Let me first start with a Happy Father's Day to all you men who are part of my life and have had an influence for good on me. I am grateful today for generations of fathers who have left a legacy of faith and righteousness. Today I honor them and pray that my life will continue that legacy. I realize the older I get just how many sacrifices fathers make to provide for those they love. And by provide I mean not just the necessities of life but importantly the spiritual leadership and emotional strength and support needed to navigate the minefields of this life. I pray that my posterity will look beyond my human weaknesses and remember the things I have tried to teach them in word and deed.
We had the wonderful privilege last Sunday evening to be the speakers at a fireside with the Renton Washington stake via Skype. What a great time to be alive when such technology is available. They could see us on the big screen in the chapel and we could see them as though we were speaking from the pulpit. It was a thrill for us to share thoughts and experiences about missionary preparation, what a typical day is like for us, some experiences and then some Q & A. It was good to see many friends whom we love and miss. It has been exciting this week to hear from some who have now decided to take a leap of faith and serve as senior missionaries.
I heard this week that the church currently has need of 1700 senior couples and only had 22 to assign this past week. The need is great and the Lord will bless those who have the faith to make the leap. We have loved our first year here in spite of a harsh winter. We are enjoying many experiences together that are blessing our life and marriage. We love serving together. The blessings and tender mercies for us and our posterity are significant as we serve. It is a great to be serving at the same time as our two oldest grandchildren, Brianne and Brittany (Sisters Ewell).
Here is my Spanish phrase of the week shared by two sweet Sister missionaries. i Tenemos nvestro carro! Which means, We have our car back! Yay! I love the young missionaries whom we serve with. They are such a joy and blessing most of the time.
We had four zone conferences this past week which means that we traveled from almost the Wisconsin border on the North to Valparaiso, Indiana on the South. With the help of my sweet companion I inspected 72 mission vehicles. I was pleased overall with the improvement of care and cleanliness of most of them; at least that was true in two of the zones. In the other two zones, since their cars didn't look great, I gave the awards (various snacks and goodies) to all who are on bikes as their primary means of transportation. I did some safety training as well as some additional Facebook and online proselyting training. It thrills me to see the young missionaries faces light up when they see the Taggarts. We surely do love them.
We had to hurry back from the conference on Friday so that I could finalize the transaction of selling a pick-up truck. I sold a 2012 Chevy Colorado truck with 57,000 miles on it for $18,500. I have 4 more vehicles being prepped to be sold. I am busy, needed and loving what I do.
So far today, 4 companionships of missionaries have sent me a text message wishing me a Happy Fathers day and telling me they love and appreciate me. It is sad that so many of them do not have a father in their life or he is abusive, addicted to something or just not involved in their life. I hope in some small way I can help to fill that void. The president told those of us in the office that we had no idea what role we play in helping these young people see a happy marriage.
Life is great when you have your best friend by your side. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true and changes lives for the better. The Atoning blood of Christ will heal broken hearts and take away the pain and sorry of poor choices as we repent and turn to Him. His way is the way to joy and happiness. I am most grateful today for my Father in Heaven and my elder brother Jesus Christ for their love and example of fatherhood and love.
Make time this week to reach out to those you love. Have a blessed week.
Elder Taggart
No comments:
Post a Comment