BYU-Idaho/Web-Content huggingface dataset:
Choirfest | BYU-Idaho Radio

BYU-Idaho

BYU-Idaho's Choirfest is this Saturday night and is featuring performances by BYU-Idaho's singing groups, including Collegiate Singers and Vocal Union.

"This year we have 7 choirs and over 500 singers, so it's the biggest event we've had in quite a while. You'll hear a couple of songs from each choir and it's a chance to hear the men's chorus, the women's chorus, the collegiate singers. The Vocal Union is continuing this year. We are keeping the choir and moving it into a little bit of a contemporary acapella."

Randall Kempton, a BYU-Idaho Music Department faculty member, listed some of the new and exciting songs the groups will perform.

"We'll be singing some brand new spirituals, including This Little Light of Mine, which we've performed in devotional and another one that's similar to it that will be a surprise. Then we'll be doing a little bit of Jacob Collier's music, a fantastic British musician who's quite popular right now. The Vocal Union is hoping to a couple of new contemporary acapella things, possibly including a medley from the upcoming Wicked movie."

While it's common and convenient these days to listen to concerts online, Kempton encourages people to attend this concert in person for an enriching experience.

"Coming to live concerts is something that' s been hard for people to do lately, especially since Covid, but now it's so easy to listen online. But there's something different about coming into the hall and hearing all of that sound just surrounding you and sort of penetrating you and going through the air around you, and having that experience with a lot of people."

Kempton encourages students of any major to try out for choir. If you are interested in joining one of the choirs, auditions are held at the beginning of every semester.

Choirfest will take place on Saturday October 18th from 6 to 8:00 pm in the Barrus Concert Hall in the Eliza R. Snow building. Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for the general public. Tickets are available online at tickets.byui.edu.
Cody Miller | Author | BYU-Idaho Radio

I'm Cody Miller, a reporter for BYU-Idaho Radio. I'm a young man who's studying Communication with News/Journalism as my emphasis. It's hard but well worth it. I'm the second of 4 children as well as the eldest of my triplet set of siblings. I'm also Autistic and proud to be different. I help advocate for mental health and focus on helping people get the stories right from the outset.

I write and cover stories that are based on current events that impact the BYU-Idaho campus and every student. I want to make people aware of the fun events on campus and encourage friendships and relationships by doing so. I'm a friendly guy so if you see me out in the wild or in class or in the radio station, come and say, "Hi."

I aim to be the next Walter Cronkite and to help the news be trusted again. I fight for your right to have the good and right news to be in your possession. You deserve that much.

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David Ashby tells students to go to 'the edge of your comfort zone'

David Ashby, Director of Learning Innovation and Technology

Jack Esplin

BYU-Idaho Radio · David Ashby challenges student to go to 'the edge of your comfort zone'

David Ashby is the director of learning innovation and technology at BYU-Idaho. In his devotional address to students Tuesday titled "Your Call to Adventure," he taught about the negative side of reliance on technology, and how it has led people to take fewer risks and thus experience less growth.

In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, Ashby made sure to highlight the most important thing he'd want students to take away from his devotional.

"Just go out and find ways to be uncomfortable," Ashby said. "You'd be amazed at how many opportunities it throws your way. Whenever I read the scriptures, I rarely see Heavenly Father taking obstacles out of people's way. It's more like He makes us stronger to help us overcome them."

BYU-Idaho Radio · David Ashby teaches how students can seek for opportunities to grow and look to Jesus Christ

In his devotional address, Ashby reminded listeners that the Savior, Jesus Christ, was uncomfortable when He came to Earth to perform His mortal mission.

"He left the comforts of heaven for the uncertainty of Earth," Ashby said. "A place where He was not guaranteed acceptance or even recognition."

Ashby further emphasized how the Savior has overcome all things, and that He can grant the power to grow and do hard things.

"Isn't it beautiful to know that He already has overcome everything, and Him doing so gives Him this power to help us through just about everything?" Ashby said. "Whenever I've had any kind of big fear or challenge that's gotten in my way- just knowing that He knows how I feel- it can take those feelings away and help me be stronger."

In a self-centered and busy world, Ashby says that having an eternal perspective can help people remember that eternal life and serving others is what matters most.

"It's so easy to get wrapped up with a particular thing or goal, but that goal may only be for the next week or the next year," Ashby said. "What's your goal for eternity? Having that big picture can help you get those priorities put straight. Recognize that the ultimate goal is eternal life."

Ashby ended his devotional with a challenge to all students to try the "We talk Wednesday" for Wednesday, Nov. 12, where all are invited to say hello to someone new and look for new ways to serve others.

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Andy Johnson emphasizes choosing the right relationships | BYUI Radio

Andy Johnson

Jack Esplin

BYU-Idaho Radio · Andy Johnson teaches students about prioritizing the most important relationships

In today's BYU-Idaho devotional address to students, Andy Johnson highlighted how relationships are a key part of life. He said it's important for people choose to keep the best relationships in their life, while getting rid of those relationships that take them away from Jesus Christ. Those could include relationships with entertainment or hobbies.

"I invite you to consider today who or what is in your life that is good, and who or what you may want to separate from," Johnson said. "I have used the phrase 'who or what is in your life,' because relationships aren't just with people. There are also the things and habits we choose to let influence us."

Johnson is the Architecture and Construction Management Services Director at BYU-Idaho. In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, Johnson explained which relationships people should prioritize.

"When we have to work through something, that's when we have to dig in," Johnson said. "Which relationships are worth that time and effort? The family relationships are. The relationship with our Savior, it's worth the struggle."

BYU-Idaho Radio · Andy Johnson emphasizes importance of choosing the right relationships

In determining which relationships to keep or disregard, Johnson shared the words of President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"Think too of President Nelson when he's talking about how today, you're going to need the constant influence of the Holy Ghost," Johnson said. "If there's a relationship that's not helping you to feel that, just get rid of that relationship."

Johnson concluded his devotional address with a plea to focus on the relationships that matter most.

"Let us work hard to be part of the relationships we love, have the courage to shed the relationships that are not improving our lives, and let us be diligent in building a relationship with God that will keep us on the path back home to him," Johnson said.

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Perry Rockwood encourages grow closer to God through lamenting |Radio

Perry Rockwood, social media manager for BYU-Idaho

Jack Esplin

BYU-Idaho Radio · BYU-Idaho devotional speaker encourages students to grow closer to God through lamenting

It can be hard to be completely honest and real with the Lord in prayer. Church members are often taught to give thanks and tell Heavenly Father about all the good things in their lives, but what about the bad?

In his devotional address titled "When Sorrow Meets the Savior," Perry Rockwood, the social media manager at BYU-Idaho, taught students that it is important to be honest with God and that joy can be felt through lamenting to Him.

In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, Rockwood talked about what he means by "lamenting to God."

"I call it faithful complaining," Rockwood said. "You're telling Him, 'I do not like what's going on right now, but I know that You're still there and that You love me and You feel what I'm feeling, so please help me get through this.' You're not just telling Him your problems. It's bringing your sorrow to Him knowing that He can help you through it."

BYU-Idaho Radio · Perry Rockwood urges students to find more joy by lamenting to God

In his devotional, Rockwood reminded students that the Savior Himself lamented to God in His most difficult time.

"If the perfect Son of God could lament, so can we," Rockwood said. "The Savior Himself showed us what true lament looks like, holding nothing back, pouring out every sorrow and question in complete honesty. Don't clean yourself up first before coming to Him. Lamenting is for the middle of the mess, not after it's over."

Rockwood says it was hard for him to express his true feelings to God at first.

"It wasn't until I started and tried for the first time saying, 'God, I know You're there, but I'm mad,'" Rockwood said. "That was really hard to vocalize at first, but once you do it once, I realized God wants to hear that."

Rockwood gives advice to anyone trying lamenting for the first time.

"Do it out loud," Rockwood said. "A prayer is different when it's said out loud versus in your heart. Find a place where you can vocalize your lamenting to God. If it's hard for you to know what to say, write it down beforehand."

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Scott Burton on Answering the Lord's Call | BYU-Idaho Radio

Cody Miller and Scott Burton

BYU-Idaho Radio

Answering a call from the lord is not an easy task according to Scott Burton in his BYU-Idaho devotional talk on Tuesday.

Burton is a faculty member in the Computer Science and Engineering Department at BYU-Idaho and is the program director of the Online Software Development program with BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

In his devotional address, he shared how when taking the call from the Lord to serve in His name, it can come in many different forms.

"Often the Lord's call may come directly through the Spirit. In small ways that have nothing to do with a specific calling at church. These calls to action are often not even seen by others, but they are powerful invitations from the Lord. Truly answering the call could be through a calling, the words of the prophet, or even more directly, the voice of the Spirit. And often the call comes when it's not easy or convenient."

This was reinforced in an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio. He shared a part of a story when he answered the call of the Lord to serve as a member in the young men's presidency in his ward.

"I was in graduate school. I had just quit my job. I had a young family. I was going to school full time in a demanding program, and I was trying to work on the side. And during this time, my ward needed a new young men's president. And so, the bishop approached me and we talked a little bit about it. And as I thought about this calling, I knew it was going to be difficult, but I had the impression that if I waited until I had time, I would just never have a chance to serve because you're always going to be busy."

Listen or watch more BYU-Idaho devotionals.
Max Bartischi urges students to build a discipleship | BYU-Idaho Radio

Max Bartschi and Cody Miller

BYU-Idaho Radio

BYU-Idaho Radio · Brother Max Bartschi shares message about building discipleship with God.

For Max Bartschi, a construction projects coordinator at BYU-Idaho, construction is important as it leaves a mark upon the world. During his devotional talk, he shared a message of building a lasting discipleship of Jesus Christ.

"Brothers and sisters, we are builders. For as long as God's children have inhabited this earth, there has been a need and a commandment to build," Bartschi said. "We each are witnessing God's kingdom increasingly being built upon this earth with over 300 temples dotting the globe, new churches, and a continual flow of remodels and updates to church properties all over the world. We are builders."

BYU-Idaho Radio · Devotional speaker shares message about building discipleship

In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, Bartschi said everyone can build a discipleship and work together to edify each other and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a whole.

"As you look at each of us have a journey, each of us have, you know, something to contribute," he said, "and as we come here to this campus, it gives us an opportunity to feel the spirit in our every day and then also be able to be taught by those who also share that spirit."

Listen or to watch more devotionals at BYU-Idaho Speeches and Devotionals.
Elder Jorge M. Alvarado urges students to gather Zion | BYUI Radio

Jack Esplin and Elder Jorge M. Alvarado

BYU-Idaho Radio

BYU-Idaho Radio · Elder Alvarado shares advice on going to the temple

The BYU-Idaho devotional speaker told students that going to the temple and remembering who they really are is an important part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Jorge M. Alvarado is a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He also told students they are the leaders of today, not tomorrow.

Elder Alvarado is from Ponce, Puerto Rico. He has served in many callings in the Church, including full-time missionary in the Florida Tampa Mission, ward mission leader, branch president, district council member, mission executive secretary, stake president, Area Seventy in the North America Southeast and Caribbean Areas, president of the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission and counselor in a bishopric.

He taught listeners that temple attendance is essential for renewing and growing in their covenants with the Lord.

BYU-Idaho Radio · Elder Alvarado shares message to students, keep Covenant Love in our everyday life.

"Before you receive your endowment, please dedicate and use time wisely to prepare for that wonderful gift from your Heavenly Father and your Savior. It is not just checking the box before serving the mission of being still in the temple. Rather, it's an essential ordinance that includes making sacred covenants intended to bless you now and throughout all eternity," he said in his devotional address.

In an interview by BYU-Idaho Radio, he said that temple attendance is key to keeping that covenant love in their hearts.

"It's more than a relationship. It's a connection with Him. And as you go within the house of the Lord, you will feel that connection with. So don't procrastinate, just schedule it," Elder Alvarado said.

If you want to see past devotionals, click here.

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Elder and Sister Bednar share marriage lessons from 50 years | Radio

Elder David A and Sister Susan Bednar

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

BYU-Idaho Radio · Elder & Sister Bednar celebrate 50th wedding anniversary by giving marriage advice to BYUI students

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came to BYU-Idaho on Sunday with his beloved wife, Susan.

They shared favorite memories in a devotional with the students. Instead of speaking from a pulpit, they sat in chairs on the stage and talked about their marriage, family life and shared principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

One story they shared was about their 25th anniversary, which they celebrated while serving at BYU-Idaho. Sister Bednar was sad their son, Jeff, wasn't able to be part of their celebrations that night.

"And Dave had me go over to the table and he sat me there. And we munched on our salads, and then it was time for the main course. And I wasn't even watching, but the person came and started to take the plate off the table. They had on a white shirt, and a kind of a tie, and tuxedo kind of thing, and a napkin over their sleeve like a maître d', and they asked, ... 'Are you ready for your main course?' And I recognized the voice, it was our son Jeff, that I had crabbed about all the evening, that he wasn't going to be there for home evening," Sister Bednar said.

They also taught students what they can do to build up relationships with their spouses.

"In the midst of my incredible love for her, we're about to have a fight over why she can't tell me why she's crying. So, we've been married almost 50 years. Brethren, I have only one piece of advice. Shut up and give her a hug. Quit asking. Quit trying to fix it. Boy brains are fixer brains. Can't we fix this? She doesn't want to fix it. She just wants to cry. Leave her alone," Elder Bednar said.
Elder Hirst invites all to rethink how to view repentance | BYUI Radio

Elder Karl D Hirst, General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ

Jack Esplin

BYU-Idaho Radio · Elder Hirst invites BYU-Idaho students to rethink how they view repentance

Elder Karl D. Hirst, a General Authority Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taught BYU-Idaho students to rethink how repentance can help them progress in their lifelong journey to become better disciples of Jesus Christ in his devotional address on Tuesday.

Repentance sometimes has a negative connotation tied to it, but as Elder Hirst taught in his devotional address, church members can rethink and reshape their view of this foundational principle. They can see weakness as an opportunity to grow.

"Being weak does not mean we are Satan's, it means we're capable of growth," Elder Hirst said. "Our weakness is God's opportunity. When we feel guilt, we know to reach out for our Savior. It might be hard, but don't avoid that difficult invitation."

In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, Elder Hirst used an example of Nephi from the Book of Mormon to illustrate how we can not only be cleansed but also changed through repentance.

BYU-Idaho Radio · Elder Hirst teaches BYU-Idaho students about using repentance to do good and refocus intentions

"We're not praying simply to be cleansed, but when we think about the sin that we're trying to repent of, we might, like Nephi, pray so that we might shake at the appearance of that sin," Elder Hirst said. "That's beyond being cleansed. He's praying specifically for the Lord to give him a physical reaction."

Elder Hirst further warned against falling into the trap of viewing good habits as mundane activities that lose their meaning by comparing that process to the story of the ten virgins.

"We do things that are designed to bring us that light and connect us with the Bridegroom, but we do it without the oil, the thing that gives it meaning," Elder Hirst said. "Things like prayer. It's designed to connect us with heaven, but sometimes we find ourselves going through the motions. We attend by appointment rather than because we want to meet the Bridegroom."

Elder Hirst reminded students they can progress on the path to follow Jesus Christ step by step.

"Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught us this at the last general conference; Remember, it is Jesus Christ who already did the superhuman part when He conquered death and sin. It is our part to turn away from sin, turn towards the Savior and walk in His way one step at a time."

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Elder Quentin L Cook teaches to trust in God | BYU-Idaho Radio

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

BYU-Idaho Radio · Elder Quentin L Cook teaches about trusting in God in BYU-Idaho devotional address

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of The Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints spoke to BYU-Idaho student Sunday during a campus devotional.

He took the theme of his talk, "His Paths are Righteous" from 2 Nephi 9 in the Book of Mormon.

He shared stories of how his testimony was strengthened of the Book of Mormon and of Joseph smith as a prophet of God.

One story was about his brother getting a chance to serve a mission during the Korean War. Their father was not active in the church and only one young man in a ward was usually allowed to serve at the time. A missionary was already serving from their ward so his brother was preparing for medical school, when he got an unexpected call from his bishop, explaining he could serve too.

However, their father said he would better serve people by becoming a doctor. The brothers talked about the choice together.

"He was five years older and already had a testimony, so it was mainly his thinking," Elder Cook said. "As we reasoned it out we concluded: If Jesus Christ was a great man but not divine, if the Book of Mormon had wonderful counsel but was not the Word of God, or, if Joseph Smith was a wonderful teacher but not a prophet, then dad was right-- one could do more good by going to medical school. But, if Jesus Christ is divine the Son of God and the Savior of the world, if the Book of Mormon is the Word of God, and if Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration, then it would be more important to accept the call and proclaim the gospel."

Elder Cook wanted to know the answers to those questions and prayed to know the truth of them.

"At that time neither my brother nor I had any kind of angelic visitation. I had what I have come to understand is the feeling that the Holy Ghost provides me when I am seeking spiritual truths."

His brother did serve a mission and a few years later, so did Elder Cook.

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