The Music & the Spoken Word broadcast airs live via TV, radio, and internet stream on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. mountain time. For information on other airtimes, visit “Airing Schedules” at musicandthespokenword.org.

This encore performance of Music & the Spoken Word has been specially selected for airing while the Choir and Orchestra are practicing social distancing

Music

Conductors: Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy
Organist: Richard Elliott
Announcer: Lloyd Newell

“Rejoice, the Lord Is King”¹
Music: Malcolm Archer
Lyrics: Charles Wesley

“Alleluia”²
Music: Guilio Caccini
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

“The Rejoicing” from The Royal Fireworks (organ solo)
Music: George Frederic Handel
Arrangement: Richard Elliott

“Love Is a Song”
Music: Frank Churchill
Lyrics: Larry Morey
Arrangement: Arthur Harris

“No Man Is an Island”
Music and Lyrics: Joan Whitney and Alex Kramer
Arrangement: Michael Davis

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
Music: William M. Runyan
Lyrics: Thomas O. Chisolm
Arrangement: Ryan Murphy

1. On the CD Consider the Lilies and in the CD Set Encore Collection.
2. On the CD O Come, Little Children.

The Spoken Word

Our Decisions Determine Our Destiny

Every once in a while, a series of choices, experiences, and circumstances combine to create a person who seems to stand out, someone we naturally look to as a role model. Russell M. Nelson is one of those uncommon men.

He recently celebrated his 95th* birthday, which for most of us would be an accomplishment by itself. But it’s the content of his life, not just its length, that makes Russell M. Nelson a remarkable person. He has spent much of those 95 years helping others—as a husband and father, as a renowned heart surgeon, and as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, traveling the world giving counsel and encouragement to thousands. 

It might be tempting to think that people like this are simply destined for greatness. But as President Nelson once said, “Each day is a day of decision, and our decisions determine our destiny.”¹ His life has been one decision after another leading him to his destiny of excellence, service, and devotion. 

Take, for example, his decision in his mid-40s to learn Mandarin Chinese, a decision that led to multiple opportunities to serve the people of China. Speaking to young adults, he has said: “Don’t be afraid to pursue your goals—even your dreams! But know that there is no shortcut to excellence and competence. Education is the difference between wishing you could help other people and being able to help them.”²

Or consider another pivotal decision he made as a young intern assisting a surgeon. During a difficult operation, the surgeon became furious and insulted another member of the surgical team who had made a mistake. Dr. Nelson resolved then and there to master his emotions. He became known for his calm demeanor and self-discipline in the operating room—and his life.³

To many people, Russell M. Nelson is a world-renowned heart surgeon, but to even more he is a kindhearted man of God. He brings light to a darkening world. He lifts and inspires others to seek everlasting things. He is that way because he chose to be that way—his decisions determined his destiny and made him into a most uncommon man.

1. “Decisions for Eternity,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 108; see also Thomas S. Monson, “Decisions Determine Destiny” (Church Educational System fireside, Nov. 6, 2005), 3; speeches.byu.edu.
2. “What Will You Choose?” Ensign, Jan. 2015, 32.
3. See Sheri Dew, Insights from a Prophet’s Life (2019), 64–65.

*Note: This Spoken Word was originally given on September 8, 2019 following President Nelson’s 95th birthday. He recently celebrated his 96th birthday virtually with a video conference including more than 275 members of his family in over 60 locations. More information can be found on The Church News website.