Insights from a Prophet's Life: Russell M. Nelson

Insights from a Prophet's Life: Russell M. Nelson by Sheri Dew

This book is a "fun events in the life of somebody that I know" biography. It goes through the life of Russell M. Nelson and even references another biography. However, it also pulls in other personal experiences that the author had with him. Russell was a precocious child. He skipped a grade in school and graduated early. He went to undergraduate and medical school during the time of World War II. He was dedicated to learning and serving in his church. His family came from a multi-generational Mormon background, but were not active members of the church. He went to church on his own, and worked to bring his family along. He married and lived a student pauper's life of medical training. He served in the military during the Korean war. He was on the forefront of the nascent field of heart surgery. He also had a knack for foreign languages and learned Chinese and later spent time in China. He became more involved in church service, even turning down a post at University of Chicago to remain in Salt Lake to be able to take more church callings. He was later called to be an apostle and had to wind down his surgical practice. (Though he did keep the appointments he already had.) He had some interesting experiences, including significant footwork to get church recognition behind the Iron curtain. He also experienced an armed robbery and attempted kidnapping in Africa. His wife passed away (due to a heart issue). His CPR was unable to save her. He later remarried (through somebody he met be somewhat of a chance meeting.)

As a church leader, he was older than those ranked above him and was not expected to become president of the church. However, a number of passings in quick succession left him as president. He announced a number of significant changes, including restructuring of meetings and ministering and made a large number of visita around the world. He did have to give up skiing, though. This anecdotes work to bring out the history of his life.

Heart of the Matter: What 100 Years of Living Have Taught Me

Heart of the Matter: What 100 Years of Living Have Taught Me by Russell M. Nelson

There is an ebook available from libraries and audiobook from audible. This book has an assortment of anecdotes and learnings that Russell M. Nelson has had over the course of his 100 years of life. He had experience as a doctor, becoming a heart surgeon even after initially learning that in school that heart surgery was impossible. His later years had been devoted to church service, including being president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has had various experiences throughout many countries of the world in both medical and church service. With all of this outward activity, he has also spent time with his family and raising his many children. The book has many teachings that would be at home in a General Conference address (and plenty that came from one.) There are also minor bits, like he regularly weighs himself, and eats a bit less if see his weight increased. It seems like a very logical strategy. Never let weight get out of hand either way. There are also plenty of teachings of family and simply living the best you can and not short changing your spiritual life.