The Power to Heal

This week I have studied and pondered the Atonement and its power to heal and empower us regardless of the mistakes we have made, the wrongs that have been done to us or the challenges and trials that we face. I found the conference talk by Elder David A. Bednar noted below to cause me to ponder and reflect on the immensity and the power the Atonement has to help us to press forward every day striving to be all that we can be and who our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ know we can be.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/bear-up-their-burdens-with-ease?lang=eng

Amazingly we complete our 14th month here in Chicagoland this next week. I know I am getting older just because time is just screaming by. My what a journey this has been so far.

As I watch young missionaries come and go and witness the transformation in them as they come to know their Savior and strive to teach and apply the Atonement in their personal lives as well as to assist others to do the same, it is sweet to see the peace, the comfort, the confidence that comes into their lives. As I watch and hear of people struggling with all kinds of addictions, challenges and heartache embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, make significant changes in their lives and begin to live by faith in Christ and allow the healing balm of the Atonement to work in their lives, it is marvelous to know the miracles that come with the change they have made.

"Sweet is the peace the gospel brings". As we carry whatever load is ours to carry, we each have the opportunity to draw upon the Atoning blood of Christ and allow its healing balm to ease our burdens and give us the strength and courage to press forward. As we do so, He gives us peace and joy beyond anything this world has to offer.

July has almost come to a close and we have only had 3 days this summer of 90 degrees plus. What a blessing that has been.

Friday night we had a delightful evening with the mission president, his wife and the 22 senior missionaries who are serving here. We had a pot-luck dinner at the mission home, visited and then heart testimony from the 4 seniors who will be going back home in the next few weeks. We get together like this every other month. The assignments and thus the experiences of each companionship are quite different, but each companionship is having success and enjoying some sweet experiences.

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and testify of its power to change lives for the better. I love my Savior and know that His Atoning blood can and will heal our every hurt, heartache, pain or concern if we will turn to Him in faith. As we draw upon that power, we truly are empowered from on high to press forward. I love serving and have the best companion anyone could ever hope for. May you feel the Savior's love in your life this week be blessed with tender mercies is my prayer for each of you.

Elder Taggart