August 17, 2015

Hey their my dear family its so good to be able to talk to you. Im really happy to be a missionary in these latter days. Ive seen so many blessings in my life and miracles that have happened in my life and the life of others. This week I have learned so much on how to better my teaching skills. We had the opportunity to do practises with other missionaries.

This week one of the assistants to the president taught us the Restoration of the gospel of what Joseph Smith was going through. I learned so much that I could get better at. I was surprised. The Lord really humbled me. At times i think in life we feel that we know how to do things but then the Lord teaches something even better. I love the scripture that is in first Corinthians which says " the Lord shows an even better way" this is what Paul the apostle said.

I think we can apply this to our work and the things we do in the world. I think we have to go out of the box and look for it diligently.

While we are waiting for the arrival of David A Bednar he has asked us to read and study three talks from him. In one of those talks I have learned that when Adam and Eve are in the garden the Lord asks"Where are thou" You would think that God already knew where they were hiding but sometimes we are looking it in one perspective. I ask you guys tha same thing. Why would the Lord ask that.

Elder Bednar taught us that more than what we think that he was asking God asked "why" As a concerning father he asked why have ye eateth from the fruit. God gave them their agency to do so for their spiritual advancement. THat made me think alot and to wonder how many things we read in the sciptures but we dont have the sincirity of paying attention. The same is with Nephi when the Spirit asked Nephi What does thou desierest. Of course the spirit knew what nephi wanted which was to see the vision his father saw but what the spirit does it prompts us to act and do the things that the Lord wants us to do.

This made me think greatly of how learning by faith can cause great difference. The spirit only carries the message but the persons heart needs to be open and willing to act upon the promptings. I love when Joseph Smith was looking for his answer. I think many of us get confused and think that Joseph Smith was looking for the true church. No he wasnt he was looking for a church that he could join in the Lord answered him. He was willing to act and not just looking for an answer. That opened my mind a lot to know that this whole year I have been teaching this but we truly have to be able to join that church if we want to receive and answer.

Im greatfull that I have the opportunity to get better each day and improve my teaching skills. This is one of the missions that is truely blessed with 32 lessons a week and 100 contacts. Next time you see the missionaries ask how many lessons they need each week and how many people they need to talk to. You will be surprised to see what the difference is. I'm grateful to be able to share the things the Lord has reveled to me and give you that knowledge.

I love you guys keep it up. Keep pressing forward. Each night and day I ask the Lord that he can help me to be able to accelerate his work here on the earth.

I love you guys and talk to you soon.

ELder Parra