Tag Archives: life

August 11, 2008 · 7:00 am

Finding your sweet spot.


On occasion, I hear someone tell me that he is doing exactly what he was called – or designed – to do.  Many other times, I hear the frustration in someone’s voice who is unsatisfied with where he or she is in life. 

Then, there are times, where we just fail to appreciate the journey.  I tend to fall into this category.

How do you know that you are functioning in your sweet spot?  I tend to believe that when we are walking in obedience with Christ, that He is ordering our steps.  And, when He orders our steps, it’s pretty hard to not be where we are supposed to be. 

There are a ton of self-help books to help guide people in living a fulfilled life.  Max Lucado’s Cure For the Common Life is all about aiding readers to discover the life they were created to live.  Rick Warren rocked the world with his very popular The Purpose Driven Life.  And, while I’ve read and enjoy both books, I feel that there is no special code to break in discovering His will and our passions. 

For me, it’s about prayer, and it’s about obedience.  Kind of a simplistic view of faith but a powerful one.   

And, while we may get frustrated where God has us at different times, the ability to rest in knowing that He is placing each stone in front of us to step on changes everything.

Allowing God to direct our steps reflects that we are indeed made righteous.  Not righteous due to our own doing but due to His grace.

Psalm 37:23 says the Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives.  I especially like the latter part of this verse – he takes pleasure in even the smallest parts of our lives.  To quote Anna, this “big, giant God” cares for every detail of my life and yours.

When we obey Him, He guides us.  When we let Him lead, we will surely settle into all He created us for.  It may not always take the shape or form we expect it to.  But, I feel confident that His road leads us to our sweet spot.

Thoughts?

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July 1, 2008 · 6:00 am

Cashing in.


I love a good poker game.  I was a fan of poker when Texas Hold ‘Em wasn’t cool.  I’ve always been able to relate many of life’s moments to a game of skill and chance.

Even Kenny Rogers related life to knowing when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.

Here are a few examples of what I’m talking about.

·         Sometimes we win.  Sometimes we lose.

·         Sometimes we aren’t sure but find the risk worth it.

·         Sometimes we don’t pay attention to the table and make poor decisions.

·         Sometimes we don’t pay attention to the table and really luck out.

·         Sometimes we are dealt a bad hand.

·         Sometimes it’s a good idea to cash in.

So, here is my point.  How do you know when it’s okay to cash in?

Here’s my real life example.

During my tumultuous first pregnancy, I hung in there hoping that things would work themselves out between my husband and me.  I’ll never forget my good friend telling me, “No one would blame you if you cashed your chips in now.”

And while I wasn’t quite ready to cash in, I always appreciated that statement.

Eventually, I knew it was time to cash in, and I did.  But not after I had exhausted every resource, prayed every prayer, and allowed for a thousand opportunities.  I had to know that I cashed in after playing the best game I could with the cards I had been dealt.  To be honest, I feel like I did.

And, I would say to anyone….

Before you give up on your career, your children, or your marriage, play the rounds the very best you can.  Give God every opportunity to deal you a couple of Aces in the hole.  But also remember, God cannot affect another’s will.  Well, I suppose He could if He wanted, but that’s not His style.  And sometimes the choices of others force us to cash in even when we don’t want to.  If at the end of the day, you have done all you can do, no will blame you for cashing in.  And, if you remain faithful to Him, He is sure to deal you a better hand next time.  When He does, it’s up to you to play it well.

Have you ever cashed in? 

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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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June 6, 2008 · 7:20 am

Come Monday, it’ll be all right.

Let me introduce you to Mike Oliver.  No, he doesn’t always wear this hat.  Just for Jimmy Buffet concerts.

Mike has labored in ministry with my dad for twenty-two years.  This Monday, Mike, his wife Shari, and their son, Bo, will say goodbye to friends and begin a new chapter in their lives.  Mike will be starting Coastal Community Church in the Fort Walton beach area.  While I am excited and anticipate good things to come from his ministry on the coast, I am also sad to him leave.  He is my pastor, and he is my dear friend.

Mike has taught me many things.  Here are a few.

–          No matter what you are going through in life, Bear Bryant has the best quotes to get you through.

 

–          If he says ALA, I say BAMA.

 

–          Always smile, and laugh hard.

 

–          Repeating the same jokes over and over, when said well, is always funny.  A personal favorite:  “What’s going down?  Your leg?”  Ridiculous.  And, I laugh every time.

 

–          A friend sticks closer than a brother.

 

–          When things aren’t right for a friend, do all you can to help make them right.

 

–          Always faithful.  Always.

 

–          When in despair, turn to Jesus and some Jimmy Buffet tunes.

 

–          When happy, turn to Jesus and some Jimmy Buffet tunes.

 

–          Speak ill of no one.

 

–          Appreciate the small things.  Life is short.

 

–          Never waste a moment.  Live out loud.

 

–          God is good.  His love never fails.

 

–          Whatever you do, do it well.  And, there is no substitute for passion.

 

There are three men that I hold dearest to my heart – my husband, my father, and Mike Oliver.  I’m not sure what Eagles Way Church is going to look like without him.  And, I’m not sure what everyday life will look like without his insane humor and unrelenting loyalty.  But, if he has taught me one thing, it is this:  Come Monday, it’ll be all right.  I’m holding him to that.  I love that man.

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May 16, 2008 · 7:00 am

Mud Puddles And Other Messes

Sometimes, we get just plain silly in the Takle house.  We do things like this:

And this.

And, then there are days where we just blow it out and do this.  If you listen closely you’ll hear an elderly couple, apparently amused by the muddy display, stop and take notice. 

Summer is right ‘round the corner.  It’s a great time to enjoy your family and friends and get messy. 

 “As long as I can focus on enjoying what I’m doing, having fun, I know I’ll play well.”  – Steffi Graf

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April 4, 2008 · 7:45 am

Welcome to my random world!

It’s been my intent for very long time to begin chronicling my journey through life, if not for posterity’s sake, at least for my favorite four little eyes  – John Henry and Anna.  You may not always agree with me.  Heck, I’m sure you’d throw my finite mind into lunar orbit with some of your thoughts, too.  For real.  But, you may find that while we may hold different opinions and bear different burdens, we are all the same in wanting to do life, and do it right.  I don’t always get it right, but dang it, I give it my best shot every day.  As a follower of Christ, it is my heart’s desire that my home always bring glory to Him.  Granted, some days, it just brings the what for, especially when you say things like “Anna, please don’t pee in John Henry’s suitcase.”  What?  You’ve never said that?  For real. 

I’ve endured a heart broken, and I’ve been blessed beyond measure.  I’ve cried myself to sleep, and I’ve been filled with joy up to my ears.  I struggle with worry, yet I am full of hope.  I hope I learn from my life lessons,  and I hope that just maybe they will inspire you.  So, make yourself at home, and stay a while.  Maybe we can learn a thing or two from each other.

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