Category Archives: parenting

June 12, 2009 · 6:00 am

A Weighty Issue.

*Originally posted April 16, 2008

Anna:  “What’s this?”
Mommy:  “A scale.  It tells you how much you weigh.  Do you wanna stand on it?”
Anna:  “No.”
Mommy:  “Me either.”

I can somewhat understand the weight obsession….just not fully.  Granted, I have a pair of jeans, you know, the “skinny jeans” that help me gauge my body.  Fact:  I haven’t worn those jeans in 2 years; at least, not without muffin top.  Fact:  I don’t care. 

So, why am I still holding onto a pair of “skinny jeans” that I know I will never wear again without a multiple series of stomach flus?  I really don’t know.  What I do know is that we live in a day where women and even some men (just not mine) are obsessed with their bodies to a detriment.  For real. 

I usually pack a “Lunchable” for my pre-schooler.  Due to the number of his peers with peanut allergies, the classic PB&J is a no-no.  So, a “Lunchable” it is.  The other day, John Henry informed that his friend does “not each ‘Lunchables’,” because her mom says “they make you fat.”  She is five.  I am appalled.

Nonetheless, poor body image has become quite the epidemic, and it truly disheartens me.  I strive really hard to never discuss weight issues around Anna.  I want her to grow up with a healthy self-image, believing who God says she is, not society. 

I also try really hard not to discuss weight issues around Kris.  Once when we went skiing, I wore my mom’s vintage ski bib circa 1982.  I asked Kris the age old question, “How does my butt look?”  My husband, whom I love dearly, replied, “Good.  Wide, but good.”  Yes, in my mind I envisioned hurling his body across the room.  Fortunately, for him, I remembered that he doesn’t always think things through before he speaks.  I love him still.  And, he hasn’t used “wide” and “butt” in the same sentence again.

I love the Psalm 139:14 scripture, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”  But, I especially love this NLT translation:  “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!  Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it.”

So, when in doubt, remember:  you look mah-velous.

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June 4, 2009 · 6:00 am

Praying This One.

Both of my kids love the Mathew West song, “The Motions.”  I’m pretty sure they can sing every word.  The chorus says:

“I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me.
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking,
“What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?”

I cannot tell you how much I pray this very thing over my children.  How much I don’t just want them to go through the motions of life.  But to go through them intentionally. 

Intentionally.

With purpose.

With resolve to do life in a way that makes a difference.

Where they live beyond themselves.

And, quite possibly, change the world.

My Dad begins a new series this Sunday called “Intentional.”  Intentional in our pursuit after Christ.  Intentional in our marriage.  Intentional in how we parent our children.  Intentional with one another.

I’m pretty excited about it.  As a matter of fact, I’m building my life on it.

Are you doing life intentionally?

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May 19, 2009 · 6:00 am

Where The Streets Have A Name.

When I spoke at Eagles Way Church on Mother’s Day, I boasted explained how Anna doesn’t put her fingers in her ears when we pray for her any more.  You see, I recognized this as a huge step forward in her walk with Christ. 

Well, she fell off the prayer wagon the other night when she did it again.  I do understand that this is somewhat of a bedtime stall tactic, so I have to explain the importance of prayer to her once again. 

However.  It could very well be the result of her new look. 

And attitude.

Anna - bandana trio wp

Another good reason why I better parent intentionally. 

A completely random sidebar:  Do not call Bigmama during Dancing With the Stars.  She will NOT talk to you.

Okay.  That’s all.

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May 18, 2009 · 6:00 am

Legacy.

Well, Bigmama’s 90th birthday did not go unnoticed.  I was sad to miss all the hoopla, although I did talk to Aunt Kate, Bigmama’s 94 year old sister, on the phone for the better part of my Friday evening. 

She enjoys talking on the phone.

Aunt Kate, who spent Friday evening at my parents’ house celebrating Bigmama , always makes me laugh.  And, she never fails to tell me or anyone else exactly what’s on her mind.

“Your daddy is drivin’ me crazy.  I understand now why you live so far way,” she told me.  If you’ll recall, Aunt Kate is the rebel of the family, and she’ll gladly give you a Dixie cup for your snuff.  Heck, she’ll even share her snuff. 

Here are the two sisters here. 

Bigmama - Kate wp

And, here they are laughing.  Really hard.  {Notice the Dixie cup.}

Bigmama - Kate 2 wp

I’m blessed to have the Godly heritage that I have.  I’m blessed that I can call Bigmama any time of day, and if I ask her, she’ll pray the most powerful prayer FULL of faith over my life.  My own heritage has me thinking about the legacy I will leave my children’s children.  This means I have to parent intentionally.  I think I’ll share a few of those thoughts over the next couple of days. 

Or, I might share on my new love for yard sales.  Or, how I spend the extra money for the real maple syrup, because it’s healthier, but also buy Pringles potato chips.  Or, how Anna likes to sleep in her swimsuit underneath her gown these days.  I could be wrong, but I think she’s ready for summer.

Happy Monday, Y’all.

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April 15, 2009 · 6:00 am

We Won’t Always Understand.


I recently read this by Beth Moore and it ministered to me in such a big way.

“Life isn’t without some divine decisions that our mortal minds simply cannot comprehend.  At times, we cannot imagine why God couldn’t have just given us what we asked.  Sometimes our frustration lies in the fact that we know He could have, that He certainly had the power, but in His divine wisdom, He chose not to.  Hear this with your heart: God knows we can’t think like Him.  His ways and His thoughts simply are not ours (Isa. 55:8-9).  Sometimes the very essence of faith is trusting God in the midst of things He knows good and well we cannot comprehend.  Not that we won’t, but at times we literally cannot.”

I’m pretty dang sure God can move on my behalf any time He jolly well pleases.  So, I sometimes wonder why He doesn’t.  Why doesn’t He just say, “Yes?”

I can best relate this to growing up under my parents.  There were times they would not allow me to go off with friends.  “Oh, my life is ruined!”  Or, so I would think.

There were times they would not let me date some cutie pie.  “But, I’m in love!”  Or, so I would think.

I could go on and on and on with my disappointments from childhood.  (Just kiddin’, Mom.  Sort of.)  But, my parents loved me so much, that they refused to give me everything I wanted. 

Their thoughts were higher than my thoughts.  And, although I did not understand why, the decisions they made were the best decisions for me.  Because, they loved me.

I can see it in my own children.  “Why can’t I climb this fence, Mom?”  My Anna will ask.  “Because, you will get hurt,” I try my darndest to explain.  “I won’t!  I promise!”

She doesn’t understand why I tell her no.  She doesn’t comprehend that I love her so much that I will even upset her in the short run, so she can experience a more abundant life in the long run.

You might be waiting for God to move on your behalf right now.  You may not understand what in the Sam Hill is taking Him so long.  But know He loves you oh so very much.  His thoughts are higher than your thoughts. 

And, finally, remember this:

Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.  Psalm 30:5

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April 14, 2009 · 6:00 am

Becoming A Little More Intentional.


As a Christ-follower and mother, my children are my most important mission field.  I do my darndest to disciple them in the day to day life stuff.  However, God is showing me to become more intentional with how I pray and disciple them.

Right now, I am intentionally praying for John Henry to grow in confidence in who He is in Christ and who Christ is in Him.  I am praying that his security will be wrapped up in Him.  I realize that this will enable John Henry to be leader.

Right now, I am intentionally praying for Anna to be a pursuer of Christ and have a heart to always want to worship Him.  I realize that this will enable Anna to always make God a priority.

I’m trying to be more attuned to what area each needs to grow.  And, I’m intentionally discipling and praying for them accordingly.  Sight words and the ability to count money are surely imperative lessons that will make their lives easier.  But, learning who Christ is in them will make their lives full.

What are you intentionally praying over your children?

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April 9, 2009 · 6:00 am

All For Love.


When Kris asked for my hand in marriage, my dad agreed to oblige on three conditions.  He told him:

1 – Don’t ever hit her.

2 – Don’t ever hurt her.

3 – And, never let her cut grass.

It’s true.  I’ve never cut grass.  Ever.  In my life.  And, quite frankly, I’m okay with that.  We’ve made the same rule for Anna as a result. 

Kris and I still laugh about dad’s third request.  But, we sure as heck follow it, too!

What did you tell or will you tell your daughter’s future husband?

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April 1, 2009 · 6:00 am

If Oprah Calls, Tell Her I’m Only Free On Fridays.


I wasn’t sure, but I thought God was trying to tell me something.  Last Saturday, I dreamed I won an Emmy for writing some fantastic television series.  Katherine Heigl was my BFF.  Oh, and I also saw John Travolta at some event, and I was like “Whatev” and all.  Then, last night I dreamed I was hanging out with Elvis Presley – the skinny, Viva Las Vegas Elvis, not the I don’t care what anyone thinks of me, because I can sing “How Great Thou Art” like it’s nobody’s business Elvis.

Since the king is no longer shakin’ it, I’m pretty sure it was the Benedryl talking and not the Almighty. 

Of course, those dreams sure are nicer than the dream that took years for me to recover from.  It’s the one where the Incredible Hulk chased me inside my dad’s church when I was a child.  It’s true.  You won’t like him when he’s angry.

I do have some real dreams.  You know, visions for my life.  The Bible says that “where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18)  Since it’s true that one in two marriages end in divorce, I better have a vision for a closer, more intimate relationship with my husband, right?  A vision for a healthier me leads to time at the gym – something I saw for the first time yesterday in a very long time.  Otherwise, without this vision, I’ll probably just succumb to daily consumptions of chips and queso. 

We don’t just accidentally end up fulfilling visions.  We do it on purpose.  One of the visions I have for my children is for them to grow up with a heart after God.  That they will be fully surrendered followers of Christ all the days of their lives.  I realize this will probably not just happen.  So, I’m cautious with what kind of music they listen to.  I disciple them in small things.  We are intentional in praying before dinner.  I do things that will hopefully, with much prayer, lead them to seek His Kingdom first.

We have to be intentional.  To fulfill our life visions, we have to get there on purpose.

Do you have a vision for your life?  What are you doing on purpose to get there?

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March 30, 2009 · 6:00 am

The NAV Bible (New Anna Version)

anna-pre-k-wp1

Last week, Anna got into trouble at Pre-School.  When I found out about it, I let her know that she was in trouble, and I would have to tell her dad about it.  John Henry, self-appointed Sheriff of Moral Order, also got involved.  Here is how the conversation went.

Me:  Anna, I’m going to talk to your dad when we get home.  This is unacceptable.

Anna: (Crying) NO!  Don’t tell Daddy!  Don’t tell Daddy!

Me:  Anna, I can’t keep this from your Daddy.

John Henry:  Anna, the Bible says we should not keep secrets from one another.  [A bit of a stretch on the truth shall set you free.]

Anna:  (Sobbing) Well, my Bible says different things!

I could not help but laugh.  Her Bible says different things.  Oh, how we all, at some point in life, pretend our Bible says something different.

Her quick wit didn’t save her from being disciplined. 

But, it almost did.

Have you ever been unable to discipline your child because of his or her wit?  I bet you have!

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March 17, 2009 · 6:00 am

The Greatest Decision.


I’m not one for seeing two five o’clocks in the same day.  I’m a girl who appreciates sleep.  But, Saturday morning meant everyone in the Takle household would have to stretch before sunrise.  John Henry stirred much sooner than we anticipated.  Anna, a girl after my own heart, wasn’t about to let her snuggled self be bothered until it was time. 

Eventually, Kris and John Henry made their way into the family room.  John Henry started asking Kris several questions about life after death. 

“Dusty!”  Kris called for me.  “John Henry has some questions for you,” he said. 

Funny.

So, I joined my two favorite men, and I answered his questions the best I could.  He has been talking a lot about salvation lately and asking a few questions.

So, I knew it was time.

“John Henry, do you want to ask Jesus to come into your heart?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said.

So, we prayed.  And my six year old boy made the greatest decision he will ever make.

While, he has believed in Jesus Christ, I explained to him this was just a confession of his faith. 

Then, yesterday, Anna said she had Jesus in her heart.  John Henry argued that she did not since she had not prayed. (We’ll balance our sweet boy out as time goes on.)

John Henry then asked Anna to repeat after him.  And, he led her in the sinner’s prayer, and she asked Jesus into her heart, too.  He just might evangelize the world before he turns seven. 

If God can use him to change his sister’s life, God can use him to do anything.

On that note, Kris and I are off for a mom and dad only get-away.  I am leaving my laptop at home.  I know, right?  I’ll have my phone.  If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, I might take a little Twitpic and post it on occasion.  But, my main focus is going to be my Scandinavian hunk of burnin’ love.

God bless grandparents.

See y’all again next week.

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