Life Rocks! How Firm is Your Foundation?

by John Bytheway

Yes, life is a great adventure, but it's also a great challenge. And the weather forecast for the latter days is grim: hail, mighty winds, and shafts in the whirlwind.
Question: Where are you going to build your foundation?
Answer: Life Rocks.
In these pages, you'll learn where to build your life so that, in tough times or easy times, rain or shine, you can stand up and shout, "Life Rocks!"

Genres: Nonfiction, Church, Lds, Religion

115 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

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

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book especially for teenagers.

[Suzanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geared towards teens but a good read for anyone. I love John Bytheway and his lighthearted, witty writing. It's entertaining and fun to read!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be well past the target age for this book, but I really enjoy the way Bytheway presents ideas and principles. My favorite chapter was the one on standards and commandments. It was a fresh perspective that was simple but profound. I would love to share this book with L. I think she’d enjoy it, too.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy John Bytheway's books and talks. He is funny and says it like it is. I have been reading his books since I was in middle school and even got to meet him once and heard one of his talks in person. I hope that my kids enjoy reading his books when they are older.

[Kylee Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely written for high schoolers, but a great, quick read for all ages. A good reminder of what matters in life and what we should be focusing on.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a good one to listen on audiobook with teenagers on a long drive. Bytheway knows how to connect and entertain while giving you insight into the gospel and how to live it with joy.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually I love a John Bytheway moment. But I felt this one had a few good points surrounded by meh. I hate to say so, but alas, it's how I feel.

[Verona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this is a book written primarily for teens, I loved it! In this shaky world, we all need life "rocks" to hand on to, or to stand on as a firm foundation. I love John Bytheway's writing style in all his books. He is straightforward, clear, and includes plenty of concrete examples. I like that. He uses scripture to back up his ideas as well. He uses humor and light-heartedness that is very appealing. Life is hard enough without making it grim, too.
One thing about Kindle books, which this was, is there are interactive links where I could watch a video to illustrate the point that Brother Bytheway was making. I really enjoy reading on my Kindlefire that my son was kind enough to get for me.
I always hope to remember the LIFE ROCKS that he taught in this book:
1-My Identity--Who am I?--God is real. He loves us with a perfect love. He helps us through our problems.
2-Whose am I? Jesus Christ is real, and we belong to Him. He came to save sinners; we can go to Him even when we feel unworthy.
3-My Standards--We need never be embarrassed about our beliefs. Our standards would change the world.
4-My Purpose--A knowledge of God gives you direction in life. God wants you to keep your freedom to choose.
5-My Neighbor--I must strengthen others. I can share the pure love of Christ.
What a wonderful plan to live by! Thanks to John Bytheway for clearly outlining this for us, and we can share it with our youth.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love John Bytheway's humor and wit. This is a great, easy, quick read. Geared toward teens, right up my alley, it has some great foundational principles to help anyone. I love the stories he tells and they are so easy to relate to. It seems as if he, the author, knows exactly what you, the reader, personally are struggling with. His writing touches everyone who reads his books.

[alisonwonderland (Alison) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three-and-a-half stars. This quick read is directed at teens, but I too always get some good insights from John Bytheway.

The first two sections (of five) of this book are the strongest - knowing who we are and knowing Whose we are.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to see if it might be something my teens would enjoy, and I was quite impressed. This is my first book I've read by the author, but it will not be the last. I will be buying each of my children a copy of this awesome book!

[Spens (Sphynx Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read, and while geared towards teenagers, John Bytheway doesn't fail to entertain AND educate audiences of all ages. His books are must-reads for the youth of the church, this one included.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

About building your life and beliefs on a foundation so strong that it can withstand the hard stuff of life. Excellent! JB has a way of making deep gospel connections fun and easy to understand.

[Makenna Pound · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book! I loved the messages that he put in there! :)

[Erika B. (SOS BOOKS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on how to build your life on a strong foundation of values! And an added bonus...it's funny! :)

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I love John Bytheway books. This one is much like his other ones-entertaining and spiritual at the same time.

[Mary Hollister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for lds youth & adults. John Bytheway is a fabulous author. He always knows the right words to use to make you laugh & apply gospel principles to your life today.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously LOVED this book! I think every teenager needs to read it!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book---lots of discussion topics for me and my teens.