May in the Mission

- I have a companion now!! 

- We played the quiet game, let me tell you, it's quite the ordeal at the storehouse to have quiet for that long haha

- I had Halo Halo! Who knew there was Filipino desserts in Utah?!?

- Scripture of the month: Doctrine and Covenants 58: 27- 28 

        "Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward."

One Sunday this month when I was leaving my house to go deliver birthday gifts to sisters the ward, my dad inquired, "Where are you going? Will you be back by 1:30?" It was 1:10 at the time, and apparently my brother was being ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood at 1:30, and I had no idea! My partner and I had seven houses to visit; how in the world would we do it all in twenty minutes? We set out to work and somehow the Lord helped us do it. The houses were close together and He helped us go fast so I could make it to my brother's thing. It was a tender mercy, a tiny miracle, and I know that God is aware of us, will strengthen and help us, and He loves us. He magnifies our efforts.

This month in the temple I have had incredible experiences. I have been able to see my brother's fiance's sister three different Saturdays! I was in the same place as her, and the chances of that happening are miniscule, but with God guiding our lives, miracles can and do happen. I love how He divinely orchestrates our lives.

Another tender miracle occurred when I was given the opportunity to help with a sealing. By chance, or rather by divine design, the sealing happened to be for my aunt's sister! I was able to see and serve my own family! There were 4 other sealings happening that day during my shift, but Heavenly Father gave me the privilege to help with that one. He loves us so much and cares about the small things in our lives.

Another witness of His love came through a "small and simple" way. At the storehouse, by chance in a conversation, a music artist came up. I wrote his name down to look his songs up later. Then, on Sunday, I woke up in a fog. Depression came to visit again. During the day, I turned on Pandora. A certain song came on, and I'd never heard it before, but it seemed cute. I listened to it and then moved on. Then, I struggled through church and a family activity, and finally came home and found a quiet corner. I read some scriptures and then felt prompted to look up the artist we'd talked about at the storehouse. I did, and the same song popped up from earlier! I listened, and this time I heard Heavenly Father's message in there, just for me. Through the song, He let me know that He loves me, is there for me, will always listen to my prayers, He gives good gifts and desires to bless us, that I am His daughter and I am precious to Him, and He cares. It was a tender message that I needed right then. Sure, I still had a fog around me, but I could also see and feel God's light and love. He cares so much for us and will never leave us alone. He is there to help us get through any and all things.

There is now another Sister the storehouse! Huzzah! It happened the week after my depression had a visit, and I still was feeling it. I woke up not wanting to go anywhere. I prayed, and felt that through service I would get my answer and healing. I didn't like that answer at first haha but I decided to try anyway. Then, on that hard day, I got a companion. At first I wanted to just work how I normally work, it was an adjustment to work with someone, but the Spirit whispered, "This is for you. I had her come to the storehouse today for you." As I worked and talked with my sweet companion, I felt the fog roll away. My depression lessened. As I served at the storehouse, I found Christ and healing. I found hope. He knew exactly what I needed and sent an angel my way in the form of a new sister. 

An Elder finished his mission, and we had a little farewell party. We took turns talking about him and sharing our love and testimony. At first, my thoughts were, "Why are we doing this?" It felt extremely awkward to me. Then, the Spirit reminded me of a verse of scripture found in Doctrine and Covenants 18:10, "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." The worth of every soul is great in His sight! Heavenly Father loves that Elder so much, and He loves each of us more than we could ever imagine. Although we may have been awkward in our attempts to express our feelings that day, the Spirit was there, and "Where love is, there God is also" (-childrens hymn book).

Luke 12: 6-7 jubilantly explains, "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."

I felt a speck of God's love for that Elder, and His love for each of us. Although our efforts are imperfect, He loves us perfectly and will lead us if we let Him.

Moral of this email: You are loved. Heavenly Father loves you and yearns to bless you and answer your prayers. He is there.

Mahal kita! 

Sister Keeley