P-day, whoo hoo! :) Yo espero que ustedes tenian una semana buena! This week was really spiritual and uplifting for me. On Sunday we had our devotional, and then afterwards we watched a talk by David A. Bednar. The talk was a talk he gave on Christmas day in 
the MTC this past Christmas. This talk was without a doubt one of the best talks I've ever heard! I got more out of this talk then any other talk I've ever heard, and the spirit definitely gave me some homework! He talked about the character of Jesus Christ and about how he was always focused outward rather than inward. Amidst all Christ's afflictions, he was always praying and asking for the spirit to be upon others. After all he suffered he still found ways to help others rather than focus on himself. The way he delivered the next part reminded me a lot of something Elder Holland would say. Turning the focus towards us missionaries he said something to the affect of, ''Your mission isn't about what YOU want. It's about what CHRIST wants...too many missionaries are whining and saying, ''I'M not having success. I want more investigators. I want more baptisms. I want more lessons.'' GET OVER YOURSELF! It's not about YOU!'' Everyone was a little shocked to hear him talk like that! But I think it's something that every missionary could work on. He told us that as we turn outward and focus ourselves on others, that is when we in turn will be blessed...but only if that isn't the reason we're turning outwards.
the MTC this past Christmas. This talk was without a doubt one of the best talks I've ever heard! I got more out of this talk then any other talk I've ever heard, and the spirit definitely gave me some homework! He talked about the character of Jesus Christ and about how he was always focused outward rather than inward. Amidst all Christ's afflictions, he was always praying and asking for the spirit to be upon others. After all he suffered he still found ways to help others rather than focus on himself. The way he delivered the next part reminded me a lot of something Elder Holland would say. Turning the focus towards us missionaries he said something to the affect of, ''Your mission isn't about what YOU want. It's about what CHRIST wants...too many missionaries are whining and saying, ''I'M not having success. I want more investigators. I want more baptisms. I want more lessons.'' GET OVER YOURSELF! It's not about YOU!'' Everyone was a little shocked to hear him talk like that! But I think it's something that every missionary could work on. He told us that as we turn outward and focus ourselves on others, that is when we in turn will be blessed...but only if that isn't the reason we're turning outwards. Another thing that was really powerful in his talk was when he said, ''I, as David Bednar, could never be a member of the quorum of the 12 apostles. I am not good enough. I don't have the ability myself to fulfill my calling. It is only through Jesus Christ that I can stand here today; because he makes up for where I fall short.'' I was amazed to hear an apostle of the Lord say that! He was so humble to admit that he just wasn't good enough alone to be an apostle. The scripture that came to my mind that I think perfectly exemplifies this idea is Alma 26:12 (...I will boast of my God...in His strength I can do all things...). I really think that the same ide
a applies so well to missionary work. As Mitch Parrish I could never be a worthy, set-apart representative of Jesus Christ. I could try and try my hardest each day but on my own I could NEVER become good enough. I know it is only through Christ that I can reach my potential! In order to be a representative of Jesus Christ I am going to need Him to strengthen and lift me up every day. We all need His help in order to reach our potential as Latter-day saints and children of God. I'm really jealous of the missionaries who were here on Christmas to actually hear that talk in person!
a applies so well to missionary work. As Mitch Parrish I could never be a worthy, set-apart representative of Jesus Christ. I could try and try my hardest each day but on my own I could NEVER become good enough. I know it is only through Christ that I can reach my potential! In order to be a representative of Jesus Christ I am going to need Him to strengthen and lift me up every day. We all need His help in order to reach our potential as Latter-day saints and children of God. I'm really jealous of the missionaries who were here on Christmas to actually hear that talk in person! So, this past Tuesday was Valentines Day. I'd have to say it was SLIGHTLY different from last year's Valentines day in that I was focused on missionary work rather than a girl! However, I still learned a lot about love. Our Tuesday night devotional was given by Don R. Clarke of the Seventy. He talked about loving others in our missions. He told a story of a missionary who was somewhere in South America. After two days he walked into the mission president's office and said, ''President, I don't like the food, I don't like my bed, I don't like the weather, I don't like anything about this place. I want to go home.'' The mission president was obviously a little saddened and frustrated but asked the missionary if he would just give it two more weeks. The missionary agreed. Two weeks later the missionary walked in and began the same way, ''President, I don't like the food, I don't like my bed, I don't like the weather, I don't like anything about this place.'' And then the missionary's eyes got watery and he said, ''but president...we started teaching a family this week...and I love them. So I'll stay because of them.'' Elder Clarke taught us that love is the the most important part in our missionary service. As we develop a love for the Lord and for our investigators, that love will over power any negative thing about our missions. I know that this is true in life as well! Whether it's in marriages, friendships, or among family members..if you love those around you with everything you have, that love will over power any obstacles or imperfections.
I hope everyone had a good Valentine's Day and that we can all learn to love EVERYONE around us! I know that as we learn to love as the Savior does, then we will be shown love and compassion in return.
I love you all! I appreciate your thoughts and prayers and I hope you know that I pray for you as well!
Love, Elder Parrish
