Tag Archives: Marriage

A Little Gratitude Goes A Long Way.

Yesterday, my husband bought me lunch. 

I told him, “Thank you for lunch, babe.”

It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for Kris to buy me lunch.  And, it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for me to thank him.  I just think it’s important to always verbalize my gratitude to him. 

Whether he is taking the trash to the curb, washing Anna’s hair, or flying a trip to provide for our family, I want him to know I’m thankful. 

So, I tell him. 

And, an added bonus?  It keeps our hearts soft toward one another.

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Filed under gratitude, Marriage

Love Is Having To Say You’re Sorry.


I usually do well watchin’ my tone with my husband.  I’ve also learned that how we express certain issues can come across as an attack; thus, causing my husband to feel the need to defend himself.

I usually do well with this.

Usually.

But, a few nights ago, I told him exactly what I thought about how he was handling a situation.  May as well have added a “So, ha!” at the end.  I left him in our family room and headed to bed.

So, he could stay up a while an mull that one over.  Sure ‘nuff.  Uh huh.  Take that Captain Takle.

Because, that approach is going to make him want to run out and fight hard for the love of his life. 

Orrrr, it’s more probable it won’t.

He came to bed shortly after.  I didn’t see any apparent revelations in his eyes of how right I was and how wrong he was.  He didn’t look at me and say, “Wow, Dusty.  The way you approached this one really got to me.  Thank you for showing me what is right.  I will change the way I handle this.  From now to forever more.  Oh, my sweet, sweet love full of such wisdom and beauty.  May, I please serve you Junior Mints in bed?  Because, you are way too skinny, and I love to see you delight in all things chocolate.”

It didn’t go anything like that.  As a matter of fact, my sweet husband said nothing.

Oh, beautiful conviction.  For me, that is.

The next morning, I approached him as a very different Dusty from the one the night before.  I told him how terribly sorry I was.  I told him I handled my feelings very, very poorly.  And, I asked him to please forgive me.  Because, I was very wrong.

When I told him how wonderful he is and how he didn’t deserve my attack, he said, “Yeah.  That’s kind of what I was thinking.”

I’m pretty conscious of how I address things with Kris most of the time.  But, I failed miserably with this one.  We probably all do from time to time.  A softened, repentant heart is what was needed here.  I knew it.  And, he received it. 

Whoever said “love is never having to say you’re sorry” was probably never married.  Long.

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All For Love.


When Kris asked for my hand in marriage, my dad agreed to oblige on three conditions.  He told him:

1 – Don’t ever hit her.

2 – Don’t ever hurt her.

3 – And, never let her cut grass.

It’s true.  I’ve never cut grass.  Ever.  In my life.  And, quite frankly, I’m okay with that.  We’ve made the same rule for Anna as a result. 

Kris and I still laugh about dad’s third request.  But, we sure as heck follow it, too!

What did you tell or will you tell your daughter’s future husband?

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Filed under Marriage, parenting

Self Portraits On Love Island.

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I love how I look gigantor in this picture next to Kris. What up with that?  Then, in an attempt to get some new profile shots for Twitter and whatnot, I took this self-portrait:

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What makes me laugh about this picture is Kris’ observation of how everyone looks/smiles differently in pictures they take of themselves.  It’s like me – but not really me.  Ya know?  Funny.  Good times.

We had a WONDERFUL time together on Amelia Island.  And I mean all caps WONDERFUL.  We finally viewed the much talked about “Fireproof.”  I looked over and saw a tear – or two – flowing down Kris’ cheek.  It wasn’t the emotional display he put on while watching Marley & Me, but he was noticeably touched by the film.  I doubt any of the actors would ever get an Oscar nod, but the story was a powerful one.  

Favorite line in the movie – and a thought I’d like to leave you with:

“Don’t follow your heart.  Your heart can deceive you.  Lead your heart.”

What does this thought mean to you?

 

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Our Little Circle of Love.

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For more than twenty-four hours, Kris and I searched for his wedding band.

“The last time I saw it, it was on the kitchen counter,” I told him.

“I know.  Me, too,” he agreed.

So, we searched.  And, we searched some more.  Until finally, we had exhausted all of our options.

All save one.

The morning that followed our search mission, Kris cornered Anna.

“Baby doll, have you seen daddy’s wedding ring?” He gently asked her.

“Hmmm.  I think I have.  Let me check.  YOU STAY RIGHT HERE!”  She ordered.

A few seconds later, Anna hand delivered Kris’ wedding band.  He praised her, but also told her how special the ring is to him.

Later that morning, I followed Anna into her room, and asked, “Where was daddy’s wedding band?”

She pulled a little box out of her school backpack and showed me where it had been resting.

“Anna, did you take daddy’s ring to school?” I asked her.

“Yes!  I wanted to show my friends!”  She said.

So, she did.  And, we know that there is, indeed, a God of the universe, because, that circle of love made it back home. 

I pray years from now, she shows that same ring to her friends, and says, “My parents are great examples of what love, pursuit, and commitment are all about.”  Except, I hope she tells us this time J

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Filed under Kid Stuff, Love, Marriage

I love y’all, but it’s been one of those nights/days.


This is post will be weak at best if I try to write something inspiring on my own.  Sorry for that.  It’s just been a little crazy ‘round the Takle house.  No, it’s not because I’m still sheddin’ tears.  Glo-ree.  I’m all cried out.  For the week. 

So, let me, if you will, take you to two fabulous posts I read yesterday.  Both are centered around marriage.

“If You Like Piña Coladas” – I liked this post for two reasons:  1) I finally learned what that song is all about, and 2) It was a nice little reminder to keep on pursuing…..my husband, that is J

“Nuggets” – Let’s just say you men will want to leave this post up on the screen for the wife to walk by and “just happen” to read it.  You’re welcome.

Have a fabulous weekend!

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Six years and one more little person later…

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Six years ago tomorrow, Kris Takle entered my life.  No, it’s not our anniversary.  But, it is a special day that we have acknowledged every year since.  Because, since that day, my life has never been the same.  Our commitment is based first and foremost on our commitment to Christ.  To live a life fully devoted to Him.  So, we can then be fully committed to one another.  Believe me.  We are well aware that when our “connective-ness” is out of whack, our relationship with Christ usually is, too. 

Our journey together isn’t without challenges.  We’ve faced difficulties and disappointments.  But, we keep on pursuing Him.  We keep on pursuing one another.  Because, we know that in every situation, the goodness of God can always be found. 

I can honestly say that I love him more today than I did the day I married him.  Cliché, I know.  But, it’s true.  So very true.  I hope fifty years from now we are still bringing glory to the One who saved us by His completely amazing, breath-taking grace. 

And, I hope we’re watching our children and grandchildren do the same.

Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.  Psalm 34:3

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Filed under Love, Marriage, Relationships

A Redemptive Story


A few months back, I wrote a post called “I Struggle With Porn.”  In this post, I led you to the story of Chris and Cindy Beall.  I really do hope you were able to read their incredible story of redemption.  Since that post, God has been taking their story to a whole new level – allowing them to minister to so many marriages crippled by pornography and infidelity. 

Also, since that post, Cindy Beall has become a dear friend.  I know.  Right?  Okay.  Enough name droppin’.

Cindy has added a new author on her blog. 

Mr. Chris Beall himself.

Yesterday, Chris posted a video answering many questions about their story.  It’s a little lengthy but worth the viewing.  I wanted to encourage you to hop on over there and listen to Chris.  I also want to encourage you to share their story with others.  Not only will you appreciate Chris’ transparency, but you will see a man with a heart after God. 

Chris and Cindy like to use the phrase “better than new” as it relates to what God did in their marriage.  And, they have no doubt whatsoever, that He will make your marriage better than new, too.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr. Chris Beall.

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Lucy, you got some ‘splainin’ to do!


John Henry overheard me say, “When I was married to Bryan” to my mom.  The rest went something like this.

John Henry:  “You weren’t married to Daddy Bryan!  You’re married to Daddy Kris!”

Me:  “I was married to your Daddy Bryan.”

John Henry:  “No, you weren’t.”

Me:  “Yes, I was.  For five years!  That’s how you came along.”

John Henry:  (Laughing with disbelief) No you weren’t.

Me:  (Laughing, too) Okay.

Another day. 

Good times.

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Filed under divorce, Kid Stuff, Randomness

Love and Marriage.

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Kris and I recently had one of those sit down, let’s talk about our relationship talks.  No need to go tellin’ tales out of school.  We are doing just fine.  We’ve just let a few of those important marital-like things fall to the bottom of the list.  And, no.  I’m not talking ‘bout sex.  I am talking about those moments where you shut down computers, cell phones, and children and just enjoy each other.  You know.  Connect. 

It’s so easy to let life go by and time pass in a marriage and not have conversations with your spouse that make you pull in the reins, breathe deep, and take care of the things that really matter.  Each other. 

Monday night, we had a little date night.  We ate sushi and didn’t even talk about airplanes or children or if my jeans made my hiney look big.  ‘Cause y’all know he is going to mess that one up, albeit unintentional.  Then, we laughed together through Four Christmases. 

It’s funny.  That little conversation gave our marriage a lift.  We immediately returned to taking the time to connect.  Kris is good with those conversations.  He is just as comfortable sharing his heart with me as he is in a cockpit.  I love that about him.  He takes good care of us.

Hmmm.  What’s a good scripture to put here?  Oh, I know.  “He who finds a wife, finds what is good,” (Proverbs 18:22.)  Tee-hee.  I’m just funnin’.  Okay, not really.  But, let’s make this fair.

Oh, never mind, I can’t find a scripture I like.  Wait.  That didn’t come out right. 

I’ll just end the way my daddy has concluded every wedding ceremony for the past thirty plus years.

 “Let not your voices lose the tender tones of affection, nor your eyes forget the tender ray with which they shown in courtship’s day.  And, greatest of all, let God be enthroned above all else at all times.”

What do you and your spouse do to connect? 

* Keep it clean.  This is a family blog.  Most days.

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