I recently graduated from BYUI and the Meredith’s brought a special spirit to campus. I even thought of prolonging my graduation just so I could have one more semester with them!!
This is so good and the Meredith's are such a great couple and team. What a wonderful message. This is my favorite episode from the entire year. BYU Idaho is indeed lucky to have them.
So grateful to hear from President and Sister Meredith. I am a BYU-IDAHO grad. Elder and Sister Clark were presiding during my stay. I loved how he always said "it's another great day at BYU-Idaho" loved it there! The spirit was so special. I am very grateful that they spent about the first 20 minutes of this episode talking about the virtues of BYU Idaho. It is truly a great place! I listened to this on Christmas Day and was blessed by it. The topic of Grace that was discussed was applicable today. I was feeling a bit of gloom and overwhelm, probably just because of worldly cares. I knew I needed to turn to my Savior. To get me out of the gloom, I was inspired to listen to this episode. Brother Bytheway and Brother Smith, the Spirit, you and your guests never disappoint. This episode has uplifted my soul and helped me ponder on the things of Christ. From the opening paragraph of this week's lesson it asked what has increased our faith in Christ as we have read this year in the Book of Mormon. I am sure many have done this but I decided to put a little heart symbol next to anytime that I noticed the Lord's mercies to his people and have been thoroughly shocked at the amount of mercy that the Lord gives. I apply that to my life and look continuously to see how many times the Lord is merciful to me and it is astounding. It should not be because that is His nature but it still is humbling and astounding to see all the things that He does for us. Tuning in from Syracuse UT
Hank and John, though this will be lost among the hundreds of comments I just have to express my deep gratitude for the work you have done and the guests you have asked to be on Follow Him. I am typically listening on my morning walks, or cleaning the house. I always come away so uplifted and with new resolve to draw closer to the Savior. I love all the new insights into the scriptures and just being able to think of familiar verses in new ways. Thank you for being exceptional examples of joyfully living the gospel. I hope that post-mortally we’ll get to be friends.😊 Thank you for adding another layer of delight to scripture study! Happily listening in Las Vegas, NV
I love BYUI. Four of our five children attended BYUI, with two of them graduating from BYUI. I took one of our children to tour various church school campuses. We toured the then LDS Business School, and BYU, along with BYUI. Each campus had a unique feel to it. I will always remember how special it felt to be on campus at BYUI. It truly felt like a disciple training center. This podcast was special. Thanks to the Merediths for all they shared.
We currently have three children at BYU-I, and in an unexpected turn of events I stayed in Rexburg for 7 weeks after taking our daughter down for her first semester. I fell in love all over again with my alma mater during my time there. Our oldest son was able to personally meet the Merediths during a unique opportunity this last semester and had such a great experience in their company. The Merediths truly continue to foster the "Spirit of Ricks." We all enjoyed listening to your visit with the Merediths in our living room this Christmas season. Thank you so much for FollowHim and helping all of us strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ!
I was going to Ricks College as a newly single mom of 5 when it changed to BYU-Idaho. It was a very trying time in my life but I felt enveloped by the Spirit in inexplainable and unexpected ways. I was enveloped in a cocoon of protection and growth I could not have imagined or gotten any other way. I was able to get my degree in nursing there 22 years ago. Such a blessing!!❤
Thank you more than I can say for these podcasts. I have learned more this year than I have in my life, and I've been a consistent reader of the Book of Mormon since I joined the Church. I mostly listen to your podcast and Unshaken with Dr. Jared Halverson, and it has literally changed my life. This has been such a difficult and trying year; I never could have guessed a year ago that I would be as happy and as well as I am right now. Studying the Book of Mormon has truly helped me experience miracles in my life. God bless you and all your guests for an amazing year of study. :^)
I have been employed at BYUI for the past ten years and am an Alumni of Ricks College. This is a special place to me. I felt lead to move back to Rexburg 20 years ago and the blessings that have come from living in this community have been overwhelming. I have been inspired by all the leaders that have come to lead the college. The Meredith's have been a light to BYUI and you can feel the love they have for the students here.
I'm a graduate of BYU Provo and there is a special place in my heart for that school. But my daughter chose to attend BYU Idaho, which we have discovered was inspired and has been such a wonderful fit. She absolutely loves it there, and we couldn't be more happy for her. There is a special spirit that resides in that campus, which we felt when we first set foot there during our campus tour. Thank you President and Sister Meredith (and to your predecessors) for creating a true gem to inspire our young people.
Our four sons and two of our daughters-in-law graduated from BYU-I and our daughter and my husband went to Ricks College. I taught as an adjunct professor for three semesters. We had four grandchildren there last semester. One is going on a mission in March and two others in August. We are so grateful for BYU-Idaho for the wonderful spirit which permeates the campus. We revel in the goodness and the testimonies of the students. It has been a great blessing in our family! We are from Idaho Falls.
Thank you for all of your wonderful conversations, stories, testimonies with such awesome and learned guests. I have loved all four years and I’m looking forward to going on!
John, as someone close to your age, although you are still younger, I feel excitement to learn new things every day. My grandfather once said, "The day you stop learning is the day you die, whether they bury you or not." He was a college professor just like you are and felt he could learn many good things from all kinds of people. I am sorry you felt a little embarrassed by things you didn't know before this year, but I think it would serve you better to just be grateful for continuing to learn and excited by the new knowledge you now can have.
I loved this episode! I attended "Rick's College" in the mid 70's. At that time President Eyring was the president of "Ricks" and President Oaks was the president of BYU.
A ton of my family lives in Rexburg and BYU-I will always be Ricks to me. I graduated in 2019 and loved my time there. I grew up from a young husband to a father. Some of them most spiritual experiences of my life happened while studying welding and automotive. Several professors help me beyond just the classroom by offering guidance with career choices and character building. I'm now in the process of applying for a position as an online instructor and am very excited to hopefully be able to give back the way I was. "Becoming Mighty Oaks."
Love the insights into this portion of the Come Follow Me program. And I appreciate the plug for Rexburg and BYU-Idaho! It truly is a remarkable place!
I was born and raised in Rexburg and graduated from Ricks College in 1963. I loved it there. My great grandfather was one of the founders of Rexburg and the first mayor, Jacob Henry Flamm.
Went to Ricks college in 1993 from Los Angeles. Left my house one chilly morning in jeans and flip flops. Walked home in the afternoon through a foot of snow. Culture shock!!
I went to both Ricks College and BYU Idaho. One of my favorite things, to go along with all of the other wonderful things, is that all the faculty were Brother or Sister and then their last name. They all have multiple doctorates and masters degrees, but their most important title was Brother or Sister.
I have a question about the quote from President Eyring given: “When the Holy Ghost is your companion, you can have confidence that the Atonement is working in your life.” Is the inverse true as well? If I’m not feeling the spirit, then the Atonement isn’t working in my life? I haven’t been able to feel the spirit for a long time. I also haven’t felt any power from the Atonement ever in my life. This quote ironically does a great job describing both aspects of what I’ve struggled with for a very long time. I’ve been a member my whole life but for some reason the gospel doesn’t seem to work for me. I do have a very strong testimony of the commandments. I have been tremendously blessed throughout my life and part of that comes from what success I’ve had in keeping the commandments I’ve been able to keep. But, no matter how hard I used to try, I never was able to overcome anything, at least not for a sustained period of time. After years of trying, I’ve basically given up on myself for the past several years. I do still recognize the blessings I’ve been given and am grateful for my membership. But it’s hard to keep going when the reality of Jesus, and truly knowing him, has been completely unattainable my entire life, no matter how much I’ve read, prayed, etc. I feel like I’ve made all the correct choices, like a mission, temple marriage, kids, etc. My personal scripture study has been poor to non-existent for years now. But, my wife and I read most nights together and pray and we do read and pray as a family daily. I did used to read and pray personally, but it didn’t help. I do have a testimony, but it’s been hard not to question things when the most fundamental doctrine, Christ and His Atonement, have never felt real to me at any point in my life.
It’s very hard to go through life like that… numb? And you said you read the scriptures? I know when I’m sad, when I read the Book of Mormon with real intent, alone slowly from the beginning to the end, it brings the spirit. Another thing is serving my family and others, truly bring the Spirit, which testifies of all things. What about going to the temple with those questions and asking for help to feel the Spirit? My heart goes out to you, it’s amazing that you’re still active and follow the commandments, that requires, faith, trust and love for the Lord… keep doing that and who knows one of these days you’ll feel that joy..! I’ll say prayers for you ! 🎄❣️
BYU Utah needs to follow suit. The professors in Provo are cold and distant to students, focused on research. It's a great school, but students feel isolated there and have to teach theirself. Professors have no time to help. There are too many students in their classes. It's sad. I went to Ricks College many years ago, with Bruce Haffen & loved it then! Wonderful professors. ❤
John & Hank, Have you yet come to realize The Book of Mormon is Is the Journal of Jesus Christ with mankind. I have come to realize The Book of Mormon includes my journal of my life with Him and the journal of every other person will find their journal written in it also! And so much more, explain it, but I know this is truth that I have come to know! As I'm sure you have also!
I recently graduated from BYUI and the Meredith’s brought a special spirit to campus. I even thought of prolonging my graduation just so I could have one more semester with them!!
This is so good and the Meredith's are such a great couple and team. What a wonderful message. This is my favorite episode from the entire year. BYU Idaho is indeed lucky to have them.
So grateful to hear from President and Sister Meredith. I am a BYU-IDAHO grad. Elder and Sister Clark were presiding during my stay. I loved how he always said "it's another great day at BYU-Idaho" loved it there! The spirit was so special. I am very grateful that they spent about the first 20 minutes of this episode talking about the virtues of BYU Idaho. It is truly a great place!
I listened to this on Christmas Day and was blessed by it. The topic of Grace that was discussed was applicable today. I was feeling a bit of gloom and overwhelm, probably just because of worldly cares. I knew I needed to turn to my Savior. To get me out of the gloom, I was inspired to listen to this episode. Brother Bytheway and Brother Smith, the Spirit, you and your guests never disappoint. This episode has uplifted my soul and helped me ponder on the things of Christ.
From the opening paragraph of this week's lesson it asked what has increased our faith in Christ as we have read this year in the Book of Mormon. I am sure many have done this but I decided to put a little heart symbol next to anytime that I noticed the Lord's mercies to his people and have been thoroughly shocked at the amount of mercy that the Lord gives. I apply that to my life and look continuously to see how many times the Lord is merciful to me and it is astounding. It should not be because that is His nature but it still is humbling and astounding to see all the things that He does for us.
Tuning in from Syracuse UT
Hank and John, though this will be lost among the hundreds of comments I just have to express my deep gratitude for the work you have done and the guests you have asked to be on Follow Him. I am typically listening on my morning walks, or cleaning the house. I always come away so uplifted and with new resolve to draw closer to the Savior. I love all the new insights into the scriptures and just being able to think of familiar verses in new ways. Thank you for being exceptional examples of joyfully living the gospel. I hope that post-mortally we’ll get to be friends.😊 Thank you for adding another layer of delight to scripture study!
Happily listening in Las Vegas, NV
I love BYUI. Four of our five children attended BYUI, with two of them graduating from BYUI. I took one of our children to tour various church school campuses. We toured the then LDS Business School, and BYU, along with BYUI. Each campus had a unique feel to it. I will always remember how special it felt to be on campus at BYUI. It truly felt like a disciple training center. This podcast was special. Thanks to the Merediths for all they shared.
😂lo📅o😊 lo y😢k😢k
We currently have three children at BYU-I, and in an unexpected turn of events I stayed in Rexburg for 7 weeks after taking our daughter down for her first semester. I fell in love all over again with my alma mater during my time there. Our oldest son was able to personally meet the Merediths during a unique opportunity this last semester and had such a great experience in their company. The Merediths truly continue to foster the "Spirit of Ricks." We all enjoyed listening to your visit with the Merediths in our living room this Christmas season. Thank you so much for FollowHim and helping all of us strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ!
I was going to Ricks College as a newly single mom of 5 when it changed to BYU-Idaho. It was a very trying time in my life but I felt enveloped by the Spirit in inexplainable and unexpected ways. I was enveloped in a cocoon of protection and growth I could not have imagined or gotten any other way. I was able to get my degree in nursing there 22 years ago. Such a blessing!!❤
BYUi is a gem!! Love it! So grateful to send my kids there!
Thank you more than I can say for these podcasts. I have learned more this year than I have in my life, and I've been a consistent reader of the Book of Mormon since I joined the Church. I mostly listen to your podcast and Unshaken with Dr. Jared Halverson, and it has literally changed my life. This has been such a difficult and trying year; I never could have guessed a year ago that I would be as happy and as well as I am right now. Studying the Book of Mormon has truly helped me experience miracles in my life. God bless you and all your guests for an amazing year of study. :^)
I have been employed at BYUI for the past ten years and am an Alumni of Ricks College. This is a special place to me. I felt lead to move back to Rexburg 20 years ago and the blessings that have come from living in this community have been overwhelming. I have been inspired by all the leaders that have come to lead the college. The Meredith's have been a light to BYUI and you can feel the love they have for the students here.
I'm a graduate of BYU Provo and there is a special place in my heart for that school. But my daughter chose to attend BYU Idaho, which we have discovered was inspired and has been such a wonderful fit. She absolutely loves it there, and we couldn't be more happy for her. There is a special spirit that resides in that campus, which we felt when we first set foot there during our campus tour. Thank you President and Sister Meredith (and to your predecessors) for creating a true gem to inspire our young people.
"...Your lives may be the only Book of Mormon that anyone will ever read." SO powerful! Thank you!! I love this podcast every week!!
Our four sons and two of our daughters-in-law graduated from BYU-I and our daughter and my husband went to Ricks College. I taught as an adjunct professor for three semesters. We had four grandchildren there last semester. One is going on a mission in March and two others in August. We are so grateful for BYU-Idaho for the wonderful spirit which permeates the campus. We revel in the goodness and the testimonies of the students. It has been a great blessing in our family! We are from Idaho Falls.
“When the Savior’s around, miracles just happen. They are a natural result of His presence “. (Priceless and absolutely true.) Merry Christmas!
Thank you for all of your wonderful conversations, stories, testimonies with such awesome and learned guests. I have loved all four years and I’m looking forward to going on!
John, as someone close to your age, although you are still younger, I feel excitement to learn new things every day. My grandfather once said, "The day you stop learning is the day you die, whether they bury you or not." He was a college professor just like you are and felt he could learn many good things from all kinds of people. I am sorry you felt a little embarrassed by things you didn't know before this year, but I think it would serve you better to just be grateful for continuing to learn and excited by the new knowledge you now can have.
So grateful to hear of the divine legacy of BYUI. I have several nieces and nephews who loved their experience there
Amazing interview so far. These two are a power couple!
I love these videos. Thank you!
The Saviour must have spoke from His mother’s womb. That is spiritual food for thought. Love it
Thank you
I loved this episode! I attended "Rick's College" in the mid 70's. At that time President Eyring was the president of "Ricks" and President Oaks was the president of BYU.
BYUI is a special place for my wife and I , because that is where our lives began. 41 years latter still going strong.
A ton of my family lives in Rexburg and BYU-I will always be Ricks to me. I graduated in 2019 and loved my time there. I grew up from a young husband to a father. Some of them most spiritual experiences of my life happened while studying welding and automotive. Several professors help me beyond just the classroom by offering guidance with career choices and character building. I'm now in the process of applying for a position as an online instructor and am very excited to hopefully be able to give back the way I was. "Becoming Mighty Oaks."
Love the insights into this portion of the Come Follow Me program. And I appreciate the plug for Rexburg and BYU-Idaho! It truly is a remarkable place!
Loved Ricks College and now Love BYUI. Great place for children to grow in the "Palm of His Hands!"
I was born and raised in Rexburg and graduated from Ricks College in 1963. I loved it there. My great grandfather was one of the founders of Rexburg and the first mayor, Jacob Henry Flamm.
Thank you for the beautiful message! Merry Christmas to all!
Very nice
Thanks
Went to Ricks college in 1993 from Los Angeles. Left my house one chilly morning in jeans and flip flops. Walked home in the afternoon through a foot of snow. Culture shock!!
I went to both Ricks College and BYU Idaho. One of my favorite things, to go along with all of the other wonderful things, is that all the faculty were Brother or Sister and then their last name. They all have multiple doctorates and masters degrees, but their most important title was Brother or Sister.
I have had 3 kids that went to byu Idaho but it was called Ricks when they went and they loved it
Can we have a copy of Sister Meredith’s notes on Pres Nelson’s talks on Joy?!?! I’d love to read that ❤❤❤
I would like a copy as well!
I have a question about the quote from President Eyring given: “When the Holy Ghost is your companion, you can have confidence that the Atonement is working in your life.” Is the inverse true as well? If I’m not feeling the spirit, then the Atonement isn’t working in my life?
I haven’t been able to feel the spirit for a long time. I also haven’t felt any power from the Atonement ever in my life. This quote ironically does a great job describing both aspects of what I’ve struggled with for a very long time.
I’ve been a member my whole life but for some reason the gospel doesn’t seem to work for me. I do have a very strong testimony of the commandments. I have been tremendously blessed throughout my life and part of that comes from what success I’ve had in keeping the commandments I’ve been able to keep. But, no matter how hard I used to try, I never was able to overcome anything, at least not for a sustained period of time. After years of trying, I’ve basically given up on myself for the past several years. I do still recognize the blessings I’ve been given and am grateful for my membership. But it’s hard to keep going when the reality of Jesus, and truly knowing him, has been completely unattainable my entire life, no matter how much I’ve read, prayed, etc. I feel like I’ve made all the correct choices, like a mission, temple marriage, kids, etc. My personal scripture study has been poor to non-existent for years now. But, my wife and I read most nights together and pray and we do read and pray as a family daily. I did used to read and pray personally, but it didn’t help.
I do have a testimony, but it’s been hard not to question things when the most fundamental doctrine, Christ and His Atonement, have never felt real to me at any point in my life.
It’s very hard to go through life like that… numb? And you said you read the scriptures? I know when I’m sad, when I read the Book of Mormon with real intent, alone slowly from the beginning to the end, it brings the spirit. Another thing is serving my family and others, truly bring the Spirit, which testifies of all things. What about going to the temple with those questions and asking for help to feel the Spirit? My heart goes out to you, it’s amazing that you’re still active and follow the commandments, that requires, faith, trust and love for the Lord… keep doing that and who knows one of these days you’ll feel that joy..! I’ll say prayers for you ! 🎄❣️
BYU Utah needs to follow suit. The professors in Provo are cold and distant to students, focused on research. It's a great school, but students feel isolated there and have to teach theirself. Professors have no time to help. There are too many students in their classes. It's sad.
I went to Ricks College many years ago, with Bruce Haffen & loved it then! Wonderful professors. ❤
Wonderful podcast!!! Where can I read about the prisoner in Vietnam? I want to put it in my journal.
John & Hank,
Have you yet come to realize The Book of Mormon is Is the Journal of Jesus Christ with mankind. I have come to realize The Book of Mormon includes my journal of my life with Him and the journal of every
other person will find their journal written in it also! And so much more, explain it, but I know this is truth that I have come to know! As I'm sure you have also!
Your lives may be the only Book of Mormon that anyone will ever read. 😮
Can we have a copy of Sister Meredith’s notes on Pres Nelson’s talks on Joy?!?! I’d love to read that ❤❤❤