing agency. Mercy and justice are also inseparable. You cannot deny the Lord’s justice without also impeding His mercy.By: Lynn G. RobbinsDate: August 22, 2017⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

Al encountered LDS missionaries, initially jokingly asked for a steak dinner in exchange for listening to their message. She found strength and solace in reading the Book of Mormon daily, despite ongoing challenges and loneliness. Since then, she has experienced a transformative moment during baptism and confirmation, feeling a profound change and newfound purpose.By: Al Fox CarrawayDate: January 29, 2016⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Southern Virginia University

Missions transform lives forever, rooted in a love for the Savior that must burn deeply within each missionary, as exemplified by a personal journey from ignorance to profound change over two years. This era of missionary work, marked by Preach My Gospel, shifts the focus to converting the missionary first - through heartfelt study, thoughtful planning, and teaching with power - to then reach investigators where they are, meeting their real needs with empathy and spirit-led insight.By: Jeffery R. Holland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Missionary Training Center

The very highest and Christlike ideals within us—along with every worthy hope and dream we hold most dear—are well worth clinging to and standing up for, even despite the ridicule and biting scorn of a very nay-saying world.By: Michael A. DunnDate: March 4, 2025⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

Much like faith precedes the miracle, much like baptism by water comes before the baptism by fire…so being quick to observe is a prerequisite to and a preparation for the gift of discernment.By: David A. BednarDate: May 10, 2005⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University

Life’s joys and struggles are divine stewardships, opportunities to grow closer to God and serve others. Sharing these unique experiences builds a resilient, empathetic Zion - a community strengthened by faith and mutual support.By: Ganel-Lyn CondieDate: Feburary 2, 2022⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Logan Institute of Religion

For those of us with traumatic backgrounds, He helps reassure us that He has truly always been there in our journey.By: Ryan ButtersDate: December 9, 2024⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University - Idaho

The gospel teaches us to say "yes" to good friends, "no" to drugs and alcohol, "no" to pornography, "no" to immorality, "yes" to repenting, coming to Christ, and enjoying a life of peace and happiness. It really is a "no-brainer"!By: John Bytheway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Deseret Book

Every individual counts in this unprecedented era of Church growth, where one person’s quiet courage - echoed by figures like Abinadi or Alma - can ripple outward, building the kingdom through simple faith and service. The call is clear: stand firm, share testimonies, and live covenants boldly, knowing God works through each effort to answer prayers and bless others.By: Jeffery R. HollandDate: April 24, 2016⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Dallas Texas YSA

Once looking at all the evidence and criticisms of the Book of Mormon only one answer makes sense - the story Joseph Smith told, that it's divinely inspired and the word of God. And as time marches on, it’ll become even clearer the truth of the Book of Mormon.By: Tad R. CallisterDate: September 3, 2023⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠the original content.© Ensign College

Does gratitude spare us from sorrow, sadness, grief and pain? No, but it does soothe our feelings. It provides us with a greater perspective on the very purpose and joy of life.By: Mary Ellen EdmundsDate: June 2023⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠View⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the original content.© Brigham Young University