The first week of college as a freshman is, no doubt, one of the most transformative transitions any adult human being has ever experienced. As a member of the incoming freshman class of 2016 at Brigham Young University, I can attest to the upending insanity that ensues in that first week, what with the hours of study, the social activities, walking around campus and (in my case) rigorous dance classes- not to mention the fact that you are now expected to remember your own mealtimes and bedtimes and make yourself adhere to them. Despite Chaos holding my mind in its tight and triumphant grasp, I have found that the first week of college, though stressful, has been manageable, doable, and -almost- enjoyable.

In my daily scripture study I recently came across a verse that struck me particularly hard. I was reading in 2 Nephi 4, which is an account of the death of Lehi and the reactions of his children and his family. I believe it is important to understand the background here- Nephi has an important relationship with his father. He was taught little by little the principles of the gospel and his testimony grew because of the example his father set. Not only that, but because of Nephi's example of testimony, (for example when everyone broke their bows in the middle of nowhere) Lehi also grew in faith. Their relationship was steadily strengthened through and with the Lord - and it is difficult to imagine what Nephi is feeling when his father passes away unless you really think about his story. As Nephi is pondering upon mortality and dealing with grief from his father's passing, he bears a strong testimony about the times the Lord carried him through days he never thought he would see the end of. He writes so poetically about what a struggle it is when you're mortal in verses 18-23, and I have included a few of my less-than-sophisticated thoughts in the brackets-

 18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. 

 [This is, first of all, an intriguing thought. Does NEPHI have STRUGGLES? Up until I was junior in high school, I had never really thought about the fact that Nephi has trials like we do - and he overcame them.]

 19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.

[Sometimes, when Nephi has something to be happy about, he feels like he can't because he has so many marks on his record. His heart groaneth. That is such a strong word. It groans because of his sins. But, Nephi says, he knows in whom he has put his trust.]

 20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

[Nephi knows. He knows that the Lord is taking care of him. To hear his testimony of what the Lord will do for us when we trust him is a testimony from one of the greatest Book of Mormon prophets that we know. Remember, Nephi has trials too.]

 21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.

[This verse gives me chills]

 22 He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me.

 23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time.

Pause and think about these verses before you go on.

I think Nephi is a much better poet than I am, but I want to leave these verses here for you to ponder. It has been a crazy week at college. It has been a big transition. There have been times when I wonder why I pay so much money to be here. But these verses, along with many others, have been a blessing in my life - to give me direction, and most importantly, to give me comfort in those times I feel I just need a big hug from my Mom.

I hope you will read these verses too, and ponder deeply upon them. There is a lot of love the scriptures have to offer us, and it gets better the more closely we read.

I leave my testimony with you,

Mallorie