January 11, 2011 · 8:56 am

Honor.

I would have posted yesterday, but I didn’t.  I figured most of you were too consumed with sledding and hot chocolate to read some post.  As for me, nothing edible was safe in my house.  I did, however, cut my 3 Oreos with my coffee down to 2 today.  Because, I do make good choices some days.  And, being trapped inside a house with little people will really make you tune into the choices your children are making. 

I have a chalkboard hanging in the hallway in our home.  I periodically put scriptures on it, and teach them to my children.  A few days ago, Anna reminded me to change the scripture, since she was very aware that in the city of David, a Savior had already born.  So, I thought this one appropriate:

“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”  Exodus 20:12

“What does honor mean?”  Anna asked.

“It’s to treat someone with value,” I explained to her. 

My cousin was gracious to allow both John Henry and Anna spend Sunday afternoon with his little boy.  After hearing him respond to his dad with a little attitude, Anna told him what the Bible says about honoring your mother and father.  Then, she followed it up with, “if you wanna live a long life…”

Had I known Anna would take this to heart as much as she has, I would have posted that scripture a very long time ago. 

Later, Anna asked, “Will you really live a long life if you honor your parents?”

Fair question.  Especially, considering the fact that many young have left us early.  Some biblical scholars feel the promise of long life here is referring to that particular nation inhabiting that land for many days as opposed to life span.  So, I explained to Anna that this means her life would be much happier.  She would be much more content.  And, often times, a happy life affects the length of someone’s life.  It certainly affects a full life.

Yesterday, when Anna asked me what I was waiting for when she requested more Sprite, I quickly reminded her of honor.  Her dad quickly took away her privilege of getting more.  And, she quickly learned that her life, at that moment, was not full.

I think it will be a while before I erase that chalkboard.

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January 7, 2011 · 5:00 am

Soak It Up.

I have a lot of Big Mama stories.  As a matter of fact, every time I talk to her, she says something that bears repeating.  Her unintentional lessons are to my blog posts what Anna Takle’s…well, what any of Anna’s shenanigans are to my entries. 

I called her yesterday after I posted.  I didn’t tell her my post was about her.  She will find out soon enough by one of you.  And, she will tell me, “I heard you’ve been putting me up on that computer!”  She will laugh cautiously then ask me to show the post to her.

After our phone conversation, thoughts of her raced into my mind for the rest of the day.  Even into the night as I lay in bed rereading yesterday’s blog, my thoughts were of her.  How I love being with her and talking to her.  And, how I love repeating the things she says to me. 

I’m not sure how many more years I have to enjoy this incredible lady.  So, I started pondering questions I’ve never asked her.  Stories I’ve never heard.

I want to ask them.  I want to hear it all.  I don’t want to say, “I wish I would have asked her…..”

 Of course, she did recently ask me if she could have my “great big colorful painting” should she outlive me.  She was serious.  I told her yes. 

Who do you need to spend more time with in your life?  What questions do you want to ask him or her?  What stories do you want to hear? 

Maybe it’s the person lying next to you right now.  Maybe it’s that sweet little girl down the hall from you.  The friend who lives two miles from you that you only see or talk to a few times a year. 

Maybe it’s the father who shares a very different view of life from you, so you keep your distance from him.  Or the sister you’re not close to anymore.

I don’t know.  I just know I want to soak up the moments with the people in my life more now than ever.  So, if tomorrow never comes, they know.  Thank  you, Garth Brooks.

And, thank you all for being a part of my life. 

Have a great weekend.

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January 6, 2011 · 5:00 am

Big Mama: Solution-Finder, Anti-Whiner.

I’m not always a solution finder.  Oddly, I can offer solutions for your drama and obstacles.  Just not mine.  Not always.

When faced with seemingly difficult situations, I might be one to throw my hands up and say, “It just can’t be done.”  Or, “there is no other way around this one.” 

Then?

I get stressed.  And, I whine. 

Not Big Mama.   

She consistently inspires me with her ability to find solutions.  Stress-free.  With a “we can make this work” attitude. 

A few weeks ago, I asked her if she could watch my littlest man for an hour, so I could attend a meeting.  When she arrived to chase him with her walker, he was sleeping.

“Oh no,” she said.  “I wish he wasn’t sleeping.  I’m not sure I can carry him from his crib to the living room when he wakes up.”

I responded, “Big Mama, just call me when he wakes up, and I will come right home.”

She was silent.

Then, she said, “No.  We can do this.  Do you have a stroller?”

“Yes,” I told her.

“Well, alright.  Get that stroller, and put it outside his door.  I can pick him up out of that crib.  I’ll put him in his stroller, and push him right into the living room,” she said with confidence.

“Are you sure?”

“Hmph.  Of course, I’m sure!  Now, go on!”  She assured me. 

And, that’s exactly what she did.  All the while pushing her walker, too.

Since when did the rest of us start making everything so hard?  Since when did we start letting the little things overwhelm us?  How did we stop appreciating modern day conveniences that make life so easy….like a dang dishwasher?  My 91 year old grandmother has hand-washed her dishes since the day she started maintaining a home.  She’s never complained.  Or stressed.  Or thought life too hard.

Not one single day.

Perhaps, it’s because she comes from a generation where you make situations work for you.  You overcome obstacles.  And, you certainly don’t whine about them.  Perhaps, it’s because if she wanted candy as a young girl, she traded eggs for it instead of being given money to buy it.  Perhaps, it’s because she recognizes the small stuff as small stuff and doesn’t sweat it.

I think all of the above.

But, I also know that she has understanding of this scripture:

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:13

And, she really believes she can.

May I grow up and be just like Big Mama.

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January 5, 2011 · 5:00 am

Some Greek to Help With Peeps.

Soooo, how DO we respond to people who hurt us? 

We are patient with them.

Wha?  Patient?  What in the Sam Hill does patience have to do with it? 

Well, I’m glad you asked.  Two Greek words translate into the English word “patience.”  One is “hupomone.”  It means to “remain under.”  This is the patience we talk about when we are enduring tough circumstances.  But, circumstances are not people.  Oh, no. 

The Greek word, “makrothumia” is the sort of patience we need with people.  Bear with me.  Or, be PATIENT with me.  Ha!

Guess what drives makrothumia?  Give up?

MERCY.

Remember yesterday’s story of the king forgiving the servant’s debt?  He FORGAVE that debt.

Again, stay with me.

So, we first have to FORGIVE.

My good friend, Beth Moore, says,   “Patience is the vessel through which God pours His mercy.  Mercy is fueled by forgiveness.”

Okay, let’s just pretend Beth is my good friend. 

When we forgive, we let go free.  We let go of our power.  We cut that person loose.  They no longer owe us a thing.

Sometimes, I think that I have a right to hold this grudge or be angry….and, every right to be merciless.  But, God’s word calls us to forgive.  Who wants to carry the burden of unforgiveness?  The plus side?   When we forgive, God can be released to work the situation to our good.  And, don’t even think you can do it on your own.  You can’t.  That’s what the HS is for. 

Besides, the opposite of patience is judgment.  But, that’s another post for another day.

You see, the patience God desires for us to extend to others is the same patience that meant the salvation of our soul.

That’s all I’m sayin’. 

And, I hope I am CONSTANTLY reminded of this kind of patience….this kind of mercy….this kind of forgiveness…..

Until I love people CONSTANTLY.

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January 4, 2011 · 5:00 am

Debt.

23 “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him.  24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars.  25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold – along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned – to pay the debt.  26 “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’  27 Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.  28 “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.  29 “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time.  ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded.  30 But his creditor wouldn’t wait.  He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.’  Matthew 18:23-30

 The nerve.  Right?  Is that what you’re thinking?  Yeah, me, too. 

 Yet, we can be that ungrateful, “you owe me” servant.  Someone wrongs us.  Hurts us.  They uncover us or tell something that isn’t true about us.  We expect retribution.  We demand them to take ownership in how they have mistreated or offended us.  We tell them to pay up!  And, we make sure everyone else around us knows they owe us, too. 

 I’ve done it.  You’ve done it.

 We have a huge capacity to be that slimy servant who was forgiven of an even larger debt than the one owed him.

 Haven’t we been forgiven of a huge debt?  I don’t know.  The debt of sin?  Replaced with a gift of salvation?  Eternal life?

 Yeah, that big debt.

 Still, we go out and demand others to pay up their, well, their smaller debts.  And, really.  Aren’t all debts smaller than the one we owed our King?

 I’m just sayin’.

 So, what should our response be to those we think owe us?

 Come back tomorrow, and I’ll tell ya.

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January 3, 2011 · 5:00 am

Chasing Babies, Chasing Dreams.

I’m back.

I made a few resolutions for this new year.  One was to blog.  Consistently.

Again.

I blame my previous lack of consistency on Mario Andretti here.

Why didn’t anyone tell me these little guys like to eat paper, climb stairs, swiffer floors, and find every single, tiny, choking hazard on the ground?  Because, clearly, I have never done this before.  Or, at least, that’s how it often feels. 

But, I also don’t remember soaking up every second of growth and change like I have done with this grand finale to the Takle family.  I think I am much more aware of that whole “you’ll blink your eyes” analogy.  And, he is a joy, I tell ya.

Along with my resolution to write more on this blog, I begin another writing adventure this week. 

A book. 

I am in the process of outlining a book with my dad on….

My lips are sealed.  Its title is top secret.  But, if you run into me in the grocery store, I’m sure I’ll tell you if you ask.

I’ve also been outlining a book on my own.  But, I’m switching gears on that one to devote my time to this collaborative effort with Dad.  I am hoping that by the year’s end, both will be finished.

Because, writing a book has been a dream. 

And, I’m excited about chasing after that dream.

What are you chasing after this year?

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November 16, 2010 · 8:54 am

A Day in the Life of Mom.

One certainly cannot be selfish in motherhood or marriage.  Although, I would have appreciated someone throwing me the latest Vogue magazine or a quiet room with HGtv illuminating the television last night.  But, instead, I assisted in removing training wheels from Anna’s bicycle, who insisted she was ready to take the bike riding plunge.  We don’t rush into things ‘round here.  Frustrated with the fact that she had not mastered the skill of riding sans training wheels within the first 10 seconds, wailing and gnashing of teeth followed.  Which is why we don’t rush into things ‘round here. 

My stuffy-nosed, almost 8 month old, baby boy led to mommy making a trip to Rite Aid for Vick’s Vapor Plug-Ins.  Moms and dads, these will open up even your own little breathers.  I couldn’t return home before making a grocery store run for obvious dinner essentials such as cheese and tortilla chips.  And bananas, too.  Because, good, solid nutrition is important to us. 

Later, John Henry decided it was as good a time as any to begin his online Hunter Safety Education Course.  I was thrilled to PRESS PLAY and listen to the introduction to the course.  Thrilled.  Let me say how thankful I am for my new knowledge of wildlife conservation funding and the importance of unobstructed barrels.  And, to think, the education has just begun. 

I could not send my children into bed fast enough I scooped up my sweet children and tucked them into their beds, anticipating a box of Junior Mints with mindless television viewing to follow.  But, why oh why would I need such down time when I can sit in my bed and listen to ONLINE instruction of take-off minimums, single engine operations, DME approaches, and other aviation awesomeness?  Exactly.  So, instead, I decided to cry myself to sleep after thumbing through old photo albums of a 3 year old and 1 year old. 

This morning, there will be no down time.  Because, Anna decided she needed a “mental health day.”  Blessed assurance.  Jesus is mine.  And, this day?  Well, it is most certainly hers. 

Happy Tuesday, friends!  And, cheers to all moms.

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November 15, 2010 · 8:38 am

Thankful Today.

Today, I wake up, and I’m just thankful.  Brushing Anna’s hair this morning, I think, “I get to brush this little girl’s hair.”  God gave this funny, beautiful girl, who never turns down center stage, to me.

 I look at John Henry who is protecting his bowl of cereal like it is last and think, “How am I so blessed that he lives in the same house with me?” 

And, then the littlest guy decides today is the day he finally recognizes daylight savings time change, and he sleeps until 8:00am.  I think, “Is he the most perfect baby boy in the universe?”  In my little world, in my family of five plus a dog and a cat, he is.

I notice how my husband makes the coffee.  He reads the big kids today’s school lunch menu, and he, subsequently, makes John Henry his own lunch to carry.  Food is a big deal to this kid, if you didn’t already notice this by the invisible fort he built around his morning breakfast.  And, I think, “I am married to man who never, ever complains about anything.  Ever.” 

I pour my coffee, and I think about how I walk into my local church, and how much love I feel from everyone there.  I think, “Do I have the most incredible church family in the world?”  I do.

And, then I think about my salvation.  I don’t even use the word, “salvation” a lot.  Is that odd?  Perhaps.  But, I think about it today.  I think, “Wow.  God gave me this gift of grace, and look what I have received by way of it.”  I don’t ever want to lose the joy of my salvation. 

So, here I sit behind this computer, and I write a post on a subject I think would be more fitting for next week.  A Thanksgiving post, if you will.  But, I’m thankful today. 

Let’s face it.  Some days, we just notice things more than others.  It makes us thankful.

Today is one of those days. 

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  His faithful endures forever.  1 Chronicles 16:34

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November 11, 2010 · 8:58 am

Interview With A Six Year Old.

It’s no secret Anna Takle just turned six.  It’s no secret, because there isn’t a living soul she has not told. 

One would have thought she was being interviewed for Chief Editor of Vogue magazine the way she approached her six-year doctor’s visit.  She alerted the nurse, “Hi.  I just turned six, and I am here for my check-up and flu pass.”  A “flu pass” is passing on the shot and opting for the “mist.”  Come on, people.  Who doesn’t know that?

And, the exchange between Anna and her pediatrician was not disappointing.

Pediatrician:  “What is your favorite subject in school?”

Anna:  “Well, I really enjoy working on my fine motor skills.”

Pediatrician:  “What fine motor skills do you enjoy?”

Anna:  “You know.  Writing, working with play dough, and other arts.”

Pediatrician:  “Do you eat healthy foods?”

Anna:  “Oh, yes.  Well, I do eat some candy, but I eat a LOT of fruit.”

Pediatrician:  “Do you eat any vegetables?”

Anna:  “I do love Big Mama’s vegetable soup.”

Pediatrician:  “Do you drink a lot of water?”

Anna:  “Oh, yes!  It’s the best for you!  I drink A LOT of water!”

We are still waiting to hear if Anna got the job.  So what if she really doesn’t drink “A LOT” of water.  She is certainly a motivated learner.  How do I know?  Because, she wants a card to the “puppet library.”

And, that is much better than the public library.

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November 10, 2010 · 5:00 am

How to Get Control.

My dad just recently shared Andy Stanley’s message on “A Pot of Stew.”  It was uh-maze-ing.  I do not lie.  He talked about our appetite for always wanting more.  Since appetites are never fully and finally satisfied, we have to reframe our appetites with what is at stake. 

I have been studying the Fruit of the Spirit.  And, I just finished studying self-control.  Ugh.  What an ugly, step on the toes, kind of word.  You really can’t control your appetite without self-control.  And, you really can’t operate in self-control without the power of the Holy Spirit.  You know.  Since it’s a quality of the Fruit of the Spirit and all. 

I like Wikipedia’s definition of self-control:  “Self control or self-control is the ability to control one’s emotions, behavior and desires in order to obtain some reward later.”  God has an incredible future for you and me.  We just have to exercise a little self-control to get there. 

Of course, we find all of the qualities of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  But, six verses above that, we read, “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

Do ya see where there is going?  Feed the spirit.  The flesh will starve. 

And that, my friends, is how you demonstrate self-control.  That is how you run, Forrest, run from appetites that are going to wreak havoc in your lives.  Or from those awesome shoes on the DSW Shoe Warehouse rack. 

You feed your spirit.  With more of Him.  In HIM, we find contentment.  I kind of wrote about this here, but didn’t really address it from a how do I say no to those delish Jr. Mints sort of way.  Not that God has called me to starve THAT part of my flesh.  I’m just sayin’. 

I love this fifth verse in Psalm 63:  You satisfy me more than the richest feast….And, I love that David wrote this while hangin’ out in the dang wilderness.  Isn’t at that a beautiful picture of how much God satisfies us?

Soooo…..

Feed your Spirit.  It’ll make reframing that appetite of yours a whole lot easier.

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