President Russell M. Nelson, prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, celebrates his 101st birthday today.
He was called and ordained as an apostle on April 7th, 1984, and was called and ordained as the prophet and president of the Church in 2018.
His tenure as an apostle and prophet of the Church has left an impact on many members, including BYU-Idaho student Michael Coley.
“The most impactful thing that I’ve learned from President Nelson is when he said that your circumstances don't matter, it's just basically your outlook on things that matters,” Coley said. “And that just made me have a different perspective on life and challenges.”
Since becoming president of the Church, President Nelson's focus on temples has touched the hearts of student Jordan Medley.
“The temple really is the house of the Lord,” Medley said. “For us to be able to draw closer to Him, we need to and find Him there, because he's there. And it’s the best way for me to really connect with my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ.”
BYU-Idaho Radio’s Maddie Jones shared the same sentiment.
“I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that spending time in the temple is worth it, and not just because he told us that, but because I have experienced it as well,” Jones said. “Just spending time in the temple is important.”
For his 101st birthday, President Nelson released a Time Magazine article about what he's learned in his 101 years of life.
“My faith teaches me that over two millennia ago, Jesus Christ preached these same laws of happiness: to love god and to love our neighbor,” President Nelson said. “After 101 years, I can say that these are not abstract theological ideas, they are practical wisdom. If we embrace these eternal truths, our lives and our world will be steadier and more joyful."
One of the ways President Nelson has invited everyone to live a more joyful life was through a talk titled “Think Celestial,” an address which really hit home for BYU-Idaho Radio's Grace Andrus.
“I think it might be too cliché to say think celestial, but that was a very awesome and wonderful talk that he gave,” Andrus said. “But I also just really like that throughout his whole time bring prophet, he's promoted a lot of love and a lot of just simplifying the gospel. I feel like every time he talks, he just simplifies being a member of the Church and simplifies the gospel and simplifies discipleship.”
As President Nelson celebrates his 101st birthday, his words and example continue to inspire millions to live with greater faith, love and purpose.