REXBURG—BYU-Idaho kicked off its devotional series for the Spring semester with Brother William Riggins, the director of the Student Honor Office. He’s also the chief inclusion officer at BYU-Idaho. He shared his insights on the significance of temples in the lives of Latter-day Saints.
Jeremy Hall, financial reporting director at BYU-Idaho, urges students to embrace their roles as creators and builders in their faith and lives, drawing inspiration from woodworking and the teachings of President Russell M. Nelson. Hall emphasizes the importance of cultivating faith, contributing positively to the world and preparing for eternal blessings through acts of creation and building.
Elder Ricardo P. Giménez, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed BYU-Idaho students about the importance of spiritual awareness amidst worldly distractions, urging listeners to turn to Jesus Christ for strength and guidance. He emphasized the need to remove spiritual "noise-canceling headphones" and actively engage with Christ, sharing his personal witness of Christ's love and presence in our lives.
In his BYU-Idaho devotional address, Jason S. Carroll, director of the Family Initiative at Brigham Young University, underscores the significance of temple marriages within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, blending spiritual teachings with professional insights. He emphasizes that a true temple marriage is not just a ceremony's location but a divine pattern, guiding couples to align their relationships with God's design for lasting unity and blessings.
Elaine S. Dalton, former Young Women General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered an address at BYU-Idaho titled "The Lord Will Lead Thee by the Hand," emphasizing the importance of preparing to become faithful covenant leaders in the latter days through developing a covenant relationship with God. Drawing inspiration from scripture and citing President Thomas S. Monson as an exemplary covenant leader, Dalton highlights the significance of charity and promises those who embrace this path to hear the voice of the Lord and walk with the Savior by their side.
Candace Willmore, a data analyst at BYU-Idaho, asserts that joy can be found amidst trials by tapping into one's divine identity as a child of God and focusing on the atonement of Jesus Christ. She encourages individuals to seek joy by recognizing God's presence in their surroundings and welcoming His love into their lives.
Anna Taylor, the online employment and scheduling director at BYU-Idaho, shared a personal testimony of finding peace and strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, recounting her daughter, Janice's, health struggles during missionary service. Taylor emphasized Christ's role in providing comfort and healing for all challenges, encouraging others to build a relationship with Him for enduring happiness.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered a message at BYU-Idaho centered on navigating life's decisions through trust in the Lord and seeking spiritual guidance. He emphasized anchoring oneself in Jesus Christ and the scriptures, highlighting the significance of the lilies of the field as a symbol of God's care and provision for those who trust in Him.
Animal and Food Science Department faculty member Kerry Powell discusses the correlation between science and religion, highlighting the role of animals in teaching and blessing human lives in his BYU-Idaho devotional address. He emphasizes the divine potential inherent in human development, urging contemplation on the growth potential and the intimate involvement of God in our lives.
Brother Michael T. Nelson, second counselor in the Young Men General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shares how the choices students make in this life are important for their spiritual growth and progression in his devotional address at BYU-Idaho.