Tag Archives: books

January 3, 2011 · 5:00 am

Chasing Babies, Chasing Dreams.

I’m back.

I made a few resolutions for this new year.  One was to blog.  Consistently.

Again.

I blame my previous lack of consistency on Mario Andretti here.

Why didn’t anyone tell me these little guys like to eat paper, climb stairs, swiffer floors, and find every single, tiny, choking hazard on the ground?  Because, clearly, I have never done this before.  Or, at least, that’s how it often feels. 

But, I also don’t remember soaking up every second of growth and change like I have done with this grand finale to the Takle family.  I think I am much more aware of that whole “you’ll blink your eyes” analogy.  And, he is a joy, I tell ya.

Along with my resolution to write more on this blog, I begin another writing adventure this week. 

A book. 

I am in the process of outlining a book with my dad on….

My lips are sealed.  Its title is top secret.  But, if you run into me in the grocery store, I’m sure I’ll tell you if you ask.

I’ve also been outlining a book on my own.  But, I’m switching gears on that one to devote my time to this collaborative effort with Dad.  I am hoping that by the year’s end, both will be finished.

Because, writing a book has been a dream. 

And, I’m excited about chasing after that dream.

What are you chasing after this year?

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August 19, 2010 · 7:06 am

Am I A Black Person?

John Henry checked out a book from the library called “Ron’s Big Mission.”   Before he began to read the book aloud to me, I was not quite prepared to have a discussion on America’s past history of segregation.  But, it was time.  I am sure.

The book is based on the true story of Ron McNair who, as a child, was an avid reader and loved to read books about airplanes.  Growing up in South Carolina in the 50’s and 60’s was not exactly easy for any black child.  Especially a black boy who simply wanted to check out books from his local whites only public library. 

Until one day, Ron decided he wasn’t leaving the library until he was a card holder.  His mother was called, police officers showed up, and Ron stood his ground still.  As a result, Ron changed a piece of history and became the first black person to check out books from that library.

Talk about a lion chaser.

John Henry, of course, asked a lot of questions.  A lot of surprising questions.

“Am I a black person?” he asked. 

“No, baby, you are a white person.”

At this point in the conversation, I realized he had never identified people belonging to different races.  So, I asked him what he thought when he saw someone with dark skin. 

“I just thought their skin was darker.  That is all.  I kind of have dark skin, so I am really kind of white and black.”  He told me. 

“Sure.  You are white and black,” I assured him. 

I was not about to disappoint him.  I taught him about the days of segregation.  I explained where we were as a nation during those times and where we are now.  Honestly, it was a difficult, but necessary conversation. 

We then read a little more on the life of Ron McNair.  This 9-year old hero grew up to be an even greater American hero.  This little boy who loved airplanes became a pilot.  And, on January 28, 1986, he lost his life as an astronaut during the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger.

I hope John Henry not only learned something about the significance of civil rights.  I also hope he learned about what it means to stand up for something he believes in.  And, what it really means to be a lion chaser.


Ron McNair
October 21, 1950 – January 28, 1986

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July 27, 2009 · 8:10 am

What’s On Your Nightstand?

I had intended on writing this post last night, but I sat up and listened to some insightful, and sometimes funny, exchanges between my dad and his pastor friend of more than thirty years, Ron Gray.  And, then a little prego sickness postponed my morning writing.  Thankyousokindly, Caffeine-Free Coke.   I could not survive without your faithfulness.   

I usually read at night before I close my eyes.  Obviously, before I close my eyes.  I have a few books awaiting my attention.  Bill Hybel’s Axiom is one of them.  But, I’m most excited about today’s delivery of The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.  Yes, Brother Lawrence.  It was originally published in 1982, so if you’ve been in the Church for a while, you’ve probably heard of it or even read it yourself. 

I enjoy books on leadership and the occasional novel.  However, right now, I feel compelled to read material that simply draws me closer to my Creator. 

What are you reading right now?
What is a book you’ve recently read that you highly recommend, fiction or non?

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November 19, 2008 · 6:00 am

The Drifter.


Sometimes, I am a drifter.  A God drifter.  I didn’t know the name for it until Pastor Craig enlightened me this past Sunday.  It’s not that I haven’t prayed.  I have.  But, for the past few weeks, it’s really been more about me than Him. 

Then, I realize.  It tends to be about me when I don’t make time for Him.  Not a time for me to tug on the proverbial robe for requests.  Because, if that’s what this thing is all about it, then brothas and sistas, I have it down.

I’m not sure how you do it.  But, I can’t just always sit in silence and wait for God to speak to me.  I’m just being honest.  I do find that I tend to grow in Him – and spend time with Him – when I read various books by certain authors.  Many times, those books lead me to a silence where I hear Him.  I just struggle cultivating my own.  Read me?

I just picked up Mark Batterson’s book, Wild Goose Chase.  The subtitle is what caught my attention:  “Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God.”  Hmmm.  Adventure?  I’m game. 

“An Geadh-Glas” is name the Celtic Christians gave to the Holy Spirit.  Literal translation – “the Wild Goose.”  Batterson writes, “much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed.”

He goes onto to explain that the “promptings of the Holy Spirit can sometimes seem pretty pointless, but rest assured, God is working His plan.   And if you chase the Wild Goose, He will take you places you never could have imagined going by paths you never knew existed.”

Can I evah relate to this one.  How often we struggle with wanting to know His will.  It’s as if we think we can put him into the confines our conventional wisdom….of our tiny little minds.  {Some, tinier than others.}

Batterson says, “Add Him [Holy Spirit] into the equation of your life, and anything can happen.  You never know who you’ll meet, where you’ll go, or what you’ll do.  All bets are off.”  If we are bored in our walk…ahem, that’s me….then perhaps, Batterson says, I am inviting the Spirit to follow me instead of following the Spirit.

And, that’s the “difference between spiritual boredom and spiritual adventure.”

I think I’m up for the adventure. 

You?

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October 14, 2008 · 6:00 am

Family Vacation


As I was putting John Henry to bed, I asked him what he was most excited about for vacation at the beach. 

“I’m just gonna lay on my towel, practice my reading, and reeee-lax,” he said. 

I’ll be sure he gets a good foot rub, too.  You know, it’s hard out there for a Kindergartener. 

I’ll be taking a bloggy break for the rest of the week as we head south for some much needed relaxation.    A big shout out to Papa Joe and Linda (Mimi to my children) for the family invite. 

I’ll be back next Monday. 

With stories.  I’m sure of it. 

I’m taking “The Shack” and “In the Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day” with me. 

What are you reading?  Any book recommendations?

Love ya.  Mean it.

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June 20, 2008 · 7:00 am

The Friday Five

Five things you should try, buy, watch, read and enjoy this summer:

  1. Try Maurine’s Salsa.
    1 28 oz. can whole tomatoes
    1 tbs. jalapenos from a jar
    1 tbs. jalapeno liquid (or as much as you like)
    1 can green chiles
    8 green onions
    12-14 springs cilantro (adjust as you like)
    1 fresh tomato
    1 tsp. garlic salt (plus a little more)
    dash of white pepper     Put all ingredients in a food processor/blender.  Voila!
  2. Girls, buy these metallic flip flops from Old Navy.  I am wearing the gold version with everything this summer.  And, the best part?  They are only $5.  Sa-weet.

    Guys, buy Men’s Health magazine.  It appears to be the most comprehensive and informative magazine out there for men.  Unless, of course, you are like Kris – in which case if it doesn’t have propellers or a turbine-powered engine on the front, it is useless.  But, I do sneak one in the bathroom whenever possible.

  3. Watch Dan In Real Life.  No, you won’t find any spiritual significance or a heightened sense of self-awareness – or maybe you will.  But, I found it a well done film.
  4. Read Marley & Me: Life and Love with World’s Worst Dog by John Grogan if you haven’t already.  I was a late bloomer on this one.  I’m about to begin reading In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado.  I think it’s going to be a good one.  Of course, what doesn’t Lucado write well?
  5. Enjoy a summer sunset with friends or the sprinker with your kids (unless you are in Georgia and under the enforcement of a water ban.)  Take an opportunity to experience life with those you love.

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time. “  – John Lubbock

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