DustyTakle.com

September 18, 2008 · 6:00 am

Shot to the heart.

It’s no secret that I don’t shine in the kitchen. But, when John Henry told me this, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Me: John Henry, do you want me to make your Transformers birthday cake?

John Henry: Can you?

Me: I can try.

John Henry: Well. Okay, but get daddy to help you. He’s good at making stuff.

It’s as if he’s never tasted my Kraft mac & cheese.

Of course, my cake would probably end up posted here.

I’ve had the pleasure to attend a bible study on Tuesday mornings with some really cool ladies. She, like, makes breakfast treats for us from scratch. Then, she brought cute, little homemade muffins this past Tuesday. I hope they all still love me when I pick up bagels from the bagel shop one day. ‘Cause they will be bought with love. Just like Christ bought us with love. Not to compare purchasing breakfast items with God’s redemption of mankind. Anyhoo.

How are your skills in the kitchen? Wanna share a favorite cool weather meal, treat, or recipe?

8 Comments

Filed under Motherhood, Randomness

Tagged as baking, birthdays, cakes, cooking

September 17, 2008 · 6:00 am

Gee Wally. School kids can be so mean.

Monday wasn’t too much of a departure from most of my Mondays. I dragged myself out of bed and headed straight for the java.

I went to our office and caught up on some accounting. Do wha? Dusty, you actually go to an office? Yes.I.Do. As little as possible.

But, it was later where my day took quite the turn. I volunteered in John Henry’s classroom to help his teacher with centers time. One precious gift from God asked me if I was John Henry’s grandma. GRANDMA. I smirked at her as if we were both in the 8^th grade and said, “Um, no. I’m his mother.”

I know you are, but what am I?

Then, I thought to myself, “Glad I’m not your mother.” (Sometimes, I tell the Holy Spirit, “Excuse me a minute while I take care of some fleshly business.”)

Then, another little short person stared at my hair. “That’s funny. You have brown underneath and blonde on top,” the darling said, as she continued to stroke my hair. “It’s kind of weird.”

Yeah, well, you’re weird.

Okay, I didn’t say that. That would just be cruel. I am the bigger person. Ahem.

On the way home, I informed John Henry of the two girls he wouldn’t be bringing home to meet the parents. He understood.

So, how do you handle criticism…or just downright meanness?

In my case, I put my hairstylist on speed dial, and thanked the good Lord my brother-in-law is Dr. Leiv Takle, ophthalmologist and ocular plastics surgeon extraordinaire. Looks like I’ll be needing those botox injections sooner than I thought.

8 Comments

Filed under Kid Stuff

Tagged as children, school

September 16, 2008 · 6:00 am

A Candid Look Into Porn

I don’t struggle with porn personally. But, I know many do.

I struggle with the fact that pornography is something so few of us talk about. I struggle with how it has destroyed marriages, hurt children, and shattered lives.

It’s such a taboo subject that men and women don’t feel comfortable discussing their addiction to porn. Sometimes, not even with his or her accountability partner.

But, there is hope.

I want to encourage every single one of you to read Cindy Beall’s very personal story on how pornography affected her marriage. And, how God restored it.

And, remember, God’s restoration is not restoring something to as it was, but rather restoring it to what He created it to be.

Please, take the time to read Cindy’s story. Her transparency will inspire you and her testimony will give you hope.

You can also read Cindy’s book here.

We serve a God who heals, redeems, and restores.

11 Comments

Filed under Marriage, Relationships, sex, Virtue

Tagged as Cindy Beall, Marriage, pornography

September 15, 2008 · 6:00 am

Accountability

I sometimes wonder how many problems we could avoid in life if we all had accountability partners, and we shared our deepest thoughts with that partner. Good.Bad.And.Ugly.

What is accountability? Merrian-Webster defines it as “an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.”

An accountability partner is someone you share your struggles or thoughts with and answer to that person. That person is a safe place who brings to the table trust and support. And, every word spoken to him or her is held in confidence.

One of my accountability partners is my mother. Now, I understand that for many of you, telling your momma every single thing is unimaginable. So, don’t. Pick another person who loves you and who loves Jesus. But, I tell my mom every thought that she needs to hear as my accountability partner. I do not reveal things to her that Kris and I share in confidence with one another. But, if I’m struggling with something or a SIN (GASP), I tell her. And, she holds me accountable.

It’s probably saved me from a world of hurt many times. I’ve confessed some brow raising thoughts. She didn’t judge. She didn’t gasp (except once when I was 18 years old, and I shared just a wee bit too much information for her at that time.) Now, that’s a story I could never blog about. For real.

She listens. She prays. And, she helps me put things into a Godly perspective, then holds me accountable. ‘Cause that’s what an accountability partner does.

These friendships, however, are more than just a confession session. I believe pure, authentic accountability fans the flames of our passion for Christ. It becomes a catalyst for spiritual growth.

And, if you are thinking there is no one you know who could be your safe place, pray. If you’d like, tell me. I’ll pray with you that God sends that safe place to you.

If we all learned the value in accountability, I think this world would look much, much different. Seekers would run to the church, because they see authenticity and refuge.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:2

What do you think? Do you have an accountability partner?

7 Comments

Filed under Spiritual Journey

Tagged as accountability, spiritual growth

September 12, 2008 · 6:00 am

Healthy Livin’

Okay, Shari Lynn. You asked for it.

I’m not as skinny as I used to be, ‘cause I like food. But, I do try to stay within my healthy weight range. Which gives me about a good 20 pounds of leeway.

I am far, far from perfect. And, I can eat my weight of eighty pounds more than one-hundred pounds in chocolate.

But, most days, I am generally mindful of what foods enter my mouth. Most days. I do believe that our weight is eighty-percent of our diet. I don’t say that to discount exercise. Exercise is good for the body, mind and soul. I try to get in a decent work-out four days a week. I used to push for six days. Hence, the “I’m not as skinny as I used to be.” Since John Henry started Kindergarten, I’m finding that I have to make myself go to the gym. ‘Cause nothing beats sitting on the sofa in my PJs eating a box of Cheez-its.

Here are a few things I do day-to-day to maintain a healthy-ish weight:

1) I never, EVER skip breakfast. You’ve heard it said a gazillion times. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I believe it. Not only does it get the brain and body functioning efficiently, but it also jump-starts the metabolism. When you skip this necessary meal, you teach your body to store fat. Our bodies are smart. It will store fat and subsequently slow down the metabolism, because it knows it will be a while before it gets more nutrition. This is no problem for me. I wake up starvin’ Marvin. EAT BREAKFAST. Mmkay?

2) I drink water. A lot of it. Not as much as my momma drinks. She is about outlandish with her H₂O consumption. But, I usually always choose water, even over diet sodas. And, it’s good for your complexion. Remember, sometimes when you think are hungry, you might just be dehydrated. Drink up. Water, that is. My new favorite water beverage is Smart Water. It’s pricey. But, I love the way the bottle feels in my hand. And, I have this secret hope that it will make me look like Jennifer Aniston.

3) I don’t deny myself foods I love. I just don’t over-indulge. All things in moderation – except chips and queso. No such thing as moderation there.

4) I exercise. You don’t’ have to sweat until you pass out. Just move the body. And, the older we get, the more important strength training becomes. So, they tell me. I do a lot of floor exercises and don’t use a lot of weight. For my upper body, I do push-ups. The real kind. No wimpy girl-stuff here. My lower body presently needs my attention. Suggestions? Please, don’t say squats. Puh-leese don’t.

I have good food choice days and bad. I don’t let guilt consume me for making a poor choice. There is always tomorrow, according to Scarlett O’Hara.

Okay. Your turn. What do you do to stay healthy? Christie Arnold, I’m sure you can add to this one – you healthy, personal trainer you.

Oh, and my friend, Kim Heinecke, loves the Magic Bullet. I have no idea what it does, but she is skinny. Must be the magic?

Have a good weekend, and go easy on the wings.

18 Comments

Filed under health

Tagged as exercise, health, nutrition

September 11, 2008 · 6:00 am

My Favorite Things. Your Favorite Things. (2nd Edition)

My, my. You people know what you like.

Hope commented:

“Y’all probably don’t need this kind of moisturizing but up here in Canada … whoa! Dr. Denese (probably on your QVC) sells a face “oil” that doesn’t leave a trace of oil, doesn’t clog pores and leaves your skin feeling like it was just made. It’s called Hydro Shield Moisturizing Face Serum. Did I mention that my fine wrinkles have all but disappeared!”

I didn’t know what a fine wrinkle was until I hit my thirties. But God is good, and He has His scientists at work developing formulas to make fine lines a thing of the past. ‘Cause If I have faith like the grain of a mustard seed….

Now, Marla loves a lot of things, including Mexican food, but I couldn’t have agreed more when she commented:

“I LOVE LOVE LOVE Burt’s Bees Champagne lip shimmer stick. It just adds a little sheer shimmer to your lips, kind of a sun kissed look.”

I, too, love and use Burt’s Bees Champagne shimmer stick. My lips have never looked so hydrated with a kissable, pinkish frost.

Karen e-mailed me this product that has revolutionized her mornings:

“Senseo Deluxe Single Cup Coffee Maker! I couldn’t live without it. Chris & I both drink coffee throughout the day. There’s nothing worse than stale, burnt coffee that’s sat in a pot being heated for 2 hours. Not even the thermal carafes did any better. Then, I found the Senseo on Amazon.com. It makes 1 cup of coffee at a time using a pod. You get the same flavor every time. You don’t have to worry about how much coffee you put in or how strong/weak it will be. The grounds are contained in the pod. It just lifts out & gets thrown away. What’s even easier is Amazon has the pods for it, and they are reasonably priced. You can also subscribe & get a discount. I do that with coffee & tea.”

Now, for you men who like to smell real nice for your lay-deez – or you men on the prowl wondering why the women just aren’t that into you, this one is for you:

Chrome by Loris Azzaro. I just purchased this cologne for Kris. He sprays it on, and I am in L-O-V-E. It’s wonderful, I tell you. It’s sexy and masculine.

Shari Lynn wants to know some of my diet and exercise tips. God bless her to think I have some. Maybe, I’ll post on that one tomorrow. And, your feedback will be more than welcomed.

3 Comments

Filed under Favorite Things

Tagged as Bert's Bees shimmer stick, coffee, cologne, facial serum, Favorite Things

September 10, 2008 · 6:00 am

Sometimes, I need a kick in the booty.

There are days I get so wrapped up in myself, it’s disgusting.

I spent the greater part of yesterday afternoon stressing – yes, stressing – over airline tickets for Disney World and at which resort to stay. Disney World, people. During my self-absorbed time where I was my main focus, my friend was at the doctor worried about her young son.

After she e-mailed me an update on her precious little boy, I put all of my stuff aside and prayed. Suddenly my stuff, my stress became so trivial. My obsession over me made me sick.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Ain’t no shame in spending time with Mickey Mouse and his friends. If you don’t believe me, just ask this girl. But, when we become so darn attentive on our wants and needs alone, we so miss God.

God has created us for His glory. Not ours. Right this very minute, I want more of Him and way less of me. I want to be more in tune to what He wants. And, He wants me to walk through this life in such a way that gives Him glory. I do this by living beyond myself.

Many times I think stress becomes selfish. Because in it, we can forget God and His sovereignty. Or, as in my case, we fail to recognize that others around us are having a really bad day. Then, life jumps back into perspective.

I love how God can ever so gently nudge me sometimes and say, “Hey, Dusty, it’s not all about you.”

No Sir, it’s not. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30

7 Comments

Filed under God Stuff

Tagged as life, perspective, selfishness

September 9, 2008 · 6:00 am

It’s always her.

I have lived with my husband’s problem for more than five years now. I’ve encouraged him to seek counseling, but he is convinced that he does not have a problem.

“It’s been a part of me since I was seventeen. I can’t let go of it.” Kris has explained over and over.

For the longest time, I tried to deny it was there. I buried my head into the other parts of the garage where I wouldn’t be able to see it. But, I know it’s there. He knows it’s there. And, I’m currently reconciling the fact that it will always be a part of him. So, it will always be a part of me. Unless, the Holy Spirit convicts him otherwise.

Until then, this will be in my garage.

I’ve learned to live with it. He’s not ready to deal with the issue. And, I am going to love him through it. ‘Cause that’s what a good wife does. I cannot tell you the last time this 1991 Ford Mustang had a bath, was taken for a drive, or was just simply sat in. But, it (she) is a part of us.

And, he can’t let her go.

So often we hold onto things that keep us from moving forward in Christ. We develop unhealthy attachments to things, addictions, even people. I’m not talking about your high school car or your 8-track collection. I’m talking about those things that are hindrances to your relationship with Christ and His call on your life.

Philippians 3:13-14 says 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Are you holding onto to something that is hindering your growth in Christ?

Or, do you own something that you could never part with? Like your first Swatch watch or Members Only jacket?

9 Comments

Filed under Spiritual Journey

Tagged as letting go

September 8, 2008 · 6:00 am

I get letters.

In my inbox. Who uses snail mail anymore?

My very good friend, Kate, e-mailed me last Friday about her sweet time she had with Jesus that morning. Something she said really got to me.

“No matter how much I have in my life that I don’t want, I HAVE SO MUCH in my life THAT I DO WANT! There are blessings all around me that I can overlook by searching for a certain blessing.”

How often I have those little aha moments (thanks, Oprah). And, how often I let my search for other things (or my discontentment with present things) rob me of the blessings that are staring me square in the face.

I tried to impart this message to my children Friday night. They sat at their cute little table eating their hotdogs, chips and grapes – an obvious dinner of champions. I didn’t nuke these wieners in the microwave. Nosireebob. They were grilled, baby. One would think that they would have appreciated the pig on their plate, but all they could say was “Mom, you forgot our drinks!”

Such Friday night kitchen efforts, ahem, meant nothing to my precious gifts from God. I forgot to serve them an ice cold beverage.

It’s hard to expect my little ones to grasp this kind of gratitude when I so easily forget my own blessings. But, I’m learning.

By the way, here are Kate and I circa 1989.

What? You didn’t accent turquoise turtlenecks with purple cardigans? We didn’t even have to try to look that cool. It just came naturally. With the help of hot rollers, of course. I don’t think I’ve said the word hot roller since 1990. Blessed be His name.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Let today be a day that we are thankful for we DO have. Amen, Sister Kate?

17 Comments

Filed under gratitude

Tagged as blessings, gratitude, thankful

September 5, 2008 · 6:00 am

These small hours.

I have these moments. Still moments that I honestly hang onto with serious vigor. You know those moments that you and your spouse look at each other and laugh. When your child looks in wonderment at her own shadow. When your son discovers that he can finally snap his fingers. When you are all together doing nothing but still soaking up the minutes like a sponge.

I had one of these moments last night watching Kris wrestle with the kids. Listening to Anna tell her daddy that she is “throwing one-hundred different kinds of smoke.” Laughing at John Henry as he removed his shirt, flexed his muscles, and growled like the Hulk.

I have these moments.

Where I really, truly appreciate that moment. Right there.

I love those moments.

The Rob Thomas tune, “Little Wonders” from Meet the Robinsons always makes me reflect on those moments.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and remember that our lives are made in these small hours.