Monthly Archives: August 2009

August 31, 2009 · 6:00 am

Family Time And Gratitude.

Our kids had their first tubing experience this weekend.  Well, John Henry tubed once when he was two and was completely unimpressed.  So, that hardly counts.  Friends invited the four of us to enjoy their lake house, amenities, and friendship.  Our kids had the best time.  And, we had the best time watching them.

Tex 1

Tex 2

Tex 3

Tex 5

It’s nice to get away occasionally and have uninterrupted time with the people you love most.  Away from the laundry.  Away from the phone calls.  Away from the things that compete for your attention.

Away.

It’s in those times you can see your son.  I mean really see your son and soak up his expressions and wonder about his thoughts.

Tex 4

It’s in those times you can appreciate the character of your daughter.  Where you imagine what she will be when she grows up or you just smile, because, you recognize how much she loves life.

Tex 6

It’s in those times you can hold your husband’s hand without a thought of tomorrow’s bills or who is picking up the kids from school. 

It’s in those times you refill your gratitude tank.  You thank your heavenly Father that you get to wake up with these people every single day.

And, you know…..

Tex 7

Life is good.

And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 5:20

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August 28, 2009 · 7:21 am

Meet Sarah Markley.

Sarah Markley and I have never in “the real life.”  Cindy Beall introduced me to her blog, and then we became friends on Twitter.  Her writings always astound me.  Her ability to paint a picture with words makes me appreciate her.

And, I’ve never even met her.  Not in the real life. 

But she is a very real person.  With a very real story.  She is sharing it this week with honesty that I admire.  And, a heart that I love. 

It’s a five-part story, and I’m posting links to each below.  If you’ve ever felt that redemption was impossible, or God’s grace wasn’t enough, this will encourage you.

My New Name:  Part One

My New Name:  Part Two

My New Name:  Part Three

My New Name:  Part Four

My New Name:  Part Five

In Him we have redemption through His blood…  Colossians 1:14

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August 27, 2009 · 8:13 am

Writing On A School Morning. What AM I Thinking?

Instead of pre-writing this post like I usually do.  I chose to wake up this morning with a clear head to write.  My clear head quickly became cloudy as I remembered I had to wake up school children, throw them in showers and baths, feed them, distribute vitamins, brush their teeth, and make Anna’s lunch.

Because, she insists on eating the same.thing.every.single.day.

I do hope she learns a little more about the Ark today.  When I noticed she studied this great Bible story yesterday at school, I inquired:

“I see you learned about the Ark today.  Who built the ark?”

Without delay, she replied, “I did.”

Well, of course.

So, in a mad dash now to get my two favorite little people to school on time and make it on time for a doctor’s appointment where I’ll hear my soon to be third favorite little person’s heartbeat….

I bid you all a wonderful Thursday.

How is your morning routine?  Relaxed?  Or mad?

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August 26, 2009 · 6:00 am

FEAR. It’s A Dirty Word.

Kris:  “Remind me to talk to your doctor Thursday about the H1N1 vaccine.”

Me:  “Haven’t we already discussed this with him?”

Kris:  “Yes, but I need more clarification.  There could be over 90,000 U.S. deaths this flu season.”

Thankyousokindly for giving me something else to worry about.  It’s not like I’m not already consumed with my Anna’s pre-school assignment on decorating her family shield.  A little Hobby Lobby here.  Some photo printing there.  It’s kind of a big deal, yes?

It’s easy to give into the ugly, four-letter word, FEAR.  And, I’m not talking about a pre-school project.  I’m talking about things that can create an emotional response to circumstances beyond our control.  If I allow it, I can downright talk myself into a fear frenzy.  I began doing just that last night while talking to my dad.  I briefly paused, and these words fell off my tongue:

“We just need to pray protection.”

Oh, well, there ya go.  Let’s invite God in.  Swell idea?  How often I make God the size of my biggest problem. 

He’s bigger.

He’s already told us what to do with our fear.  He said our fear can just go straight to hell. 

Okay, that’s not exactly what He said.  But, He did say this:

 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

And this:

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  2 Timothy 1:7 (Gotta love the KJV)

Oh, and this:

The Lord is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid?  Psalm 27:1

No matter what the day brings, I know I have nothing to fear.  Because, nothing can separate me from His presence.  When I walk through the waters, He will be there.  When I walk through the fire, He never leaves my side. 

And, so I say to FEAR:  You can go straight to hell. 

And, Big Mama would follow that declaration up with a little tongue talkin’. 

For real.

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August 25, 2009 · 6:00 am

Lead Me To The Rock.

I don’t often stare at a blank, white screen as long as I stared at one for this post.  It was an emotional evening with my son yesterday.  This pregnancy seems to be drawing from John Henry some emotions and questions about his Daddy Bryan and me.  And, one particular issue I wasn’t prepared for.  It’s not something I feel at liberty to share just yet, but I will when the time is right.  For now, my heart is heavy, and I’m seeking God in how I respond to my sweet, tender son. 

You see, this is the beautiful part about following Christ.  Because, whenever I feel….

Helpless.

Confused.

Stranded.

In desperate need of wisdom and guidance.

I go to my Shepherd.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you.  Psalm 32:8

I go to my Counselor.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.  John 14:16

I go to my Rock.

….when my heart is overwhelmed.  Lead me to the towering rock of safety….  Psalm 61:2

Can you imagine doing life without Him?

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August 24, 2009 · 6:00 am

Our Real House.

Anna:  “Mom, this isn’t our real house.  Our real house is in heaven.”

I am still baffled as to why those words were uttered by my four year old.  It’s a topic yet to be discussed between the two of us.  And, to be honest, I didn’t seize the beautiful opportunity to elaborate on the subject any further than a simple, “Yes.  You’re right.”

So, I left it at that.

Two days passed, and I replayed her verbal observation in my head.  And, these scriptures came to mind:

19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.  20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.  21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.  Matthew 6:19-21

A good self check-up followed.  Am I investing more of my energy into my earthly, temporal home than I am into my “real house”? 

There are days I invest more generously into the Kingdom than my own material possessions.  Yet, there are days where I can become consumed with what makes Dusty happy.  And, I’m not just talking about money.  Although, finances are a big part of it.  I’m also referring to my time.  Time spent alone with my Father.  Time spent imparting Christ to my children.  Time spent serving the local church.  Time spent ministering to someone in need.  Time spent using my gifts for the Kingdom. 

I want to store up treasures in my real house.  Because, this temporal house is but a vapor. 

Isn’t it funny how God uses our children to speak to us?

Where are you storing your treasures?

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August 21, 2009 · 6:00 am

First Day For A First-Grader And A Princess.

First day school 1

First day of school. 

My first grader didn’t want me to walk him to his class.

But I did.

First day school 3

My pre-schooler didn’t want me to walk her to her class.

Whatev’.

First day school 2

She also requested that I braid half of her hair on one side of her head while the other side of her hair rests on her shoulders.

Not today.

Perhaps, tomorrow, Miss Banana. 

I had every intention in doing some deep cleaning and organization yesterday after dropping the kids off at school.  I made the mistake of sitting down to rest for a moment.

A moment that turned into a few or a hundred.

They both had a great first day.  Anna told me, “I didn’t do any bad stuff or say any bad words.”  She had documentation to prove it.  She smiled and gave me a certificate that announced, “Here Ye!  Here Ye!  The Royal Courts Declare Anna Takle was a Princess in Preschool Today!”

And, that, my friends, equals a successful day.

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August 20, 2009 · 6:00 am

What I’m Praying This School Year.

JH - 2004

Dear John Henry,

You begin first grade today.  I can hardly believe it.  Really, I can’t.  If it weren’t for the fact you’ve lost four teeth, grown another inch, and expanded your vocabulary, I’d swear you are still the little boy in this picture mesmerized by airplanes. 

Airplanes don’t capture your attention the way they used to.  I’m sure it’s due to the constant exposure and your Daddy Kris being a pilot.  Although, I know you still think that being a pilot is cool.  You do, right?

It’s okay if airplanes and other things begin to fade from your interest list.  What’s important is that your pursuit of Christ doesn’t fade.  That being in relationship with your Creator never grows stale.  Never gets old.

That He always captures your attention.

I prayed the usual prayer I always pray over you last night.  But, just before I said, “Amen,” I prayed something new for you.

I prayed you would begin to hear God’s voice. 

You know that feeling you sometimes get to make a good choice instead of a bad choice?  Or that feeling you sometimes get to give one of your toys to a friend?  Or that feeling you sometimes get to pray for someone?  That’s kind of what God’s voice sounds like at times.

I’m praying that His voice becomes clearer and clearer to you. 

Familiar.

Comfortable.

Natural.

That’s what I’m praying for you this school year. 

I can’t wait to hear what God tells you.  I know He will tell you what I tell you so often:

I love you, son.

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August 19, 2009 · 6:00 am

The Loudest Shoes Ever Created. Ever.

For those who don’t follow me on the Twitter, I thought you’d appreciate a picture of Anna’s wardrobe choice yesterday.

Anna - fashion wp

She thought a swimsuit cover-up accented with fluffy, pink heels would really make a statement while running errands with Mom and brother.  I stood my ground.  She changed into something a bit more presentable.  With the fluffy, pink heels, of course.  And, by the way, the basket of laundry is still strategically positioned right where you see it.  Strategic in that I can say, “These clothes are clean, kids.  Pick out something to wear.” 

I’m gettin’ to it.  Mkay?  The important lesson here is to next time allow the cover-up and ban the shoes. 

That I heard clippity clapping down every store aisle.

Her amusement knows no boundaries.  She later requested that I close my eyes while driving, so she could tell me where to go.  I didn’t, Dad.  We made it safely home with my eyes mostly open.  I’m a recoverin’ still, ya know.

I had to stay awake long enough to go to Parent Orientation at the kids’ school.  I was beyond thrilled to see that John Henry’s Kindergarten teacher moved up to first grade, and he will have her again.  And, I was reluctant in disclosing some of Anna’s more adventurous traits to her pre-school teacher.  I felt ignorance was truly bliss in that matter.   Don’t you agree?

Let’s just hope she’s never read this blog.

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August 18, 2009 · 8:14 am

Life After The Great Wolf.

You may or may not have noticed that I took the day off yesterday from the blogging world to recover from an exhausting, yet fun packed weekend.  On Thursday, we took the kids to the Great Wolf Lodge in Texas.  This hotel does not cater to rest and relaxation for adults.  Oh no.  Between the indoor and outdoor water park, arcade, and MagiQuest where kids take magic wands and complete quests all over the hotel, I was pretty much in a Great Wolf coma yesterday morning.  The ice cream cone I indulged in on Sunday night contributed to this coma, I am sure. 

I failed to take as many pictures as my mom, Nan, would like.  I attempted to explain to her that a water park does not compliment a non water-proof camera.  My kids did insist I take their picture with this guy.

Great Wolf 1

Anna evaluated the picture and was unimpressed with her pose.  So, she was adamant for a re-take.

Great Wolf 2

“Oh, yes.  That is definitely much better,” she said. 

And, when did she become such the diva?

We made it home yesterday afternoon, and I was beyond tired and irritated.  I could barely tolerate the sound of my little people’s voices.  Oh, how I love them.  But, oh, how I dreaded to hear “Mom” even one.more.time.  When I later saw John Henry laughing out loud at the entertainment his sister was providing for him, I couldn’t help but laugh a little myself.  It brought some relief to my annoyed, please don’t talk to me attitude. 

And, I remembered why I love being their Mom so much.

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