January 1, 2012 · 7:59 am

It’s 2012!

Hello friends!  And, Happy New Year!  Resolving to write more this year, I decided to kick it off today.

Here’s a recap of 2011 from the Takle five:

John Henry.  Well, he’s just a really good kid.  His compassion for others continues to melt us.  He’s a protective big brother.  He loves music, and he has learned so much on guitar.  He loves Legos.  And light sabers.  Oh, and he’s teaching me some of his Math homework.

Anna.  I’m not gonna lie.  Her dad and I have to look up some of the information she drops on us, because, we know there is a good chance it’s accurate.  And, it usually is.  She is learning to play the piano.  She loves it.  She loves a lot of things.   She loves to learn.  She loves to write.  She loves wearing tights with holes under shorts.  And, she loves to make us laugh.

Jett.  This kid is nothing but fun.  He learned to walk in 2011.  That was kind of a big deal.  And, if he could talk in coherent sentences, he would tell you he’s a good drummer, too.  The use of the words, “Pees” (please) and “One Mo” (one more) pretty much get him as many popsicles as he wants.  The Wiggles are his jam.  And, he will live with me for the rest of his life.

That’s us.  You already know that’s us.  We had some pretty fun experiences together in ’11.  From the Sundance Film Festival in Park City to Celine in Vegas to Sting in Boston.  It was a fun year.  Being married to a pilot has its perks.  But, being married to Kris Takle is just pure joy.  We grew a lot individually and together.  And, we have so much more growing to do.

I know I do.

At the beginning of each year, I try to choose a scripture for our family for that year.  This year, you might say that scripture chose me.

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.  Colossians 2:7

And, this is my greatest resolution of the new year.  That our roots will grow down into Him deeper.  That we build our lives on Him like never before.  That our faith grows stronger.  And, that we overflow with thankfulness.

If you could pick a resolution scripture for your life this year, what would you choose?  Or, what scripture has chosen you?

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November 8, 2011 · 6:51 am

38 Reasons

Had Anna Takle held off another 1.5 hours, she would have shared her birthday with my favorite man. And, clearly, her favorite man, too.

Kris Takle is 38 today.

That calls for 38 reasons I love Kris Takle:

1. Generosity. He is one of the most giving men I know.

2. He tells me right away whenever he trips, stumbles, or hurts himself, because he knows I will laugh until tears pour.

3. He is my greatest encourager. Well, after my momma.

4. He can make the kids laugh so dang loud and hard to the point that I have to leave the room.

5. He is sentimental. The boy will hold onto everything I allow. (Sorry about throwing out those old watches, Ivar.)

6. I never wonder if he is thinking about me when he travels, because, he tells me almost every time he does.

7. He is a great cook. Or “cooker,” as Anna Takle says.

8. Speaking of cooking, his fried rice beats all. Uh-maz-ing.

9. He can’t keep his hands off of me. I’m just sayin’.

10. When I share my heart, he listens.

11. He once said when we were dating, “I don’t think I’d love you as much as I do if you didn’t have John Henry.”

12. And, I have never, EVER seen him treat John Henry differently than his own flesh and blood.

13. He is safe.

14. And comfortable.

15. He forgives quickly.

16. He has a lot of wisdom in how to handle difficult situations.

17. He will take ownership when he makes a mistake.

18. His honesty is scary, funny, and just downright impressive.

19. His love for farming is pretty adorable.

20. He gets excited about driving his tractor.

21. His passion for aviation inspires me to always stay passionate about the call of God on my life.

22. And, he still appreciates flying the little single-engine props whenever he gets the chance. I, on the other hand, really appreciate two jet engines. With nice leather seats. And, a bathroom. Amen.

23. He lets me record his “Taklisms.” Exhibit A: “Take the world by the horns.” Exhibit B: “I’m just not feeling on the top of the weather today.”

24. He loves his friends.

25. If it’s within his power to meet a need, he does it. Without hesitation.

26. He makes every date night enjoyable.

27. He is slow to anger.

28. Content. He is always content. Which makes him extremely hard to buy for.

29. As a matter of fact, whenever I ask him what he wants for his birthday, Christmas or anniversary, his answer is always the same: “Just you.”

30. He loves babysitters, and he’s not afraid to call them. Glo-ree.

31. He is a great son. I love how he always honors his mom and dad in word and deed.

32. The man appreciates really good food.

33. He makes me laugh every single day. Sometimes, I think it’s one of his life missions.

34. He is just a really great dad. He disciplines with love. He plays with them like he’s a kid, too. And, he provides opportunities for them to succeed.

35. He watches animated films ALL OF THE TIME. With and without our children.

36. I never doubt his love for me. Ever.

37. And, because of the way he loves me and others, he is one of the most spiritual men I know.

38. He loves God. And, he trusts Him in everything.

And, that last one always impresses me. As much of the Word that’s inside of me, I can still have moments of, “God, please pull through on this one.” Kris? He trusts in the sovereignty of God.

And, his faith always strengthens mine.

Happy Birthday, Ivar. You make this world a sweeter, kinder place.

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November 7, 2011 · 8:22 am

Seven Is Golden

I love you. I mean, I love everything about you. I even love how you scare me a little before you open your mouth, and I have no idea what you are about to tell someone. I love your tenacity. I love how you are mesmerized with the oddest of things. Like mummies. And earthquakes. And the Rosetta Stone. And chess. And cooking.

Of course, I think cooking is odd.

I love how you adore your father. How he can do no wrong ever. I love how you look up to John Henry and melt when he wants to play a game with you. I love how you say, “Jett is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” I love how you want a “Girls’ Day” with me as often as you can get one.

I love your boldness.

I love how you love going to church. I love how you raise your hands and worship your Creator. I love how passionate you are about who God is in your life.
And, I love how you aren’t afraid to ask the hardest questions about faith.

I love your sense of humor.

I love how we can laugh together so hard at the same thing. And, you catch my eye, and we connect on a different level. You know. Like a friend level.

You are my best friend, Anna Takle.

And, you are my favorite lunch date.
It’s just hard to fathom that when I stare across the table now, I don’t see this anymore:

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I don’t see the little girl with bangs holding tightly to her doll named Jenny.
Instead, I see this:

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A beautiful, young lady growing into all that God has for her.
Happy 7th Birthday, Anna Marie.

You will always be my favorite girl.

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September 30, 2011 · 5:00 am

Turning the Other Cheek Isn’t So Easy On the Playground.

We try to make discipleship a part of life conversations in our house.  Sometimes, we see it playing out really well.  You know, we see them practicing forgiveness, being generous, and other awesome things the Bible teaches. 

Other times, we see we need to revisit a thing or ten.

Anna:  “Mom, remember the really mean second grade boy, Shane?  He saw me on the playground today and said, ‘Well, looky here.  It’s Little Miss Anna who’s about to get her butt kicked.’”

Me:  “What did you do?”

Anna:  “I told Mrs. Walker, and she said she was already on it.”

Me:  “Good.  You handled that well.”

Anna:  “And, then I went back up to Shane and said, ‘Well, looky there.  It’s Little Mr. Shane who’s about to get his butt kicked.”

Pretty sure the whole “bless those who curse you” talk didn’t exactly run through her cute little head at that moment.

 And, to be honest, part of me wants to revisit the topic.  But, the Momma Bear part of me?  Well, that part wants to teach her a few of my karate moves.  I feel confident that’s the discipleship route her daddy would take.

I’m just sayin’.

Have a great weekend, y’all!

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September 27, 2011 · 7:59 pm

Unraveling.

There are seasons in our lives when it seems the world is caving in around us.  There are days where anything that can go wrong, does.  There are moments we are sure that one more blow is going to take us completely out.

So, we begin unraveling.

Piece by piece.  Thread by thread. 

Until, we hit our knees.  And, the tears begin to flow.

I have those moments, too.  Just like you.

And, then the thought of throwing my hands in the air and surrendering it all to God just seems too easy.  Sometimes, it’s my pride that gets in the way.  Because, if I surrender my feelings, my day, my season to Him, then, I have nothing left to hold onto that says, “I am stressed.”

“I can’t do this anymore.”

“I have had all I can take.”

Whoever said God will not give you more than you can handle was wrong.  Way wrong.

He will. 

Because, He wants you to need Him.  He wants you to depend on His strength.  That’s why Paul says he was thankful when he was weakest, because, that’s when God was strongest. 

Tonight, I began unraveling.  So, I let go of my pride.  I let go of my stubbornness to hold onto something that really doesn’t belong to me. 

I threw my hands up in the air.  And, I told Him, “God, this day is Yours.  This season is Yours.  I can’t do this without you. ” 

And, He took it from me.

Perhaps, you are unraveling, too.

Surrender.  Let Him into your mess.  Call out to Him.  And, know that His power works best in your weakness. 

He will not fail you.

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.  2 Corinthians 12:9

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September 23, 2011 · 5:00 am

Nine.

Is it possible for a dude to be funny, smart, generous, and cool all rolled up into one? 

Clearly, it is. 

And, tonight, you will go to bed an eight year old, and wake up tomorrow morning nine years old. 

NINE.

For nine years, you have taught me how to love with more compassion, give without thinking twice, and enjoy dessert like it’s nobody’s business. 

Your love for the guitar makes my heart smile.  Your taste in music impresses me.  Your quick wit makes me laugh. 

But it’s your heart that inspires me.

John Henry Landreth, you are one AMAZING young man.

You not only make my world a better place, you make this entire world a better place.

Thank you for allowing God to mold you into a warrior for His Kingdom. 

And, thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to be the one he calls “Mom.”

Happy Birthday, JH.  I love you more and more.

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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 21, 2011 · 5:59 am

The Moments You Can’t Redo.

Me:  “You should’ve seen Jett yesterday, lying on the floor, laughing so hard at his big brother and his big brother laughing so hard right back.”

Dad:  “You can never re-do those moments.  They come and go so fast.  You can recreate moments when you are an adult.  But, you can’t recreate those moments when they are children.”

My thoughts hung on my dad’s words for the rest of the day.  I’ve written about soaking up moments like these before.  But, I guess we can never be reminded too often to take notice of them. 

To be present.

Fully present.

So yesterday, after a long day of meetings, errands, and checking on my sick 8 year old, I came home and saw a little 18 month old running around my house.  There were so many things on my to-do list even after I made it home. 

Forget ‘em. 

That’s what I said to myself.  And, Kris knew my list was waiting for me.  So, I looked at him and said, “Do you care if I just play with Jett a while?”

“Have at it!” he said.

So, that’s what I did.  He laughed at me, and he made me laugh.  I listened to him repeat words I said, and I smiled. 

Forget the busy schedules, forget the to-do lists.  Stop being overwhelmed by things that really don’t matter.  Enjoy the people in your life.  And, be fully, FULLY present with them. 

Because, you will never, ever be able to redo these moments.

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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 16, 2011 · 5:00 am

Viva Love.

I’ve been married to Kris Takle 8 years today.  He likes to keep things exciting, so he surprised me with a trip to Vegas this past weekend.  It was pretty perfect save losing my iPhone and driver’s license.  I’m on day five without the iPhone, and heart palpitations haven’t started yet, so I take that as a good sign I’m doing okay.  It was in a clutch that was taken from a craps table.  Of course, that wasn’t all that craps table took from us, but, you know…it’s Vegas.  And, if you think gambling is a sin, you might wanna go ahead and click that “x” in the top right hand corner now, ‘cause momma likes to bet on the hard ways. 

I’m all talk, really.  Those tables make me nervous.  Unlike the umbrella and comfy chairs we sold a kidney to rent by the pool out there.  Purchasing comfort clearly does not make me nervous.  At least, not that trip.  Mercy.

I’ll go ahead and tell you I cried when Celine Dion sang “My Heart Will Go On.”  And, “Because, You Loved Me.”  And, when she sang Billy Joel’s “Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)”, I knew I had lost the battle preventing puffy eyes the next morning. 

Because, it’s in these songs that my mind thinks about the amazing people in my life. 

Especially my husband.

I love him.

As a matter of fact, I think I’m addicted to loving him.

I love how he knows what makes me laugh, so he does it.

I love how he believes in me and my gifts.

I love how he loves me. 

And, I’m pretty sure I love him more today than I have ever loved him.  And, you won’t hurt my feelings if you click that “x”, because this is just too sappy for you. 

In the words of Matt Nathanson, “you make my heart beat faster.”

You just do.

Happy Anniversary, Kris Takle.

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