Rough Start, Great Finish: [Inspiring True Stories of People Who Turned Trials Into Triumphs]

by John Bytheway

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. (For example, which current member of the Quorum of the Twelve struggled so badly in arithmetic that on one occasion classmates threw rocks at him and called him "stupid"? You'll have to listen to find out!) Using true examples from the lives of well-known individuals, this motivating presentation shows that your current problems may prepares you for your future success!

Genres: Religion, Lds, Inspirational

Audio CD

First published September 12, 2007

About the author

John Bytheway (born October 1962) is an American author and academic, who is well known as a comic motivational speaker for youth within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in Salt Lake City, Bytheway attended the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, receiving a Master's Degree in Religious Education. He also served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Philippines.

Bytheway is a religious studies instructor at BYU, currently focusing on the Book of Mormon. He also serves on the Aaronic Priesthood/Young Women Writing Committee for the LDS Church. Bytheway and his wife Kimberly have six children.

Reviews

[Aaron Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished listening to this talk for the third time today. So good! Brother Bytheway identifies real people who had a rough go in life but came out of it triumphantly. With great humor, scripture references, and quotes from General Authorities, it's such a great talk to listen to.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love his message that even if you're going through hard things it's going to be ok.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely needing this right now. I could tell by the title it would be something to get me through this rough, low, emotional time. And the stories he told--some familiar and some not--were inspiring and uplifting. My spiritual muscle is just being broken so that it can be stronger. Though I know these concepts, I really DO need to hear them over and over.

[Jamier1947 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding talk. Took me about an hour to hear. I give it 5 stars because I think it can change your attitude about trials. Because I have trials of my own, I feel this book has truths and is worth everyone hearing! I also gleaned about 5 more books I want to read from what is suggested. I highly recommend this to everyone.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always entertaining, John Bytheway is able to turn a phrase and weave principles together that make spiritual learning interesting whether you're hearing it for the first time or hearing it again for the first time. Like his style.

[Hunybe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this one on audio on my morning commute....arrived to work (at a cancer hospital) already in tears, it wasn't a promising outlook for my makeup to survive the next 12 hours...since it was half gone from the get go. Really inspirational.

[Colette Hokanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST CD I've listened to in a long time. It is inspiring, especially if you are going through challenges. It is definately one to own.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Bytheway is amazing. I just love listening to him speak. My kids all love him too and we laugh and listen and learn together.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk on CD. Some good example of people who overcame hardships to be successful. John Bytheway is always entertaining and inspiring.

[Brittany K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best talks I've heard in a long time. It really touched me and included a lot of things that I, personally, needed to hear.

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

It gave me hope for a better tomorrow.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing very uplifting

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the stories. Inspiring.