Category Archives: God Stuff

What do you think?


Y’all know I love Francis Chan’s book, Crazy Love.  It really did a number on me.  Well, there is one part in his book where he quotes John Piper from God Is the Gospel.  It went something like this.  Actually it went exactly like this:

The critical question for our generation—and for every generation—is this:  If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?

I asked around….Okay, so I asked two people this very question.  Here were my answers:

Kris Takle (Husband, Father, Pilot Extraordinaire):  “Yes!”  (He’s so dang cute, he could say anything.)

Buren Goss (Pastor, Husband, Dad, Ga-Ga, Best Fish Fryer in the Southeast):  “It’s not a fair question.”

My thoughts:

I agree that it is an unfair question.  Bottom line is that we all know none of the above could exist without Christ.  Scripture also tells us that He will be our ultimate enjoyment and contentment.  I think these questions are good in causing us to self-evaluate – to check our hearts to see that we desire Christ above all else.  But, I still find the question’s intent a bit unfair.  And, I mean no disrespect to one awesome John Piper. 

Makes ya reflect, though. 

What do you think?

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We interrupt this program…


So, I had a bad day.  Friday.  And, to top it all off, some mean old man yelled calling me a stupid a** b**ch.  Yes.He.Did.  From his big honkin’ truck next to me.  ‘Cause I wasn’t driving fast enough for him.  I drive plenty fast, and I have a ticket from last Monday to prove it thankyouverymuch.

My girlfriend, Bonnie, knows how to make a girl feel better. 

“You are a SMART a** b**ch,” she reminded me. 

She made me laugh.  I needed that J

I sulked on Friday.  But, I assure you, I didn’t stay there.

On Saturday, I decided to indulge into some much needed me time.  My sitter arrived, and I headed for Barnes and Noble then Panera to read.

‘Lo and behold, if God didn’t try to make MY time HIS time.  The nerve.  He started asking me questions like, “Do you want to know MY plans for you?”  “Do you trust ME?”  “Have you stopped to think that I may want you to do something for ME?”  “Are you seeking ME first?”  “I thought one of your New Year’s resolutions was to surrender ALL of YOU to ME.”

Um, can’t we discuss these things at a later time?  I have an appointment with a latte and Edward Cullen.  Oh, and smooth one throwing in one my resolutions. 

For real.

But, He wouldn’t let up.  He was relentless.

And, He reminded me how relentless He is about loving me. 

I can remember when I was worried about John Henry, and my mom told me, “Don’t you know that Jesus loves John Henry even more than you do?”

It’s hard to think about that kind of love as it relates to our own selves.

All of this being said – mostly by Him – I’ve decided to seek Him first.  He will give me EVERYTHING I NEED from day to day if I make His Kingdom my primary concern.

If and when I fail to do so, I’m sure He’ll catch up with me over a latte.  He’s good like that.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.  Matthew 6:33

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Filed under disappointment, God Stuff, Spiritual Journey

Meltdowns and resolutions that matter.


After two weeks of indulging in holiday delights, I was excited to wake up yesterday morning to a new year.  My excitement rapidly waned when I realized the coffee pot was vacant and the wireless internet was down.  I could hardly look anyone in the eyes.  How was I supposed to begin a day, much less a new year, without two of life’s morning essentials? 

Well, making a fresh pot of java and PLUGGING THE ROUTER’S POWER CORD IN prevented any potential meltdown. 

Oh, the conveniences we so quickly become dependent upon. 

Lunch provided the traditional black-eyed peas and collard greens with my mom’s fresh ham.  HEAVEN.  And, I spent the rest of the day doing absolutely nothing meditating and rejuvenating the soul. 

As I think about 2009 and any resolutions I may or may not keep, I am reminded to listen to my Father’s voice.  It’s so easy to make our own plans.  And, while planning is often essential and wise, I don’t want to miss the whispers.  Resolving to take better care of my physical body is one thing.  Resolving to be attentive to my spiritual well-being – well, that’s a whole other story.

I’m not as attentive as I probably should be every day.  As a matter of fact, I have days where the first time I say God’s name is during my children’s bedtime prayers.  He can handle it.  He knows exactly where I am and still knows how many hairs are on my highlighted blonde head.  That’s one of the amazing things about God.  He knows everything single thing about us – even my calorie consumption yesterday.  And, even when I fail to recognize His presence in my life, He still sits and waits with bated breath for me to call His name. 

I hope He hears His name a lot more in 2009.

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Revelations and Resolutions.


Revelations.

– I can gain weight faster than I can lose it.

– Plans change, but God is still in control.

– I love being a momma.  Love it.

– Marriage can be tricky.  Time alone with my husband does wonders.

– Anna’s fashion skills are evolving.  Just not sure what they are evolving into.

– I use the word “ridiculous” a lot. 

– It’s ridiculous how windy Oklahoma is.

– There is no problem chips and queso can’t cure.  At least, for a moment.

– John Henry has a heart after God.

– American Idol is the best thing on television.

– His mercies are still new every morning.

– Sometimes, I’m a monster.  According to Anna.

– Bratz dolls are ugly.

– It’s the small stuff.  The small stuff.

– Always check John Henry’s pockets before going through airport security.  Check again.

– Anna’s bedtime prayers are some of my favorite moments.

– Taking cheap shots at your spouse is so uncool.

– I have days that I doubt.

– But, God still parts the Red Sea.

– It’s amazing how many turtles one can trap.

– I have precious friends.

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory…. Exodus 15:2

 

Resolutions.

– Put more of my worries into the “God box.”

– Give more.  And more.  And more.  Until it hurts.

– Encourage John Henry more.

– Become more aware of God’s presence in my life.

– Anna’s spunk and creativity are God-given.  I want to embrace it more.

– Organize my family photos.  Finally.

– Spend less time on the computer.

– Read more.

– Have more sex.  There.  I said it.  You’re welcome, KT.

– Write more.

– Call people I normally don’t call.

– Have tea with Anna.

– Give each of my children one day where they choose every food and activity for the day.  Within reason.

– Look into Kris’ eyes an extra few seconds.

– Have more quiet time with God.

– Watch every episode of American Idol.

– Give John Henry more of me.

– Laugh harder.

– Surrender all of me to Him.

– Buy the 80G iPod. 

– Write a handwritten letter.

– Be more attentive to the whispers.

– Be more careful with my words.

– Listen to my friends.  Really listen.

– Love.

– Love.

– Love.

 

What are your revelations and/or resolutions?  Come on.  Share one.  Share them all!

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Filed under giving, God Stuff, life, Love, Marriage, Motherhood, Randomness

For unto YOU….


8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring
you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”   13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:8-14

I highlighted the “you’s” in this scripture to illustrate why God sent His son.  It was for YOU.  God loves us so much that He became flesh.  John 1:14 tells us that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.”  In Jesus, we see the glory of God’s grace and truth.

John 1:17 goes on to explain that “the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.”  So God came – Jesus was born – not only to show us His grace but to give us His grace.  He wants us to receive it and experience it.

This Christmas, experience this grace.  This grace that forgives all of your sins and takes away all guilt. 

He came to earth for you.  And, He loves you more than you know.

Have a joy-filled Christmas.  May peace and love be your portion this holiday season.

Love, Kris, Dusty, John Henry & Anna

takle-wp-2

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Where is your heart?

This little man, dear friends.

jh-family-pic-08-wp2

Has quite the heart.  And, sometimes, he amazes me with the bits of wisdom that oozes out of his little spirit.  He must get it from his momma.  Or his daddy.  Or his other daddy. 

At the dinner table, John Henry asked, “It’s Jesus’ birthday.  We have to get Him a present.  But, He has everything.  What do we get Him?”

I responded, prepared to give him Mommy’s wisdom, “Do you know what Jesus wants more than anything?”

And, before I could answer my own question, John Henry said, “He wants our heart.”

I was going to answer with “love one another.”  He answered with the greatest commandment.

Our heart is where our treasure is.  It’s where we invest the most time and energy.  It’s where our first dollar goes.  It’s in our daily routine. 

There are times I am quite certain that Jesus has my whole heart.  Other times, I give Him just a wee bit, because I’m busy with less important things like my recent Twilight Saga addiction.  Which, of course, has been a catalyst for me asking Kris various questions about vampires, and Kris responding with “You do know that vampires aren’t real.”  Then, me assuring Kris that if he were a vampire, I would want him to bite me so we could be together forever. 

It’s all very sick.  I love it.

Back to you, God.

But, He wants my whole heart. 

More than anything.

 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  Matthew 22:37-38

 

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Filed under God Stuff, Kid Stuff, Love

Out of the mouth of babes.


Happy Monday Y’all!  I hope your Sunday Experience was a great one.  The UCO (University of Central Oklahoma) Ebony Gospel Choir performed at Lifechurch.tv.  That choir is where it’s at.  For real. 

Back in the Peach State, my dad is doing a new series called “reDiscovery.”  Yesterday, he talked about rediscovering our youth.  I realize I wasn’t there for the message, but I do read over his messages QUITE.A.FEW.TIMES before the Sunday Experience.  I can hear dad reading this post now.  “Oh, using my notes for your blog, huh?” 

Uh-huh.  I am.

I believe we can learn a lot from children in how we present ourselves to our Heavenly Father and how we do life.  Dad talked about {at least, he was supposed to} several desirable traits children have.  One of those being “forgiveness.”  I was reading Anna the story of Adam and Eve from her Beginner’s Bible the other day.  I finished with,

“It was a sad day when Adam and Eve left.  God sent an angel to the garden.  The angel held a flaming sword.  He flashed it back and forth so no one would go back into the garden.”

Anna immediately responded, “That was mean!”

Most of us would argue that they deserved it because of their disobedience.  And, well, since it WAS God’s decision, we can’t really say He missed that one.  But, Anna’s willingness to overlook other’s mistakes here is what really spoke to me.  How often I can have this judgmental, you had it comin’ to ya attitude.  When in reality, God has called us to be like a child, always forgiving and a springboard of grace and mercy. 

We can leave the flaming swords to Him. 

He is God.

We’re His children.

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These Stones.


When Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, they crossed the Jordan River.  God backed up the river all the way to a town called Adam, allowing them to enter into their promised land.  After they had all crossed, the Lord spoke to Joshua about the stones in the place where the priests were standing in the middle of the Jordan. 

4 So Joshua called together the twelve men he had chosen—one from each of the tribes of Israel.  5 He told them, “Go into the middle of the Jordan, in front of the Ark of the Lord your God.  Each of you must pick up one stone and carry it out on your shoulder—twelve stones in all, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.  6 We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’  7 Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’  These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.”  Joshua 4:4-7

God wanted the Israelites to remember where they had been and where He had brought them.  Something so significant in this story is the Jordan River had been backed up to a town called Adam.  What do you think of when you hear the name Adam?  Beginning?  Everything that had happened from Adam until then was cut off.  And, God had made everything brand new.

I have stones in my own life.  They represent what I’ve gone through.  They represent that what was meant for harm has turned out for good.  They remind me of His faithfulness. 

I bet you have stones in your own life.  I bet you have crossed your own Jordan.  You may be crossing one right now.  But rest assured.  You will make it across.  And, God will back up that river all the way to your Adam, and make all things new. 

One day, when my children ask me how I endured my own difficult times and crossed my own Jordans, I will show them my stones.  And, they will know how great and mighty He is.

Do you have stones that remind of you how God made something good out of your mess?

Are you crossing a Jordan right now?

 

 

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Filed under disappointment, God Stuff, life

Whispers.


This past Sunday I heard Pastor Bill Hybels, via video broadcast, share on what to do with whispers from God.  He gave us many examples of whispers from God in His own life.  And, if you look at Pastor Hybels’ life, there is no question that he has heeded most, if not all, of those whispers.

I can recall many whispers in my own life.  I’ve answered many and ignored a few.  But, oh the difference our life makes when we not only listen to the voice of God but do something with it.  Quite simply put, obey.

I remember whispers as a little girl.  But none strike me more than a whisper in my freshman year of college.  It was usually during my drives to school that the Holy Spirit and I would converse.  I’d talk to Him.  He’d listen and probably try to tug back.  Those were sweet moments in my young life. 

During this same time I watched an old video of Kathryn Kuhlman who began an incredible ministry when she was sixteen.  As a matter of fact, my parents re-dedicated their lives to Christ in a Kathryn Kuhlman meeting back in the early seventies.  What attracted me most to Kathryn was her anointing.  You knew it wasn’t just her when she walked out to minister to others.  But, she was truly a vessel being used by an Almighty Father.

On one of my drives after watching this old video, the Holy Spirit met me in my car again.  “I’m calling you just like I called Kathryn Kuhlman.”  I’m pretty sure I wept the entire drive to school and had a hard time shaking that moment – that whisper – for many days after.  Now, I’m not so foolish to think that God was telling me that I would have the same impact as a Kathryn.  But, I knew that He was calling me to me live a life that was beyond myself.  To live a life that brought glory to Him.

My journey since that moment has been unpredictable, as life often is.  I still do not feel that I have begun to do all He has set before me to do.  But, I do feel that it is my responsibility to answer those whispers along the way.  When He tells me to give to an individual.  To call someone.  To serve a friend or stranger.  To write a post for this blog.

I do not take to a podium like my father.  If I ever hear that whisper, I will.  But for now, this is my podium.  Silliness and all.  I don’t have all the answers.  As a matter of fact, I have very few.  But, I want you to know that I am here to talk to you, to pray with you.  You can always e-mail me direct at durstee@aol.com. 

In the meantime, listen to His whispers.  He loves you with a love that surpasses all understanding.  And, He wants to tell you something.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  John 10:27

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What a mess.


Sunday was a reasonably productive day.  We accomplished many household items that have been awaiting our attention for quite some time.  Most of you know the effort it takes to achieve these self-inflicted projects while simultaneously insuring that the little people are occupied.  Not so much an issue for little person number one. 

But, you know little person number two.

You KNOW little person number two.

Kris thought Anna would best be suited for coloring in our bed while catching some flicks on Noggin.  Daddy gave her the supply box.

school-box-wp

And, later that evening, Kris discovered her creation.

comforter-wp

Oh, I’m sorry.  Can’t make out what this is?

Look again.

comforter-2-wp3

That would be what’s left of our comforter on our bed.

Kris called me into to see what our artist had crafted.  And, suddenly I was ready to chase the Grey Goose instead of the Wild Goose, if you know what I mean.  But, only for about a second.  Or two.

You know what I did?

I laughed. {I can hardly believe it either.}

I couldn’t help myself.  And, I certainly didn’t let Anna see or hear my reaction.  Because, if she ever cuts my draperies I’ll be chasing more than Grey Goose.

I still love that girl just as much with my shredded bedding as I did before her encounter with a pair of scissors.  The same way our heavenly Father loves us when we shred something He has given us or entrusted us with.  He knows we are going to make a mess of things.  Again.  And, again.  But, He keeps on loving us.  He keeps on extending mercy.  And, He continues to wait with arms wide open for us to run to Him and tell Him how sorry we are.  Not because He needs to hear it or because He wants to see our shame.  But, because He wants – He longs – to show us His unfailing love. 

Later that evening I opened my arms wide to a broken-hearted little girl.  And, I made sure she felt my love.  I feel certain she did.

But seriously, have you ever seen such craziness?

For real.

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Filed under God Stuff, Kid Stuff, Love, Motherhood