I found out that Nana had cancer on August 18, 2016. My dad told me. When I told my mom that I knew, we both cried a bit. But her first words about the whole thing were, "I love Jesus so much and I'm ready to go to heaven. I'm just going to miss you girls so much."
While on that trip to Avila, I also asked Nana to share her heart on the possibility of heading to heaven soon:
I feel like every one has done it, and I can do it. Everyone got here on earth, and I'll be fine too. I'm excited about the new heaven and the new earth. But, you guys are making it hard to want to leave, because you're making it too much fun down here.
Jackie and Fritz couldn't talk about it. You can't blame Fritz. He didn't want to lose her. When he lost her, the pain was just overwhelming. Yes, I'm excited to see Jackie!
(We asked Nana how much longer she wants to stay here.) Whenever He takes me is fine with me. Just give me pain pills. I don't want to be in pain. Before I got diagnosed, I told Grandpa that I don't want any heroics.
(Ali asked Nana if she thinks Papa is going to miss her.) I think he's going to be married to someone else. And, I tell him to. I would say a year after I head to heaven. I have to admit that I have bad thoughts... (and I'm not posting those. 😉)
(Debbi asked Nana what she would have done differently in her married life.) I would be a lot more submissive to him. And, I would tell him more that I love him... for sticking with me through all these years. But Art fixes dinner and goes upstairs and watches his own TV show. But we have a good relationship.
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Monday, December 4, 2017
A Letter from Nana
As we sat on the patio of our hotel room in Avila, overlooking the ocean, in November, 2016, I asked Nana if she would dictate a letter to my grandchildren, her great-grandchildren. Debbi, Julia, Ali and I listened, as Maddie danced around and as Nana shared her heart for this next generation of Falk grandchildren:
To my special, precious great-grandkids,
Keep loving the Lord, because without the Lord you have nothing. And, if you have the Lord you have everything. Don't try to make it alone. We all need the Lord. That's always the main thing. Sometimes I don't deserve to be forgiven, but I have been. It's so wonderful to know the Lord.
The Lord has been so good to me. My mom wasn't that crazy about me, because she had so many children. Merrill would always say, "I don't know why Mother treats you so bad." I'm sorry I ever said unkind things about my mom because there was so much good in her. She didn't deserve the bratty child that she raised.
My sisters got in trouble with my daddy because when he saw Alisa, he said, "That is the prettiest baby I've ever seen."
She (Alisa) had too many friends. She didn't need a mom to tell her what to do. That's so true. But to be on Alisa's list... She's a joy and a treasure and I love her with all my heart. And I love her family. Oh my goodness. We're so blessed.
At the right time Greg came into her life. He's been a joy to know. Greg was our choice for Alisa. We've loved him ever since. We have done nothing but enjoyed him. And he's really hot. He could be in the movies. He's so cute. Not only that, he is such a gentleman. He's wonderful. We all had our eyes on Greg for our family, but he finally opened up his eyes for Alisa. And, it didn't take long after that. He fell in love with her and asked her to marry him. She jumped into his arms. We have to say HA HA HA.
We are very blessed by having Gregory in our family. Oh! What a joy! So sweet and such a gentleman. I love it when he hugs me. He is such a humble guy. And, so giving and sweet. And talk about a chick! That Maria is so cute! I think she's a wonderful girl. And, thank you, Lord, that she's a part of our family.
Ali is the cutest. We can't tell you how much we enjoy Ali. She is such a joy to the family.
She's darling and smart and just a very warm, cuddly little granddaughter, and I love her dearly. She's so smart and so loved by Grandpa and me. What a joy for me!
And then there's Nick. Nick is hard to get to know. But, when you get to know him, you know a star. He does not like to be hugged. It was Christmas, and he kept wondering why there was no Christmas present for him. I said, "There must be something for you." After that I went to the garage and got a big surfboard. It said "TO NICK". He was so excited. He came back to me and cuddled up to me and we have been friends ever since.
Grandpa and I lie in bed and look at the picture of our family. We've shed tears, but they are of joy. Our children have never produced any shame. We are grateful. And blessed.
To my special, precious great-grandkids,
Keep loving the Lord, because without the Lord you have nothing. And, if you have the Lord you have everything. Don't try to make it alone. We all need the Lord. That's always the main thing. Sometimes I don't deserve to be forgiven, but I have been. It's so wonderful to know the Lord.
The Lord has been so good to me. My mom wasn't that crazy about me, because she had so many children. Merrill would always say, "I don't know why Mother treats you so bad." I'm sorry I ever said unkind things about my mom because there was so much good in her. She didn't deserve the bratty child that she raised.
My sisters got in trouble with my daddy because when he saw Alisa, he said, "That is the prettiest baby I've ever seen."
She (Alisa) had too many friends. She didn't need a mom to tell her what to do. That's so true. But to be on Alisa's list... She's a joy and a treasure and I love her with all my heart. And I love her family. Oh my goodness. We're so blessed.
At the right time Greg came into her life. He's been a joy to know. Greg was our choice for Alisa. We've loved him ever since. We have done nothing but enjoyed him. And he's really hot. He could be in the movies. He's so cute. Not only that, he is such a gentleman. He's wonderful. We all had our eyes on Greg for our family, but he finally opened up his eyes for Alisa. And, it didn't take long after that. He fell in love with her and asked her to marry him. She jumped into his arms. We have to say HA HA HA.
We are very blessed by having Gregory in our family. Oh! What a joy! So sweet and such a gentleman. I love it when he hugs me. He is such a humble guy. And, so giving and sweet. And talk about a chick! That Maria is so cute! I think she's a wonderful girl. And, thank you, Lord, that she's a part of our family.
Ali is the cutest. We can't tell you how much we enjoy Ali. She is such a joy to the family.
She's darling and smart and just a very warm, cuddly little granddaughter, and I love her dearly. She's so smart and so loved by Grandpa and me. What a joy for me!
And then there's Nick. Nick is hard to get to know. But, when you get to know him, you know a star. He does not like to be hugged. It was Christmas, and he kept wondering why there was no Christmas present for him. I said, "There must be something for you." After that I went to the garage and got a big surfboard. It said "TO NICK". He was so excited. He came back to me and cuddled up to me and we have been friends ever since.
Grandpa and I lie in bed and look at the picture of our family. We've shed tears, but they are of joy. Our children have never produced any shame. We are grateful. And blessed.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
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.
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
This is Happening!
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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
Sunday, May 18, 2014
You did it!
Yes, you did! You stole our daughter's heart, and we couldn't be happier!
David, you are the answer to our prayers!
Ali was not the little girl who always dreamed of finding her Prince Charming and getting married. As a matter of fact, if she talked about marriage, it was usually about how it didn't really interest her.
Then you came along...
I love that it was YOU that made her so excited about marriage! I love the way you pursued her! I love the way you cherish her, care for her, adore her! You know her...really know her...and you see the best in her! You bring out the best in her! (And, I'm sure there are times when you bring out the worst in each other...Sometimes that just happens.) She loves and trusts you enough to be her true self with you!
With two such passionate people, you and Ali may have some bumps along the way. You both are "all in" in whatever you do. But, knowing that you and Ali desire to be abiding in Jesus, surrendered to the Spirit, seeking God's will in your lives, I am confident that this new stage of married life will suit you well!
Thank you, David, for loving our girl so well! We love you and thank God for you!
oxo-Alisa
ps- The way you displayed your love for Ali on the side of a busy street in Charleston is something I will never forget. :-)
With two such passionate people, you and Ali may have some bumps along the way. You both are "all in" in whatever you do. But, knowing that you and Ali desire to be abiding in Jesus, surrendered to the Spirit, seeking God's will in your lives, I am confident that this new stage of married life will suit you well!
Thank you, David, for loving our girl so well! We love you and thank God for you!
oxo-Alisa
ps- The way you displayed your love for Ali on the side of a busy street in Charleston is something I will never forget. :-)
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Freedom
Just thinking about you four, my favorite young adults!
Nicky, I've loved seeing your photos from New Zealand! What an adventure! Sounds like you had a blast with the guys, and now more fun times with the Sahakians! We miss you and pray for you daily!
Ali, Dad and I were just talking about how strange it is to start the weekend without you and David being here. We miss you! I know this week has been busy, with lots more coming up for you in the weeks ahead. Praying for you and David as you love on and serve those around you!
Greg and Maria, what a special time last weekend having you two here! Love, love, love spending time with you! Praying for the peace that passes understanding (because that's what you need!) to fill you as you deal with not living near each other.
So, I just finished another journal! Starting a new one tomorrow. As I was going through this one, I came across a quote I had jotted down from Carol's book Living Free:
"Living freely is not letting anything or anyone crowd out the power and presence of the 'Son'...Jesus, in my life. It is continually being willing to die to self so that Christ can be the ruler and head of my life. It is believing that I can have the abundant life God offers, every day and in every circumstance."
Cool, huh?!!
oxo-Mom
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Two Things I didn't Know
On our walk the other day, Dad and I were talking about marriage. We both agree that even though we knew each other for seven years by the time we got married, there were surprises. Some were challenging. Some were wonderful!
I shared with Dad that I had no idea a man could love Jesus so deeply. Your dad's desire to be abiding in, depending on, trusting in Jesus is something I had never imagined in my future husband. It's super sexy to me...a man who knows the weakness of his flesh, who admits when he is not walking in the Spirit, who continually wants to know Jesus more intimately!
The second surprise for me was the depth of your dad's love for me! I didn't know it was possible to be so unconditionally loved, to be adored, to be cared for and protected, to be listened to so well. And...you all know me...I can be very unlovable. And he still loves me! I can be very unadorable. And he still tells me I'm beautiful and that he chooses me and that I'm his favorite person to be with!
So, Greg, Maria, Ali and Nick, my prayer for you is that you face the challenges of marriage with the grace of Jesus and that you are wonderfully surprised with the intensity and depth of the love from your future spouses!
I'm crazy about you four!
oxo-Mom
Nick-I love your love of Jesus! It's very natural for you to talk about Him! I know you want to grow deeper into Him this year. That's a great desire! I think you'll be like your dad in your lifelong love of Jesus and love of your future wife!
Ali-From a young age, you have had an unbelievable love for Jesus! Maybe your health issues caused your strong dependence on Him. I love how you see His hand in everything! Some lucky guy is going to get a Jesus-freakish wife who will respect and love him passionately! Hmm...wonder who that will be?!
Maria and Greg-Seeing you two trust in God's plan for you is so encouraging! I have to admit, I have shed some tears these past few days, knowing your love for each other, yet not living near one another. Continuing to trust Him...And thanking Him that you both love Him and keep your eyes focused on Him!
I shared with Dad that I had no idea a man could love Jesus so deeply. Your dad's desire to be abiding in, depending on, trusting in Jesus is something I had never imagined in my future husband. It's super sexy to me...a man who knows the weakness of his flesh, who admits when he is not walking in the Spirit, who continually wants to know Jesus more intimately!
The second surprise for me was the depth of your dad's love for me! I didn't know it was possible to be so unconditionally loved, to be adored, to be cared for and protected, to be listened to so well. And...you all know me...I can be very unlovable. And he still loves me! I can be very unadorable. And he still tells me I'm beautiful and that he chooses me and that I'm his favorite person to be with!
So, Greg, Maria, Ali and Nick, my prayer for you is that you face the challenges of marriage with the grace of Jesus and that you are wonderfully surprised with the intensity and depth of the love from your future spouses!
I'm crazy about you four!
oxo-Mom
Nick-I love your love of Jesus! It's very natural for you to talk about Him! I know you want to grow deeper into Him this year. That's a great desire! I think you'll be like your dad in your lifelong love of Jesus and love of your future wife!
Ali-From a young age, you have had an unbelievable love for Jesus! Maybe your health issues caused your strong dependence on Him. I love how you see His hand in everything! Some lucky guy is going to get a Jesus-freakish wife who will respect and love him passionately! Hmm...wonder who that will be?!
Maria and Greg-Seeing you two trust in God's plan for you is so encouraging! I have to admit, I have shed some tears these past few days, knowing your love for each other, yet not living near one another. Continuing to trust Him...And thanking Him that you both love Him and keep your eyes focused on Him!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Baby Jesus
Since it is now December, I have spent a little time each morning reading the story of the birth of Jesus in each of the gospels. Each author focuses on a different angle. Mark avoids the story altogether. I love the different names for Jesus woven throughout the stories....The Son of the Most High...Horn of salvation...The Sunrise from on high...A Savior, Who is Christ The Lord...A Light of revelation to the Gentiles...Immanuel!
I realized that my favorite version of Jesus' birth comes from John's gospel...
"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." -John 1:14
That's it! Short and to the point! The Word...Who was with God and was God...and Who made the world...and Who is Life and Light...and Who gave us the right to become children of God...that Word came down and lived among us! Wow!
And (you know this about me), I just have to mention another story. Still about Jesus, just not His birthday story...
"so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith..." -Ephesians 3:17
So cool that He came to dwell among us! So amazing and life-changing that then He chose to dwell in us!
I'll close with my prayer from my journal on the first day of December:
Lord, this month I desire to be still and know that You are God!
To marvel in the miracle of You becoming flesh!
To be continually mindful that You are a Light of revelation to me!
That You are alive and active in me!
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Praying that you, Nick, Ali, Maria, Greg, and my two other favorite young adults in the whole wide world, have time this month to be in awe of the miracle of Jesus...being among us, now in us!
oxo-Mom
ps-Maria and Greg, oh.my.goodness...you're engaged!!! You're fiancés!!! You get to hang out and do life together!!! I couldn't be more thrilled! What a magical weekend that was!
Ali-oh.my.goodness...you have a boyfriend that you love!!! And, he is a wonderful man!!! And, Thanksgiving with you two was so very special! I am so excited to see where God leads you two, knowing that you both are enjoying every step of the journey!
Nick-oh.my.goodness...(just had to do that so you wouldn't feel left out)...you are sitting right here next to me with your headphones on watching "How I Met Your Mother"! You hung some of our Christmas lights! You went to Santa Barbara with us! (Yes, you should have given me some help in writing this part.)
I realized that my favorite version of Jesus' birth comes from John's gospel...
"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." -John 1:14
That's it! Short and to the point! The Word...Who was with God and was God...and Who made the world...and Who is Life and Light...and Who gave us the right to become children of God...that Word came down and lived among us! Wow!
And (you know this about me), I just have to mention another story. Still about Jesus, just not His birthday story...
"so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith..." -Ephesians 3:17
So cool that He came to dwell among us! So amazing and life-changing that then He chose to dwell in us!
I'll close with my prayer from my journal on the first day of December:
Lord, this month I desire to be still and know that You are God!
To marvel in the miracle of You becoming flesh!
To be continually mindful that You are a Light of revelation to me!
That You are alive and active in me!
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Praying that you, Nick, Ali, Maria, Greg, and my two other favorite young adults in the whole wide world, have time this month to be in awe of the miracle of Jesus...being among us, now in us!
oxo-Mom
ps-Maria and Greg, oh.my.goodness...you're engaged!!! You're fiancés!!! You get to hang out and do life together!!! I couldn't be more thrilled! What a magical weekend that was!
Ali-oh.my.goodness...you have a boyfriend that you love!!! And, he is a wonderful man!!! And, Thanksgiving with you two was so very special! I am so excited to see where God leads you two, knowing that you both are enjoying every step of the journey!
Nick-oh.my.goodness...(just had to do that so you wouldn't feel left out)...you are sitting right here next to me with your headphones on watching "How I Met Your Mother"! You hung some of our Christmas lights! You went to Santa Barbara with us! (Yes, you should have given me some help in writing this part.)
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Yes!
You taking very seriously your job of "grilling" David (since that was the main purpose of your visit)...The enthusiasm in your voice as you shared with us about making your first set of dentures as we were driving to the beach (with no idea what was about to happen)...The look on your face as Greg handed you the note from Gregory...Your confusion as you got to the bottom of the steps at Traps and were not getting the call Gregory's note mentioned...Your hesitancy as you headed down the rose-petal path on the beach to the "table" covered with more rose petals, stones, photos of you and Gregory, more notes and a little black box...Your look of surprise and joy as Gregory stepped out from behind the reeds (yes, I'm crying as I'm typing now)...The sight of you two sharing that intimate moment when Gregory asked you to be his wife (and us getting to view this from a distance)...You two turning to us with such joy, Gregory giving us the old fist pump, like, "Yes! I got the girl!!!"...Taylor capturing this special time...All of us hugging, jumping, talking, knowing we are getting YOU as a new addition to our family!...The rest of the evening...Eating, drinking, sharing, soaking it all in!
Maria, you are truly a gift to Gregory and to our whole family! Like I told you, I knew the moment I met you that you would someday be my daughter. I just knew! What you bring out in my son is the very best! I love how he does his little dances around you, sings around you, smiles A LOT around you, pats your head and face as he says to anyone around, "She's real!", goes to lots of baseball games and is trying to really understand it, how he leads your relationship like a man, not a little boy, how he is protective of you and wants the best for you (even if it means you can't live together for awhile after you are married), how he wants to be prepared for a long distance marriage by getting good counsel, and how he adores, cherishes and loves you!
And, precious Maria, people love you from the moment they meet you! (Have I told you how many people had the same comment after meeting you?..."She's a keeper!") I know I sure did! So much I admire and love about you! Your enthusiasm for life, your passion for Jesus, your desire to give of yourself in serving others, your dedication in dental school, the way you are so intentional in your friendships, the way you know how to give your all in your studies, yet, still give your all to Gregory, your family and your friends when you are with them, your spark, your feistiness, your energy, your gentleness, your humility, your joy, and your deep commitment to, love of and respect for my son! Really, you are the answer to this mama's prayers!
So, darling Maria, I am so excited that you and Gregory will be beginning this adventure called marriage soon! And, I will continue to pray that you both listen to the voice of your Shepherd, abide in Him, walk in His Spirit, love and respect one another daily, hug and kiss and cuddle a lot when you are together, be tender with one another, laugh often, and get ready for the completion of OMM!!!
I love you, one of my favorite young adults in the whole wide world!
Alisa
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Hold Tight
Happy 2013 to my favorite three young adults in the whole wide world and to my future three other favorites,
So...nothing new from me since 2012, though I have thought of what I would write once I started again...Maybe just photos from the past year...Maybe a list of highlights (and there have been many!)...Maybe a summary of what Ali and I learned from our nutrition program (another blog, another time)...Maybe some deep spiritual lesson God has taught me recently (can't think of anything off hand, just, "Trust Me, love Me, abide in Me, be completely dependent on Me").
Well, here are my words of wisdom for 2013 so far:
Hug often. Hug long. Dad and I do this thing...We just hug, snuggled together as close as we can get, no talking, not even looking at each other...Just hugging...Letting our hearts beat together...Forgetting why we might be frustrated with each other...Not thinking about problems...Just hugging!
There you have it! Now go practice.
Love you all more than you'll ever know!
oxo-Mom
So...nothing new from me since 2012, though I have thought of what I would write once I started again...Maybe just photos from the past year...Maybe a list of highlights (and there have been many!)...Maybe a summary of what Ali and I learned from our nutrition program (another blog, another time)...Maybe some deep spiritual lesson God has taught me recently (can't think of anything off hand, just, "Trust Me, love Me, abide in Me, be completely dependent on Me").
Well, here are my words of wisdom for 2013 so far:
Hug often. Hug long. Dad and I do this thing...We just hug, snuggled together as close as we can get, no talking, not even looking at each other...Just hugging...Letting our hearts beat together...Forgetting why we might be frustrated with each other...Not thinking about problems...Just hugging!
There you have it! Now go practice.
Love you all more than you'll ever know!
oxo-Mom
Thursday, December 27, 2012
My Year of No Shopping
I did it! A whole year of not shopping! Well, almost. There were those few things that I knew I would be buying (bathing suit, walking shoes, long sleeved workout shirts, a few wedding gifts). And, the year isn't over for a few days (Can I resist the after Christmas sales?).
When the crazy idea kept popping in my head over a year ago, I thought, "That's stupid...Why do it?...By October I'll be going nuts, wanting to burn all of my clothes."
Funny thing...I loved it! Something happened in my thinking along the way...
Freedom!...
Wanting less...
Being content with what I already have...
Having no idea what's in style these days and not caring one little bit!...
Thanking God for all I do have instead of focusing on the things I don't have...
And, did I mention FREEDOM?!
Dad and I were sitting in our family room this morning, sharing what God has been teaching us. It came to me...I don't want to be remembered as that frugal woman who didn't shop for a year. Or, as that health nut who is always talking about what foods are healthy and what are not (need to work on this one...it's still all so new and exciting!) Or, even that lady with the fantastic kids. :-) What I'd like to be known for is my passion for Jesus Christ, my love of God! Yes! TRUE FREEDOM!
Thank you, you three, for your support this past year! For cheering me on! For being such good sports as I got creative with birthday and Christmas presents! Have I told you lately that I'm crazy about you three?!
oxo-Mom
ps~I'm seriously considering another year...with a few exceptions...mostly bras.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Thankful...
...that you, Gregory, were home for Thanksgiving! Possibly the last one for the next four years. (To whom do I write to say, "This mama wants her son home for every holiday! Does the army really need him at holiday time?" And, btw, I just learned that your great grandma actually wrote to the president of the United States to say that she needed her husband home from the war because she was going nuts with her seven kids. Urban legend? Who's to say.)
...for your, Ali, AMAZING culinary talents! And, all with a smile, a cute apron, great music playing! Delicious Thanksgiving dinner...every bite!
...that you, Nick, had the day off work! And, that you got to surf at 4:30 a.m. with your friends! And, surf again with your brother!
...for your dad...that he got to not work for a few days. That he works his (super sexy) butt off most of the time to take care of us!
...for dancing to Mumford and Sons in the kitchen before dinner! All five of us!
...that we all ate a super healthy, delicious dinner in two hours instead of five minutes! You all rock!
...for tasting delicious, special wines! For making ice cream for the first time!
...for lots and lots of laughing, for Dad's reading of that cool passage in Ephesians, for three kids that I am crazy about and love to be with!
...that Jesus Christ is the center of our home and of each of our individual lives! That He dwells within us! That we abide in Him and He in us! Yes...I'm thankful!
...for your, Ali, AMAZING culinary talents! And, all with a smile, a cute apron, great music playing! Delicious Thanksgiving dinner...every bite!
...that you, Nick, had the day off work! And, that you got to surf at 4:30 a.m. with your friends! And, surf again with your brother!
...for your dad...that he got to not work for a few days. That he works his (super sexy) butt off most of the time to take care of us!
...for dancing to Mumford and Sons in the kitchen before dinner! All five of us!
...that we all ate a super healthy, delicious dinner in two hours instead of five minutes! You all rock!
...for tasting delicious, special wines! For making ice cream for the first time!
...for lots and lots of laughing, for Dad's reading of that cool passage in Ephesians, for three kids that I am crazy about and love to be with!
...that Jesus Christ is the center of our home and of each of our individual lives! That He dwells within us! That we abide in Him and He in us! Yes...I'm thankful!
Friday, November 2, 2012
Seek Him
My Three Favorite Young Adults in the Whole Wide World,
(BTW, will I ever get my other three favorite young adults in the whole world?)
Back on track here...
I love how Jesus came "to seek and to save that which was lost"! (Luke 19:10) That which was lost was me. That was you. But, now we are IN Christ! Even then, though, He doesn't force Himself on us. "I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20) Though He dwells within us, He allows us to decide if we will walk in Him or in the flesh. But, His desire is an intimate, abiding relationship with us!
I wanted to share with you three some of the practical ways He has shown me to nurture that intimacy.
* Before I get out of bed, I start thanking Him. I thank Him for the day, for you three, for my warm cozy bed, for your dad, for being Who He is. (Sometimes I don't. You can probably tell those mornings. I REALLY need to start my day like this. It's just better for everyone.)
* Before I read anything else, like that newspaper we get every day, I love to read my Bible. Usually I don't have a plan. I'm a little ADD that way...All over the place. The last few weeks I've been reading through Acts. Some cool stuff! I've also been going through verses I want to commit to memory in this 52 year old brain. (I know what you're thinking..."Good luck on that one, Mom!") I write them down in my journal. So, I just love digging in to my Bible and seeing what God wants to reveal to me!
* Your dad and I have read some amazing books and devotionals over the years! We love to share with each other what God is teaching us through these! Intimacy with Christ, by Jeanne Guyon, Abiding in Christ, by Andrew Murray, The Indwelling Life of Christ, by Ian Thomas, The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life, by Hannah Smith. All of these books point me to Jesus as my Life, my Everything! I love that! My new favorite is Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young! (I can tell I'm getting a bit too excited here. Too many exclamation points. I'll settle down.)
* A gift in my life is friends that are as Jesus freakish as me! A friend that will call me out on not trusting God in a certain situation or not surrendering to His will in areas of my life is a good friend! A friend who shares my passion for Jesus and not religion! You know those friends. You're more in love with Jesus after being around them. That's a good thing!
* Sitting quietly and just listening to His voice is a discipline that is hard for me. But, the times that I have allowed Him to speak into my life (without me interrupting), loving on me, filling me with a strong sense of His presence...these are precious times!
So, Greg, Ali and Nick, my prayer for you three continues to be that you each have your very own intimate, personal, abiding relationship with Jesus! That you open that door, dine with Him and He with you!
I'm crazy about you!
oxo-Mom
ps~You three have given me plenty of opportunities to really test whether I am abiding in, trusting in, completely dependent on Jesus or not. :-) Thanks!
(BTW, will I ever get my other three favorite young adults in the whole world?)
Back on track here...
I love how Jesus came "to seek and to save that which was lost"! (Luke 19:10) That which was lost was me. That was you. But, now we are IN Christ! Even then, though, He doesn't force Himself on us. "I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." (Revelation 3:20) Though He dwells within us, He allows us to decide if we will walk in Him or in the flesh. But, His desire is an intimate, abiding relationship with us!
I wanted to share with you three some of the practical ways He has shown me to nurture that intimacy.
* Before I get out of bed, I start thanking Him. I thank Him for the day, for you three, for my warm cozy bed, for your dad, for being Who He is. (Sometimes I don't. You can probably tell those mornings. I REALLY need to start my day like this. It's just better for everyone.)
* Before I read anything else, like that newspaper we get every day, I love to read my Bible. Usually I don't have a plan. I'm a little ADD that way...All over the place. The last few weeks I've been reading through Acts. Some cool stuff! I've also been going through verses I want to commit to memory in this 52 year old brain. (I know what you're thinking..."Good luck on that one, Mom!") I write them down in my journal. So, I just love digging in to my Bible and seeing what God wants to reveal to me!
* Your dad and I have read some amazing books and devotionals over the years! We love to share with each other what God is teaching us through these! Intimacy with Christ, by Jeanne Guyon, Abiding in Christ, by Andrew Murray, The Indwelling Life of Christ, by Ian Thomas, The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life, by Hannah Smith. All of these books point me to Jesus as my Life, my Everything! I love that! My new favorite is Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young! (I can tell I'm getting a bit too excited here. Too many exclamation points. I'll settle down.)
* A gift in my life is friends that are as Jesus freakish as me! A friend that will call me out on not trusting God in a certain situation or not surrendering to His will in areas of my life is a good friend! A friend who shares my passion for Jesus and not religion! You know those friends. You're more in love with Jesus after being around them. That's a good thing!
* Sitting quietly and just listening to His voice is a discipline that is hard for me. But, the times that I have allowed Him to speak into my life (without me interrupting), loving on me, filling me with a strong sense of His presence...these are precious times!
So, Greg, Ali and Nick, my prayer for you three continues to be that you each have your very own intimate, personal, abiding relationship with Jesus! That you open that door, dine with Him and He with you!
I'm crazy about you!
oxo-Mom
ps~You three have given me plenty of opportunities to really test whether I am abiding in, trusting in, completely dependent on Jesus or not. :-) Thanks!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Just Stop Asking!
Instead of asking Jesus to be with you...
Thank Him that He is always with you, in you, under you and above you! (Matthew 28:20, Colossians 1:27, I Corinthians 3:11, Acts 2:33)
Instead of asking God to bless you and others...
Thank Him that He already has blessed you and others who are in Him!...With every spiritual blessing! (Ephesians 1:3)
Instead of praying to God for strength...
Thank Him that He is your strength! (Isaiah 12:2, I Peter 4:11, Ephesians 6:10)
Instead of asking God to forgive you your sins...
Confess and thank Him that He has forgiven you, every sin, once and for all! (Hebrews 7:27, 10:12, Colossians 2:13. Side note: When Jesus was sharing with His disciples a pattern for praying to our Father, He had not yet died for our sins.)
Instead of asking Jesus to give you His peace and joy...
Thank Him that He gave all of us who are in Him, His peace and joy! Yes, just accept and believe what He has already given you! (John 14:27, 15:11)
Instead of telling God that you want more patience, love, kindness, gentleness...
Thank Him that you are indwelt by His Holy Spirit! These characteristics are His fruit! We do not produce them; we bear them! Then continue to walk in His Spirit! (Galatians 5:16, 22, 23, 25)
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful." ~Colossians 3:15
I'm crazy about you three!
oxo-Mom
ps~Nick...Haiti?! So excited to see what God does!
Ali, no more stylish blue boots! Yay! You are a tough cookie!
Greg, in any more weddings? 27 Tuxes?! :-)
Thank Him that He is always with you, in you, under you and above you! (Matthew 28:20, Colossians 1:27, I Corinthians 3:11, Acts 2:33)
Instead of asking God to bless you and others...
Thank Him that He already has blessed you and others who are in Him!...With every spiritual blessing! (Ephesians 1:3)
Instead of praying to God for strength...
Thank Him that He is your strength! (Isaiah 12:2, I Peter 4:11, Ephesians 6:10)
Instead of asking God to forgive you your sins...
Confess and thank Him that He has forgiven you, every sin, once and for all! (Hebrews 7:27, 10:12, Colossians 2:13. Side note: When Jesus was sharing with His disciples a pattern for praying to our Father, He had not yet died for our sins.)
Instead of asking Jesus to give you His peace and joy...
Thank Him that He gave all of us who are in Him, His peace and joy! Yes, just accept and believe what He has already given you! (John 14:27, 15:11)
Instead of telling God that you want more patience, love, kindness, gentleness...
Thank Him that you are indwelt by His Holy Spirit! These characteristics are His fruit! We do not produce them; we bear them! Then continue to walk in His Spirit! (Galatians 5:16, 22, 23, 25)
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful." ~Colossians 3:15
I'm crazy about you three!
oxo-Mom
ps~Nick...Haiti?! So excited to see what God does!
Ali, no more stylish blue boots! Yay! You are a tough cookie!
Greg, in any more weddings? 27 Tuxes?! :-)
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Life Here & Now
A habit is developing...
Heading out on a trip tomorrow...
Lots of things to do, errands to run, bills to pay, clothes to pack...
Here I am at my computer, sensing an urgency to share with you three.
Sermon #5:
"always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." ~II Cor. 4:4
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." ~II Cor. 5:17
"Therefore, we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life." ~Rm. 6:4
So...what does Jesus being manifested in our bodies, this new creature, this newness of life look like?
FREE! "and you will know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free." ~John 8:35
LOVING! "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." ~John 13:35
SATISFIED! "Jesus said to them, 'I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.'" ~John 6:35
EXPERIENCING ABUNDANT LIFE! "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10
PEACEFUL! "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." ~John 14:27
ABIDING IN CHRIST! "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." ~John 15:4
FULL OF JOY! "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." ~John 15:11
A HEARER OF JESUS' VOICE! "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~John 10:27
NOT OF THIS WORLD! "...they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." ~John 17:14
So...this is the life that is available to all of us who are IN Christ! Not just a promise for our future life, but NOW! And...this just from John's gospel! I could go on and on! (But I won't.)
Closing hymn:
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest and joy and peace!
oxo-Mom
ps~Ali, yay! Your feet are healing! You have been an amazing trooper! I thought I was going to die when I just had one foot, on one side operated on. My prayer is that you listen to your Guide (Ps. 73:24) as to your future plans. He knows best!
Nick, have so much fun celebrating precious Maryann's 21st birthday today! So excited for you if your trip to Haiti works out! I praying for God's will in that.
Greg, I love that you have been so intentional about spending time with us, knowing that for four years you will most likely be far away! My prayer for you is that you have your flesh under control during soccer games. :-) Just kidding...I pray that daily you are sensing the presence of God in your life!
Heading out on a trip tomorrow...
Lots of things to do, errands to run, bills to pay, clothes to pack...
Here I am at my computer, sensing an urgency to share with you three.
Sermon #5:
"always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." ~II Cor. 4:4
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." ~II Cor. 5:17
"Therefore, we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life." ~Rm. 6:4
So...what does Jesus being manifested in our bodies, this new creature, this newness of life look like?
FREE! "and you will know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free." ~John 8:35
LOVING! "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." ~John 13:35
SATISFIED! "Jesus said to them, 'I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.'" ~John 6:35
EXPERIENCING ABUNDANT LIFE! "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10
PEACEFUL! "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." ~John 14:27
ABIDING IN CHRIST! "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." ~John 15:4
FULL OF JOY! "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." ~John 15:11
A HEARER OF JESUS' VOICE! "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." ~John 10:27
NOT OF THIS WORLD! "...they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." ~John 17:14
So...this is the life that is available to all of us who are IN Christ! Not just a promise for our future life, but NOW! And...this just from John's gospel! I could go on and on! (But I won't.)
Closing hymn:
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest and joy and peace!
oxo-Mom
ps~Ali, yay! Your feet are healing! You have been an amazing trooper! I thought I was going to die when I just had one foot, on one side operated on. My prayer is that you listen to your Guide (Ps. 73:24) as to your future plans. He knows best!
Nick, have so much fun celebrating precious Maryann's 21st birthday today! So excited for you if your trip to Haiti works out! I praying for God's will in that.
Greg, I love that you have been so intentional about spending time with us, knowing that for four years you will most likely be far away! My prayer for you is that you have your flesh under control during soccer games. :-) Just kidding...I pray that daily you are sensing the presence of God in your life!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Hau`oli Lā Hānau
Greg...26 today!
Right now, are you surfing, eating, dentisting? (Maybe watching soccer?)
Every year, on your birthday, I am reminded of God's goodness,
Grateful to Him for YOU! (One of my favorite people in the whole world.)
Wish we were together today.
Remember...party at the Wrights when you get home! (5 of us. Is that a party?)
I want you know (in case I haven't told you)
God gave us one of the best gifts ever on June 20, 1986...
He gave us you! (And, you have been a blessing every day since.)
Today, we celebrate YOU!
Happy birthday, Greg!
Love and miss you!
oxo~Mom
Right now, are you surfing, eating, dentisting? (Maybe watching soccer?)
Every year, on your birthday, I am reminded of God's goodness,
Grateful to Him for YOU! (One of my favorite people in the whole world.)
Wish we were together today.
Remember...party at the Wrights when you get home! (5 of us. Is that a party?)
I want you know (in case I haven't told you)
God gave us one of the best gifts ever on June 20, 1986...
He gave us you! (And, you have been a blessing every day since.)
Today, we celebrate YOU!
Happy birthday, Greg!
Love and miss you!
oxo~Mom
Friday, April 20, 2012
24 Candles!!!
Always wanting to learn
Lovely inside and out
Intelligent, kind and beautiful (you is!)
Wonderful daughter and friend
Radiates the joy of Jesus
Infectious laugh
Gifted at cooking
Hilarious (whether appropriate or not)
Totally a gift in my life (and others')!!!
Happy 24th birthday, my Boo (without an h)!!!
oxo-Mom
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
My Prayer
My Three Favorite Young Adults in the Whole Wide World,
Throughout the years, your dad and I have had the privilege of sitting in on a few of Bill Roth's (our dear friend) mini-seminars on contemplative prayer! We love listening to and learning from Bill! Right, Ali?! In the most recent series, one of the homework assignments was to meditate on one of Adrian van Kaam's prayers. The prayer is beautiful! And, I did meditate on it!
Being authentic to what God reveals to ME, I had a strong desire to write my own meditative prayer. So...that's what I did. Here it goes...
Thank You, Jesus Christ, for this beautiful day, in which You call me to empty myself, to be clothed in You, to walk in Your Holy Spirit and to set my mind on the things above, on You! May Your Life be displayed through me to my family and to those with whom I come in contact. May I always be filled with the joy of being in Your Presence! Thank You for offering up Yourself once for all my sin! Through the work of Your Holy Spirit in my life, cause me to rejoice always, to be in constant conversation with You and to give thanks in everything. I want knowing You to be everything to me! May my heart's desire be to love You above all else and with Your Life in me, to love others! I love You!
(References I used: Phil. 2:7, Romans 13:14, Galatians 5:25, Colossians 3:2, Galatians 2:20, Acts 2:28, Hebrews 7:27, I Thes. 5:16-18, Phil. 3:8, Matt. 22:37-39. Again, just jotting down a few of my favorite verses together and then making it in a prayer to my Lord Jesus Christ!)
Ali, Nick and Greg, I'm challenging you to sit still for a few minutes, listen to your Shepherd's voice and come up with your own meditative prayer!
I'm crazy about you three!
oxo-Mom
ps~A few minutes after writing this, while on our way to work, a really bad driver almost rear-ended us, then cut in front of a long line of waiting cars. I, just the passenger, made sure I gave him a look that let him know what an idiot he was being. Yep...Jesus, I need YOU!
Friday, March 16, 2012
My Third Son, Part II
Greg and Nick,
I'm sure you understand...Sometimes there are people in your life that are just so extra special, that you feel like they are a part of the family. Just wanted you to know that your cousin, Brad, is that special to me. He is definitely like a third son to me.
So, you can call him your cousin, your brother, whatever. But, to me, he will always be like a son.
Love you both,
oxo-Mom
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