President of Twin Falls Idaho Temple teaches

BYU-Idaho students about reaching their potential

D. Rex Gerratt, president of the new Twin Falls Idaho Temple and former member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taught Brigham Young University-Idaho students about realizing their full potential in a devotional address given Tuesday, May 6.

"Each of you is special. This is a wonderful time to live," Gerratt said. "We live in a very busy and complicated world. You are a very important part of your surroundings. You are not here by chance. You have a divine purpose. And each of you has a great work to do."

Gerratt also spoke of the love that the leaders of the Church have for young adults. "The opening statement by the First Presidency in For the Strength of Youth states: ‘Our beloved young men and young women, we have great confidence in you. You are choice spirits who have come forth in this day when the responsibilities and opportunities as well as the temptations are greatest,'" Gerratt said.

Gerratt emphasized the importance of prayer, encouraging students to seek the Lord often in sincere prayer.

"I encourage each of you to go to our Father in Heaven, our dearest friend, in prayer each day," Gerratt said. "Talk to Him. Pour out your heart to Him as you acknowledge your blessings and seek for divine guidance in making right choices."

Gerratt then outlined five principles students should follow to attain success. "The Five Pillars of Success," Gerratt said, are: desire, faith, obedience, hard work, and gratitude. Gerratt then gave examples from his own life as well as the scriptures for each pillar, promising blessings for following them.

"I express my love and confidence in you - the young people of the Church," Gerratt said. "You are the finest there is and you will succeed as you embrace the pillars of success."

Gerratt closed with a quote by President Thomas S. Monson: "Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for power equal to your tasks. Then, the doing of your work shall be no miracle. But you shall be the miracle."

Next week's devotional speaker will be Kip Harris, Managing Director of Student Support at BYU-Idaho. Devotionals are held every Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Hart Auditorium with additional seating in the Taylor Chapel during Summer Semester. Devotionals are broadcast on KBYI-FM 100.5 at 2 p.m. and rebroadcast Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.