Monthly Archives: August 2008

August 29, 2008 · 6:00 am

Game Day

Tomorrow, people from obscure little towns to major cities around this nation will unite with their team colors of choice in stands, on college parking lots, in sports bars, and in living rooms of friends.   

To lift up their team mascot to the Lord.

To inhale chicken wings and chips.

To yell at coaches and players who cannot hear their words of sideline advice.

To talk smack.

‘Because it’s the only American thing to do when the coin is tossed.

Kick-off is upon us folks.  I like to talk smack about my Georgia Dawgs to these crazy Sooner fans out here.  But, I must be honest.  If my number one ranked Bulldogs don’t pull through tomorrow, I will be okay.  Because, I, too will have inhaled my fair share of a fine football spread – whether I’m watching the game or not.  And, let’s face it.  Nothing is quite as satisfying as chips and queso. 

To my Georgia friends and family – and even my crazy Sooner friends and adopted family:

Goooooooooo Dawgs!  Sick ‘em. 

Hunker down. 

What are you doing game day?

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August 28, 2008 · 6:00 am

My Momma is so smart y’all.


Obsessive.  Sometimes compulsive.   But never obsessive-compulsive.  This is me on occasion. 

I’ve been all consumed with John Henry’s Kindergarten experience.  Not only academically, but how he relates to others, how he feels about himself, and so on and so forth.  He’s adjusting pretty well.  But, he’s also having to learn how to adapt to structure, how to know when not to be funny, and how to know when to say “poop” (and never at a Christian private school….ever).

He is also trying to find his place in this brand new world.  And, we are trying to teach him that he is great just the way he is.  Yet, he has this need to be accepted.  I guess we all do.  But, he uses humor or exaggerated stories to prove to others his self-worth.  It frustrates me.  I worry about his emotional state.  Whatever his teacher tells me, good or bad, affects me.  Is this normal moms? 

I became so emotional and so stressed over what is best for my little boy, I began to question my decisions for him.  Perhaps, I should home-school him.  Maybe he needs me all day every day.  And, while I know that home-schooling is the right option for many, I just don’t think it’s what’s best for John Henry.  At least not for now. 

So I stressed. 

I even cried like the hormonal chick that I am.

To my momma.

You wanna know what my momma told me?  (I don’t know why I’m calling her “momma” when I’ve always called her “mom”, but we’ll just roll with it.)

She said, “Dusty, you have to trust God with John Henry’s life.  You have to trust that God has His hand on him.”

Oh, but here was the kicker.

“Dusty, don’t you know that God loves John Henry more than you do?”

Get back Jack!

I responded like any other girl brought up in faith, hope and love, “Oh!  You’re right!  I forget that stuff!”

I forget that He is in control.  I forget that I am not.

I forget that He who began a good work will be faithful to finish it.

I forget that He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  Oh, that’ll preach.

You see all things were created by Him.  All things are sustained by Him.  And, He works all things for our good. 

And, He loves my John Henry more than I do.  Sure does.  That’s a big honkin’ love.

Thanks, Mom.

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August 27, 2008 · 6:00 am

She said it. She really said it.


Nothing like those little girls.  Since John Henry has been in big kid school, Anna and I have been getting a lot of alone time together.  It’s always an adventure with some precious moments mingled in there.  Here is a recent dialogue:

Anna (Unprompted, I must add):  “I love you, Mom.  You’re so pretty.”

I know, I know.  Could it get any sweeter? 

Me:  “Thank you!  Thank you, Anna!”

I’ve apparently come a long way since being called “a monster.”  Of course tomorrow morning, I could very well be the antichrist.

She started Pre-K on Monday.  I picked out the cutest first day dress.  Now, I will only imagine how cute she might have looked, because she had other ideas.

Nothing like a Tinkerbell tee to accent an aqua skirt.  If only she could have look excited about her first day.

Her preschool teacher told me that she didn’t know our family had a pink pig that eats cat food.  “I’m excited about the stories she will tell”, her teacher said. 

Um.  Me, too.

Anna also just started gymnastics yesterday.  Since she first learned that she would begin training for the 2020 Summer Olympics, she has been begging every day, “Please, take me to gymnastics!”  Some things are better left told on the day of the event.  One would think I would have already learned this one.

She was all too excited about her fancy schmancy leotard.

“It sparkles!” she proclaimed to everyone who saw her.

She did love gymnastics.  She was so confident in her tumbling abilities at one point that she left her group and made herself at home on the uneven bars and later the tumbling mat.  I was so very proud – even if she had to be gently guided back to her group.

I love her confidence.  It’s my job to help her channel that confidence into who she is in Christ.  Then, there is no doubt that she can do anything. 

Nor is there any doubt that you and I can do anything.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:13

Do you ever forget who you are in Christ?  I sure do.

 

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August 26, 2008 · 6:00 am

My Favorite Things – Your Favorite Things (1st Edition)


I’ve been intending on writing an occasional post of some of my favorite things and/or some of your favorite things; hence, the title.  I’m not sure how often I’ll run ‘em, so we’ll just play it by ear.  Okay?  Okay.

My good friend, Amy, e-mailed me one of her new favorite things. 

Amy writes:

I just tried Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes and thought I’d died and went to heaven.  They take off all of your make-up in an amazing 60 seconds or less – even the water-proof mascara that I don’t wear but they claim it does.  I do believe it!  It took off all my make-up, saved my white wash cloth, and left my face smooth as a baby’s bottom with a hint of glisten.  I especially will be happy for this find on one of those late, miserable nights when you know the make-up needs to come off but it’s the last thing in the world you want to do.  You could wipe your face off on the way to bed.  I highly recommend this product and would hope someone would share the same with me if they find anything half as amazing!

No, no.  Neutrogena is not paying Amy to endorse their product.  But, they should.  After all, she is one of the beautiful people. 

Now, I realize this favorite thing comes of no help to you male-type readers.  But, you can pass this little bit of heaven onto your wife, girlfriend, momma or Aunt Clarissa (that is, if you have an Aunt Clarissa.)

As for me, I’ll be picking up my own Neutrogena towelettes today.  After all, if I can glisten like Amy, I am all over it.  Can I get an amen?  Yes, yes, I see that hand.

I promise to have a favorite thing for you handsome men next time.  Stay tuned.

Are you using a product you think we need to know about?  What about a fabulous recipe you are just dying to share – or cook in my kitchen?  Or, any other random things that are making your top ten list?

E-mail me your favorites at durstee@aol.com, and, let’s share them with the world!  Or at least with all ten of my readers.  Hallelujah.

Do you take your make-up off every night? 

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August 25, 2008 · 6:00 am

East to West.


I’m forgiven.   Every day.  Because, I do not walk a sinless life, I have to be.  And, He freely gives it to me.  Yet, many struggle still with this concept.  How can the creator of the heavens and the earth, the author and finisher of our faith forgive a little me with dirty, rotten insides?

Because, He is the creator of the heavens and the earth, the author and finisher of our faith.  And, He does whatever He pleases. 

But, perhaps, a better answer is because He loves you and me.  Since the day He created man, God has desired to walk in relationship with us all.  And, it’s His desire for that relationship – and His immense love for us – that He so sweetly forgives us all. 

He forgives all things. 

He sacrificed His very own son to wipe away our sin. 

I love ya.  And, I’d maybe die for some of you.  But, I sure as heck wouldn’t give up one of my youngins for any of you. 

But He did.  ‘Cause His love is a love that surpasses all knowledge. 

Don’t let guilt grip you.  Don’t let it hold you hostage.  Know that you are a child of God cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.  You are forgiven.  And, oh, how you are so loved.

11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.  12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.  Psalm 103:11-12

Aren’t ya so glad?

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August 22, 2008 · 6:00 am

Mix Tape


I love music.  I know a lot of music.  As a matter of fact, a lot of my friends call me for their musical needs.  Oh, no.  Not to play or sing.  Although, I do love belting out “Proud Mary” and “Bobby McGee” on the karaoke circuit.   It’s sad really.  It’s where I live out the “what if” factor.  What if I had become the Britney Spears of the eighties?   Never mind. 

Anyway, some of my friends call me when they need some ideas for a song for this or a song for that.  And, I bring it.  ‘Cause I love music.   Although, two kids and age are beginning to interfere with my musical knowledge base.  I must overcome. 

I’ll never forget my first cassette player.  It looked something like this.

I would hold it up to a radio and as soon as a favorite song came on, I simultaneously pressed the “Record” and “Play” buttons.  Memba that?  Of course, I always missed the first 10 seconds of the song, but that didn’t matter.  I still sang and danced to my mix tape like it was 1985. 

And, a single mix tape took H.O.U.R.S. to make.  You pretty much had to stay cuddled up to your radio for as long as it took.  But, once you finished, you had a flawless arrangement of Culture Club, Journey, Rick Springfield, and of course, The Police.

Fast forward a couple of years later.  My parents gave me the most darling pink boombox for my thirteenth birthday.  Yes.  I said boombox.  Not only did it have a cassette player, but it had a radio, too.  The world of making a mix tape became revolutionized.

I will still make a mix tape.  It’s an art.  Now, I just select my music from my iTunes library and burn a CD.  John Henry, my musical prodigy in the making, requests frequently for a new music CD.  And, I don’t hesitate in making him one.  Because, he has got the music in him.  Yes, he does.

Now, a mix tape is called a playlist.  Here are some songs on my most recent playlist:

“Burnin’ Up” – Jonas Brothers (I’d like to claim this one for my children.  I said I’d like to.)
“Shake It” – Metro Station
“Viva la Vida” – Coldplay
“Hosanna” – Christy Nockels
“Dead Man’s Rope” – Sting (I know.  No surprise here.)
“Hard to Say I’m Sorry” – Chicago (Don’t worry.  I have an entirely separate playlist dedicated to Peter Cetera.  ‘Cause I’m cool like that.)
“Show Me What You Got” – Jay-Z (The clean version.  ‘Cause it’s a regular request from John Henry)
“Lost Without U” – Robin Thicke (It gets me all warm and fuzzy inside.)
“Healer” – Hillsong 
“Feelin’ Alright” – Joe Cocker
“Seasons of Love” – Rent (I’m not kidding.  I just recently fell in love it.)

Your turn to shake, shake, shake, shake uh shake it.  What’s on your playlist?

 

 

 

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August 21, 2008 · 6:00 am

I have hopes.


“Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” – Jose Addison

I couldn’t agree more. 

The latter essential, “something to hope for”, got me thinking.

I have hopes on different levels.  I have the usual hopes that my children will grow up and be Christ-followers.  I have hopes that they will be happy and experience as few as hurts as possible.

I have hopes that I will grow old with Kris.

I have hopes that one day chocolate will be an aid in weight loss.

I have hopes that I will get my butt in gear and write a book.

I have hopes that I will experience Disney World with my children.

I have hopes that God will always provide.

I have hopes that He is control.

I have hopes that Anna’s daily outfit choices will improve.

I have hopes that there is life eternal.

I have hopes.

How ‘bout you?  You got some hopes?

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August 20, 2008 · 6:00 am

Stand by your man (or woman).

On Monday, my friend, Cindy Beall, wrote a great post on “Sweet Talk”.  It was a mighty nice reminder to say sweet things about my husband when his name comes up around others – and certainly around him.  Probably nothing emasculates him more than when I take cheap shots .  And, sometimes we do it as a joke at their expense.  You know what I’m talkin’ about. 

However, repeating “Taklisms” are allowed and even embraced.  I’ll fill you in on Taklisms on another day.  And, if I forget, remind me.

I’ve been around girls who rip their husbands up and down and to and fro.  They make me feel like either I’m married to a saint or their husband is Darth’s cousin twice-removed.  I’m sure neither is true.  But boy do our words pierce hearts.

I don’t get this right all of the time.  I sometimes slip.

But, I try to represent.  (That’s Puff Daddy or P Diddy or Mac Daddy or whatever talk for bringing the best out, giving respect to, or standing up for.)

Do you represent?

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August 19, 2008 · 6:00 am

Olympic events that make me go hmmm.


As a kid, my favorite Olympic event was gymnastics.  ‘Cause, if you didn’t love Mary Lou Retton, you were no American.  No sir-ee Bob. 

No doubt, swimming has captured us all this year thanks to the amazing abilities of one Michael Phelps.  He is some kind of super hero – or quite possibly some X-men mutant.  And, the feeling of watching that boy win his 8th gold medal.  Well, he was a swimmin’! (Think Forrest Gump.) 

But, there are Olympic events that baffle me.  Here are a few.

1.  Synchronized diving.  So you can dive.  Why do you have to do it at the same time as someone else?

2.  Trampoline.  Really?  Who can’t do a flip on a trampoline?

3.  Badminton.  Had I known this sport would make it into the Olympics, I would have honed my skillz more in middle school P.E.

4.  Weightlifting.  Watching a barbell go from the ground to above someone’s head just doesn’t entertain me. 

Any events make you go hmmm?

What has been your favorite Olympic moment?

Or, are you a non-watcher?

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August 18, 2008 · 6:00 am

Loving the hard to love.


I like surrounding myself with fun people.  I often avoid those who carry a lot of emotional baggage such as bitterness, addictions, or depression.  I avoid people who aren’t nice.  Let’s face it.  Life is short.  Why waste a perfectly great night out with people who don’t seem to “fit in”?  After all, those babysitters aren’t cheap.  Why invite them into my home only to watch the clock and wonder when they are going to go back to their house?  Why return their calls?  Respond to their e-mails?  They never seem to listen to my advice anyway.  They are still going to hold onto their stuff like it’s a sack full She Takes the Cake’s “Chocolate Therapy”.  And, my condolences to you poor souls who’ve never tasted that little bit of heaven.

I like fun people. 

But, Jesus said love your enemies.  Now, I don’t consider the people described above as enemies.  But, if God wants us to love our enemies, I’d bet he means them, too.

This kind of love isn’t easy, is it?  The Apostle Paul wrote, “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding” (Philippians 1:9, NLT).  This means that as we get to know Jesus – and understand who He is more and more, that this kind of love will grow.  Not overnight.  It’s a lifelong process.

I think the first thing to remember is that we ourselves are in desperate need of a Savior.  That we, too, fall short and fall short often.  Pride sets in when we don’t realize how God loves us in spite of our failures and short-comings.  And, we all know that pride and love mix about as well as oil and water.  But, when we see that we all need His grace, then we become less judgmental.  And, loving the not so fun people becomes easier.

Who did Jesus chill out with when He walked the earth?  Well, not the self-righteous Pharisees.  Nope.  Not a one.  He kicked it back with prostitutes, stinking fishermen and even the I.R.S. of the day.  And, we are called to love just as He loved. 

It doesn’t mean it’s an easy endeavor.  But, we have the Holy Spirit within us.  And, that empowers us to love with the love that lives within us.  As a child of God, that kind of love is our inheritance.

One day, I might even share my “Chocolate Therapy” with the not so fun people. 

I’m just kidding.  I don’t even share that with my friends.

Do you struggle loving the hard to love? 

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