Category Archives: Spiritual Journey

March 26, 2009 · 6:00 am

Different Eyes

jh-different-eyes

As I was taking John Henry to school the other day, he noticed how small the trees were around us.  We had just spent time in Georgia where the trees are tall, lush, and plentiful.  This fact can, often times, make me critical of Oklahoma’s lack of vegetation.

“The trees aren’t like that here,” I told him.

“But they’re growing,” he said.

His response stayed with me the rest of the day. 

But, they’re growing.

How often we look at situations – specifically people – with a critical eye.  I recently heard my dad talk about blurred vision and how we often try to focus on both worldly and heavenly values.  Matthew 6:22-23 says, “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.  But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!”

Our critical eyes can allow darkness to fill our body.  I don’t want to have blurred vision.  I want to be able to look at people with His eyes.  And, when I do, I just might see that they are growing.

9 Comments

Filed under God Stuff, Kid Stuff, Spiritual Journey

Tagged as ,

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.

10 Comments

Filed under parenting, Spiritual Journey

Tagged as ,

March 12, 2009 · 6:00 am

Letting go.


There are times that I tell God that I want whatever He wants for me.  Sometimes, I even mean it.  Other times, I’m afraid to tell Him I want what He wants, because…

Well, because, what if He doesn’t want what I want?  For real.

So, to play it safe, I steer clear of surrendering a thing or two.

But, that’s not playing it safe.

It might even be rebellion disguised as a “I’m not ready to give that part of me up just yet.”

I’ve had a little something something in my life like that.  This week, I gave it all to Him.  I said these words to God:

I want whatever You want for me. 

Wherever you want me to be.  Whatever you want me to do.  THAT’S what I want.

And, I meant it.

His ways are higher than our ways.

His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

He even loves me more than my mama.  And, that’s sayin’ a lot, folks.

When is the last time you told Him you want whatever He wants?  And meant it?

5 Comments

Filed under Spiritual Journey

Tagged as ,

March 10, 2009 · 6:00 am

The Secret of My Success.


Kris and I still watch that old movie every time it airs.  I’m sure you know the story. Kansas boy, Michael J. Fox, moves to New York City with a dream of making it big in business.  By the way, can you believe that movie came out twenty-two years ago?  Kind of makes me want to pull Top Gun and The Breakfast Club out of the family vault.   Where have all the good movies gone?

Anyhoo…

 Kris and I were talking about success recently.  We set family goals, financial goals, and personal goals.  But whether or not I get my own personal G-2 jet by the time I’m 40 years old remains to be seen.  Aim high, right?

But, none of those successes really matter.  Not really.  Any material possessions we accumulate can be gone tomorrow.  Hey.  I live in tornado alley.  An F-5 can wipe me out faster than I can down a box of Junior Mints.

The kind of success that matters is how I’ve grown spiritually.  How I’ve affected changed lives. 

I hope.  I HOPE that as I grow older, and I measure my own success, that I am able to say….

I know Christ more today than I did yesterday.

I am so much more aware of who Christ is in me.

I’ve allowed God to use me to make another’s life a little better.

The rest, as a good friend recently told me, is “fluff.”  Our spiritual success is what really matters.  I hope I’m investing more of myself into the things of the Kingdom than I am into the fluff. 

Because, I am nothing without Him. 

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…Philippians 3:8

6 Comments

Filed under Spiritual Journey

Tagged as , ,

February 26, 2009 · 6:00 am

Go easy on the blueberries.


On Sunday, I made the ominous decision to eat healthier.  ‘Cause let’s face it.  These Valentine hearts and M&Ms aren’t going to jump off my hips all by themselves.  So, instead of digging through the candy jar in search of some sort of satisfaction that only sugar can bring, I chose to inhale an entire carton of blueberries.  Tart ones.  And, they were almost as satisfying as those Dove Chocolates I lifted from Anna’s Valentine sack she so carefully decorated. 

Fast forward to Monday where I was forced to make myself comfortable in the ladies’ room with a few magazines and games on my iPhone.  Needless to say, Kris won’t have to tell me again to leave a few blueberries for the rest of the family. 

Moving on.

I am blessed.

I go to a super awesome bible study with some super awesome gals.  {Read as though you are back in Junior High.}  Yesterday, we talked about what it means to be blessed.  Well, “blessed” comes from the Greek word “makarios” which means “more than happy.”  We all did that thing where you go around the room and share what “blessed” means to you.  To me, it means that I have a peace in good times and in bad.  Every situation that comes your way is not going to be a situation where you shout, “Wow, that was blessing, wasn’t’ it?”  But, when you have the peace of God despite your circumstances, then you can keep on keepin’ on.  Read me?  That’s a blessing. 

For example, I can have a really crappy day that may look something like this:

– Wake up, feel yuck about myself, and don’t feel good in anything I put on.

– Fashion wars with a 4 year old.  Emotional breakdown with a 6 year old.  Need I say more?

– Have a stupid argument with my husband.

– Money becomes even tighter.

Perhaps you can relate to one or all of the above.  It’s the little, sometimes big, things than can make for a crappy day.

BUT then, I remember.

– I have a body that is whole.  And, the last colonoscopy I had showed no signs of ulcerative colitis.  I am blessed to live in this body.

– I have two very unique children.  One makes my life so much dang fun.  I laugh often because of her.  The other is tender and gentle towards others.  His compassion inspires me to love people even more.

– I am married to a warrior who fights hard for this family.  He puts us first, and I am so emphatically in love with him.

– God has never forsaken me.  He is my Jehovah Jirah. 

You see?  I am blessed.  Even when things aren’t perfect.  I am more than happy.  Because, I have this peace of God that reminds me no matter what, everything is gonna be all right.

Oh, and the blueberry story?  Well, that was just a little free advice.  No need to thank me.

What does being blessed mean to you?

11 Comments

Filed under gratitude, Spiritual Journey

Tagged as , , ,

February 24, 2009 · 6:00 am

Russ Taff Anyone?


I’m in a good place with Jesus right now.  Er, as opposed to being in a bad place?  I dunno.  I’m just sayin’ I’m in a good place.  I’ve been doing a lot of digging – both internally and externally.  I have asked Jesus to take all of the stuff inside of me that’s not of Him, and smash it into the ground.  Or something like that.  Whenever I surrender all of me to Him – the good, the bad, and the ugly – He never fails to take it all, and pour into me everything Jesus.

And, folks, everything Jesus just feels good.  Hence, the good place.

Every book and scripture I read is fresh.  It’s full of life.  And, it makes me fall in love with Jesus all over again.  Ever have that feeling where you truly get back to your first love?  That’s where I am.  I am head over heels in love with my Father.  Kind of makes me want to break out the old Mylon La Fevre and Petra albums.  Oh, and God bless David Teems. 

This past Sunday, I heard Craig Groeschel say, “If you want what you once had, you have to do what you once did.”  Of course, he was referring to marital relationships, but you just might be able to apply that to your relationship with the One that matters most.  So, if it takes Petra’s old “The Color Song” to bring you back to your knees, then by all means, listen to it. 

For me, I’ve just needed a fresh surrender to Him.  A dying of myself.  It isn’t the first time I’ve had to die to me, and it certainly won’t be the last.  Because, I am Dusty Takle.  I have young children, and I heart Junior Mints.  Actually, it’s because I am very imperfect.  But, I’m pressing toward the mark…  The word press here means to pursue.  To go after Him with intensity.  And, bury all that is Dusty Takle along the way.  So, Christ can consume me.

This journey with Christ truly “gets sweeter and sweeter as the days go by.  Oh what a love between my Lord and I.  I keep falling in love with Him.  Over and over and over and over again.” 

13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing:  Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.  Philippians 3:13-14

Are you pressing toward Him?

9 Comments

Filed under Spiritual Journey

Tagged as , ,

February 4, 2009 · 6:00 am

Word up. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)


For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow:  it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 
Hebrew 4:12

The word of God is living and active –

It’s not dead.  It’s full of life.  It produces results.  God loves His word.  And, He watches over it to perform it. 

Sharper than any double-edged sword….dividing soul and spirit –

Our soul is our flesh.  The word is sharp enough to separate our soul from our spirit, so we can discern if we are functioning in our spirit being or our flesh.  And, as children of God, we are spiritual beings.  Not in a freaky kind of way but in a “we’re created in His image” kind of way.  I tend to function in both.  I’m trying to spend a little more of my time operating in the spirit….no matter what Anna is wearing J

It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart –

Only the word can judge our intentions.   Are our thoughts – our intentions – pure?  The word of God can pierce our spirits and reveal to us our true self.

How are we treating others?  What feelings are we dealing with that are not from Him?  Are we struggling with jealousy?  Are we struggling with judging others?  Are we remaining discontent?  Are we reacting to situations with a negative attitude?

Whatever our inner battle, the word of God is sharp enough to pierce it and reveal the yuck in our life.  Not so we walk away condemned.  But, so we walk away forgiven.  So, we walk away filled with His goodness.  So, we walk away feeling ALIVE. 

Reading His word and letting it saturate our hearts is not just a good thing to do.   It’s a necessary thing if we want to walk in all of the wonderful things He has for us. 

And, I don’t want to miss a thing.  (Thank you, Steven Tyler for that one.)

Set aside a little Jesus time, as I call it.  You will be filled with His life.  And, ya know what else?  You’ll enjoy life a whole lot more. 

Soooo, get yo ‘self in the word.

6 Comments

Filed under God Stuff, life, Spiritual Journey

Tagged as , , , ,

January 30, 2009 · 6:00 am

What am I modeling for my children?


I FINALLY started reading Nancy Beach’s book, Gifted to Lead.  This should make Judy really happy who bought me this book a few months back.  The gurl even signed it!  No.  Not Nancy.  Judy.

There aren’t a ton of revelations that scream at me in the book.  It is still a wonderful read for women called to lead.  But, one thing – one voice – has been gently whispering in my ear while I’ve been reading Nancy’s words. 

“That’s you.  Go lead.”

Over the past several months, I’ve been as careful as I know how to be in listening to those whispers.  Now, the only way I know to answer is to ask Him, “What do You want me to do?”  “Where do You want me to go?”

For a long time, I’ve considered my role as a mother my primary ministry.  And, it is.  But, that is not my “fundamental identity.”  Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend write in their book, Boundaries with Kids, “Parents who do not have a life apart from their kids teach the kids that the universe revolves around them.”  They continue saying, “Meet the child’s needs, then require him to meet his own while you meet yours.”

Throughout my childhood, my parents modeled this same theory.  They nurtured me.  But, they also gave of themselves to so many.  Granted, they were in ministry.  However, seeing them minister in our home, seeing them minister beyond the home – in the church, amongst the broken-hearted, in third world countries – those are things that stay with me.  Those are things that clued me into the fact that the world does not revolve around me.  What a gift my parents gave me. 

This doesn’t mean that a parent must work outside the home to model these things.  Nancy writes, “I believe when a child recognizes that Mom or Dad is crazy about them, but also has some other interests passions, and responsibilities, that child is well served….Rather than assuming Mom and Dad will always be there exclusively for them, kids understand that other people and their needs matter as well.”

Dang.  That’s good stuff.  And, what’s even greater is when our children begin serving along side of us.  Giving WITH us.  For me, I’m going to start by choosing an activity – a service – that my children can do with me.  I hope that in doing so, I will give to them the gift my parents gave to me.  For realz.

Are you asking God what HE wants you to do?

9 Comments

Filed under giving, making an impact, Motherhood, parenting, Spiritual Journey

Tagged as , , , , , ,

January 22, 2009 · 6:00 am

I’m hearin’ ya, God.


I have tried to think of any other post than this one to write.  I thought I could write on how my roots are now a brilliantly colored blonde….or just less disturbing to the natural eye.  Or, I could write about how I saved my family money once again by shopping at Crest Foods.   Or, how Anna is learning not to respond to adults with “Isn’t there someone else you can go talk to?” 

But, I just can’t write about any of those things.  Not today.

Let’s start with honesty.

I’ve lived in Oklahoma for a little over five years now.  Some days I do it kicking and screaming.  Other days, I am okay.  Reality is….I miss Georgia.  Not really the state itself, although we do have trees there.  I miss my family.  I miss the covenant relationships I have with so many wonderful friends.  I miss Eagles Way Church.   I miss ministering there.

I do well most days.  But, then I struggle immensely other days. 

My sweet friend, Cindy Beall, posted this blog the other day.  I haven’t been able to shake these words from her blog since:

GROW WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED.

How can Dusty Takle fulfill the call of God on her life when she isn’t allowing herself to grow where she is planted?

And, why is she speaking in third person?

Well, I’ve made a decision to do just that.  To grow wherever I am.  In whatever situation I’m in.  In whatever climate I’m dressing for. 

Because, I don’t want to miss God.

That’s how I feel today.  Tomorrow, I might need a pep talk.  Today, I’m okay.

Grow where you’re planted.  Cindy writes, “I am confident that God will meet you where you are.” 

And, He just might use you to do great things. 

13 Comments

Filed under life, making an impact, Spiritual Journey

Tagged as , ,

January 15, 2009 · 6:00 am

Lessons in surrender.


Some things I’m learning in my little….okay, big surrendering of all of me to Him:

It’s a conscious effort every single day. 

Sometimes, I’m afraid of what He might want for me.

The whole, “I want what God wants, BUT….” isn’t gonna work.

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.  (Proverbs 19:21)

He is concerned about me.

He knows what’s best for me.

Jesus knows what it feels like to surrender – “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”  (Matthew 26:39)

He will give me the desires of my heart.  And, in this process, MY desires become HIS desires. 

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4

What is God teaching you right now?

6 Comments

Filed under Spiritual Journey

Tagged as , ,