elder t-ca$h

Taylor has officially been a missionary for one week.

His farewell was on the 13th and he did a fan-freakin-tastic job. I can honestly say it was one of the very best talks I have ever heard. Here's a brief excerpt from the beginning of his talk:

Brothers and Sisters, I hate being in pain. Absolutely hate it. I hate suffering, and I hate being scared. I hate being sick, and being sad, and especially, I hate being inadequate or inept at something. Most of all, I absolutely hate that feeling that I get because of something I’ve done and shouldn’t have, or something I didn’t do and should have. I would much rather live a pain-free, sickness free life where I’m always happy, never scared, and I am not just adequate at somethings, but exceptional at anything and everything.

But as is often the case in our mortal existence, what we want is not always what’s best for us. Sure, a life without trials, pains, and weaknesses would be great. But we wouldn’t learn anything from our experiences, we wouldn’t be able to feel true happiness, and we wouldn’t be able to grow. But luckily for us…actually, luck has nothing to do with it. Heavenly Father’s plan is not some cosmic coincidence composed of convenient conditions, but rather a distinctly doctored design that defines our divine destinies. So not luckily for us, but fatefully for us, our Father in Heaven sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to die for us so that we may overcome those things that keep us from the presence of God.

That Atonement, that frees us from sin, also liberates us from many other distressing things in our lives. In Alma Chapter 7 verses 11-12, it says: “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” So Christ suffered not only just the sins we have done, which in and of itself is an unbearable thought, he also felt our despair, sadness, frustration, pains, sicknesses, inadequacies, temptations, guilt, shame, sorrow, terror, helplessness, and every other form of trial or hardship that we have faced. Indeed, it is an infinite atonement, meaning that there is absolutely nothing that Christ hasn’t felt in our behalf.

Tay then went on to compare sandwiches to the atonement. It was truly profound. I would post that part, but I'm nervous someone will steal it and call it their own. So if you want a copy of it, let me know. The kid is so in tune. He is such a spiritual giant. I look up to him so much and am so grateful that he is my brother.

He was set apart the night of the 16th. It was bittersweet. I know that he will be such a great missionary, but I'm going to miss him a lot. Like a lot a lot.

I'm truly blessed to have such a great family. They are the best and I wouldn't trade a single one of them.

Taylor had to report to the MTC in Preston, England so we took him to the airport last Thursday. It was fun to see how excited he was. And I am so excited for him. He's going to have an awesome two years in Manchester. We got his first email today and were relieved to hear that he's already loving it and having a great time. He has such a great attitude and I'm so happy he is serving the Lord. What a great guy, that Taylor. He's going to make the city of Manchester fall completely in love with him.

Love you, T Ca$h! Go spread the word!