Celebrating Mother's Day

This week is going to be shared a little differently. It is Mother’s Day. What a wonderful day to celebrate having and being a mother! There is something I want to recount from a talk given in General Conference in April 1997, by Jeffery R Holland. It was called “Because She is a Mother.” At the moment, as in some instances, I remember the feelings I had when I heard it and how it MOVED me to action.
Those days when that talk was given, I was a student at UVSC, aka UVU now. I had placed an application to BYU since I was finishing up an AA degree. Well, that same day I had received a rejection letter from BYU saying I had too many credits that were transferred from my Fullerton Junior College transcript. Needless to say, I was devastated. Then I heard Elder Holland’s address. It gave me such courage to write a letter immediately to the person who signed the letter rejecting my acceptance to BYU.

I don’t recall what all I said, but the point was that I just KNEW I was supposed to attend there and could they please reconsider? A few days later I received a phone call from the committee person and he gave me a few suggestions to write another letter to the committee directly and also pointed out that the credits the letter referred to was from my cosmetology major. It turns out since BYU doesn’t have that kind of program, it negated those credits going against me. I did exactly what that kind gentleman told me to do. Then I received another phone call congratulating me to tell me I was accepted! I received a letter besides later. I was so excited that I baked that kind man a plate of chocolate chip cookies and took them to the administration building. He didn’t know what to say other than no one had ever done that before . . . and the rest is history! I got in and completed in three consecutive semesters. I applied to the U of U for a Master’s and finished in 2000. Whaa HOOOO!
“One other story. This week I was reading aloud in Doctrine and Covenants 97:1-2. As I finished the verses, [in Spanish], I had this perception come to my mind and saw my great-grandmother Maria Elena Eduiges Rodriguez- Ulloa and her daughter’s sitting in her home in San Antonio, TX visiting each other. I told Ron what I saw in my mind’s eye before I read it in English to get the exact verses to understand clearly what I had read and saw at the same time. Then he said, “I wondered if they have accepted the Gospel on the other side.” There is no doubt in my mind they have, but it was a good question.

Maria Elena Eduiges Rodriguez Ulloa with her family in 1918
Doctrine and Covenants 97:1-2

1 Verily I say unto you my friends, I speak unto you with my a voice, even the voice of my Spirit, that I may show unto you my will concerning your brethren in the land of Zion, many of whom are truly humble and are seeking diligently to learn wisdom and to find truth.
2 Verily, verily I say unto you, blessed are such, for they shall obtain; for I, the Lord, show mercy unto all the meek, and upon all whomsoever I will, that I may be justified when I shall bring them unto judgment.

I feel peace that these faithful women have accepted the truth on the other side. I stand all amazed. 
These are the parents of my great-grandmother, Maxima Munoz and Clemente Ulloa.

Grandma Busy Crocheting

Grandma, (me) has been busy learning how to make crochet headbands. It's been fun and i loved making them. Most of the granddaughters got one. I learned how to make hats too.

I want to learn how to make boys' caps for next winter.

This Just Made Our Day!!

Little acts of kindness go a long way. This week we received the sweetest letters from grandchildren, and their parents. It made our week!

We were delighted to received their sweet handwritten notes and learn about what they are doing in school, work and being missionaries in their own ward. Thank you, Hank, Lori and all the K's, too. : )

The Elders of Israel. . .

This is a group of Elders we work with during the week whoa re assigned to Hermiston, Oregon area. They are Spanish speaking missionaries and are progressing very well.

We love working with them and see them improve each time we work with them. They are dedicated and helping to hasten the work. They have been successful and are teaching many investigators and baptizing them. We appreciate the blessing it is to work with them and be a part of this great work!

Elders Duncan and Trotter are always ready to work and prepared when we go visit them in Benton City. They looked so "crisp" I had to get a picture of them. Elder Duncan is training Elder Trotter and has for about two months now.

A Tender Story to Ponder

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, “I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.”

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally
. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. “What’s wrong, are you well?” she asked.

My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. “I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,” I responded. “Just the two of us.” She thought about it for a moment, and then said, “I would like that very much.”

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel’s. “I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed, “she said, as she got into the car. “They can’t wait to hear about our meeting.”

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. “It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,” she said. “Then it’s time that you relax and let me return the favor,” I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation – nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other’s life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, “I’ll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.” I agreed.

“How was your dinner date?” asked my wife when I got home. “Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,” I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn’t have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: “I paid this bill in advance. I wasn’t sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates – one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.”

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: “I LOVE YOU” and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till “some other time.”
After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, “I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.” The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally . That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. “What’s wrong, are you well?” she asked. My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. “I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,” I responded. “Just the two of us.” She thought about it for a moment, and then said, “I would like that very much.” That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel’s. “I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed, “she said, as she got into the car. “They can’t wait to hear about our meeting.” We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. “It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,” she said. “Then it’s time that you relax and let me return the favor,” I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation – nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each others' life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, “I’ll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.” I agreed. “How was your dinner date?” asked my wife when I got home. “Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,” I answered. A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn’t have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: “I paid this bill in advance. I wasn’t sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates – one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.” At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: “I LOVE YOU” and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till “some other time.”

Mom's Comment:
As a mother of four sons, I know at times they would go with me to events such a receptions, funerals or to go out to eat. I appreciated them so much. Each one in their own way filled a space in my life that needed filling! Hank invited me to a Veteran's Day concert and the University of Utah, and I loved every minute of it. Lori had just had Klarissa I think. So I got to attend the reception beforehand. It was a delight to see him in his element doing his Public Affairs for the Utah National Guard. Aaron, on the other hand took me to a football game at BYU for my birthday, and we got to sit in the enclosed booths that Tanise got the tickets to a game. Matt was my sidekick many a time wen it was just me and him at home. Fond memories of our trip to the Oregon Eugene Mission before he left for Paraguay for his mission. And, Michael, what a treat it was to attend an institute Book of Mormon class just before his mission. That was a lasting memory we will both never forget!

Spring Is Just Around The Corner

It is always so uplifting to see the spring flowers in bloom after a long winter. This picture was taken at a home in Kennewick that we visited today.

Spring is so symbolic of the resurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ as the "Earth with her ten thousand flowers" brings new life once again for a season.

It rained a good part of the late afternoon and evening. Another good sign that the flowers planted last fall will bloom soon. The daffodils in our frot flower beds have already started to burst through. We can hardly wait! Hope Spring Eternal.

Power of Prayers and The Gift of Tongues

Last Sunday in morning prayers I asked to have the ability to speak well and confidently in Spanish. My prayer was soon answered. We started our meetings as we attended the branch Gospel Principles class. Ron was the instructor. He soon called on me to give the opening prayer. I was able to give the prayer as if I was praying in English. It amazed me to be able to have the words come to my mind(in Spanish) and express them without cutting the prayer short from my lack of knowing how to say the words in my mind translating from English to Spanish.

The next meeting was Relief Society. Again I was called on to give the opening prayer. I prayed silently as we sang the opening hymn to have the words come with meaning and call upon the Holy Ghost to assist us in our lesson and to bless our teacher to share the message we would receive. Words came again with clarity and with a sweet assurance as they came from my heart as well as from my voice.
During the lesson the teacher had given some questions to all of the sisters and I felt impressed to participate and had opportunity to give comments with fluency I had not realize I could give with the words in Spanish again coming in my mind in Spanish easily. After the class I went up to the teacher and could have spoken in English but continued in Spanish. I shared some insights like I would have in English to any other instructor as I thanked her for her preparation and thoughts. I felt a real confidence to not use the crutch to speak in English even though she knew how to speak in English very well.

I walked away from Relief Society meeting knowing my prayer was answered and know I was given briefly the gift of tongues. I sometimes find it is easier to hold back from speaking Spanish at times knowing most of the members in the branch are bilingual. I also know that when I pray specifically for the increased ability to speak (Spanish) with the help of the Holy Ghost my prayer is heard and comes to fruition. I am thankful an dappreciate stretching myself to do my best.

This week we visited with the missionaries for conversational Spanish. The senior companion of the two called upon me to give the prayer as we began. I spoke in Spanish and felt the gift of tongues from Sunday’s prayer still helping me as I prayed. We had a wonderful feeling attend us with the things we talked about and the elders’ questions we answered that they are faced with in their discussions. Our whole discussion was in Spanish and I noticed how much the elders are retaining each week in their understanding of the gospel. We love these missionaries and feel honored to be there encouraging them along in their labors. They are doing so much and working so diligently. They are obedient and we can tell they are happy doing this work.

It is so important they know and learn line upon line and precept upon precept.
Hermana Anna Walser 2 10 13