April 16, 2009 · 6:00 am

So far this week….


Anna has insisted on wearing two pairs of underwear so she can “hold my pee longer.”

When John Henry and Anna disobeyed and were awaiting their impending discipline, John Henry said, “I forgot, Mom.  Can’t you please understand,” through his pitiful tears.

I had to discipline still, and it broke my heart.

I’ve had to remind myself of the “We Won’t Always Understand” more than once.

I got a little emotional over Matt’s save on American Idol….even though I text my vote for Kris one or one-hundred times every week.  (Not the husband Kris.  I can hardly encourage his vocals in the shower.)

I’ve watched my warrior of a husband get hit from all sides and still draw back his arrow, aim, and shoot. 

I’ve read “Purplicious” more times than I would have cared to.

And, I’ve thanked God that I am a Christ-follower, a wife, a mother, and an American Idol fan.  So, I didn’t thank God that I’m an American Idol fan.  But, I am pretty excited to watch it every week.

And you?  So far this week?

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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 13, 2009 · 6:00 am

For The Lack of A Clever Title, We’ll Call This One “Easter.”


The Lord knows I’m too tired to write anything coherent and too sugared up to be taken seriously.  Of course, that’s never stopped me before.  We made a quick trip to Georgia to spend Easter weekend with family.  Upon my arrival, I was bombarded by this monster that I apparently created.

He is my dad.  And, y’all, he is on The Twitter.  Now, I will not deny my love for The Twitter.  But watching my dad learn all things Twitter is something I never expected to happen.  When I told him he could just type “w” for “with”, he responded, “Always?”

No.  Only on Saturdays.  Do wha?

Well, I must admit. I am proud of him for joining the Twitter Revolution.  So welcome to Twitterverse @JBurenGoss. 

We had an enjoyable time in Joe-Ja.  (That’s for you Cindy Beall.) 

Here are a few of the grandkids with Farmor, Kris’ mom.  Farmor is Norwegian & Swedish for “Father’s Mother.”  Just so ya know.

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The kids are always excited to go to the farm.  But when an Easter Egg Hunt is thrown into the mix, it’s like taking a trip to Disney World but without the $29 hamburger and $100 t-shirt. 

And, a few pics from Easter Sunday…

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That’s my mom with Anna and me.  Can a sister get a loan on a bottle self-tanning lotion?  I need not show those legs again in public without some serious coverage. 

We headed back to Oklahoma too soon after Easter lunch.  This was the scene by the time we reached three-four-O.  (That’s my fancy pilot talk for 34,000 feet.  Impressive, isn’t it?) 

 

 

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It was wonderful to spend Easter with my home church family. 

And, it was even more wonderful to celebrate the greatest three words in history:

He Is Risen.

How was your Easter weekend?

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April 10, 2009 · 6:00 am

I love to feel how small her hand is in mine.


I love bedtime with my children.  For one, they are going to bed.  Praise all ye heavenly hosts.  And, for two, it often serves as a catalyst for some sweet exchanges. 

A couple of nights ago, I tucked Anna in.  I read her a book of her choice.  And, then we talked about what it means to have Jesus in her heart.  She quickly interjected, “Wait, Mom.  I have Jesus in this heart, God in this heart, and my family in my middle heart.” 

I pressed her tender, rosy cheek to mine.  I brushed her soft, fine hair with my fingertips.  And, I told her I loved her with every single fiber of my being.

I gently closed her door, then thought…  I will miss these moments one day. 

So, I begged for time to please slow down.

anna-sleeping1

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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 8, 2009 · 6:00 am

I Am So Weak.


Sometimes I feel that I need to put on a happy face, quote the right scriptures, and say all of the things a follower of Christ is expected to say.  I feel I have to be tough – because, of who I am in Him.

But, I don’t have to always be tough.

You don’t either.

As a matter of fact, God wants us to be WEAK.  That’s right.

Weak.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses…For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

How stinkin’ cool is that?  Not only can we kick it back all weak like, but Christ digs it.  Because, our brokenness before Him makes His miraculous power perfect.  And, EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED WHEN WE NEED IT.

I’m not suggesting that we aren’t strong in the Lord.  But, I am suggesting that we realize our brokenness before Him.  And, once we tire of fighting a battle that’s really not ours anyway, we become weak. 

THEN, once we become weak, we will be made strong.

Love that.

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April 7, 2009 · 6:00 am

At First He Was Afraid, He Was Petrified.


We have this fish tank.  As of recent, it’s become so ghastly that I dare not post any photo of it.  Else, you might see how we really live and judge me accordingly.  Which, if you ask John Henry, he’ll tell you “the Bible says not to judge.”  So there.

There is one lone fish who has survived the waters.  We call him Rambo.  We call him Rambo, because he has sustained life despite going five days without a single speck of food.  He’s a fighter.  Rambo understands that these are the times that try fish’s souls. 

Just the other day, Anna Takle took it upon herself to feed Rambo.  THE ENTIRE CONTAINER OF FISH FOOD.  Please note:  Dumping fish food in large amounts into an aquarium will wreak havoc on your home’s aroma.  Holy Mother of Moses.  I nearly lost my breakfast more than once. 

So, after no discussion, we decided it in our best interest to dispose of the aquarium without delay.  Rambo now has a new home.

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He’s a survivor.  For now.

And for those of you who think it cruel that we forget to feed our fish, I’ll just have to give you my frightening look.  [frightening look.]  Daunting isn’t it?

 

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April 6, 2009 · 6:00 am

Let Them Eat Cake.


This blog is officially one year old.  Okay, one year and two days, but I figured you didn’t want to celebrate the BIG BLOG BASH on your very coveted Saturday.  I certainly didn’t want to give up my laundry and trip to the Red Carpet Car Wash.

So, here’s the celebration, folks.  Let’s party.

I said LET’S PARTY!!

Man, we are rock stars. 

You probably notice the little facelift I gave my dotcom.  I let my mom take a sneak peak yesterday. 

“Oh, it’s nice,” she said very convincingly. 

It seems my mom misses Anna’s cute little feet at the top of the page.  I’ve agreed to randomly change the pictures out from time to time.  FOR.MY.MOTHER.  Because, I’m a good daughter like that.  And, she’ll fly out here and keep my kids on a moment’s notice.

When I first began this blog, the thought occurred to me that I may have nothing to write about every single weekday.  Of course, you may be thinking, “Um, you don’t have anything to write about.”  Bigmama would tell you, “You better hush.” 

As a mother, you know we are never short on stories.  And, as long as Anna Takle is Anna Takle, there will always be a post that might make you chuckle – or just feel the need to pray for me J

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my little life and journey with our big God as much as I’ve enjoyed writing about them.  Life is hard enough to not share it with friends. 

For real.

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April 3, 2009 · 6:00 am

She Can’t “Tuch” This.

John Henry left a note for his little sister on his bedroom wall.

 

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It’s taped above his skateboard and reads, “No Anna you cannot tuch it my skatebord X.”  I can only imagine that the “X” at the end means he isn’t playin’ around.

These kids.  They make me smile.

X,
Dusty

 

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