John Henry overheard me say, “When I was married to Bryan” to my mom. The rest went something like this.
John Henry: “You weren’t married to Daddy Bryan! You’re married to Daddy Kris!”
Me: “I was married to your Daddy Bryan.”
John Henry: “No, you weren’t.”
Me: “Yes, I was. For five years! That’s how you came along.”
John Henry: (Laughing with disbelief) No you weren’t.
Me: (Laughing, too) Okay.
Another day.
Good times.
Filed under divorce, Kid Stuff, Randomness
After two weeks of indulging in holiday delights, I was excited to wake up yesterday morning to a new year. My excitement rapidly waned when I realized the coffee pot was vacant and the wireless internet was down. I could hardly look anyone in the eyes. How was I supposed to begin a day, much less a new year, without two of life’s morning essentials?
Well, making a fresh pot of java and PLUGGING THE ROUTER’S POWER CORD IN prevented any potential meltdown.
Oh, the conveniences we so quickly become dependent upon.
Lunch provided the traditional black-eyed peas and collard greens with my mom’s fresh ham. HEAVEN. And, I spent the rest of the day doing absolutely nothing meditating and rejuvenating the soul.
As I think about 2009 and any resolutions I may or may not keep, I am reminded to listen to my Father’s voice. It’s so easy to make our own plans. And, while planning is often essential and wise, I don’t want to miss the whispers. Resolving to take better care of my physical body is one thing. Resolving to be attentive to my spiritual well-being – well, that’s a whole other story.
I’m not as attentive as I probably should be every day. As a matter of fact, I have days where the first time I say God’s name is during my children’s bedtime prayers. He can handle it. He knows exactly where I am and still knows how many hairs are on my highlighted blonde head. That’s one of the amazing things about God. He knows everything single thing about us – even my calorie consumption yesterday. And, even when I fail to recognize His presence in my life, He still sits and waits with bated breath for me to call His name.
I hope He hears His name a lot more in 2009.
Filed under God Stuff, Spiritual Journey
Another year has come and gone. Many of you may be sad to see it go, while others are shouting “Glo-ree” right now. To be honest, I’ve never heard more people exclaim how ready they are for a new year. I pray that this new year is everything God wants for you.
And, He always wants good things.
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17
I’m excited about a new year with all of YOU! Thank y’all for reading and for all of your wonderful comments.
Just for funsies, here is a recent pic of my little gymnast. Who knows what this year holds for my little Nadia Comaneci. And, her momma. Whatever it holds, I’m sure you’ll read about it.
Happy New Year.
Filed under life, Randomness, Spiritual Journey
Revelations.
– I can gain weight faster than I can lose it.
– Plans change, but God is still in control.
– I love being a momma. Love it.
– Marriage can be tricky. Time alone with my husband does wonders.
– Anna’s fashion skills are evolving. Just not sure what they are evolving into.
– I use the word “ridiculous” a lot.
– It’s ridiculous how windy Oklahoma is.
– There is no problem chips and queso can’t cure. At least, for a moment.
– John Henry has a heart after God.
– American Idol is the best thing on television.
– His mercies are still new every morning.
– Sometimes, I’m a monster. According to Anna.
– Bratz dolls are ugly.
– It’s the small stuff. The small stuff.
– Always check John Henry’s pockets before going through airport security. Check again.
– Anna’s bedtime prayers are some of my favorite moments.
– Taking cheap shots at your spouse is so uncool.
– I have days that I doubt.
– But, God still parts the Red Sea.
– It’s amazing how many turtles one can trap.
– I have precious friends.
– The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory…. Exodus 15:2
Resolutions.
– Put more of my worries into the “God box.”
– Give more. And more. And more. Until it hurts.
– Encourage John Henry more.
– Become more aware of God’s presence in my life.
– Anna’s spunk and creativity are God-given. I want to embrace it more.
– Organize my family photos. Finally.
– Spend less time on the computer.
– Read more.
– Have more sex. There. I said it. You’re welcome, KT.
– Write more.
– Call people I normally don’t call.
– Have tea with Anna.
– Give each of my children one day where they choose every food and activity for the day. Within reason.
– Look into Kris’ eyes an extra few seconds.
– Have more quiet time with God.
– Watch every episode of American Idol.
– Give John Henry more of me.
– Laugh harder.
– Surrender all of me to Him.
– Buy the 80G iPod.
– Write a handwritten letter.
– Be more attentive to the whispers.
– Be more careful with my words.
– Listen to my friends. Really listen.
– Love.
– Love.
– Love.
What are your revelations and/or resolutions? Come on. Share one. Share them all!
Filed under giving, God Stuff, life, Love, Marriage, Motherhood, Randomness
Would you believe the End of the Year Favorites Party ends today? Kim’s been bossin’ me around for the past six Tuesdays. Good thing she is cute. And sweet. And laughs at my funniness.
Let’s get right to it, shall we?
Favorite 3 blogs I read. Well, let’s call it 3 OF my favorite blogs so as not to hurt virtual bloggy feelings causing my readership to go from ten to two.
Cindy Beall – I love this girl. Luh-huv her. I started reading her blog almost a year ago. I FINALLY met this Texan-born beauty last September. She even invited me to her bible study! I know, right? I keep getting invited back, because I bake the best Panera bagels. Seriously, she’s not only full of clever wit, but she is A-NOIN-TED. She’s like my very own Beth Moore but funnier.
Natalie Witcher – I’ve never met this gal who makes me laugh ‘til I pee my pants. Well, I don’t really pee in my pants. But close. She loves Bono, little waxy chocolate donuts, and God. And, she writes about all of them. I get to meet her next month. I’m stoked. God is good. Natalie is funny.
Big Mama – No. Not my Grandma “Bigmama.” Of course, both love God, but only one loves fashion. If you start following this gal’s blog, you will probably be one of ten-thousand. I’m sure it’s so cliché that I read Big Mama, but I do find her writing brilliant and full of humor I can relate to. She loves Jesus and her little girl. To.Pieces.
Add some of your favorites!
Filed under Favorite Things
We’re not busy one single bit during the holiday season. Right. We do tend to make our rounds, but I love making those rounds.
Christmas morning, two little heads peeped in to see what the fat man in a red suit delivered. Santa was unprepared Christmas Eve for the ten million stickers and parts that made the Barbie Party Cruise possible. He, or SHE rather, was exhausted by the time she made her way back up the chimney.
Oh, how I love those sleepy faces on Christmas morning.
We enjoyed lunch with Bryan’s family {John Henry’s dad}. We like to say that we put the FUN into dysfunctional. Except, we don’t call it dysfunctional. Just our normal. And, we like our normal.
Above is Bryan’s dad. Look at sweet Paw-Paw lovin’ on both my children.
I am asked so often how we do what we do. In other words, how our blended family dines together, laughs together, does life together. Simplest answer?
LOVE.
Our Christmas. Well, it was special. And yours?
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:8-14
I highlighted the “you’s” in this scripture to illustrate why God sent His son. It was for YOU. God loves us so much that He became flesh. John 1:14 tells us that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.” In Jesus, we see the glory of God’s grace and truth.
John 1:17 goes on to explain that “the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.” So God came – Jesus was born – not only to show us His grace but to give us His grace. He wants us to receive it and experience it.
This Christmas, experience this grace. This grace that forgives all of your sins and takes away all guilt.
He came to earth for you. And, He loves you more than you know.
Have a joy-filled Christmas. May peace and love be your portion this holiday season.
Love, Kris, Dusty, John Henry & Anna
This week, Kim wanted us to share our favorite song of all time and why. Since I recently wrote a similar post here, I thought I’d deviate only slightly by sharing a favorite Christmas song. Kim won’t mind, I’m sure. She is sweet like that.
My favorite Christmas song is “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)” written in 1946. I especially love Natalie Cole’s version – even more than her daddy’s version. I like to pretend I sound like her when I belt it out. And, you won’t EVEN believe me. But, I sang this song Monday night in Hilton Head with my K.T. man, his brother Leiv, and my sweet sister-in-law, Lindsey. It wasn’t karaoke night. But, where I come from, every night should be karaoke night. Right, Renice?
I always thought the line “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” sounded lovely until I actually got a whiff of them roasting on the streets of London several years ago. Beautiful thought. Not very aromatic.
Still love that song.
And, Jack Frost is certainly nipping on my nose here in the Peach State. I suspected that I would be leaving Jack in good ole’ Oklahoma. He must love following me around.
Your turn! What’s your favorite Christmas song?
Filed under Favorite Things
I love traveling with children. Love it. Love it like I love somebody eating my last Junior Mint or breaking my favorite MAC eye shadow. Our holiday travel to Georgia was A.WALK.IN.THE.PARK. compared to our summer road trip. Memba that? Oh, blessed be the name. I am aware. I AM AWARE. That I am a wee bit spoiled with private travel. So, you need not throw stones in the commentin’ area. Mkay? But, still. My children obviously do not understand how significant the lives of Edward and Bella are with their relentless inquisition and chatter. Um, can’t you see I’m reading? {Still raptured with that dang Twilight Saga. Sorry.}
Then upon descent, Anna initiates a loud, “DAD! DAD! DAD! DAD! DAD!” So much for the FAA requested sterile cockpit.
Anyhoo, we made it to our beloved G-Town. And, nothing says holiday cheer quite like watching the movie “Elf” with my dad.
Here is my favorite clip from the movie.
Luh-huv it.
Are you traveling for the holidays? Are you using duct tape to endure the travel? I kid. You know I do. Ahem.
Filed under parenting, Randomness
I consider myself a Southern girl but certainly not country. Yet, when I replay conversations in my mind, I realize just how wrong I am.
A recent conversation with The Ex:
Me: “Are you ready for Christmas?”
The Ex: “Yes. I’ve purchased John Henry’s gift, and I even bought myself a shotgun.”
Me: “Wow.”
{And, then I said it.}
Me: “You oughta come down to the farm sometime and shoot.”
I know. Right? That’s just embarrassing y’all.
Do you ever surprise yourself with the things you say?
Filed under Randomness, Say What?
wife, mother, pastor, writer
DustyTakle.com 