October 2, 2008 · 6:00 am

Pippi Longstocking called. She wants her socks back.


Here we are again.  I wish I had some life-changing wisdom to share.

I’ve been too focused on proving improving my baking skills to learn any life lessons.  Especially after all of your encouraging comments from yesterday’s post. 

No, really.  I feel the love.

I even invited my friend, Lance, over to try some tasty confections….well, spaghetti.  He gave some lame excuse about being too busy hanging out with Bill Hybels.  I suppose tomorrow he’ll be dining with Bono.

I did re-dedicate Anna to the Lord yesterday.  After I saw THIS.

“Lord, she is yours.  Use her.  Mold her.”

Granted, I purchased those socks.  However, they certainly were not meant to accessorize corduroy CAPRIS. 

Watch out Project Runway.

John Henry’s Kindergarten experience is going quite well.  He won the desperately sought after “Respect Award” for his school.  ‘Cause that’s how we roll.

Well, I’ve bragged on Anna’s ever-progressing appreciation for the fashion industry and John Henry’s impeccable manners.  It’s your turn.

Go ahead.  Brag on your bundles of joy.  It’s Fall for crying out loud. (And Sting’s birthday.) 

 

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October 1, 2008 · 6:00 am

Oh, Autumn. You’re just too marvelous for words.


Hello Fall!  Well, almost.  October is here.  Hip, hip hooray!  I’ve never heard a living soul say “I don’t like Fall.”  The foliage turns into the most perfect colors.  It provides the most enjoyable months, weather wise, in the Sooner State.  The winter months here are COLD, and I’ve experienced far too many icy road conditions and power outages.  Spring brings tornadoes and hair destroying winds.  And summers are so dang hot, it melts my make-up.  So, Fall it is.

I remember when I first moved to Oklahoma (a.k.a. tornado alley).  I noticed an umbrella broken in half lying in Kris’ backyard.  (I’m sure cleaning that up was on his list of things to do.)  “High winds”, he said.  High winds my, um my….my hiney.  In the words of my grandma, Callie Mae, “I’m not going to gee-haw with you,” I told him.  Try TORNADO.  I suppose he thought I would turn myself right ‘round and head back south if I knew the truth.  Thus, the lies began.

Oh, I kid.

Anyhoo, I do love this time of year.  I celebrate my birthday – my favorite day of the year.  Right, Cindy?  I light pumpkin-scented candles and bake pumpkin bread.  I sit on my back porch and enjoy my 2 inches of yard.  I pull out my yummy sweaters and embrace them as though I’m seeing an old friend.  I LOVE this time.  Did I mention that?

What do you love most about this time of year? 

Oh, and I so had you going on that “baking” part, didn’t I?

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September 30, 2008 · 6:00 am

Bailout plan fails. God doesn’t.


The bailout plan failed.  The Dow suffered its worst drop ever.  Yet, so many of you told me yesterday how you are expecting good things from God – and how you are enjoying His presence more than ever. 

I can’t tell you the countless number of people I’ve talked to who are going through some tough stuff.  Some are dissatisfied with where they are in life.  Some are surrendering different things to God.  And, all are praying for His direction and His peace.  And, in spite of the economy’s financial instability, dissatisfaction in careers, struggles in relationships, every single person has hope. 

I don’t enjoy financially difficult times.  I certainly didn’t enjoy a divorce.  Tough times are, well, tough.  But, I have to admit.  It is during these tough times and trials that we realize our need for God. 

If life was always easy – if we never walked through one single valley – would we realize how much we need a Savior? 

Perhaps that’s why scripture tell us to REJOICE in tribulation.  It produces perseverance.  Perseverance produces character.  And character produces HOPE.  

It’s during these times that we fall into the arms of our Father.  We fall into His love.  And, we fall into His peace.  And, we can’t help but recognize how much we need Him. 

It’s where our relationship with Christ grows.  It’s where we can be still, and know He is God.  And, know that His promises are yes and Amen.  And, know that for every disappointment is an appointment with God.  And, know that He NEVER EVER fails.

        On Christ the solid rock I stand;
        All other ground is sinking sand,
        All other ground is sinking sand.

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September 29, 2008 · 6:00 am

I’m expecting.


Gotcha.  You thought I was about to announce a bun in the oven, didn’t ya?  No.  My baby bump would be a direct result from chips and queso, thank you.

I’m expecting God to do something.  Not part the Red Sea again.  Although, sometimes, I feel like I’m standing at one.  Do you ever feel this stirring in your spirit, and you just can’t seem to put into words or completely comprehend it?  But, you know that God is doing something.  He is working something out for your good.  Or He is preparing you for a something different.

Maybe it’s because I’m being stretched right now.  I’m stepping out into things that I haven’t stepped out into before.  I’m not resisting it…..too much.  I’m trusting in Him.  I’m operating more in faith.  I’m allowing myself to be clay for the Potter.  How’s that for some good, old-fashioned ,spirit-filled talk? 

He is doing something new.  I’m not even being my usual impatient self, desperate to know what tomorrow will bring.  At least not today.  I am, however, desperate in wanting more of Him.  And, I’m just enjoying the ride along the way. 

No matter where we are in life at this moment.  In a valley.  On a mountaintop.  You can trust that our Father is always doing something new. 

For I am about to do something new.  See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?  I will make a pathway through the wilderness.  I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.  Isaiah 43:19

Are you expecting?

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September 26, 2008 · 6:00 am

The Dynamic Duo


Anna tells me a bedtime story every night.  E.V.E.R.Y. N.I.G.H.T.  I know it’s coming as soon as I say prayers and tuck her in.  If I can be honest, there are many nights I just wish she’d say goodnight after I say “Amen.”  But, how many more nights am I going to have a sweet, half-Scandinavian blonde telling me bedtime stories? 

Anna’s latest stories comprise of the adventures of God and Jesus.  Kris and I have come to refer to these stories as “The Dynamic Duo” stories.  In one story, God and Jesus flew an airplane together.  In another, they killed a bear.  Hey, they’re God and Jesus.   

The other night she told me this story.  I went to get my video camera and asked her to repeat it.  You can tell by her calm, poised demeanor that she was very aware that she was being videoed.  But, I had to share the story, her story, nonetheless.

Even a three-year old knows the mighty power of God.  Because, if Chucky Cheese was closed, they could go under it and still play games. 

You see, nothing is too big for Anna’s God (and Jesus).  How big is He to you?

 

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September 25, 2008 · 6:00 am

How do you see the glass?

The other day, we were all in the car headed to Chick-fil-A.  John Henry kept asking, “How much longer until we get there?”  You see, he was ready to hurry and get home so he could play with his brand spankin’ new Batman house.  Eventually, I had enough.  ‘Cause all mommas eventually have enough.

“John Henry, if I hear one more time how you want the ride to hurry up, you will not be getting anything from Chick-fil-A.  You can make your own dinner at home.”  And, I meant it, too.

“Well, I’ll be lucky then.”  He responded.

“Lucky?  How will that make you lucky?” I asked.

“Because, I’ll be the only one eating food from the house.  So, I’ll be lucky.”  He explained.

I couldn’t help but laugh.  I looked at my mom who was riding with me and said, “Talk about seeing the glass half full!”

I wish I could always see life that way.  But, the truth is, I don’t.  I can fall into self-pity more easily than I care to admit.  Let’s be honest.  Self-pity is pretty dang convenient.  Kind of like when my back is hurting, and I wallow in my pain long enough for Kris to serve me.  That’s convenient.  But, when that pain becomes my focus, I fail to see the fact that I can still walk.  That I can still enjoy all five senses.  That my life is blessed. 

So, when life hands you lemons.  Enjoy those lemons.  My Uncle Ken says “lemons are the essence of life.”  I’m really not sure what he means by that, but I do know that he likes fresh-squeezed lemonade. 

I’m gonna really try harder to have John Henry’s attitude who also said after losing his first soccer game, “Was I great out there?”  Oh, yes he was.

How do you see the glass?

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September 24, 2008 · 6:00 am

What’s governing you?


Several days ago, the stock market plummeted.  Banks are in trouble.  Big time companies like AIG are being bailed out by our federal government.  What does this do to American spending? 

More than likely, it instills a bit of fear in us. 

Just like my experience on Monday with a complete stranger entering my house and trying to open windows – I felt fear.

Fear comes in many forms.  And, if we allow it, it will govern us.  We won’t give tithes or offerings, because we are fearful there won’t be enough money left over.  We stop letting our children play outside, because we are afraid of mentally disturbed neighbors approaching.  We don’t want to commit in a relationship, because we have fears of getting hurt again.  We don’t apply for that job, because we’ve been rejected before.  What if we are turned down again?  We live a life filled with anxiety, because we fear losing control.

When we let these fears govern us, we become victims and not victors.  We forget who we are in Christ.  And, we operate in fear instead of faith.  And, not only do we fail to live the life He has called us to live, but we fail to live in Him.

As a matter of fact, Satan uses fear to keep you from God’s best.  Uh huh.  Sure does.  Proverbs 12:25 says “an anxious heart weighs a man down.”  How can we be all that God wants us to be, and how can we enjoy His very best for us when fear and anxiety govern us?

Let’s take those fears and surrender them to our Heavenly Father.  Let’s give our worries to Him.  And, not take them back.  How do we do this?

Scripture is pretty clear.  6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

Are your finances causing you to live in fear?  Your children?  Do you fear failure?  Is fear governing your life – your decisions – instead of obedience to Him?  Instead of His promises? 

What do you fear?  Take that fear and nail it to the cross.  Go to Him in prayer.  And, let the peace of God that passes all understanding flood your heart and mind.  Give it to Him.  And, don’t take it back.

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September 23, 2008 · 6:00 am

What a strange Monday.


Yesterday was.

Let’s see.  I took the kiddos to school.  Went out to breakfast with the parental units.  Took my dad to the airport.  (Mom is staying with us a few more days.  Hooray!)  I went by our office, ran a few other random errands, and headed back home.  But, when I walked into my house, I found my mom and my friend, Jennifer, locking the front door and debating their next move.

A disturbed neighborhood boy had a few moments earlier entered our house uninvited.  My mom yelled at him to leave.  He did, but immediately returned and tried to push the door back open.  Mom and Jen managed to shut the door and lock it.  That’s where I entered. 

When I saw the young man trying to open a bedroom window, I dialed 911.  This time, our 911 call would be legit.  Unlike this time.  When his efforts failed, he decided to try another window.  My big, bad yellow dog stared him down, and he turned away.  But not far away.  Only to our front porch.

Where he lied down.

Yes.  He decided to enjoy a warm, fall day on my porch steps.  After he realized I was not going to serve him up some lemonade, he went about his merry way, lurking in other neighbor’s windows.

Three police cars arrived, and one officer wrestled the poor fellow to the ground and put him in the back of his car.  My emotions vacillated between sadness for the young man and fear.  I was saddened that the boy was not being properly cared for. 

And, I was fearful to learn that he lived across the street from me.  And, my children.

Without delay, I surrendered those fearful thoughts to God.  I prayed that my Savior would capture every thought and every fear that was not from Him.  This doesn’t mean that I won’t be more aware of my surroundings.  I will.  But, I will trust in the One who says that He, “has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”  (2 Timothy 1:7)

So, when the enemy comes at you with fear, remind him of who you are.  A child of God.  Bought with a price.  Redeemed and forgiven.  Hidden with Christ in God.  Seated with Jesus Christ.  More than a conqueror. 

You are victorious.  Because, He has made you that way.  Can I get an Amen?

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

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September 22, 2008 · 6:00 am

What Kind?

Well, our weekend went off spectacularly.  John Henry played his first soccer game, and he thought the tumble and roll was the best part of the game.  Here he is before the uniform needed a good washing.

 

We were pretty certain this girl here was our ringer.

Not so much.

Anyhoo, the start of Takle/Landreth sports has begun.  And, we couldn’t be more excited or proud.

Anna, much like her momma, kicked it back and soaked it all in.

As I gave John Henry one of his birthday gifts, I told him it was from his Dad.

His response and, no doubt, quote of the weekend, “What kind?”

In other words, which dad?

We all laughed at our not so normal life.

People often ask us how we do what we do.  How do Kris and Bryan do dinner together, laugh together, and share the joys of one amazing boy together?  I don’t know that I ever explain it all very well.  This is what I do know:

– After Bryan and I separated (and I was pregnant with John Henry), I prayed several scriptures over Bryan’s life.  (Thank you, Bob and LaRue McDaniel, for your amazing book, “Pray the Word”.)

– I chose forgiveness. 

– I married a man who not only loves me, but loves John Henry so much that he loves Bryan, too.

– I took ownership in “my stuff.”

– I thank God every day that His mercies are new every morning.

Because, I need them.  We all need them.  And, I know that I know that I know, that I am nothing without Him. 

What kind of dad?  The kind that loves.

Aren’t you glad our heavenly Father loves us no matter what?

 

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September 19, 2008 · 6:00 am

Celebrate Good Times.

I’ve spent a lot of time this week getting our house ready for John Henry’s birthday celebration.  My parents arrived yesterday, and my dad had his list of restaurants he needed to hit before departing the great state of Oklahoma.  Daddy Bryan arrives this evening. 

We decided to make the weekend a family affair for the most part, and John Henry didn’t seem to mind scaling down his bash as long as Optimus Prime made an appearance on his birthday cake.  No, I didn’t ask for Kris’ assistance.  The Super Target bakery will do just fine, thank you.

We all get to watch John Henry play his first game of soccer tomorrow morning.  It should be a wonderful weekend centered on a tender-hearted, soon to be six-year old. 

Not much sweeter than time with family.  It’s that kind of love that gives our children a foundation that will weather anything.

“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children.  One is roots.  The other is wings.”  – Hodding Carter, Jr.

What are your weekend plans?

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