April 18, 2008 · 7:00 am

The greatest gift I never received.


It’s 1983ish, and all I want is the coveted Cabbage Patch Kid.  Remember those outlandish dolls with each one signed by Xavier Roberts….on their hineys no less?  Such a doll was considered a luxury in our house, and on a pastor’s salary, we didn’t buy luxuries.  I’ll never forget the Christmas I asked for the Cabbage Patch Kid.  I woke up in the middle of the night to get a head’s up on what awaited me that morning.  (My mom still displayed my gifts as if from Santa….even after I discovered his non-existence.)  The doll I found was an imposter – a less expensive version of the ridiculously priced doll.  I remember the feeling of disappointment.  However, I also remember going back to bed and mustering up the gusto to still put on a happy and grateful face the next morning.  And, I did.

You see, even at a young age I had an understanding of gratitude.  And, not receiving this gift made me appreciate my parents even more.  They could not provide the Cabbage Patch, but they still made sure I didn’t lack. 

I can’t help but wonder if I am instilling that same sense of gratitude and appreciation in my own children for not only things, but for those who give them.  It’s a hard line.  While Kris and I have the capabilities to provide such luxuries to our children, should we?  Well, sure.  But, how much is too much?  It’s very tough as parents to draw that line.

I am thankful for the opportunities to give to John Henry and Anna.  However, I hope that the gifts they receive go beyond material possessions.  I hope they receive the gift of gratitude, the gift of compassion, the gift of mercy, the gift of faith, the gift of hope, and the gift of love….above all else.

And, to my parents who never knew (until now) of that brief disappointment, thank you.  That Christmas, you gave me more than you know.  For that, I am truly grateful.

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.  Matthew 7:11

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April 17, 2008 · 7:00 am

Think outside the bun.


Hallelujah!  The frequently sought after taste of Mexico has made its presence known less than two miles from the Takle Casa.  Go ahead and give the Lord a clap offering.  Of course, there are other Taco Bells that hit every corner of our wonderfully windy city, but it takes 15 minutes to travel to any of them.  As a matter of fact, it takes 15 minutes to get anywhere here.  It’s a geographical oddity.  But no longer do my taste buds have to endure the drive for the scrumptious taste of perfection cleverly wrapped in a cute little blanket of tortilla – THE MEXIMELT. 

Just one more reason I will never fit into those “skinny” jeans again. 

In reference to yesterday’s post, my mom informs me that she now knows her problem.  “I have rolled over muffins,” she says.  “Do wha?” One would think that after turning her on to such television shows as “What Not To Wear” that she would know the phrase “muffin top”.  Apparently not.  I’d appreciate you lifting her up in your bedtime prayers.

Selah.

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April 16, 2008 · 7:00 am

A Weighty Issue


Anna:  “What’s this?”
Mommy:  “A scale.  It tells you how much you weigh.  Do you wanna stand on it?”
Anna:  “No.”
Mommy:  “Me either.”

I can somewhat understand the weight obsession….just not fully.  Granted, I have a pair of jeans, you know, the “skinny jeans” that help me gauge my body.  Fact:  I haven’t worn those jeans in 2 years; at least, not without muffin top.  Fact:  I don’t care. 

So, why am I still holding onto a pair of “skinny jeans” that I know I will never wear again without a multiple series of stomach flus?  I really don’t know.  What I do know is that we live in a day where women and even some men (just not mine) are obsessed with their bodies to a detriment.  For real. 

I usually pack a “Lunchable” for my pre-schooler.  Due to the number of his peers with peanut allergies, the classic PB&J is a no-no.  So, a “Lunchable” it is.  The other day, John Henry informed that his friend does “not each ‘Lunchables’,” because her mom says “they make you fat.”  She is five.  I am appalled.

Nonetheless, poor body image has become quite the epidemic, and it truly disheartens me.  I strive really hard to never discuss weight issues around Anna.  I want her to grow up with a healthy self-image, believing who God says she is, not society. 

I also try really hard not to discuss weight issues around Kris.  Once when we went skiing, I wore my mom’s vintage ski bib circa 1982.  I asked Kris the age old question, “How does my butt look?”  My husband, whom I love dearly, replied, “Good.  Wide, but good.”  Yes, in my mind I envisioned hurling his body across the room.  Fortunately, for him, I remembered that he doesn’t always think things through before he speaks.  I love him still.  And, he hasn’t used “wide” and “butt” in the same sentence again.

I love the Psalm 139:14 scripture, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”  But, I especially love this NLT translation:  “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!  Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it.”

So, when in doubt, remember: you look mahvelous!

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April 15, 2008 · 7:00 am

I have two daddies.


Once upon a time at a wedding of my dear friend, Brittany, my son served as a ring bearer.  Dressed to perfection, another overheard him say, “I have two daddies.”  Brittany’s friend who heard this rather common phenomenon asked another, “Are his daddies gay?”  I still laugh about this even today.  As for Kris and Bryan (the daddies), well, they find it less comical. 

John Henry has a daddy.  And, before he turned one year, he was blessed with another daddy.  We make it work.  We really do.  You see, we had this novel idea:  John Henry comes first.  We have dinners together, and we have even vacationed together.  I realize how strange my life may seem to some, but for us, it is our “normal”.  Of course, a situation like ours would never work without Kris.  He has never been “territorial”, nor has he ever felt threatened.  He loves John Henry.  Period.  And, because of John Henry, he loves Bryan. 

Here are his two daddies.  (Left: Bryan, Right: Kris, Center: A blessed boy) They are patient and kind.  They are not jealous.  They endure through every circumstance.

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

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April 14, 2008 · 7:00 am

Just wait.


I cannot tell you how many moms with teenagers tell me, “Just wait!”  And yes, they say this with the proverbial exclamation point at the end.  Sometimes, I want to respond, “Do you even remember what it was like when your daughter was three?  Do you remember enduring these parental struggles:

·      Child 2 crawls through doggie door while mommy gets ready.  She proceeds to turn on the hose pipe and water everything in the backyard….including herself.

 

·       Child 1 pees on the dog.  The dog lets him.

 

·       Child 2 empties an entire bag of pretzels (and its salt contents) onto the living room floor.  When asked why, she simply responds “Cuz.”.  “Cuz why?” Mommy asks.  “Cuz I just did”, the little one replies.  Duh.

 

·      Child 1 creates a mountain of night-time pull-ups (used) behind his bookshelf.  It’s only discovered after days of wondering “What is that dreadful stench permeating my son’s room?”  Your only reaction is……no reaction.  You’re speechless.

 

The list could go on, but we all know I need to conserve some stories for future blogs…..dare I ever get writer’s block.

This past week a friend e-mailed me asking that I pray for her and her family.  As the mother of a teenager, she is facing many challenges that, I’m sure, await me in another ten years.  I gave her a list of scriptures to pray over her children.  Here are few that I pray over my children.  I think they are effectual over your three year old or twenty-three year old.  Thought I would share:

Ephesians 1:17-19

Lord, give John Henry and Anna the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, and the knowledge of You. That the eyes of their hearts be enlightened that they will know the hope to which you have called them, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints and His Incomparably great power for us who believe.

 

Ephesians 3: 17-19

John Henry and Anna are rooted and established in love; we pray that they may have power with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ towards them, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that they may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God.


Ephesians 5:1 and 21

John Henry and Anna will be imitators of God and live a life of love. They will submit to others out of reverence to Christ.


Ephesians 6:1,2

John Henry and Anna will obey their parents in the Lord. They will honor their father and mother so that it may go well with them and that they may enjoy long life on earth.


1 Timothy 4:12

No one will look down on John Henry and Anna because they are young, but they set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in faith and in purity.


Psalm 1:1-3

John Henry and Anna do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the path of sinners or sit in the seat of scoffers. But their delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law they meditate day and night. They are like the trees planted by the rivers of water, which yield their fruit in season and whose leaf will not whither, and whatever they do prospers.


Psalm 119:18

John Henry and Anna seek You with all their hearts; they will not stray from Your commands; they have hidden Your word in their hearts that they may not sin against you.


Isaiah 24:13,14 and 17

John Henry and Anna shall be taught by the Lord and great will be their peace, their health, safety, protection and prosperity. In righteousness they will be established. Tyranny will be far from them; they will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near them. No weapon formed against them will prosper.

 

Maybe you have special scriptures that you pray over your children.  I would love to hear from you!  Perhaps, you are facing struggles with your children right now.  Let me know.  I would be happy to pray with you.  And remember, those things you have no control over, put them in the “God box.”  Greater is He that it is in your children than he that is in the world.

 

Just wait?  I think I will.

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April 11, 2008 · 7:00 am

Did ya feel it?

I’m not gonna stay on my American Idol kick, even though I live it.  For real.  BUT, I’d be remiss not to address the totally amazing performance they gave at the end of “Idol Gives Back” Wednesday night.  Did ya see it?  I’m sure you’ve seen the YouTube video floating ‘round the net.

It was goose bump city for this girl raised in the Bible belt.  I looked intently at each AI performer singing “Shout to the Lord” and had to wonder:  “Are they feelin’ it as well as they are singin’ it?”  I think they were.  Because, whether are you are a fully committed follower of Christ or a tree in the wilderness, you cannot excuse yourself from the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit.  I felt it.  Did you?  The scriptures command that we worship him.   I’m sure some of you have probably already left today’s blog.  Sorry.  I can only tell ya the truth.  Psalm 100: 1-2 says “Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy”. 

Now, here is a scripture to begin your weekend:

1I will exalt you, my God and King,
  and praise your name forever and ever.
2 I will praise you every day;
  yes, I will praise you forever.
3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
  No one can measure his greatness.4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts;
  let them proclaim your power.
5 I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor
  and your wonderful miracles.
6 Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;
  I will proclaim your greatness.
7 Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness;
  they will sing with joy about your righteousness.  Psalm 145: 1-13 

You see, nothing compares to the promise I have in You.  Did ya feel it?

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April 10, 2008 · 7:00 am

My brother from another mother.


I don’t just watch American Idol.  I live it.  Sort of.  I’ve decided to adopt Jason Castro as my little brother.

Sure, David Cook is great and all.  But, we already have a rocker in our family. See?

What we don’t have is an acoustic playin’, lullaby singin’, dread wearin’ little brother.  As a matter of fact, I don’t have a brother at all.  I wasn’t a fan of his dreads in his early performances, but now…would he be my little brother without them?  I don’t think so. 

When he covered Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah”, I was pretty sure he’d be coming for a Sunday family dinner.  And after this week’s “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (holy cow…how many syllables is that?), I’m pretty sure we’ll be exchanging gifts this Christmas.  He’ll probably serenade us with “Silent Night” while we sip hot chocolate and the kids look out the window in search of dear Santa.

 

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April 9, 2008 · 7:00 am

So you had a bad day.


Let me be candid with you.  Sometimes I worry (as already established) that someone will blow my cover and everyone will know that I have days where I fall short, and I’m a far cry from a Christ-follower.  The cat will be out of the bag when you find out that sometimes I say the right things….you know, the faith things; then, I go home only to find that I’m trying to make myself believe those things.  I have days where I let stress affect me as a mom.   I have days where I struggle to “keep on the sunny side of life.”  Yesterday was one of those days.  Let’s run through the list of my thoughts and struggles yesterday.

·         My youngins know my buttons, and they pushed them.

·         I was disappointed….really disappointed. (Not with any person – but with circumstances.)

·         You know the whole “one with the spouse” thing? I was bearing some of my husband’s burdens.

·         The steps I have most recently taken have been ordered by the Lord….and I questioned them.

Pray.  Well, I did already.  I just didn’t pray with the usual fervor and faith with which I usually pray. 

So, I had a bad day.

Then, it happened.  I got into my car and one of my favorite songs was playing.  Suddenly I remembered the times in my life that were dark and He gave them light.  And, the disappointments began to fade.  Why? Because, I was reminded that no matter what – and as I have said before – no matter how messy life gets, God is good.  He is. 

So, I thought maybe these lyrics may minister to you….in case you have a bad day. 

How Can I Keep From Singing by Chris Tomlin

There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives

And I will walk with You
Knowing You’ll see me through
And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing ’cause You pick me up
Sing ’cause You’re there
I can sing ’cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I’ll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne

So, at the end of the day, how can I keep from singing?

Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

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April 8, 2008 · 7:00 am

The Case of the Untouchables


Most people just put their finest china in their china cabinet.  Not the Takle family.  For us, it represents those things we hold dear….and we dare our children to open its sacred doors.  The Case of the Untouchables became such after I placed this book inside:

What makes this book so untouchable?  This:

It was signed by the king of music himself, Gordon Sumner.  Yes, you know him as Sting.  I know him as my friend. (Sometimes, I step into Annaville myself.)

The other untouchables belong to Kris.  This ridiculous object of affection was won at one of his flight schools.  Its value is in the fact he has never won anything except this little lovely:

  
Then, there is the Gulfstream his mom gave him.  The real jets burn a little more in fuel, so we’ll settle for this one:      


 And, here is where my story and the Case of the Untouchables begin to crumble.  My five year old loves legos. He loves building airplanes, trucks, and helicopters from their tiny little pieces that come in the nicely wrapped and numbered plastic bags.  This is usually where my OCD kicks in, and I become engaged in these projects that can fill up an entire afternoon.  I became so obsessed with my helicopter creation, that I added it to the case.  Days, even months, went by, and my son continued to ask if he could play with my, sorry, his helicopter.  Again and again, I said no. I know what you’re thinking….how could I?  I just could.  And, I did.  However, one enlightened day, I had an epiphany, and I removed the helicopter from the Case of the Untouchables.  And, this is what remains:

 



I’ve even let him take these once precious legos and place them on top of the wing of another airplane.  Unbelievable, I know.  But, this was my epiphany:  I have one great son, less than five-thousand days until he turns 18, and almost that many legos.  So, we are gonna play, and we are gonna play hard.  We are gonna put propellers on the front of cars.  We’re gonna build, build, build for hours then take it apart.  Why?  Because, we can.  This is our new case:

 

 

The rest of the legos are under the bed, on top of our table, in the toy box, in our backyard….and probably in Brew’s belly.  We like our new Case of Touchables.

What untouchables are keeping you from enjoying your children, your spouse, your life?  Maybe its pride, your time, or your need for order like me.  Get ‘em out and mess ‘em up.  It feels good.  And, just think of the memories you’ll make!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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April 7, 2008 · 7:00 am

What’s got you so worried?


My blogging friend, Cindy Beall, once wrote “worry is a four-letter word.”  This couldn’t ring more true for me.  I wish, oh how I wish, I could just cease all worry once and for all.  It doesn’t work that way for me.   Pastor Craig Groeschel of Lifechurch.tv once illustrated that we have two boxes:  the “God box” and the “Me box”.  Those things we have control over go into the “Me box”.  Everything else….those things we cannot control…..go into the “God box”.  Here’s the kicker:  the “God box” should be much larger than the “Me box”.  As a matter of fact, it should reach heights of biblical proportions.  Get it?  Biblical proportions?  Anyway, back to worry.

 I am really good at putting my “stuff” in the God box only to take it out when He chooses to keep me waiting.  Oh, please tell me I’m not the only one.  My worry has caused me do some really drastic things….and also reach some pretty ridiculous conclusions.  I thought I’d share a few.  WebMd.  Been there?  Don’t go.  I’ve turned headaches into brain tumors with only 2 weeks left to live.  Oh, and that pain in my chest?  Well, we all know where I must have taken that one.  Then, there are my children.  I do not go to bed most nights without checking in on my youngins just one more time.  And, I actually look to see that their little tummies are pumping up and down.  Can any other moms out there admit to similar obsessions?  Yes, yes, I see that hand.  Thank you, Sharon.  Let’s not stop here.  It would be wrong to omit the time that I called the emergency flight services to track my husband while he was flying home….then I had our local control tower contact Kris upon his approach into our home airport.  The message the controller gave him?  “Mr. Takle, you better call your wife as soon as you land.  You’re in trouble, Captain.”  For real.  Okay, so he wasn’t in trouble.  But, when I could no longer track his flight on our flight tracker system (as I always do), I, well, you know……I worried.  Drastic times call for drastic measures.  Can I get an Amen?

Matthew 6:34 says “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today”.  I have to be honest.  This doesn’t make me feel any better.  But this does:  6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:6-7)  Here, Paul is prescribing prayer, good thoughts, and gratitude as the cure for worry.  You see, when we pray and count our blessings, it puts our worries into perspective.  If you can do something about it, get busy.  If not, go to the God of peace in prayer.

What’s got you worried? 

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