Category Archives: Motherhood

August 18, 2010 · 7:06 am

It Takes A Village.

Why do I think about how much I love my children when they’re in bed asleep more than I do when they are awake and running amuck?  Well, because they are running amuck, I suppose.  After I put the three little people to bed last night, dad and I discussed in length about chasing after God through worship, which has nothing to do with this post, really.  So, AFTER dad and I had our little Jesus talk, he went home, and I went to bed and thought about what I’m doing to fulfill my mission for my family:  raising my children to be fully devoted followers of Christ.  I try to be very intentional in talking with my children about who God is in their life.  They ask a lot of questions now about the things of God. 

Especially, Anna.  Of course, she asks a lot of questions about everything and is generally disappointed in my lack of knowledge on the snake species.  She has also requested a “snake party” for her birthday.  John Henry told her if she has snakes at her party, then he isn’t coming.  She responded with, “Well, I won’t invite you, then.”  Fair enough.  She’s also asked for camouflage apparel for deer hunting season.  The vogue in me shouts, “Stop this madness!”  I blame Kris.  He is not exactly burning holes on the fashion runways. 

Questions.  So, Anna asked, “Okay, there is the Holy Spirit….and who are the other two?”  I’ve decided to let dad explain the trinity to her.  Because, I failed miserably in trying to explain it to my husband. 

I look to other lovers of Jesus to partner with me in raising my children to become devoted followers of Christ.  And, I look to Mrs. Darlene, her Sunday School teacher, to work out the kinks in her response to learning that Esther was a queen:  “I don’t like princesses.  Not Ariel.  Not any of them.” 

This is why the body of Christ is so important.  I really wouldn’t want to do life without them.  And, fulfilling my family mission would be a lot harder to do alone.  So, I work hard to make sure my kids don’t miss a Sunday at church.  And, I work hard to make sure I don’t miss out on life experiences to disciple them. 

It takes a village, people.

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August 13, 2010 · 8:25 am

My Mini Me.

She was so excited when her Far-Far (Kris’ dad) gave her this bathrobe.  And, for those wondering, Far Far is Norwegian for “father’s father.”  My kids pronounce it Fa-Fa.  It works for us. 

She was excited, because she had a robe to put on after she showers just like me.  And, she wants me to wrap her hair in a towel.  Just like I do. 

She’ll put on her Converse sneakers and then ask me to wear mine. 

She will play with my jewelry and ask, “Mom, can I have these when I am bigger?” 

She wants to grow out her bangs and part her hair just like mine.

She loves my things.  She loves it when we are alike. 

She watches me, and she wants to be like me.  Of course, she is still very much one unique Anna Takle.

I want her to see fully who I am.  Flaws and all.  I want her to see that when I struggle with insecurity, I find my security in Christ.  I want her to see that when I mess up big and small, I pray to a God of mercy who is quick to forgive.  I want her to see that when I begin to worry, I stand on what God has already promised me in His word.  I want her to see that when I am in need, I call on friends who love Christ as much as I do. 

Chances are…

If she watches me build my life on these things, then she will do just the same. 

So, it’s good for me to ask myself:   What is she seeing when she watches me?

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August 12, 2010 · 5:00 am

Don’t Close Up Shop.

I can let life swallow me up.  I can.  I can allow the activities and antics of three children cause me to close up shop on sharing my gifts with others.  Serving others.  Because, it seems like too much at that moment.

But, it’s not always too much.  It’s not usually as stressful as we make it out to be.  It’s just our response to those busy moments that mess with our head.  Okay, maybe it’s just my head.  Maybe, it’s just me? 

I almost let one of those moments make me close up shop yesterday afternoon.  My sweet husband had a dinner meeting with airplane-ish type folk.  I had household obligations, two children with obligations, and an infant who, well, was only obligated to let me know when he was hungry.  And, he was.  Of course, he was.   Have you seen him?  Only the cutest chunk of love in the history of chunks of love. 

You see?  I do not lie, friends.

It would have been easier to let these things – life things – consume me.  Stay home.  Pretend there was nothing or no one else besides myself and my three little people.  It really would have.  But, one thing I’ve learned (and my parents have taught me) in my thirty-five plus years on planet earth is this:

My life will be more blessed when I live beyond myself. 

Beyond me.  Beyond my kids’ homework and schedules.  Beyond the constant needs of an infant.  Beyond making sure I’ve emptied the dishwasher.  Beyond getting my hair ministered to – which by the power of the Holy Spirit, I was able to fit that in.  Can I get an amen on coverin’ them roots? 

I was responsible for teaching the youth last night.  And, for some dadgum reason, I can’t say “youth” without thinking of My Cousin Vinny.  You know the line.  “Your honor, two utes.”  I seriously can’t.  I drive myself crazy sayin’ it.  ANY. HOW.

By choosing to overcome any stress that parenting, sans my awesome husband, brings, I used one of my gifts.  More than that, I just served.  And, instead of staying home, putting my children to bed, and contemplating how hectic my day was….

I put my children to bed, and then I went to bed fulfilled.  Content.  Happy.  Blessed.

I think that’s what Paul meant in Acts 20 when he said, “it’s more blessed to give than to receive.” 

But, don’t get me wrong.  If any of y’all wanna come keep three little people and send me to the spa, I will not make you withhold those good gifts.  You know.  Since that would bless y’all and all.

Ahem.

I mean, Amen.

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August 10, 2010 · 5:00 am

Really. Does This Post Warrant A Title?

Whenever I wake up and say, “Today is the day I begin to lose the rest of my baby weight,” I am certain to grab two handfuls of M&M’s right before bedtime.  And, I probably forgot about my proclamation by lunch time, too.  It’s not even that I struggle with the temptation of certain foods.  I JUST SIMPLY FORGET. 

I blame the fact that I am busier than ever.  Or, I blame Kris.  Because, surely, it is his fault for not taking responsibility for my lack of motivation or forgetfulness.  

And, I’m behind on my television viewing, AND my toes and hair are clearly in need of ministry.  It’s for these reasons I am aware that I need to re-prioritize my life.  I felt especially beautiful when my husband saw me yesterday, post shower, wearing my tennis shoes with my bath wrap.  I don’t know.  Tennis shoes just felt like the first natural step in the getting dressed process.  So, imagine my confusion when Kris inquired, “Would you like for me to take a picture of you?” 

I’m sure Kris’ exposure to my wrap/tennis shoes pairing only made his odd day odder.  He had just returned from a tiny, little town who apparently sells the cheapest cattle feed this side of the….I don’t know what this side of.  His feed wasn’t ready when he arrived, so the store owner suggested he go get himself “the finest breakfast in town.” 

Kris’ recap of his breakfast:  “There were no biscuits.  There wasn’t anything really.  No tables or chairs.  Only a piece of sausage and bacon served on a paper towel.  Then, there was the guy in the corner staring at me with one eye, while his other eye looked in the opposite direction.”

The store owner asked him how his breakfast was.  Kris commented on the absence of tables and chairs.  “Oh, that’s so they don’t have to get inspected.”

I do not lie.  And, neither does Kris. 

I encouraged Kris that, at least, he was able to skip out on the carbohydrates.  And, at least, I didn’t have on knee socks with my tennis shoes. 

You see?  There is always a bright side.

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August 9, 2010 · 5:00 am

It’s For Them, Too.

Jett looks like he is wondering what kind of family he’s been placed into. 

A fun one.

Seriously. 

We are all pretty hysterical.  Or, at least, that’s the world we choose to believe we live in.

I love these children.  “Well of course, you do.  You’re their mother!”  I worry about these children.  I question my parenting.  I get on my knees and seek God for their lives.  I remind myself that if I could meet their every need, they wouldn’t need a Savior. 

But, when I read scripture, I honestly forget about it applying to my children’s lives.  Is that crazy or what?

“I will never leave you or forsake you…”  (Heb. 13:5) That’s for my kids.

“I will supply your every need….” (Phil.4:19)  That’s for them, too.

“My help comes from the Lord…” (Psalm 121.2)  For them.

“You are my Portion….” (Psalm 119) Forrrrr them.

I could go on and on.  And on.  I can’t meet their every need.  But God can.  And, He wants to. 

But, I can teach them to seek first His Kingdom, so all of those things can be given to them.  I can teach them to put on the full of armor of God so they can stand up to anything.  I can teach them to chase after God’s will more than their own.  I can teach them to love God with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

It’s in HIM and through HIM that they will have EVERYTHING they need.  They will never lack.  Because, THEY serve the Creator of the universe.

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August 6, 2010 · 5:00 am

Conversations with Anna.

Let’s keep the next few Fridays a little light-hearted, shall we?  We shall, we shall.  With a Friday title such as “Conversations with Anna”, I don’t think we have a choice really.  I journaled many conversations and situations with the one and only Anna Takle while on my blogging hiatus.  I just hated for it not to be penned permanently.

We’ll call this conversation “Conversation Obama.”  Why do I feel like I’ve lost readers already?

Anyhoo.

We fly a lot. I am married to a pilot, after all.  I’ve pretty much mastered the art of occupying my children while in flight with books, games, activities and such.  Well, mastered up until Anna breaks out into…being Anna. 

Scene:  John Henry is drawing a picture of a man.

John Henry:  “It’s a president.  I’ll give you a hint.  He’s on the quarter.”

Anna:  “George Washington!”

John Henry:  “Yes!”

Anna:  “Wait.  But, George Washington has fluffy hair.  This man does not have fluffy hair.”

***INSERT MOM TRYING TO CAPITALIZE ON AN EDUCATIONAL MOMENT***

Me:  “Okay kids, who is on the penny?”

Anna:  “Obama!!!”

Yes, we still have a little way to go on learning our country’s presidents.  But, she did know that Lincoln was our sixteenth president.  And, well, that is something. 

Hail to the Chief.

And, Happy Birthday to my momma.  She’s never been a president.  But she loves me and keeps ALL of my youngins.  So, she wins.

Love you @bcgoss.

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May 18, 2010 · 6:00 pm

Because They Need A Savior.

I worry about my oldest.  I carefully watch over his heart.  I try to guard him from anything that may bring him discomfort on any level. 

He’s my sensitive one.  He’s the one who will forgo something he wants so someone else can have the something he or she wants.    

So, I can worry.  And, I guard him intensely. 

Which pretty much means I don’t trust my Heavenly Father with him. 

My sweet friend, Kim Heinecke, reminded me that if I could protect my children from everything, they wouldn’t need a Savior.

Whoa. 

I recognize my need for a Savior.  So, I seek Him with everything that is within me.  I want John Henry to seek Him that way, too.  I know He loves Jesus.  But, it is also my job to make sure he sees his need for Him.

So, our latest conversation went something like this:

“John Henry, you are going to have to trust God with this.  Let’s pray about it.”

This might be his first lesson in really seeing the faithfulness of God.  And, I pray it’s the beginning of John Henry recognizing how much he needs the Savior.

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May 5, 2010 · 6:00 am

He Knew.

Do I miss blogging every single day?  Well, of course, I do.  The unfortunate part in it all is that I’ve had a lot to write about, and my time has not accommodated my fingers on a keyboard.  Except for the teeny, tiny keyboard on my iPhone, of course. 

I hardly know how to compile all of these thoughts in my head in an orderly, coherent fashion.  I’ll start with this.  It’s been a roller coaster couple of weeks.  After birthin’ that sweet boy of mine, I was due for my yearly pap smear.  Ahem, pardon me, men friends and readers.  It wasn’t my best performance.  Okay, it wasn’t the news I was looking for.  So, I went in for a little more haven’t I had enough goin’ on up there these past few weeks extensive, hmmm, exploration?  I hoped and prayed that this would put an end to the exploration of the wild, blue yonder.  Alas, it did not.  Again, not the results I was looking for. 

So, here I sit awaiting a little outpatient surgery to investigate the matter further.  I’ve heard the “C” word.  I’ve heard hysterectomy.  I’ve heard it could be absolutely nothing to worry my pretty, little salon-maintained, blonde head over. 

But you know what?  I am okay.  As a matter of fact, I’m even thankful.  Thankful that had I faced this one year ago today, Kris and I would probably not have had the opportunity to pursue, if you will, having the beautiful, little boy who has my heart on a string. 

But, God knew one year ago what I would be facing today.  And, He knew Jett Takle before he was formed in my womb. 

He knew.

He knows the number of hairs on my head.  He knows what my tomorrow looks like. 

He knows.

And, that is the amazement of it all. 

So, no matter what tomorrow looks like for me. 

No matter what the future holds. 

He holds it in His hand. 

And, I am okay.

Besides, He gave me this March 22, 2010.

And, if that’s not a testament to the sovereignty of God….well, it just is.

Because, He knew.

….But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.  Matthew 10:29

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April 28, 2010 · 6:00 am

Shhh…

That’s what I’d tell your right this second if you walked into my house. It’s 9:43pm on the bottom right of my computer screen.  Jett is in bed making little grunty noises.  I hear an occasional whimper.  I go into his room to soothe him.  Um, like now….hold up.

Okay.  I’m back, and now it’s 9:46pm.  We are doing the whole “lay him down awake” technique in hopes that this little man will learn to fall asleep on his own.  In the meantime, I sit up in my soft, living room chair and pass the time reading, writing, and wondering how in the world I can give my older two children the attention they need from me while caring for this little person who can do practically nothing for himself.

So, I feel guilt.  I feel guilty that I have to tell my son, “Buddy, I can’t right now.”  I feel guilty that by the time I made it to my daughter’s room to pray for her tonight, she was already asleep.  I know this only a season.  And, I wouldn’t skip this season if I could.  But I wish I could press a pause button sometimes, so I didn’t miss any moments with any of my children. 

And, John Henry and Anna are both so gracious to me.  They are gracious to their new little brother.  I hear John Henry singing Jeremy Camp’s “Beautiful One” to his little brother.  I see Anna brushing his cheeks with her hand and trying to make him smile.  Of course this afternoon, Kris and I overheard her telling him about Jesus and God.  How they live in heaven.  How we’ll all die one day and live in heaven, too.  Poor kid just got here, and already Anna is preparing him for the sweet by and by. 

Nonetheless, they have been gracious.  And, I can’t help but think that God has given them grace for this season, too. 

Do you ever feel guilt as a parent?

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April 13, 2010 · 7:17 am

Grace For the Season.

What was I thinking?  I mean, starting all over again with the baby stuff?  The sleepless nights, the diapers that require hazmat suits and masks, the feedings….by hand? 

I was thinking that God wanted a Mr. Jett Takle to be born into His Kingdom.  And, I know that God already knew him long, long ago. 

I’ll admit I had moments throughout my pregnancy where the thought of enduring this season again seemed overwhelming.  Shoot, there are moments at 2:00AM that I feel those same overwhelming thoughts now.  Will I ever blog again?  Will I ever sleep again?  Will I ever eat slowly again, because I have all the time in the world?  But, I know it’s just a season.

My sweet friend, Cindy Beall, sent me this message when I was in the hospital with Jett:

“God has given you the grace you need for this season.  You are fully equipped as a child of the King to accomplish what He wants you to.”

My response to Mrs. Beall was simply, “I receive that.”

The truth is you can receive that, too.  No matter what season of life you are in.  No matter where God has you.  He will give you the grace you need for your season.  He will equip you to accomplish what He wants you to.  Do you get that?  Do you get that God wants to use you for His glory no matter what season you are in? 

So, even when I am patting the back of my amazing baby boy…..    

Even when I’m resting my cheek on his sweet smelling head….

Even when I’m wiping the sleep from my eyes at 2:00AM….

I will remember that God has given me the grace for this season.  And, I will soak up every minute of it.  Because, I will blink my eyes, and it will all be over.

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