“there is a place for scholars in the Lord’s house”

Have you ever felt like there isn’t a place for scholars in the Lord’s house? Think about the reading selection from this week. When the early saints were building the Salt Lake Temple there were many needs for laborers and craftsmen, but what did the scholars have to offer? If your expertise was in languages or medicine in what way could you help in building the Lord’s house?

From the experiences of Elder Talmage, we learn that there is a place for scholars in the Lord’s house. Elder Talmage was a great example of using the talents the Lord had given him in building up the Lord’s kingdom.

In the next several weeks you will start to make your own journey to BYU. Upon arrival, you will have so many different feelings that it will probably be hard to concentrate on any one thing. Try to take time now as you prepare to reflect on what you hope to accomplish during your time here.

Here are two different BYU Photographer slide shows. The first is one of the annual First Day of Class slide shows that BYU Photographers make. During this slide show, you will feel the excitement of the first day. The first day of classes is the start of something new to everyone. For those of you that have never visited BYU, you will be able to see some scenes of campus.

The second slide show is from the opposite side of the spectrum. This slide show is about graduation. As you listen and watch this slide show, think about the sense of accomplishment you can feel in his voice. Your time at BYU is yours. You can accomplish amazing things. The key is to start from the very beginning. Be your best from the first day.

Your time at BYU is your preparatory time. I hope that we all have goals that once we leave BYU we can be prepared to help better build up the Lord’s kingdom. There is room for scholars in the Lord’s house. There is room for craftsmen. There is room for people that are willing to serve and work. There is room for anyone that is willing to work and serve.