I've noticed something about myself: I wear out easily. I run, run, run all day long, trying to get everything done, and by the time 4 or 5 p.m. rolls around, I’m totally depleted. I drag myself into the kitchen to make dinner, but there’s hardly anything left of me to give my family—sometimes not until the next morning.

So when I attended a special meeting on a Sunday night in August of 2014 with my teenagers, and the speaker started talking about something that could give them strength, power, and endurance to face the day and conquer their challenges—I perked up. But not just for them. I needed it for me.

And guess what? I tried what he suggested... and it worked.

I’m sharing it now because it was a much-needed reminder, and maybe it’ll be a good one for you too.

The speaker reminded us of the power that comes from studying the scriptures. Not just flipping through a verse or two to check a box, but really studying them. Prioritizing them. He talked about missionaries—how those who dedicate two years of their lives to God seem to have incredible stamina and strength. They get up early and spend an hour every day studying the Word. That spiritual fuel gives them tenacity, endurance, and clarity.

But then he shared something sobering: when missionaries return home, within two weeks, 8 out of 10 fall into pornography. And within a year, 1 out of 3 lose their faith entirely.

Faith is the fuel of life. It’s the foundation of joy and the power to keep going when things get hard. To believe in God even when you can’t see Him is to find joy even when life is difficult.

So what happens? How does that spiritual strength vanish so quickly?

He explained that when missionaries return home, they stay up late swapping stories with friends and family. They talk about miracles they witnessed and life-changing experiences they had. And then, the next morning, a little voice whispers, “You served an honorable mission. I’m proud of you. You deserve a break.” So they sleep in.

Then it happens again. Another late night, another morning where there’s “no time” for scriptures. They’re not replenishing the oil in their lamps. And within two weeks… it’s gone.

So when temptation pops up—and it always does—they don’t have the strength to walk away. That spiritual clarity and confidence from their mission has faded. And the contrast is crushing. Some recognize what’s happening and work hard to get back on track. But others? They drift. And within a year, they forget who they are and how to live strong and happy.

The source of their strength for those two years was simple: the Word of God.

As I sat there listening, it hit me—I’ve been feeling weary because I haven’t been making scripture study the priority it once was in my life. Sure, I read daily. But not first thing. And not with the same intent or focus. I could see the wisdom of starting my day with study, on purpose, to fill my lamp with oil that would carry me through the full 16-hour day. No wonder I’ve been burning out halfway through.

So yesterday, I started fresh. I got up early and dove into the scriptures. I chose Isaiah, because Christ said, “search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah” (3 Nephi 23:1). Let me tell you—that’s no small task! But even just the effort filled me with light.

And it worked. I had all the strength I needed that day. I stayed strong until 11 p.m. and felt like my better self nearly the whole time. The inspiration I received helped me and my family turn a corner.

I need this. Life is hard and has a way of wearing us down. But I’ve just re-discovered the power, strength, and endurance that comes from feasting on the Word of God. And I’m not letting go of it again.

Wishing you and your family peace, prosperity, and happiness—not just this year, but always.

You've got this. Keep your lamp full. 💛

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