May 30, 2008 · 7:00 am

Hope does not disappoint.


Last night was special.  I was with some of my closest friends.  As I looked around the room, I took notice of every single friend.  I thought to myself, in amazement, what each one has endured – and, how each one was still standing.

For all of us girls, it’s been about real covenant friendship.  A kind of “no matter what” friendship.  A friendship where we have grown together in Him.  A friendship based on that very foundation. 

We have rejoiced with one another.  We have cried with one another. 

None of us have been immune to disappointments. 

Some of us were widowed in our twenties and thirties.

Some of us were left to parent alone.

Some of us have experienced broken hearts and shattered dreams.

Some of us have lost a child.

We know pain.  We know disappointment.

But, we also know this:

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment.  Romans 5:3-5

Knowing this doesn’t magically obliterate pain or erase the past.  But it does let us embrace how much Jesus loves us and how much we love each other. 

Because, hope does not disappoint.  And, we will never stop hoping.

That Romans 5 scripture has carried me through a lot of disappointments.  Do you have a special scripture that carries you through yours?

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May 29, 2008 · 7:00 am

Turtle Trapping.


Yesterday morning I woke up, had some coffee, and watched one of those popular morning shows.  One segment was on how many Americans are heading to food banks for the first time due to a deteriorating economy.  I was especially moved by one working, single mother of two children who was really feeling the effects of the current economic climate.  I immediately thought about how blessed I am to still get my food from the local grocer.

I tell Kris, “Let’s go buy groceries for someone struggling today!”

This is the part where you expect to read about the incredible day the Takle family had reaching out to people in need.  You know, feeding the poor, etc.

Kris, who is usually pretty responsive to giving to others, replied, “We’ve got to go check on the turtle trap.”

Do wha? 

You see, Kris loves his family’s farm in Georgia.  And here of late, he’s been ultra concerned about the turtles killing the lake’s bass and brim.  Well, who wouldn’t be?

Some of you are gonna be so jealous how I spent my day…..

First, Kris thought it best to replace the boat’s oars.

I say, why not use the tools from the land?  But Kris bought this handy trolling motor instead.

As it turned out, I was kind of glad he did.  Because, we trolled.

And we trolled.

All the way to check on this little gadget.

This, dear friends, is a turtle trap.  The excitement is just overwhelming.  Kris placed it in the lake the day after we arrived in Georgia.  Since that day, he hasn’t stopped asking, “I wonder how many turtles we’ve trapped!”  I know you are on the edge of your seats right now with suspense.

Much to his dismay, none.  And, much to my relief, I didn’t have to retrieve the little creatures.

Guess, we’ll feed the poor another day.  Or at least, take ‘em fishing.

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May 28, 2008 · 7:00 am

Calling all mommas of little girls.

Anna is only 3 ½.  Isn’t it amazing that even at such a young age, she knows what she likes and what she doesn’t?  When watching those girly commercials with everything from “My Little Pony” to “Barbie Mariposa”, she will usually shout, “I want one does”.  We oblige some wants and not others.  Take for example, the “Bratz dolls”.  Aside from these dolls having the oddest little features, they look like little hussies.  Sorry.  I’m just not comfortable with Anna dressing these dolls in their little skimpy outfits.  I realize this may make me totally unpopular with some moms and possibly get me kicked out of a Mom’s Club or two, but it’s a choice that I make for my daughter right now.

I want her to grow up to be a woman of virtue.  (Please note:  I do believe your little girls can play with Bratz dolls and still be virtuous.)  I recognize that I have a very long road ahead of me and, a lot of unforeseen battles.  This, I know.  We used to talk a lot about purity – about how true love really waits.  When I was a teenager, I bought into this.  I want Anna to buy into it, too.  One of the best ways, I think, to make virtue important to Anna….and to John Henry, too…..is to expose them daily to the One who came that “I might have life and have it more abundantly.”  And, for both of them to see Kris and I bringing glory to Him.  Oh, we’re gonna have days, and we do, where we fail miserably.  But, I hope that they forgive us when we do, and are inspired when we get it right.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.  Proverbs 31:30

What do you think is okay or not okay for your little girl?

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May 27, 2008 · 7:00 am

Road Trip Rewind – Part 2 of 2


On the road again.  After having to adjust Anna’s headset a gazillion times (which involves me unbuckling, turning around and placing it back on her head, because she won’t sit still), we had to come up with a resolution.  I couldn’t decide what was worse, the constant aggravation of the headset on my wiggle worm or having to listen to Disney and Pixar’s greatest flicks from the stereo speakers.  So, The Waterhorse, Enchanted, and Meet the Robinsons it was. 

By the time we reached Tennessee, I thought I’d show the kids how to make a truck driver blow his horn.  The first two truck drivers were glued to their cell phones.  The third looked at me like I was from another planet.  (At this point in the trip, I felt the same thing.)

In thinking how times had changed, I wondered if pulling the air horn still existed.   I took out my handy iPhone and googled….”international signal for getting truck drivers to toot their horn.”  I’m not EVEN making this up.  Yes, I googled “toot”…..and assumed it was “international.” 

Much to my surprise, and I’m sure yours, it turned up results that answered my inquiry.  Yep, pulling the air horn is still the signal.  And, truck driver #4 obliged.  As did #5, and #6 and #7. 

Kris threatened to drop me off at the Nashville airport if I solicited another horn-tootin’ truck driver.

I don’t know.  I suddenly found myself squirming every time I passed a truck driver.  But, I resisted my urge…although, getting dropped off at the nearest airport wouldn’t have been such a bad thing, I didn’t think.

So, I began to wonder in my delirium, “Is my life that void of adventure that I am filling it with air horns?”  I immediately reminisced back to my care-free days of moving real estate signs.  (Insert sigh.)

After hearing “are we there yet?”  the next 400 miles that remained, Anna’s squealing pleasant singing voice, and a whining dog, I decided on the following:

I am married to a pilot.  We have access to various aircraft.  Next time, we will fly.  I will tap the kids’ college funds or sell a kidney (Kris’, of course) to pay for it.  I am equally fine with both.

On a brighter note, it really wasn’t all that bad, I suppose.  I did get to finish off Anna’s M&M Blizzard from Dairy Queen, and I also got some good blog material.

The End.

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May 26, 2008 · 7:00 am

Road Trip Rewind – Part 1 of 2


There are days that Kris and I make the wisest of decisions for our family.  Then, there are days where we, I don’t know, decide to take a road trip with two kids and a dog. 

There are 900 miles between Oklahoma and Georgia.  And, in my husband’s infinite wisdom, he thought it best to knock every mile out in one day.  So, we did.

I prepared for our little family adventure with new movies for the kids, blankies, and plenty of snacks.  I did, however, forget the Jack Daniels – an omission that will not happen again.  Oh, I jest.  Ahem.

What I didn’t realize was that the kids’ infrared headsets were no longer operable.  And, the parental units were not about to endure Alvin and the Chipmunks for the long journey ahead.  So, with two stops, yes two, to a SuperWalmart, we purchased new ones. 

My ever so adventurous husband touted how awesome it would be to have “family time” together.  But, every time the kids uttered a word, he was the first to say, “Put your headsets on.”  In other words, he meant quiet family time. 

Eventually, we all loosened up a bit and listened to some of rock-n-roll’s finest.  John Henry sang aloud greats from The Gap Band like, “You Dropped A Bumblebee.”  Yes, yes.  Some of you think it says “…bomb on me.”  Not so.  Ask John Henry.

As previously mentioned, 900 miles of boo-tiful highway stretch between our two glorious states.  And, we stop for lunch at a Pizza Hut in Brinkley, Arkansas.  Not Little Rock.  Not the magnificent Eureka Springs.  Not Elvis’ own, Memphis.  Brinkley.

Unfortunately for us, we arrived just in time for the parade of Harley Davidsons and trikes.  Hallelujah.  Just what I had hoped.  Now, my  Harley ridin’ momma would have just thought she’d died and gone to Brinkley heaven.  Me?  Not so much. 

After watching bubbas America’s finest head out on their own adventure, we finally turned into Pizza Hut.  I took Anna straight to the potty in which she announced, “Wow!  That was a lot!” 

As soon as our delectable food arrived, Anna said, “I have to go potty.” 

“No, you don’t.  I just took you!”  I argued, figuring she was trying to get out of eating as she always does.

“I’ve got shoo-wee about to come out!”  My tasteful little girl broadcasted to all Brinkley, Arkansas residents.

I suddenly felt guilty for judging these nice motorcycle parading folks.  After all, we were seemingly fitting right in.

After the grub and bladder relief for all family members (including our four-legged pal), we set out again on our excruciating delightful family adventure.  To be continued….

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May 23, 2008 · 7:00 am

I also hide under beds and in closets.


Getting my kids motivated to get ready for school is no easy task.  The other morning, I politely asked them in my sing song voice, “Go get dressed for school.”  (Kind of sing it when ya say it.)  A few moments later, I notice they are having too much fun in Anna’s princess tent to attempt taking off their PJS (much less the princess gown.)   So, again I say, patiently still, “Okay guys, get out of the tent and get dressed for school.” 

More moments passed.  And, you mommas know what happens to your voice once more moments pass.

Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound and crack every windshield in the house with one growl, I exclaimed, “GET OUT OF THE TENT AND GET DRESSED BEFORE I SPANK THE BOTH OF YA!” 

Well, you know the whole “spank” suggestion works….although neither were shaking in their PJs.

As Anna walks by me, she stops and says, “You’re a monster.”

Rrraargh!

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May 22, 2008 · 7:00 am

AI – The Finale ’08

Well, what did ya think?

Here’s what I thought:

·      Seal’s performance with Syesha was UH-MAY-ZING.

 

·      I just love me some Bryan Adams.  As soon as David C. and David A. began singing “Oh thinking about all our younger years, there was only you and me.  We were young and wild and free.  Now nothin’ can take you away from me.  We’ve been down that road before.  But that’s over now.  You keep me comin’ back for more” – My dear husband, Kris, immediately sighed with a “Oh, dear Lord, no.”  I was like, “How could you?”  He was like, “So sappy.”  I was like “So romantic.  Gets me all tingly inside.”  He was like….so knowing to back off Bryan Adams.

 

·       ZZ Top?  Well, you know every girl’s crazy ‘bout a sharp dressed man – not unkempt beards, but certainly a great pair of jeans and trendy shades. 

 

·       And, did you hear OneRepublic sing “Apologize” with Mr. Archuleta?  Love that song – with or without Archuleta.

 

·      That Carrie Underwood is TAL-N-TED.  We grow ‘em purdy in Oklahoma. 

 

·      Not the biggest George Michael fan….who admits to that these days?  But, I will always dig “Father Figure.”  You know you like it, too. 

 

·    And, the winner by 12 million votes is…….DAVID COOK!

 

Okay, I had picked Archuleta as the winner.  But, I was so happy to see Mr. Cook take the crown.  I always feel a bit sorry for the one who comes in second….but as my friend, Scott Williams, said when referring to David A., “Watch out Hannah Montana!”  Yes, David. A. will do well with that sweet voice of perfection. 

 

What did you think?

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May 21, 2008 · 7:00 am

Finding Aslan.


We saw Narnia: Prince Caspian this weekend.   I just love me some C.S. Lewis.  I liked it even better than the first.  Kris prefers the first, but he is always sentimental to the first of any movies with sequels. Actually, I think he struggles with change.  Like the new pair of Adidas flip flops I bought him….he still fancies his disgusting old ones.  Finally, I had to tell him that breaking in his new flops really mattered to me.  After all, I couldn’t bear to see the others no ‘mo.  Chasing rabbits.  Back to Mr. Lewis.

Just before a big battle in the movie, Peter says, “I wish He would just give me some sort of proof.”  Peter was referring to Aslan who represents God in story.  You see, his sister Lucy had seen Aslan at this point, and Peter was relying completely on his faith.

How often in life we have felt the same thing that Peter felt.  God, if you would just give me some sort of proof.  If I could just feel you, or see you right now.  We especially express feelings of “God, where are you?” when tough times hit or tragedy strikes.  I know when one of my best friends, Josh, passed away, my immediate response was “Where was God?”  And when my first husband left me and our unborn child, I also felt that God had abandoned me, too.  After all, why was I experiencing this?

Where is God?  This answer has more to do with His presence in our lives more than our belief in Him.  We know He exists.  But, where is He in our times of need?

If you believe, like I do, that the Bible is true, then I’d start by finding Him in His Word.  That’s a great place to start.  Look for Him in others.  Seek out those who speak life to you.  Those who encourage you.  Those who instill hope. 

Another place to look is to the Holy Spirit.  Just before Jesus was crucified, He told His disciples this:

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.  17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him.  But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you….20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.  John 14:16-20

While none of us ever want to endure the trials of Job, I’ve always loved the end of his story when he says, “Lord, I have heard of you, but now I have seen you.”  Call on His name.  He will show up….and, at the very least, give you “some sort of proof.” 

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May 20, 2008 · 7:00 am

The Pursuit of God.


We often hear about how we need to pursue Christ.  And, we do.  But, the other day I read this scripture in the New Living Translation, and I was blown away.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.  Psalm 23:6

I’ve read and heard this scripture a gazillion times.  For real.  I’ve usually read other translations that read “will follow me” instead of “pursue”.  For all practical purposes, they both indicate the same thing, but the “pursue” really caught me off guard….in a good way.

How beautiful that the Creator of the Universe pursues you and I?  No where before or after this scripture does it say that it is conditional.  But, it does reveal that it is constant.  This amazes me.  Makes me wonder what would happen if I turned around and ran into Him.  I bet that upon the first breath that comes out of my mouth when I call His name, He immediately puts His nose to mine ready to listen.  I bet that if I’d sit silently and look intently back at Him, that He’d speak to me….maybe even reveal some sort of mystery. 

His pursuit is constant.  All the days of your life.  In terms of romance novels, this one beats all – except it isn’t fiction.

He is pursuing you and I right now.  I’m thinkin’ I need to slow down and spend some time with Jesus.  I’m thinkin’, maybe, I should turn around and run into His goodness and His love.  What about you?

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May 19, 2008 · 7:00 am

Take one Happy Meal and call me in the morning.


Yesterday was a boo-tiful (as Anna would say) day to be outdoors.  We set out our beach chairs and imagined that the ocean was only a few feet away.  Then, Anna thought it would be fun to play in, or on, her little red car.  The only thing more fun than riding inside the little red car is riding on top of it. 

So, she did.

Except, the car kept traveling throwing my little 32 lbs. onto the ground and the back of her head into the corner of a brick column. 

We left the beach and headed to the Emergency Room that pretty much took 3 hours of my life that I’ll never get back.

One staple to the back of the head…..finally…..and we were done.

My brave little beachcomber and car climber whimpered only for a second.  Then, I did what every mother does when her child has a bad day – took her to McDonalds.

And, that’s all I got.

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