September 08, 2019 - #4695 Music & the Spoken Word
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.
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
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. President 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 President Nelson a remarkable person. He has spent much of those 95 years helping others; he has been a husband and father, as a renowned heart surgeon, and is now the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, traveling the world and 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 It has been one decision after another that has lead 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 in 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 chooses to be that way—his decisions have determined his destiny and have made him into a most uncommon man.