Ive learned that when precision is involved, you always know the Lord is involved. deductible, Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe@sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe@sltrib.com. She's set to speak to graduates during commencement at Utah . By The Salt Lake Tribune Donate to the newsroom now. It doesnt matter what any of these people do, you hate, just to hate, and youre so satisfied and smug. She began by talking about how when she was a student at Calgary General Hospital School of Nursing in Canada and later at Brigham Young University in Provo she had hoped to meet someone. And they found out in a most unexpected way. Ordained an Apostle on 12 An example is zero contention. of Raymond, Alberta, Canada, is the daughter of the late Leonard Nelson was born Sept. 9, 1924, in Salt Lake City, the son of Marion C. and Edna Anderson Nelson. President Russell M. Nelson President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sunday, May 15, 2022 My dear brothers and sisters, Sister Nelson and I have looked forward to this evening for months now. She said people should let go of disagreements in politics, move forward despite tension in work and strive to eliminate it from their homes. He knows that the Lord has something for every country that will make it better for every family that will make them stronger, for every individual that will make them happier. The moment he becomes President of the Church, he and everybody else can figure out thats not going to work. I wish it were appropriate for me to tell you how his prayers have changed. Here are some particularly heartwarming stories she shared. And everything feels like its moving. And he is willing to do whatever he is instructed to do. Great sacrifice to keep learning. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. President Russell M. Nelsons fast-paced global ministry, A look at President Russell M. Nelsons first 3 years leading the Church, Prophet, physician, husband and father: A look at the life of President Nelson, Sarah Jane Weaver: What I have observed about President Nelsons greatest quality. However, President Nelsons consistent kindness and thoughtfulness reached her heart, and one Christmas, she left a loving note and a handmade item on our porch to thank him.. What's the next thing the Lord needs him to do? He does not like categories or labels, because he believes that also separates and segregates. My grandfather was not an apostle, but he had been the stake president and then the patriarch (for nearly 20 years) of the one stake in the small Arizona town where he lived. Jesus Christ is my Savior. She retired in May 2006 at the time of her marriage to then-apostle Russell M. Nelson. on CD, including Rock Solid Relationships and Things Are "He sees things and says, 'What are we doing that for?' President Utah State Medical Association, vii. Thats what hes after. The episode, titled Sister Wendy W. Nelson on being an eyewitness to President Russell M. Nelsons four years as Prophet, covers a wide variety of topics, exploring what it has been like for Sister Nelson to watch her husbands historic ministry as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are on a global tour of eight countries. It was a privilege for me to be in their presence. Sarah Jane Weaver:Three years ago this month President Russell M. Nelson was set apart as the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Jan. 14, 2018. He had a very prestigious career before he was called as the prophet. . Sister Wendy Nelson: He is so different from when I married him and I am so different, at least I hope we are, because our marriage is such a great joy for each of us. He then served in the military for 20 months as a Medical Corp and left as a Captain. Well, if youre ready, lets start. Would it have anything to do with how to hear Him or would you take it in a separate direction? I was better for that. So let Gods will prevail. And suddenly, in early January, I looked on the calendar again, and everythings gone, meaning all those trips were gone. Reduce and simplify. I mean, we think about so many things that he has done. I learned this early in our marriage. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax As the late Sunday afternoon sun warmed the stained-glass windows in the doors of the Rome Italy Temple, the men dubbed "the two Russells . Nelson met fellow Utah student Dantzel White in 1942, and after dating her for three years, they married in 1945 at the Salt Lake Temple. In a popular Mormon Leak site, it was revealed that authorities get more than $120,000 a year. If youve cheerfully done everything you can do, then its time to stand still. You decide after talking to me. And, in fact, he will sometimes say, Im better today than I was yesterday. So imagine, I sometimes say to him what someone else said, and that is, What do you think well be doing 1,000 years from now, because Ive shared a lot with these first 15. Hearts can change., Donate to the newsroom now. She chaired the BYU Womens Conference in 1999 and 2000. . She had been angry, she said, that things didnt go like she wanted. I know Joseph was a Prophet. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, courtesy of Church News. Sister Sheri Dew: Hes a bridge builder. Sister Wendy Nelson: So lets just refine that to say since this last year was no travel were really talking about 35 countries and 14 states in two years. Nelson has denied all claims. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Cookie Notice Advocate of the Arts award The Inspirational Arts Association. What I learned through that travel, as well, is sacrifice is so important to really staying converted when I would meet people who had gone through great sacrifice to join the Church. Its just particularly hurtful to choose her, he has said. Hes more compassionate than ever; his knee-jerk response is always benevolence, kindness. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The returned sister missionary was game, so Sheri quickly jotted a note and handed it to her. You were loved here.. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News, Deseret News. But love is a powerful healer, Nelson added, noting its the opposite of contention. But he loves learning and teaching about Gods laws, because then theyre so predictable. As his wife, what is your unique view of that? Ill tell you some specifics in a minute. Learn more about how the Lord brought President and Sister Nelson together in this Church Newsvideo: Insights from a Prophet's Life: Russell M. Nelsonshares more about how the Nelsons met and the challenges they overcame as a couple: In the spring of 2005, Wendy Watson made a trip to southern Alberta to speak at a stake Relief Society conference in her hometown of Raymond, Alberta, Canada. The linked site has its own terms of use, privacy policies, and security practices that differ from those on our website. However, once we come up out of those waters, if we only sprinkle our lives we werent sprinkled to be baptized, we were immersed to be baptized. President Nelson, 93, was set apart as the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on January 14, after serving 34 years in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Elder Nelson was with his wife at the time. His first assignment as the quorum president was to supervise the church's activities in Eastern Europe. And I know that fasting works. There is a big change coming in my life. The next morning, Wendy mentioned that she had awakened with a hymn in her mind and she didnt know what it was. They married in 2006, when he was an apostle; he was named church president in. She became a professor, too. Im thrilled they are both willing to give us this glimpse into President Nelsons amazing ministry. "To meet the debt, I picked her up after school, took her to LDS Hospital where we each sold a pint of blood for $25, then took her to work at the music store. What is really happening here? He married Dantzel White in 1945 and the two of them are parents to 10 children. Let Gods vision prevail. And I wish I could point to one moment, but I can point to what would be part of that moment, to some absolutely essential elements of that moment. Her husband was with her when she died. And Ive come to listen just a little bit better to what this is all about. Additionally, NO church authorities are paid, from the top general church authorities to the local bishopric members. Governors Medal of Science: Lifetime Achievement Award Utah Technology Innovation Summit. President Nelson, a leader of almost 17 million Latter-day Saints worldwide, has traveled extensively, changed Church organization, issued historic invitations, used technology and built many bridges of understanding. You were educated here. The small audience in the auditorium at Utah Valley in Orem laughed. I would like to receive in excess of $120,000 to be a leader in your church. Thats how he is living his life these days. Hes even again, more what looks like courageous and bold, but is just his obedience, his intense, exquisite obedience to whatever the Lord needs him to do. He loved every moment, he would say, Im going to go out to play in the snow and help our neighbors.. 16 of 17. Wendy Watson Nelson: her birthday, what she did before fame, her family life, fun trivia facts, popularity rankings, and more. Since Nelson was named the commencement speaker, they had asked the university to reconsider, largely pointing to what they see as bias and discrimination in her work. Our seeking peace and harmony is essential for peace in the world, so while some comments are disturbing just walk away and dont read them, they are words. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife Sister Wendy Nelson with the Rev. When they drove away, it was the first time they had been alone in a car together. Knowing that he would be traveling alone to and from Europe, he asked his secretary to go to Deseret Book and get him a couple of books to read on the trip. Jointly published by the Deseret News and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its content supports the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church. Following the sealing ceremony, the new Elder and Sister Nelson invited family and close friends to join them in an endowment session. He also has a professorship named after him. rules, Utes seeing transfer portals impact on college gymnastics. great-grandchildren. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, talks with children while meeting with a three-generation family in Singapore on Nov. 20, 2019. Then know that you are working with God and with God all things will be possible and youll have an amazing experience. Nelson has published pieces where she labels gay relationships as distortion and perversion. In one of the most popular books of her career, Purity and Passion, she posits that homosexual activities break the eternal law upon which the blessings of marital intimacy are predicated., Thats a position shared with LDS Church leadership, which has repeatedly confirmed its opposition to gay marriage and considers same-sex relations a sin, forcing gay and lesbian members to avoid intimate partnerships to remain full-fledged members. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide. Sister Wendy Nelson: What Ive learned about hearing Him is this: That everything we do in our home is to increase his ability and my ability to hear the voice of the Lord, as brought to us by the Spirit. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Sister Wendy Nelson: In a very practical way, let God prevail means for President Nelson that he is on call 24 hours a day for the Lord. I would feel that speaking to a congregation of 50,000 or a little small branch in Yekaterinburg, Russia the same thing. The university defended the choice and even reiterated its support from the lectern during the ceremony Friday. During the last three years, youve been to more than 30 countries, I think its in the neighborhood of 35 countries. I think it would be terrible. . 'What are we spending the widow's mite on that for?'". Even Christ had people who hated him, as did Ghandi, Martin Luther and Lincoln. And I know the Book of Mormon is real. Because the great-grandchildren were starting to come really fast. They married in 2006, when he was an apostle; he was named church president in 2018. That to me says at all, his honoring of woman. Ravage your relationships. She described letting go of what she had planned her stress over a prescribed timeline listening to what she really needed and getting love in return. The Scriptures are answer books. iii. Theyll feel like theyre making a difference. Wendy, back off. Does anyone else think it's strange that President Nelson basically decided to pursue Wendi only 3 months after his wife had died? Then, after a round of photographs, the new couple were off on their honeymoon. When one person believes that he or she is more correct than another and that they must change, that leads to emotional violence, she said. And sometimes you start with, OK, God is my Heavenly Father. The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. family therapy in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young Then it is a beautiful thing. She passed away in 2005, just shy of their 60th wedding anniversary. The previous 12 months have seen several heartwarming and inspiring moments in the prophet's life. On July 15, 2015, Nelson was formally set apart to be the quorum president by Thomas S. Monson. Not Always as They Appear. This special Church News podcast examines President Nelson's first three years from the perspective of his wife, Sister Wendy Watson Nelson. Nowhere that I have found does it say what the president of your church receives as a Living allowance. And then, theres an obstacle. Thats what were talking about. Sister Wendy Nelson has many titles doctor, gerontologist, and marriage and family therapist being just a few. Those are all the things Ive seen. And I know how to follow instructions. Such a moment that would define or represent his ministry would also show him harkening. As I hinted at, instead of the traditional format for this Church News podcast, we are going to step back and listen to a conversation between these two amazing women. 17th president of the church When was President Nelson called as president of the quorum of the 12? In the face of concern and controversy over her speaking, Wendy Watson Nelson a former family therapist and the wife of the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints directed graduates in her address Friday night to drop their contentions, open space for the existence of another and, through those actions, come to find love in their lives. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Wendy Nelson, wife of church President Russell M. Nelson, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. He will never go through a doorway first. We have faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ for our sins. In April 2006, he married Wendy L. Watson. Elder Nelson and Wendy L. Watson "were married today in the Salt Lake Temple. It wont cost Billions, but the cost will be in the Millions, and I believe we can get the IMF to pay for it because there are 11 major cities around the world that also need to be saved. Speaking of President Nelsons eagerness to help his wife, no matter the time, Sister Nelson shared this insight: President Nelson never delays; he never puts off anything. Sister Nelson was 78. I can tell you that when we are studying our Come, Follow Me or watching a Book of Mormon video or reading our scriptures, we will often say to each other, Imagine, our friend in Mongolia is reading 'Come, Follow Me' scriptures, right today. Our friends in India, our friends in Tonga, our friends in Indonesia. Subscribe to theChurch News podcastonApple Podcasts,Amazon,Google Podcasts,Stitcher,Spotify,bookshelf PLUSor wherever you get podcasts. In 1955, he accepted a faculty position at the University of Utah School of Medicine. What have you observed in that father/daughter relationship, by of course, coming to love his daughters? What do you see personally about his regard for women. What would you want to tell them? Again, building on this, and thinking about so many experiences youve had and that youve personally witnessed with your husband over the last three years: Is there a moment or maybe some certain kinds of moments that you think typify his ministry? Andy Larsen: Heres where National Weather Service forecasts flooding, in the short term and the long term, Murray police officers were justified in their use of force against a 52-year-old man who died after arrest, Salt Lake County D.A. Sister Sheri Dew: And I know you hope that the day will come soon, we hope, where travel is more doable. We Believe Jesus Christ is our Lord and Redeemer. He has not tried to replicate anything thats been done before. We dont need to agree with another persons ideas, she said. Theyre really low maintenance, meaning he has great confidence in them. What day did President Nelson get married to Wendy Watson? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Fasting is real. Jointly published by the Deseret News and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its content supports the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church. He also served as a leader of the LDS Church for many years in many spells. Nelson Mandela, ex-president of South Africa, dies at 95 "I cannot say for certain if there is such a thing as love at first sight," he wrote in his biography. I think about, heres a man who for 34 years played the organ every Thursday for the Brethren in the temple. . Sister Nelson also spoke about President Nelsons concern for neighbors and others: For the first 12 years of our marriage, we lived in North Salt Lake and in the winter, it snowed a lot. I have learned so much from the people weve met. Wendy Watson Nelson is a retired marriage and family therapist, author, and speaker. Sister Sheri Dew: Everybody goes through major transitions. I know Jesus is the Christ. By referring or linking you to this website, we do not endorse or guarantee this content, products, or services offered. Sister Wendy Nelson: And then the Lord will help you have eyes to see what is the next thing that is really true, then you can add that to your list, and it will be a great thing. Shell be led to do it. "He's free to follow through with things he's been concerned about but could never do. What have you learned about the Church? President Russell M. Nelson joked with a purpose Sunday night about being more than 97-and-a-half years old the oldest president and prophet in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And so that was just wonderful. She married a wonderful husband for time and all eternity in a holy temple, he said. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Wendy L. Watson Her message about dropping tensions and expectations to accept love is one, she said, she has personally experienced. This special Church News podcast examines President Nelsons first three years from the perspective of his wife, Sister Wendy Watson Nelson. Spiritual Momentum, 4/2022. "The sadness was gone and it did us all good to see that happiness back." Sister Wendy Nelson has been by his side now for 12 years and has been a "tremendous support for him," he said. And then he stands to the side for me to go in through the doorway first. I commend her teachings to you. Sheri explained the note she had written to the Hillams and said that she was just finishing a second note, this one for Elder Nelson. I think thats happening. You are about to access Constant Contacts (http://visitor.constantcontact.com). Enter your email to receive updates on our LDS Living content, 2022 LDS Living A Division of Deseret Book Company, Insights from a Prophet's Life: Russell M. Nelson, 6 temple dresses + accessories Latter-day Saint women will love, 6 quotes from Latter-day Saint leaders to celebrate Earth Day, 3 scripture stories that may inspire you to be a little more tree. What killed Dantzel, Doc Nelson???!! He loves that word, hearken, meaning listen to obey. Sister Wendy Nelson: Well, I know that prayer works. My wife, Wendy, is a woman of great faith and wisdom. As of May 2023, His net worth is estimated around $2 million. Heart surgeon What number president is President Nelson? Career He completed the four year M.D. She wrote several books, including Personal Purity and Intimacy, Searching Diligently in the Light of Christ, and Change: Its Always a Possibility! Nelson was a member of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for nearly 34 years, and was the quorum president from 2015 to 2018. In 1991, he was the primary delegate to go to the Parliament on World Religions. Youre my sister. That would be with huge congregations. Its not a problem with her (Nelsons) religion, said Kelli Potter, an associate professor of philosophy at UVU and a trans woman. We are happy to give of our time, and find joy in doing service for our neighbors, our community and our church. Research it and tell me it was a different timebecause Im sure pedofilia still going on in the 20th century. His first wife was Dantzel White Nelson, who died February 12, 2005. The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But one she didn't expect was being the wife of President Russell M. Nelson. Sister Wendy Nelson: Well, he loves building bridges. In the interview, Sister Nelson shares several stories that give listeners a view into President Nelsons vibrant character and personality, including in his roles as husband, father, and grandfather. I know we have a living Prophet. She married Nelson in the Salt Lake Temple in 2006 while he was a member of the LDS Church's Quorum of the . President Russell M. Nelson and Sister Wendy W. Nelson. Its leaders of nations. It was a stunning display of timingthe Lords timing. Yall are just jealous because he worked hard and made a successful career. In a Church News video, Sister Nelson described the early stages of getting to know her husband, who was then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.