Category Archives: God Stuff

September 22, 2011 · 5:00 am

Are You Satisfied?

Is it possible to accept Christ as your Savior, go to church every Sunday and still not be satisfied by Him until you meet Him face to face?

Yes.

Do wha?  Dusty Takle, are you saying Jesus Christ is not satisfying?

No.

He is all satisfying.  But, it is possible to never be satisfied by Him. 

Satisfaction in Christ comes from spending time with Him.  Time in His Word.  Time in prayer.  Time. With. Him.  Not just once.  But ALL of the time. 

Daily.

It’s easy to determine when we are physically hungry or thirsty.  As a matter of fact, it’s easy for Kris to tell when I’m physically hungry or thirsty, because, I will become a little grouch.  It’s true.  So, I am quick to make sure I satisfy those physical needs. 

Spiritual hunger and thirst signals can be a little trickier.  How do I know when I need more of Him?  Consider the physical diet.  I have given up sugar before.  Even the glorified Junior Mint.  At first, my body notices that it is not getting its usual million grams of daily sugar fix.  It has definite withdrawals.  I miss that dark chocolate goodness with a rich, creamy center.  Later, I slightly remember how delightful that mint tastes.  Until finally, I no longer crave its goodness.  The longer I go without tasting it, the less I crave it.

That’s good.

If we are only talking about sugar.

The same thing happens in our spiritual life.  When we are consistent in spending time with God, we notice when we go a day without it.  Those spiritual hunger pains are more pronounced.  However, the more time we let lapse, the less we begin to notice.  Until, eventually, we don’t want it at all anymore.

We will find something to fill that spiritual void.  It might be some addiction.  It may be materialistic things.  It may be unhealthy relationships.  Something will fill it.  But, that something will only fill it for a moment.  It will never completely satisfy us.

King David continually sought time with God.  This is why he could write in Psalm 63 “Oh God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you.  My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you….”

And, in Psalm 71, “That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.”  And, in Psalm 119, “Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right.”  And, in Psalm 34, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”    And, in Psalm 42, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.

David was so familiar with God’s love.  He was so accustomed to seeing His power and glory.  So, it was obvious to him when he missed it.

Only He fully satisfies.  Taste and see that He is good.  Then, taste again and again. 

And, again.

You’ll notice when you miss it.

1 “Is anyone thirsty?  Come and drink – even if you have no money!  Come, take your choice of wine or milk –  it’s all free!  2 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength?  Why pay for food that does you no good?  Listen to me, and you will eat what is good.  You will enjoy the finest food.  Isaiah 55:1-2

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September 19, 2011 · 5:00 am

She’s Not Your Normal Six Year Old.

I really don’t know a funnier, braver girl than Anna Takle.  I’m sure they are out there.  But, she is mine.  So, I really love hanging out with her.  Her prayer requests never get old.

“Mom, please pray I’ll have super cool dreams about vampires.”

Nor do her artistic expression requests.

“Mom, can I, please, draw bones and skulls on my bedroom wall?”

Um, no.  But, you can dream about them.

Of course, this same girl who doesn’t care what you think about her outfit pick for the day can also beat her momma at a game of chess.  And, create brain teasers that her momma can’t answer.

And, she always knows exactly what to do to make me laugh. 

Do I think it’s normal for a six year old girl to be more interested in her karate moves than princesses?  Or to ask random questions like, “Can you get your tongue tattooed?”  I know, right?

Probably not.

But, I’m really okay with it.  I don’t want “normal.”  Normal isn’t working.  Normal is wanting to be like everyone else.     

Normal is over-scheduled kids.

Normal is thinking that sex before marriage is okay, because “we live in a different world now.” 

Normal is a lot of things I don’t want Anna Takle to be. 

So, I know that if I can help her submit her unique, dare to be different, wonderful personality to Christ, she will be a God kind of different.  More than ever, I am aware of the fact that we are called to be in this world but not like this world.  It doesn’t mean we are judgmental of people who are not followers of Christ.  It does, however, mean we make it easy for them to tell us apart from the “normal.”  So, they will want the better things that aren’t normal, too.

We are called to be different.  And, different really is better.  And it’s happier.  And, I like happy.  Especially, this happy girl.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.  Romans 12:2

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August 1, 2011 · 5:00 am

One Shot.

Sometimes in the middle of raising three children, I stop and think how easy my parents had it bringing up just one.  I’m mean, it was always two adults to one child.  How hard could it have been taking me to my weekly gymnastics that I quit as soon as I started?  Just one kid.  And, a sweet, compliant one at that.  It’s my blog, I can lie if I want to.

It’s not the easiest making sure we invest into each of our children in a way we feel is “enough.”  As a matter of fact, we rarely think it’s enough.  We just trust that God has given us everything we need to accomplish everything we need to as parents.  And, we trust His grace to take care of the rest.  ‘Cause you know….I have one shot at this parenting thing.

One shot at making sure this tender heart stays tender, so he can be the face of Christ to those who need Him.

One shot at showing this smart girl how there are no limits to what her determined, fun spirit can do when it is submitted to His Spirit.

One shot at teaching this fearless, wild at heart, (sometimes spoiled) kid three that God wants to use His adventurous heart for His Kingdom. 

One shot.  That’s it. 

I don’t remember all of the extra-curricular stuff my parents made time for.  But, I do remember the life experiences they turned into discipleship opportunities.  I do remember God always being the center of every single decision.  And, I remember looking at my parents so many times and seeing what the love of Christ looks like. 

I hope that’s what my three remember.  I hope they remember Jesus in our house. 

And, maybe when they are thirty-six years old sitting around a lunch table with Kris and I, they will still be amazed at the amount of Jesus pouring from our lives. 

Just like my parents continue to amaze me.  Even if they did only have one kid.

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June 30, 2011 · 5:00 am

Remember the Why.

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you.  Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.  1 Peter 5:2

From the time I was a young girl, I knew God had called me to be a pastor.  Even then, I didn’t find it unconventional for a girl to assume a role usually appointed to men.  It just felt natural.  I would carefully place all of my stuffed animals in rows, lead praise and worship, and then preach to them.  Then, when I was in the third grade, my class was instructed to come dressed as what we wanted to be when we grew up for Career Day.  Me?  I wore a pinstriped dress and carried my Bible.  Because, I was going to be a pastor. 

I have since learned that there is a lot more to ministry than standing in front of people and unpacking a message that God has worked inside of me.  Which, ain’t no walk in the park, I gotta tell ya.  Mucho respect for my dad who does it every week with a delivery, anointing, and passion that I long for.  ‘Cause, dang that’s hard. 

Back to the point.

Ministry is taking care of the people that God puts into your life.  It’s stepping outside of your own need, your own want, and investing yourself in others.  It means that some nights, you go to bed, and you are mentally, emotionally, and physically spent.  It means you don’t let that exhaustion or sacrifice of personal time make you bitter.  “Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly.” 

And, the best way to keep your heart and mind in check is to remember why you are doing it.  It’s not just for them.  It’s not just for you.   But, it’s because, you are eager to serve God. 

Sometimes, I need to be reminded of the why.  Sometimes, we all need to be reminded of the why…whether we are pastors or not. 

You might be a teacher in a classroom dreading the return of August.  Dear Teacher, you are going to change some student’s life and tell her she has a gift to write.  Thank you, Mrs. Simonton. 

You might be a public service man or woman putting in a lot of hours for little pay.  Dear Public Servants, thank you for helping our tornado victims recover from terrible devastation and restoring hope to them.

You might be a nurse working crappy hours on a night shift.  Dear Wendi, thank you for taking such good care of me, and setting my mind (and pain) at ease.  You make every single one of your patients feel loved. 

You might be a mother staying home with your children every single day.  Thank you, mothers.  You are raising world changers. 

Whatever you do, it’s so important to always remember the why. 

I remembered my why last night.  To serve Him.  Not because I love Him.  But because, He lavishes His love on me.

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June 27, 2011 · 5:00 am

Right This Minute.

Right this minute.

I know a woman bed-ridden with a cancer that is trying to consume her body.  And, it wrecks me.

Right this minute.

I know a woman who is putting every single ounce of trust into her Savior as she comforts her two daughters who probably don’t understand why their father has walked out.  And, it wrecks me.

Right this minute.

I know a man who is caring for a wife who has been diagnosed with a rare form of dementia while struggling to keep his business afloat.  And, it wrecks me.

Right this minute.

I know a woman who doesn’t comprehend her value and is selling out to lies that she will never be good enough.  And, it wrecks me.

I know every single one of these people.

And, these things are happening.  Right this minute.

And, it wrecks me.

It wrecks me until I remember…..

The Roman Centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant, and Jesus just spoke the words, and He was healed.

And, I remember that God will be a father to the fatherless, and He will redeem everything that is lost.

I remember that all things are possible with the One who provides for us and never leaves us and goes with us all the way to the end.  And, the end is always glorious.

I remember that I am the arms and feet of Christ, and I can love with His amazing love so that person hurting sees only God lifting her up, holding her in His arms, until she knows how He loves her from the inside out.

You see, nothing….NOTHING is beyond repair.  Nothing is beyond redemption.  Nothing is beyond the MIRACLE.

And, I won’t stop praying.  I won’t stop serving.  I won’t stop fighting for people.

Because, I am a WARRIOR.

And, He is KING.  In whom ALL things are POSSIBLE. 

Right.  This.  Minute.

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June 21, 2011 · 6:06 am

It’s Always Better.

And, this is how the conversation went yesterday.

John Henry:  “Mom, Anna says you die when you get baptized.”

Anna:  “Mom, it’s true!  The old Anna dies and a new Anna comes up out of the water!”

Me:  “Anna is right.”

John Henry gave me quite the dumbfounded look.  So, of course, I explained what dying to oneself means.  Dying to one’s own thoughts, belief systems, and desires and whole-heartedly seeking after those of Christ. 

The truth is. 

I have to die myself every single day.  I have to consistently make myself make right choices in how I respond to people.  I have to consistently choose to forgive even though holding a grudge seems easier at times.  None of it is always easy.  But, it’s always better.

It’s always better to admit to my children, “Mommy was wrong.  Would you please forgive me?”  This way they know the behaviors and words that are good and healthy.

It’s always better to squash my pride and take my husband’s hand after an argument.  This way we both know we are okay.

It’s always better to forgive a friend and shut my mouth about it.  This way I can continue to pour into her life and she into mine. 

It’s always better to forgo a day set aside for some “me” time to spend the day counseling someone struggling.  This way she will know God loves her, and her life matters.

It’s always better to give up sleeping in on a Sunday morning to go to the local church.  This way my children will always be reminded Who their source is for every need they will ever have.  And, they will know how much they need the body of Christ.

It’s always better to choose Him.  I don’t always understand His ways and thoughts.  But, I do know that choosing them is always better.  I’ve never heard someone say, “The worst mistake of my life was forgiving that person.”

Or making up with my husband.  Or making things right with my children.  Or going to church.  Or helping out a friend in need.

Dying is always better.  It’s in the dying that I truly live for Him.

23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.  24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.  Luke 9:23-24

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June 17, 2011 · 6:40 am

Emptying the Tank.

Anna:  “Mom, can people live to be 160 years old?”
Me:  “I don’t think so.  It’s not the norm.”
Anna:  “Well, that’s okay.  Because, really only our bodies die.  We go to heaven and God gives us a new body.”
Me:  “You’re right.”
Anna:  “I used to be afraid to die, but I’m not afraid to die any more.”

Anna used to bring up death and cry so hard that it was nearly impossible to comfort her.  Her eyes would be swollen from weeping over the thought of losing me or her dad or the realization that she, too, will leave this earth one day.  These conversations were heart-wrenching for her in the past. 

Each day as I watch my little girl grow and gain a little more wisdom, I learn to let her tears flow at those things she doesn’t understand or skills she has a difficult time learning.  Whether its tears from struggling with her shoe laces or from not being included in a game with her brother and his friend, I’m letting those tears flow. 

 Before, I wanted to fix her immediately.  I wanted the tears to stop. 

 But, now I let the tears the flow.  Sometimes, without even asking why.  Now, I let the tough lessons in life pour out with every drop. 

 Because, it’s only when the tank is empty, that God can fill refill it with His understanding.  His truth.  His refreshing water. 

 I guess you can say, I am learning to be Anna’s mother and let God be God in her life.  I’m letting her pour out.

 So, He can pour in.

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June 16, 2011 · 5:00 am

Keep Getting Out of the Boat.

In small group last night, we were talking about getting out of the boat and the risks involved.  I retold that story in Matthew where the disciples were crossing the lake and a bad Mama Jama storm hit.  I’m sure they were shaking in their fishing sandals.  Then, Jesus showed up. 

27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”  28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”  29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.  So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.  30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.  31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”   Matthew 14:27-31

For Peter to walk on the water, God had to show up.  God will show up in your life and tell you to get out of the boat and trust Him.  But, often times, we don’t get out, because we are afraid.  Afraid we may make a fool of ourselves.  Afraid of what others will think.  Afraid there is too much financial risk.  Afraid we are really not seeing God in it.  Afraid we may fail.  Afraid we may sink. 

But, in order for our lives to affect eternity, we have to be willing to take risks.  When God shows up, we have to get out of the boat no matter how uncomfortable it might be.  There will be times we will take our eyes off of Christ and sink.  There will be times we may become too self-sufficient and no longer dependent on the One who showed up in the first place and sink. 

Even still, we never stop getting out of the boat. 

Sure.  Staying in the boat is comfortable.  It’s safe.  It provides security.  But, it’s really a false sense of security.  The real security comes in knowing that you are doing exactly what God has called you to do.  The real contentment comes in getting out of the boat and keeping your eyes on the One who will make it all possible. 

You might argue, “But, Peter sank!”  But, Peter freaking walked on water!  And, our small group consensus was the dude succeeded! 

Maybe, God is asking you right now to risk something and step out of the boat.  That means He has showed up.  So, trust Him.  Step out.  The conditions may not be ideal.  My good friend, Michael Thurston reminded us last night that it wasn’t calm, still waters Peter stepped out into.  Those were some pretty dang rough waters.  So, don’t wait for perfect conditions.  Instead, wait for God to show up.  For Him to whisper to you.  For Him to keep presenting you with the same opportunities over and over again as if to say, “Hey!  I’m not dropping this!  Get out!  Do it!” 

He loves you.  And, you already have everything you need to do all He has called you to do. 

Get out!  Do it!  And, if you sink, allow God to dry you off and grow you.  Then, get out of the boat again.

And, again. 

“A ship in harbor is safe – but that is not what ships are for.”  – John A. Shedd

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April 12, 2011 · 8:01 am

The Real Battle.

I spent the greater part of my morning explaining to my 8 year old why less is more when it comes to cologne.  He was concerned with the fact that I had rolled the windows down on the car ride to school, worried that his cologne would dissipate. 

Much to my chagrin (and the chagrin of his teacher, I am sure), it didn’t.

The other part of my morning was spent explaining to my 6 year old why dancing to “Wake up in the morning feeling like P Diddy” in the school talent show was not appropriate.  Perhaps, it’s the line, “brush my teeth with a bottle of Jack,” I don’t know.  And, if it takes a village to raise children, I need my village to tighten up the ship.  Or the village.  Or whatever.  In other words, I need my dad to pay more attention to the “prizes” Anna chooses when she is with him.

So, she doesn’t come home with a doll that looks like this.

Yes, those are vampire teeth and werewolf ears. 

For. The. Love.

And, to think I took a stance against Bratz dolls in our home in this post. 

We definitely choose our battles in this house.  Apparently, we don’t choose this battle:

And, the battles we fight now are not the battles we fought two years ago.  Nor, will they be the battles we fight two years from now.  But, we fight the ones that matter.  And, quite frankly, most of the battles I fight right now are my own.  The battle of choosing to make memories with my children over a clean house.  The battle of choosing the house of the Lord over a soccer game.  The battle of seeking God over my selfish desires.  Because, it’s these battles that win the hearts of my children and point them towards the One who loves them more. 

In the book of Ruth, Naomi didn’t set out to ruin her children.  But, she chose pleasure and temporary comfort over serving the King.  As a result, her children suffered. 

Choosing Him in every area of my life is really the most crucial battle in raising my children.  And, while I can rest in the fact that God redeemed Naomi’s life, I know that choosing Him today will make these child-rearing years better.  And, they will be better because of it.

It’s in fighting these battles that I enjoy moments like these. 

It’s in choosing Him that I am really choosing them.

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April 5, 2011 · 8:02 pm

The Truth About Resentment.

Truth is.

I’ve had one million things to write about.

Truth is.

I’ve taken zero time to write anything.

It’s easy to get out of a daily routine.  A routine of exercise.  A routine of going to church on Sundays.  A routine of weekly date nights.  A routine of family devotions. 

A routine of writing.  Okay, and so a routine of exercise. 

And, I almost didn’t write this post.  I just knew I needed to.  I knew I needed to write down how I had this moment tonight where I found myself beginning to feel resentful.  Resentful for having so little time to myself.  Resentful that I am the one who picks up behind little people.  And, ahem, big people.  Resentful that my day is usually consumed with doing things for other people.

Resentful.

So, I prayed.

And, as quickly as that resentment came pulsing through my veins, it left.  Really.  It did.  I realized that usually when resentment begins creeping into my life, it is the direct result of me failing to spend time alone with my Father.  My Friend.  I can spend a large portion of my day studying scriptures and researching words like “faith.”  It’s all head knowledge.  Granted a lot of it goes directly to my heart, and that’s all good.  But it’s not relational.  Not in the way He wants and not in the way I need.  And, it’s that relational part that keeps me in check.  Well, it keeps my attitude in check.  If you don’t believe me, ask Kris Takle. 

Or not.

And, the truth is.

My life is not my own anyway. 

So, what could I possibly be resentful about?

Now, my resentment has turned into gratitude.  Gratitude for a Father who doesn’t let me stay in a crappy state of mind.  Gratitude for a Friend who will let me vent, but then speak truth into my life seconds later. 

Because, He loves me.  And, the only appropriate response is to love Him right back. 

With time spent with Him.

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