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After All We Can Do: Embracing Hope, Grace, and Joy
With the trademark warmth and incisive perspective of Dieter F. Uchtdorf, After All We Can Do considers how we can live a life full of hope, grace, and joy through the atoning sacrifice of our Savior. Sharing stories from his own life, timely interpretations and teachings from scripture, and the wisdom of decades of discipleship, Dieter F. Uchtdorf instills in each of us the faith to believe that God’s grace really is sufficient for our every need.
In After All We Can Do, Dieter F. Uchtdorf writes to help us better understand hope and grace and their relationship to joy—all centered on the source of all good things in this life, Jesus Christ. As Dieter F. Uchtdorf teaches, Christ and His Atonement really are the answer to all of our questions: How do we retain hope amid difficult life situations? How can we overcome apathy and a loss of joy? What does the scriptural expression “all we can do” really mean? (2 Nephi 25:23).
This book will help you to feel the powerful truth that God’s perfect plan is always working for your ultimate good. In Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s words, “God yearns for you to come to Him. His mercy and grace are sufficient to heal your wounds, inspire you to move forward, cleanse you of sin, strengthen you for trials to come, and bless you with hope, wisdom, and His peace.”
In After All We Can Do, Dieter F. Uchtdorf writes to help us better understand hope and grace and their relationship to joy—all centered on the source of all good things in this life, Jesus Christ. As Dieter F. Uchtdorf teaches, Christ and His Atonement really are the answer to all of our questions: How do we retain hope amid difficult life situations? How can we overcome apathy and a loss of joy? What does the scriptural expression “all we can do” really mean? (2 Nephi 25:23).
This book will help you to feel the powerful truth that God’s perfect plan is always working for your ultimate good. In Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s words, “God yearns for you to come to Him. His mercy and grace are sufficient to heal your wounds, inspire you to move forward, cleanse you of sin, strengthen you for trials to come, and bless you with hope, wisdom, and His peace.”
130 pages, Hardcover
Published December 2, 2024
41 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
15 books264 followersDieter Friedrich Uchtdorf, a former German aviator and airline executive, is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
Uchtdorf was born to ethnic Germans Karl Albert Uchtdorf and Hildegard Else Opelt in Moravská Ostrava (German: Mährisch-Ostrau), which at the time was in the Nazi-occupied Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (now Ostrava, Czech Republic). When he was a child, his family moved to Zwickau in eastern Germany while his father was away in the army, traveling through areas being bombed. Uchtdorf's family joined the LDS Church when he was young as a result of his grandmother's encounter with a church member in a soup line.
When Uchtdorf was about ten, his father's political beliefs, incongruent with communist Russian rule, earned him the label of "dissenter", thus putting their lives in danger. They fled East Germany and resettled in American-occupied West Germany.
From 1959 to 1965 Uchtdorf served in the West German Air Force.
Uchtdorf first entered the aviation industry as a pilot, then became a chief pilot and later an executive for Lufthansa Airlines. In 1975 Uchtdorf was appointed head of Lufthansa's Arizona Training School, and in 1980 he was made head chief pilot of cockpit crews. He became the senior vice president of flight operations in 1982.
Uchtdorf was born to ethnic Germans Karl Albert Uchtdorf and Hildegard Else Opelt in Moravská Ostrava (German: Mährisch-Ostrau), which at the time was in the Nazi-occupied Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (now Ostrava, Czech Republic). When he was a child, his family moved to Zwickau in eastern Germany while his father was away in the army, traveling through areas being bombed. Uchtdorf's family joined the LDS Church when he was young as a result of his grandmother's encounter with a church member in a soup line.
When Uchtdorf was about ten, his father's political beliefs, incongruent with communist Russian rule, earned him the label of "dissenter", thus putting their lives in danger. They fled East Germany and resettled in American-occupied West Germany.
From 1959 to 1965 Uchtdorf served in the West German Air Force.
Uchtdorf first entered the aviation industry as a pilot, then became a chief pilot and later an executive for Lufthansa Airlines. In 1975 Uchtdorf was appointed head of Lufthansa's Arizona Training School, and in 1980 he was made head chief pilot of cockpit crews. He became the senior vice president of flight operations in 1982.
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July 2, 2025
This was a quick read that I got through during Ramadan. I’d actually picked up two copies - one for myself and one to gift, along with a few other gifts. After reading it, I can say it genuinely lives up to its moniker: a solid reminder of how to hold on to hope, joy, and grace.
Just a quick note before I get into this, I'm not an official member of the LDS Church (I'm Muslim), but over time, I’ve gotten pretty interested in learning more about it. At first, that interest came from knowing a few members personally. But as time went on, what started as curiosity turned into a genuine respect. Lately, I read about the Church not just to understand what shaped the character of the people I’ve known, but also because learning about its prophets, pioneers, history, theology, and community actually deepens my own sense of faith. Once you start learning about the church more deeply, the appeal becomes abundantly clear, and so does the deep sense of commitment many LDS members have.
Now, as for the book itself, Dieter’s words are undeniably encouraging; they’re grounded in a much-needed sense of compassionate wisdom. He approaches each chapter with a single focus, offering practical applications and spiritual reflections catered to each topic at hand. Yet, no matter where he begins, he always ends in the same place: with God at the center. There’s an obvious consistency to the way he writes, each chapter carries its own distinct message, but they all return to the same foundational truth.
Take his early chapters on hope, for instance. He starts by reassuring the reader that losing hope doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It’s not a personal failure or a sign that you’re lacking in faith. Instead, he presents it as something innately human; a natural part of life. To support this, he references a verse from 2 Nephi 2:11: “there must be an opposition in all things.” It’s a reminder that for hope to exist, hopelessness must also show up from time to time. That this tension isn’t something to be feared; it’s simply part of what makes hope meaningful.
What isn’t natural, though, is remaining stuck in that hopelessness, i.e., resigning yourself to it and refusing to reach beyond it. That’s where Dieter’s guidance becomes especially meaningful. He points the reader back to God, encouraging us to remember that God is faithful to His promises. He has never failed to uphold the promises He gave to His messengers and the people who came before, so why would He start now? To place your hope in God is to root yourself in something solid and secure. It’s not the kind of hope that falters and abandons you; it’s the kind of hope that’s meant to carry you and the kind that’s meant to last, especially when things feel uncertain.
Dieter ends each chapter by cycling back to that central truth. No matter the topic - whether it's joy, grace, patience, or hope - he always leads the reader home to the same foundation. It’s clear what he’s saying: every path we take, every struggle we face, ultimately finds its footing in God. The beginnings may vary, but the destination is unchanging. No matter where you are or what you’re going through, the starting point for reforging your spirit is always the same: coming back to God.
Another thing I appreciated throughout this book was how often Dieter returned to scripture, not just the Old and New Testaments, but also the books of the LDS tradition. While his own insight is wise, rooting his words in scripture gave his reflections a greater sense of weight, both emotionally and spiritually. It was wise counsel that became grounded counsel. And that made an even weightier difference to me.
What also stood out to me was his steady use of stories and parables that were drawn from both his personal life and the scriptures. There’s always been something about a good story that helps realities settle in more firmly. You don’t just understand the point; you remember it. And those were the moments that lingered for me. Even this week, I found myself recalling them at times when I needed a passive reminder or something to reflect on.
Dieter weaves in these stories and parables from a range of lives: his own, those of friends, those of church members, prophets like Solomon and Alma, and of course, the Messiah. One example that really stayed with me was when he spoke about our constant need for God’s grace. To bring this home, he shared Christ’s parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. A familiar story, but always apt to display a lesson. He used it to remind us that no one is above needing mercy, and no one is beyond receiving it. The Pharisee, standing firm in his own self-righteousness, is called to humility. The tax collector, weighed down by shame, is seen and welcomed.
So as to say that our good works aren’t badges to prove our worth to God. Our relationship with Him isn’t built on performance; it’s built on grace. And that grace isn’t selective. It’s not reserved for the already holy or the always faithful. It’s extended to the uncertain, the weary, the ones who’ve stumbled, and even the ones who feel like they’ve fallen too far. For the reader who feels they're devout, it’s a reminder to kneel lower. And for the one who feels forgotten, it’s a hand on the shoulder stating: you are not beyond his reach; you never have been; you never will be.
Something else that stayed with me was the Introduction. Dieter shared a personal story from his past, reflecting on his experience as the child of immigrant parents who gave up everything they had so their children could step into the possibility of a better life. I connected with that almost instantly. The strength and perseverance of his mother - her faith rising above fear - became an anchor for him, and a reminder of what it means to remain faithful when everything around you feels uncertain. In the same way, I’ve carried similar reminders from my own mother throughout my life. If there was one thing I found myself wishing as I read, it was to hear more of his own experiences and how they shaped what he states throughout the book. If I ever come across a biography of his, I think I’d pick it up without hesitation.
Another section I’ve bookmarked (and intend to return to) is from Chapter 6, titled “You Are Better Than You Think.” In it, Dieter relays a list of both historical and scriptural figures: Fred Astaire, Vincent van Gogh, Walt Disney, alongside names like Gideon, Jeremiah, Enoch, Moses, David, Alma, and Joseph Smith. At first glance, it’s a slightly unexpected mix, but an obvious pattern emerges - each of them began their journey with some form of self-doubt or inadequacy. They were ordinary, meek individuals facing extraordinary circumstances, and through the help of God, they became strong. Their stories are reminders that being uncertain or weak doesn’t discount anyone from being part of something meaningful.
Dieter puts it simply and powerfully: “The Lord often accomplishes the most with those who feel the least accomplished.” That line stayed with me. It speaks directly to the part of us that wonders if we’re strong enough. He follows it by encouraging us not to view the path ahead as too heavy or burdensome - because, as he writes, “you may just be the person God is looking for.”
Another aspect of the book I appreciated was Dieter’s willingness to consistently return to the central theme of belief in God and trust in His word. He wasn’t hesitant about repetition, and it felt intentional. There was an obvious emphasis throughout the book that, regardless of the topic at hand, the ultimate answer remained the same: walk toward God, and the rest will follow. So as to say that if you stay connected to God, everything else will find its place. It also goes without saying that, at times, the most effective form of teaching is simple repetition. And in this case, I felt it worked.
I’d like to end this review by saying that this book is, at its core, a spiritual self-help guide, and in that sense, I would genuinely recommend it. If you’re someone striving to live a sincere, devout life (or even just moving in that direction) this is a solid read.
I’d also like to mention one of Dieter’s key points: returning to God is essential, but when you find yourself feeling low or overwhelmed, it’s important to seek support through more than one avenue.
Lean on others. Talk to a close friend, reach out to a parent, or confide in a sibling. Don't carry the weight alone when you don't have to. Build habits that help you recenter, whether that’s through a creative outlet, a physical one, or simply staying connected to a community.
Join your church’s rec league (or another church’s if they have a better team; no hate), play or coach a sport at your local YMCA, or take long walks to clear your mind. Write a short story or start that novel you've been putting off. Visit a theme park and let yourself feel like a kid again. Binge watch a show that makes you laugh or think, or both (‘Dark’ and ‘Trollhunters’ on Netflix are excellent). Try your hand at painting, journaling, gardening, woodworking, or learning an instrument. Explore nature, try a new recipe, or just spend an afternoon at your local library relaxing.
Whatever it is, make space for joy, and make time for connection. These practices are small, but they're more than just simple distractions; alongside faith, they're ways of remembering that life is still unfolding.
I especially recommend volunteering, in any shape or form. It doesn’t have to be grand or formal; just find a way to show up for someone else. Dieter reminds us that faith and hope naturally lead to good works, and good works, in turn, strengthen both faith and hope. Whether you’re serving meals, tutoring kids, checking in on a neighbor, or simply listening to someone that needs to be listened to, there’s always something healing about stepping outside of your own struggles to make space for someone else’s. Especially in the moments when you’re unsure how to care for yourself, showing up for someone you care about can remind you of your own strength, purpose, and capacity for compassion.
In the end, it all returns to the unwavering truth that Dieter has reiterated throughout every page of this book: God loves you - and He will not leave you to face life on your own. Turn to Him, and as Doctrine and Covenants 88:63 promises, “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you.” It’s more than a call to believe; it’s an invitation to belong - to be known, to be recognized. To feel the steady hand of the One who has never stopped reaching for you, even in the moments when you didn’t feel you could quite reach back.
Just a quick note before I get into this, I'm not an official member of the LDS Church (I'm Muslim), but over time, I’ve gotten pretty interested in learning more about it. At first, that interest came from knowing a few members personally. But as time went on, what started as curiosity turned into a genuine respect. Lately, I read about the Church not just to understand what shaped the character of the people I’ve known, but also because learning about its prophets, pioneers, history, theology, and community actually deepens my own sense of faith. Once you start learning about the church more deeply, the appeal becomes abundantly clear, and so does the deep sense of commitment many LDS members have.
Now, as for the book itself, Dieter’s words are undeniably encouraging; they’re grounded in a much-needed sense of compassionate wisdom. He approaches each chapter with a single focus, offering practical applications and spiritual reflections catered to each topic at hand. Yet, no matter where he begins, he always ends in the same place: with God at the center. There’s an obvious consistency to the way he writes, each chapter carries its own distinct message, but they all return to the same foundational truth.
Take his early chapters on hope, for instance. He starts by reassuring the reader that losing hope doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It’s not a personal failure or a sign that you’re lacking in faith. Instead, he presents it as something innately human; a natural part of life. To support this, he references a verse from 2 Nephi 2:11: “there must be an opposition in all things.” It’s a reminder that for hope to exist, hopelessness must also show up from time to time. That this tension isn’t something to be feared; it’s simply part of what makes hope meaningful.
What isn’t natural, though, is remaining stuck in that hopelessness, i.e., resigning yourself to it and refusing to reach beyond it. That’s where Dieter’s guidance becomes especially meaningful. He points the reader back to God, encouraging us to remember that God is faithful to His promises. He has never failed to uphold the promises He gave to His messengers and the people who came before, so why would He start now? To place your hope in God is to root yourself in something solid and secure. It’s not the kind of hope that falters and abandons you; it’s the kind of hope that’s meant to carry you and the kind that’s meant to last, especially when things feel uncertain.
Dieter ends each chapter by cycling back to that central truth. No matter the topic - whether it's joy, grace, patience, or hope - he always leads the reader home to the same foundation. It’s clear what he’s saying: every path we take, every struggle we face, ultimately finds its footing in God. The beginnings may vary, but the destination is unchanging. No matter where you are or what you’re going through, the starting point for reforging your spirit is always the same: coming back to God.
Another thing I appreciated throughout this book was how often Dieter returned to scripture, not just the Old and New Testaments, but also the books of the LDS tradition. While his own insight is wise, rooting his words in scripture gave his reflections a greater sense of weight, both emotionally and spiritually. It was wise counsel that became grounded counsel. And that made an even weightier difference to me.
What also stood out to me was his steady use of stories and parables that were drawn from both his personal life and the scriptures. There’s always been something about a good story that helps realities settle in more firmly. You don’t just understand the point; you remember it. And those were the moments that lingered for me. Even this week, I found myself recalling them at times when I needed a passive reminder or something to reflect on.
Dieter weaves in these stories and parables from a range of lives: his own, those of friends, those of church members, prophets like Solomon and Alma, and of course, the Messiah. One example that really stayed with me was when he spoke about our constant need for God’s grace. To bring this home, he shared Christ’s parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. A familiar story, but always apt to display a lesson. He used it to remind us that no one is above needing mercy, and no one is beyond receiving it. The Pharisee, standing firm in his own self-righteousness, is called to humility. The tax collector, weighed down by shame, is seen and welcomed.
So as to say that our good works aren’t badges to prove our worth to God. Our relationship with Him isn’t built on performance; it’s built on grace. And that grace isn’t selective. It’s not reserved for the already holy or the always faithful. It’s extended to the uncertain, the weary, the ones who’ve stumbled, and even the ones who feel like they’ve fallen too far. For the reader who feels they're devout, it’s a reminder to kneel lower. And for the one who feels forgotten, it’s a hand on the shoulder stating: you are not beyond his reach; you never have been; you never will be.
Something else that stayed with me was the Introduction. Dieter shared a personal story from his past, reflecting on his experience as the child of immigrant parents who gave up everything they had so their children could step into the possibility of a better life. I connected with that almost instantly. The strength and perseverance of his mother - her faith rising above fear - became an anchor for him, and a reminder of what it means to remain faithful when everything around you feels uncertain. In the same way, I’ve carried similar reminders from my own mother throughout my life. If there was one thing I found myself wishing as I read, it was to hear more of his own experiences and how they shaped what he states throughout the book. If I ever come across a biography of his, I think I’d pick it up without hesitation.
Another section I’ve bookmarked (and intend to return to) is from Chapter 6, titled “You Are Better Than You Think.” In it, Dieter relays a list of both historical and scriptural figures: Fred Astaire, Vincent van Gogh, Walt Disney, alongside names like Gideon, Jeremiah, Enoch, Moses, David, Alma, and Joseph Smith. At first glance, it’s a slightly unexpected mix, but an obvious pattern emerges - each of them began their journey with some form of self-doubt or inadequacy. They were ordinary, meek individuals facing extraordinary circumstances, and through the help of God, they became strong. Their stories are reminders that being uncertain or weak doesn’t discount anyone from being part of something meaningful.
Dieter puts it simply and powerfully: “The Lord often accomplishes the most with those who feel the least accomplished.” That line stayed with me. It speaks directly to the part of us that wonders if we’re strong enough. He follows it by encouraging us not to view the path ahead as too heavy or burdensome - because, as he writes, “you may just be the person God is looking for.”
Another aspect of the book I appreciated was Dieter’s willingness to consistently return to the central theme of belief in God and trust in His word. He wasn’t hesitant about repetition, and it felt intentional. There was an obvious emphasis throughout the book that, regardless of the topic at hand, the ultimate answer remained the same: walk toward God, and the rest will follow. So as to say that if you stay connected to God, everything else will find its place. It also goes without saying that, at times, the most effective form of teaching is simple repetition. And in this case, I felt it worked.
I’d like to end this review by saying that this book is, at its core, a spiritual self-help guide, and in that sense, I would genuinely recommend it. If you’re someone striving to live a sincere, devout life (or even just moving in that direction) this is a solid read.
I’d also like to mention one of Dieter’s key points: returning to God is essential, but when you find yourself feeling low or overwhelmed, it’s important to seek support through more than one avenue.
Lean on others. Talk to a close friend, reach out to a parent, or confide in a sibling. Don't carry the weight alone when you don't have to. Build habits that help you recenter, whether that’s through a creative outlet, a physical one, or simply staying connected to a community.
Join your church’s rec league (or another church’s if they have a better team; no hate), play or coach a sport at your local YMCA, or take long walks to clear your mind. Write a short story or start that novel you've been putting off. Visit a theme park and let yourself feel like a kid again. Binge watch a show that makes you laugh or think, or both (‘Dark’ and ‘Trollhunters’ on Netflix are excellent). Try your hand at painting, journaling, gardening, woodworking, or learning an instrument. Explore nature, try a new recipe, or just spend an afternoon at your local library relaxing.
Whatever it is, make space for joy, and make time for connection. These practices are small, but they're more than just simple distractions; alongside faith, they're ways of remembering that life is still unfolding.
I especially recommend volunteering, in any shape or form. It doesn’t have to be grand or formal; just find a way to show up for someone else. Dieter reminds us that faith and hope naturally lead to good works, and good works, in turn, strengthen both faith and hope. Whether you’re serving meals, tutoring kids, checking in on a neighbor, or simply listening to someone that needs to be listened to, there’s always something healing about stepping outside of your own struggles to make space for someone else’s. Especially in the moments when you’re unsure how to care for yourself, showing up for someone you care about can remind you of your own strength, purpose, and capacity for compassion.
In the end, it all returns to the unwavering truth that Dieter has reiterated throughout every page of this book: God loves you - and He will not leave you to face life on your own. Turn to Him, and as Doctrine and Covenants 88:63 promises, “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you.” It’s more than a call to believe; it’s an invitation to belong - to be known, to be recognized. To feel the steady hand of the One who has never stopped reaching for you, even in the moments when you didn’t feel you could quite reach back.
December 29, 2024
Beautiful book!
January 11, 2026
As the subtitle suggests, this is an excellent read if you need to or want to embrace hope, grace, or joy more fully!
December 30, 2024
This is a sweet book, a compilation of some of Elder Uchtdorf's talks, organized in a way to teach about hope, God's grace, and joy. It all comes from Jesus Christ! Here are some favorite quotes:
"She was not a woman who would sit and bemoan tragedy. She moved. She put her faith and hope into action (p. 3)."
"In the middle of this despair, my family learned about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the healing message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ (p. 4)."
"The message was that God lived and cared about us, even in these hours of turmoil, confusion, and chaos. That He had actually appeared in our time to restore truth and light--to restore His gospel and His Church (p. 5)."
"There is hope. That same hope that was available to my mother, my father, and even to Solomon is available to each of us through the 'merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah' (p. 6)."
"We are not saved 'because' of all that we can do. We choose to receive Christ's grace; we don't earn it. Salvation cannot be bought with the currency of obedience; it is purchased by the blood of the Son of God... All we can do is choose to receive grace as the Savior offers it to us. we can choose to receive hope, and ultimately to receive joy (p. 8)!"
"Joy is the very purpose of God's plan for His children. It's what you were created for. Our Father in Heaven has not hidden the path to happiness (p. 8)."
"We achieve that abundant life not by focusing on our own needs or on our own achievements but by becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ--by following in His ways and engaging in His work. We find the abundant life by forgetting ourselves and engaging in the great cause of Christ. And what is the cause of Christ? It is to believe in Him, love as He loved, and do as He did (p. 9)."
"The healing hands of Jesus Christ reach out to all who seek Him (p. 10)."
"It is so humbling to know that this magnificent and supernal future is possible--not because of who we are but because of who God is (p. 11)."
"Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness (p. 13)."
"Hope is a gift of the Spirit. It is a hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection, we shall be raised unto life eternal, and this because of our faith in the Savior. This kind of hope is both a principle of promise as well as a commandment (p. 14)."
"Hope... is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn (p. 15)."
"God the Eternal Father did not give that first great commandment because He needs us to love Him. His power and glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny, or even defile His name. His influence and dominion extend through time and space independent of our acceptance, approval, or admiration. No, God does not need us to love Him! But oh, how we need to love God! For what we love determines what we seek (p. 15)."
"What and how we love not only defines us as individuals; it also defines us as a church. Love is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ (p. 16)."
"Our Father in Heaven... offers His children the promise of a glorious and infinite existence and has provided a way for us to progress in knowledge and glory until we receive a fulness of joy (p. 16)."
"Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely (p. 17)."
"Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God's laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future--even 'peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come' (p. 18)."
"Because of His infinite Atonement--His 'merits, mercy, and grace'--we can be cleansed of sin and stand pure and holy before the judgment bar. The Savior is the Author of our Salvation (p. 19)."
"We hope in Jesus Christ, in the goodness of God, in the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, in the knowledge that prayers are heard and answered. Because God had been faithful and kept His promises in the past, we can hope with confidence that God will keep His promises to us in the present and in the future (p. 19)."
"She chose to radiate light and devote her life to helping others. This decision enabled her to leave the past behind and to step into a glorious, bright future (p. 21)."
"You may at times feel darkness encroaching upon you. You may feel burdened by worry, fear, or doubt. To you and to all of us, I repeat a wonderful and certain truth: God's light is real. It is available to all! It gives life to all things (p. 22)."
"How do we open our eyes to the hope of God's light? First, start where you are... The heavens begin to part and the blessings of heaven begin to distill upon us with the very first steps we take toward the light... Second, turn your heart toward the Lord. Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Pour out your heart and express your gratitude. Let Him know of the trials you are facing. Plead with Him in Christ's name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened... that your eyes may be opened, that you may see His light. Third, walk in the light... We will make mistakes. We will falter. But as we seek to increase our love for God and strive to love our neighbor, the light of the gospel will surround and uplift us (p. 23)."
"As we study the scriptures, speak with our Heavenly Father daily, and commit to keep the commandments of God, we attain hope. We grow in our ability to 'abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost,' as we more perfectly live the gospel (p. 25)."
"True faith in Jesus Christ will evidence itself in our actions... When we put our faith into action, we can radiate the hope, confidence, optimism, excitement, and patient endurance that will help draw others unto Christ (p. 27)."
"I know from personal experience that it is the gospel of Jesus Christ and our covenants with our Heavenly Father that strengthen faith, offer a bright hope, and lead us to charity, or the pure love of Christ, and His incomparable gift of grace (p. 28)."
"I bear witness that our living hope is in Christ Jesus! He is the true, pure, and powerful entrance to divine enlightenment... I invite you to open your hear to Him. Seek Him through study, prayer, and applying His teachings. Gather in His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Learn of Him and His gospel, participate actively, help each other, and joyfully serve our God (p. 29)."
"It was during this great and infinite sacrifice of unparalleled suffering in both body and spirit that Jesus Christ, even God, bled at every pore. Out of perfect love, He gave all that we might receive all (p. 32)."
"Because of Jesus Christ, your death will be temporary. Your spirit one day will reunite with your body... Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins. All of them (p. 33)."
"Because of our Lord and Savior, you and I are granted a most precious and priceless gift--regardless of our past, we can repent and follow the path that leads to celestial light and glory (p. 34)."
"Heavenly Father... has provided instructions that reveal the way back to Him. And at the center of it all is His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and His sacrifice for us... Because of Jesus Christ, our failures do not have to define us. They can refine us (p. 35)."
"Yes, the world is in turmoil. And yes, we have weaknesses. But we do not need to hang our heads in despair, because we can trust God, we can trust His Son, Jesus Christ, and we can accept the gift of the Spirit to guide us on this path toward a life filled with joy and divine happiness. The good news is that Jesus Christ has made the perfect Atonement for all, redeeming all from the grave and rewarding each individual according to his or her works. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the healing power that can bring hope and peace back into all of our lives (p. 36)."
"The Savior's Atonement cannot become commonplace in our teaching, in our conversation, or in our hearts. It is sacred and holy, for it was through this 'great and last sacrifice' that Jesus the Christ brought 'salvation to all those who shall believe on his name' (p. 38)."
"We cannot earn our way into heaven; the demands of justice stand as a barrier, which we are powerless to overcome on our own. But all is not lost. The grace of God is our great and everlasting hope (p. 39)."
"Though we all have weaknesses, we can overcome them through His grace. Indeed it is by the grace of God that, if we humble ourselves and have faith, weak things can become strong (p. 41.)."
"Do we love much? Do we understand our indebtedness to Heavenly Father and plead with all our souls for the grace of God (p. 42)?"
"In truth, we 'all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.' We are all in need of mercy (p. 43)."
"Salvation cannot be bought with the currency of obedience; it is purchased by the blood of the Son of God (p. 43)."
"If grace is a gift of God, why them is obedience to God's commandments so important?... We obey the commandments of God out of love for Him (p 44)!"
"We seek to obey our Heavenly Father because our spirits will become more attuned to spiritual things. Vistas are opened that we never knew existed. Enlightenment and understanding come to us when we do the will of the Father. Grace is a gift of God, and our desire to be obedient to each of God's commandments is the reaching out of our mortal hand to receive this sacred gift from our Heavenly Father (p. 45)."
"It is not repentance per se that saves mankind. It is the blood of Jesus Christ that saves us. It is not by our sincere and honest change of behavior alone that we are saved, but 'by grace' (p. 47)."
"When I think of what the Savior did for us, I want to lift up my voice and shout praises to the Most High God and His Son, Jesus Christ! The gates of heaven are unlocked! The windows of heaven are opened! Today and forevermore, God's grace is available to all whose hearts are broken and whose spirits are contrite (p. 48)."
"Who among us has not departed from the path of holiness, foolishly thinking we could find more happiness going our own self-centered way? Who among us has not felt humbled, brokenhearted, and desperate for forgiveness and mercy (p. 54)?"
"Our Heavenly Father will run to us, His heart overflowing with love and compassion. He will embrace us; place a robe around our shoulders, a ring on our finger, and sandals on our feet; and proclaim, 'Today we celebrate! For my child, who once was dead, has come back to life!' Heaven will rejoice at our return (p. 55)."
"'It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's atoning sacrifice shines' (Jeffrey R. Holland, p. 55)."
"Your return will not diminish the blessings of others (p. 55)."
"I bear witness that the moment you decide to return and walk in the way of our Savior and Redeemer, His power will enter your life and transform it (p. 56)."
"To redeem us from our sins and imperfections, our Heavenly Father sent His Only Begotten Son to be born to a mortal woman, live a perfect life, and make a grand, eternal sacrifice that cleanses us from sin and opens the door to holiness, peace, and glory throughout eternity (p. 57)."
"I am not suggesting that we diminish or trivialize our sins and mistakes... On the contrary, to receive God's forgiveness, we must confess our sins. Only when we fully and honestly acknowledge our weaknesses and failures can we learn form them and overcome them (p. 58)."
"Just as each sunrise signals the beginning of a new day, each time we repent, we make a fresh start on our path of discipleship. We can begin again. Over and over, day after day, we can begin again (p. 59)."
"God yearns for you to come to Him. His mercy and grace are sufficient to heal your wounds, inspire you to move forward, cleanse you of sin, strengthen you for trials to come, and bless you with hope, wisdom, and His peace. If you desire it with all your heart, God will guide you through this mortal life, and He will wait with open arms to embrace you in the Resurrection. No matter our shortcomings, no matter our flaws, God can heal, inspire, and cleanse us. For He is the God of new beginnings (p. 59)."
"What might living in grace and hope look like for us in our individual paths of discipleship?... Faith and repentance lead to the purifying waters of baptism... To uphold us in the desire to lead a purified and holy life, we are endowed with the baptism of fire--the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, a heavenly Comforter who accompanies and guides us as we walk in the path of righteousness. The more we are filled with the Spirit of God, the more we extend ourselves to others. We become peacemakers... However, being a disciple of Jesus Christ involves much more than talking and preaching Christ. The Savior Himself restored His Church to help us on the path to become more like Him (p. 61)."
"Through sincere and humble prayer to our Heavenly Father, we learn to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit (p. 63)."
"Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can--working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well (p. 64)!"
"Learning patience means we realize that rarely is there a quick fix or an overnight cure for our struggles... We have to stay with it. We don't acquire eternal life in a sprint--this is a race of endurance (p. 65)."
"Discipleship is a journey. We need the refining lessons of the journey to craft our character and purify our hearts. By patiently walking the path of discipleship, we demonstrate to ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept God's will rather than ours (p. 66)."
"Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events (p. 67)."
"We all need to remember that learning takes time. Discipleship is a skill we learn over time (p. 68)."
"If we want to find balance in life, and if we want the Savior to lift us heavenward, then our commitment to Him and His gospel can't be casual or occasional (p. 69)."
"Our offering may be small, but it must come from our heart and soul (p. 70)."
"Sacrifice and consecration are two heavenly laws that we covenant to obey in the holy temple.. To sacrifice means to give something up in favor of something more valuable... Jesus taught that our offering may be large or it may be small, but either way, it must be our heartfelt all (p. 71)."
"We all have things, large and small, we need to sacrifice in order to follow Jesus Christ more completely (p. 73)."
"When we look at our lives and see a hundred things to do, we feel overwhelmed. When we see one thing--loving and serving God and His children, in a hundred different ways--then we can work on those things with joy (p. 75)."
"True repentance blesses our lives with the effects of the Savior's Atonement: we feel God's forgiveness and His peace, and our guilt and sorrow are lifted away; we enjoy the influence of the Spirit in greater abundance; and we are better prepared to live with our Heavenly Father (p. 76)."
"Once we have truly repented, Christ will take away the burden of guilt for our sins. We can know for ourselves that we have been forgiven and made clean. The Holy Ghost will verify this to us; He is the Sanctifier. No other testimony of forgiveness can be greater (p. 77)."
"Love God... Love your neighbor... That is the center of the gospel. It should be the center of our every effort as a Church and as disciples of Jesus Christ (p. 79)."
"How would we find our way back to our beloved Heavenly Father? That was our overarching desire--to seek God, find Him, love Him, and follow Him (p. 80)."
"When we meet the Savior at the judgment bar, we will account for we lived the two great commandments (p. 81)."
"As we seek to follow Jesus Christ and walk the path of discipleship, line upon line, the day will come that we will experience that unimaginable gift of receiving a fulness of joy (p. 84)."
"Heavenly Father loves you with a perfect love (p. 84)."
"Through your efforts to help the poor and the needy, to reach out to those in distress, your own character is purified and forged, your spirit is enlarged, and you walk a little taller (p. 85)."
"True disciples of Jesus Christ love God and His children without expectation of something in return (p. 85)."
"Conflict is inevitable. It is a condition of mortality. It is part of our test (p. 92)."
"We cannot force anyone to change. But we can love them (p. 93)."
"We all depend on the Savior; none of us can be saved without Him (p. 95)."
"'Don't judge me because I sin differently than you' (p. 97)."
"We are all imperfect... we are beggars before God (p. 97)."
"The more we allow the love of God to govern our minds and emotions--the more we allow our love for our Heavenly Father to swell within our hearts--the easier it is to love others with the pure love of Christ. As we open our hearts to the glowing dawn of the love of God, the darkness and cold of animosity and envy will eventually fade (p. 98)."
"Let us be kind... forgive... talk peacefully with each other. Let the love of God fill our hearts (p. 100)."
"Being able to see ourselves clearly is essential to our spiritual growth and well-being (p. 101)."
"As we strive each day to overcome the natural man or woman and become a little more Christlike, we also find ourselves overcoming despair and filling our lives with hope (p. 106)."
"I would encourage you to commit in your heart to approach God in prayer at the beginning of every new day. Our Father in Heaven is eager to hear from you... Prayer has great power to chase away discouragement if you approach it humbly. It will cause you to repent. It will cause you to draw closer to the Lord. It will invite the hope of the Spirit into your life. I bear witness that there is great power in prayer. Humble yourselves before the Lord and pray to Him every day so that He has more opportunities to communicate His love and grace to you (p. 107)."
"We can lose our lives in helping and serving others, and in so doing, we will find the hope and joy of the Savior (p. 110)."
"God has something more to give. A higher and more profound joy (p. 119)."
"She was not a woman who would sit and bemoan tragedy. She moved. She put her faith and hope into action (p. 3)."
"In the middle of this despair, my family learned about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the healing message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ (p. 4)."
"The message was that God lived and cared about us, even in these hours of turmoil, confusion, and chaos. That He had actually appeared in our time to restore truth and light--to restore His gospel and His Church (p. 5)."
"There is hope. That same hope that was available to my mother, my father, and even to Solomon is available to each of us through the 'merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah' (p. 6)."
"We are not saved 'because' of all that we can do. We choose to receive Christ's grace; we don't earn it. Salvation cannot be bought with the currency of obedience; it is purchased by the blood of the Son of God... All we can do is choose to receive grace as the Savior offers it to us. we can choose to receive hope, and ultimately to receive joy (p. 8)!"
"Joy is the very purpose of God's plan for His children. It's what you were created for. Our Father in Heaven has not hidden the path to happiness (p. 8)."
"We achieve that abundant life not by focusing on our own needs or on our own achievements but by becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ--by following in His ways and engaging in His work. We find the abundant life by forgetting ourselves and engaging in the great cause of Christ. And what is the cause of Christ? It is to believe in Him, love as He loved, and do as He did (p. 9)."
"The healing hands of Jesus Christ reach out to all who seek Him (p. 10)."
"It is so humbling to know that this magnificent and supernal future is possible--not because of who we are but because of who God is (p. 11)."
"Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness (p. 13)."
"Hope is a gift of the Spirit. It is a hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection, we shall be raised unto life eternal, and this because of our faith in the Savior. This kind of hope is both a principle of promise as well as a commandment (p. 14)."
"Hope... is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn (p. 15)."
"God the Eternal Father did not give that first great commandment because He needs us to love Him. His power and glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny, or even defile His name. His influence and dominion extend through time and space independent of our acceptance, approval, or admiration. No, God does not need us to love Him! But oh, how we need to love God! For what we love determines what we seek (p. 15)."
"What and how we love not only defines us as individuals; it also defines us as a church. Love is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ (p. 16)."
"Our Father in Heaven... offers His children the promise of a glorious and infinite existence and has provided a way for us to progress in knowledge and glory until we receive a fulness of joy (p. 16)."
"Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely (p. 17)."
"Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God's laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future--even 'peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come' (p. 18)."
"Because of His infinite Atonement--His 'merits, mercy, and grace'--we can be cleansed of sin and stand pure and holy before the judgment bar. The Savior is the Author of our Salvation (p. 19)."
"We hope in Jesus Christ, in the goodness of God, in the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, in the knowledge that prayers are heard and answered. Because God had been faithful and kept His promises in the past, we can hope with confidence that God will keep His promises to us in the present and in the future (p. 19)."
"She chose to radiate light and devote her life to helping others. This decision enabled her to leave the past behind and to step into a glorious, bright future (p. 21)."
"You may at times feel darkness encroaching upon you. You may feel burdened by worry, fear, or doubt. To you and to all of us, I repeat a wonderful and certain truth: God's light is real. It is available to all! It gives life to all things (p. 22)."
"How do we open our eyes to the hope of God's light? First, start where you are... The heavens begin to part and the blessings of heaven begin to distill upon us with the very first steps we take toward the light... Second, turn your heart toward the Lord. Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Pour out your heart and express your gratitude. Let Him know of the trials you are facing. Plead with Him in Christ's name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened... that your eyes may be opened, that you may see His light. Third, walk in the light... We will make mistakes. We will falter. But as we seek to increase our love for God and strive to love our neighbor, the light of the gospel will surround and uplift us (p. 23)."
"As we study the scriptures, speak with our Heavenly Father daily, and commit to keep the commandments of God, we attain hope. We grow in our ability to 'abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost,' as we more perfectly live the gospel (p. 25)."
"True faith in Jesus Christ will evidence itself in our actions... When we put our faith into action, we can radiate the hope, confidence, optimism, excitement, and patient endurance that will help draw others unto Christ (p. 27)."
"I know from personal experience that it is the gospel of Jesus Christ and our covenants with our Heavenly Father that strengthen faith, offer a bright hope, and lead us to charity, or the pure love of Christ, and His incomparable gift of grace (p. 28)."
"I bear witness that our living hope is in Christ Jesus! He is the true, pure, and powerful entrance to divine enlightenment... I invite you to open your hear to Him. Seek Him through study, prayer, and applying His teachings. Gather in His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Learn of Him and His gospel, participate actively, help each other, and joyfully serve our God (p. 29)."
"It was during this great and infinite sacrifice of unparalleled suffering in both body and spirit that Jesus Christ, even God, bled at every pore. Out of perfect love, He gave all that we might receive all (p. 32)."
"Because of Jesus Christ, your death will be temporary. Your spirit one day will reunite with your body... Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins. All of them (p. 33)."
"Because of our Lord and Savior, you and I are granted a most precious and priceless gift--regardless of our past, we can repent and follow the path that leads to celestial light and glory (p. 34)."
"Heavenly Father... has provided instructions that reveal the way back to Him. And at the center of it all is His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and His sacrifice for us... Because of Jesus Christ, our failures do not have to define us. They can refine us (p. 35)."
"Yes, the world is in turmoil. And yes, we have weaknesses. But we do not need to hang our heads in despair, because we can trust God, we can trust His Son, Jesus Christ, and we can accept the gift of the Spirit to guide us on this path toward a life filled with joy and divine happiness. The good news is that Jesus Christ has made the perfect Atonement for all, redeeming all from the grave and rewarding each individual according to his or her works. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the healing power that can bring hope and peace back into all of our lives (p. 36)."
"The Savior's Atonement cannot become commonplace in our teaching, in our conversation, or in our hearts. It is sacred and holy, for it was through this 'great and last sacrifice' that Jesus the Christ brought 'salvation to all those who shall believe on his name' (p. 38)."
"We cannot earn our way into heaven; the demands of justice stand as a barrier, which we are powerless to overcome on our own. But all is not lost. The grace of God is our great and everlasting hope (p. 39)."
"Though we all have weaknesses, we can overcome them through His grace. Indeed it is by the grace of God that, if we humble ourselves and have faith, weak things can become strong (p. 41.)."
"Do we love much? Do we understand our indebtedness to Heavenly Father and plead with all our souls for the grace of God (p. 42)?"
"In truth, we 'all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.' We are all in need of mercy (p. 43)."
"Salvation cannot be bought with the currency of obedience; it is purchased by the blood of the Son of God (p. 43)."
"If grace is a gift of God, why them is obedience to God's commandments so important?... We obey the commandments of God out of love for Him (p 44)!"
"We seek to obey our Heavenly Father because our spirits will become more attuned to spiritual things. Vistas are opened that we never knew existed. Enlightenment and understanding come to us when we do the will of the Father. Grace is a gift of God, and our desire to be obedient to each of God's commandments is the reaching out of our mortal hand to receive this sacred gift from our Heavenly Father (p. 45)."
"It is not repentance per se that saves mankind. It is the blood of Jesus Christ that saves us. It is not by our sincere and honest change of behavior alone that we are saved, but 'by grace' (p. 47)."
"When I think of what the Savior did for us, I want to lift up my voice and shout praises to the Most High God and His Son, Jesus Christ! The gates of heaven are unlocked! The windows of heaven are opened! Today and forevermore, God's grace is available to all whose hearts are broken and whose spirits are contrite (p. 48)."
"Who among us has not departed from the path of holiness, foolishly thinking we could find more happiness going our own self-centered way? Who among us has not felt humbled, brokenhearted, and desperate for forgiveness and mercy (p. 54)?"
"Our Heavenly Father will run to us, His heart overflowing with love and compassion. He will embrace us; place a robe around our shoulders, a ring on our finger, and sandals on our feet; and proclaim, 'Today we celebrate! For my child, who once was dead, has come back to life!' Heaven will rejoice at our return (p. 55)."
"'It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's atoning sacrifice shines' (Jeffrey R. Holland, p. 55)."
"Your return will not diminish the blessings of others (p. 55)."
"I bear witness that the moment you decide to return and walk in the way of our Savior and Redeemer, His power will enter your life and transform it (p. 56)."
"To redeem us from our sins and imperfections, our Heavenly Father sent His Only Begotten Son to be born to a mortal woman, live a perfect life, and make a grand, eternal sacrifice that cleanses us from sin and opens the door to holiness, peace, and glory throughout eternity (p. 57)."
"I am not suggesting that we diminish or trivialize our sins and mistakes... On the contrary, to receive God's forgiveness, we must confess our sins. Only when we fully and honestly acknowledge our weaknesses and failures can we learn form them and overcome them (p. 58)."
"Just as each sunrise signals the beginning of a new day, each time we repent, we make a fresh start on our path of discipleship. We can begin again. Over and over, day after day, we can begin again (p. 59)."
"God yearns for you to come to Him. His mercy and grace are sufficient to heal your wounds, inspire you to move forward, cleanse you of sin, strengthen you for trials to come, and bless you with hope, wisdom, and His peace. If you desire it with all your heart, God will guide you through this mortal life, and He will wait with open arms to embrace you in the Resurrection. No matter our shortcomings, no matter our flaws, God can heal, inspire, and cleanse us. For He is the God of new beginnings (p. 59)."
"What might living in grace and hope look like for us in our individual paths of discipleship?... Faith and repentance lead to the purifying waters of baptism... To uphold us in the desire to lead a purified and holy life, we are endowed with the baptism of fire--the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, a heavenly Comforter who accompanies and guides us as we walk in the path of righteousness. The more we are filled with the Spirit of God, the more we extend ourselves to others. We become peacemakers... However, being a disciple of Jesus Christ involves much more than talking and preaching Christ. The Savior Himself restored His Church to help us on the path to become more like Him (p. 61)."
"Through sincere and humble prayer to our Heavenly Father, we learn to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit (p. 63)."
"Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can--working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well (p. 64)!"
"Learning patience means we realize that rarely is there a quick fix or an overnight cure for our struggles... We have to stay with it. We don't acquire eternal life in a sprint--this is a race of endurance (p. 65)."
"Discipleship is a journey. We need the refining lessons of the journey to craft our character and purify our hearts. By patiently walking the path of discipleship, we demonstrate to ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept God's will rather than ours (p. 66)."
"Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events (p. 67)."
"We all need to remember that learning takes time. Discipleship is a skill we learn over time (p. 68)."
"If we want to find balance in life, and if we want the Savior to lift us heavenward, then our commitment to Him and His gospel can't be casual or occasional (p. 69)."
"Our offering may be small, but it must come from our heart and soul (p. 70)."
"Sacrifice and consecration are two heavenly laws that we covenant to obey in the holy temple.. To sacrifice means to give something up in favor of something more valuable... Jesus taught that our offering may be large or it may be small, but either way, it must be our heartfelt all (p. 71)."
"We all have things, large and small, we need to sacrifice in order to follow Jesus Christ more completely (p. 73)."
"When we look at our lives and see a hundred things to do, we feel overwhelmed. When we see one thing--loving and serving God and His children, in a hundred different ways--then we can work on those things with joy (p. 75)."
"True repentance blesses our lives with the effects of the Savior's Atonement: we feel God's forgiveness and His peace, and our guilt and sorrow are lifted away; we enjoy the influence of the Spirit in greater abundance; and we are better prepared to live with our Heavenly Father (p. 76)."
"Once we have truly repented, Christ will take away the burden of guilt for our sins. We can know for ourselves that we have been forgiven and made clean. The Holy Ghost will verify this to us; He is the Sanctifier. No other testimony of forgiveness can be greater (p. 77)."
"Love God... Love your neighbor... That is the center of the gospel. It should be the center of our every effort as a Church and as disciples of Jesus Christ (p. 79)."
"How would we find our way back to our beloved Heavenly Father? That was our overarching desire--to seek God, find Him, love Him, and follow Him (p. 80)."
"When we meet the Savior at the judgment bar, we will account for we lived the two great commandments (p. 81)."
"As we seek to follow Jesus Christ and walk the path of discipleship, line upon line, the day will come that we will experience that unimaginable gift of receiving a fulness of joy (p. 84)."
"Heavenly Father loves you with a perfect love (p. 84)."
"Through your efforts to help the poor and the needy, to reach out to those in distress, your own character is purified and forged, your spirit is enlarged, and you walk a little taller (p. 85)."
"True disciples of Jesus Christ love God and His children without expectation of something in return (p. 85)."
"Conflict is inevitable. It is a condition of mortality. It is part of our test (p. 92)."
"We cannot force anyone to change. But we can love them (p. 93)."
"We all depend on the Savior; none of us can be saved without Him (p. 95)."
"'Don't judge me because I sin differently than you' (p. 97)."
"We are all imperfect... we are beggars before God (p. 97)."
"The more we allow the love of God to govern our minds and emotions--the more we allow our love for our Heavenly Father to swell within our hearts--the easier it is to love others with the pure love of Christ. As we open our hearts to the glowing dawn of the love of God, the darkness and cold of animosity and envy will eventually fade (p. 98)."
"Let us be kind... forgive... talk peacefully with each other. Let the love of God fill our hearts (p. 100)."
"Being able to see ourselves clearly is essential to our spiritual growth and well-being (p. 101)."
"As we strive each day to overcome the natural man or woman and become a little more Christlike, we also find ourselves overcoming despair and filling our lives with hope (p. 106)."
"I would encourage you to commit in your heart to approach God in prayer at the beginning of every new day. Our Father in Heaven is eager to hear from you... Prayer has great power to chase away discouragement if you approach it humbly. It will cause you to repent. It will cause you to draw closer to the Lord. It will invite the hope of the Spirit into your life. I bear witness that there is great power in prayer. Humble yourselves before the Lord and pray to Him every day so that He has more opportunities to communicate His love and grace to you (p. 107)."
"We can lose our lives in helping and serving others, and in so doing, we will find the hope and joy of the Savior (p. 110)."
"God has something more to give. A higher and more profound joy (p. 119)."
June 23, 2025
3.5 - mostly a sampling of his talks and stories surrounding hope. Some great thoughts the last quarter of the book.
December 27, 2024
Nothing earth shattering, but it was a comforting read with many good reminders of core tenets of Christian religion.
January 22, 2025
This was a nice read that took me way too long to get through, which I primarily attribute to undisciplined reading habits. There were a few factors that prevented me from fully enjoying this work:
1. The "gotta finish" syndrome was strong in my mind on this one. I wanted it to be a quick read, so maybe I was too focused on completion.
2. Something about the structure of the book didn't quite work for me. I think I brought certain expectations of what it was going to be about, but then it went in different directions. The subtitle of the book definitely gives an accurate picture, but somehow I missed the part where it connected in with the "main" part of the title. Even within a chapter, the discussion seemed to jump around in a way that I had a hard time following.
3. It was also a little distracting to me coming across bits that I recognized from General Conference talks over the past several years. The two-word "Stop it" sermon is here, the "I sin differently than you do" bumper sticker, Milton Wright saying "Higher, higher," but they seems to be mixed in with other material. To my brain, i think I would have preferred just reading a compilation of talks, rather than reading them remixed this way.
I always tend to lead my reviews with things that bugged me more than the things that worked. When I wasn't quibbling about chapter titles or section headings, I was able to appreciate the book's strong stories, messages, insights, and invitations. I enjoyed hearing Elder Uchtdorf's familiar voice in my head while reading the pages. It has a friendly and approachable style. It invited reflection on some good and timely topics.
Here is one stand-out quote that came from my favorite section of the book: "When we look at our lives and see a hundred things to do, we feel overwhelmed. When we see one thing—loving and serving God and his children, in a hundred different ways—then we can work on those things with joy."
1. The "gotta finish" syndrome was strong in my mind on this one. I wanted it to be a quick read, so maybe I was too focused on completion.
2. Something about the structure of the book didn't quite work for me. I think I brought certain expectations of what it was going to be about, but then it went in different directions. The subtitle of the book definitely gives an accurate picture, but somehow I missed the part where it connected in with the "main" part of the title. Even within a chapter, the discussion seemed to jump around in a way that I had a hard time following.
3. It was also a little distracting to me coming across bits that I recognized from General Conference talks over the past several years. The two-word "Stop it" sermon is here, the "I sin differently than you do" bumper sticker, Milton Wright saying "Higher, higher," but they seems to be mixed in with other material. To my brain, i think I would have preferred just reading a compilation of talks, rather than reading them remixed this way.
I always tend to lead my reviews with things that bugged me more than the things that worked. When I wasn't quibbling about chapter titles or section headings, I was able to appreciate the book's strong stories, messages, insights, and invitations. I enjoyed hearing Elder Uchtdorf's familiar voice in my head while reading the pages. It has a friendly and approachable style. It invited reflection on some good and timely topics.
Here is one stand-out quote that came from my favorite section of the book: "When we look at our lives and see a hundred things to do, we feel overwhelmed. When we see one thing—loving and serving God and his children, in a hundred different ways—then we can work on those things with joy."
May 19, 2025
I am filled with the knowledge that I am a beloved daughter of God, and that he knows that I am going to mess up a lot in my mortal existence. But like the scriptures have taught and the teachings of Apostles and Prophets and my evolving testimony have proven time and again - there is a way back to my Heavenly Father and my Heavenly Home. I need the abundant grace from The Savior, Jesus Christ, and I need his everlasting atonement so I can repent and try again, life is meant to have challenges and trials and tribulations, but we were created to be happy and have joy alongside the negative in our lives. For we cannot grow into who we are meant to be without the opposite of joy and happiness. I can't recommend this book enough to anyone who is going through a dark, rough time in their life right now - it will be like a beam of light through your trial. I leave you with this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
December 16, 2025
I felt pretty discouraged and defeated this year. I’m typically hopeful and excited for the future, but I really struggled to feel that way this year.
I went to see Dead and Company at the Sphere with my brother and his in-laws over Easter weekend. My brother’s in-laws gave us this book for Easter and I put off reading it for so long. I was worried that they would quiz me about the book when I would go over for Sunday dinners, so I started reading it.
There was nothing too groundbreaking or radical in the book, but there were some things that I really needed to be reminded of. This book helped me change my mindset to be more constructive and to be more intentional about having hope in my life. It was all so simple, but it’s the simple things I so easily forget and have to be reminded of constantly.
Lord, is it I?
I went to see Dead and Company at the Sphere with my brother and his in-laws over Easter weekend. My brother’s in-laws gave us this book for Easter and I put off reading it for so long. I was worried that they would quiz me about the book when I would go over for Sunday dinners, so I started reading it.
There was nothing too groundbreaking or radical in the book, but there were some things that I really needed to be reminded of. This book helped me change my mindset to be more constructive and to be more intentional about having hope in my life. It was all so simple, but it’s the simple things I so easily forget and have to be reminded of constantly.
Lord, is it I?
August 3, 2025
In his very Elder Uchtdorf way, this book is a fantastic reminder of the nature of our relationship with God and our Savior Jesus Christ that leaves you feeling comforted while also prompting areas for improvement and change made possible only in and through their grace. True to his typical style, Elder Uchtdorf utilizes stories from his personal life and the world around us to teach eternal principles and remind us of the bigger picture. There are pages where I felt like I was underlining the whole thing, because it is just so relatable and relevant. For anyone seeking a greater understanding of mercy, grace, works, and a deeper relationship with your Savior Jesus Christ, this book is well worth your time.
April 15, 2025
Love Pres. Uchtdorf (and his mom!) I love how the gospel brought hope to his family, just as it can bring hope (and a meaning to life) to anyone else.
Their faith is amazing. And, even more importantly, Jesus Christ’s gospel is (our motivation and spiritual momentum!) Every single aspect—on both our side and His—can be drawn back to love.
It’s a lovely read for Eastertime, too! It also explains grace and “after all we can do” really well; it delineates the process of becoming a disciple, which includes a lot of patience; and it can help one to take courage from the message in Chapter 6.
Their faith is amazing. And, even more importantly, Jesus Christ’s gospel is (our motivation and spiritual momentum!) Every single aspect—on both our side and His—can be drawn back to love.
It’s a lovely read for Eastertime, too! It also explains grace and “after all we can do” really well; it delineates the process of becoming a disciple, which includes a lot of patience; and it can help one to take courage from the message in Chapter 6.
March 9, 2025
While this is a short book, it was not a quick read for me. I’ve been trying to learn more about hope and how to teach it to others.
“Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to us. It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance.”
I think I may read it again.
“Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to us. It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance.”
I think I may read it again.
March 19, 2025
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has a wonderful way of putting things in talks and books. We can pretty much all relate to him. So many jewels are in this book. The 2 chapters that really stuck out to me because I needed them in my life right now are: Loving God and Our Neighbors and Overcoming Discouragement. The Conclusion: A Higher Joy just brings everything together on what we need to do I love all the Prophets, Apostles and other General Authorities talks and books. They are so uplifting.
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May 15, 2025This book feels mostly like a mashup of talks Elder Uchtdorf has given in General Conference. Many portions of the text were familiar to me. Even so, there were a few passages that really stood out to me. Whether you're familiar with Elder Uchtdorf or maybe haven't heard as many of his talks as I have, there is good content in this book, and what stood out to me might not be what stands out to you.
February 2, 2025
After All We Can Do considers how we can live a life full of hope, grace, and joy through the Atoning sacrifice of our Savior. This book has compilations of many of Elder Uchtdorf's talks. Each one encourages us to believe that God’s grace really is sufficient for our every need. Many times a few words from Elder Uchtdorf have been life changing help for me.
November 20, 2025
This book is wonderful I sincerely enjoyed every single reading this book. President Dieter F Uchtdorf did a wonderful job with this book. I sincerely recommend this book to anyone you will not be regretting it.
December 23, 2024
I have to say this didn't hit me like I was hoping it would. Yes, there were a few aha moments but nothing earth shattering. Maybe that is exactly the point.
December 31, 2024
More details to come.
January 11, 2025
Particularly appreciated the last few chapters!
January 21, 2025
Compilation of many of his recent talks. Beautiful. And a good reminder of some basics.
January 22, 2025
I read this book during 75 hard. I loved how simple and such a pick me up book it was! Loved it!
January 27, 2025
I love the way Elder Uchtforf expresses himself! Loved learning more about hope, grace, and joy.
January 28, 2025
This book was given to me as a birthday gift from a very dear friend. What a treasure! I intend to read it again and take copious notes.
February 1, 2025
Uplifting messages about hope, grace and joy very similar to his talks in conference
February 2, 2025
Can’t top wrong with Uchtdorf. I especially love the last couple of chapters.
February 23, 2025
Excellent. Highly inspirational. Easy to read. Short - only about 125 pages. Recommend to Everyone.
February 24, 2025
Love 💜🩷💜🩷💜🩷💜🩷💜🩷
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February 28, 2025Uplifting and encouraging. Gives new hope in troubled times.
March 9, 2025
I loved this discussion on finding hope, love and joy in our lives. He has a wonderful message and writes in a very positive and clear way. Thank you.
March 12, 2025
This is a powerful book, with so many wonderful insights. We read it for book club, and I enjoyed the conversations that this book inspired. Definitely one I recommend.
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