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Almighty: How the Most Powerful Being in the Universe is Also Your Heavenly Father
"What do you believe?" The stranger yelled as he grabbed my hand.
There I was. The stage was set. I was up to bat. This was the opportunity I had been trained for, right? The made-up scenario from seminary that was now actually happening. My missionary moment. My mind raced but all I could focus on was, "What DID I believe?"
The Articles of Faith, our quick go-to for what we believe, starts at number one with faith in "God the Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." But what does that mean for us today, walking down the halls at school or out on the field? Who is God exactly? What does He look like and sound like? What does Deity mean to me? Some of our most foundational doctrines surround the character of God and our relationship with Him. But who exactly is He? Does He know me? Can I know Him?
This book is designed to help you discover the answers to those questions and more. Grab a pen or a pencil, get ready to do some creative thinking, and come closer to God the Father by learning about His identify, His character, and—most important—how He feels about you.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2018
54 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
David Butler
166 books79 followersDavid Butler's greatest love is people. He had adopted as a life motto: "Stuff no mattah, people mattah." His favorite people are his wife, Jenny, and their six darling children. Some of his other loves include good food, spontaneous adventures, Christmas morning, and the sea. David cohosts the popular YouTube scripture study channel Don't Miss This with Emily Belle Freeman and is the author of many religious books, including Ites: An Illustrated Guide to the People in the Book of Mormon; The Peter Potential; and Almighty: How the Most Powerful Being in the Universe Is Also Your Loving Father. Follow him on Instagram @mrdavebutler.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
April 19, 2019
I recently heard the author, David Butler, interviewed on my favorite podcast show, ALL IN and knew I had to read this book. He is one of those people who speaks like he's always smiling and the tone of his writing is no different. I loved this book! Feeling unhappy? Unloved? Marginalized? Life got you down? Read Almighty. It is like a booster shot of sunshine, reminding you that life is more than a parade of challenges. David Butler personalizes our Heavenly Father into a loving, approachable celestial parent. A celestial parent who is waiting for you to have a relationship with Him. This book is like wrapping a warm blanket around the aching heart, the heavy mind, the broken spirit. I highly recommend it.
October 21, 2019
Delves into the nature of God and truths we know about Him.
Probably my favorite nugget from this book...and one of the few that was new to me is that God is the happiest Being in the universe. I'd never considered that before (and with all the mistakes His children make, sometimes that is hard to understand)...but it motivates me to want to be better and choose happiness/joy more!
*God's love is always there. "That love can change us, motivate us to do things, give us peace, give us strength, and give us power and purpose. The love of the Father is what gives light and life and meaning to everything."
"Every one of God's creations, His words, and His actions are evidences of His care and compassion, but Jesus Christ is Heavenly Father's greatest, most precious, most important way to show you and me that He is 100% invested in us and loves us without reservation. When you picture Jesus suffering in the olive tree garden or hanging on the cross at Calvary, you are witnessing what God feels about you. He loved you so passionately, and wanted you to have everything He has so desperately, that He sent His perfect, beautiful Son to the world to die for you. The Father of us all arranged for and allowed this to happen because of love. That was His motivation."
"The Spirit has a way to ease the homesickness we all have for heaven and can fill our hearts with joy."
"Even though it was necessary for us to choose for ourselves, the Father was not going to be neutral on the issue. He would not force our choice, but He would seek to win our hearts in ways that only He can--through loving relationships, the words and promises of the scriptures and prophets, the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, the peaceful feelings inside us when we hear truth, beautiful sunsets, the words to a song that hit us right in the heart, and other 'coincidences' that are not by chance at all. The choice is ours to live with and live like Him, but our Father makes it clear which choice He wants us to make." (pg. 46)
A redwood or sequoia are large, beautiful trees. But they come from tiny seeds. If you looked only at the seeds and knew nothing of the trees, you might guess they would grow small plants. It takes them years and years to reach their full height, their full potential. But that potential is within this tiny seed. "What would you not know about the trees if you only looked closely at their beginning, baby state?" (pg. 49)...So it is with us. We are in our beginning, baby state but we have the potential to become like God. Our spirits yearn to learn, to grow, to progress.
We need families and interactions with others to grow and progress. Like a rock being smoothed by wind or water, we "become more refined and our rough places get smoothed out by rubbing against each other."
I love his reminder that even though our families are imperfect...and some are downright harmful...God is always there and we have an eternal family that loves us.
I've heard this from Dave Butler before ...but I love the teaching that sometimes we get an angel and sometimes we get a sword (and that sometimes our sword becomes an angel.) (pg. 93)
"Breaking God's laws hurts us spiritually. And when we break His commandments, it breaks His heart. He knows that we cannot actually break eternal laws; we are the ones who end up broken. And when we are broken and need Him, He still comes to us--even if we are broken from our own disobedience." (107)
"True prayer lets you enjoy moments in heaven. In its purest form, it is connecting with our Father. It is coming home. ...It is about a relationship, not a routine." (130)
Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, "God has no distracting hobbies off somewhere in the universe. We are at the very center of His concerns and purposes." (108)
"My friend once told me that when I can't see the hand of God, I should trust His heart. I know what kind of heart He has, so when He is not intervening when I want Him to or answering the way I hope, I know there is a reason, and that reason will always be love." (132)
"God is consistently trying to reach out to us, teach us, and take care of us in the best ways. But sometimes it's so subtle we miss it if we aren't looking for it. He sends us friends at the exact time we need them in our life, the perfect sunset on the night we feel alone...Everywhere we turn, we can see His merciful and tender hand guiding, protecting, and moving in the details of our lives. He is everywhere. In the halls of school, while we are closing at work, in our families, friendships and conversations. In our brightest days and our darkest moments. Everywhere. ...His love and goodness fill the whole world--your whole world. So look for Him...if you do, you will always find Him." (135)
Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "God the Eternal Father did not give that first great commandment because He needs us to love Him...No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh, how we need to love God! For what we love determine what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are-and who we will become."
Probably my favorite nugget from this book...and one of the few that was new to me is that God is the happiest Being in the universe. I'd never considered that before (and with all the mistakes His children make, sometimes that is hard to understand)...but it motivates me to want to be better and choose happiness/joy more!
*God's love is always there. "That love can change us, motivate us to do things, give us peace, give us strength, and give us power and purpose. The love of the Father is what gives light and life and meaning to everything."
"Every one of God's creations, His words, and His actions are evidences of His care and compassion, but Jesus Christ is Heavenly Father's greatest, most precious, most important way to show you and me that He is 100% invested in us and loves us without reservation. When you picture Jesus suffering in the olive tree garden or hanging on the cross at Calvary, you are witnessing what God feels about you. He loved you so passionately, and wanted you to have everything He has so desperately, that He sent His perfect, beautiful Son to the world to die for you. The Father of us all arranged for and allowed this to happen because of love. That was His motivation."
"The Spirit has a way to ease the homesickness we all have for heaven and can fill our hearts with joy."
"Even though it was necessary for us to choose for ourselves, the Father was not going to be neutral on the issue. He would not force our choice, but He would seek to win our hearts in ways that only He can--through loving relationships, the words and promises of the scriptures and prophets, the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, the peaceful feelings inside us when we hear truth, beautiful sunsets, the words to a song that hit us right in the heart, and other 'coincidences' that are not by chance at all. The choice is ours to live with and live like Him, but our Father makes it clear which choice He wants us to make." (pg. 46)
A redwood or sequoia are large, beautiful trees. But they come from tiny seeds. If you looked only at the seeds and knew nothing of the trees, you might guess they would grow small plants. It takes them years and years to reach their full height, their full potential. But that potential is within this tiny seed. "What would you not know about the trees if you only looked closely at their beginning, baby state?" (pg. 49)...So it is with us. We are in our beginning, baby state but we have the potential to become like God. Our spirits yearn to learn, to grow, to progress.
We need families and interactions with others to grow and progress. Like a rock being smoothed by wind or water, we "become more refined and our rough places get smoothed out by rubbing against each other."
I love his reminder that even though our families are imperfect...and some are downright harmful...God is always there and we have an eternal family that loves us.
I've heard this from Dave Butler before ...but I love the teaching that sometimes we get an angel and sometimes we get a sword (and that sometimes our sword becomes an angel.) (pg. 93)
"Breaking God's laws hurts us spiritually. And when we break His commandments, it breaks His heart. He knows that we cannot actually break eternal laws; we are the ones who end up broken. And when we are broken and need Him, He still comes to us--even if we are broken from our own disobedience." (107)
"True prayer lets you enjoy moments in heaven. In its purest form, it is connecting with our Father. It is coming home. ...It is about a relationship, not a routine." (130)
Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, "God has no distracting hobbies off somewhere in the universe. We are at the very center of His concerns and purposes." (108)
"My friend once told me that when I can't see the hand of God, I should trust His heart. I know what kind of heart He has, so when He is not intervening when I want Him to or answering the way I hope, I know there is a reason, and that reason will always be love." (132)
"God is consistently trying to reach out to us, teach us, and take care of us in the best ways. But sometimes it's so subtle we miss it if we aren't looking for it. He sends us friends at the exact time we need them in our life, the perfect sunset on the night we feel alone...Everywhere we turn, we can see His merciful and tender hand guiding, protecting, and moving in the details of our lives. He is everywhere. In the halls of school, while we are closing at work, in our families, friendships and conversations. In our brightest days and our darkest moments. Everywhere. ...His love and goodness fill the whole world--your whole world. So look for Him...if you do, you will always find Him." (135)
Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "God the Eternal Father did not give that first great commandment because He needs us to love Him...No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh, how we need to love God! For what we love determine what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are-and who we will become."
July 10, 2019
What an uplifting book! Though written for youth, this book could be enjoyed by all ages. I loved all the personal stories that made the subject matter even more meaningful. The way the book is set up is a delight also. There are changes in font, color and little drawings and embellishments. The topic of our Heavenly Father loving each one of us is so vitally important, and I am so glad the author wrote this book for all ages, so we can all have help in comprehending this awesome concept. I can definitely see myself rereading this again.
July 27, 2022
This short book, geared toward teens, was an inspiring read for me as an adult. Sometimes we need reminding of the essential truths of the gospel, and this book does that in a readable, conversational way. Looking forward to reading the others in the series.
November 7, 2020
This book helped change the way I think of my Heavenly Father. Reading it helped me think of Him in a way I never have before. Absolutely uplifting, positive, encouraging and hopeful, it provides a sweet understanding for just how much we are loved by "The Most Powerful Being In The Universe". There were times it literally brought tears to my eyes.
One of my favorite quotes comes from the author speaking of prayer, "The thrill you feel when He reaches down is the same thrill He feels when you reach up."
Wow. Just wow.
One of my favorite quotes comes from the author speaking of prayer, "The thrill you feel when He reaches down is the same thrill He feels when you reach up."
Wow. Just wow.
June 20, 2022
David Butler's book talks about many aspects of God's powers and grace as the Almighty. I enjoyed most the chapters about prayer and why God, being all-powerful doesn't always "fix" things or answer prayers the way we expect. While I enjoyed the book, I didn't love the writing style; it is definitely geared toward a young adult audience. I would recommend it to younger readers.
January 25, 2020
I am a fan of David Butler and Emily Freeman’s Come Follow Me YouTube videos, so i th thought i would give David Butlers book a try. I loved it! It take less than two hours to read but is filled with simple stories and explanations of who Heavenly Father and Jesus are. Why our relationship with them matters. Why bad things happen. Why God loves us anyway.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
He anxiously waits for opportunities to pour out goodness on us as His children.
If someone decides to drink and drive and gets into a car accident, that was not God’s fault (even though sometimes God gets blamed for our bad choices). It was the fault of the person who decided to drink and drive. That decision will distance a person from God, cause personal heartache and guilt, and could be much worse depending on the damage that was caused. God lets this happen even if it hurts you or other innocent victims involved in the accident. We are going to talk about this more later, but it is important to mention here that even though God lets us choose and experience the consequence of our choices, He also provided the chance to be forgiven, be healed, and make things right.
He has the power and opportunity to stop all bad things. Because He doesn’t, people assume it is because there is something wrong with His heart. But now you know why He usually doesn’t. If He stopped every bad choice, then the whole plan would be ruined. No one would have the chance to be happy and become like Him.
I began to wonder if I wanted God to be fair with me on Judgment Day. At first I thought—yes! I love fairness. Everyone should be fair. God is fair. God is just. But then I remembered what that would actually mean. If God is fair with me on Judgment Day, it means that I get what I deserve. Considering the choices I make from day to day and the commandments and laws I break with professional status, I did not want to get what I deserved. I did not want God to be fair with me on Judgment Day. I do want God to be fair, just not with my sins. With those I want Him to be merciful.
when I can’t see the hand of God, I should trust His heart. I know what kind of heart He has, so when He is not intervening when I want Him to or answering the way I hope, I know there is a reason, and that reason will always be love.
But oh how we need to love God. For what we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are—and what we will become.
When we have a repentant spirit, we recognize that we did not just break a commandment, but rather broke His heart. We walked off of His path, offended His Spirit, and hurt Him and others He cares for. When we hurt someone who has loved us so dearly, we want to make things right. When we repent, we show Him appreciation for the greatest gift of His Son. Repentance was the Father and the Son’s gift of love to us, but we show love in return by receiving that gift and mending our relationship.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
He anxiously waits for opportunities to pour out goodness on us as His children.
If someone decides to drink and drive and gets into a car accident, that was not God’s fault (even though sometimes God gets blamed for our bad choices). It was the fault of the person who decided to drink and drive. That decision will distance a person from God, cause personal heartache and guilt, and could be much worse depending on the damage that was caused. God lets this happen even if it hurts you or other innocent victims involved in the accident. We are going to talk about this more later, but it is important to mention here that even though God lets us choose and experience the consequence of our choices, He also provided the chance to be forgiven, be healed, and make things right.
He has the power and opportunity to stop all bad things. Because He doesn’t, people assume it is because there is something wrong with His heart. But now you know why He usually doesn’t. If He stopped every bad choice, then the whole plan would be ruined. No one would have the chance to be happy and become like Him.
I began to wonder if I wanted God to be fair with me on Judgment Day. At first I thought—yes! I love fairness. Everyone should be fair. God is fair. God is just. But then I remembered what that would actually mean. If God is fair with me on Judgment Day, it means that I get what I deserve. Considering the choices I make from day to day and the commandments and laws I break with professional status, I did not want to get what I deserved. I did not want God to be fair with me on Judgment Day. I do want God to be fair, just not with my sins. With those I want Him to be merciful.
when I can’t see the hand of God, I should trust His heart. I know what kind of heart He has, so when He is not intervening when I want Him to or answering the way I hope, I know there is a reason, and that reason will always be love.
But oh how we need to love God. For what we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are—and what we will become.
When we have a repentant spirit, we recognize that we did not just break a commandment, but rather broke His heart. We walked off of His path, offended His Spirit, and hurt Him and others He cares for. When we hurt someone who has loved us so dearly, we want to make things right. When we repent, we show Him appreciation for the greatest gift of His Son. Repentance was the Father and the Son’s gift of love to us, but we show love in return by receiving that gift and mending our relationship.
Read
March 26, 2021I’m reading this book with a friend and so I want to write out my thoughts as I’m reading so when we talk about it I have all my thoughts in one place.
So, ummm, don’t mind me... just journaling on Goodreads :/
‘If you had ten seconds to say just one statement about what you believe, what would it be? There is not a wrong answer to that question. You believe whatever you choose to believe. There are, however, some truths that are more important than other truths. Wouldn’t you agree?’
There’s no wrong answer... although there is. Because ‘some truths are more important than others.’ Hmmm.
I don’t feel we should be told, in a way, to memorize a list of beliefs... the most important to the least... just so we can tell people. Instead, I feel we should know and live what we believe so, if we are ever asked, we have an answer. An answer we can express with confidence because we know it to be true. A belief we truly believe and live by.
‘[God] has many names and titles. Each of them teaches us something about who He is and His relationship to us.’
How I choose to speak to Him, what name I choose to use, can show me the kind of relationship I currently have with Him. Do I feel connected? Do I feel seen? Do I feel provided for? Do I feel abandoned? Do I feel respect? Do I feel obligation?
‘... the word thy shows us that He is not just a God, but He is your God. You have claim on each other.’
‘He is the source of all strength, wisdom, goodness, and love that can be found in any person, place, or thing in all of existence.’
‘Somehow, the Spirit has a way to ease the homesickness we all have for heaven...’
I feel homesick for heaven... Every. Single. Day. I miss the relationships I had. The people I loved and who I knew loved me in return. My Heavenly Mother. Speaking; actually speaking to my Heavenly Father and hearing Him speak back to me. I miss His voice. I miss every single feeling that I don���t feel here... love, happiness, joy, acceptance, trust, companionship... all things my soul craves to an extent that isn’t capable for me here on Earth to experience. It’s like a giant void. Earth, and what it is capable of giving me, is not enough. It’s not what my spirit... what I... am used to. My heart hurts and I feel exhausted by the enormity of emotions I’m not used to feeling... then add on the enormous lack of the ones I did have and desperately need but can’t seem to be blessed to experience.
‘Our Heavenly Father did not just want us to live with Him; He wanted us to live like Him.’
Honestly, I’m all for the former at this point in time. Hahaha...
‘Wait a minute,’ he said. ‘Did you just tell me I lived with God before I was born?’ ‘Yes!’ I answered enthusiastically. ‘And I was happy there?’ he clarified. ‘Absolutely,’ I said back. ‘And you just said that while we are on earth, we are trying to return to live with God again?’ he asked as a follow-up question. ‘Yes, sir,’ I beamed back. ‘Well,’ he said with some hesitancy, ‘if we already lived with God and were happy, then why would God send us away just to see if we could make it back? I mean, if we were already happy and with God, why even have this middle circle at all? Why come to earth?’
Amen. Although, I do get it. But still, Amen.
‘The most sacred of all our divine powers is to become a co-creator with Heavenly Father in providing physical bodies for His spirit sons and daughters and in establishing a righteous and Christ-centered family. Nothing is more holy; nothing deserves more reverence; nothing is more central to the plan of happiness.
- David A Bednar
Why isn’t becoming a righteous and Christlike individual holy, reverent, and central to the plan of happiness? Why do I have to be married and having children? I don’t know how I feel about statements like this because it makes those who aren’t able to achieve this standard less than... and that doesn’t come from God. Okay, so it makes me feel less than. Sorry for throwing others in the mix. Who knows, maybe others don’t mind at all. But why not focus on what we have been told is the most important thing we could be doing by God Himself... to love God and to love others?
‘There are [some] who treat their bodies with disrespect. This happens when we forget that our bodies were a gift...’
Actually, there are many different reasons why our bodies are treated the way they are. Some of them are for reasons not of our own choosing. Some because of trauma. Some because we weren’t taught how to deal with our emotions in a healthy way. Some because... we live in a fallen world and life is hard. It isn’t our job to judge why individuals treat their bodies the way they do, or the way we think they should, or make statements like this that can cause individuals to experience extreme shame or guilt as they are figuring it out... because those emotions tend to push people away rather than bring them closer to their Heavenly Father. We are in charge of our own bodies, no one else’s, and we need to be compassionate with ourselves and others as we all try to learn about our bodies and work through our own individual struggles, addictions, trauma, and issues.
‘[Adam and Eve] did not have the choice to be good [in the Garden of Eden] because there was no chance to be bad. [They] were just in neutral.’
Neutral. I wonder... about my life before I chose to come to Earth. Was it also a neutral existence?
‘God will not force us to be righteous, love Him, return to Him, or become like Him. We must choose it for ourselves... It would not be true agency if God stopped us from making wrong choices—even though those choices can cause negative consequences in our lives and the lives of others.’
I find it so interesting... hypocritical maybe... when Christians teach this doctrinal truth and then try to force other people to make a choice according to their own standard of what they believe right and wrong to be. If God will not force us to do anything, then why do we feel the need to force other people to live and be a certain way? I’m thinking of those within the LGBTQ+ community, those who for whatever reason choose to have an abortion, those within our prison/jail system that we refuse the opportunity for change or give them a chance to reintegrate back into society... We don’t offer acceptance, compassion, and forgiveness very readily anymore. Instead it feels as though we judge, demean, humiliate, and fight those who chose differently from us... and try to make them live what we believe is best. That’s not what we are meant to do. We are meant to choose, let others choose, and try our very best to love God and love those around us. Hopefully, if we live in such a way, others may see the Light of Christ within us and come to learn of Jesus Christ for themselves.
‘If someone decides to drink and drive and gets into a car accident, that was not God’s fault (even though sometimes God gets blamed for our bad choices). It was the fault of the person who decided to drink and drive. That decision will distance a person from God...’
There’s this other book I’m reading called Altogether You by Jenna Riemersma, and in it she says, ‘... God is way bigger than sin, than evil, than wickedness. Not only can He stand in the presence of it, He even supersedes it. He is present always - the divine quality of omnipresence - even when it doesn’t seem like He is.’
I love how she states that God is bigger than the choices we make that aren’t in line with our divine self, because this life is full of them, and that He is able to stand in the midst of all our ugliness and sin and bad decisions because He is God, He loves us, and He has promised that He will never leave us alone. Although we may feel distanced from Him, we aren’t. He has told us so Himself.
So, the last sentence about our bad decisions distancing us from God... that leaves me feeling hopeless. And that’s not a feeling that comes from God. Whereas knowing that He is with me throughout it all... before I make a bad choice, in the middle of making a bad choice, as I work through the consequences of that choice, and as I try to learn and grow and change because of what I’ve chosen... gives me hope. It shows me that He is with me because He is God and He loves me. It may feel like we are distanced... but we’re not. He is with me and helping me throughout it all.
‘The ability to choose is more important than the pain it causes when people choose badly. ‘
The ability to choose is more important. This statement makes me feel uncomfortable... and I’m grateful for that feeling as it makes me look deeper to figure out why.
I feel that so many people have this statement reversed in their mind. So many individuals feel that people are choosing badly (and they are) and that we need to implement laws to stop people from making those bad choices when we ourselves aren’t even able to make just laws, follow them, and uphold them. And then we unjustly punish people without fully knowing. We unjustly punish people because they don’t have the same beliefs. We are trying so desperately to be in charge and we are failing... because that was never our role. We need to remember that every single person’s ability to choose is more important than the pain that person causes when they choose badly.
‘When the lady of justice gives her punishment to balance out the scales, she does it only based on the crime, not on the person. Justice does not care what you look like, how you are dressed, how much money you have, or who your friends are. Punishments balance out the crimes for everyone.’
If only this were true.
‘Sometimes we may look at others and make assumptions about why God is blessing them in the way that He is. We assume He is unfair or picking favorites, when in reality, we just do not know the whole story.’
Always remember that we never know the whole story.
‘Is there a commandment you can promise to always obey to show God your love?’
I wish we could teach doctrine differently than we do. I wish we would explain how it’s okay to make mistakes, and then teach, without shaming, what repentance really looks like and how it can change a person.
No matter how hard we try, we are going to make mistakes; some more serious than others. And if we make promises like the question above asks us to... I feel that when we do mess up we will be filled with guilt, shame, misery, and hate for what we weren’t able to do. Especially when we made a promise to God to always do it. Whatever we decide to do, whatever promises we decide to make, God is going to love us and be happy that we are trying. I also feel that He is equally impressed with our ability to ask for forgiveness when we make a mistake. Because mistakes are going to happen. All. The. Time. No one is immune. If we can choose to be kind to ourselves as we make mistakes and fail and break promises... all while acknowledging what has happened, asking for forgiveness and help, and then trying and trying and trying again... we will be in a better place. We will be able to understand that life is about learning and growing, loving God and others, and progressing. It’s not about keeping a list of promises.
So, ummm, don’t mind me... just journaling on Goodreads :/
‘If you had ten seconds to say just one statement about what you believe, what would it be? There is not a wrong answer to that question. You believe whatever you choose to believe. There are, however, some truths that are more important than other truths. Wouldn’t you agree?’
There’s no wrong answer... although there is. Because ‘some truths are more important than others.’ Hmmm.
I don’t feel we should be told, in a way, to memorize a list of beliefs... the most important to the least... just so we can tell people. Instead, I feel we should know and live what we believe so, if we are ever asked, we have an answer. An answer we can express with confidence because we know it to be true. A belief we truly believe and live by.
‘[God] has many names and titles. Each of them teaches us something about who He is and His relationship to us.’
How I choose to speak to Him, what name I choose to use, can show me the kind of relationship I currently have with Him. Do I feel connected? Do I feel seen? Do I feel provided for? Do I feel abandoned? Do I feel respect? Do I feel obligation?
‘... the word thy shows us that He is not just a God, but He is your God. You have claim on each other.’
‘He is the source of all strength, wisdom, goodness, and love that can be found in any person, place, or thing in all of existence.’
‘Somehow, the Spirit has a way to ease the homesickness we all have for heaven...’
I feel homesick for heaven... Every. Single. Day. I miss the relationships I had. The people I loved and who I knew loved me in return. My Heavenly Mother. Speaking; actually speaking to my Heavenly Father and hearing Him speak back to me. I miss His voice. I miss every single feeling that I don���t feel here... love, happiness, joy, acceptance, trust, companionship... all things my soul craves to an extent that isn’t capable for me here on Earth to experience. It’s like a giant void. Earth, and what it is capable of giving me, is not enough. It’s not what my spirit... what I... am used to. My heart hurts and I feel exhausted by the enormity of emotions I’m not used to feeling... then add on the enormous lack of the ones I did have and desperately need but can’t seem to be blessed to experience.
‘Our Heavenly Father did not just want us to live with Him; He wanted us to live like Him.’
Honestly, I’m all for the former at this point in time. Hahaha...
‘Wait a minute,’ he said. ‘Did you just tell me I lived with God before I was born?’ ‘Yes!’ I answered enthusiastically. ‘And I was happy there?’ he clarified. ‘Absolutely,’ I said back. ‘And you just said that while we are on earth, we are trying to return to live with God again?’ he asked as a follow-up question. ‘Yes, sir,’ I beamed back. ‘Well,’ he said with some hesitancy, ‘if we already lived with God and were happy, then why would God send us away just to see if we could make it back? I mean, if we were already happy and with God, why even have this middle circle at all? Why come to earth?’
Amen. Although, I do get it. But still, Amen.
‘The most sacred of all our divine powers is to become a co-creator with Heavenly Father in providing physical bodies for His spirit sons and daughters and in establishing a righteous and Christ-centered family. Nothing is more holy; nothing deserves more reverence; nothing is more central to the plan of happiness.
- David A Bednar
Why isn’t becoming a righteous and Christlike individual holy, reverent, and central to the plan of happiness? Why do I have to be married and having children? I don’t know how I feel about statements like this because it makes those who aren’t able to achieve this standard less than... and that doesn’t come from God. Okay, so it makes me feel less than. Sorry for throwing others in the mix. Who knows, maybe others don’t mind at all. But why not focus on what we have been told is the most important thing we could be doing by God Himself... to love God and to love others?
‘There are [some] who treat their bodies with disrespect. This happens when we forget that our bodies were a gift...’
Actually, there are many different reasons why our bodies are treated the way they are. Some of them are for reasons not of our own choosing. Some because of trauma. Some because we weren’t taught how to deal with our emotions in a healthy way. Some because... we live in a fallen world and life is hard. It isn’t our job to judge why individuals treat their bodies the way they do, or the way we think they should, or make statements like this that can cause individuals to experience extreme shame or guilt as they are figuring it out... because those emotions tend to push people away rather than bring them closer to their Heavenly Father. We are in charge of our own bodies, no one else’s, and we need to be compassionate with ourselves and others as we all try to learn about our bodies and work through our own individual struggles, addictions, trauma, and issues.
‘[Adam and Eve] did not have the choice to be good [in the Garden of Eden] because there was no chance to be bad. [They] were just in neutral.’
Neutral. I wonder... about my life before I chose to come to Earth. Was it also a neutral existence?
‘God will not force us to be righteous, love Him, return to Him, or become like Him. We must choose it for ourselves... It would not be true agency if God stopped us from making wrong choices—even though those choices can cause negative consequences in our lives and the lives of others.’
I find it so interesting... hypocritical maybe... when Christians teach this doctrinal truth and then try to force other people to make a choice according to their own standard of what they believe right and wrong to be. If God will not force us to do anything, then why do we feel the need to force other people to live and be a certain way? I’m thinking of those within the LGBTQ+ community, those who for whatever reason choose to have an abortion, those within our prison/jail system that we refuse the opportunity for change or give them a chance to reintegrate back into society... We don’t offer acceptance, compassion, and forgiveness very readily anymore. Instead it feels as though we judge, demean, humiliate, and fight those who chose differently from us... and try to make them live what we believe is best. That’s not what we are meant to do. We are meant to choose, let others choose, and try our very best to love God and love those around us. Hopefully, if we live in such a way, others may see the Light of Christ within us and come to learn of Jesus Christ for themselves.
‘If someone decides to drink and drive and gets into a car accident, that was not God’s fault (even though sometimes God gets blamed for our bad choices). It was the fault of the person who decided to drink and drive. That decision will distance a person from God...’
There’s this other book I’m reading called Altogether You by Jenna Riemersma, and in it she says, ‘... God is way bigger than sin, than evil, than wickedness. Not only can He stand in the presence of it, He even supersedes it. He is present always - the divine quality of omnipresence - even when it doesn’t seem like He is.’
I love how she states that God is bigger than the choices we make that aren’t in line with our divine self, because this life is full of them, and that He is able to stand in the midst of all our ugliness and sin and bad decisions because He is God, He loves us, and He has promised that He will never leave us alone. Although we may feel distanced from Him, we aren’t. He has told us so Himself.
So, the last sentence about our bad decisions distancing us from God... that leaves me feeling hopeless. And that’s not a feeling that comes from God. Whereas knowing that He is with me throughout it all... before I make a bad choice, in the middle of making a bad choice, as I work through the consequences of that choice, and as I try to learn and grow and change because of what I’ve chosen... gives me hope. It shows me that He is with me because He is God and He loves me. It may feel like we are distanced... but we’re not. He is with me and helping me throughout it all.
‘The ability to choose is more important than the pain it causes when people choose badly. ‘
The ability to choose is more important. This statement makes me feel uncomfortable... and I’m grateful for that feeling as it makes me look deeper to figure out why.
I feel that so many people have this statement reversed in their mind. So many individuals feel that people are choosing badly (and they are) and that we need to implement laws to stop people from making those bad choices when we ourselves aren’t even able to make just laws, follow them, and uphold them. And then we unjustly punish people without fully knowing. We unjustly punish people because they don’t have the same beliefs. We are trying so desperately to be in charge and we are failing... because that was never our role. We need to remember that every single person’s ability to choose is more important than the pain that person causes when they choose badly.
‘When the lady of justice gives her punishment to balance out the scales, she does it only based on the crime, not on the person. Justice does not care what you look like, how you are dressed, how much money you have, or who your friends are. Punishments balance out the crimes for everyone.’
If only this were true.
‘Sometimes we may look at others and make assumptions about why God is blessing them in the way that He is. We assume He is unfair or picking favorites, when in reality, we just do not know the whole story.’
Always remember that we never know the whole story.
‘Is there a commandment you can promise to always obey to show God your love?’
I wish we could teach doctrine differently than we do. I wish we would explain how it’s okay to make mistakes, and then teach, without shaming, what repentance really looks like and how it can change a person.
No matter how hard we try, we are going to make mistakes; some more serious than others. And if we make promises like the question above asks us to... I feel that when we do mess up we will be filled with guilt, shame, misery, and hate for what we weren’t able to do. Especially when we made a promise to God to always do it. Whatever we decide to do, whatever promises we decide to make, God is going to love us and be happy that we are trying. I also feel that He is equally impressed with our ability to ask for forgiveness when we make a mistake. Because mistakes are going to happen. All. The. Time. No one is immune. If we can choose to be kind to ourselves as we make mistakes and fail and break promises... all while acknowledging what has happened, asking for forgiveness and help, and then trying and trying and trying again... we will be in a better place. We will be able to understand that life is about learning and growing, loving God and others, and progressing. It’s not about keeping a list of promises.
November 17, 2025
I think this is a book intended for youth, but I still enjoyed reading it. Uplifting message, easy to read. I did find myself overwhelmed by all of the large/highlighted text that was used to convey key points - I just think it was overused. So I knock it a star for that. Was happy to pass it along to the kiddos to read, will see if they enjoy it. If so, this is definitely a win. Will teach them a lot about their Father in heaven and His love for them.
June 24, 2020
This is a quick, sweet read about our Father in Heaven. It has some great stories and includes some activities that you can do directly in the book. I have so many highlights and notes on each page, and was brought to tears many times. I loved this book and think it would make the perfect gift!
August 14, 2021
Beautiful reminders of the goodness of God
April 28, 2022
LOVED. 5 STARS! Really loved this little series about The Godhead.
July 31, 2019
LOVE David Butler!! This is a wonderful book I’ll be listening to again with my daughter.
June 7, 2021
A good read about who God really is and how much He loves us. ❤
October 27, 2021
Powerful, but stated in simple language, this is a book about our Heavenly Father.
January 13, 2021
Even though this is aimed at youth readers, I liked that it was an easy read that feels more like a conversation with a good (kind of goofy) friend. I have difficulty absorbing gospel topics sometimes and like Mr. Butler's style and insight.
November 12, 2020
David Butler is one of my heroes. He loves God. He is a terrific story teller. And in this book he brings those two qualities together and teaches the reader of God’s love for each of us. I learned so much and was reminded of so many things regarding God’s glory.
July 24, 2020
This is an excellent book that shares beautiful, uplifting, and insightful truths about our Heavenly Father and about us, His beloved children.
January 5, 2020
I listened to this so I'm sure I missed some things but I especially loved listening to the author read his book.
October 16, 2020
I enjoyed this quick read and am continuing on to read the other two in the series.
God is not the punisher. God is the rescuer. Choices have consequences because of law. If we disobey, we get the associated consequence, and God isn't standing by waiting to punish us; He's standing by waiting to help us out.
There is a difference between salvation and discipleship--one was done by the Godhead, and one is where we dedicate ourselves because They love us and we want to follow that kind of God.
God is not the punisher. God is the rescuer. Choices have consequences because of law. If we disobey, we get the associated consequence, and God isn't standing by waiting to punish us; He's standing by waiting to help us out.
There is a difference between salvation and discipleship--one was done by the Godhead, and one is where we dedicate ourselves because They love us and we want to follow that kind of God.
August 3, 2019
This book might have been intended mainly for a youth audience, but I loved it as a 30- something woman. The truths he talks about aren't new to me, but he presents them in a beautiful way that helped remind me of what I believe and to think about it in a deeper way.
September 14, 2019
I would describe this as a “nice” book, for the most part. It’s short and sweet. “Nice.” But there were a few chapters that moved beyond “nice” and were quite powerful for me. I was particularly moved by David Butler’s descriptions of the laws of justice and mercy.
February 10, 2020
David Butler is such a wonder. This book is the companion to Redeemer and there are a few stories that are repeated , but it doesn't detract from how good this book is. Butler writes with a carefree and whimsical style even when dealing with weighty subjects.
Just a joy to read.
Just a joy to read.
February 13, 2020
I really liked this book. It’s concept is simple but it explains things very well. David Butler does the Don’t Miss This video every week. I like his way of teaching and storytelling. The target audience is teens, I think, but adults will find much to ponder and reflect on too.
April 6, 2020
I enjoyed the easy read of this book and the humor with which David uses to help convey his message. No doubt, anyone searching for a good, uplifting read that will bring you a better knowledge of God will enjoy this book.
April 28, 2021
I want to buy this book for every teenager I know and will gift each of my children their very own copy because I think every teen needs to know the truths written in this book. As an adult, I needed to learn and be reminded of these truths. I wish I had known & understood more when I was a teen. This book is absolute gold. I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone who wants to understand, learn about, and appreciate God more, in a way that is both highly respectful and easily digestible.
David Butler has a way of teaching that I can see really appealing to teens, but the beautiful thing about this little book is it is also a great teaching tool for adults. He strikes the balance perfectly. It’s a quick read but also filled with prompts, questions, and actionable items that can help turn it into more than just a book to read. It can become a powerful tool for learning.
I appreciated the insights, sprinkled with scriptural evidence, words of modern prophets, and stories from his own life. I have come away from this beautiful book having learned new things, feeling immensely and eternally grateful for a Father God who loves me, and with a renewed determination to love Him better. Thanks for the wonderful book, David.
Quotes I loved:
God knows the best choice for us, but He does not force our hands. Instead, He tries to win our hearts.
Good not only knows where the list Legos are, but He cares about them too. Especially when it is one of His darling children who has lost one.
He did not create the world, start spinning it in its orbit, send us down, and turn move on to other things. He intended to patent us every day of our journey.
You are a child speaking to a Father, not a criminal talking to a parole officer or judge.
True prayer let you enjoy moments in heaven. in its purest form, it is connecting with our Father. It is coming home. It is not checking off boxes; it is checking in. It is about a relationship, not a routine. It is spending time with Him—time He is anxiously waiting to spend with you. You know how thrilling it is when you receive an answer to prayer? When you feel like God has are contact with you? The thrill you feel when He reaches down is the same thrill He feels when you reach up.
...when I can’t see the hand of God, I should trust His heart.
God is not in the business of spoiling His children. He is in the business of exalting them.
We could never pay Him back. He doesn’t expect us to. he just wants our hearts.
We also show Him love by repenting. When we sin or disobey, we essentially tell God that we know how to live our lives better than He does. We take Him off the throne of our hearts and sit in His place. Repentance is recognizing that He truly does know best, putting aside our will, and inviting Him back onto the throne of our hearts.
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
David Butler has a way of teaching that I can see really appealing to teens, but the beautiful thing about this little book is it is also a great teaching tool for adults. He strikes the balance perfectly. It’s a quick read but also filled with prompts, questions, and actionable items that can help turn it into more than just a book to read. It can become a powerful tool for learning.
I appreciated the insights, sprinkled with scriptural evidence, words of modern prophets, and stories from his own life. I have come away from this beautiful book having learned new things, feeling immensely and eternally grateful for a Father God who loves me, and with a renewed determination to love Him better. Thanks for the wonderful book, David.
Quotes I loved:
God knows the best choice for us, but He does not force our hands. Instead, He tries to win our hearts.
Good not only knows where the list Legos are, but He cares about them too. Especially when it is one of His darling children who has lost one.
He did not create the world, start spinning it in its orbit, send us down, and turn move on to other things. He intended to patent us every day of our journey.
You are a child speaking to a Father, not a criminal talking to a parole officer or judge.
True prayer let you enjoy moments in heaven. in its purest form, it is connecting with our Father. It is coming home. It is not checking off boxes; it is checking in. It is about a relationship, not a routine. It is spending time with Him—time He is anxiously waiting to spend with you. You know how thrilling it is when you receive an answer to prayer? When you feel like God has are contact with you? The thrill you feel when He reaches down is the same thrill He feels when you reach up.
...when I can’t see the hand of God, I should trust His heart.
God is not in the business of spoiling His children. He is in the business of exalting them.
We could never pay Him back. He doesn’t expect us to. he just wants our hearts.
We also show Him love by repenting. When we sin or disobey, we essentially tell God that we know how to live our lives better than He does. We take Him off the throne of our hearts and sit in His place. Repentance is recognizing that He truly does know best, putting aside our will, and inviting Him back onto the throne of our hearts.
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 12, 2021
I loved this book! David Butler's stories had me laughing and brought me to tears. I love how clear and concise the writing is and it felt like sitting down to chat with a friend. I also like the questions he asks the reader and how you can learn more by answering the questions and accepting the challenges he gives you. I read the book pretty fast this time because I was loving it so much, but I would love to read it again more slowly and write down answers to the questions and study the scripture references. I've already started reading Redeemer and I'm sure I will love that one just as much!
October 31, 2019
David Butler starts off this book by relating an experience he had where someone asked him what he believed. He had a lot of thoughts flow through his mind and he didn't really know where to begin. After thinking about it for quite some time, he put his thoughts into this book and decided that if asked that question again, he would start off by telling that person what he believed about God the Father. I enjoyed reading this short book which is written in such a way that it is helpful for youth or adults.
August 1, 2020
I loved this. I love a book that makes me FEEL so many emotions. I laughed and I cried and I felt the Spirit as I was reminded and learned more of the great love my Heavenly Father has for me. I gave this book to my 11 year old son for Christmas last year. So it was awesome to see his thoughts that he had written throughout the book. This book is definitely geared toward the youth, but absolutely anyone can read this and learn from it.
October 12, 2020
David Butler spends this entire book impressing upon the reader the divinity of our Father in Heaven and how He is always there to bless our lives, even when it feels like He is missing. He discusses the age old question of why God allows bad things to happen to good people, how things like Hitler could happen and why we should want and develop a deep relationship with Him through study and prayer. A super approachable feel good book.
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