Welcome to the recent speeches podcast presented by BYU speeches

featuring inspiring new devotional and forums given each week on BYU campus.

Be sure to check out our other podcasts by searching BYU speeches wherever you get your podcasts or by visiting

speeches dot BYU.edU slash podcasts.

Wow you are a sight to behold.

In fact, you've even befuddled our computers because apparently they thought you were at

Lavelle Edwards Stadium because you're gathered in such large numbers.

I just want to start by expressing my gratitude for Wendy.

She didn't seek this opportunity to serve in this capacity at this time and certainly doesn't relish standing up in front of everybody in front of a

devotional but she is a remarkable person.

She's perfect in nearly every way and I am grateful for her.

She has really only one clear and obvious character flaw and that's her taste in men. And so I'm

grateful for her long suffering.

My friends, welcome to BYU.

For some of you, that's a welcome back to BYU.

For over 10,000 of you, today is the first time you've heard that amazing greeting with all of its anticipation, excitement, and wonder.

Today marks the beginning of my 22nd year of hearing that welcome phrase.

I've heard it from President Rex E. Lee, who had just taken the reins from President Jeffrey R. Holland.

I've heard it from President Merrill J. I was hired at BYU. I've heard those warm and

inviting words from President Cecil O Samuelson, who was the President

when I received my first promotion. I heard it last year and many

years before that from President Kevin J. Werthon, who was and remains one of my personal heroes. It is a humbling thing for me to stand before you today

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