Week 46: Labor Day Tribute

Harwoods & Hadlocks at the Cookie Company in Rainier, WA

 We were able to go on a little excursion Saturday. We went with the Harwoods to check out a couple of new apartments for missionaries. One of the apartments had blackberries growing nearby. They actually grow everywhere here. We love to pick and eat them every chance we get.

Our adventures also took us to the coast where we got to see the ocean and walk on the beach.

We especially enjoy seeing the missionaries.

Crab Shell

Elders Short & Werk labor in McKenna

Sisters Allred &  Rasmussen labor in Lakewood

Our young missionaries are amazing. We acknowledge and admire their hard work. They labor daily for the souls of men and women seeking truth and a better way.

Since it is Labor Day weekend, this blog entry is a tribute to them and their "labors." They labor under divine commission.

Thou art called to labor in my vineyard, and to build up my church, and to bring forth Zion, that it may rejoice upon the hills and flourish. (D&C 39:13)

Sisters Wilkins & Stevens labor in Deschutes

They labor with obedience, cheerfulness, and dedication. They are so good.

And now my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God. (Moroni 9:6)

Elders DeLaigle & Clark join us for Sunday dinner

Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into his rest,  (Jacob 1:7)

And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! (D&C 18:15)

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. (1 Tim 4:10) 

The missionaries do suffer reproach at times. In fact, we had two sisters who were street contacting recently and endured a "mocking" and being filmed while being mocked.

Beautiful missionary feet!

And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace! ((Mosiah 15:16)

Wherefore, labor ye, labor ye in my vineyard for the last time—for the last time call upon the inhabitants of the earth. (D&C 43:28)

 The allegory of the tame and wild olive trees found in Jacob 5 tells us  about the Lord's vineyard and many "labors" and extra efforts made to "gather Israel." Jacob provides a wonderful insight into the nature of God. He is anxious to gather us "as a hen would gather her chickens." He is patient, long-suffering, and will do everything He can to help us choose to return to Him.  Truly it is His work (labor) and His glory "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt 11:28)

I am grateful for the opportunity to "labor." We will be cheerfully "laboring" tomorrow at the mission office. No resentments. We love our work; it is quite rewarding. We are glad to be busy -- "anxiously engaged in a good cause."

For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nephi 25:23)

Weeks 43,44,45: Sweet Mother of Mine

 It's been three weeks since I’ve written. And in those three weeks, so much has changed. In fact, I’m still trying to “wrap my head around” it all. Haven’t really had much time to just sit and gather my thoughts. Perhaps a blog entry will help. Writing has always been a source of “therapy”. So, bear with me.

Pillows we used in hospital to try to make Mom comfortable.
She was like the "Princess & the Pea!"

Here’s the short version. My mother was diagnosed with congestive heart failure a couple of months ago. Her condition was much more serious than any of us could imagine or wanted to believe. Despite many prayers and the efforts of doctors, nurses, family members, there just seemed to be one complication, one setback after another. She was so sick, so weak. Her heart was simply worn out. 

My dear mother, LuDean McCormick Wilde Walker, passed away on Sunday, August 10 at 6:30 a.m. I will be forever grateful that I was able to be with her in the days prior to her death -- a tender mercy no doubt. I am grateful to have shared some of that time with my brother and sister, Dale & Susan. Despite the circumstances, it was a special time for us. 

 She wasn’t supposed to die just yet. We had talked about moving to Kamas after our mission I wanted to be there when she needed help. I wanted to be there so some of her goodness could “rub off” on me.

This has all happened so fast, I was not prepared. I'm not ready to "grow up" and be the "matriarch" now. There is still so much I wanted to learn from and about my mother. She was the master "stain remover." She mended clothes that I couldn't. I still need help with some of her recipes. And ... whose going to clean and oil my cupboards, use a toothbrush to clean my oven, and wash the china in the cupboard? ... And who will stay up with me til 2 or 3 a.m. to do a jigsaw puzzle?  Mom I miss you so much already!

Making her award-winning Pecan Crunch 

No, I don't really understand. I have questions. But, I'm not worried. I don't need to understand right now. I also realize that I’m not in charge.  I trust God and have faith in his Son Jesus Christ. I know that no good person is ever taken before their time.  It must have been Mom’s time. She truly gave her all. She literally gave her heart in the service of others. She was like the Energizer bunny. 

I know that because of Jesus Christ, I will see my mother again. She is done with her mortal body, but her spirit lives. She is in the spirit world. She is busy. She will continue to progress. Most certainly she is serving others. One day her spirit and body will be reunited, never to die again. 

Devan, Jason, Meagan, Heather, Sam, Christopher

She lived like I want to live: "I don't want to reach the grave with a well preserved body, making it there safe, and looking good. I want to slide into the grave sideways .... with a body all used up and saying, 'Woo Hoo what a ride!" (Zig Ziglar)

Mother lived a rich, full life to the very end-- full of love and service to family, God, friends, community, and country. She has left a wonderful legacy. She wasn't one to "talk" about the gospel much. She simply lived it. She was a true disciple of Jesus Christ. I hope she can still "rub off" on me. 

Now, we “must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if [we] shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father:: Ye shall have eternal life.” 2 Nephi 21:20.

We are back in Tacoma now, back to our missionary assignments. But, in honor of my mother, I shall find more opportunities to serve those around me, be more kind, and make the world a better place.

Mom, you simply made the world a much better place just by serving in very simple ways. Love you forever. See you later ... Watch for Deer!

Weeks 41 & 42: Feelings for Family

This entry will cover two weeks. We missed last week because we were enjoying our family and didn’t want to miss a moment with them. Then the day after they left we welcomed 28 new missionaries into our mission and had 18 leave. We are just catching our breath.

Picking blueberries

I’m including several photos of our adventures with the Merrells. We went to the Olympic Game Farm and the northern part of the peninsula one day. Another day we went to Seattle. The highlight was getting to spend a little time with Christopher. We enjoyed showing them some of our favorite spots and eating at some of our favorite seafood restaurants. We even found a new hidden treasure – Charlotte’s Blueberry Park – where we got to pick blueberries for free.  

Getting to see Preston was a bonus. He came up to spend time with his Grandma Shanna, but we got to spend a day with him as well.

Feeding Ivar's french fries to the seagulls

My heart was also turned to home and family as my mother has been critically ill.  The surgery she had to install a pacemaker device didn’t go as well as expected. She spent some time in the ICU and is having a rough recovery. I feel so incredibly helpless, but am incredibly thankful for my brother and sister and their spouses who have been (and still are) there to help her. Mom is home now, but very weak. She won’t appreciate me sharing her troubles, but I want her to know that I have been thinking of and praying for her continuously.

My heart was turned to my father this week as well. If he were alive, we would have celebrated his 81^st  birthday on Friday. Had I been in Vernal, I would have gone fishing in his honor. Instead, I ate a Salmon sandwich for lunch. 

Flippin' Chickens

Our P-Day activities included a matinee movie: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. The movie provided some good food for though. We were particularly moved by the portrayal of the beauty of loving, caring family relationships.

Nearly all our children and grandchildren were able to gather this weekend in Kamas for a picnic and the Demolition Derby. We are so grateful that they make an effort to be together. How grateful we are for each of our children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, etc. We love each of you. O the wisdom of our Heavenly Father as he established, ordained, and organized us in family units. It is in the family that we learn how to be like. and return to, our Father. 

Our family is definitely a “work in progress”, but we shall continue to “Watch for Deer” and Keep Moving Forward.

Week 40: A "Hot" Topic

Elder Hadlock, Jr. (he's a "hot" Elder!

First a report on Elder Hadlock, Jr. (Benjamin) – some excerpts from his email this week: We taught a lady called Mrs. Duggie (but all of her neighbors call her the witch lady because she’s like 70 years old and has all these reptiles and lives off the land. She has lots of snakes and lizards. …We are struggling to find new people to teach. There are a lot of older people here who are set in their ways, but I’m working hard and having fun!

We loved hearing that last part – “working hard and having fun!” – what more could you ask.

The main “story” for us has been the hot weather. The temperatures have been in the high 80’s low 90’s. Nothing we’re not used to in Vernal. However, without air conditioning in our apartment, it’s been quite uncomfortable.  In fact, most homes don’t even have air conditioning here; it just seldom gets this hot. Thank heavens the office has air conditioning.

On Saturday we  took advantage of an air conditioned movie theater and saw Maleficent. Good movie, but popcorn was not so “hot.”  Even got Elder Hadlock to go to an air conditioned mall – took advantage of Coldwater Creek’s “Going Out of Business” sale. Hot buys there! The Apple Store proved to be pretty “cool” in more ways than one, too.

 

Our meals have been prepared with minimal cooking. In fact, Saturday night we had crackers & milk – one of my favorites actually. 

So, while sitting in church, I wondered what the scriptures had to say about being “hot”. Well it appears that sometimes hot is good and sometimes not so good.

“And they gathered it [manna] every morning …. and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.”(Exodus 16:21)  Moral of story: when the Lord says gather what you need early – do it – before things get “hot” and things melt and it’s too late.

Elder Hadlock, Sr. is "Hot" too!

Several references in Judges talk about “the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel” – and he “delivered them into the hands of spoilers” …drove them out before them of the nations, sold them into the hands of a king, and into the Philistines, etc. – It’s not good when the anger of the Lord is hot against us.

“And in his hot displeasure, and….in his time, will cut off those wicked, unfaithful, and unjust stewards, and appoint them their portion among hypocrites, and unbelievers.” (D&C 101:90)

“For after today cometh the burning … for verily I say, tomorrow all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, for I am the Lord of Hosts; and I will not spare any that remain in Babylon.” (D&C 64:24)

But … ”he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.” (D&C 64:23). Pay your "Fire Insurance!"

It's good to remember these lessons, but there is a “positive” side of “burning.” Have you ever felt that “burning within”? I have, and I like it!  It seems to come most often when pondering, reading the scriptures, and gathered with the Saints. Psalms 39:3 describes it this way: “My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned.”

The resurrected Christ appeared to his disciples and taught them. Here’s what they had to say:  “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32)

Mount Rainier is "cool" on a sunny day!

And when a multitude of Nephites were gathered at the temple following Christ’s resurrection: “… they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; …. And notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center,  … yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.” (3 Nephi 11:3)

So it’s a“burning within” we seek and a “burning from without” that we want to avoid!  And …. It’s better to be hot  than lukewarm:

“O know thy works, that thou are neither cold nor hot; I would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Rev 3:15-6)

Well, that’s the “hot” topic of the week. May this week bring a “cooling off” period.

Week 39: The Price of Freedom

Sister Blatter and her daughter flanked by two lovely missionaries

Nothing very “eventful” this week, at least as far as our work in the office goes. President and Sister Blatter, however, have a heavy load and a “loaded” schedule. Between now and July 18, they will be interviewing each missionary. It will require much of their time each day. Then they’re trying to go out with missionaries in the evenings. In addition to our responsibilities at the office, we’ll do whatever we can to help them, of course. But some things only they can do.

We worked on the 4^th of July, but were able to take off a little early. One of the service missionaries and his wife invited us and two other couples to their home for a BBQ. We could have gone to Steilacoom or Chambers Bay to watch fireworks, but chose to stay home instead; we were tired. Instead, we watched fireworks in Herriman & SLC via Facetime. That was a treat. There were fireworks going off much of the night all around us here in University Place. It sounded like a war zone. But, I’m glad folks were celebrating America.

I've never seen such huge hostas!

On Saturday, we went to the Seattle Temple. Had to take a picture of flowers there as well as of a statue of a woman and children holding hands in a circle.  We were missing our family a lot this week so the statue had special meaning. Elder Hadlock helped me get my mind off home by taking me to a cute little town called Issaquah (not far from the Temple) for dinner and chocolates! The Boehm Chocolate Factory is in Issaquah. We will return!

View coming out of Temple

Since we’ve just celebrated Independence Day, I want to share some ideas on freedom that I just read in a book called The Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister:

 “Without the Atonement, there could be no freedom. If the Atonement makes us free, we might appropriately ask,  “What does it mean to be free?” To be free is to be like God. Gods are the freest of all beings because “all things are subject unto them . . . [and] they have all power” (D&C 132:20). They “act for themselves” rather than being “acted upon  … free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death” (2Nephi 2:26-27).

Lehi then pled with his sons to “look to the great Mediator . . . and choose eternal life”; otherwise, he warned, the devil will have “power to captivate” you and “reign over you” in his kingdom (2 Nephi 2:28,29).

As we choose the Lord, he gives us more rope; as we choose Satan, he tightens the noose until we are in his grasp.

Brother Callister also quotes Cecil B. De Mille:

“We are too inclined to think of law as something merely restrictive . . . something hemming us in. We sometimes think of law as the opposite of liberty. But that is a false conception. . . . God does not contradict himself. He did not create man and then, as an afterthought, impose upon him a set of arbitrary, irritating, restrictive rules. He made man free --- and then gave him the commandments to keep him free. We cannot break the Ten Commandments. We can only break ourselves against them – or else, by keeping them, rise through them to the fullness of freedom under God.”

As we obey God’s laws we receive increased knowledge of God’s plan, and with increased knowledge comes increased capacity for freedom.… obedience is not the antitheses of freedom, but the foundation of it.

Gods do not live oblivious of laws, but through obedience have mastered the laws so that they might use them to accomplish their purposes.

We are grateful for this country and all its goodness. We know that America was established through divine intervention. Only in America could the gospel and true church of Jesus Christ have been restored. We are grateful for God's laws. Choosing to obey allows God to bless us. We are thankful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. From personal experience we have learned that application of the Atonement gives us more freedom to become who we really can and ought to become. We are happy AND free when we obey.  

We will close with these lines from Bruce R. McConkie's I Believe in Christ: 

“I believe in Christ; he ransoms me. 

From Satan’s grasp he sets me free.”

Week 38: Roller Coaster

Roller coaster week -- a roller coaster of emotions. Sure was hard to say goodbye to President and Sister Weaver. We've really come to love and admire the Weavers. They've shown us by example that love is the greatest motivator. Their love for the Savior is evident in the way they loved missionaries and missionary work. They are an example of "finishing strong." Even in the last hours of their mission they were going the extra mile to talk to struggling missionaries, meeting with investigators, and talking to strangers about the Church. They wept as it came time for them to leave on Friday morning. And, of course, so did I. Goodbyes are the worst. So, I try to remind myself (and others) what President Smuin often said, "There are no goodbyes, just see ya laters." -- or something like that. Still doesn't seem to squelch the tears.

At the same time, we are delighted to welcome President John D. Blatter and his wife Diane to the mission. They came in on Thursday afternoon. We met them briefly that afternoon and were able to visit with them for a minute at the baptism we attended on Saturday. The Blatters already love our missionaries. They even already know most of their names and faces.

It has been inspiring, actually, to see the "mantle" of the calling fall upon a new President as we've witnessed a "changing of the guard." It is another evidence to us that God is in charge and that through Priesthood power He qualifies those whom He calls to lead and direct the affairs of His kingdom.
We will do all we can to support and help the Blatters in their tremendous responsibilities and stewardship.

Well, with a little of the "pressure off," we relaxed a bit this weekend. I took occasion to do a jigsaw puzzle while Van watched a couple of old Western movies that Jason had sent him for Father's Day.

On Saturday morning we went for a walk. We ended up following signs that lead to a Garage Sale several blocks away.  Found a "treasure" -- an electric grill. We're not able to have a BBQ here at our apartment, even though we have a nice patio. We've missed being able to BBQ a steak, pork chop, or hamburger.
This electric grill isn't quite like a BBQ either, but we're excited to give it a try.

We were able to attend the baptism of Kelly Stokes on Saturday. The Bishop asked her to share her feelings afterward. She said that in making the decision to be baptized she "wanted God to know that she was ready to come home." The smile she had on her face Sunday after she was confirmed was unforgettable. We look forward to getting to know her better as she lives in another apartment complex nearby.
This afternoon we were invited to join with Kelly and a couple of other sisters in the ward for dinner at the Wards home. The Wards have had us over for games and/or dinner a couple of times. They are such friendly and kind people -- and great ward missionaries.

Bro. & Sis Ward, me, Kelly

Great day, but roller coaster ride wasn't over as I got word late this evening that my Mother is in the hospital. She's been having a rough go of it lately. Problems with her legs, then with her heart. I guess the doctors are still trying to figure it all out. She'll probably read this blog so I won't write much. She may chastise me for this. She's never been one to want to draw attention to herself, especially if she doesn't feel well. And she doesn't want folks fussing over her for sure. Mom, it's OK to ask for help. I'm sure it's going to be OK, but ... I just feel a bit helpless and am asking for the prayers of friends and family who might be reading. -- Don't tell her I told you!

Well, I like a good roller coaster ride, but it's gotta stop for a bit now. Time for a little rest before we get back on tomorrow.

Week 37: Happenings

Giving final instructions before handing over keys to new car

We've been very busy at the office, but loving it.  Elder Hadlock has had six new Toyota Corollas come in the last two weeks to replace cars in the fleet that have over 50,000 miles. He has a lot to do to get them ready and into the hands of the missionaries. The old cars then need to be fixed up, cleaned up, and prepared for sale.

Office Staff

Sister Harwood and I have been working on some special projects for the Weavers before they leave the mission. And ... there's much to do to get ready for the new mission president. President and Sister Blatter will arrive this Thursday.

Weaver's photos on office bulletin board

Our Preparation Day yesterday was spent doing laundry, chores, and shopping. We did rent a movie from Redbox (The Book Thief) and enjoyed it with some popcorn, of course.



So, the rest of the photos today are from last week's P-Day excursion. We went north on the Kitsap Peninsula to a lovely little town called Sequim. There we met up with Elder & Sister Gale and went to the Olympic Game Farm. You stay in your car and drive through this farm with all kinds of animals roaming about. Actually they're all fenced in; some just have more freedom than others. You buy whole wheat bread to feed to them and the ones that can will stick their heads right into your car to get the bread.

We saw (and touched some) yaks, llamas, elk, several species of deer, bison, bears, peacocks, bald eagles, a lion, tiger, cougar, raccoons, wolves, and other animals -- even a chicken!

Eye to eye with a buffalo

We went through five loaves of bread; it was a riot -- even though Elder Hadlock's nice clean car got slobbered on. They even had a little fresh water aquarium.
This Olympic Game Farm property animals, and Studio Ban were used for filming over 100 motion pictures with Disney studios and other nature films.With that in mind, perhaps some of my "Wilde" followers will know more about the photo of a signature board on the right.  I think I know who it is, but does anyone else?

We were able to meet up with President & Sister Weaver and the Port Angeles Zone missionaries for lunch at the Hwy 101 Diner.  Then we made a quick visit to a Peony Farm in Happy Valley (it really is a lovely little valley). Peonies are my favorite flower, so I was feeling a bit of heaven -- and thinking of my Grandmother McCormick who grew some beautiful peonies herself.

Last stop was for Elder Hadlock. We had to check out the John Wayne Marina. No sign of John Wayne; he just donated the property for this marina to be built. But, it was definitely a picturesque place.

We see evidence of God's love for us each day -- in the beauties around us and in the miracles that occur in the mission daily. The greatest evidence of His love has got to be His Plan of Salvation and Happiness. A Plan that is made possible because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and His love for us and His willing submission to the will of the Father. He has "had our backs" from the beginning --even in the pre-existence.  He did what He said He would do; He will continue to do what He says He will do. We can trust Him. We love Him.