Review: Embark! by John Bytheway

Embark_cd

Embark!
A Message about D&C 4:2
by John Bytheway
LDS Talk on CD
Audio CD, 53 minutes
December 29, 2014 by Deseret Book

An ideal talk that supports the new 2015 Mutual theme!

In this motivating talk related to the 2015 youth theme, John Bytheway explains what it means to truly embark—to get fully on board in the service of God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Using scriptures, powerful stories, and his characteristic humor, John explains that with the Savior's help, we can remain on board and eventually stand blameless before God at the last day.

My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this talk from popular LDS, AKA "Mormon," speaker John Bytheway. It was geared towards teenagers, but I also felt that everyone, including adults, would enjoy listening to what he has to say. There was Bytheway's trademark humor, spiritual insights, and a drive to live better and be more committed. To really "embark" in the gospel and in serving others.

Here are some parts that stuck with me:
"Now the best time to board the Zion Express was a long time ago, but if you're not on the train, the second best time is now."
"The Lord gets the work done through His people and He gets His people done through the work. When we serve God it changes us and that's why embarking in the service of our fellow beings is embarking in the service of God." (from his mission president)
"The more I worried about others, the less I worried about myself..." (story about Brad)
"If you really want to do something, nobody can stop you. If you really don't want to do something, nobody can help you."
After I finished listening to Embark! I felt inspired to be more committed, more loving and kind to those around me, and seek out opportunities to serve and do so with all my heart. I'd recommend this to those who have youth ready to accept the call to embark as part of this year's theme or need a little extra encouragement themselves. I also would like to note that I love the cover. It fits perfectly with the theme and this talk.

Content: Clean

Source: I would like to thank Deseret Book for my complimentary review copy, which did not affect my review in any way.

About the Author

John Bytheway served a mission to the Philippines and later graduated from Brigham Young University. He has a master’s degree in religious education and is a part-time instructor at the BYU Salt Lake Center. John is the author of many bestselling books, audio talks, and DVDs, including How to Be an Extraordinary Teen; Life Rocks; and his first children’s picture book,The Sacrament. He and his wife, Kimberly, have six children.


13 comments

  1. I love John Bytheway. I will have to listen to this one. I love how inspiring he can be, as well as funny. I hope that he makes his way to BYUI when I get back up there.

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  2. Cali Willette1/26/15, 12:04 PM

    Good review; I haven't read this book before, but I like the quotes you chose. :)

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  3. They all sound like good ones. :)

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  4. Really enjoyed this one. More than I anticipated. It was a heartbreaker of a story, but Susan, as usual, makes it all worthwhile. :)

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  5. It was a good inspirational talk.

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  6. Me too! This was really fun!

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  7. He was funny and I think you'd like it. :)

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  8. Thanks, Cali. I thought they said a lot with very few words. :)

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  9. They're definitely romances and I liked the plots for them all.

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  10. It was a heartbreaker. Totally made me cry. Of course it doesn't help that I have a family member struggling with some things right now and this totally hit that spot.

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  11. He's pretty funny! My mom would play his tapes for my sisters and me on long road trips and we would crack up so hard :) I met him at my first EFY- way back in 1994!

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  12. I heard him speak forever ago as well. He's a great speaker.

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