Follow my adventures on my mom's blog!

Since I'm on a mission, I can't update my blog! To read about the exciting things going on in the Florida Orlando Mission, go to www.keelyjack.blogspot.com :) See you in 18 months!

"Hey Keely, what's up with that church you belong to?"

Whenever I talk to people about my religion, I'm not surprised if I get comments about how weird it is that I've never questioned my faith or that I'm stupid for blindly following my mom.

Stuff like this has always kind of bothered me because:

1. I've read the Book of Mormon

2. I've prayed to know if it is true

(and since Heavenly Father loves His children and answers their prayers)

3. I've received an answer that yes, the Book of Mormon is true.

No, I haven't been brainwashed. I've actively sought for the truth. Do you think I'd read a 531 page religious book from cover to cover just for fun? I read it the first time to learn if it was true, and I continue to read because it is.

Still don't believe me?

I'm giving up 18 months of my life to go tell people about it.

Missionaries and returned missionaries will tell you that 18 months flies by, but think about it. It's pretty long. How have you changed in the last year and a half? A year and a half ago, I was in high school. Hadn't yet placed 19th at Nationals. Hadn't yet swept a state championship. Hadn't yet been accepted to college.

I'm not leaving for a while, so let's round up to how I'll be different in two years.

I'll be 21 (yikes). I'll be only a sophomore in college (while all my friends are graduating. Double yikes). I'll be coming home from serving the Lord (yay. Double yay. Infinite yays).

So if you're wondering why I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or why I'll be serving an 18 month mission, know this:

The Book of Mormon is so true. Heavenly Father loves you so much. Jesus Christ is your Savior, Older Brother, and Best Friend. He will always be there for you. There is a prophet (just like Noah, Moses, Abraham, etc) living on the earth today who provides us with direction from God!

Knowing this has brought me so much joy. I firmly believe that everyone deserves to feel the happiness that comes from knowing this gospel.

Want to know more? Let me know and I'll be more than happy to help you out. :)

Blessed

On 1/22/13, I wrote this in my journal: "Sometimes, I get hit really hard with just how blessed I am."

And that's it.

I remember I wrote that one sentence after seeing a beggar once I exited the freeway. I think I meant to continue my entry after dance practice, but never did.

I've been thinking a lot about that entry since I've come to college. Because it still holds true.

I truly believe that I attend the best university out there. Sure, I get stressed out with school, but do you know how cool it is to go to a class and read the scriptures? It's pretty cool.

Also, I have really great roommates. There's six of us, and sometimes we don't all get along, but they have taught me so much more than I ever thought I would learn from them.

Imagine Dania's in here too (she's never home because she always has Miss Lehi stuff).

And in addition to my awesome roommates, I've made so many incredible friends. It's such a comfort to know that I have such a strong support system and that there will always be someone there for me whenever I need it.

And my family is great! Going home for Christmas break was fantastic. I honestly have no clue what I would do if I didn't have my family. I love them so much.

I mean, really? Look how precious we are. (Also my brother is a giant. Whatever.)

And I've started my mission papers! I get to serve the Lord and spread the gospel!!!!

And I'm alive. I'm healthy and I have food and I live in this beautiful dorm and I have enough money to buy the things that I need/want (thanks, Mom).

I've come to recognize that there are so many people in the world who are so unbelievably happy with way less than I have. Sometimes it's good to sit back and think about just how blessed I am.