Real Life

Youth Talks

by Hank Smith

Sometimes, life doesn't go exactly as planned. The fact is, in spite of our best efforts, real life can be tough and living the gospel can be difficult. In this inspiring and entertaining talk from popular speaker Hank Smith, we are reminded that life has its challenges, but eternal life has its rewards. Brother Smith likes Paul's analogy of putting on the whole armor of God because armor isn't designed for comfort. "We wear the armor of God," says Brother Smith, "not the 'sweats of heaven.' We don't put on the 'hoodie of happiness,' we put on the breastplate of righteousness. It's not the 'beanie of benevolence,' it's the helmet of salvation. Remember, the armor of God isn't meant to be comfortable or convenient, it's meant to protect us."

Using enlightening stories and impactful scriptures, Brother Smith teaches us how we can be sure we are on the Lord's team and following His path. He reminds us that there is great power in truly living the gospel in real life.

Genres: Religion, Lds

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Hank Smith enjoys teaching in the Religious Education Department at BYU and is a favorite speaker for Especially for Youth, Best of Especially for Youth, and BYU Education Week.

Hank and his wife, Sara, were both born and raised in St. George, Utah. They are the parents of one daughter and four sons. Brother Smith enjoys running marathons and eating lots and lots of ice cream (which is why he runs marathons). More than anything else, he loves being at home spending all day with his wife and children.

You can follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hanksmithcds

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite quote of this talk is, "“We wear the armor of God, not the ‘sweats of heaven. We don’t put on the 'hoodie of happiness,’ we put on the breastplate of righteousness. It’s not the ‘beanie of benevolence,’ it’s the helmet of salvation. Remember, the armor of God isn’t meant to be comfortable or convenient, it’s meant to protect us.”

Brother Smith tells many stories of "real life" :
* being handed his first alcoholic beverage and what he did.
* going back east to a horse ranch. Best quote from this story: "Oh, that horse, that horse and I spent a lot of time together, he knows my voice." John 10. My sheep know my voice and they follow me. My sheep and I have spent a lot of time together.
*How do we learn the voice of the Lord? Doctrine and Covenants 19:23 1. Learn of Me. 2. Listen to my words. 3. Walk in the weakness of my spirit.
*Story of a friend that left on a mission and mom was dying of cancer. Favorite quote from this story that I tell my kids now: "There's something about moms, they like to touch their kids. Sometimes in gentle ways, sometimes in violent ways."

[Karma Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough about the joy I feel listening to Hank Smith with my kids. Wonderful conversation opener and necessary messages to navigate teenagedom!! Can't say enough!!

[Happy Reading Watching · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sunday afternoon read :)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Hank Smith's talks.

[Brittany K · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little too silly, not enough substance to the talk.