Contacts: [March 2008]

Re-defining Nikki Nelson has been my personal theme since I stepped off the plane. Who am I? What do I like? What do I do? I am so grateful for patient parents, true friends, inspired counselors, and an attentive God who have listened to me and encouraged me in my newly begun quest. I’ve had daily victories in which I’ve found so much joy. I’ve discovered, again, that life is full of perpetual change and growth. Following are some of my recent discoveries:

My aspirations:

Beginning last semester, the BYU Marriot school of business now offers several classes in OB/HR (organizational behavior and human resources). I’m so excited because I think that field sounds like something I’d really enjoy. There are several different aspects, including corporate training, hiring and firing, and corporate hosting. The thought of acting as a representative, giving presentations, and teaching fills me with excitement. I’m grateful for the time I spent in New York discovering how much I love those things. This new emphasis in my degree makes my major a much better fit. I feel the Lord has blessed and guided me. How great is the God I worship.

My strength in Him:

I’ve applied to a couple of part-time jobs—both that I’d really like to have. When I applied to both of them (over a month ago) neither had openings available. But in the past couple of weeks they both have called me in for second interviews. At first I was flustered that they’d both call me at once—which would I decide? But my experience with the Lord has given me the peace I need. I know it will all work out. This time period without a job has given me more time to spend with my family and to get adjusted to being a student again. I’ve had to be patient—but I’ve discovered that I can be patient. :o) More often than not the Lord tells me to be patient because He knows I need that time to grow, or to find opportunities I had not yet discovered. I’m learning to trust Him and His timing.

My balance:

A balanced life doesn’t necessarily mean that I need equal amounts of everything. Achieving balance means that I fulfill my mental, physical, social, and spiritual needs. For a while I was trying to keep all four aspects in equal parts. I’ve found, however, that I need to always be seeking spiritual nourishment—that aspect needs to be a part of the other aspects of myself. The Lord provides strength I cannot achieve on my own. He expands my capabilities and my vision of the present and the future. I do want to provide this clarification: always seeking spiritual nourishment does not mean I spend all day studying my scriptures. It means I recognize that the Lord cares about my education, my occupation, and my physical health and I turn to Him for help in becoming my best in those aspects. It does also mean sacrificing some time daily to prayer, study, and spiritually uplifting activities (family home evening, institute, going to the temple, volunteering at the Missionary Training Center, etc.) My time is precious to me—but it becomes even more effective as I maintain proper balance.

Hearkening to a prophet:

I don’t know why, but I was surprised to hear about President Hinckley’s passing. I’m so grateful for his selfless service as the mouthpiece of the Lord. I’m so grateful that the Lord has not left us without a prophet, but that he has called yet another living prophet for our day, President Monson. I know he will help lead me through this next phase of my life. I know that he truly is a prophet of God.

Proverbs 3:5

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own under-standing. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”

--(Sister) Nikki Nelson

March 2008