Category Archives: Love

Love Is Having To Say You’re Sorry.


I usually do well watchin’ my tone with my husband.  I’ve also learned that how we express certain issues can come across as an attack; thus, causing my husband to feel the need to defend himself.

I usually do well with this.

Usually.

But, a few nights ago, I told him exactly what I thought about how he was handling a situation.  May as well have added a “So, ha!” at the end.  I left him in our family room and headed to bed.

So, he could stay up a while an mull that one over.  Sure ‘nuff.  Uh huh.  Take that Captain Takle.

Because, that approach is going to make him want to run out and fight hard for the love of his life. 

Orrrr, it’s more probable it won’t.

He came to bed shortly after.  I didn’t see any apparent revelations in his eyes of how right I was and how wrong he was.  He didn’t look at me and say, “Wow, Dusty.  The way you approached this one really got to me.  Thank you for showing me what is right.  I will change the way I handle this.  From now to forever more.  Oh, my sweet, sweet love full of such wisdom and beauty.  May, I please serve you Junior Mints in bed?  Because, you are way too skinny, and I love to see you delight in all things chocolate.”

It didn’t go anything like that.  As a matter of fact, my sweet husband said nothing.

Oh, beautiful conviction.  For me, that is.

The next morning, I approached him as a very different Dusty from the one the night before.  I told him how terribly sorry I was.  I told him I handled my feelings very, very poorly.  And, I asked him to please forgive me.  Because, I was very wrong.

When I told him how wonderful he is and how he didn’t deserve my attack, he said, “Yeah.  That’s kind of what I was thinking.”

I’m pretty conscious of how I address things with Kris most of the time.  But, I failed miserably with this one.  We probably all do from time to time.  A softened, repentant heart is what was needed here.  I knew it.  And, he received it. 

Whoever said “love is never having to say you’re sorry” was probably never married.  Long.

5 Comments

Filed under Love, Marriage

Yes, Bearded People Are My Friends.


Yesterday turned out to be an eventful day despite remaining in my house most of the day with a four year old who insisted I rub her back for an hour at a time.  Once three o’clock rolled around, I knew it was time get out of my pajamas and pick up John Henry from school.  Then, after a quick trip to Wal-Mart (insert sigh), I gave a dollar to my homeless guy.  Not sure why I refer to him as my homeless guy other than he’s my favorite one to give to?

Moving on.

“Who is that?”  Anna asked.

“It’s a man who doesn’t have a home,” I ‘splained.

“Well, he can come live with us,” she suggested.  “He can sleep on the floor in your room.”

“I don’t think daddy would like that, and I’d really have to hear from God on that one,” I told her.

So, in jumps John Henry.

“And, people might think we had someone strange in our family if he lived with us,” John Henry added.  (I wanted to tell him that we actually do have some strange ones in our family, but I’ll just let him figure that one out in his own time.  You know.  Kind of like working your way through your own salvation.) 

“Oh, I see.  He’s strange because he has a beard,” Anna said.

Exactly.  Because he has a beard.  Wha?

Sometimes, you just go with it.

Later that evening, we went to John Henry’s Spring Program at his school.  He and his class sang Jami Smith’s “Your Love Is Deep.”  I could have sworn it was just for me.  You know those moments you needed to be reminded of God’s love, and you didn’t even know you needed it?  I had one of those.  God is good.  Yes, He is.

So, even later that evening, I went out to meet up with some of my Bible Study girls.  For fella-ship and to talk about stuff that’s not in the Bible but should’ve been.  Or, perhaps, not.  Anyhoo, when I headed back home, I noticed the most amazing lightening show ev-ah!  Wow.  Things you don’t really see when you’re inside playing Scramble on your iPhone. 

So, that’s pretty much it.  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  And, just in case you need a reminder of His love.  I’ll leave you with one of my fav-oh-right scriptures.

…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 1 8may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.   Ephesians 3:17-19

6 Comments

Filed under Kid Stuff, Love, Motherhood, Randomness

Self Portraits On Love Island.

amelia-wp1

I love how I look gigantor in this picture next to Kris. What up with that?  Then, in an attempt to get some new profile shots for Twitter and whatnot, I took this self-portrait:

amelia-2-wp

What makes me laugh about this picture is Kris’ observation of how everyone looks/smiles differently in pictures they take of themselves.  It’s like me – but not really me.  Ya know?  Funny.  Good times.

We had a WONDERFUL time together on Amelia Island.  And I mean all caps WONDERFUL.  We finally viewed the much talked about “Fireproof.”  I looked over and saw a tear – or two – flowing down Kris’ cheek.  It wasn’t the emotional display he put on while watching Marley & Me, but he was noticeably touched by the film.  I doubt any of the actors would ever get an Oscar nod, but the story was a powerful one.  

Favorite line in the movie – and a thought I’d like to leave you with:

“Don’t follow your heart.  Your heart can deceive you.  Lead your heart.”

What does this thought mean to you?

 

5 Comments

Filed under Love, Marriage

Our Little Circle of Love.

anna-shades-wp1

For more than twenty-four hours, Kris and I searched for his wedding band.

“The last time I saw it, it was on the kitchen counter,” I told him.

“I know.  Me, too,” he agreed.

So, we searched.  And, we searched some more.  Until finally, we had exhausted all of our options.

All save one.

The morning that followed our search mission, Kris cornered Anna.

“Baby doll, have you seen daddy’s wedding ring?” He gently asked her.

“Hmmm.  I think I have.  Let me check.  YOU STAY RIGHT HERE!”  She ordered.

A few seconds later, Anna hand delivered Kris’ wedding band.  He praised her, but also told her how special the ring is to him.

Later that morning, I followed Anna into her room, and asked, “Where was daddy’s wedding band?”

She pulled a little box out of her school backpack and showed me where it had been resting.

“Anna, did you take daddy’s ring to school?” I asked her.

“Yes!  I wanted to show my friends!”  She said.

So, she did.  And, we know that there is, indeed, a God of the universe, because, that circle of love made it back home. 

I pray years from now, she shows that same ring to her friends, and says, “My parents are great examples of what love, pursuit, and commitment are all about.”  Except, I hope she tells us this time J

11 Comments

Filed under Kid Stuff, Love, Marriage

He stopped me in my tracks.


I was talking the other day with someone when another individual’s name came up.  {My apologies for my vagueness.  I’m sure you understand.}  I started in with comments like “the nerve,” “I can’t believe…,” “Puh-leese,” and even “he/she has some serious issues.” 

Brothers and sisters, Jesus was just pouring off my lips, wasn’t He?

Then, right in the middle of my compassionless spill, God spoke to me.

“See people the way I see people.”

Uh, you talkin’ to me?

He was.  So, I stopped right there, and gazed across at the person I was talking to, and said, “God is so good.  Do you know what He just told me?”

I went on to share with that person how God wants me to see people the way He sees them.  Then, I asked him/her to forgive me. 

It’s very hard to do sometimes.  Especially, when people do not live up to our expectations or behave in a way we deem inappropriate.  And, sometimes, these people hurt other people.  But, you know the saying:  “Hurting people hurt people.”

So, I just have to remind myself.  That person is a child of the Most High.  And, He loves him or her more than I can comprehend. 

God, let me see people the way you see them.  And, let me love them the way you do.

Do you ever struggle with this like me?

14 Comments

Filed under God Stuff, Love

Six years and one more little person later…

kris-dusty-2003-wp

Six years ago tomorrow, Kris Takle entered my life.  No, it’s not our anniversary.  But, it is a special day that we have acknowledged every year since.  Because, since that day, my life has never been the same.  Our commitment is based first and foremost on our commitment to Christ.  To live a life fully devoted to Him.  So, we can then be fully committed to one another.  Believe me.  We are well aware that when our “connective-ness” is out of whack, our relationship with Christ usually is, too. 

Our journey together isn’t without challenges.  We’ve faced difficulties and disappointments.  But, we keep on pursuing Him.  We keep on pursuing one another.  Because, we know that in every situation, the goodness of God can always be found. 

I can honestly say that I love him more today than I did the day I married him.  Cliché, I know.  But, it’s true.  So very true.  I hope fifty years from now we are still bringing glory to the One who saved us by His completely amazing, breath-taking grace. 

And, I hope we’re watching our children and grandchildren do the same.

Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.  Psalm 34:3

9 Comments

Filed under Love, Marriage, Relationships

He gives me love, love, love, love, crazy love.


My Valentine left yesterday for a trip.  I asked him before he left if he’d like his Valentine gift today, or if he preferred waiting until Monday upon his return home.

“Err, Monday will be good.”  He answered.

“Aha!  You want to wait until Monday, because you do not have me a gift!”  I responded, aware of my own marital trap.

“Exactly.”  He said.

“That’s okay.  I was just messin’.  I don’t have you one either.”  I told him.

I laughed.  He thought I was kind of mean.  I thought I was kind of funny.

I’ll miss him on Cupid’s little holiday.  But, I always miss him when he’s not sitting right beside me.  And, I can look into those Scandinavian eyes anytime and celebrate our crazy love.

While Kris’ love for me is pretty wonderful, it cannot compare to the love God has for me or for you.  He lavishes us with extravagance every single day.  Perhaps, we become jaded from over-exposure to things such as a bird chirping, a sunrise, or even our child’s laughter.  But, His love is extravagant. 

Even, when we mess up unbelievably, He still loves us.  Much like when our own children make a mess of things, our love for them never wanes.  Don’t we love them more today than we did the day before?  {Okay, so don’t answer that if you couldn’t get your kids in bed fast enough last night.  I feel your pain.}

I am forever amazed that we are the center of a divine love.  Wow.  It’s really hard to grasp sometimes.

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.  Ephesians 3:18

Oh, and Happy Valentine’s Day, Kris Takle.  You are my favorite person, and I love you big.

3 Comments

Filed under God Stuff, Love, Marriage, Relationships

He sent frequent text messages.

My boy donned a tuxedo.

 

shaw-wedding-jh-wp

And, Anna….well…..

Let’s just say Kris didn’t win the fashion wars.  I was sure of it when I returned home to see her wearing this.

shaw-wedding-anna-wp

A lovely tank top in the heart of winter. 

I sure did miss that girl.  Kris decided to document their chain of events by sending me regular text messages.  Here was the first incoming message:

“I am about to fall over with laughter listening to Anna talk her shew-wee out.”

Um, how do you spell “shew-wee” anyway?

He took her to Redrock Canyon Grill for their first date night, a local favorite for watching sunset while you dine.  Kris messaged, “She has quite the appetite….and the cow bell just went off for sunset, and she wants to go ring it now.”   He continued, “I think I have {the cow bell ringing} under control now.”

When he sent this one:

“I miss you guys, but we are having a blast.  This is precious for Anna and me.” 

I knew sweet memories were being made.

In the meantime, John Henry and I had our own fun celebrating the wedding of a very close family friend – my God sister, Sandyn who married Captain Elic Colwell who is the brother of Lindsey Takle who is the wife of Dr. Leiv Takle, Jr. who is the brother of Kris Takle who is the husband of me.  Yes, six degrees….

And some pics just for funsies.

shaw-wedding-ga-ga-pose-wp

(An itty bitty part of the wedding party, and John Henry doing his best imitation of my dad.)

shaw-wedding-cousins-wp

(John Henry with his cousins, Bella and Macie.)

shaw-wedding-ga-ga-jh-wp

(My dad and son.  Two of my favorite men.)

shaw-wedding-bride-wp

The groom, Elic, the bride, Sandyn…her sister, Brittany, Andy & Carson Thoms)

shaw-wedding-carson-wp

I could’ve taken that little guy home with me.  For real.

shaw-wedding-mom-wp

Oh, and me with my completely beautiful mama. 

That’s it.  We’re all tired.  And I’m happy to be back with my husband and fashion trailblazer.

How was your weekend?

 

9 Comments

Filed under Kid Stuff, Love, Marriage, Randomness

I have two daddies.


*Originally posted April 15, 2008

Once upon a time at a wedding of my dear friend, Brittany, my son served as a ring bearer.  Dressed to perfection, another overheard him say, “I have two daddies.”  Brittany’s friend who heard this rather common phenomenon asked another, “Are his daddies gay?”  I still laugh about this even today.  As for Kris and Bryan (the daddies), well, they find it less comical. 

John Henry has a daddy.  And, before he turned one year, he was blessed with another daddy.  We make it work.  We really do.  You see, we had this novel idea:  John Henry comes first.  We have dinners together, and we have even vacationed together.  I realize how strange my life may seem to some, but for us, it is our “normal”.  Of course, a situation like ours would never work without Kris.  He has never been “territorial”, nor has he ever felt threatened.  He loves John Henry.  Period.  And, because of John Henry, he loves Bryan. 

Here are his two daddies.  (Left: Bryan, Right: Kris, Center: A blessed boy) They are patient and kind.  They are not jealous.  They endure through every circumstance.

jh-bryan-kris

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

5 Comments

Filed under divorce, Love, parenting

In the name of love.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that”.  – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

6 Comments

Filed under life, Love, making an impact