flippingthebird

I HATE that! I hate seeing people do it. I hate seeing pictures of people doing it. I especially hate having it done to me.

On our beach walk last week, Dad asked, "So, how've you been doing lately?"

"Overall things are pretty good," I responded. "But, I have been flipping you off and calling you an a-- ---- in my mind a few times lately."

Dad, a look of surprise on his face, said, "Oh."

Me...Thinking in the flesh...Ewww....And, then admitting it to your dad...And, even before that, acknowledging it as sin before the Lord and thanking Him for His forgiveness.

In my self-centered, fleshly way of thinking, I would like to justify my (non-physical, just mental) actions. "Greg, you have just not been treating me well lately. You are short with me. You don't give me the love I need."

I am so thankful that, as I get older, my patient Heavenly Father reveals to me MY part, MY responsibility, MY pride.

Thank You, Jesus, for the conviction of Your Holy Spirit! Thank You, that You reminded me quickly that I was not walking (or thinking) in the Spirit! Thank You that You give me glimpses of what I am like when I take control and do not submit to Your reign in my life! Thank You that in my life, You make it quite evident that I am in need of a Savior...YOU...daily!

And, thank You that, as an added bonus, You have given me a husband who, at the end of our walk, hugged me and said, "I'm going to be nicer."


ps~This post is from 2/7/12. I'm sure you can see why I would be hesitant to post it. Yikes! But, in being honest with myself and with you, my six favorite young adults, this happens in my life sometimes. Some people are just "good" people. I, on the other hand, am not. Left to my own devices, without Holy Spirit in control, I'm capable of lots of yucky things. 

Dr. & Mrs. Wright

So...life's been a bit of a blur these days...

So many exciting events...So many celebrations...

Just wanted to take a few minutes to recap one of the major highlights of my life, and, I'm sure, Maria and Greg, probably THE major highlight of your lives so far...

September 13, 2014...I woke up thinking, "Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus! Thank You, Jesus!"  So much to thank Him for! That my son was getting married! That I would have a new daughter! That I couldn't imagine anyone...in all the world...more suited for my son! That you, Greg, chose Maria and that you, Maria, chose Greg! Filled to the brim with thankfulness to our God!

Maria, you were a stunning bride! Really...absolutely radiant! And, I think that radiance shone from within! Your joy, your smile, your excitement, your relaxed attitude! After spending the morning with you as you all were getting ready, Ali commented that you were the most relaxed bride she had ever seen. Your main interest was seeing your groom! I LOVE that! More interest in the man than the wedding!

And, Greg, I've never seen you smile so much! What a fun morning it was hanging out with you and some of your groomsmen here at the house! You boys are so funny...lots of food, drinks, ping pong (the regular kind), soccer on tv. Not too much stress about how you look, what you're wearing. Love that!

The venue, Orfila Winery in Escondido, was beautiful! The ceremony outside, overlooking vineyards and rolling hills! A bit warm, but so what? You were getting married! The look in your eyes, Greg, as you saw your bride coming down the aisle is something I will never forget! Maybe there was a tear or two? Pastor Brian's message was personal, short and focused on Jesus! Coach guiding you through communion.

The reception was a blast! Great entrance! Fun "Wobble" dance! Lovely setting under the tent! Delicious food! Great, meaningful, funny speeches! Lots and lots of dancing! Maria, you and your dad were AMAZING on the dance floor! And then the two of you, Greg and Maria, dancing together for the first time as a married couple to "I'll never get use to you"! At that moment, you two seemed to be in your own little world!

Maria and Greg, the memory that will forever be etched in my mind is the complete exuberance and anticipation and love and joy that showed on your faces throughout the entire day! Priceless!

And, then, you two heading out through the tunnel of friends and family! Off to begin married life!

ps~I wrote this a few weeks after your wedding. Just getting around to finishing up and posting it now. LOVED watching your wedding video with Kim Bastick a few weeks ago! Reliving the whole thing! Love you both so much!

This is Happening!

Yay! Precious Maryann, we get to keep you!

You and Nick have a great story...

Met in high school.

Started dating your senior year.

Headed off to colleges in different cities.

Stayed together (almost the whole time).

Moved back to your home towns after college and spent lots of time together.

Continued to fall more and more in love!

And, then...the proposal! What you thought was one of your usual picnics ended up being a day none of us will ever forget! 

Maryann, we are beyond excited to have you as our new daughter...part of our family forever! Besides knowing Jesus, you are the best thing that ever happened to Nick!

You are gentle, kind and compassionate. You are steady, disciplined and have an amazing work ethic. You are devoted to your family and your friends. You are easy going, yet know how to be a perfectionist when it's required. You are a fabulous listener, and you also know how to share your heart honestly. You have a great sense of humor. You love and care for my son in such a beautiful way! You love Jesus with your whole heart! And, you are stunningly beautiful, inside and out! You are a gift from God to Nick and to all of us!

This road ahead will have its challenges. I am so proud of you for your attitude and willingness to be by Nick's side as you head out to Loma Linda together. My prayer for you both is that you continue to see this next season as an adventure...that you daily cherish one another, that you stay tender hearted during the stressful times, that you grow closer and closer as God joins you together as one, that you communicate lovingly and clearly with each other (as I've told you...so sorry about the whole communication education Nick got from me), that you laugh and cuddle and hug and kiss a lot, that you abide in, rely on and trust Jesus!

With a heart full of gratitude and joy for you, my new daughter and one of my favorite young adults in the whole wide world, welcome to our family!

I love you,

Alisa