BYU–Hawaii Devotionals & Speeches

Latest Episodes:

Trust the Process: The Gospel Plan Works! | Barb Cluff | October 10, 2024 Oct 11, 2024

Show notes

Barb Cluff
Service Missionary The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Barb Cluff emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plan. Sharing personal stories, she illustrates the importance of trusting the process, even when it's uncomfortable or difficult. Cluff encourages listeners to persist in keeping the commandments and maintaining faith, even when progress seems slow. Through trust in Christ’s Atonement and God’s divine plan, she assures we can all achieve lasting happiness and eternal blessings.
"The most beautiful part of the gospel is that no mistake is permanent. There is an unlimited number of times we can try again." –Barb Cluff
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How Do We Know What Is Right? | Mark Fitzgerald | October 22, 2024 Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

Mark Fitzgerald
Chief Compliance Officer Office of Compliance & Ethics, Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
Mark Fitzgerald highlights the importance of actively discerning truth. Fitzgerald advises six assessment methods for evaluating information: testing information, understanding core principles, consulting trusted sources, employing critical thinking, seeking primary sources, and synthesizing knowledge through study and prayer. Through personal stories, he illustrates the process of seeking divine guidance and the significance of being open to revelation, even when outcomes differ from expectations. Fitzgerald concludes by urging students to engage deeply with their education and spirituality, fostering a reliance on the Spirit to navigate today’s complex landscape of information. “If we want to be open to receiving answers to our questions, we need to be open to having times of quiet in our lives.” –Mark Fitzgerald
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Mark Fitzgerald is the chief compliance officer at BYU–Hawaii, overseeing the Office of Compliance & Ethics. With nearly 30 years in higher education, Fitzgerald previously served as chief information security officer at Boise State University and has held various IT leadership roles. He also taught in Boise State’s MBA and Master of Cybersecurity programs. Fitzgerald holds an MBA in information technology from Boise State and a BA in marketing communications from BYU. Originally from New York, he met his wife, April, in the BYU marching band. They have three sons and a daughter and enjoy music, theater, and travel.
#BYUH #BYUHDevo #Trust #Truth
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He Shall Direct Thy Paths | President Kivalu Ramanlal | October 8, 2024 Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

President Kivalu Ramanlal emphasizes how trusting God comes through learning about Him, following His guidance, and recognizing His tender mercies. Even when blessings are delayed, this trust brings peace. He urges listeners to place their trust in God, knowing that He will guide them to the best outcomes.
"When you choose to first put your trust in God, your life will be greatly simplified."
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Kivalu Ramanlal grew up in Tonga and joined the Church at 11 after being introduced to the missionaries by his aunt. He felt a profound spiritual connection that guided his faith journey. After high school, he attended BYU–Hawaii, where he earned an accounting degree and met his wife, Heather. He later served a mission in Sydney, Australia, deepening his commitment to the Church. Now a father of two—one working in Hawaii and the other serving in South Africa—President Ramanlal runs a construction and real estate development company. He attributes his family's happiness and success to their strong commitment to the Church and its teachings.
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Under Construction: Embracing Changes in Life's Divine Design | Casey Cluff | October 1, 2024 Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

Casey Cluff
Senior Project Manager, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Casey Cluff reflects on the challenges of life, likening personal growth to the process of building and construction. He explains that, just as buildings undergo renovations, individuals are also "under construction" in God's hands, with Christ as the "Master Carpenter." Cluff encourages listeners to embrace life's changes and trust in God's divine plan, even when the path seems uncertain or difficult. He emphasizes that mistakes are part of the journey, but through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and Christ's Atonement, we can become more than we ever imagined, growing into spiritual masterpieces designed by God. “As we trust the Lord and are willing to make the changes He prompts us to make, no matter the inconvenience or effort required, He will direct us for good.” –Casey Cluff
#BYUH #BYUHDevo
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Creating 'Ohana | Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker | September 24, 2024 Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

Isaiah Walker emphasizes the importance of creating ʻohana, or family. He explained how ʻohana, in Hawaiian culture, extends beyond immediate family to include friends and the broader community, and how this concept can help students foster meaningful relationships. Through highlighting the experiences of Joseph F. Smith, Walker encourages students to embrace the values of ʻohana by building connections, fulfilling their responsibilities to one another, and relying on the love of God and their heavenly ʻohana. He also highlights the importance of dating, marriage, and overcoming challenges, drawing from his own life experiences and encouraging students to navigate life’s journey with faith, love, and aloha.
"By creating an ʻohana and embracing your kuleana, you will open the door to ongoing blessings and the enriching cycle of aloha in your life."
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Isaiah Walker was born and raised in Keaukaha, Hilo, Hawaiʻi. After joining the Church in 1990 and graduating from Hilo High School in 1991, he moved to Lāʻie and attended BYU–Hawaii. He served in the California San Diego Mission and later married Rebekah Matagi of Lāʻie. They have five beautiful children. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in history from BYU–Hawaii and earning a master's degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Isaiah completed a Ph.D. from the University of California, in Santa Barbara. Isaiah studies Hawaiian history and colonialism from a unique perspective–from the vantage of Hawaiian surfers. Prior to his appointment as Academic Vice President, Isaiah was a professor and department chair in the History Program where he taught World, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islands history.
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Heartfelt Helping | Elder John H. Groberg | September 17, 2024 Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

Elder John H. Groberg
Emeritus General Authority Seventy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Elder John H. Groberg highlights the principle of "heartfelt helping," urging students to emulate Christ's example of sincere, selfless service. Sharing personal stories from his missionary work in Tonga, he illustrates the profound joy and impact of compassionate acts. Elder Groberg concludes by encouraging everyone to commit to more genuine service and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and current prophets, promising that such acts bring lasting joy. "I testify that when we sincerely want to help with all of our heart, there is a power that descends from heaven that transcends fatigue and fear and allows us to do things we could not otherwise do.” –Elder John H. Groberg
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Elder John H. Groberg, originally from Idaho Falls, Idaho, is renowned for his impactful missionary service in Tonga. His experiences there have become legendary. Upon returning from his mission he married Jean Sabin, and together they raised 11 children. Elder Groberg's dedication extended through roles as a bishop, mission president, and a member of the First Quorum of Seventy for 30 years, including serving as President of the Idaho Falls Temple. His books, including “In the Eye of the Storm” and “The Fire of Faith”, detail his Tongan mission experiences and inspired Disney films. Elder Groberg is deeply committed to his testimony of Jesus Christ and the importance of missionary work, valuing the effort to build and strengthen the Kingdom of God. #BYUH #BYUHDevo #HeartfeltHelping #LoveOneAnother #JesusChrist #Service
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God's Relentless Pursuit | Monica Kauwe | September 10, 2024 Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

Monica S. Kauwe
First Lady, BYU–Hawaii Devotional Today we were blessed to hear from
President John S.K. Kauwe III and Sister Monica S. Kauwe. Sister Kauwe encouraged students at BYU–Hawaii to recognize God’s relentless love and pursuit of them. She illustrated how God’s love is unwavering, regardless of our struggles. She reassured students that their time at BYU–Hawaii is part of God’s plan to support their growth and purpose. Urging them to stay faithful,
Sister Kauwe reminded students to trust in God’s plan, and remember their divine worth, promising that God will always provide help and guidance. "You are special to the Lord. He has a unique plan for each of us, and He believes in your ability to bless many lives." –Sister Monica S. Kauwe
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#BYUH #BYUHDevo #Determination #DivineWorth #Excellence
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Purpose, Consecration, Excellence | President John S.K. Kauwe III | September 10, 2024 Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

President John S.K. Kauwe III University President Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional Today we were blessed to hear from President John S.K. Kauwe III speak focusing on three principles: purpose, consecration, and excellence. He encouraged students to align their lives with God’s purpose, grow spiritually, and become leaders. President Kauwe urged students to live purposefully, consecrate their efforts, and strive for excellence, promising that doing so will bring divine blessings and growth.
“Excellence is achieved when we refine ourselves with humble determination.”
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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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Seeking Personal Revelation | Sister Amy A. Wright | March 12, 2024 Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

Sister Amy A. Wright
First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Brigham Young University–Hawaii Devotional
Sister Amy A. Wright encourages students to embrace the blessings of the priesthood through study, prayer, and personal revelation. She also reminds young adults today that they are the future of Christ's church on earth. She gives a powerful testimony that each individual matters and God's love for His children is boundless.
"I cannot think of a greater manifestation of the love God has for His children than the incalculable blessings that are available equally to both His daughters and His sons through His holy priesthood."
Sister Amy A. Wright was sustained as the First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 2, 2022. She previously served as Second Counselor in the same presidency and has held various Church positions, including roles in the Young Women General Advisory Council and as a stake and ward Primary president. Sister Wright graduated with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from the University of Utah in 1998.
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Together, We Must Continue His Work | John S. K. Kauwe III | October 19, 2021 Oct 19, 2021

Show notes

John S.K. Kauwe III speaks at his inauguration.
"I testify to you that this university is a vital part of God’s work on earth. He has established it through His prophets to educate His children and help them make and keep sacred covenants. Through honoring those covenants, we learn more of our Savior, grow closer to Him, and become more like Him."
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