Purpose

Headed to Zone Conference

Why are we here? 

Where can we find happiness? 

What is the purpose of this life? 

What is my purpose?

This past week I have been thinking a lot about purpose, and studying a lot about this beautiful Plan that Heavenly Father has for us. We are all aware of the scripture in 2 Nephi 2:25 that says that "men are that they might have joy." But do we believe it?

Finding happiness with salsa

In those times that we are really struggling, feeling down, swamped in homework, feeling lonely, do we remember where our happiness comes from?

Finding happiness in the street

In 2 Nephi 5, Nephi says that they 

"lived after a manner of happiness."

The reason that they were so happy 

was because they knew who they were

 and they knew their purpose.

Peeking in her Christmas package! Naughty!

You are a child of a loving Heavenly Father, and following His counsel and guidance will bring you happiness even in the lowest of days.

I know it because I have felt it!

Finding happiness in going for a run!

Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, 

we too can LIVE AFTER THE 

MANNER OF HAPPINESS.

Go, and LIVE HAPPILY. :)

Hermana Greenwood:)

Miracles

This week was incredible. The day of miracles definitely has not ceased.

Kim's commentary: "Plot twist! Mexico can get cold!"

-I saw a Dad, who many years ago served a mission, but had hardened his heart against the church, pray with all the energy of heart for his family and for strength to return. (We now have a baptismal date for his son.)

-We found out that one of the people we are teaching isn't married. She came with us to Stake Conference where the entire conference was focused on the family. She loved every word and is currently making a plan of how to live the law of chastity and has accepted a baptismal date.

FYI - That's a BYU sweatshirt under the scarf. Haha!

-We have been in contact with our former investigator again. (The one who decided not to get baptized.) He is now on track again for baptism, and is even more ready now than before to press forward with Christ.

Sometimes it is hard to see the fruits of our labors. Sometimes we feel like we have been chopping at the same tree for ages and there is barely a dent. BUT, I promise you that with faith and patience we can find comfort through the Lord now AND see the blessings. If not now, then in the future, but I promise the blessings will come.

Mosiah 24: 16-17 -

16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.

17 And he said unto Alma: Thou shalt go before this people, and I will go with thee and deliver this people out of bondage.

Just like Alma and his people, there will be great trials of strength and affliction, but the Lord is with us, and He will stand by us.

I love you all! Keep pressing forward with faith!

Hermana Greenwood:)

Journey

Font Picture

Sometimes being on a mission feels like you are climbing a really really big mountain. There are sharp rocks, and dusty paths, your muscles ache, and your water supply is running low. And far too often you just end up watching your feet, not looking around you. The path ahead feels daunting, but the moment you look up and see how far you've come, and see the view from where you are, that moment is what makes it all worth it.

Fun hats (member provided)

The Lord is with us on our journey home. Just when you feel like you won't make it another step, a little gust of wind pushes you from behind. When you are about to collapse from lack of water, a little stream is put in your path. Each step we take in the right direction, with the Lord, makes us just that much stronger.

Member received a mission call!

This week I was reading in Moroni 10. I share this chapter with people all the time and felt like I should really study it more. I wrote down all the things Moroni exhorts us to do. I encourage you all to do the same! When we follow Moroni's counsel, many things are promised in return.

P-day feast

Recently my Dad shared this quote with me from Elder Uchtdorf:

"It's human nature to stumble, fail, and sometimes want to drop out of the race. But as disciples of Christ, we have committed not only to begin the race but also to finish it."

Don't know the story, but looks fun!

Christ is with us every step of the way. Let Him in. I know that the journey can be rough and rocky, the race full of switchbacks and thorns, but with Christ it is possible. And more than that, it's enjoyable.

I love this gospel with all my heart.

Have an amazing week!

Hermana Greenwood:)

Remember

Streets look a little intimidating -- just another day for the missionaries!

Daily Planning

This past week has been full of incredibly low lows and incredibly high highs, and as I was studying Helaman 5, my one big take away is to REMEMBER.

Missionary Welcome

• Remember how merciful the Lord is.
• Remember that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can overcome any trial, affliction, or shortcoming that we may face.
• Remember that to get closer to Christ we will be shown our weakness, but that His light outshines any darkness we are in.
• Remember to fear not, because we have the Lord on our side.
• Remember how much Heavenly Father loves YOU.

Smooch from a Pooch

He knows you perfectly and He loves you perfectly. You will never be forgotten. My challenge to you is to never forget Him.

I love you all! Have a miraculous week!!

Hermana Greenwood:)

Soaking It In

Kim's future ride

Update on my life in Mexico:

-There is a restaurant here called Los Comales that is a piece of heaven on earth

-I ate pansita... (cow stomach).... 1.2793/10 might possibly recommend

Just a selfie for fun

-A member this morning told me that everything that is bad that happens in America (including hurricanes) is because Trump is President

SOAKED (no umbrella that day)

-I accidently put five pesos in a conch shell and thought it would be stuck there forever

 -We control the weather. If we bring umbrellas, it doesn't rain... if we don't... it POURS

Amazing food at a member's restaurant

Being a missionary is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love sharing the hope and love that the message of Jesus Christ provides.

Elsie- restaurant owner and friend!

Just like the rain soaking us through to the bone, I try to soak in every scripture study that I have. I echo what Richard G. Scott encouraged us to do back in 2011, and I encourage you all to return with new eyes and new ears to the scriptures, for they indeed are our spiritual lifeline.

Have an outstanding week and SOAK in the goodness of 

the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hermana Greenwood:)

Revelations and Invitations

Hermana Greenwood with cute Chihuahua in honor of her brother's mission =)

Pizza lunch with other missionaries between Saturday sessions of Conference

Conference weekend was absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!

This week I just wanted to put some of my favorite quotes/thoughts from conference.

"Fear limits the perspective of God's children."

"Our love for Him and His gospel will push all fears aside."

"The battle will rage on, but when we stand with the Lord we need not fear."

-Elder Rasband

Picnic lunch with a member between Sunday sessions of Conference

"See people not as interruptions, but as the purpose of your life."

 -Michelle Lynn Craig

"When we know who we are, and our purpose, we are unstoppable."

-Pres. Oaks

Sisters Greenwood & Soto - matching dresses just for fun

"Discouragement and disappointment will come, but they're not allowed to stay."

 -Elder Andersen

I am going to add my invitation to that of President Nelson: study these messages! Conference was absolutely amazing and 

full of revelation.

But let's not forget that with EVERY revelation, there is an invitation to act. I invite you all to study and remember the revelation that you received and to 

act upon it!

Have a magnificent week!

Hermana Greenwood:)

First Steps

This week was definitely one of the craziest weeks on my mission. One of our wonderful investigators was supposed to get baptized and in a crazy turn of events he didn't. From losing his job, to practically losing himself and his faith, he chose to not get baptized. While my heart hurt immensely for him and his decision, I am forever grateful for the gift of agency that we all have.

Below is a poem that I wrote this week, and I encourage you all to remember that no matter how lost or alone you may feel, Christ's light will lead the way.

Temple Trip

First Steps

I took my first steps

A long time ago

And now I look back

And feel like a pro

I walk and I run

With grace and with ease

And I can just go

Wherever I please

But when I sit down

And really reflect

Hermanas with Obi-Pan-Kanobi

About how I've grown

I cannot neglect

My Father above

Has given me all

He's always been there

Even when I fall

He helps me stand up

And brush off the dust

And He leads me on

In Him I must trust

The grace that I've felt

Was never from me

Food!

It comes from His son

Who gives willingly

The ease of my stride

Is because of Him

Who leads and who guides

So I'm never grim

Follow in his steps

And you won't get lost

He'll help you get through

Whatever the cost

Feel lost or alone?

Christ's light leads the way

He's right by your side

And right there He'll stay

Have a most excellent week and never forget that you are loved!

Hermana Greenwood:)