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?

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January 29, 2009 · 6:00 am

My day in pictures…almost.


Well, Chuck, the day started with a beautiful white blanket on the ground and the stunning sun in the sky….something I had missed for the past few days.

I knew this day would be great.  School or no school.  We all got dressed.  I put on make-up.  Elements my face had not seen the day before.  Anna requested I “twist” her hair.  I finally figured out she meant braids.  She wanted four braids.  I talked her into two.  The true miracle of the day.

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She hates the camera. 

We ventured to the mall where I spent my usual dollar on this excuse for a carousel that my children never seem to tire of. 

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Okay, so far so good.

We ate a late lunch in the mall food court.  By late, I mean 2:00 when I realized I had not fed my children.  They didn’t seem to hold it against me.

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Again, she HATES the camera.  Hardly notices it at all.

Hotel For Dogs began at 2:30, so I knew we needed to post haste. 

So, we headed to the theater, purchased our tickets and loaded up on our treats, which you practically have to take out a small loan for. 

And, then it happened.

Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, I have no picture of this next climatic moment, so do your best to imagine the scene.

John Henry has his popcorn and Icee in his capable, growing hands.  I have my Junior Mints in my purse and Anna’s popcorn and Icee in my hands. 

“Mooommm!  I want to carry my OWN popcorn and Icee!”  Anna pleaded.  Pa-lee-ded.

“Anna, you aren’t old enough to carry your own.  You have to six years old,” I explained.

“But MOOOOMMMM!!!!”  She let out one final whimper then tugged on my arm and somehow intertwined her leg between both of mine.

KER-PLOP!

Down I went.  The least graceful face plant you’ve ever seen.  Then, Anna followed suit. 

The greatest victims were the popcorn and Icee, of course.

Brilliant. 

Let’s just skip past all of the on-lookers who felt sorry for the poor little mother managing her children on a snow day.  The kind movie food people (feel free to use that one) replaced my shattered items at no charge. 

Of course, there was no replacing my dignity. 

At least, the kids continued to enjoy their day at the movies.

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As for me, well, I had to keep my left hand wrapped tightly around my cold water bottle to lessen the pain of the carpet burn I acquired in the trauma.

After the movie, we enjoyed what was left of our white blanket.

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So did this guy.

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Later, I self-medicated with a glass of wine and read this text from my husband:

“Oh no.  You know I am falling down laughing right now.”

I had that one coming to me.  I assure you.

School is back in session today.  While there were a few rough patches in the past 72 hours, there were certainly a plethora of memories of made. 

And, those are the things that life is made of. 

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow, what a ride!'”  – Unknown

 

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January 28, 2009 · 6:00 am

The initial thought of a snow day sounds nice.


Then, you have one.  And, you pray and pray that school is open the next day.  That’s today.  It’s not.  For the love.

I did my best to keep the little people entertained yesterday.  I even let them make edible playdough.

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That would be blue food coloring that when mixed with tan colored dough looks like something that just came out of Shrek’s nose.  Sorry.  It’s true.

And, yes.  I did taste it.  Once.

Of course, after hearing all morning how they just had to play outside, I gave in, despite the arctic-like temperature.  At least, arctic where I come from.

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It was co-oh-old.  So, I wished them well and headed back in like a good mother.  John Henry wasn’t too far behind me.  “It is fa-fa-freezing out there,” he commented as he came back inside.

“Johnry!!!”  That would be the littlest Takle still outside crying, because her brother was done with the cold.  She’s a brave one.  Much to her chagrin, she came back inside.

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And, ate the sleet off of her jeans.

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 At this point, I had to make a decision if it was more dangerous braving the icy road conditions or staying cooped up at home with two little people.

So, we loaded up….  Okay, Kris came home, and we went to CVS.  ‘Cause that’s how we roll. 

Kris promised the kids he would take them back outside, because he knew mom was D-O-N-E.  They made snow, pardon, sleet angels.

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Yes, Anna’s pants are on backwards.  And, so were her underwear, but that’s another story.  “I like them backwards!”  She claims. 

Today, we are getting out and going to the movies.  I don’t care how much those Jr. Mints will cost.   Must.Get.Out.

The sweet little fire and hot chocolate just aren’t cutting it any more.  I’m entering my own personal state of emergency that only the Goose can cure. 

You know I kid.  Sort of.

What do you do when you are cooped up in the house?

 

 

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January 27, 2009 · 6:00 am

One of the many reasons I love being Anna’s Mommy.


Me:  “Anna, what do you want to be when you grow up?”

Anna:  “Lots of good stuff.”

She just makes me smile.

Again.

And, again.

If I play my cards right….well, if I do what scripture tells me to do as her mommy, she just might grow up to be and do lots of good stuff.

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.  Proverbs 22:6

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January 26, 2009 · 6:00 am

A Safe Place.


I’ve been blessed over the years to have people in my life who are a safe place for me.  By safe place, I mean friends who let me be Dusty without passing judgment.  I can tell anything to these friends and know that my words – my feelings – spoken in confidence will remain in confidence.  These same friends can speak into my life when I am out of line, because they truly love me. 

They would never let me wear bulky shoes with a feminine dress.  Nor would they let me eat a hot Krispy Kreme donut all by myself.  And, they would never, ever uncover any yuck part of me. 

Whenever we uncover another, we create a path of destruction for that person to have to travel down.  Unfortunately, I have had moments in my life where I have done just that. 

But, I have learned from those moments.  And, I have become a safe place for others.

I’m grateful for these safe places.

Do you have a safe place?  Are you a safe place for someone else? 

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January 23, 2009 · 6:00 am

You’ve Got Mail!


First, I’d like to give a big shout out to all you readers and commenters.  Y’all sure do know how to make a girl feel encouraged.  Your e-mails and comments after yesterday’s post put a spring in my step and a Cherry Diet Dr. Pepper from Sonic in my hand.  Okay, so you didn’t put the tasty beverage in my hand, but I know you would have.  That little thirst quencher with the perfected ice has become a recent must have.  But, this is not my post at all.  It’s so unlike my writing style to chase rabbits or talk about things that have no significance whatsoever. 

You may or may not know that President Obama is a self-confessed Blackberry addict.  I hardly meet a smartphone user who isn’t addicted to its massive communication abilities.  I will just confess right now that I find it difficult to ignore the little “ding” my iPhone makes when I’ve got mail.  Then, there is mobile Twitter, mobile Facebook, and other random applications that seem to capture my attention.

KT can say nothing.  He tends to fall into a Blackberry coma most days.

Since President Obama is….well, like the President, there were some security concerns with his e-mails on his Blackberry being hacked into or a GPS being used to track his whereabouts.  Because of the president’s reluctance to give up his Blackberry, the National Security Agency approved a $3,350 smartphone for his use, humorously called the “Barackberry.”  I know.  Kind of cute.

Apparently, President Bush and others before him were forced to give up using e-mail while in office.  Humph.  Things I didn’t know.  And, for that very reason, I could never be president.  Well, and because attending all of those inauguration balls would keep me up past my bedtime.

I do think that persistent mobile phone use when you are around friends is rude.  I’m as guilty as they come.  Which, apparently, means I’m rude.

What do you think?  Do people like me – the mobile addicted sorts – bother you?

Do you have a smartphone or do you just {gasp} utilize your mobile to make calls?

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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. 

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January 21, 2009 · 6:00 am

Only Aretha could still get R-E-S-P-E-C-T wearing that hat.


I know you’re all probably inaugurated out.  Between Aretha singing with that big bow on her head and hearing the word “historic” a record-breaking number of times, I’m sure you’re ready to just get on with this season’s American Idol and The Office. 

But, my son reminded me of one of our greatest civic duties yesterday.

John Henry watched a portion of President Barack Obama’s inauguration at school.

“I saw President George Bush and his wife.”  He said.  (I just think it’s the cutest thing ever that he says “his wife.”  I know, I know.  It’s a momma thing.)

“President Obama is going to the White House,” he explained.

“Yes, he is.  What do you think about that?”  I asked him.

“I’m going to pray for him,” he responded.

I think I am, too.

For me, that was my favorite moment yesterday.

“So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled.”  – President Barack Obama   

Do you have a favorite moment from yesterday’s big event?

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January 20, 2009 · 6:00 am

Sometimes, all you need are chocolate and sleep.


Our kids spent the weekend with their Falon and Jenny (Falon’s mom.)  That meant two full days of KT and Dusty Takle time.

To commemorate our all adult weekend, we decided to do a little staycation at the Skirvin Hilton downtown.

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We arrived (sounds like we drove for hours, doesn’t it) at the Skirvin on Saturday afternoon….after a grueling 15 minute drive. 

We had planned to hit Bricktown, and Live.It.Up.  But the thought of even leaving the hotel to get dinner did not sound the least bit appealing.  So, we decided to eat at the little pub in the hotel. 

To top off our wild and crazy night, I stopped by the hotel shop and picked up a couple of sundries.

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It’s not Junior Mints or Sour Patch Kids, but they’ll do in a pinch. 

Sidebar:  I know those roots of mine are quite disturbing.  I apologize for the sudden gasp you just let out.  This serious matter will be rectified this week.  And, if you think that’s bad, you should see my toes.  I’m a total train wreck.  Perhaps, I need a full day at the spa.  Ahem, Kris Takle.

After I enjoyed a few bites of chocolate, it was time for you know what.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is where the magic happened.

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That’s right.  Ten hours of uninterrupted sleep.  TEN hours!  Told you it was magic.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some personal items to attend to.

 

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January 19, 2009 · 6:00 am

In the name of love.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that”.  – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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