BYU–Hawaii Devotionals & Speeches

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Trials Are Necessary for Mortality To Work | Heina Hanohano | January 21, 2025 Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Heina Hanohano
Budget Director
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
Today’s devotional speaker, Heina Hanohano, emphasizes the importance of faith, a love for learning, and the role of trials in personal growth. She shares experiences of her mother’s faith-based healing and her own career challenges, highlighting how faith and learning lead to growth. Reflecting on struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic, she shows how trials can strengthen faith and realign priorities. She encourages others to focus on what matters most, learn from challenges, and trust in God’s guidance.
“Understanding that mortality is a time for us to be tested can change the way we see the challenges and difficulties we face.” –Heina Hanohano
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Heina Hanohano was appointed budget director at BYU–Hawaii on May 1, 2024, overseeing the university’s operating and capital budgets. Previously, she managed housing budgets and taught in the Hospitality & Tourism Management program. With 18 years in the hotel industry, Heina’s last role was executive assistant housekeeper at Hilton Hawaiian Village. She holds a BS in information systems from BYU–Hawaii and an MS in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She and her husband Clayton have two sons.
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All These Things Shall Be Added Unto You | President John S.K. Kauwe III | January 14, 2025 Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

President John S.K. Kauwe III
University President
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
President Kauwe speaks, urging BYU–Hawaii students to live consecrated lives by fully embracing the Honor Code and aligning their actions with God’s will. He highlights the importance of personal integrity, supporting one another, and avoiding the temptation to live on the edge of standards. President Kauwe concludes by testifying that consecration brings blessings, spiritual growth, and protection.
“Consecrated living brings safety and blessings as we navigate this life.” –President John S.K. Kauwe II
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President John S.K. Kauwe III has served as the president of Brigham Young University–Hawaii since July 2020. He was sustained as an Area Seventy in April 2024. President Kauwe holds degrees from Brigham Young University and Washington University in St. Louis. As a Biology professor at BYU Provo, he previously chaired the Biology Department and was Dean of Graduate Studies. His research focuses on the genetic basis of Alzheimer’s disease and includes over 100 peer-reviewed publications. President Kauwe and his wife, Monica, have five children.
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What Matters Most | Sister Monica S. Kauwe | January 14, 2025 Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

Monica S. Kauwe
First Lady
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
Sister Kauwe encourages students to focus on what truly matters by aligning their actions with Christ’s teachings. She shares advice from Elder Bednar to prioritize purpose and highlights the importance of making time for key commitments like prayer and scripture study. Sister Kauwe reminds students that by trusting God and following Christ’s example, they can find peace and purpose, even amid life’s challenges, knowing they are in God’s hands.
"We are in God’s hands. He knows that we are not perfect, He knows that this life is hard. He understands that we may feel inadequate, fearful, and even frustrated at times. But He is with us. We are in His hands." –Sister Monica S. Kauwe
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Observations, Choices, and Decisions | Mark Ellis | November 26, 2024 Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

In today’s devotional, Mark Ellis draws a parallel between navigating a traditional voyaging canoe and navigating life, emphasizing the importance of observation, choice, and decision-making in our spiritual journey. He encourages spiritual observation, making choices with love and purpose, and regularly assessing where we are in our spiritual journey. By living with spiritual awareness and making decisions aligned with God's will, he assures that we can find peace and direction, ultimately drawing closer to our divine purpose.
“Each covenant we make brings us closer to God and fortifies our journey... By keeping our covenants, we stay focused on Him and stay on course, no matter how rough the seas may get."
Mark Ellis was born, raised, and currently lives with his family in Nuʻuanu, Oʻahu. He is a husband and father of four children and a graduate of BYU–Hawaii. Brother Ellis is a captain and student of navigation with the Polynesian Voyaging Society. He had the honor to sail on various voyages including the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage, a voyage to Papahānaumokuākea, and recently on the Moananuiākea Voyage which took him from Alaska to California. Brother Ellis is currently the Director of Voyaging Experiences at the Polynesian Cultural Center and a captain of the voyaging canoe Iosepa. He recently served as a bishop and currently serves as a stake high councilor in the Honolulu Hawaii West Stake.
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Gaining and Retaining Spiritual Knowledge | Sister Ruth L. Renlund | November 17, 2024 Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

Sister Renlund compares gaining spiritual knowledge to academic learning, highlighting the need for consistent effort through prayer, scripture study, and righteous living to invite the Holy Ghost’s guidance and retain spiritual truths.
"Gaining and retaining spiritual knowledge is essential for us because it has eternal consequences. It takes some work and constant attention, but no other knowledge can provide a substitute."
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Take Upon the Name of Jesus Christ | Elder Dale G. Renlund | November 17, 2024 Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

Elder Renlund illustrates how identifying with and emulating the Savior can transform our character, strengthen our faith, and help us fulfill our divine potential through sacred covenants and purposeful discipleship. He emphasizes how by following Christ’s example and striving to embody His attributes, we can claim the promised blessings of "power, stability, and direction." "My invitation to you is that you willingly and wholeheartedly take upon you the name of Jesus Christ. You will be blessed with power, stability, and direction in your lives." – Elder Dale G. Renlund
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Elder Dale G. Renlund had served as a General Authority Seventy since April 2009 prior to being named to the Quorum of the Twelve. He previously served in the presidency of the Africa Southeast Area. He has served in numerous church callings including full-time missionary in Sweden, stake president, bishop, and Area Seventy. After receiving B.A. and M.D. degrees from the University of Utah, Elder Renlund received further medical and research training at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was a Professor of Medicine at the University of Utah and the Medical Director of the Utah Transplantation Affiliated Hospitals (UTAH) Cardiac Transplant Program. Elder Renlund was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, in November 1952. He married Ruth Lybbert in 1977. They are the parents of one daughter.
#BYUH #BYUHDevo
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Faith That God Is in The Details | Sheena Alaiasa | November 12, 2024 Nov 13, 2024

Show notes

Sheena Alaiasa Pacific Heritage Academy Director
In today’s devotional, Sheena Alaiasa shares her life journey, emphasizing how faith has guided her through challenges and shaped her purpose. Raised in Turangi, New Zealand, she was influenced by her mother’s steadfast faith, which led her to a career in education. She reflects on the pivotal moments where prayer, divine guidance, and trust in God’s plan steered her path, even through difficult times, such as her husband's health struggles. Her story highlights how God works in the details of our lives, leading us to personal and spiritual growth. She invites others to trust in God's plan, finding strength in faith and gratitude for family, education, and the gospel’s transformative power. “I invite you to lead your lives in faith. [God] will guide you as only He knows what those details are. As you embark on this journey, do so with Him.” – Sheena Alaiasa
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Sheena Alaiasa has been dedicated to community education since 1990, working across various schools in Hawaii and now at Pacific Heritage Academy in Salt Lake City, Utah. Despite not initially planning for a career in education, Sheena connected deeply with students, families, and teachers, and was honored with several accolades, including Hawaii Middle School Principal of the Year in 2013 and National Middle School Principal of the Year in 2014. Raised in Turangi, New Zealand, Sheena was the first in her family to graduate from college and is currently pursuing a PhD. She attributes her success to her faith and commitment to culturally relevant education, inspiring students to grow, achieve academically, and become ethical leaders.
#BYUH #BYUHDevo #ChooseTheRight #PacificHeritage
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There Is Hope Shining Brightly Before Us | Elder Kevin S. Hamilton | November 5, 2024 Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

Elder Kevin S. Hamilton
General Authority Seventy, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
During the BYU–Hawaii devotional, Elder Kevin S. Hamilton shares about the importance of family history work, temple worship, and the gathering of Israel." He shares personal stories about his parents' missionary service and his current role with FamilySearch. Elder Hamilton emphasizes the "Spirit of Elijah" in inspiring global participation in family history, with millions of users, many non-members, contributing to FamilySearch. He also discusses the role of technology, such as AI, in advancing genealogical work and the rapid pace of temple construction under President Nelson's leadership. Elder Hamilton concludes with a message of hope, affirming that the Lord is in charge and that the work of gathering Israel is progressing rapidly, encouraging all to move forward in faith and optimism. “"The Lord is hastening His work. He is fully in charge and in control. We have great reason to rejoice and have hope. We can do this." –Elder Kevin S. Hamilton
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Elder Kevin S. Hamilton has been a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since April 6, 2013. He previously served in the Africa Southeast Area Presidency and the North America Northeast Area Presidency and is currently the Executive Director of the Family History Department. His Church service includes roles as a full-time missionary, bishop, stake president, and president of the Belgium Brussels/Netherlands Mission from 2003 to 2006. He holds a bachelor's degree in marketing from Brigham Young University and a master's in finance from the University of Washington. Before his call, he co-founded a venture capital firm. Born in Wenatchee, Washington, he married Claudia Keysor in 1978 and has six children and several grandchildren.
#BYUH #BYUHDevo #FamilyHistory #Temples
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Loving Ourselves and Others | Susiane Manning | October 29, 2024 Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Susiane Manning
Clinical Counselor Counseling Services, Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
In her devotional talk, Susiane Manning emphasizes the importance of love and friendship, both for ourselves and others, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. She reflects on her experiences as a clinical counselor at BYU–Hawaii, highlighting the need for social connections in combating loneliness and promoting emotional health. Manning encourages students to cultivate friendships, suggesting practical ways to initiate and strengthen these bonds, while also advocating for self-compassion and recognizing one's own worth. Ultimately, she stresses that true love manifests through supportive relationships and self-care, urging attendees to be proactive in forming connections and to seek help when needed. “As we love others, we must also show love to ourselves. As you freely give love, compassion and forgiveness to others, please remember to direct those same feelings to yourself.” – Susiane Manning
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Susiane Manning obtained her MSW from the University of Utah and has over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She has served in various settings, including higher education, outpatient clinic services, health technology startups, in-home support, emergency department crisis services, and school social work, working with diverse populations. She is a first-generation college graduate as her parents immigrated to the US from Tonga. Born and raised in Salt Lake, Utah, Susiane is the second of six children. She married Jon Manning in the Salt Lake City temple and is the proud mother of three: Melia, Analise, and Havili.
#BYUH #BYUHDevo #Love #Friendship
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"Go for Broke": The Privilege and Blessings of Sacrifice | Curtis Lefrandt | October 16, 2024 Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

In his talk, Curtis Lefrandt emphasizes the privilege and blessings of sacrifice, urging listeners to see it not as a burden but as an expression of love and gratitude to God. Reflecting on the impactful sacrifices made by individuals, Lefrandt exhorted students to embrace sacrifice as a privilege and cultivate trust in God's plans. He teaches that when we surrender our will to God, He blesses us abundantly. Lefrandt concludes by highlights that sacrifice transforms us, allowing God to shape us into who we are meant to be.
“The deeper our love and gratitude towards our Heavenly Father, the more we come to view sacrifice as a privilege and less as a burden. ”
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Curtis Lefrandt is the CEO and Co-founder of the Innovator’s DNA consultancy (iDNA). Growing up in Aiea, Hawaii, he was deeply influenced by his experiences at Brigham Young University–Hawaii and the Laie Temple. With over 20 years of experience, Lefrandt has collaborated with leading companies like Amazon and Tesla and co-authored best-selling books on innovation with Harvard Business Review Press. He also serves as a Director for the Customer Experience Office at BYU–Hawaii, enhancing the student experience. Curtis Lefrandt teaches innovation and entrepreneurship at Brigham Young University and enjoys surfing and spending time with his wife and four children.
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