Princess Ponderings

To Organize or To Not To...

2011-12-29T13:36:00.000-06:00

I am not an organized person. In fact, I am mostly an unorganized person. I have friends that are amazing at this stuff...I applaud them. My prayer for the new year is that I will make better choices in that area. I have been looking at various "Get Organized" websites and am trying to pick and choose the things I know I would be able to do if I really put my mind to it. It has to be do-able for me or I won't even try. If there are too many "steps" in the process, I'll cave and just go play Mahjongg for two hours or sit and read my new Kindle Touch. (not a bad thing -- the reading part I mean). I've tried "FlyLady" and she makes me crazy...too many reminders. She was just a nagger. (insert sarcastic eye roll here). I've tried lists, but I forget where I put them and then I'm out of luck. Plus, they seem so legalistic (see where I'm going here?) I've struggled with this for years. I guess my biggest problem is I don't really want to be organized or to use charts and graphs. Emilie Barnes, author of "Simply Organized", says those usually don't work anyway. Yea, someone who finally gets me. This week (while putting off cleaning and spending an ungodly amount of time on Pinterest) I found a pin for a website called "Organizing Made Fun". I had to laugh at first, but then I decided to head over there and see what she had to say. She talks about cheap ways to store things (I like cheap) and ways to make it fun for everyone. I'm still skeptical about that one, but I am willing to try it. She also encourages to only clean for about 15-20 minutes a day AND focus on one room per day. I think I can do that. I'm gonna try. Today, I'm going to start with my bedroom. Fold all the laundry and put it away. Clean off the dresser, dust and vacuum. So here are some before pix (I can't believe I'm posting these). I'll post some after pix, when it's all cleaned up.

laundry to be folded and put away on the couch and bed.

laundry on the couch and clutter on the floor

more laundry to be folded on the chair and bins at the foot of the bed.

Clutter on the dresser

So...I guess this may be my New Years Resolution (something I said I wasn't going to do anymore). To be more organized and keep my house cleaner.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-16T18:06:00.003-06:00

From the Florias:
Bram, Sandi, Demi, Lyric, Cadence & Canon

I'm so behind...

2011-10-25T14:29:00.000-05:00

Even in posting anything on my blog...it's still way behind. The last post was of Lyric's Modern Day Princess Ceremony back in June. So much has happened in our lives since then. Just the normal, day to day stuff, but still a lot. Canon turned 3 in August. Wow!! Bram got a second job teaching at Hill Country Christian School (where I used to teach 1st grade and where the kids went for so many years). The girls are now taking a few classes there that we felt wouldn't be as easy to tackle at home. I'm still not so sure how I feel about it, but I do know that God provided that opportunity for us. Cade is still at home with Canon and me. Volleyball season has come and gone and I feel like I've been in a whirlwind through all of that. As much as I love volleyball (and most of you know how much I do), I'm glad we're done for the year. Now it's time for all of us to really buckle down with school.

I guess the biggest event in the Floria family since I last posted is that Demi turned 16 in October. That was a surreal thing for me. As much as I thought I had prepared myself for that event, it still hit me like a brick. She's still driving on her learners permit (we got started a bit late), but the "real thing" comes in December.

As always, I'm super proud of my kids and my husband...and...eternally grateful for The Father's Love for us.

Blessings,
Sandi

Princess Pictures

2011-06-29T11:20:00.000-05:00

A Dance w/ her Daddy

A Daddy and his Princess

Nine Precious Young Ladies

Very proud Momma and Daddy

Beautiful Lyric

Lyric

The "real" Princess!

An Amazing 13 year old Princess!

2011-06-29T11:12:00.000-05:00

Last Friday night we celebrated a beautiful group of young ladies. They and their moms went through a 9 week study on Becoming a Modern Day Princess. It was a game changer for all of us. Friday night was the "crowning" moment. Literally... The girls were all dressed up in beautiful Princess attire and looked dazzling. The Mom's and Dad's beamed with pride and God showed up. It was beautiful (have I used that word too much) Each Dad was able to speak a blessing over their daughters, and pray for them. I cried the whole night. Here is the blessing Bram spoke over his precious Princess. (Stay tuned for pix!)

Lyric, our daughter.

Today we stand with you to give testimony to others of the great favor God showed to us. When He placed you in our hands the seed of joy was already planted in our hearts. It has grown and blossomed along with you. And my, how fast it is blossoming! What was once a small bundle with blinking, bright mahogany eyes and delicate fingers amazed us. What you are becoming continues to amaze us.

The day you were born, when you had none of your own, God's breath became your breath and our first prayer for you was answered. His claim on you began that moment. You are a treasure and we are the blessed ones. We have not stopped praying for you in the 13 years since.

For the past few weeks you have studied and shared in a circle of lovely girls and their beautiful mentors. You've dug deeply into the scriptures to understand better how God sees you, and how better to understand yourself. This is what your mother and I would like to add to these new discoveries:

Always remember that God is holy and He has chosen you. Psalm 93 says He clothes Himself in Majesty, Glory and Strength. In other words, this is His own personal style. He's a fashion trend setter. The great designer. And He does great work. He shines the light of His creativity on you. When God looks in the mirror, He sees… you. I want you to think about that. You are His reflection. So when you look in the mirror, you'll see the outward person, the body you are wearing. But you also are looking at your Great Designer. Look for Him there. See how He's shining in your eyes. Admire how your skin glows with His joy and excitement. Wonder at how His character continues to seep out every pore of your being as you continue to mature in wisdom, stature and favor among men. And continue to pursue an outward beauty that is a worthy decoration to this amazing inner beauty He is building in you, day by day. This, Lyric, is the meaning of 'Grace.' It's an elegance, beauty and modesty in your speech, your manner and how you carry yourself that says "I am a daughter of the King! And my King is amazing…"

When you see your Lord and King reflecting in the mirror along with you, there is no challenge you cannot face. There is no opportunity you will not joyfully pursue. There is no panic in the face of danger. Because what you see, is His perfect love for you. As 1 John 4:18 says, "perfect love casts out all fear." God intends to keep doing amazing things in and through you, and it starts with being well-dressed. With His strength; with His glory; with His majesty. Then you accessorize with your gentleness, humility, joy and gratitude.

Lyric, you are all these things and more. One blessing cannot suffice to cover all you have been to us and all you will be in the future. But for this moment, hear these words:

May the Lord continue to astound you with His grace and lovingkindness. May He clothe you in His righteousness, beauty and honor. May He shine brightly through you to the people you meet and influence in this world. May He make our joy complete by making this world a much better place through you. May He bless you with godly, wonderful friends, and may He guide you in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. (Ps. 23:3) And when the time is right, may those paths lead you to the man God has intended for you since the beginning of time so your joy may be complete.

Now to God who is able and willing to provide you with abundant grace, we ask that He would lavish these riches on you, above and beyond what even we - your parents - can imagine. May He use those riches to love the world through you. May you continue to grow in generosity, faith and kindness, which always add to beauty. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

We love you and are proud to be your parents.

Another Mile-stone in the Floria Household

2011-06-09T17:20:00.000-05:00

Today Dempsey Claire got her Learner's Permit. We knew the day would come. We've been working toward it for a long time. We've had all the "talks" about safety and defensive driving and taking care to be aware of road conditions...NOW the real stuff begins. The beginning of our preparing her to "go it alone" out there. I say I'm ready. I think I can convince myself of it all. But today, with her driving home from the DMV, permit in hand, it kind of hit me. No turning back. I'm so proud of her and have all the confidence in her I could possibly have. I'm just not so sure about the "other guy".

"Father, as always, I give my baby to You and ask You to protect her as only You can."

Daddy/Daughter Dance 2011

2011-02-05T20:42:00.000-06:00

A very proud Daddy w/ his girls!

In her "chariot" ready to go.

Waiting for the driver

It's time for the annual Daddy/Daughter Dance put on by Hill Country Christian School. The girls (and their Daddy) look forward to it every year.

Book Review: Voices of the Faithful: Book 2 by Beth Moore & Kim Davis

2011-02-02T11:51:00.005-06:00

I am "in the process" of reading this book and I must say that I find it fascinating and compelling. Reading about real people serving on the front lines right now helps us understand God's work apart from our own "stuff". I am encouraged to look for my own mission field right here at home and I am also prompted to pray for these men and women and their families as they serve our Lord around the world. I love reading this with my children and using it to inspire them to ask God for opportunities to use them in His work for His kingdom. We have used it as a devotional book and as a teaching tool. Either way, it's a great read.

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Book Description:

"A willingness to go is all they have in common," says Beth Moore and Kim P. Davis, speaking of their friends on the front lines who are spreading the gospel around the world and with whom they collaborated to create this book. This second book of 366 daily devotionals features stories of God's faithfulness, written by hundreds of missionaries worldwide.

From stirring miracles to heroic adventures, this second volume highlights those who daily go to the outer limits of spiritual devotion.

A follow-up to the first book which has now sold 300,000 copies.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: "On This Day in Christian History"

2010-12-02T12:05:00.003-06:00

On This Day in Christian History

365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes

By Robert Morgan
Published by Thomas Nelson

As a Homeschool Mom, I am constantly looking for resources that teach, inspire and encourage my kids to greater things. This book does just that. "On This Day In Christian History", is chock full of great stories of Christian History. (From the Roman Empire to the Reformation, St. Valentine to St. Francis, Martin Luther to Billy Graham, On this Day introduces readers to a parade of preachers, popes, martyrs, heroes, and saints from 2,000 years of Christianity.) We've only just begun to read the "history" and we can hardly wait for the next day to read. These are not all stories with happy endings, nor are they trite. They are real stories of people walking and living out their faith in the face of everyday life AND, in many cases, great odds. We have loved reading this book and will use it as a daily devotional and discussion prompt for years to come.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Find this book at: http://www.christianbook.com/christian-history-amazing-inspiring-stories-martyrs/robert-morgan/9780785231899/pd/231899?item_code=WW&netp_id=793785&event=ESRCN&view=details

Please pray for my friend, Tonya

2010-11-30T13:48:00.000-06:00

This is Tonya and her son, Parker on Thanksgiving Day. Please click on the link below and read her story. Then, please pray for her, Dave and their son, Parker.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tonyachristman

Book Review - "The Edge of the Divine" by: Sandi Patty

2010-11-18T09:23:00.005-06:00

I've watched Sandi Patty for years go through ups and downs. Catharsis after catharsis. I have always appreciated her frankness and honesty in all of it. Her book, "The Edge of the Divine", is another such catharsis for her. She reveals her struggles with weight and her desire to be master over it. She also reveals her realization that she cannot master it and talks intimately about her coming to terms with who she is and how God made her. This is not a deep theological book, but it does encourage the reader to come to terms with who we are in Christ and submit to His vision and view of who we are. It's a beautiful story of love and restoration and a return to joy. I enjoyed the book and recommend it.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Taste of Tropical Texas...

2010-11-01T21:17:00.000-05:00

This is my friend, Tammy's blog. She's somewhat of an "expert" on what kind of tropical plants will grow in Texas. It's a fun blog to read...not just for the info, but she's a great writer, too. Hope you enjoy it!
http://tasteoftropicaltexas.blogspot.com/

Doing 'This Thing' - A Compassion Radio Testimony

2010-10-04T13:47:00.000-05:00

Doing 'This Thing' - A Compassion Radio Testimony

Emma Belle Beavers Scott ~ Sept. 14, 1910 - Sept. 24, 2010 ~

2010-09-24T22:47:00.000-05:00

Today, Nanny went home to Jesus. I got a text message from my aunt around 10 this morning to let me know. It was a tough one to read, even though I've been expecting it for a few weeks. She just hasn't been feeling right. Mom, Uncle Bubba and Aunt Margaret were with her when she went home. No pain or struggle, just peace. What a joy! What a blessing! She had a big homecoming prepared for her, I'm sure. My uncle noted that she was born in 1910 and died in 2010. She was 10 x 10 years old and lived 10 days past her 100th birthday. She died at 9:10 in the morning. My Grand-daddy, who was quite the Mathematician, would be thrilled with all that.

As I have processed the day, I thought of all the people who have gone before her, gathering to meet her as she came home. Seeing Jesus in all of His glory! What an amazing thought. Of course, Guy-Gan was there at the front of the line. I'm sure my Daddy greeted her with warm hugs. All 5 of her brothers, and 1 of her sisters. Her Daddy and Grandma, who raised her. And then I thought..."She is seeing her Momma for the first time since she was 8 years old!" How amazing is that?! I can remember her talking about her Momma when I was growing up. I remember her saying it was harder and harder to remember what she looked like as she got older and then there was a time when she completely forgot what her voice sounded like. What a reunion she must be having.

Oh how I will miss my Nanny...but oh how thrilling to know she is with the ones she loved so.

Saying Goodbye

2010-09-20T23:21:00.001-05:00

We celebrated Nanny's 100th birthday last week. How amazing is that. She wasn't feeling well, but still wanted to be with us all for a bit to have cake and Dr.Pepper (her favorite). Tonight we got a call from my uncle that we may be saying goodbye to her this week. The Dr. says he's done all he can do to help her short of putting her in the hospital for IV fluids and such. She wouldn't want that. It would only prolong the inevitable and upset her terribly. So now we wait. My Momma will go up and be with her tomorrow morning. I'm not even really sure how to pray right now. I don't want her to suffer a prolonged wait. I know she's ready to be with Jesus and to see my Guy-Gan again. She loves them both so. I will miss her, but I already do. She has slowly slipped into the quiet of the years and has become less and less like the Nanny I grew up loving. I pray I can honor her with the right kind of grief. The kind that brings glory to the God she loves and the kind that teaches my children that it's okay to love with abandon. I will miss my Nanny, but I will rejoice in her home-going.

2010-07-15T12:43:00.000-05:00

These are my Nanny's hands. They held the hand of a godly man for almost 60 years and nursed him as he breathed his last breath. They have raised two godly children. They have loved on six grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. They have planted gardens and canned many fruits and veggies. They have operated a radio at a military base during WWII spotting for enemy plans along the TX border. They have inspired me, loved me and encouraged me many times...they've even disciplined me a time or two. I pray my hands are this beautiful when I'm 99 and 3/4's. I love you Nanny, you're the best!

It's Thoughtful Thursday...

2010-07-09T11:36:00.000-05:00

I know the last Thoughtful Thursday was about was about my 10 year old son, but both my girls are out of town this week so it's about him again. I'm glad. He's a thoughtful boy. This morning was an early morning in our house, but I wanted to stay in bed until the last possible moment. (you know, hitting snooze 4 or 5 times) Canon (our 23 month old) is now sleeping in a "Big Boy" bed in the same room with Cadence. So, this morning when Canon woke up before my alarm went off, Cadence came to let me know, but also took Canon's juice to him and told me to stay in bed a little longer. Loved that!

"Faith Comes By Hearing"

2010-07-01T09:53:00.002-05:00

What an amazing outreach.

International (MNN) ― In response to hearing God's Word in their own language for the first time, millions of people are coming to Christ around the world.

Faith Comes By Hearing is making this possible by recording dramatized New Testaments on Proclaimers--digital and solar devices that make audio Scripture easily accessible to anyone, no matter how remote their village is.

Morgan Jackson, president of Faith Comes By Hearing, describes the reactions of people as the FCBH teams enter villages and share Christ for the first time: "People who have never heard God's Word in their own language are in shock when they hear it for the first time. They gather the whole community. You push the button [on the Proclaimer], and it's like ... all sound disappears."

After they have listened for a few moments, there are generally two reactions to what they hear. Besides shock, others break into tears as they hear the Words of Christ in their own language because they were convinced that God had forgotten about them or refused to speak their language.

Once the initial shock wears off, many receive Christ or are filled with questions which may eventually lead them to faith. Regardless of whether it's immediate or delayed, millions are accepting the Gospel.

In India specifically, one church-planter has seen his ministry expand from 19 villages, 11 churches, and 1500 listeners to 24 villages, 15 churches, and 1900 listeners in just one year.

So far, FCBH has recorded New Testaments in 460 languages, and translators start a new language about every two days. Also, they have around 500,000 listening groups worldwide, which offer discussions and discipleship for new believers and interested seekers.

However, FCBH does not want to stop there. "Our long-term objective by 2016 is to record every language that has a New Testament translation and to start two million Faith Comes By Hearing listening groups," said Jackson.

The number of languages with current New Testament translations is about 2,000, so Faith Comes By Hearing has a long road ahead.

FCBH and partner ministry Wycliffe Bible Translators continue cautiously, yet not discouraged. And you can help. It takes just $157 to reach a whole community with the hope of Christ in their native language, or $1.57 for one person.

Help today by visiting http://faithcomesbyhearing.com or calling (800)545-6552.

http://www.mnnonline.org/article/14345

Wisdom from a Dove wrapper...

2010-06-27T14:57:00.003-05:00

So yesterday was Thursday...

2010-06-25T11:27:00.000-05:00

I had a headache for most of the day and didn't find myself too thoughtful. My son (Cadence), however, was extremely thoughtful. He has not been feeling good for a few days, (Some yucky stomach bug that the three big kids have passed around.) but he still tried to keep Canon occupied so I could rest. I'm thankful for that.

Thoughtful Thursdays...

2010-06-17T17:05:00.002-05:00

So... if you've followed me at all, you know how terribly inconsistent I am at keeping up with the site. So now I'm going to add tons of guilt induced posts by making every Thursday..."Thoughtful Thursday". "Sandi...what is Thoughtful Thursday?", you ask. Well, I'm so glad you did. Every Thursday (hopefully), I'm going to post something about a thoughtful deed my family has been involved in. Now, I also hope, that my lack of posting will NOT be an indicator of our lack of thoughtfulness, but of my inconsistency in posting. I really do have thoughtful children and I want to make a point of catching them doing something good.

Stay tuned...this should be good.

Pain As A Teacher

2010-06-15T13:35:00.002-05:00

Pain is a tough teacher. It's not one to ask permission before it begins it's lesson for you. My prayer is, and has always been, when I go through one of these episodes with my back, that I will use the time I spend immobile to really listen to God. I'm not so sure I'm getting any better at it. I whine and moan about the pain. I cry and worry that "this may be the time I end up in a wheelchair for good. I become anxious thinking about what my family will do if that happens. How will they function? What alterations will we have to make on our home to accommodate a wheelchair...blah, blah, blah. I must admit, it all begin to happen again for me. All of the "what if's" began to flood in and my mind was reeling from it all. I started feeling sorry for myself. I'm a pessimist by nature (did ya get that?) so it's easy for me to go to the negative place first. I was hoping the x-rays our chiropractor took would give us a clue to what is going on in there. They weren't conclusive at all.

I had to stop myself mid-thought to regroup and change my mind. That's not an easy practice either. I took myself to exactly the place the enemy wanted me to go. The place of discouragement. When I asked the Holy Spirit to redirect me, He took me to Psalm 18. One of my favorite places in scripture. I love that He always comes to our rescue.

Psa 18:2-19 You are my mighty rock, my fortress, my protector, the rock where I am safe, my shield, my powerful weapon, and my place of shelter. I praise you, LORD! I prayed, and you rescued me from my enemies. Death had wrapped its ropes around me, and I was almost swallowed by its flooding waters. Ropes from the world of the dead had coiled around me, and death had set a trap in my path. I was in terrible trouble when I called out to you, but from your temple you heard me and answered my prayer. The earth shook and shivered, and the mountains trembled down to their roots. You were angry and breathed out smoke. Scorching heat and fiery flames spewed from your mouth. You opened the heavens like curtains, and you came down with storm clouds under your feet. You rode on the backs of flying creatures and swooped down with the wind as wings. Darkness was your robe; thunderclouds filled the sky, hiding you from sight. Hailstones and fiery coals lit up the sky in front of you. LORD Most High, your voice thundered from the heavens, as hailstones and fiery coals poured down like rain. You scattered your enemies with arrows of lightning. You roared at the sea, and its deepest channels could be seen. You snorted, and the earth shook to its foundations. You reached down from heaven, and you lifted me from deep in the ocean. You rescued me from enemies, who were hateful and too powerful for me. On the day disaster struck, they came and attacked, but you defended me. When I was fenced in, you freed and rescued me because you love me.

Dinner and Dancing w/ my Guy!

2010-06-07T23:33:00.000-05:00

Good way to start out...

2010-05-21T19:30:00.000-05:00

My friend, Cindy, is afraid to start a garden. First of all, they live in a rental house...can't really tear up the backyard for a garden plot. Secondly, she told me she's never really planted veggies, but she's been pretty successful with flowers. I encouraged her to go for it w/ a container garden for veggies. Here's a great web-site that gives some basic instructions about container gardening.
http://www.gardenguides.com/685-guide-container-gardening.html

Our Brilliant 21 Month Old Boy!

2010-05-18T11:52:00.000-05:00

Canon reading Russian

He's brilliant!

Insights from a Squash Vine...

2010-05-05T21:44:00.002-05:00

Squash vines are "protectors". They will hurt you. There are spiny leaves and stems that make it hard to work around them without gloves on. I know they're there to protect the plants themselves, but they inadvertently protect the weeds around them, too. They unknowingly cover and defend the very thing that is set on destroying them. After being pricked a number of times, it would be easy for me to give up and let the weeds take over -- but I can't. I go back everyday and pull the weeds. Some days, when I forget my gardening gloves, I come away with tiny stickers in my hands and I have to soak them out with warm water -- but I still go back. Doesn't the squash vine realize I'm doing this for it's good? Hmmm...Then it struck me...sometimes I'm just like that squash vine (insert smart comments here...). Sometimes I'm prickly and spiny. Especially when it comes to the weeding process. When God sends others to pull weeds in my garden, I go into protection mode. And even though I know , unlike the squash vine, that it's good for me, I still seem to protect the "weeds" that want to choke my growth.

Are you like these vines, too? Do you protect things that will rob you of a great life? As long as we choose to be prickly when others come to us in love, we will be choked out by the weeds. But, when we consciously make an effort to be teachable, we can keep being transformed into the image of Christ. I pray I keep learning from these squash vines.

A Rough Day for Little Guy...

2010-04-30T14:53:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a rough day for our little guy. First, he had an encounter with a very hard part of the tractor. He's got quite a knot on his little head. Then...after he was calmed down and that episode passed, he managed to sit down in a fire ant mound. Now, he has ant bites all over his hand and legs. He was a sad boy.

My Herb Garden...

2010-04-29T15:53:00.002-05:00

Here are some pix of my "herb garden". I'm a bit disappointed in the Rosemary, but the Basil, Thyme, and Oregano are doing well. I'm hopeful these will be useful in my kitchen very soon!

The Floria Garden Adventure Continues...4-22-10

2010-04-22T14:45:00.002-05:00

Many that know me, know me to be a "princess". I have been called "high maintenance", "girlie", "in-doorsy", among other things...I love to get my nails done. It's one of my favorite things to do for "me time". The past few weeks have wreaked havoc on them. It's not that I haven't wanted to get them done, it's just that my nails have looked mostly like the picture below since the garden went in.

Pulling weeds and digging in the garden has quickly become one of my favorite past-times. The sense of accomplishment is exhilarating. When we see the plants push up through the soil and began to spread out, it's pure joy! Stay tuned for more garden pix.

The Floria Garden Adventure Continues...somethings up!

2010-04-20T15:27:00.000-05:00

Here are some pix from the garden this morning. It's so exciting to see the progress God is making. ;-)

Quote for the day...

2010-04-11T15:08:00.000-05:00

Happiness is the sauce of experience in pleasant circumstances. Joy is a recipe for all deep happiness and contentment that works with any ingredients. ~ Bram Floria

(btw...I "stole" this from my husband. He made this comment on a friends Facebook status when they asked this question: "How do you define "joy" and "happiness"? Do you see these two as being interchangable or distinctly different? Can you have one but not the other or is one dependant upon the other? I have my ideas, lets hear yours.")

The Floria Garden Adventure...Planting Time

2010-04-10T21:52:00.000-05:00

our little seedlings

The Floria Garden Adventure Continues...

2010-04-09T20:49:00.002-05:00

Prepping the Raised Garden Spot
We did a boxed off, raised area for the more tender plants in our garden. Things like Strawberries, Artichokes, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Okra, Lettuces and Cabbages.

This is where the corn, potatoes, onions, carrots, squash, zucchini, watermelon, cantaloupe and beets are planted. Our corn is already 3-4 inches tall and the potatoes are sprouting like crazy, too.

squaring up the garden

being helpful

Done for the day!

The Floria Garden Adventure...

2010-04-08T17:19:00.000-05:00

We've decided to plant a garden this year. Not just any garden, but a real, step out of the box, adventurous garden. We've never done it before. So...after living on 31 acres for the past 10+ years, we decided to give it a whirl. We started with some small planter flats on March 24th. Stay tuned for more pix and what came next.....

I Am Stone ~ Bram Floria

2010-04-08T14:50:00.003-05:00

The Voice summoned me from the depths before there was time
I settled where the newly-formed sun could warm me
I witnessed the seasons of an eon or more before
The others were summoned to me

These small, scurrying, fleeting whispers climbed on my shoulder
In voices of their own they cried out to the One
Who had called forth us all; their lives but a flash and blast of music
Mine the long drumming notes of millennia

Over me the blood began to flow
Innocence expended to cover souls
A smattering, to blot out sins of generations
And I would humbly harbor such sacrifices

Their generations of hurried, fevered labors
covered me with a presence of their own
Cut stones and carpets, cisterns and fires
To take my place in greeting the sun

Then the crash of cymbals became impatient, harsh
The cries of priests desperate, quavering, unnerving me
Until the Voice would answer - the murmurs of its music
Muffled, muted, descending to my heart, and I would rest

And when the voices were silenced, I entered into restless sleep
And in its place Hell's haunting came
The blanket above began to fray, stones cracking
With heaving desolation, my arm was bared once more

When finally the whispers and scurries returned
New voices, new tongues, the rhythm of many nations
The blood of innocence shed to many gods and thrones
My back bore the shame of murder and disgrace

And on my bare arm the blood of guilt began to spill
Sacrificed to men's perverted justice, soaking me with sorrow
From hope I had become the scourge of nations
My crown a corpse, my arm a skull

Until the day when innocence returned and bled itself on me
I felt its truth like cleansing acid upon my skin
I groaned and writhed as purity's medicine disinfected me
The shame awakened into fury - I split in anguished cry

And then the Voice called down to me "The debt is paid" - I shuddered
Though I was settled I could not stop the cracks that continued rending me
On my arm the Voice was silent, the blood, now fading, dying
I could not hold it up - I slumped exhausted, stunned and spent

And from my cracks the fury of fires poured out with fumes
Sulphurous, choking off the little voices - Hell's laughing gas unleashed
And all was silent, the sky above dared not to speak
The weight of sorrow's clouds pressed on my chest - I dared not a breath

The innocence, the life, the blood and flood now pooled within my chest
I cradled it as it was hardened - like me - to stone become
The only voices heard were muffled wailings on my skin - I had none to speak
The clouds brought tears I could not cry so we together wept

A sabbath of sorrow has passed over me, the sun refused to shine
Darkness of a second span now covers me - no promise of another day
My fibers rent, a thousand shards each stiff and full of pain
Now holding both the blood and frame of innocence now lost

Yet creeping at horizon's edge a glimmer of light I see
On this the third day of my sorrow how could hope yet survive?
I hear a blast - the Voice - The Song is singing with the sun!
My heart now empty, is alive! The Life now lives - I'm free!

Love and War...

2010-02-12T07:42:00.000-06:00

I knew I would like this book. After all, it's by John and Stasi Eldredge. What I didn't know is that I "needed" this book. Wow! This one will be a great bedside manual for any marriage.

What the Eldredge bestsellers Wild at Heart did for men, and Captivating did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces.

With refreshing openness that will grab readers from the first page, the Eldredges candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced. Each talks independently to the reader about what they’ve learned, giving their guidance personal immediacy and a balance between the male and female perspectives that has been absent from all previous books on this topic. They begin LOVE & WAR with an obvious but necessary acknowledgement: Marriage is fabulously hard. They advise that the sooner we get the shame and confusion off our backs, the sooner we'll find our way through.

LOVE & WAR shows couples how to fight for their love and happiness, calling men and women to step into the great adventure God has waiting for them together. Walking alongside John and Stasi Eldredge, every couple can discover how their individual journeys are growing into a story of meaning much greater than anything they could do or be on their own.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385529808

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Help for Haiti

2010-01-15T13:45:00.000-06:00

http://compassionradio.com/

Compassion Radio is partnering with a Christian relief agency to provide desperately needed medicines, water purifiers and other necessary items being requested from Haiti.

It's extremely important to us that every Compassion Radio Partner gift is applied where needed most, and in the most timely manner possible. Therefore, the distribution of this aid will be handled by Christian workers who have a long-term and permanent presence on the ground in the country.

We'll be posting updates on the main website page as this project develops and as we have more specifics on how your gifts are currently being utilized.

You can also reach us by phone at 1.800.868.2478.

Thank you for your concern and generosity on behalf of the people of Haiti.

Norm and Cher Nelson

2010 is upon us...

2010-01-02T08:59:00.008-06:00

Here we are again at the beginning of a new year. I posted this on Facebook as my status yesterday:

"For last year's words belong to last year's language And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." ~T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"

It seemed a bit "deep" at the time, but I know there are new things bubbling up in me that I haven't experienced before. Those things will require a new voice to communicate them. Of course with the events of the past year, there is a bit of trepidation in moving forward...but then again...what other option is there? I choose to keep believing God is still in control even when circumstances make it seem otherwise. I seemed to have "lost" my voice over the course of the last 4 1/2 months. I think it may be the trauma of all we've been through. Perhaps I'll find it again this year. I'm praying so.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-09T11:38:00.002-06:00

I don't really have anything to add to this post. Please watch the video and understand how grateful we are to all of our precious friends all over the world.

http://vimeo.com/7897510

"If God Is Good" Book Review

2009-09-21T14:27:00.008-05:00

If God Is Good

by Randy Alcorn

Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us.

In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God--Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?

These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers like Bart Ehrman answer the question simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God.

In this captivating new book, best-selling author Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise.

Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world–now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear.

As he did in his best-selling book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.

Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries and a bestselling author. His novels include Deadline, Dominion, Edge of Eternity, Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, The Ishbane Conspiracy, and the Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written eighteen nonfiction books as well, including Heaven, The Treasure Principle, The Purity Principle, and The Grace and Truth Paradox. Randy and his wife, Nanci, live in Oregon and have two married daughters and four grandsons.

A Brief Encounter With Mary and Martha

2009-07-26T23:42:00.004-05:00

Let's have a brief encounter with Mary and Martha. Luke 10:38-42

vs 40 - "But Martha was distracted with all HER preparations..." The preparations were hers, not the Lords - She's so distracted by all she's trying to do she even "fusses" at God - "Don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work?" But Jesus looks at her with love - "Martha, Martha" (Sandi, Sandi...insert your name here). I can almost see His tender smile as He shakes His head - "You are worried and bothered about so many things - really only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken from her."

Do I believe we need to take care of things around our homes and make sure our kids are fed and clothed - absolutely. Do I think our homes should be hospitable and welcoming to others - Yep, I do. But, I don't believe He wants us to be going about life frantically. A nervous wreck when things aren't "just so" or they aren't getting done (in our time frame). Is Martha necessary - yes. But remember, Jesus told her "Mary has chosen the better option". I can be as "Martha" as the next woman. I used to ask my husband to load the dishwasher and then re-do it when he wasn't looking because it wasn't loaded the "right" way. I've often said that I'm an organized woman trapped in a messy womans body. Talk about frustration!

Listen, if our "trying" and "busy-ness" get in the way of worshiping Jesus - it's sin. Plain and simple.

So whatever you're doing worship Him while doing it. Worship Him, knowing He's leading you to a new place of service to Him today. "To obey is better than sacrifice". He doesn't need our "work", or "trying", or "busy-ness". He wants our hearts. If our hearts are all wrapped up in the "doing" of stuff, then He doesn't really have us at all.

"Blue Like Play Dough"

2009-07-23T11:23:00.010-05:00

I read the best book last week. It's called "Blue Like Play Dough" by Tricia Goyer. She is a Mom after my own heart. Her hearts desire is to be the woman God is calling her to be, the wife God made her husband to need AND the Mom God wants her kids to see. I think she's winning on all counts. Her honest accounts of life struggles is liberating to those who read them. She has passionately pursued her dreams and what she believes God has called her to do and shares openly about each success AND failure. Wow. Her vulnerability and frank openness encourages the reader to live life in God's grip. I will recommend this book again and again. I will read this book again and again.

Tricia Goyer is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, includingGeneration NeXt Parenting and the Gold Medallion finalist Life Interrupted. Goyer writes for publications such as Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family, speaks to women’s groups nationwide and has been a presenter at the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) national convention. She and her husband, John, live with their family in Montana.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421524

Book Blog for "The Vanishing Sculptor"

2009-06-25T07:55:00.003-05:00

Most of this review will be from my 13 year old daughter. She read this book and loved it, so I asked her to write a review for it. Here it is...

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400073399&ref=externallink_wbm_thevanishingsculptor_aeb_0427_01

I read the book The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul . I was pretty impressed by her ability to incorporate Biblical circumstances into a seemingly secular book. The search for truth dominates a quest that begun as a desperate attempt to save the world renown sculptor, Verrin Schope’s life. The team who composes this questing party includes 7 people and 1 grand parrot. One character that I really like is the Wizard Fenworth. For the dominate part of the book he is portrayed as a grumpy old man who is very temperamental and kind of immature, but you see in the end that he is just a grumpy old man who is also extremely wise, talented, and just understands the importance of fun.

I think that this book is well-balanced, meaning that it gives good descriptions, but Donita did not waste time with over-flowery sentences. She would have done better to develop the characters in the beginning of the book. I didn’t feel like I knew the characters very well until the end of the book.

This is definitely a series that I would like to read more of. I look forward to seeing how Donita K. Paul grows as a writer.

Here is the summary sent by the book publisher:

Donita K. Paul’s 250,000-plus-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles series has attracted a wide spectrum of dedicated fans–and they’re sure to fall in love with the new characters and adventures in her latest superbly crafted fiction novel for all ages. It’s a mind-boggling fantasy that inhabits the same world as the DragonKeeper Chronicles, but in a different country and an earlier time, where the people know little of Wulder and nothing of Paladin.
In The Vanishing Sculptor, readers will meet Tipper, a young emerlindian who’s responsible for the upkeep of her family’s estate during her sculptor father’s absence. Tipper soon discovers that her actions have unbalanced the whole foundation of her world, and she must act quickly to undo the calamitous threat. But how can she save her father and her world on her own? The task is too huge for one person, so she gathers the help of some unlikely companions–including the nearly five-foot tall parrot Beccaroon–and eventually witnesses the loving care and miraculous resources of Wulder. Through Tipper’s breathtaking story, readers will discover the beauty of knowing and serving God.

Book Blog for Three New Books...

2009-06-18T08:36:00.010-05:00

I didn't get to read all three of the books as planned. I did finish "Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart" by Chuck Black and would be interested in reading other books in that series. I think it's more of an early teen book for boys, but it was an interesting way to illustrate how our lives need to be rooted and grounded in the Word so we may be able to stand strong against a very dark enemy.

I started "The Disappearance of God" by R. Albert Mohler, Jr. but have not finished it. I must admit, it's going to be a book I write in the margins and underline a lot of passages in. I do think it's going to take me some time to get through it and really have read it thoroughly.

I did not read "Eyes Wide Open", by Jud Wilhite. Of all three of the books, it's the one I most looked forward to reading and didn't even start. Just reading the back cover of this book opened "old" places in my heart that I have struggled with all my life.

Below, you will find the information sent to me by Multnomah Press for each of the books.

“The Disappearance of God” by R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601420817

More faulty information about God swirls around us today than ever before. No wonder so many followers of Christ are unsure of what they really believe in the face of the new spiritual openness attempting to alter unchanging truth.
For centuries the church has taught and guarded the core Christian beliefs that make up the essential foundations of the faith. But in our postmodern age, sloppy teaching and outright lies create rampant confusion, and many Christians are free-falling for “feel-good” theology.

We need to know the truth to save ourselves from errors that will derail our faith.
As biblical scholar, author, and president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Albert Mohler, writes, “The entire structure of Christian truth is now under attack.” With wit and wisdom he tackles the most important aspects of these modern issues:

Is God changing His mind about sin?
Why is hell off limits for many pastors?
What’s good or bad about the “dangerous” emergent movement?
Have Christians stopped seeing God as God? Is the social justice movement misguided?
Could the role of beauty be critical to our theology?
Is liberal faith any less destructive than atheism?
Are churches pandering to their members to survive?

In the age-old battle to preserve the foundations of faith, it's up to a new generation to confront and disarm the contemporary shams and fight for the truth. Dr. Mohler provides the scriptural answers to show you how.

“Eyes Wide Open: See and Live the Real You” by Jud Wilhite

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601420725

I had it all backwards. The main thing was not my love for God, but his love for me. And from that love I respond to God as one deeply flawed, yet loved. I’m not looking to prove my worth. I’m not searching for acceptance. I’m living out of the worth God already declares I have. I’m embracing his view of me and in the process discovering the person he created me to be.

In Eyes Wide Open, Jud Wilhite invites you to discover the real you. Not the you who pretends to be perfect to satisfy everyone’s expectations. Not the you who always feels guilty before God. Not the you who secretly feels God forgives everyone else but only tolerates you. Not the you who looks in the mirror and sees a failure. The real you, loved and forgiven by God, living out of your identity in Christ.

A travel guide through real spirituality from one incomplete person to another, Eyes Wide Open is a book of stories about following God in the messes of life, about broken pasts and our lifelong need for grace. It is a book about seeing ourselves and God with new eyes–eyes wide open to a God of love.

“Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart” by Chuck Black

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421265

Sir Dalton, a knight in training, seems to have everything going for him. Young, well-liked, and a natural leader, he has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow knights, and especially the beautiful Lady Brynn. But something is amiss at the training camp. Their new trainer is popular but lacks the passion to inspire them to true service to the King and the Prince. Besides this, the knights are too busy enjoying a season of good times to be concerned with a disturbing report that many of their fellow Knights have mysteriously vanished.

When Sir Dalton is sent on a mission, he encounters strange attacks, especially when he is alone. As his commitment wanes, the attacks grow in intensity until he is captured by Lord Drox, a massive Shadow Warrior. Bruised and beaten, Dalton refuses to submit to evil and initiates a daring escape with only one of two outcomes - life or death. But what will become of the hundreds of knights he'll leave behind? In a kingdom of peril, Dalton thinks he is on his own, but two faithful friends have not abandoned him, and neither has a strange old hermit who seems to know much about the Prince. But can Dalton face the evil Shadow Warrior again and survive?

"Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes"

2009-06-10T11:31:00.009-05:00

Well, I did it...I read a "Sisterchicks" book! I hadn't planned on it at all. A few years ago, while browsing the library, my oldest daughter suggested I read them. I, being an avid reader of historical fiction, graciously declined. I may never have read one if I hadn't joined the Multanomah Press Book Blog Tour. Now, I'm so glad I did. Robin Jones Gunn took me on a trip back to The Netherlands. Her descritptions of places I'd visited in the past were wonderfully accurate, and vivid. I could almost smell the Dutch Hot Chocolate and feel the bracing spray of the North Sea surf. What a treat to re-visit those memories. And be taken to places I hadn't been, as well.

The story of the friendship of Noelle and Summer was like icing on an already delicious cake. To journey with them on their discovery of the new and re-discovery of the old was delightful and inspiring. The way Robin Jones Gunn weaves spiritual truth into the daily parts of life reminds me that I, too, need to be on the look out for God's hand at work in everyday situations, or, the "sacredness of everyday". God truly does walk with us through every area of our lives.

I look forward to getting caught up on the Sisterchicks series and I can't wait for her next installment!

Robin Jones Gunn is the best-selling and award-winning author of over seventy books, including the Glenbrooke, Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, Katie Weldon, and Christy and Todd: The College Years teen series. The Sisterchicks® series has sold more than 300,000 units, bringing her total sales to more than 3.5 million books worldwide. A Christy Award winner, Robin is a popular speaker, both at home and abroad, and is frequently interviewed on radio and on television. www.robingunn.com www.sisterchicks.com

Here's a link to Random House to purchase this book.

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601420091

My $5 Flea Market Find...

2009-06-07T17:45:00.001-05:00

I like cheap stuff. Here's what I found at the flea market today with my Mom and sister.

I have one more thing to say...

2009-06-06T23:03:00.002-05:00

Bram and Dempsey left for Belize on a Mission Trip today. Pray for them and the PALMS Puppeteers http://palmspuppeteer.wordpress.com/ They'll be gone through next Saturday (June 13th)

Isn't God Amazing?

2009-06-06T22:52:00.006-05:00

I know, that must be a rhetorical question, but I was reminded (AGAIN) at just how amazing Gods creation it. Would you just look at this flower?

This is a Passion Vine. My friend, Michele, the plant expert sent me this link on Facebook today so I'd know how to take care of it. http://www.plant-care.com/passiflora-passion-vine.html My friend, Shannon, who grew up Catholic told me that the Nuns taught her about how this flower represents Christ, the Trinity and the crucifixion. Its name comes from its beautiful flowers, thought to represent Christ's crucifixion - 5 stamens for the 5 wounds, 3 styles for the 3 nails and white and purple-blue colors for purity and heaven. My friend, Jill, who lives in Hawaii, tells me they're called Lilikoi! aka Passion fruit. That's what they make the passion fruit drinks out of! They grow wild in Hawaii. AND...my friend John was reminded of the movie "Invasion of the Body Snatchers". Whatever the story behind this flower, it's an amazing reminder of how creative our God really is.

2009-06-03T17:32:00.006-05:00

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies;nothing you desire can compare with her.

Proverbs 3:13-15, NIV

~Mother's Day Fun~

2009-05-09T22:10:00.021-05:00

Mother's Day at our house is a big event. My kids do everything in their power to make it super special for me. This year was no acception. This year they made me a plant stand out of an old stair frame they found on the farm and painted terracotta pots and planted flowers in them. They're amazing!

Here are some Mother's Day pix to enjoy! I love, LOVE my kids.

My beautiful "big girl": Dempsey Claire

My precious Lyric Darryn

My sweet "big" boy: Cadence Lee

My silly tiny tot: Canon Scott

Commited Adultery Lately?

2009-05-07T16:01:00.006-05:00

I was reading in Proverbs 7 today. I have to be honest, I really didn't think it applied to me. I mean, I'm NOT going to commit adultery. I could never hurt my husband or family like that. I also thought, I could never stray THAT far from God. But as I prayed over these verses, I began to realize that it isn't necessarily talking about the sexual kind of adultery. I know what the definition of adultery is, but, I had to consider what other areas of my life that I commit adultery. I began to think of the things that draw me away and entice me to "ignore" and "neglect" my relationship with God. What other sins do I get into bed with? What do I do with my time, my energy? What do my attitudes reflect? I do struggle in these areas.

What are things that draw us away from a committed relationship with Jesus?

~Time: computer (where I struggle the most), t.v., books that don't honor Him and plant seeds of sin in our minds, shopping, even time with others can keep us from the time He deserves.

~Energy: pursuing selfish ambitions, working too late (time away from our family and/or Him), worry, fear. What things occupy us so much that they sap our very energy away?

~Attitudes: arrogance, bitterness, anger, selfishness, flattery?

All of these areas, plus some I'm sure I haven't thought of, can be the "Adulteress" that entices us and draws us away from our True Love. The Bible says this path leads to destruction. You see, if we haven't "bound His commands on our fingers & written them on the tablet of our hearts" (Prov. 7:3), we can easily be flattered and enticed away to "her house". Verse 27 says, "it's the way to hell, even descending to the chambers of death." I don't know what you think about that, but it down right scares me! Song of Solomon tells us to "beware the little foxes that spoil the vineyard". Little things draw us away a bit at a time. Self-righteous attitudes convince us we're untouchable. We're not, we must be on our guard.

What are you a fan of?

2009-04-15T09:53:00.006-05:00

I became a "fan" of God today. Not that I haven't been a fan for a long time - I just made if official on Facebook. I'm also a "fan" of Dr.Pepper and Taco Bell. Both of which (according to Facebook) I've been a fan of longer than God. I would have become a fan of God sooner...I just didn't know I could. I didn't know I had to make it official on Facebook. It is the means by which we declare our "fan-hood", afterall. Declare it on Facebook to make it official. Does this new declaration mean I now need to step things up a notch with God? I've made it known so now people will be watching me. Isn't that what we do on Facebook...watch each other? We watch to see if those on our friends list will live up to their "fan" declarations. Afterall...isn't Facebook the new measurement of our commitment to things?

Please Pray for the Bobby Michaels Family

2009-03-31T10:01:00.001-05:00

Message from Lee and Rachel...

Our hearts are aching as we tell you that Bobby passed away this evening shortly after going into the operating room. Before the surgeons started the operation, Bobby's heart stopped with an instant "flat-line". The medical team tried for 45 minutes to resuscitate him but his heart did not respond.

We are deeply saddened by our loss...but rejoice that Bobby did get totally healed...with a new heart, kidneys, and any other part that might have needed fixing. The Lord knew the plans He had for Bobby...and today was his graduation day as he went to the One he loved the most and served so faithfully. We know he was carried away in the arms of Jesus.

Words cannot express our thanks for all the love, prayers, and notes of encouragement that have come to us by everyone who have been touched by Bobby's life. Our prayer for all of you is that you will experience the same peace and comfort that we have received from the Father.

We will let you know of memorial plans once these details have made. Thank you again for all of the love and prayers for our family.

We love you all deeply!

Lee, Rachel, and Jeff

Update on Bobby Michaels

2009-03-30T19:27:00.000-05:00

Subject: Re: Bobby's Heart Surgery Tomorrow!

Bobby's heart surgery is scheduled at approximately 5 PM tomorrow evening (Tuesday) LOCAL BANGKOK TIME.

This is 3 AM PST, 4 AM MST, 5 AM CST, and 6 AM EST.
I urge you to do one of the following:

- Pray before you go to bed this evening
- Set your alarm for your particular time zone to be up and praying at the time of Bobby's surgery.

Again, this surgery is extremely risky, but to the Maker of Bobby's heart, there is NO risk! The family has requested that we pray specifically that:

- the Lord would prepare Bobby's heart condition to accept treatment
- Bobby's body would respond positively to the anesthetics
- the Lord would give the family the grace to wait patiently during the time of his surgery
- a renewed heart condition would lead to the healing of his other organs and strengthen his body

Deby and I echo the words of Rachel, Bobby and Lee's daughter:
Thank you for standing with us during this critical time. We love each of you and trust you will hear Bobby's beautiful testimony from his own lips in the months to come!

Praying with great expectancy for Bobby's complete healing,
Kirk Dearman

Update on Bobby Michaels

2009-03-25T10:12:00.004-05:00

I got this email from Bobby & Lee's daughter this morning. He's still not out of the woods, but he is stable. Please continue to pray for him. If you'd like to email them and let them know you're praying, Rachels email is rachel@bobbymichaels.com
____________________________________________________________________________________

Hello again dear friends!

I made it to Bangkok, Thailand safely and of course my luggage stayed back in Chicago! :) Hopefully it will be arriving in the next day or so... It was so wonderful to see Jim and Cheryl McCandliss waiting at the airport and then to see my parents at the hospital! Even under the great strain that Bobby's body is going through, he still recognizes familiar faces and his face lit up when our eyes met! What a precious moment for me!

I want to first update you as I found out that some previous information was not totally accurate due to translation barriers... None of the events that happened were reported incorrectly but we were originally under the impression that Bobby had some heart infections. That is not the case, he had a myocardial infarction (commonly know as a heart attack but check out wikipedia.com for more info). At this point in time Bobby's heart is way too weak for tests to determine his heart's condition. The Doctors are pretty confident that there is heart damage but they are not sure how extensive it is..

His blood pressure is stable but is lower than what is should be. He is still on hemo-dialysis as the kidneys are not functioning. We still have a long road to recovery but the Lord is MORE than faithful and we know that we can rest in His promises! Thank you for the continued prayers and emails! We are making Bobby a book of everyone's emails and comments. I apologize that I haven't been able to respond to everyone personally but please know that each email is being ready and will be added to his book.

Here are our current prayer requests:

* for his blood pressure to continue in a steady climb upwards
* for his kidneys to start functioning
* Doctors to have wisdom & understanding for diagnosing and finding an appropriate treatment plan

Much love,

Rachel and the gang

Urgent Prayer Request for Bobby Michaels

2009-03-21T23:34:00.001-05:00

We got this from Bobby's daughter early this evening. Please be in prayer for this giant of the faith and Missionary/Musician.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST UPDATE (BOBBY'S CONDITION):

Hello Dear Friends and Prayer Warriors,

We come to you once again in need of your prayers. Bobby's heart isn't working properly, yet... My parents arrived in Bangkok last night (Thailand time) and in the morning the Dr.'s took Bobby out of the room to go run some tests. On their way down to the exam room, Bobby's heart stopped beating and they resuscitated him and took him immediately into surgery. They put 2 stents in his heart and removed a blood clot. After recovering from this surgery, he was then transferred back to his room where Mom was waiting for him. While they were setting him back up in his room, his heart failed again and once again they resuscitated him. The reason for this was that the muscles were too weak to do their job. His heart was accepting the stents though J Bobby did really well for the next 6-8 hours. He has tubes down his throat and is needing to rest and stay still. He has been quite restless though during all of this...

About 3 hours ago Bobby's heart gave way again and it took the Dr.'s 20 minutes to resuscitate him this time. During this time, Mom said she was sitting in the room with Bobby & praying and crying out to the Lord asking "WHY?" and why was she there all alone without anyone to be with her. She said the Lord's presence came over her in a way like never before and He said to her "so you know that I AM enough!" Mom said that she stopped crying and felt total peace and that the Lord promised her that He wasn't taken Bobby away, this is all the while Bobby is still unconscious. The Dr.'s were finally able to revive Bobby but he is still in a SUPER CRITICAL stage - medically speaking! The Lord has given us His peace and His promises that He is not done yet with Bobby. Mom was also reminded of the stories in the Bible of when people had seemed "dead" and the physical circumstances seemed to be the same but the Lord said "No, they are just resting".

I just called Mom again a few minutes ago to see if anything else had changed so that this update would be very "up to date" and she said that Bobby is resting very well right now. She said also that the Lord told her that "He was having a meeting with Bobby and they just needed to talk" :) Dian and I think that this was the Lord's way of making Bobby rest as he is always wanting to be social and interacting J As huge, strong and giving as Bobby's heart is figuratively speaking, we are praying that the same would be given physically to his heart!

Jim & Cheryl McCandliss, along with a dear friend, Jennifer, from Singapore just arrived at the hospital in Bangkok and are now with Mom. Bobby is alert and aware and trying to talk J which isn't working very well with a tube down his throat!

Here are some specific prayer request again:

That Bobby would just rest and for his restlessness to be gone
That his blood pressure would stabilize
Continued wisdom for the Dr.'s and medical team
For Mom to be able to get GOOD rest
For Jim & Cheryl to be able to get good rest also
Wisdom & Knowledge for Mom, Jim, Cheryl & Jennifer as decisions need to be made

Bobby can never be accused for not loving someone enough and we thank you from the deepest parts of our hearts for loving our family enough in return! I will probably be headed over there soon and will keep you all posted as to what's happening. Thanks again for your prayers, love and support! This road has been a lot easier to walk knowing we have your support!

Love to all!
Rach and the Family

The Sound of Jibberish

2009-03-12T11:09:00.006-05:00

As I sit here at my computer, Facebooking, I can hear my youngest son "singing" himself to sleep in the next room. It's still the jibberish of a 7 month old, but it makes me smile. It makes me wonder...does my worship of God sometimes sound like jibberish? Does it makes God smile? I believe He smiles at all our attempts to praise, however feeble the attempt may be. He just wants to hear our voice lifted to Him. Today, I will endeavor to worship Him in all I do. This morning I put on a pot of beans for our Home Group Bible Study tonight. I can worship while I do that. When the baby wakes up from the sleep he sang himself into, I'll change his diaper and snuggle him a bit. That is most definitely a time of worship. Our worship stems from a simple act of serving others with a pot of beans or just being thankful for a precious gift He's given. I guess it's all about the heart. "Father, let my service to my family and others be a sweet aroma of Worship to YOU."

Why do we Pray?

2009-03-11T10:11:00.003-05:00

James 4:2 “You have not because you ask not.”

Quoting the words of John Piper: “God, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, has ordained that prayers cause things to happen that would not happen if we didn’t pray. It is a staggeringly, glorious privilege to be taken by the Sovereign God of the universe – who runs all things according to His infinite wisdom – and to be folded into His causality. It is a breathtaking honor. Let us avail ourselves of the honor of bringing to pass events that would not happen without our prayers. God is beckoning us into our share of the running of the universe. Do you not know that you will judge angels? Do you not know who you are – child of God?”

These are the thoughts of John Piper – this is the message of James 4:2.

Merry Christmas From The Florias

2008-12-15T13:17:00.006-06:00

Merry Christmas from the Floria Farm!
Bram, Sandi, Demi, Lyric, Cadence & Canon

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T18:08:00.012-06:00

This week I've received several emails about "why" I should be thankful. Many of them tell me I should be thankful because I don't have it as bad as others. You know...I think I should be thankful, period. Here are some things I'm thankful for...

~The Blood of Jesus, shed for me
~my precious husband
~my equally precious children
~extended family
~The Connection Church (I love my group)
~Monday Night Ladies Bible Study (I love these Women)

Here are a few pix of the day...

Canons first Thanksgiving

A Beautiful Table

Me and my mom at "the farm"

Bram & Cadence

A True Texan Knows...

2008-11-23T17:00:00.000-06:00

(I have to admit, I "swiped" this list from another blogger...but I couldn't argue w/ any of her points. She's a true Texan, too.)

A true Texan knows:

1. That “ya’ll” and “fixin’ to” are a legitimate part of the English vocabulary. If you don’t say these phrases on a regular and consistent basis, we know right away that you aren’t from our neck of the woods. Oh, and “neck of the woods” – you have to say that too.

2. Chicken Fried Steak is a required part of every diet. Extra credit for mash potatoes, corn on the cob, and fried okra. And for the record, it's not chicken fried steak unless it's smothered in white cream gravy. I've heard rumors about restaurants in other states putting brown gravy on a fried chicken cutlet and trying to pass it off as chicken fried steak on the menu. That should be a crime, punishable by law.

3. Animals were made for eating. Get ready for the hate mail. I don’t mean to offend anyone here, but you can count the Vegetarians in our state on one hand. We like our crispy bacon and our backyard burgers. And while we’re on the subject, BBQ is not really BBQ unless it’s made from BEEF! What’s up with that faux pork BBQ stuff in AL, TN, and GA?

4. Humidity = Hair spray. Enough said. If you want to know which brand works best, ask any female from Houston. Trust me, these gals know their hair products. Should one of those Texas-sized tornadoes blow through town, they might lose their homes, but their big, shellacked hair helmets will remain right smack in place, not a hair out of place.

5. You can do serious jail time for picking bluebonnets (our state flower). Okay, not really, but we continue to pass along this tall Texas tale to our children and grandchildren in order to scare them half out of their wits, so they’ll leave these beauties untouched on the side of the road.

6. There is no such thing as “authentic Mexican food.” I’m guessing that some health freak in California probably coined the phrase. Enchiladas, by law must be topped with chili con carne, cheese, onions, and sitting in a pool of grease in order to qualify for Tex-Mex. Restaurants fixing them any other way in this state won’t be in business for long.

7. The weather is as unpredictable as a quirky middle school romance. It can be below freezing in the morning and in the 80’s by mid-afternoon. Oh, and when it freezes over every decade or so, everything shuts down because we don’t know what to do. Those who venture out usually end up on the evening news standing next to their banged-up car in a ditch with their heads bowed in shame.

8. There is only one “UT.” Wait, you didn’t know there’s another college out there claiming to be UT with some skewed shade of orange and white? (Cough, cough, Tennessee)

9. There is no such thing as a stranger. We are the “friendly state” and with that honor comes the responsibility of smiling, waving, or saying “hi” (or a combination of all three) to passers-by. If you don’t respond to our kind gesture, we automatically assume you are: A) hard of seeing and hearing or B) from New York.

10. We are proud, but not prideful. Big difference. We simply take great pride in being from Texas and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Whoops, I meant to say we are proud we are from Texas. ☺

Not from Texas? Well, bless your heart--we love you, anyways! Now, I gotta go ya'll.

Vote for Canon!!

2008-11-04T11:29:00.001-06:00

Today we entered the "Great American Photo Contest" so go and vote for Canon! You know he's the cutest baby around! ;-)

https://www.greatamericanphotocontest.com/voter1/index.aspx?referid=EmailFriends&p=836413&x=.JPG

99 Balloons...

2008-10-28T11:55:00.004-05:00

Today I watched this amazing video. It made me weep. AND it caused me to ask, "Could I praise YOU Lord?" That is something I pray I don't have to answer.

http://www.oprah.com/media/20081001_tows_99balloons

Just some pictures of my kids...

2008-10-14T08:15:00.007-05:00

Cade, looking handsome!

Beautiful Lyric

Peek-a-boo Dempsey

Don't forget lovable ME!!

Canon is 2 Months Old!

2008-10-10T21:34:00.007-05:00

Shoo-fly is so funny!

I'm a happy guy

Look at me...I'm 2 months old

TEENAGER IN THE HOUSE!!

2008-10-09T10:22:00.012-05:00

Yes, we now have a teenager in our house (Remember the old Wayne Watson song?...sing it here). She is officially 13 today! How time flies! (do I sound old or what?!) Here are some of my favorite pix.

Magnum Opus...

2008-10-07T11:33:00.002-05:00

What do you consider to be your "greatest work"? Your children?, job?, marriage? last nights dinner? How big is your vision for what your greatest work will be?

In the movie "Charlotte's Web", Charlotte (the spider) tells Wilbur (the pig) that she's been working on her Magnum Opus, her greatest work. Her children. In Psalm 139 David tells us that we are "amazingly and miraculously made". Know this...even if you don't know what your greatest work is...know that you're God's. We are His Magnum Opus and He has created us for His good pleasure. (Eph 2:10 For we are his masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared long ago to be our way of life.)

Why do Mice want to live in our house?

2008-09-30T12:30:00.003-05:00

Maybe I should ask why they want to die in our house. More specifically the girls closet. YUCK! What a horrible smell. On Saturday we had to clean out their closet to find the "body". I must admit, it needed it anyway, but these were not the circumstances I wanted to do it under. The girls were troupers and got it all cleaned out. I decided to take a nap on the couch with Canon. Just as I'm falling into a nice deep sleep, two screaming girls come running into the living room. Did they say "baby mice" were in their closet? Yep, you read it right. Sorry animal friends, we had to "get rid" of them (I won't say how...) Not long after we found their momma, feet up and not looking (or smelling) too good. Now the closet is actually a usable space and clean. Sometimes living in the country is not my favorite part of living in the country...if you understand my meaning. The quiet is wonderful, the critters are not.

2008-09-18T10:10:00.007-05:00

Canon Scott Miller Floria
1 Month Old

Canon & Shoo-fly

Night, night Canon & Shoo-fly

2008-09-08T11:28:00.002-05:00

The latest picture of Canon Scott Miller Floria

Am I here?

2008-09-08T10:55:00.006-05:00

I have to say, sleep deprivation can reek havoc on your relationships! That being said, I suppose I must apologize to any of you that have tried to have a conversation with me in the last few weeks. If I haven't gotten angry, zoned out or burst into tears, you're one of the lucky ones. My poor husband has seen the gamut of emotions pouring from me and has graciously hugged and forgiven it all. He's pretty sleep deprived, too. Don't get me wrong...I wouldn't change anything about our station in life right now. Everyday (and night) with Canon is pure delight. Watching him grow and change has been a huge source of joy for our whole family. I just don't function too well on little sleep. ;-} I know God is even in these "plans" for me and Bram. I'm asking God to help me see His hand in every moment and to remind me to spend the waking times (especially in the middle of the night) praying for whatever He puts on my heart. I haven't been as faithful as I'd like to be, but I do know God is using this little guy to change me and make me more like the Princess He's created me to be. (just like with all three of my other kids) Even when I feel like I'm "not all here", God is in it and He's still working to do amazing things in my life.

God is in the business of "amazing". Think on that today.

Canon Scott Miller Floria has arrived!

2008-08-14T14:22:00.003-05:00

Canon Scott Miller Floria

08/08/08

9:10pm

6 lbs., 10 oz.

20"

Born at 806 West 2nd St., Kyle, TX

(at Nana's house)

Here's a link to some more pictures of our precious new little boy.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47501&l=cb59c&id=689582440

Happy Birthday to me... ;-)

2008-08-14T14:17:00.001-05:00

This card is from some very special friends.

Check Out this Birthday Card I Just Received!

Create your own!

Okay...NOW we're down to the wire

2008-08-07T14:30:00.004-05:00

So, today I am 2 days away from "Baby Guys" due date. We thought he was coming a few days ago, but he decided he wasn't quite ready, I guess. I'm okay with that. Our bathroom still isn't done. So, still we wait and pray and ask God for His timing and to give us peace. Thanks for your prayers, I know God has used each of you to encourage me and give me strength. I love Psalm 68:19. It says, "Blessed be the LORD, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of Salvation!" Isn't that good? He doesn't just do it once, He daily LOADS us with benefits. I don't know about you, but I need them on a daily basis. Thank God for His generosity and love for us.

16 Days and counting...

2008-07-24T14:51:00.003-05:00

Well, we're down to 16 days to go till my due date. I have to be quite honest here and say, I've been feeling anxious. Last night during our family devotional time (Side note...if you're looking for a good book to use for this, "Parenting With Scripture" by Kara Durbin @ Moody Press is excellent!) I was reminded of some wonderful verses I can camp on. The word for the day was "Confidence".

Proverbs 3:25, "Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared."

Jeremiah 17:7, "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him."

Philippians 4:13, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Hebrews 4:16, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Hebrews 10:35-36, "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised."

Hebrews 13;6, "So we say with confidence, "The LORD is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

So, as you think about these verses today, my prayer is that you will be reminded of God's hand in all you do and in all that comes your way. Let His confidence flood your mind and heart and give you His peace. That's what we want anyway, isn't it?!

Let me brag for a minute...

2008-07-21T21:33:00.007-05:00

Our oldest daughter, Demi, participated in her first triathlon this past Saturday. We were so excited for her. She trained w/out complaint and pushed herself farther than any 12 year old girl I've ever known. She's truly an amazing young woman. Well...I'm so proud to say she finished the race w/ grace...AND she came in 3rd in her age group. She had been placed in the 13-15 year olds because she will be 13 before the year is out. Here are some pix of the event!

Swimming 200 meters
(8 laps in the pool)

Biking 5 Miles

Running 1.2 Miles

Receiving the Prize!

Friends & Baby Showers

2008-07-16T14:50:00.011-05:00

I have some of the most amazing friends on the planet. Really! Last Saturday they gave us a huge baby shower for "Baby Guy". It was wonderful and I felt so special. I have to admit, however, it was all a bit weird to me. I mean, this IS my 4th child and I AM in my 40's. I know we had nothing for a baby, so we really needed a lot of stuff, but it felt like I should have been one of the hostesses for one of the younger ladies at our church. God is good! ;-) I loved visiting w/ all the ladies and playing the games and just seeing them all. My mouth hurt from smiling at the end of the day. Here are some pix of the "event".

Yummy Cake!

A very cool Car Seat/Stroller Combo

My mom and sister-in-law, Norma

Great Friends

My beautiful helpers!

Lyric, Hannah & Demi ~ great friends!

Precious Rhonda!

Live Chickens and fun at the Beach...

2008-07-14T18:51:00.024-05:00

We went to the coast (Gulf of Mexico) last week with some of our dearest friends. What an amazing time of hanging out, eating good food, getting sun-tanned and laughing until we couldn't breathe. The baby was particularly active one evening and I was quite uncomfortable. The husbands were teasing that they knew just how I felt. One of them (not sure which one) made the comment, "Yeah, we should swallow a ball to know what it feels like." I said, "If you really want to know what it feels like then try swallowing a live chicken". 8-} Anyway, we all had a great laugh at that one and today, again, I DO feel like I have swallowed a live chicken. I'm sure I'll have the bruises to verify it, too.

Here are some pix from our trip. Hope you enjoy them!

Lyric rode the waves like a pro!

Demi found a live sand-dollar - way cool!

Barry found a LIVE Starfish ~ Way, Way Cool!

Hannah built an awesome sand castle!

Bram & Cade dug a tunnel.

Counting Down...SIX weeks to go!

2008-06-29T16:37:00.002-05:00

I can hardly believe we only have six weeks until our baby arrives. It seems so unreal to me. I'm alternately thrilled and excited to be done with this phase of the process AND half terrified at the next step. Having baby in the house is going to be a huge adjustment for me. I've grown used to my kids being so independent, able to take care of themselves (for the most part). Perhaps I've become lazy. ;-) I like that they can do things without me having to get up off my comfy couch.

It's going to be a huge adjustment for the rest of the family, too. New sounds to get used to, new routines to get into, and new smells to figure out. Some better than others... Yes, we are all excited about a new little one in our home.

I wonder, though, am I ready for how this is going to change me? My heart has already expanded to include three other "mini-me" personalities. Is there really room for another? Let's face it, we're all selfish in some areas of our lives, many of those areas I've had to clean out over the years and re-clean out as children came along and as they grew to challenge the status quo of "ME". What area will be next? What selfish part of me will I have to lay on the altar before God and let Him burn it up with His fire of change? Who will this baby help me to become? Again, I'm alternately thrilled and terrified at the unknown. Of one thing I am completely sure..."He that began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it until Christ comes back." (Phil. 1:6)

The things we think are cool...

2008-06-18T08:53:00.006-05:00

It really hadn't occurred to me that I've become uncool. That is until my husband pointed it out to me last night. I was telling him about a recent trip to Wal-Mart and how I'd seen a really cool diaper bag I'd like to get for the new baby. He stared at me and then laughed out loud. I was confused. "What's so funny?", I asked. "You...", he replies. "Why?", I ask again (even more confused). "A cool diaper bag?", he replies. Now, I ask you...is this not a cool diaper bag? It's got all kinds of pockets for everything you could need. It's got a changing pad to lay the baby on AND...it's got an extra little bag for MY stuff. Plus, I think, the brown and blue dots and circles ARE cool. What does he know about cool anyway? ;-)

Schools OUT!!!

2008-06-04T13:44:00.011-05:00

When school was out on Wednesday...we rejoiced! ;-) On Thursday, we left for the coast for a long weekend of playing on the beach, in the surf and getting sunburned. Here are some pix from our weekend.

Note from the Throne Room April 21, 2008

2008-04-21T20:27:00.001-05:00

I am God's choice possession. I am a princess in the court of the King of Kings. He has clothed me with jewels and I am His delight.

Note from the Throne Room:
"My precious daughter, you are clothed in garments of righteousness, washed pure by the blood of the Lamb of God." ~ Love, Your Father. (1John 3:1; Isaiah 61:10)

Note from the Throne Room April 19, 2008:

2008-04-19T09:11:00.006-05:00

I often wonder at my lack of confidence. If the Bible says that God is for me...then, who can be against me? Who that matters, anyway? In Romans, I read..." If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them?" I can be confident in who I am in Christ because HE is for me.

Note from the Throne Room:

"My precious daughter, I am now at your side; don't be afraid; who would dare lay a hand on you?" Ps.118:6 ~ Love, Your Father

Princess Reminder...

2008-04-16T16:49:00.005-05:00

Today, I'm re-discovering how important it is to know who we are in Christ. To know His thoughts toward us. Psalm 139 tells me, "How precious are Your thoughts toward me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You." We need to live by the words, “I am amazingly and miraculously made”? (Psalm 139:14.) If I really believe that the Bible is THE word of God and relevant to my life, then I must believe God meant that verse for me, too. Reflect, today, on Gods handiwork…YOU! This is so important. So much so, that, if we don't know (really know) and believe it, we are rendered useless in the work of the kingdom. If we are consumed with self doubt and loathing of ourselves, how can we effectively express God's unconditional love to a hurting and self-loathing world?

Be reminded today..."you are amazingly and miraculously made"!

Note from the Throne Room:

My precious daughter…You are my creation--created in Christ Jesus for good works, which I have prepared ahead of time so that you should walk in them. Eph. 2:10 ~ Love, Your Father

Pix of the new BOY!!

2008-03-26T18:17:00.009-05:00

Okay, I've always been the one to say..."I'd never show sonogram pix to anyone...how strange" Frankly, I've never been able to make "heads or tails" of them. (literally) Well, I'm changing my tune, because these are the most amazing pix I've ever seen in my life! I love my baby boy. Hope you will, too.Here's his little hand

Here is his amazing little foot and leg.

If you look close enough, you can see his face (to the left) and both of his eyes are wide open. It looks like he's looking right at the camera! He even "yawned" while we were looking at him.
God, You are so good to give us a glimpse of Your glory.

2008-03-25T17:23:00.004-05:00

It's a BOY!!!!

And we are all thrilled. Now the task of finding the right name for him begins. Pray for us. We take this process very seriously. God knows his name, now we just need to figure out what it is. ;-)

God LOVES to bring us joy...

2008-02-27T17:44:00.007-06:00

I am a first grade teacher. I love (LOVE) my job, but some days I get worn out, I fail to see opportunities that come up. I committed to God that I would share Jesus with my class everyday and every chance I got. So, I do. About 2 weeks ago, it seemed like an ordinary Tuesday. It seemed normal until the afternoon. One of the little gals in my class had a "melt down" in P.E. class. The coach decided to take a teaching moment and talked with her about making decisions that please Jesus. (BTW...I had talked to the class about this very thing in the morning devotion time before snack break. I told them it was impossible to make choices to please God without having Jesus in your heart and then told them how to accept Jesus) The P.E. coach told her pretty much the same thing I had. She then asked the little girl if she had Jesus in her heart, the girl said no, but she'd like to. So...the coach prayed with her. YEAH!!!

The kids in the class could hardly wait to get back into our classroom to tell me about it. So we rejoiced with the angels. A few minutes later another little gal raised her hand and asked me if I would pray that prayer with HER to ask Jesus in her heart. I said, "You bet!". She came up to my desk and I prayed (out loud) with her so the rest of the class could hear and pray along if they wanted to. And so we rejoiced with the angels again. I then thought class was going to get back to "normal", but no...another little girl came to my desk and asked me to pray with her. I was almost ready to hyperventilate at this point. 2 of the girls had gone out into the hallway to work on their monthly scripture memory and the 1st gal I prayed with lead her friend in the salvation prayer in the hall. As we were rejoicing that time, one of the little boys raised his had and told me he had prayed in his heart at his desk, but he would do it again out loud if it wasn't okay to pray in his heart. I told him it was absolutely okay and so we rejoiced AGAIN. What a day it was turning out to be. When the class got back from afternoon snack break, 2 more little boys had prayed to ask Jesus in their hearts. I was so overwhelmed I couldn't keep from crying in front of them. I told them they were tears of joy.

One week later the first little gal I prayed with had prayed with two more of the boys in my class, and I prayed with another boy, as well. So far, 9 out of the 12 have prayed to receive Christ and one in kindergarten. There has been a revival in First Grade this year and I'm so honored to be part of it.

I'm so grateful to the Lord for using me in the lives of these little ones and that He's used them in my life, as well.

This is for Kamala!

2008-02-18T12:45:00.002-06:00

Okay, just for Kamala...I sat down to blog on Sunday and decided to take a nap instead. ;-) I decided that was the most productive thing I could do. It's actually the first time in a very long time I layed down to rest and didn't feel guilty for it. Thank the Lord. I love to nap, but I'm such a guilty napper. I know there's always something else that needs to be done, but I know that isn't always wise either. Sometimes, the wisest most productive thing we can do is rest. Now, for all of you "Marthas" out there, I know how hard that can be, but remember, Jesus gently reminded her. "Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41. Sometimes sitting at Jesus feet is a time of rest for us. A time to unwind from the day and renew our strength.

Okay, okay...so I'm getting fatter!

2008-02-10T17:39:00.001-06:00

Well, I can no longer wear my jeans. I tried to. I even tried to use a rubber band on the button and loop it through the button hole and back to the button. But it's just too uncomfortable. So, I went to Walmart and bought me some maternity pants. They're fine and even cute, but how can I be "fat" when I'm only 13 weeks along? I've gotten some really cute clothes from my friend, Vanessa, but I've put off wearing them for as long as I can. How is it that my body just (seemingly) all of a sudden, decided to shift every bit of fat I already had on my body to my stomach? What a mystery this whole pregnancy thing. With my first, I didn't wear maternity clothes until I was in my 6th month. With my 2nd...about the same. With my third, quite a bit sooner. I think it was my 4th month. But this little guy has me all wrapped up in month three. Oh well... Why would I want to hide such a beautiful thing? No, I'm not posting any uncovered belly pix so don't get all excited. Don't get me wrong pregnant bellies are wonderful, but if you've taken such pix please keep them to yourselves. I love your pregnant belly, just covered. I guess I'm not hip. ;-) Oh well, I'll leave that to the "younger" moms.

Daddy/Daughter Valentine Dance 2008

2008-02-07T14:56:00.000-06:00

Can you believe how beautiful these girls are? Their Daddy is pretty happening, too! They were off to dinner out and then the 3rd Annual Daddy Daughter Valentine Dance hosted by our school. The girls (and dads) really look forward to it every year. I'm so thankful for it. They come away with such wonderful memories every year with their Daddy (who absolutely dotes on them...btw...) What amazing things they'll remember as they grow up and prepare for "Mr. Right". He'll have big shoes to fill and that's alright with me.

As for Cade and Mommy. (no pix to share) We went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse and rented "The Empire Strikes Back" & "Return of the Jedi". What a great night we all had.

The Cat's out of the Bag!

2008-01-12T15:13:00.000-06:00

We found out on Wednesday (1/9/08) that my "stomach bug" is actually a baby. WOW!! What a surprise. What a wonderful, wonderful surprise. So, baby Floria #4 will arrive sometime in early August. (9th or 10th) What an amazing God we serve! With all three of our older children we never had a sonogram done. So actually seeing this little one was pretty amazing. Both Bram & I cried the whole time. I think we even made the nurse cry. How precious is that. When we told the kids, they absolutely went bananas! It was so fun to watch them get excited about it. They could hardly sleep that night with excitement. Better than Christmas. The next morning they could hardly wait to get to school to tell their friends. It's been quite and exciting few days.

Reality has also set in quickly, as well. We realize that this news changes everything about who we thought we were as a family. Time for re-thinking and re-evaluating. We're confident that God has a plan and a purpose, we just don't know what on earth it could be right now. We also realize that we have nothing (did I say NOTHING) for a baby. So, I'm sure, the next few months will be filled with gathering, and shopping and buying everything baby we'll need.

So...stay tuned. The saga of this Princess is only getting more interesting with time. No telling what God will do next.

Just had to post this picture...

2008-01-04T21:32:00.000-06:00

I love my family!

2008...To Resolve or Not to Resolve

2008-01-03T17:48:00.000-06:00

My oldest daughter asked me the other day if I was going to make any New Years Resolutions. I told her (emphatically, I might add) "NO". I used to, but then (around mid-February) I always begin to wonder why I did it in the first place. I am quite prone to guilt and I spend the rest of the year trying to get myself on track and then beating myself up when I don't. Don't get me wrong, I think resolutions can be a good thing, if you are able to keep them AND they're realistic. I think that was my biggest problem. Too unrealistic. You know, lose 15lbs by March, exercise everyday, cook a healthy dinner for your family every night. Just to cook every night would be a HUGE thing at our house. Somehow our schedule doesn't always allow for that.

I suppose there are things I'd like to be better at in 2008, things I'd like to do more of.
~I'd like to Worship more. I really do want to spend more time worshiping Jesus and not just talking about doing it.
~I'd like to pray more in 2008. I mean really pray! Intercede for others.
~I'd like to spend more time with my children. Not just in the car going to and from school or activities, but real time with them. Playing, talking, reading, laughing, listening, snuggling. What could possibly more important than that?
~I'd like to have more conversations with my husband. Not just the kind that ask, "How was your day?", but the kind that leads to other conversations and memories and plans and the like. The kind of conversations I remember seeing (as a kid) my grandparents have sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee. I've often wondered what they were talking about...now I believe it was just about "stuff". I think they just enjoyed the sound of each others voices.

So, maybe (just maybe) these are resolutions. I'm still not so sure I believe they are...just the ramblings and hopes of a princess on a journey to be more like the King Who created her.

Christmas Day at the Florias

2007-12-25T15:08:00.001-06:00

I am so blessed to be the Mom to three amazing kids. God is good! Today has been filled with hanging out, squealing over gifts. (video is a wonderful thing), eating waffles cooked on my new waffle iron, drinking Christmas Tea, hauling wood to the bonfire pit for a Christmas Evening bonfire with friends, riding in the back of the pick-up and just generally enjoying the day.

These are my two favorite boys. They've been working on Lego Star Wars ships and playing with Cade's new BB Gun. Does life get any better than that?

My Marriage has been "Confirmed"

2007-11-17T15:21:00.000-06:00

Recently I joined Facebook. A lot of my friends are on and it's a fun way to keep up with each other. We've been "poking" each other and sending smiley faces and various other things. I've realized I could spend WAY too much time on Facebook if I'm not careful. One of the funniest things happened just the other day. I was editing my "Personal Info" when I updated my marital status as "Married". Bram is also on Facebook so I was sent a message that I'd have to wait for that relationship to be "confirmed by Bram Floria" before it could be posted. I waited... No confirmation. I waited some more, when finally I received and notice that the relationship had been confirmed by Bram Floria and that I am (in fact) married to Bram. Our marriage was "confirmed". You can imagine my relief.

I think there are many days when we're in need of confirmation from those we love. My prayer for you today is that you will spend some time confirming your relationships and affirming those you love.

Happy Day!

Lessons I'm learning from some Godly Women...

2007-10-21T15:05:00.000-05:00

I spend Tuesday nights with some really godly women. One of the ladies husbands calls us the "Jesus and Gals Club". I love that! We eat chocolate and other yummy things and talk about what God has been showing us that week through the book we've been reading. The book is "Captivating" by John & Stasi Eldridge. The book, itself, has been great and I think I'm learning some really valuable stuff from it. However...the best lessons I've been learning are from the women I'm doing the study with. I'm learning that to really be beautiful and captivating, I have to let others get close to me. For some of us, that's been a difficult process. But, I'm also finding it's well worth it. I'm also learning that being beautiful isn't about how many people think I'm beautiful, but I just am beautiful because my heavenly Father loves me and tells me I am everyday. I have also learned that the more I pray for others...the more I learn of my need for prayer. As difficult as change may be for many, it's a beautiful process to watch happen in these women. They long for change, even welcome it. I've never liked change and so have usually fought against it. These women have taught me that "if God is in it, it's ALWAYS worth the effort and discomfort".

God has been so good to use these precious women to teach me and encourage me. I'm so thankful for each of them and their wisdom and insight. Insight into their own lives and into the lives of others. I love you Jesus & Gals Club you're the best!

"Be Still"

2007-09-13T10:23:00.000-05:00

Many of you know that I have been "laying up in the bed" for about a week now with an injury to my back. It has not been easy for me, but because of the prayers of faithful friends, I know God has given me the strength to do it.

Do you remember, as a kid, your mom or dad telling you to "be still"? You start to get that nervous feeling; worried you're not going to be able to? I've never been a very still person. It's hard for me to do. When I try to be still, I'm always thinking of things I need to get done and pretty soon I'm up and going again. I'm more of a Martha than a Mary. (Luke 10:38-42) I've always wanted to be more like Mary, but it's so hard for me to be still.

This week, a lot of people have been telling me to "be still". My husband, my family & friends are saying, "be still". The Dr. said, "Be still and rest your back". Frankly, I haven't had much of a choice with an injured back. I'm not completely sure how I injured it in the first place. I think that's why all of this has been so frustrating. It even seemed God was telling me to "BE STILL!" I read in Ps 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." I prayed, "Lord, don't I know that?" "Do You think I'm not aware that You ARE?" Then I come to realize that He's not being "king of the obvious" here. He just wants to be with me. No distractions, no interruptions. He wants me to know HIM. What an amazing thought. Ps. 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, an abundantly available help in trouble." I love that! Another translation says, "a very present help in time of trouble". He's not some far off, unreachable god - He's very present and abundantly available. It's my Father God that is a very available and reachable God that wants me to be still and know Him. It's my Father God that sits on the bedside while I rest. It's my Father God that that wants to know me. "Help me, Father, to sit at your feet as Mary did. To listen to Your voice and know YOU."

The Gentle "Nudge"

2007-09-05T11:37:00.000-05:00

My precious husband reminded me last night that I haven't posted on my blogspot for a while. "Got anything to say?", he asks... "Not sure", I respond. The truth is, I've got plenty to say, I just haven't had the time I'd like to have to sit down and write. Even now, I'm on my lunch "minute" at school trying frantically to write something that might encourage AND make sense. As I write, I can hear the 1st (my class) and 2nd graders in the gym playing kick-ball; their daily ritual at lunch break. My mind is a bit of a jumble. "What's new?", say those of you who know me well... Pray for clarity of mind and thought. I know God has been speaking to me, gently nudging me (as my husband did) about the foundation my life is built on. I want it to be completely Christ and His Word. I want to help build that foundation in my children and students. I can do nothing of real value if my life is not built entirely on Jesus Christ. If my foundation is not built on the Rock, I cannot survive the storms that come my way. (Luke 6) That's my prayer for today and each day.

The Passing of Time...

2007-08-15T16:02:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday. It was a good day. To begin the day, I was served breakfast in bed by my children and husband. I got lots of hugs and kisses and some wonderful cards & gift cards. My precious Mom made me a homemade Lemon Pie. (My fave!) Click on the picture to see the beautiful meringue mountains she puts on them. She's a genius! I felt very loved and pampered.

I had to go up to the school for a bit to test a prospective student and do some work in my classroom as well. It was all going quite well until one of my fellow teachers walked into the room and my daughter loudly announced..."Today is Mommas birthday! She's 44 years old!" Then, to top it off...she wrote it as big as she could on the chalkboard. "HAPPY 44TH BIRTHDAY MOMMA!!" Thanks a LOT Kiddo! I was hoping not to think so much about the passing of time and aging. I was hoping to breeze through the day without so-much-as a peep about my chronological age. I mean, I don't feel 44. Then again, I'm not so sure what 44 is supposed to feel like. Some days I feel 144. LOL!! Oh well, I suppose it doesn't matter. It's just a number. As I told my husband about it, later in the evening, he reminded me of how proud my daughter is of me and, to her, that's a pretty major thing to be 44 yrs. old. I'm sure he's right...he usually is about those things. I'm proud of me, too. I remember thinking how old 44 used to be. Now...not so much.

Pray for Tim

2007-08-13T12:25:00.000-05:00

This is my brother-in-law, Tim. He's in Iraq right now serving our country. No matter your views on this war, please pray for him. Pray for his safety (of course), but also for wisdom and insight that he's never experienced before. Pray for peace for him, the kind that passes all understanding. Pray, too, for his precious family, Regan (Bram's sister), Aria and baby Lily. They all miss their daddy.

Princess Ponderings

To Organize or To Not To...

Merry Christmas

I'm so behind...

Princess Pictures

An Amazing 13 year old Princess!

Another Mile-stone in the Floria Household

Daddy/Daughter Dance 2011

Book Review: Voices of the Faithful: Book 2 by Beth Moore & Kim Davis

Book Review: "On This Day in Christian History"

On This Day in Christian History

By Robert MorganPublished by Thomas Nelson

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Please pray for my friend, Tonya

Book Review - "The Edge of the Divine" by: Sandi Patty

Taste of Tropical Texas...

Doing 'This Thing' - A Compassion Radio Testimony

Emma Belle Beavers Scott ~ Sept. 14, 1910 - Sept. 24, 2010 ~

Saying Goodbye

It's Thoughtful Thursday...

"Faith Comes By Hearing"

Wisdom from a Dove wrapper...

So yesterday was Thursday...

Thoughtful Thursdays...

Pain As A Teacher

Dinner and Dancing w/ my Guy!

Good way to start out...

Our Brilliant 21 Month Old Boy!

Insights from a Squash Vine...

A Rough Day for Little Guy...

My Herb Garden...

The Floria Garden Adventure Continues...4-22-10

The Floria Garden Adventure Continues...somethings up!

Quote for the day...

Happiness is the sauce of experience in pleasant circumstances. Joy is a recipe for all deep happiness and contentment that works with any ingredients. ~ Bram Floria

The Floria Garden Adventure...Planting Time

The Floria Garden Adventure Continues...

The Floria Garden Adventure...

I Am Stone ~ Bram Floria

Love and War...

Help for Haiti

2010 is upon us...

"For last year's words belong to last year's language And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." ~T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"

Thanksgiving 2009

"If God Is Good" Book Review

A Brief Encounter With Mary and Martha

"Blue Like Play Dough"

Book Blog for "The Vanishing Sculptor"

Book Blog for Three New Books...

"Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes"

My $5 Flea Market Find...

I have one more thing to say...

Isn't God Amazing?

~Mother's Day Fun~

Commited Adultery Lately?

What are you a fan of?

Please Pray for the Bobby Michaels Family

Update on Bobby Michaels

Update on Bobby Michaels

Urgent Prayer Request for Bobby Michaels

The Sound of Jibberish

Why do we Pray?

Merry Christmas From The Florias

Happy Thanksgiving

A True Texan Knows...

Vote for Canon!!

99 Balloons...

Just some pictures of my kids...

Canon is 2 Months Old!

TEENAGER IN THE HOUSE!!

Magnum Opus...

Why do Mice want to live in our house?

Am I here?

Canon Scott Miller Floria has arrived!

Happy Birthday to me... ;-)

Okay...NOW we're down to the wire

16 Days and counting...

Let me brag for a minute...

Friends & Baby Showers

Live Chickens and fun at the Beach...

By Robert Morgan
Published by Thomas Nelson