Tag: motivational speaker

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5 Quotes on How To Trust In the Lord

We’ve all seen trust falls.

You know, the ones where people close their eyes and fold their arms, then fall backwards believing that someone is waiting there to catch them?

It takes a huge amount of courage to put your trust in someone you cannot see. It takes an even greater amount of courage to put your trust in someone you cannot see after your previous “trust fall” didn’t turn out the way that you hoped it would.

Trust in the Lord

In his latest full-length talk, “Trust in the Lord,” motivational speaker John Bytheway addresses the 2022 youth theme for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Recorded in March 2022, John creates a parable to remind us that life is not quite the “instant vending machine” we hope it might be. All too often, we find ourselves putting something into life and expecting an immediate return or a blessing. 

That’s not how the Lord intended life to be.

Instead, life is more like a “wait-and-see vending machine”…where we put in the work, the obedience, the faith and the hope, then trust that God’s promised blessings will come in the time He knows will be best for us.

Lean Not Unto Thine Own Understanding

As humans, we like to try to figure things out on our own. We like to try to make sense of things that might not make any earthly sense at all. Like Job and Joseph Smith and so many others before us, we are answer-driven. We seek for understanding for things that we simply cannot explain.

It can be difficult to wait for the Lord to give us answers, knowing that sometimes the answers might take time and some might not come at all. It takes a whole lot of courage to actively choose to “trust fall” into our Heavenly Father and His plan for us when we cannot physically see when promised blessings will eventually come out of the proverbial “vending machine”.

It’s times like these that we might find peace in the following quotes:

  • “God is more interested in our growth than in our comfort.”
  • “Can you trust God enough to say: I know you love me. How can I grow? What can I learn from this? Is there a way that I can help others who are going through something similar?”
  • “I don’t think that God causes all suffering, but He never wastes it.” (quoting Steven J. Lund)
  • “Trust in the Lord’s love for you.”
  • “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

▶ Watch or listen to John Bytheway’s full Turtle Talk here: Trust in the Lord.

Don’t have the Our Turtle House App? No Problem! Get your free 7-day trial here.

Audrey Baugh spent 15 years of her professional career as an inspirational singer/songwriter and motivational speaker. Now, she happily dedicates her time writing, designing, networking, and managing the marketing content of the Our Turtle House App! Audrey is a wife, a mom, and an avid dog owner who just wants to create pretty things, inspire people, love unconditionally, and eat yummy food.
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What You See is What You Get: A New Talk by Hank Smith

Have you ever had a time when you looked at your situation and thought, “I wish this had never happened”?

Maybe you got a bad grade or a bad haircut. Maybe you’ve experienced loss or financial crisis. Perhaps you’ve accidentally come across a ring with possessive magical powers that some wizard is demanding you return to a far-away mountain where it can be destroyed by the fires of Doom.

Okay, probably not that last one… but you get the idea.

Life doesn’t always turn out the way you envisioned it would. Instead, you’re often thrown into circumstances that you never would have selected in the first place! While you cannot change what has already happened, you do get to choose what you’ll see in the experience.

The Choice is Up To You

Best-selling author/speaker Hank Smith recently released a new Turtle Talk talk titled What You See is What You’ll Get. This full-length talk is centered on teaching teens how to choose the way they perceive different life events.

According to Hank, “You can choose to see the good or you can choose to focus on the bad, but ultimately the choice is up to you.” Will you see the blessings and strengths that come because of what you’re experiencing? Or will you choose to focus on the pains and sorrows of it all? 

Philosopher David Thoreau described it best when he said, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” That’s exactly what Hank is talking about when he relates the following Book of Mormon story.

Who Are You In the Story?

Once upon a time there were two brothers who lived in the same place with the same people at the same time. The younger brother, Nephi, was happy with their story and saw all the beautiful miracles and blessings that occurred within their family. The older brother, Laman, focused only on the negative side of the situation. 

Same story. Same events. Different attitudes.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of their insights:

In reading this account, it’s safe to assume that Nephi and Laman both experienced the same (or, at least, very similar) hardships, loss, and pain.

Nephi appears to be at peace; he’s content with his circumstances. He talks about the great blessings and how they had enough meat to eat and that the women were strong and didn’t murmur…

Laman? He apparently saw things through a different filter.

How is it even possible that theses two people can have the exact same experience and still see things so very differently!?!

In What You See is What You Get, Hank explains it best when he talks about the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.

When thrown into unwanted circumstances, people with a fixed mindset tend to use statements like “It’s too hard.” or “I’ll stick to what I know.” They stunt themselves by seeing absolutes and limit their beliefs in the world around them. In the end, they get nothing from the experience but bad memories, complaints, and poor attitudes.

On the other hand, those with a growth mindset are hopeful and optimistic! They see new possibilities in every challenge. Because of their focus on growth, these mindsets tend to get new opportunities and gain stronger abilities as they focus on the blessings that surround them. 

Laman = Fixed mindset.

Nephi = Growth mindset.

Now, the question is: which one are you in your story?

We encourage you all to take just watch or listen to Hank’s latest talk with your entire family and see what you can do to change what you get out of your experiences.

▶ Watch or listen to Hank Smith’s full Turtle Talk here: What You See Is What You Get.

Don’t have the Our Turtle House App? No Problem! Get your free 7-day trial here.

Audrey Baugh spent 15 years of her professional career as an inspirational singer/songwriter and motivational speaker. Now, she happily dedicates her time writing, designing, networking, and managing the marketing content of the Our Turtle House App! Audrey is a wife, a mom, and an avid dog owner who just wants to create pretty things, inspire people, love unconditionally, and eat yummy food.
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7 Talks to Help You Create a Spirit of Inclusion

Here’s a challenge for you: scroll through your social media and see how long it takes for you to find 5 people who look different than you. 

Pretty easy, right?

Now, think of all your neighbors and see how long it takes to find someone who believes differently than you do.

Maybe a little bit harder, but still didn’t take very long, did it?

Finally, imagine that you’re standing in line at your local grocery store. How long would it take for you to find someone with a different sexual orientation or someone from a different country or even someone with a different bank account balance than you. 

These examples are just a few of the infinite ways we, as humans, can be vastly different from each other. Diversity is everywhere and what a beautiful thing it is! When we learn to accept and embrace our differences, the more we open ourselves to possibilities of love and camaraderie. 

And when we embrace each other’s uniqueness and bond in camaraderie, we ultimately create a spirit of “inclusion”.

Listed below are 7 talks that will help you embrace diversity and navigate your way into a more inclusive mindset.

Appreciating Our Differences
Dennis Schleicher, Ganel-lyn Condie, Ronell Hugh
Digital Firesides

Three talks, one link.

 Our differences are what gives us strength, and our strengths are what makes us a community. Learn how to appreciate your differences and embrace the differences of those around you.

Watch all 3 talks here on Youtube.

Love and Support to The LGBTQ+ Community
Tom Christofferson
Doing Good Podcast

The very best ways to support the LGBTQ+ in your community might not be as difficult as you may think! Learn how to break the stigma and love your fellow members more unconditionally with these simple tips from a church member’s inside perspective. 

Listen here on the app.

Bridging The Gaps
Ganel-Lyn Condie
Turtle Talks

How do you deal with the “gap: between where you are today and where you want to be? We learn to accept ourselves for where we are. Join Ganel-lyn for an inspirational perspective on how Christ can help us safely bridge the gaps in our lives.

Listen here on the app.

God Didn’t Change Me
Charlie Bird 
Digital Firesides

What is it like to “wait on the Lord” as a gay member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints? Former BYU Mascot, Charlie Bird, helps us see through the lens of a gay man’s perspective as he details his wrestle to get to a point of self-acceptance.

Watch here on Youtube.

Questions from The Closet
Charlie Bird & Ben Schilaty
Doing Good Podcast

What does being gay look like through the eyes of a BYU adjunct professor and a former BYU mascot?  Ben and Charlie talk openly about their perspective on “coming out” in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, how to apply the atonement in from a gay’s perspective, and learning to live and love unconditionally just like the Savior did. 

Listen here on the app.

▶ Don’t have the Our Turtle House App? No Problem! Get your free 7-day trial here.

Audrey Baugh spent 15 years of her professional career as an inspirational singer/songwriter and motivational speaker. Now, she happily dedicates her time writing, designing, networking, and managing the marketing content of the Our Turtle House App! Audrey is a wife, a mom, and an avid dog owner who just wants to create pretty things, inspire people, love unconditionally, and eat yummy food.
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Top 10 Motivational Talks by Hank Smith

Hank Smith is one of most popular speakers at Our Turtle House! Audiences are mesmerized as he engages them with his happiness, hilarious humor, and motivating insights, making him one of the most sought-after speakers in the industry!

Hank is the bestselling author of many books including, Be Happy, Unconquerable, Living the Parables, and Running Down Your Dreams and is a co-host of the  FollowHim Podcast. 

His newest release, “Lost Shoes, Broken Bows, & Bad Days” is perfect for anyone who’s life just isn’t going the way they had planned. 

We’ve found some of Hank’s most popular Turtle Talks  from the Our Turtle House App that will keep your family entertained and inspired! Click on the picture below to open each episode directly in your Our Turtle House App.

Don’t have the app? Download a FREE 7-DAY TRIAL here!

Sometimes no matter how hard you try, life just doesn’t go the way you want (or expect) it to! So what do you do when life gets you down? Join Hank Smith as he talks about different ways you can face life's most frustrating setbacks, with faith.
Parents may frustrate you sometimes, and you may even find them annoying sometimes (especially if you're a teenager.) Join Hank Smith for this hilarious new Turtle Talk where he talks about the many ways your parents are here to help you succeed in life and as a Child of God.
The Savior used parables to teach powerful gospel principles that apply just as much today as they did in his time. In ‘Pennies, Prisons, and Parables,’ Hank Smith shares two powerful parables that demonstrate Heavenly Father’s concern for us is focused more on the direction we’re heading, than the speed of our travel.
Ordinary people with ordinary challenges can experience absolutely amazing things. In this special Turtle Talk, Hank Smith talks about the many lessons we can learn from the Book of Ether and how we can still make and have incredible spiritual experiences even though we're not perfect.
Hank Smith is at it again with this entertaining journey through the Book of Mosiah! Laugh along while you learn all about what is happening, why it happened, and, most importantly, how knowing it can bless your life. It’s the first half of the Book of Mosiah like you’ve never read it before! The Marvelous Book of Mosiah: Parts 1 & 2.
We want to be “good,” but there’s still a lot we can learn from the “bad.” The “bad guys” of the Book of Mormon, that is! In this brand new Turtle Talk, Hank Smith helps expose some of the enemies of Christ and helps us laugh and learn some powerful lessons from the poor choices they made in their lives.
It’s been said that God works in mysterious ways. But how familiar are you with the mysterious and yet miraculous circumstances that brought forth the Book of Mormon? Join Hank Smith as he shares some of the Miracles that occurred during the translation of the Book of Mormon. This is Part One of a two part series. The Miracle of the Book of Mormon - Parts 1 & 2.
Trees, flowers, bushes, all once thought to be dead, within the first few days of spring, begin to blossom once again. This is the promise of the Resurrection! Hank Smith shares an amazing message about the atonement, brining the Savior and the scriptures to life in this MUST LISTEN for anyone wanting to grow closer to the Savior and gain a greater appreciation for His love and resurrection.
Who better than Hank Smith to teach us all about Israel!?! To a lot of us, Israel can feel like a big, scattered puzzle. In this Turtle Talk, Hank is going to help us find where things fit so we can really understand the history and importance of Israel.
Have you ever noticed the sacrifice and dedication it took for us to have the Bible? Hank Smith teaches us the history of how we got the Bible.
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Never Underestimate the Youth

My beloved younger brothers and sisters, you are among the best the Lord has ever sent to this world. You have the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any previous generation!
Russel M. Nelson

The future of tomorrow rests upon the shoulders of the youth today.

They will be the leaders who take us to unimaginable heights and through insurmountable events.

Some will lead at the forefront, their voices loudly heard by millions; others will lead quietly, walking alongside those who are bringing up the rear.

The youth are amazing, but are they up to the challenge?

At Our Turtle House, we watch as young women and young men influence those that surround them, empowering all within their reach to stand up for truth and goodness. Their strengths and personalities are unmeasurable. 

And while it can be hard to pass the proverbial baton on to the future, we are confident that the skills and abilities in the rising generation are 100% unparalleled.

Yes. The they are up to the challenge.

Never underestimate the youth. They have been saved for a time such as this.

We’ve found some episodes from the Our Turtle House App that will help you celebrate the youth in your life. Click on the picture below to open each episode directly in your Our Turtle House App.

You have a light–it's time to let it shine! Carmen Herbert shares personal stories about how we can let the light inside us grow and shine more brightly than ever before! (Let Your Light Shine!, Carmen Herbert, Turtle Talks)