So he does not do hover, you know; he does not do helicopter parenting. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Being born on 9 September 1924, Russell M Nelson is 98 years old as of today's date 6th April 2023. For more information, please see our He has been serving since then. Russell Nelson Jr. said the family saw "an immediate change" in President Nelson's countenance. Nelson spoke for about 20 minutes about her lifes work, including as a former nurse and professor, and as the wife of LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson. Even Christ had people who hated him, as did Ghandi, Martin Luther and Lincoln. Apparently, the soon-to-be-former wife of Nelson Mandela would not back down even against a global hero. All what you stated here are not true. I married when I was in my 50s to a man with 10 children.. This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 16:36. He then served in the military for 20 months as a Medical Corp and left as a Captain. To increase his ability to receive revelation for the Church; to increase my ability to receive personal revelation for my life. We are followers of the Prince of Peace. Mandela had asked for a divorce in 1995 and hoped his estranged wife would for the sake of . Ive watched this a lot in the last three years. According to LDS Newsroom, President Russell Nelson and Wendy Watson Nelson were married April 6, 2006. . Thank you for this adjustment.. Following the sealing ceremony, the new Elder and Sister Nelson invited family and close friends to join them in an endowment session. So what looked really impossible, what felt just overwhelming, over time, really diminished. 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. She is a professor of marriage and family therapy in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University (BYU) and will retire 1 May 2006. It was a stunning display of timingthe Lords timing. I know youve thought it through, and if you think its a good idea, so do I. So, hes really easy to love.. He is reaching out to leaders of the NAACP, something that had heretofore not been done. "I have seen him changing the last ten months. Prior to his service as head of the Church, President Nelson served as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from July 15, 2015, until his call as the Church's leader. Additionally, NO church authorities are paid, from the top general church authorities to the local bishopric members. And so, of course, its easy for him to honor women because he has been with Dantzel who was smart and bright and inspired. I believe I am the only one on earth who can accomplish this task when you contact our LDS branch you will find who I claim to be. Sister Sheri Dew: What do you know today that you didnt know three years ago? Yall are just jealous because he worked hard and made a successful career. Much of the negative comments are based not on experience within the church, but word of mouth and fear. He wants to bring the blessings of the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. OK, I better start there, start there, and then try to figure out the personal element. Thats right. Being born on 9 September 1924, Russell M Nelson is 98 years old as of todays date 1st May 2023. And thank you for that. Celebrate similarities and respect the right to have differences even when presented falsely and without factual information. 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. The previous 12 months have seen several heartwarming and inspiring moments in the prophet's life. And he will say, Well, we knew there would have to be an obstacle when something thats good is going to, you know, affect the world and prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior. Our members work on a volunteer basis for the Church. She's set to speak to graduates during commencement at Utah . And one of the very first things he ever taught his son was to honor his mother. Sister Wendy Nelson shares delightful stories and insights By Jake Frandsen January 27, 2022 02:07 PM MST President Russell M. Nelson and Sister Wendy W. Nelson. In between notes congratulating graduates, one woman said such a great example. Another noted, great lesson. And some honked their horns from the parking lot in support while Nelson spoke. She earned a bachelors degree in 1975 from Brigham Young University and a PhD in 1984 from the University of Calgary in family therapy and gerontology. I would also say, so that they can experience how important they are and valued they are, to look for an opportunity to make a sacrifice of time or energy, and then find a way to give service with that time and energy, because sacrifice and service will absolutely let them feel part of something bigger. Citation for International Service American Heart Association, xii. Any counsel you would give to someone going through transition, whether its marriage, job, health, so many different things? in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, her B.A. Temples are some of the most beautiful places on earth, but the work that takes place inside of them is what makes them sacred. He is all that matters. Fasting is real. Were extremely careful about whatever we watch, a movie, etc. Sister Sheri Dew: When you married Elder Russell M. Nelson in 2006, you kind of stepped onto a moving train. It was a privilege for me to be in their presence. Theyll feel like theyre making a difference. Elder Nelson was with his wife at the time. Theyre really low maintenance, meaning he has great confidence in them. Then know that you are working with God and with God all things will be possible and youll have an amazing experience. Surgical Alumnus of the Year Award University of Minnesota Medical School, xiii. 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. And so that was just wonderful. The day came when Elder Nelson felt prompted to reach out to Wendy. On May 7, 2021, she gave the commencement keynote speech for Utah Valley University and was presented with an honorary doctorate in humane letters. In fact, just the other day, I received an email from one of our friends in Indonesia. Let Gods love prevail. I know how to follow instructions. So meaning, the Lord told me to do this. from BYU, and her Ph.D. from the University She received her R.N. The Scriptures are answer books. After communing with both nature and the Lord, Sister Nelson said she found her answer. What have you learned about the Church? But he loves learning and teaching about Gods laws, because then theyre so predictable. Wendy, back off. ", Subscribe for free and get daily or weekly updates straight to your inbox, The three things you need to know everyday, Highlights from the last week to keep you informed. The linked site has its own terms of use, privacy policies, and security practices that differ from those on our website. All rights reserved. President Utah State Medical Association, vii. Research it and tell me it was a different timebecause Im sure pedofilia still going on in the 20th century. Let Gods laws prevail. Sister Nelson, the wife of Church President Russell M. Nelson, is a professor of marriage and family therapy, author and a former nurse and psychologist. You dont have to agree. Then it is a beautiful thing. In 2006, he married Wendy L. Watson, who has been at his . Elder Nelson and Wendy L. Watson "were married today in the Salt Lake Temple. "In my own mind, I had wrestled with it and was quite certain there was no possible way that could be right," she said. As his wife, what is your unique view of that? Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. On July 15, 2015, Nelson was formally set apart to be the quorum president by Thomas S. Monson. Shell be led to do it. Sister Sheri Dew: Everybody goes through major transitions. How did Russell and Dantzel make "ends meet" when they were in college? We Believe Jesus Christ is our Lord and Redeemer. Sister Wendy Nelson: I wouldnt tell them that we need them and how important they are, because theyve been told that. Show the faith you have and turn it over to the Lord and then watch what happens. They know how to get things done. They would quickly learn that just because, or maybe precisely because, the Lord had orchestrated their courtship and sealing, it did not mean marriage would be easy for them at first. In an address at BYUs Hawaii campus broadcast worldwide in January 2016, Nelson suggested that LGBTQ folks need to repent to have their sexual feelings be in harmony with eternal laws. That is commonly referred to as the pray away the gay approach, which most therapists say is harmful. Her academic work in articles and in the book Beliefs: The Heart of Healing in Families and . SALT LAKE CITY -- When Wendy Nelson was Wendy Watson, she was a professor of marriage and family therapy at Brigham Young University, so it should come as no surprise that she would provide rare insight in an interview about her husband, Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What he learned was that when it was time for him to consider remarriage, he needed to meet this woman. She said people should let go of disagreements in politics, move forward despite tension in work and strive to eliminate it from their homes. She retired in May 2006 at the time of her marriage to then-apostle Russell M. Nelson. I know Jesus is the Christ. That applies throughout life, Nelson noted. We love just talking together, playing Scrabble, working on a jigsaw puzzle for another great-grandchild or other children we love. So thats just a little context there. Elder Nelsons wife, Dantzel, had passed away several months earlier. "When Dantzel's mother found out that I was having Dantzel . Nelson said she continued to progress through her degrees and opened her own private counseling practice. July 15, 2015 I never wanted to leave them because of this connection. Make your list, check it twice, about what you absolutely know to be true. . There is no doubt that Planet Earth is a wondrous, beautiful, and glorious place, and we are eternally grateful for all of Gods creations. Sister Sheri Dew: President Nelson gave a talk called Hear Him. What have you learned about hearing Him, how to hear Him, from being married to President Nelson? I know without a doubt he was chosen premortally to be the Lord's Prophet to the world, on the earth today, at this precise time. And sometimes you start with, OK, God is my Heavenly Father. While in Bulgaria, he attended the first few meetings between the LDS Church leaders and government officials. She said she did that when she held onto her expected life plan. What is really happening here? President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, wave to attendees during a devotional in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Nov. 19, 2019. on CD, including Rock Solid Relationships and Things Are And they and their spouse, with the Lord, will figure things out. He performed many rare operations and was honored by making him elected president of Society for Vascular Surgery in 1975. Hes wild about Gods love laws and love. What have you learned about people? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You have entered an incorrect email address! So thats what we have there with President Russell M. Nelson. If were with someone, and they will say, Oh, President Nelson, thank you for this. On Thursday, April 6, 2006, President Gordon B. Hinckley performed the sealing of Elder Russell M. Nelson and Wendy L. Watson in the Salt Lake Temple. Photo by Scott G Winterton, Deseret News. Russell Marion Nelson Sr. (born September 9, 1924) is an American religious leader and retired surgeon who is the 17th and current president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). What do you see personally about his regard for women. Wendy Maxfield, daughter of church President Russell M. Nelson, died Friday, Jan, 11, 2019, after a battle with cancer. Its a joke when all LDS people say the leaders of the church are not paid for what they do. Subscribe for free and get daily or weekly updates straight to your inbox, The three things you need to know everyday, Highlights from the last week to keep you informed. He had been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve for two decades, more than two decades. Wendy then left to check out platform number 8, which was where their train to Zurich would be. The Church of Jesus Christ is Christian Religion. And then he stands to the side for me to go in through the doorway first. And he is willing to do whatever he is instructed to do. He had a very prestigious career before he was called as the prophet. 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. Elder Sister Wendy Nelson has many titles doctor, gerontologist, and marriage and family therapist being just a few. Its reaching out and wanting to meet with the imams of the mosques in the South Island in New Zealand, where there had been a terrorist attack. Theyre not wavering at all. So thats what Id say is sacrifice and go give service across the room, across the street, across the world, across the veil. What do you think let God prevail means for him? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When your husband becomes President of the Church, it is different traveling with the President the Church than it is with [traveling with] a member of the Quorum of the Twelve. You know, it goes on. Dont worry Mackenzie we cant save everyone. He does not hold on to This is how weve always done it. He is not a slave to tradition. of Raymond, Alberta, Canada, is the daughter of the late Leonard In Episode 12 of the Church News podcast, Sister Wendy Nelson speaks about witnessing President Nelsons prophetic calling in the first three years of his service. It's as though he's been unleashed," said Nelson in an interview provided by the Church's news operation and posted on MormonNewsroom.org. If youve cheerfully done everything you can do, then its time to stand still. How you find peace, she said, is by engaging in conversations, listening, letting go, accepting and loving anyway. Following a session in the Cardston Alberta Temple, Wendy told her sister that she could feel a big change coming in her life but had no idea what it was. from the University of Hawaii The whole relationship seems very weird to me. Even more than I knew three years ago, I know that there is a Prophet on the land. By The Salt Lake Tribune Donate to the newsroom now. His Atonement is real. And hes got these fabulous girls who are bright and smart and inspired and no nonsense girls, and there is no frills. Get the facts right before posting them online. of Calgary. We know this was going to happen. And then he goes to plan B. Maybe it was time to quit teaching at BYU. Spiritual Momentum, 4/2022. The very toughest thing for him, he said this the other day, the very toughest thing for him is when he reviews the cases of those where the marriage is ravaged. Sister Wendy Nelson: Yeah, there was a lot, a lot, that I stepped into. 02-12-05 he re married wendy watson on april 6 2006 What were some of president nelsons jobs? Missionaries wait for President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prior to a devotional in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, on May 23, 2019. Having her talk is an explicit endorsement by the university of that rhetoric, one student said earlier. She has traveled extensively with him to meet with members of the Church throughout the world. Theres only Oh, wasnt that great? He doesnt even mention it. There I am, Ive sort of got my whole head set into this is how its going to be in 2020. He also served in the U.S. Army for three years as a Captain in the Army Medical Corps and went to the Korean War. Wendy Watson Nelson is a retired marriage and family therapist, author, and speaker. Dantzel Nelson, wife of heart surgeon Elder Russell M. Nelson of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve, died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005, at her Salt Lake home. President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, right, and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stand together at the BYU Jerusalem Center in Jerusalem on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Differences that I noticed with him, even in the last three years since becoming president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he is more future oriented than ever. Theyre just deep, core good. I could feel this is of God, I mean, theres no way you can do this. 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? 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. Then, after a round of photographs, the new couple were off on their honeymoon. As church president, Nelson is recognized by the . Here are just a few of our favorites. You had been a very successful professor, you had a reputation around the world for some of the things that you had written in your field, you had been a professor of marriage and family therapy, as well as a therapist. . I know Joseph was a Prophet. You can just see his respect. And it felt like a rebuttal to the issues raised with her being on campus. SALT LAKE CITY Sister Dantzel Nelson, wife of Elder Russell M. Nelson, passed away unexpectedly Saturday evening at her home in Salt Lake City. Im different. Hes so quick to adapt. We cant afford to live there! Sister Wendy Nelson: Well, he loves building bridges. That to me says at all, his honoring of woman. And I said, I said, Where did those trips go? And he said, I just felt like we didnt need to do them. You are about to access Constant Contacts (http://visitor.constantcontact.com). xiv. 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. Sister Sheri Dew: OK, you will soon have been married to President Nelson for 15 years. 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. There is a joy that compels him, because he knows its true, because he knows the blessings that the Lord has for these people the promises, the blessings, the unbelievable things that we cant even imagine. And like I say, my husband and I threw away our rear view mirror a long time ago. SALT LAKE CITY -- When Wendy Nelson was Wendy Watson, she was a professor of marriage and family therapy at Brigham Young University, so it should come as no surprise that she would provide. The returned sister missionary was game, so Sheri quickly jotted a note and handed it to her. As they prepared to part, it occurred to Sheri that it would only be polite to send a note to Elder Nelson as well, though she did not know him as well as she did Elder Hillam. It would have to involve something about the gathering of Israel. . And play havoc with your productivity, creativity and stamina.. I waited for 55 years.. He cant restrain himself. family therapy in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young 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. 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. Those moments only come, she said, when we make room for them, when we are open to other ideas, when we drop contention and expectation. 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. Wendy L. Watson, originally of Raymond, Alberta, Canada, is the daughter of the late Leonard David and Laura McLean Watson. One more is that he is even more honoring of other peoples agency. marriage was to Dantzel White Nelson, who died 12 February 2005. He was a legendary surgeon there and did the first open-heart surgery, thoracic surgery, and pediatric surgery of Utah. I remember one Sunday when the high priest group leader came, ashen-faced, to me and said, Oh, Sister Nelson, were so embarrassed. Im glad we dont want or need your prayers. She tried to fight it. 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. "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. But one she didn't expect was being the wife of President Russell M. Nelson. the University of Utah and his Ph.D. from the University of This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. In January 2021, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrates the third anniversary of President Russell M. Nelson serving as the leader of the Church. Ill tell you some specifics in a minute. Elder Nelsons previous they did find out that the young returned sister missionary did indeed deliver the notes to Elders Nelson and Hillam. Now more than ever we need the peace only he can bring. As they became acquainted, it was clear that heaven was orchestrating their union. I can also say that without a doubt: What do I know? So hes different. But one she didn't expect was being the wife of President Russell M. Nelson. A renowned surgeon and medical researcher, Elder Nelson There is strengthening power in the Atonement. from the University of Utah. He is undaunted. Whom did Elder Nelson marry after Dantzel's death? Because the Lord has such better ideas about what I should be doing or how he would handle a situation. He loves those words. Ravage your relationships. If you do not know, we have prepared this article about details of Russell M Nelsons short biography-wiki, career, professional life, personal life, todays net worth, age, height, weight, and more facts. All rights reserved. I had to say to him, like several months after, Are you OK about this? Because our routine every Wednesday night was he was on the organ practicing for Thursday morning, and that suddenly had changed. What have you learned, particularly in this last three years, that has been somewhat distinctive from the earlier years, when you were traveling with your husband? But as they talked, she found herself saying something shed never said to anyone before in her life: Kathy, you can write it in your journal. She worked with the Family Nursing Unit (FNU) at the University of Calgary (U of C) from 1983 to 1992, training graduate students to use family systems therapy with families of patients. At the end of the interview, Sister Nelson stated, What I know today, even more than I know four years ago, is that before the foundations of this earththats a long time agothat Russell Marion Nelson was foreordained by God to be the Lords Prophet to the world, and president of the Lords Church at this precise time. Sister Wendy Nelson: Well, I can tell you that his daughters are spectacular, which is a true reflection of him as their father, and probably especially their spectacular mother, Dantzel White Nelson. Great sacrifice to keep their covenants. If I take a question to the scriptures, I can get it answered. Stick with what you absolutely know to be true and do not look to the right or the left. Hes more compassionate than ever; his knee-jerk response is always benevolence, kindness. In his talk, "Face the Future with Faith," what did President Nelson promise to those who are obedient to the commandments of God? They debated briefly about whether they should attempt to attend such an amazing historical eventthe first stake in the shadow of the Vaticanbut decided that a change in their itinerary at that point would cause a domino effect too major to overcome. We can have ideas that are different from each other. Ordained an Apostle on 12 As for the other General Authirities making 120,000 yearly, have you looked at the cost of property in the Utah valley? She was a Canadian nurse and educator. "[2], The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Wendy_Watson_Nelson:_Mormon_Marriage_and_Family_Therapist&oldid=72921. Sister Sheri Dew: I know you would love it. . When he read the note while sitting on the stand in Rome prior to the beginning of the stake conference and saw Wendys name, it leaped off the page as all the other words faded away. And I just watch him be undaunted. 1940s 1947. One of her sisters, Kathy Card, from Edmonton, joined her. I know that is not the only allowance he receives. Professional Life. They married in 2006, when he was an apostle; he was named church president in 2018. But high winds forced some late pivoting. He has not tried to replicate anything thats been done before. They are still married to this day. And suddenly, in early January, I looked on the calendar again, and everythings gone, meaning all those trips were gone. In 2006, he married Wendy L. Watson. Absolutely, because he is always, ever waiting to hear the next thing, feel the next thing, be guided to the next thing. If I am with him, he'll stand to the side, he always has me walk through the doorway first. 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. Sister Sheri Dew: OK, your husband has now been President of the Church for three years. Nowhere that I have found does it say what the president of your church receives as a Living allowance. Her 2013 childrens book The Not Even Once Club garnered criticism and a petition to recall it. . And hes figured out a formula that if he does a certain thing, he will win that match. 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. Keep immersed in all the light they can. He was often called as an apostle or negotiator by the Church for advice. Its like weve been given permission to be alone together, and weve loved that. Thats how he is living his life these days. Privacy Policy. But when we open our ears and hearts to their ideas, love enters in.. Russell M. Nelson was one of those who watched from inside, with Wendy Nelson pointing him out in the crowd. Sister Wendy Nelson: He is so gracious. But in a meeting, he will have an idea or have words put into his mouth that absolutely changes the trajectory of where things were going. "Well, that applies to all of us. We recently talked with Sister Wendy Watson Nelson, beloved wife of President Russell M. Nelson. And until I really started to study what the Savior taught the Nephites, and to say "contention is not of me." For one, if he was born into a family in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he wouldve been baptized at age 8, not age 16. Something Ive noticed: Two words that Ive not heard him use before the last three years reduce and simplify. Among changes made during President Nelson's months at the helm: shortened Sunday Services, an announced end to sponsoring Boy Scout Troops, a revelation against the use of the terms "Mormon" and "LDS" and discouraging the production of religious pageants in favor of a focus on gospel teaching. "Once we were in debt about $43 above our resources. 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.