Monthly Archives: July 2009

July 31, 2009 · 7:26 am

The Bell Rings Again.

I was a teacher once.  It’s true.  I taught eighth grade my last four years of teaching.  Some think teaching middle schoolers would be hell.  Honestly, I loved my kids.  Some were funny.  Some were troubled.  And, quite frankly, some just pulled on my heart strings. 

And, most of them listened to me. 

What an opportunity teachers have that they can impart to young minds and hearts.  Even beyond academia. 

Thank you, thank you educators for giving up going out to lunch, high-paying salaries, and your own cash buying supplies for our children.

You are the real world changers. 

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”  – Henry Brooks Adams

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July 29, 2009 · 6:00 am

Time Travels So Fast.

Last night, I sat on the bed with Anna.  I demonstrated how tiny her feet used to be.  I showed her how I’d kiss them, and she’d giggle.  She loves hearing stories of things she did when she was a baby.  I love remembering them.

Kids 2006

Sometimes, I pause and marvel.

Where did the time go?

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July 28, 2009 · 6:00 am

I’ve Got Some Practicing To Do.

Well, my book, The Practice of the Presence of God, arrived yesterday, and I’m already halfway through.  No need to be impressed.  It’s an itty bitty book.

It’s principally about enjoying the presence of God while engaging in the routine things in life….like doing the dishes.  Or feeding the dog.  Or bathing your four-year old.  Or consuming a box of Junior Mints.  It’s the practice of recognizing His presence even outside the Sunday experience or your quiet devotional time.  This, Brother Lawrence says, takes practice.  But, living our life acknowledging the presence of God in the big and small things will not only bring us unbelievable joy, but it will sure us up in knowing that with Him, all things truly are possible. 

One key in practicing His presence is doing away with any thoughts or actions that do NOT lead us or point us toward Christ.  He writes, “the most important part resides in renouncing, once and for all, whatever does not lead to God.  This allows us to become involved in a continuous conversation with Him in a simple and unhindered manner….

All we have to do is recognize God as being intimately present within us.”

When I read this, I had to consider the feelings and thoughts that come up when certain situations arise.  Does that thought or does my action or response LEAD me to God?  I’d bet the envy that I feel over her six-pack abs does not lead me to God.  Nor does my judgment over how he handled a situation.  And, the way I over-react to my children, at times….well, I’d bet that’s not leading me to God.

And, the occasional pride issue that creeps up?  Well, let’s not even go there. 

But, actually, I must go there.

I must go to these things that hinder me from experiencing His presence in every single thing I do.  I have to catch myself when these thoughts that aren’t of Him rear their ugly heads.  And, denounce them.  Then, maybe I can experience Him the way He created me to experience Him. 

Oh, the conversations I’m sure we’ll have when I begin to practice His presence. 

 I think I’m going to like this book.  ‘Cause I sure like His presence.

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July 27, 2009 · 8:10 am

What’s On Your Nightstand?

I had intended on writing this post last night, but I sat up and listened to some insightful, and sometimes funny, exchanges between my dad and his pastor friend of more than thirty years, Ron Gray.  And, then a little prego sickness postponed my morning writing.  Thankyousokindly, Caffeine-Free Coke.   I could not survive without your faithfulness.   

I usually read at night before I close my eyes.  Obviously, before I close my eyes.  I have a few books awaiting my attention.  Bill Hybel’s Axiom is one of them.  But, I’m most excited about today’s delivery of The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.  Yes, Brother Lawrence.  It was originally published in 1982, so if you’ve been in the Church for a while, you’ve probably heard of it or even read it yourself. 

I enjoy books on leadership and the occasional novel.  However, right now, I feel compelled to read material that simply draws me closer to my Creator. 

What are you reading right now?
What is a book you’ve recently read that you highly recommend, fiction or non?

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July 24, 2009 · 6:00 am

That’s Not Fair!

There is no book or instruction manual that tells you how to handle every parenting quandary.  My lack of wisdom in dealing with various situations became even more evident last night.  I allowed John Henry and Anna to pick ONE movie to watch in their room together.  Of course, they picked two different movies.  And, of course, I thought out loud, “Hmmm. How can we handle this?”  John Henry suggested they pick a number between one and ten. 

Perfect.

They did.  He won.  She wailed.

It wasn’t very fair for Anna even if she would get her pick next time.  I could have told her the first shall be last, and the last shall be first, but I felt certain that wouldn’t have sped her recovery.  It was a hard lesson in life for a four year old.  A lesson we all learn if we live long enough.

Life is not fair.

It’s not fair that I’m only 5’3”.  It’s not fair that I have a digestive disease. 

It’s not fair that my very good friend, Josh, died at 27.  It’s not fair that there are children in India begging for food.  It’s not fair that a five year old little girl has a brain tumor. 

So many things in life aren’t fair.

But, if God was fair, we would all die and pay a price for our sins.  One of my favorite Cindy Beall lines on “God isn’t fair” is: “I’m glad He’s not.  I need His mercy.”  The promise of eternal life isn’t about God being fair.  It’s about His incomprehensible love and mercy.

Life may seem unfair sometimes.  But, God is full of mercy.  He IS mercy.  He IS just.  And, He is faithful to make all things work together for the good.

This, I know well.

As for Anna….well, her tender, sweet big brother parted her tears, and said, “Anna, we can watch your movie.”

Was that fair for John Henry?  Well, maybe he does have a grasp on the first shall be last truth.  Or, just maybe, he was being merciful to his little sister. 

Either way, I am so humbled to be that young man’s mother.

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July 23, 2009 · 6:00 am

What NOT To Say To Your Pregnant Wife.

Me:  “Kris, my pants are already getting a bit snug.  Do you think it’s because I’m pregnant with my third and pushing 35?”

Kris:  “Babe, you have to realize…you were in GREAT shape when you got pregnant with John Henry and Anna.”

Me:  “Do you ever say things and wish you hadn’t have said them?”

It’s a good thing I love him.  And, walk in forgiveness.

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July 22, 2009 · 6:00 am

Coming Soon!

Takle Family 5

It’s true.  We did it.  Well, Kris and I did it.  We are going to be a family of FIVE, oh, sometime in March of 2010.  And, yes, we did it on purpose.  Neither of us just felt our family was quite complete.  But, I have a feeling that this third addition will seal it for us.  Can I get an Amen?  Praise Him.

We discovered our newest, soon to be released, little person over a week ago.  We just told big brother and big sister a couple of days ago. 

Here is John Henry when we told him followed by his response:

Baby news - JH

“Are you kidding me?”

And, here is Anna, who lives in Annaville, followed by her response:

Baby news - Anna

“I want the girl kind.”

They are both excited.  We all are.  Of course, the funniest response came from BigMama:

“Ooohhh nooooooooo.”

“Oh no, BigMama?”  I asked her.

“Well, did ya want another one?”  She defended.

“Yes!”  I explained.

“Well, alright then.  If you’re happy, I’m happy for ya.  If you’re sad, then I’m sad for ya.”

She makes me laugh.  Always.

So, there you have it.  And, here I grow.

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July 21, 2009 · 6:00 am

Facing Lions?


“Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” (Daniel 6:10).

I’d imagine we’d all be praying if we were about to be thrown into a pit to be food for some hungry lions.  But, what really strikes me in this verse is Daniel prayed “just as he had done before.”  My guess is that prayer was probably routine for Daniel.  I’m not sure what he prayed.  Maybe that King Darius would change his mind.  He most likely didn’t pray for God to shut the lions’ mouths.

But, that’s what God did.  And, He made Daniel aware that He was the one saving him.  Not Darius. 

Sometimes, God doesn’t rescue us out of situations the way we think He should or the way we pray it will happen.  But, God will pull you through in a way that gives Him glory. 

You may feel like you’re in a lion’s den right now. 

Pray.  And, know that God will shut those lions’ mouths. 

Holla!

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July 20, 2009 · 7:38 am

I’ve Had Wounds.

If we’ve lived any length of time, we’ve wounded someone and been wounded by someone.  As much as I love my children, I’ve still hurt them from time to time.  I’ve become very accustomed to asking them to forgive me and acknowledging to them that I was wrong.  I instruct my children to do the same thing when they hurt one another.

“I’m sorry.  I was wrong.  Would you forgive me?”

This is a very important part of the hurt individual’s healing process.

But, sometimes, the person who hurt us doesn’t ackknowledge their wrong doing, nor do they ask for forgiveness.  And, then, we have to, on our own, choose forgiveness.

Yep.  It’s a choice.  Always.  And, it’s also an instruction from our heavenly Father.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  (Col. 3:13)  It’s just not always an EASY choice.  Especially, when we don’t feel like forgiving.  Or, we fear that if we forgive, it will seem as though what they did to us didn’t really matter.  And, let’s face it.  Some things are just much easier to forgive than others.  It’s a lot easier to forgive a friend for running late than it is to forgive a spouse for betrayal. 

But, here’s what I’ve learned from unforgiveness:

It’ll hold us captive to our wounds and what our wounds mean.  Like a prisoner.
It will cause bitterness, and bitterness can wreck our lives and the lives of others around us.

Forgiveness releases you and the person who hurt you.  It doesn’t make sin tolerable.  But, it makes us so profoundly aware of God’s mercy on us.  When we follow God’s instruction and forgive, we put ourselves in a place where He, our Healer, can mend our broken heart. 

I’ve had wounds.

And, I choose forgiveness.  Always. 

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.  Psalm 147:3

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July 16, 2009 · 6:00 am

I Need To Choose Him More.

John Henry:  Why did God make us separated?

Me:  What do you mean?

John Henry:  Why is God in heaven, and He made us on earth?  Why didn’t He make us be together?

I admit.  John Henry’s question caught me by surprise.  Let’s see.  How do I answer this so a six-year old can comprehend?  I could take him back to the garden.  Of course, I risk losing him with that story.  So, I just explained it this way instead:

Had God made us in heaven with Him, we would have no choice but to pursue Him.  {How could we not pursue Him if we saw Him face to face?}  God wants us to CHOOSE Him.  So, here on earth, we have the choice to pursue Him.  We may not see Him, but His Spirit is here with us and inside of us. 

Our conversation continued.  And, I was suddenly overwhelmed by a God who wants more than anything for me to always choose Him. 

Come close to God, and God will come close to you.  James 4:8a

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