I realize as I write this week that I am being blessed in so many ways by a loving Heavenly Father.
I
had the privilege of singing a solo in sacrament meeting today. The
bishop asked that I sing "I Heard Him Come". I thoroughly enjoyed the
experience; it is a beautiful song and I had a wonderful accompanist.
Many people stroked my ego by telling me afterwards that they loved it.
One lady asked me if I had sung in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I
chuckled inside a bit. She then said, it was so sweet, you made me cry. I
am blessed to have grown up in a family who loved music and where music
was present most of the time. Most of my favorite memories are
associated with music growing up.
The leaves are starting to
change here and that is a blessing. I love fall with the variety of
colors and that is a mouthful since I am colorblind. I see the different
shades just not all of the brilliant colors that most of you see. I
love the fall, but know that it is followed by winter, which is crazy
cold here.
I am blessed to have parents who taught me some
common sense and some practical life skills. I was reminded of that as I
spoke to an Elder who said they had a flat tire and needed to know what
to do. As usual, I told him to put the spare on and take it into the
shop. When the shop called and said that the tire had to be replaced
because it was ripped on the side, I then asked the Elders what they hit
hard enough to destroy that tire. The reply was, Elder ____ wasn't
paying attention and hit a curb going 40. The tire he destroyed only had
8,000 miles on it. Or there were the Sisters who called saying they
noticed their tire was flat. They were at the gas station and said they
had tried to put air in it but it just went flat again. What should we
do Elder Taggart? Put the spare tire on and drive it to Pep Boys. They
will fix it or let me know it needs to be replaced. Elder Taggart, where
is the spare tire? When I told them, they said, "Ouch, our trunk is
really full so we will have to take everything out of it to find their
spare. Once they got to the spare, they were blessed that a nice man
stopped and put it on for them.
We went to JC Penny's this week
because Claudia had a birthday gift card that was burning a hole in her
purse, haha. When we checked out, the cashier saw our name tags and
asked who we work for. We told her we are missionaries for the Church.
She said, I am not a religious person, but I know I should be. As we
talked, I told her that even though she didn't go to Church, God still
knew her name and loves her as his daughter. She smiled. Having the
badge on does cause people to ask you questions which often lead to
conversation. I am blessed to wear the badge and to get to meet many
good people here in Chicago.
I am blessed to be alive and well,
able to enjoy life with the woman I love. This week marks 19 years since
the second heart attack where the doctor told Claudia that I only had 6
months to live. I am soooooo blessed to have enjoyed much of life in
those 19 years.
Look for an opportunity to say hello to those
you meet wherever you are. As you do, opportunities to help to know God
will present themselves. We love you. Have a great week.
Elder Taggart
Sunday, September 21, 2014
changes....changes
Sept.19,2014
Nothing is as constant as change. The weather changes, our missionaries faces change,geese fly from north to south again, the people surrounding us in our apartment complex change. The grandma in the corner bottom unit died this week. Her windows are dark. Her caregiver (who took cigarette breaks outside every hour) no longer comes to help her bathe or get ready for bed or do her sitting exercises. We won't miss the cigarette smoke but we will miss grandma. We have several widows who have lived here since these condos were built. As they die, the next generation will rent them to people like us. You may notice I interchange the words condo and apartment frequently. They are one and the same, in my opinion. You own a condo and there are homeowner rules and regulations, but then the owner rents said condo and they may smoke marijuana, have all night parties, cook disgusting smelling food and then you are back to apartment living. The condo just above grandma's had a wild video game marathon from 6 PM to 3 AM one night this week. They were noisy, literally yelling everytime something exciting happened but the nametag kept us from yelling what we wanted to out our bedroom window.
I manned the office alone one day for several hours. Crooks were in for the second round of laser eye surgery, Abbotts got called to the hospital for an Elder who was having complications from appendix surgery, and Elder Taggart took an ailing van to the body shop. I wondered what happened to this companion thing because mine skips out frequently. It was no big deal and manning this office is a piece of cake most days.
I got a panic phone call from an Elder who had lost his wallet that day. He leaves next week for home so wondered how he would get on an airplane with no ID??? Good question. After 2 days of searching everywhere, another Elder came forward and confessed he had taken it because he doesn't want this Elder to go home. If he only knew the panic he caused. The office staff was calling the airline, his parents, canceling cards, etc. Real funny prank---NOT. On the flip side, I watched an Elder help a blind man at church. Rarely do you see such concern and tenderness as I witnessed. These Elders read the Book of Mormon with him daily. He says he feels the Spirit more with Elders than when he listens on CD's.
Our Bishop called my husband with a procedural question the other night. A child was being baptized 2 days before she turns 9. The missionaries insisted it was their baptism as a convert because her mom is not a member of the church and they taught the child. The dad has been a member 3 years. Sorry Elders, she is a child of record and the baptism, by the father, is before she turns 9 so the missionaries don't get credit. We were afraid the whole thing was going to be called off anyway when the Bishop adamantly insisted "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" would not be the closing song. The mother was going to accompany the daughter. Isn't it great to watch the workings of a ward?
I turned on my computer this week, typed in all of what I usually type in, and ended up on the BYU University site, waiting for my password. I called Salt Lake. They wondered how on earth I had hacked into that site. I should not have access to that site! DAH!! I know that--that is why I called. So he helped me get out of that site and into the one I always go into. Now I can add another talent to my resume--computer hacker. BYU today, CIA tomorrow,look out!
I failed to tell my spider story last week. There I was, sitting reverently in Stake Conference when someone behind me started touching my hair. I thought it was odd so I turned around. Sister P is in our ward but originally from England. In her best British accent, she whispers, "Excuse me dear, but you have a wee spider in your hair." I calmly turned around so she could hit me in the head and squash the critter. She doesn't do that. "She plays in my hair a bit longer then carries said critter in her cupped hands to release him in the great out-of-doors. For the rest of the meeting I had the creepy crawlies. I washed my hair that morning. Do I have eensy weensies living in my clothes? Did it drop from the ceiling of this very old church? I may never know.
The changing faces of missionaries. We lost two this week. One due to disobedience and the other due to health problems. It feels like a little piece of me leaves with each one of these missionaries. You grow to love them, you serve them, you help them, you send encouraging notes to them and then they are gone, back to their old life of not being a missionary. With transfers coming up again, I start to mourn the ones leaving weeks ahead now. Sister B. called me this week and said, "Sister Taggart, what are we going to do? They are making me leave because my 18 months are up. How are we going to stay in touch. They are sending me back to Texas." I have loved this sister like a daughter/granddaughter. Now I am forced to let her go and a new batch comes in and I will grow to love them just like I do this Sister. I'm learning to accept change but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
So for a change, you may not get a letter next weekend. For a change, Brian and Billie, Sadie and Finn will be here for a week and we are going to get reacquainted with those two little grandchildren. Finn was a month old when we left. Now, 15 months later, he is a little child who has no idea who we are except a voice on the cell phone. We have gained over 250 grandchildren so far but reconnecting with these little ones is far more important in the eternal perspective. So enjoy the changes in your life this week. The passing from one season to another is a reminder. The change from night to day is a reminder. Life is short. Make the most of each relationship, each contact you have with one of God's other children. Remember to appreciate the changes for without them, life would be too predictable and boring.
Love,
Sister Taggart
Nothing is as constant as change. The weather changes, our missionaries faces change,geese fly from north to south again, the people surrounding us in our apartment complex change. The grandma in the corner bottom unit died this week. Her windows are dark. Her caregiver (who took cigarette breaks outside every hour) no longer comes to help her bathe or get ready for bed or do her sitting exercises. We won't miss the cigarette smoke but we will miss grandma. We have several widows who have lived here since these condos were built. As they die, the next generation will rent them to people like us. You may notice I interchange the words condo and apartment frequently. They are one and the same, in my opinion. You own a condo and there are homeowner rules and regulations, but then the owner rents said condo and they may smoke marijuana, have all night parties, cook disgusting smelling food and then you are back to apartment living. The condo just above grandma's had a wild video game marathon from 6 PM to 3 AM one night this week. They were noisy, literally yelling everytime something exciting happened but the nametag kept us from yelling what we wanted to out our bedroom window.
I manned the office alone one day for several hours. Crooks were in for the second round of laser eye surgery, Abbotts got called to the hospital for an Elder who was having complications from appendix surgery, and Elder Taggart took an ailing van to the body shop. I wondered what happened to this companion thing because mine skips out frequently. It was no big deal and manning this office is a piece of cake most days.
I got a panic phone call from an Elder who had lost his wallet that day. He leaves next week for home so wondered how he would get on an airplane with no ID??? Good question. After 2 days of searching everywhere, another Elder came forward and confessed he had taken it because he doesn't want this Elder to go home. If he only knew the panic he caused. The office staff was calling the airline, his parents, canceling cards, etc. Real funny prank---NOT. On the flip side, I watched an Elder help a blind man at church. Rarely do you see such concern and tenderness as I witnessed. These Elders read the Book of Mormon with him daily. He says he feels the Spirit more with Elders than when he listens on CD's.
Our Bishop called my husband with a procedural question the other night. A child was being baptized 2 days before she turns 9. The missionaries insisted it was their baptism as a convert because her mom is not a member of the church and they taught the child. The dad has been a member 3 years. Sorry Elders, she is a child of record and the baptism, by the father, is before she turns 9 so the missionaries don't get credit. We were afraid the whole thing was going to be called off anyway when the Bishop adamantly insisted "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" would not be the closing song. The mother was going to accompany the daughter. Isn't it great to watch the workings of a ward?
I turned on my computer this week, typed in all of what I usually type in, and ended up on the BYU University site, waiting for my password. I called Salt Lake. They wondered how on earth I had hacked into that site. I should not have access to that site! DAH!! I know that--that is why I called. So he helped me get out of that site and into the one I always go into. Now I can add another talent to my resume--computer hacker. BYU today, CIA tomorrow,look out!
I failed to tell my spider story last week. There I was, sitting reverently in Stake Conference when someone behind me started touching my hair. I thought it was odd so I turned around. Sister P is in our ward but originally from England. In her best British accent, she whispers, "Excuse me dear, but you have a wee spider in your hair." I calmly turned around so she could hit me in the head and squash the critter. She doesn't do that. "She plays in my hair a bit longer then carries said critter in her cupped hands to release him in the great out-of-doors. For the rest of the meeting I had the creepy crawlies. I washed my hair that morning. Do I have eensy weensies living in my clothes? Did it drop from the ceiling of this very old church? I may never know.
The changing faces of missionaries. We lost two this week. One due to disobedience and the other due to health problems. It feels like a little piece of me leaves with each one of these missionaries. You grow to love them, you serve them, you help them, you send encouraging notes to them and then they are gone, back to their old life of not being a missionary. With transfers coming up again, I start to mourn the ones leaving weeks ahead now. Sister B. called me this week and said, "Sister Taggart, what are we going to do? They are making me leave because my 18 months are up. How are we going to stay in touch. They are sending me back to Texas." I have loved this sister like a daughter/granddaughter. Now I am forced to let her go and a new batch comes in and I will grow to love them just like I do this Sister. I'm learning to accept change but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
So for a change, you may not get a letter next weekend. For a change, Brian and Billie, Sadie and Finn will be here for a week and we are going to get reacquainted with those two little grandchildren. Finn was a month old when we left. Now, 15 months later, he is a little child who has no idea who we are except a voice on the cell phone. We have gained over 250 grandchildren so far but reconnecting with these little ones is far more important in the eternal perspective. So enjoy the changes in your life this week. The passing from one season to another is a reminder. The change from night to day is a reminder. Life is short. Make the most of each relationship, each contact you have with one of God's other children. Remember to appreciate the changes for without them, life would be too predictable and boring.
Love,
Sister Taggart
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Today is my birthday
So today is my birthday. I am 64. I had 2 1/2 days off at the first of the week because of a fever and body aches all over. I hate it when you are do sick you can't read a good book, or eat, or sew or anything but lay around and be really sick. My husband gave me a Priesthood blessing and I started improving immediately. That was my break for the week. Monday and Tuesday.
Good thing because we had our mission tour with Elder Hamula and wife and that increases the pace of everything. Their story left me shaking my head in wonder. Twenty years ago they were called as mission pres. in Wash. D.C. South. They took their children ages 8,6,4,2 with them. While there, Sister Hamula called her husband from the doctor to tell him their baby was coming with his own companion. Yes, she gave birth to twin boys while being the mission president's wife. I think our mission president's wife looks at her life with new perspective. For the first time we had our entire mission together--226 strong. I lost it as we sang Hope of Israel. On the last chorus, all of the young missionaries jumped to their feet on the word HOPE with their right fist raised in the air. These young warriors are the hope of Israel and they are serving valiantly. Elder Hamula lost it at the same point I did. We looked around and wondered "how could we be so lucky to be serving here, now, with these youth. They hug us, express their love for us, thank us for anything we do for them and say they want marriages just like ours.
We had dinner with the Hamulas one night....just the Senior missionaries. I cooked the meat, my roast beef tried and true High Council party recipe, and the rest I assigned to the other Senior missionaries. It cracks me up seeing how some people respond to a General Authority. Respect, yes, but don't idol worship and drool all over them. It was a pleasant evening and the Pres. commented on the wonderful meat several times so he got the left-overs.
The Hamulas did a fireside Friday night and you had to bring an investigator or recent convert to go. Since we don't do that kind of missionary work and since my companion would be driving the 12 passenger transfer van to shuttle people to and from limited parking, I got an evening to work on my missionary scrapbook. After shuttling people and dropping Elders off at various apartments, Elder Taggart got home at 11:50 PM. That is called breaking mission rules by assignment.
Our P-day was spent catching up!!! I was standing in the store yesterday and an older woman said, "Excuse me, do you work here?" Ah---the nametag. In the next store, "Wow! Is that who you work for?" (Jesus Christ, yes it is.)
Stake Conference last night and today. Our stake has 4 Spanish speaking wards and 6 English speaking wards so the talks are half and half. When I found myself drifting off, I just shifted my attention to the ASL corner. Glad Bruce was the Pres. of the Renton Washington Stake.....less complicated.
Now for being 64. Best thing I ever did was marry my best friend and then leave my comfort zone over and over and over. I passed a wood-paneled stationwagon and realized my children experienced more than their kids will. We had no DVD players to watch movies on so we sang in the car, told stories about family members, played games, and ate all the special treats they never got at home.
At 64 I got good news from the eye doctor.....I no longer need glasses, except to read. I can see distances better than I could 10 years ago. I got all the ideal gifts for a 64 year old missionary.....sweaters for another cold winter, sweater tights to keep my legs warm, more nylon stockings for meetings and work in the office, a necklace that says "I can do hard things" and chocolate bars and cards galore. Who could ask for more? I have been sung to by many missionaries today who wanted to make my day special. I have been sung to by grandkids and their parents.
One sister from Texas stopped our car last night and said, " I just want to thank the two of you for serving a mission here and now. I love you both and I am so grateful to serve with you." Oh how mutual that feeling is!!!
Lesson learned in Stake Conference: Warning!! Starving Rabbits. In survival it is a well known fact that if you go to cold climates and have plenty of rabbit meat to eat, you will eventually starve to death. Rabbit meat takes more nutrients and calories from the body that eats the meat than you gain by eating the rabbit meat. So long ago, explorers in cold climates had plenty of rabbit meat to eat yet literally starved to death eating it. What does that have to do with our mission or anything really? The world offers so many things to do every day, yet most of them do not have the ability to nourish our Spirits at all. We can partake of many activities that take up most of our time but at the end of the day, we are empty. May I suggest a habit I took up years ago? Don't let your head hit the pillow until you have read your scriptures and said your prayers. It only takes a few minutes a day yet it will nourish your Spirit and help your growth in becoming a Disciple of Christ. Make sure some of the nourishment you partake of each day fills the Spirit.
Have a wonderful week. We are hoping for a bit of a lull.....hah!
Love,
Sister Taggart
Good thing because we had our mission tour with Elder Hamula and wife and that increases the pace of everything. Their story left me shaking my head in wonder. Twenty years ago they were called as mission pres. in Wash. D.C. South. They took their children ages 8,6,4,2 with them. While there, Sister Hamula called her husband from the doctor to tell him their baby was coming with his own companion. Yes, she gave birth to twin boys while being the mission president's wife. I think our mission president's wife looks at her life with new perspective. For the first time we had our entire mission together--226 strong. I lost it as we sang Hope of Israel. On the last chorus, all of the young missionaries jumped to their feet on the word HOPE with their right fist raised in the air. These young warriors are the hope of Israel and they are serving valiantly. Elder Hamula lost it at the same point I did. We looked around and wondered "how could we be so lucky to be serving here, now, with these youth. They hug us, express their love for us, thank us for anything we do for them and say they want marriages just like ours.
We had dinner with the Hamulas one night....just the Senior missionaries. I cooked the meat, my roast beef tried and true High Council party recipe, and the rest I assigned to the other Senior missionaries. It cracks me up seeing how some people respond to a General Authority. Respect, yes, but don't idol worship and drool all over them. It was a pleasant evening and the Pres. commented on the wonderful meat several times so he got the left-overs.
The Hamulas did a fireside Friday night and you had to bring an investigator or recent convert to go. Since we don't do that kind of missionary work and since my companion would be driving the 12 passenger transfer van to shuttle people to and from limited parking, I got an evening to work on my missionary scrapbook. After shuttling people and dropping Elders off at various apartments, Elder Taggart got home at 11:50 PM. That is called breaking mission rules by assignment.
Our P-day was spent catching up!!! I was standing in the store yesterday and an older woman said, "Excuse me, do you work here?" Ah---the nametag. In the next store, "Wow! Is that who you work for?" (Jesus Christ, yes it is.)
Stake Conference last night and today. Our stake has 4 Spanish speaking wards and 6 English speaking wards so the talks are half and half. When I found myself drifting off, I just shifted my attention to the ASL corner. Glad Bruce was the Pres. of the Renton Washington Stake.....less complicated.
Now for being 64. Best thing I ever did was marry my best friend and then leave my comfort zone over and over and over. I passed a wood-paneled stationwagon and realized my children experienced more than their kids will. We had no DVD players to watch movies on so we sang in the car, told stories about family members, played games, and ate all the special treats they never got at home.
At 64 I got good news from the eye doctor.....I no longer need glasses, except to read. I can see distances better than I could 10 years ago. I got all the ideal gifts for a 64 year old missionary.....sweaters for another cold winter, sweater tights to keep my legs warm, more nylon stockings for meetings and work in the office, a necklace that says "I can do hard things" and chocolate bars and cards galore. Who could ask for more? I have been sung to by many missionaries today who wanted to make my day special. I have been sung to by grandkids and their parents.
One sister from Texas stopped our car last night and said, " I just want to thank the two of you for serving a mission here and now. I love you both and I am so grateful to serve with you." Oh how mutual that feeling is!!!
Lesson learned in Stake Conference: Warning!! Starving Rabbits. In survival it is a well known fact that if you go to cold climates and have plenty of rabbit meat to eat, you will eventually starve to death. Rabbit meat takes more nutrients and calories from the body that eats the meat than you gain by eating the rabbit meat. So long ago, explorers in cold climates had plenty of rabbit meat to eat yet literally starved to death eating it. What does that have to do with our mission or anything really? The world offers so many things to do every day, yet most of them do not have the ability to nourish our Spirits at all. We can partake of many activities that take up most of our time but at the end of the day, we are empty. May I suggest a habit I took up years ago? Don't let your head hit the pillow until you have read your scriptures and said your prayers. It only takes a few minutes a day yet it will nourish your Spirit and help your growth in becoming a Disciple of Christ. Make sure some of the nourishment you partake of each day fills the Spirit.
Have a wonderful week. We are hoping for a bit of a lull.....hah!
Love,
Sister Taggart
Happy birthday Claudia--I love life
First, let me give a shout it to my amazingly wonderful wife and companion, Claudia, aka Sister Taggart. Happy, happy birthday to the best companion anyone could have! I have known her for all but 8 of her birthdays which is now quite a long time. I do love her so.
The week started out with great news from the eye doctor. Neither of us have cataracts or any signs do glaucoma. My prescription has not changed and Sister T's has improved to the point that she no longer needs glasses except to read. Cheap dollar store cheaters work just fine for that. So that was a woot woot as the younger set would say.
Most of the week we have had cold air coming down from Canada so it has only been in the 50's most days for the high and it has gotten down to the low 40's at night. I truly hope that this isn't a sign that this winter will be even worse than last.
Missionary calls or mishaps this week - All reminders that they are young and lack experience.
Elder Taggart, we left our car window down last night and someone stole our gas credit card. What should we do? I wanted to say, cry, pray, or walk for the next week; you live in Chicago and should expect that if you leave your window open and inviting. But the soft side of me prevailed and I told them I would cancel that card and issue them a new one.
A missionary was messing around and put his "U" shaped bike lock around his neck and locked it. He had been having difficulty getting it to unlock. Well he couldn't get it to unlock, so after trying numerous times and also having his companion try to block it, he slept that night with it around his neck. The next morning he knew he couldn't go out with that around his neck and he definitely didn't want to call me or the president. So he says that he went back in the bedroom, said a prayer asking for help and the lock unlocked.
Two weeks ago, a missionary called and told me that he had lost his iPad at a zone activity at the church. I told him that before I would replace it, I wanted him to check with his zone leaders and all the other missionaries who were at the activity. I didn't hear back from him, so I assumed that he had found it. Well this week, he did call me to tell me that he had just called his zone leaders and they had his iPad. Why would he not check sooner or why didn't his zone leaders let him know sooner that they had it.
We had a mission conference on Friday with Elder and Sister James K Hamula of the 1st Quorum of the Seventy. All of the senior missionaries had dinner with them on Thursday night at the mission home. We had a total of 28 there for dinner. Sister Taggart was in charge of planning the meal, making assignments, and then we prepared and provided the meat. We cooked 6 ribeye roasts in a roaster for 8 hours with her basting them every so often. The meat was tender and tasty and we had a wonderful evening together breaking bread and visiting with each other.
The conference on Friday was just what we needed to have our spiritual cup filled. Our batteries were recharged and our spirits lifted so that we can continue to press forward with enthusiasm and energy. That night a special fireside was held for investigators, recent converts and any who are returning to church activity. Because the parking was not adequate at the building it was held in, we prepaid for parking for cars at an auxiliary parking lot .6 mile for the building. I got to be the shuttle van driver; making the trip from the parking to the building and back about 10 times both before and after the fireside. After that, I transported 4 missionaries back to their apartments. I finally arrived at our apartment at 11:50 pm, tired and more than ready for bed.
We had stake conference this weekend here. Based on some Facebook posts and messages Claudia has received, I realize that the wonderful people of The Renton Stake had their annual day of service to beautify and makes life better for many in their community. I have fond memories of those experiences and miss having been able to work shoulder to shoulder with you.
We are richly blessed and having a great experience together. We love the life we have chosen to live, though we do miss each of you. I encourage you to have the faith sufficient to open your mouth and share with those around you how blessed our life is because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Have a rich week.
Elder Taggart
The week started out with great news from the eye doctor. Neither of us have cataracts or any signs do glaucoma. My prescription has not changed and Sister T's has improved to the point that she no longer needs glasses except to read. Cheap dollar store cheaters work just fine for that. So that was a woot woot as the younger set would say.
Most of the week we have had cold air coming down from Canada so it has only been in the 50's most days for the high and it has gotten down to the low 40's at night. I truly hope that this isn't a sign that this winter will be even worse than last.
Missionary calls or mishaps this week - All reminders that they are young and lack experience.
Elder Taggart, we left our car window down last night and someone stole our gas credit card. What should we do? I wanted to say, cry, pray, or walk for the next week; you live in Chicago and should expect that if you leave your window open and inviting. But the soft side of me prevailed and I told them I would cancel that card and issue them a new one.
A missionary was messing around and put his "U" shaped bike lock around his neck and locked it. He had been having difficulty getting it to unlock. Well he couldn't get it to unlock, so after trying numerous times and also having his companion try to block it, he slept that night with it around his neck. The next morning he knew he couldn't go out with that around his neck and he definitely didn't want to call me or the president. So he says that he went back in the bedroom, said a prayer asking for help and the lock unlocked.
Two weeks ago, a missionary called and told me that he had lost his iPad at a zone activity at the church. I told him that before I would replace it, I wanted him to check with his zone leaders and all the other missionaries who were at the activity. I didn't hear back from him, so I assumed that he had found it. Well this week, he did call me to tell me that he had just called his zone leaders and they had his iPad. Why would he not check sooner or why didn't his zone leaders let him know sooner that they had it.
We had a mission conference on Friday with Elder and Sister James K Hamula of the 1st Quorum of the Seventy. All of the senior missionaries had dinner with them on Thursday night at the mission home. We had a total of 28 there for dinner. Sister Taggart was in charge of planning the meal, making assignments, and then we prepared and provided the meat. We cooked 6 ribeye roasts in a roaster for 8 hours with her basting them every so often. The meat was tender and tasty and we had a wonderful evening together breaking bread and visiting with each other.
The conference on Friday was just what we needed to have our spiritual cup filled. Our batteries were recharged and our spirits lifted so that we can continue to press forward with enthusiasm and energy. That night a special fireside was held for investigators, recent converts and any who are returning to church activity. Because the parking was not adequate at the building it was held in, we prepaid for parking for cars at an auxiliary parking lot .6 mile for the building. I got to be the shuttle van driver; making the trip from the parking to the building and back about 10 times both before and after the fireside. After that, I transported 4 missionaries back to their apartments. I finally arrived at our apartment at 11:50 pm, tired and more than ready for bed.
We had stake conference this weekend here. Based on some Facebook posts and messages Claudia has received, I realize that the wonderful people of The Renton Stake had their annual day of service to beautify and makes life better for many in their community. I have fond memories of those experiences and miss having been able to work shoulder to shoulder with you.
We are richly blessed and having a great experience together. We love the life we have chosen to live, though we do miss each of you. I encourage you to have the faith sufficient to open your mouth and share with those around you how blessed our life is because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Have a rich week.
Elder Taggart
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Let your light shine
Last weekend was wonderful. Because our office is in a bank, we had Monday off which gave us a three day weekend just like most of the working world. The bishop invited us to dinner at their house on Sunday night where we had an enjoyable visit. We were able to talk with or Skype some of the kids and grandkids which is always a treat for us. And on Monday we went for a walk/hike in the Half Day forest preserve and enjoy nature together.
Our walk ended up being a typical Seattle day; it was overcast and shortly after we left the car, it started to rain. Rather than go back for the umbrella, we just continues on enjoying a walk and visit in the rain. It was even a Seattle rain; just a light drizzle.
We had three Elders over to dinner this week. Hawaiian haystacks were the fare for the evening. One Elder said he had never had Hawaiian haystacks, so he took a very modest portion to begin with. When he realized how yummy they are, he dished himself a huge plate after he finished the first. We love having the missionaries in our home where we can get to know them and feel of their spirits and energy. Their message was one of gratitude for all that we do to make their lives a bit easier.
Oh, I successfully got signed up for Medicare coverage this week. Thanks Linda/Harro for putting me in touch with your friend. He made the whole process much easier to figure out. The joys of getting old continue. One of the assistants noticed my Medicare booklet and said, "You're not old enough to need that." When I informed him that I definitely was, he said, "I thought you were only like 55." Don't I wish.
I helped the assistants to the president and four companionships of zone leaders prepare reports and presentations for either mission leadership council or their stake missionary coordinating meeting.
Friday night, we left the office and headed to Hancock fabric so that Suzy seamstress could get some things she needed for some projects, mostly for missionaries. Earlier that day I watched clouds roll in, the sky turn very dark which was followed by heavy winds and a torrential downpour. As we got closer to Hancock, we noticed lots of tree branches down and then several traffic lights that were not working. Power was lost in quite a few areas and as we drove into the parking lot of Hancock Fabric, all of the businesses were dark. Power was out and everything was closed. My not so happy companion was quite disappointed, particularly since the reasons for going there were primarily for the benefit of our missionaries. So we found a restaurant that was opened, had dinner and returned home somewhat frustrated that Mother Nature had ruined her adventure.
So, yesterday morning, I tricked her a bit by letting her think we were just going to Target to buy a new shower curtain. We did that, but not at the store closest to us. We drove 25 miles North to Crystal Lake where there is another Hancock Fabric and also a Target. We had an enjoyable ride through the countryside, dropped a wad at Hancock, bought a shower curtain and even stopped at a farm stand where we bought some local, fresh corn, tomatoes and potatoes. Dinner last night was simple corn on the cob (the best this season), tomatoes that really tasted like a tomato should and a slice of cheesecake left over from our dinner with Elders.
We ended our week by going out with some Sister missionaries to teach. As it turned out, the guy they had an appointment with wasn't at the address they were given. But we had a very enjoyable conversation with a women from India who is Hindu. She graciously invited us I to her home where it was quite evident that she is very active in her faith. She told us a few stories showing her faith and belief in God. We shared a brief message and invitation with her. I believe that she is quite devoted to her religion.
I thought last night and again this morning about this woman. She doesn't believe as I do but she does believe in God, a supreme being. She doesn't believe in Christ and yet her life and actions are very Christlike. She said that she never locks her door; it is always unlocked so that of someone needs help, etc. they can get it. Based on our conversation with her, I thought what a wonderful place this world would be if everyone simply lived what they believe regardless of what their religious affiliation might be. She comes across as more Christlike than many good Christians that I know who don't practice what they believe.
Bottom line, I guess my thought for this week is, be true to yourself and what you believe. Be the best you you can be and allow your light to shine so that others may see it. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have been blessed with of my Savior and Redeemer; my friend and advocate. I pray that my life and yours may reflect His love and light. As tedious and mundane as live often seems, let your light shine through to bless the lives of others. We love you.
Elder Taggart
Our walk ended up being a typical Seattle day; it was overcast and shortly after we left the car, it started to rain. Rather than go back for the umbrella, we just continues on enjoying a walk and visit in the rain. It was even a Seattle rain; just a light drizzle.
We had three Elders over to dinner this week. Hawaiian haystacks were the fare for the evening. One Elder said he had never had Hawaiian haystacks, so he took a very modest portion to begin with. When he realized how yummy they are, he dished himself a huge plate after he finished the first. We love having the missionaries in our home where we can get to know them and feel of their spirits and energy. Their message was one of gratitude for all that we do to make their lives a bit easier.
Oh, I successfully got signed up for Medicare coverage this week. Thanks Linda/Harro for putting me in touch with your friend. He made the whole process much easier to figure out. The joys of getting old continue. One of the assistants noticed my Medicare booklet and said, "You're not old enough to need that." When I informed him that I definitely was, he said, "I thought you were only like 55." Don't I wish.
I helped the assistants to the president and four companionships of zone leaders prepare reports and presentations for either mission leadership council or their stake missionary coordinating meeting.
Friday night, we left the office and headed to Hancock fabric so that Suzy seamstress could get some things she needed for some projects, mostly for missionaries. Earlier that day I watched clouds roll in, the sky turn very dark which was followed by heavy winds and a torrential downpour. As we got closer to Hancock, we noticed lots of tree branches down and then several traffic lights that were not working. Power was lost in quite a few areas and as we drove into the parking lot of Hancock Fabric, all of the businesses were dark. Power was out and everything was closed. My not so happy companion was quite disappointed, particularly since the reasons for going there were primarily for the benefit of our missionaries. So we found a restaurant that was opened, had dinner and returned home somewhat frustrated that Mother Nature had ruined her adventure.
So, yesterday morning, I tricked her a bit by letting her think we were just going to Target to buy a new shower curtain. We did that, but not at the store closest to us. We drove 25 miles North to Crystal Lake where there is another Hancock Fabric and also a Target. We had an enjoyable ride through the countryside, dropped a wad at Hancock, bought a shower curtain and even stopped at a farm stand where we bought some local, fresh corn, tomatoes and potatoes. Dinner last night was simple corn on the cob (the best this season), tomatoes that really tasted like a tomato should and a slice of cheesecake left over from our dinner with Elders.
We ended our week by going out with some Sister missionaries to teach. As it turned out, the guy they had an appointment with wasn't at the address they were given. But we had a very enjoyable conversation with a women from India who is Hindu. She graciously invited us I to her home where it was quite evident that she is very active in her faith. She told us a few stories showing her faith and belief in God. We shared a brief message and invitation with her. I believe that she is quite devoted to her religion.
I thought last night and again this morning about this woman. She doesn't believe as I do but she does believe in God, a supreme being. She doesn't believe in Christ and yet her life and actions are very Christlike. She said that she never locks her door; it is always unlocked so that of someone needs help, etc. they can get it. Based on our conversation with her, I thought what a wonderful place this world would be if everyone simply lived what they believe regardless of what their religious affiliation might be. She comes across as more Christlike than many good Christians that I know who don't practice what they believe.
Bottom line, I guess my thought for this week is, be true to yourself and what you believe. Be the best you you can be and allow your light to shine so that others may see it. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have been blessed with of my Savior and Redeemer; my friend and advocate. I pray that my life and yours may reflect His love and light. As tedious and mundane as live often seems, let your light shine through to bless the lives of others. We love you.
Elder Taggart
Rain,rain go away...Sister Taggart has got our back
Sept. 7, 2014
This week started off perfectly. Monday was Labor Day so we had a three day weekend! You never realize how you need a break until you actually take one. The bank was closed so the missionaries only had access to us on our 3 cell phones----which they took advantage of. Dozens of calls about cars, ipads, referrals, nametags, but we had a day to ourselves. We headed north ten miles to discover a new forest preserve and a "hike." Weatherman Bruce assured me we would have cooler temperatures and sunshine. As we drove the clouds got darker and darker. He assured me it would not rain. (Deep down I was hoping he was right because I had put brown mousse coloring in my hair and if it rained, by hair would be gray again and my face would be brown.) The first half mile of our "hike" was uneventful except for a snake that slithered across our path. Elder Taggart pronounced it a garter snake and I dared him to pick it up. He changed his tune and said maybe it was a water moccasin and he wasn't taking any chances.We were deep in a beautiful forest by then so decided we wouldn't stress unless thunder and lightening started. The rain continued lightly for the next half mile. I occasionally wipe a brown drip off my face. Then the heavens opened. We turned around and retraced our path. I only had 2 Kleenex in my pocket and both were now soaked and brown. We laughed and laughed. A fun Seattle "hike" in pouring down rain in the middle of Buffalo Grove, ILL. We came home, dried off and spent the rest of the day watching the storm from the inside of our condo. I sewed three jumpers and two new skirts to help take my wardrobe into fall and winter. It was just the break we needed.
Tuesday my desk was a joke. I had over a hundred pieces of mail to readdress and referrals galore. I assigned referrals to Iowa, Michigan, New York, Texas ,Jamaica, Romania, and the Congo. The gal from Romania has been visiting Chicago for a few months and received the missionaries here. She wanted to make sure they found her when she returned home. The woman from the Congo has been attending our ward for a month. Her plan is to finish receiving the lessons in her homeland, be baptized, and in a year come back and marry our dear brother from the Congo. He fled years ago with help from the US because he had been involved with intelligence for the US and when the political upheaval happened, he wasn't safe. Our country brought him and his daughter to Chicago and this became his new home. What a cultural shock that must have been.
I felt a moment of panic as my computer locked me out until I changed my password. Who does he think he is? I only have so much memory to remember such trivia as passwords so don't make me change.
Elder in Indiana, "Sister Taggart, we have lost a box that had a survey in it. Do you know where it could possible be?"
Sister: "We have a really cool service idea. Can we borrow your sewing machine?"
Caller: "Hello. I am moving from Northbrook to Glenview. I used to come to your church a long time ago. Could I get missionaries to help me move?"
Sister: "Warn everyone. This referral should be avoided. He is anti-Mormon and just wants to bask with the missionaries."
Referral Center: "Sister Taggart, you have a referral assigned July 2 who has not been visited yet by your missionaries. Why not? We have been in phone contact with her and she is waiting for missionaries to come visit her." I check into it. Yes, my missionaries visited that home twice. She was never there but her boyfriend was. He invited the missionaries not come back until he invited them. I call the referral center back, explain the situation, then ask, "Do you honestly want me to sent my missionaries back into that setting?" He was shocked she was living with her boyfriend and misrepresenting herself to the phone contact from the referral center. I assured him we had boots on the ground, we were aware of the situation, and no matter what she was telling them, my missionaries were not going back until invited by the boyfriend.(I was unaware an Elder had listened to the call. Three of them came to my house to dinner a few nights later and this Elder said, "Sister Taggart has our backs. I heard her on the phone and she has our backs." I guess that is good.)
We had a storm blow through here on Friday that was a doozy. Black clouds rolled in, the wind picked up as sheets of rain came down. It lasted a couple of hours but the aftermath lasted even longer. Hugh branches torn off trees and carelessly thrown on roadways or power lines. Traffic lights off. Businesses closed due to lack of power. It was random where it did the destruction. One traffic light would be out and the next two working and the next one out. Power would be on to the left but off to the right. The storms here are something to be reckoned with. We have been lucky not to have had a tornado while have served here but I can see how quickly it could happen.
The Sisters in our area had us go teaching with them about 2 miles from our condo. It was 7:30 PM, just before dark and the streets were loaded with people from India. We were in search of a referral who we didn't find but we found Batia instead. What a warm, friendly person she turned out to be. She is Hindu and has lived in Chicago 19 years. She invited us in to see her shrine to her God. She said we were meant to meet so she could enjoy my smile and the warmth and friendship she felt around us. She says she sees God in all she meets. She never locks her doors. What a beautiful person she is and I need to look at all people as she does....children of Diety. This week smile more at the people you meet. Trust more. See those around you with new eyes. I am going to. Have a great week.
Sister Taggart
This week started off perfectly. Monday was Labor Day so we had a three day weekend! You never realize how you need a break until you actually take one. The bank was closed so the missionaries only had access to us on our 3 cell phones----which they took advantage of. Dozens of calls about cars, ipads, referrals, nametags, but we had a day to ourselves. We headed north ten miles to discover a new forest preserve and a "hike." Weatherman Bruce assured me we would have cooler temperatures and sunshine. As we drove the clouds got darker and darker. He assured me it would not rain. (Deep down I was hoping he was right because I had put brown mousse coloring in my hair and if it rained, by hair would be gray again and my face would be brown.) The first half mile of our "hike" was uneventful except for a snake that slithered across our path. Elder Taggart pronounced it a garter snake and I dared him to pick it up. He changed his tune and said maybe it was a water moccasin and he wasn't taking any chances.We were deep in a beautiful forest by then so decided we wouldn't stress unless thunder and lightening started. The rain continued lightly for the next half mile. I occasionally wipe a brown drip off my face. Then the heavens opened. We turned around and retraced our path. I only had 2 Kleenex in my pocket and both were now soaked and brown. We laughed and laughed. A fun Seattle "hike" in pouring down rain in the middle of Buffalo Grove, ILL. We came home, dried off and spent the rest of the day watching the storm from the inside of our condo. I sewed three jumpers and two new skirts to help take my wardrobe into fall and winter. It was just the break we needed.
Tuesday my desk was a joke. I had over a hundred pieces of mail to readdress and referrals galore. I assigned referrals to Iowa, Michigan, New York, Texas ,Jamaica, Romania, and the Congo. The gal from Romania has been visiting Chicago for a few months and received the missionaries here. She wanted to make sure they found her when she returned home. The woman from the Congo has been attending our ward for a month. Her plan is to finish receiving the lessons in her homeland, be baptized, and in a year come back and marry our dear brother from the Congo. He fled years ago with help from the US because he had been involved with intelligence for the US and when the political upheaval happened, he wasn't safe. Our country brought him and his daughter to Chicago and this became his new home. What a cultural shock that must have been.
I felt a moment of panic as my computer locked me out until I changed my password. Who does he think he is? I only have so much memory to remember such trivia as passwords so don't make me change.
Elder in Indiana, "Sister Taggart, we have lost a box that had a survey in it. Do you know where it could possible be?"
Sister: "We have a really cool service idea. Can we borrow your sewing machine?"
Caller: "Hello. I am moving from Northbrook to Glenview. I used to come to your church a long time ago. Could I get missionaries to help me move?"
Sister: "Warn everyone. This referral should be avoided. He is anti-Mormon and just wants to bask with the missionaries."
Referral Center: "Sister Taggart, you have a referral assigned July 2 who has not been visited yet by your missionaries. Why not? We have been in phone contact with her and she is waiting for missionaries to come visit her." I check into it. Yes, my missionaries visited that home twice. She was never there but her boyfriend was. He invited the missionaries not come back until he invited them. I call the referral center back, explain the situation, then ask, "Do you honestly want me to sent my missionaries back into that setting?" He was shocked she was living with her boyfriend and misrepresenting herself to the phone contact from the referral center. I assured him we had boots on the ground, we were aware of the situation, and no matter what she was telling them, my missionaries were not going back until invited by the boyfriend.(I was unaware an Elder had listened to the call. Three of them came to my house to dinner a few nights later and this Elder said, "Sister Taggart has our backs. I heard her on the phone and she has our backs." I guess that is good.)
We had a storm blow through here on Friday that was a doozy. Black clouds rolled in, the wind picked up as sheets of rain came down. It lasted a couple of hours but the aftermath lasted even longer. Hugh branches torn off trees and carelessly thrown on roadways or power lines. Traffic lights off. Businesses closed due to lack of power. It was random where it did the destruction. One traffic light would be out and the next two working and the next one out. Power would be on to the left but off to the right. The storms here are something to be reckoned with. We have been lucky not to have had a tornado while have served here but I can see how quickly it could happen.
The Sisters in our area had us go teaching with them about 2 miles from our condo. It was 7:30 PM, just before dark and the streets were loaded with people from India. We were in search of a referral who we didn't find but we found Batia instead. What a warm, friendly person she turned out to be. She is Hindu and has lived in Chicago 19 years. She invited us in to see her shrine to her God. She said we were meant to meet so she could enjoy my smile and the warmth and friendship she felt around us. She says she sees God in all she meets. She never locks her doors. What a beautiful person she is and I need to look at all people as she does....children of Diety. This week smile more at the people you meet. Trust more. See those around you with new eyes. I am going to. Have a great week.
Sister Taggart
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