In loving memory of Marilyn Huizenga 

(Grand-ma and Great Gran to our family)

April 1924 - January 2014

We will miss you, precious lady. Your love of Jesus was evident to all who knew you and your beautiful smile was wonderfully contagious.  Your smile could light up a room like no other and the mischievous twinkle in your eye always brought lots of laughter.  Thank you for loving me like one of your own and giving to me such precious words of encouragement on many occasions.

My Word for 2014

And so 2014 has begun. I wish I could say I've thought a lot about what I want it to look like this next year and what my goals are. I haven't. I haven't really spent any time thinking about those things. This year, Christmas was a blur for me. Oh, I enjoyed much needed time with my hubby and kids (plus an extra kid this year) and I loved the down time we had around the farm. It just seemed with all the sick ones pre-Christmas (me included) and all the activities leading up to the big day - it was a blur. A wonderful, exciting, holy blur. The days between Christmas and New Years just floated by without any major hoop-la and we spent New Years Eve at home watching re-runs of the "Sing-Off" on Hulu. It was quite the uneventful night. I've never been much of a goal setter. I usually don't do well with "resolutions" either. So, I'm just asking God to direct my steps. I'm asking Him for His goals and plans to develop in me and lead me on. On to what He has in store for our family and HIS passions in me. I don't like to be caught off guard, but one
thing I've learned about God is that He does whatever He wants... Psalm 115:3 "Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases." He is not bound by my expectations or goals. Sure, there are things I'd like to accomplish this year, like, finishing the remodel of our bedroom and cleaning out the shed that seems to have become a compost bin for everything broken and cast off around here. I'd like to sew more and paint more and read more and write more- but I don't want to stress about it more. I don't want to set myself up more. I've done that too many times in the past.

But I also know this about my Lord - He has plans for me. Plans for welfare and not for evil. Plans for a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11). For that I am in awe. That He, the God of the Universe has plans for me. And they're good plans. They're hopeful plans. That brings peace and a whole lot of gratitude.

I've been praying about a "word" for the year. I think my word this year will be GRATITUDE! I want to live a life of gratitude and thankfulness. To give honor where it's due. To Him be the glory and praise forever and ever - Amen

Yesterday Demi turned 18.
We are so proud of our girl.

Happy 5th Birthday Canon Scott

Some things never change!

Our baby boy turns FIVE today.  I know this is cliche' but it's really hard to believe that just over five years ago he wasn't in our lives.  He was a promise, a mystery.  NOW...he's all over the place.  Bram and I are so grateful to God for all of our kids, but Canon stole all of our hearts.  Hook, line and sinker!  We were smitten and still are.  

This morning I spent about an hour and a half with three beautiful women of God. We prayed together. Just prayed. For our children and husbands that God would strengthen them for His calling in their lives. For our children to learn to listen to His voice as they navigate the waters of schoolwork and friendships.

We prayed for our local schools and teachers, administrators, volunteers, custodial workers, aids and parents. We prayed for protection from the attacks of the enemy on our children and that his plans would not come to fruit in our schools. We prayed for children in public schools to have a boldness of faith and courage to stand when called to stand for Christ.

We prayed for teachers called to teach on foreign soil. Called to make a difference where the resources are scarce and sometimes unavailable all together. Where, many times they are breaking the law to teach someone to read and write. We prayed for their safety and constant dependence on God. We also prayed for teachers here in the United States that are called to teach foreign students who have come here for a better life and education. People from other cultures and backgrounds. Teachers called to the world that has been brought to us.

It was a privilege to pray with these women. The first of many Saturdays we will spend together praying. Asking God to prick our hearts for the things He loves. Asking Him to change us in the process. To link our hearts with His - to bring Him glory.

Beauty in the middle of the weeds

A Zinnia has pushed its way up through the chaos and tangle of weeds that used to be a flower bed.  I thought they were all gone - choked out by neglect.  Yet, it was determined.  That beautiful flower.  Like a poignant reminder of God's grace.  God's ever present grace that always pushes through the chaos and tangled mess we call our lives.  His grace and beauty find their way up through the hard, neglected soil of our lives and then - life - real life - springs up.  Reminding.  Drawing.  Loving.  Making what once looked neglected have purpose.  Making even the weeds around it look lovely.

There it stands.  Defiant beauty.  Surrounded by weeds.  And I'm reminded (again) that is exactly how God sees me.  Defiant beauty.  Standing with weeds all around.  Yet He is at work to cultivate that beauty - His beauty - in me.  And I am grateful.

Windy Louise - 6/12-4/13

Our sweet little Windy Louise got bit (again) by a Rattlesnake last evening.  What a heart wrenching time to watch her labor through the pain.  We did all we could do for her short of taking her into an emergency vet clinic.  We called a hot-line and the doctor on call told us how to take care of her and make her comfortable.  So, we gave her Tylenol and Benadryl and waited.  She couldn't out wait the venom this time.  The snake was too big and she too little.  We are heart broken.  Skeeter, her best friend, is lost.

She came to us almost a year ago.  Running down the country road in front of our house.  She ran out of the cornfield.  No bigger than my hand.  Lyric jumped out of the car and ran to meet her.  She ran to Lyric like she belonged to us - and she did.  She jumped into Lyric's arms and into our hearts right away.  What a cutey.  We will miss her terribly.

I hate the feelings it brings up.  I hate holding my kids while they cry and grieve.  I hate the feeling of loss and sadness that will live with us now.  I know my kids will be fine - and I will too...it just brings up the pain again.  Re-opens the wounds of loss.  I want to shield them from it, to make sure it doesn't affect them...but I can't.  I can't keep them from what life brings us.  My prayer is that God will use this loss to make them stronger and build their confidence in their ability to love unconditionally.  The possibility is that they will choose not to love another pet...not to let themselves get too close.  I don't want that to translate (or transfer over) to people.  So, if you think about it, pray for our little family.  Pray for our hearts to heal quickly.

This is Sophia Alvarado. The best minds at Dell Children's in Austin, TX still don't know precisely what is causing her nerve and muscle atrophy. Our home group prayed with her parents Jonathan and Jennifer last night, as our whole church prayed in concert. As of this morning she was breathing on her own, but they still were not able to remove the breathing tube. Would you join us in praying for a progressive, sustaining miracle on her behalf?

Little Sophia was born on August 30, 2012. The same day my brother, Freddie, went to be with Jesus. He would have been thrilled at her arrival. He loved babies and little ones.

Back to Normal? What's that?

It's been 8 months since Freddie died.  I haven't been able to bring myself to write anything on my blog because I don't want his picture to move down the page.  I still miss him just as much - maybe more than ever.  As I write, I have a huge lump in my throat and my eyes seem a bit blurry.  I have no idea what to say.  God continues to give me strength daily, but it's just plain hard.  It's just plain icky to lose someone you loved so much.  I keep thinking I need to be over this, but I know from past experience that it doesn't happen that easily.  I'm not sure I'll ever "get over" losing him.  I haven't gotten over my Daddy's death and that was over 12 years ago.

I'm attending a Beth Moore Bible Study with some of the women from my church.  It's called "Living Beyond Yourself".  Last Monday night she talked about being still enough to allow the Lord the "bind up our wounds" - to heal the deep hurts within us.  It occurred to me that I really don't think I've been letting God do that.  For one thing, I'm really never "still".  I'm too busy for that.(read a LOT of sarcasm in this statement).  The other thing (and probably the most gripping) is that the wound is too fresh, too painful.  I don't want ANYthing to touch it, much less clean it out.  When I was a kid my mom used to cover us in Merthiolate.  If you're familiar with the deeply staining red liquid you know how badly it hurts when a cut is doused with it.  I don't want any part of that kind of pain.  Yet, I know...if God will truly use me...if God will do His work in me...this pain will be to His glory and praise.

So there it is.  No major revelations or big game changers.  Just the the way it is, today.  Tomorrow may be another story.

A special "thank you" to Donna.  She doesn't know me and I don't know her, but God used her to prompt this post.  She commented on my last post and it stirred my heart.  Thank you for listening to God and acting.

Freddie Lee Sturdivant, Jr. 1951-2012

I lost my big brother this week to Melanoma.  It doesn't matter how old you get, losing your big brother leaves a huge, gaping hole in your life.  I hate cancer.  It robs us of so many each year.  God, in His Sovereignty, holds our hearts during our grief.  I'm so thankful. Here is the beautiful obituary my sweet husband, Bram, wrote for Freddie.

Freddie Lee Sturdivant, Jr. of Kyle, TX passed peacefully from life to life at 12:25pm Thursday, August 30, 2012 in the presence of his family and close friends after a courageous battle against Melanoma Cancer.

Freddie was born on August 17, 1951 to Lee and Patsy Sturdivant in Buda, TX, the oldest of five children. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Scott and Mr. and Mrs. Fred B. Sturdivant; his father, Freddie Lee Sturdivant, Sr. and his brother, Mark Scott Sturdivant. He is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Salinas Sturdivant of Kyle; his sons, Jared Scott Sturdivant, and wife Jessica of Dallas; Judson Blake Sturdivant of New York; daughter, Staci Salinas of Kyle and the two little lights of his life, granddaughters Leigh Josephine Sturdivant and Katherine Grace Sturdivant, both of Dallas. Freddie is also survived by his Mother, Patsy “Lou” Sturdivant; brother J.D. Sturdivant; sisters Cyndi Creghan and Sandi Floria and her husband Bram, all of Kyle; In-laws Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Martinez of Roma, TX, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and countless friends that loved him dearly.

Freddie was a member of the first graduating class of Hays High School, and an accomplished athlete in football, basketball and track. He lived his first passion – family – till the very end and his second – fishing – nearly as long. A civic-minded community volunteer and mentor to many, Freddie coached a generation of boys through Hays County Little League. He was instrumental in the Hays Baseball Youth Program and development of the Hays County Youth Sports Complex. With one hand in the smokebox, and the other stirring a pot of his famous beans, he was a fixture behind the pit at an untold number of BBQ fundraisers.

His hardworking and generous spirit earned him the family nickname “Mr. Fix-it” and it showed in his professional reputation. For 40 years he was a recognized expert in refrigeration, air conditioning, electrical contracting, construction and creative design, most recently as a facilities and presentation specialist for FreeBirds Restaurants.

Freddie professed his faith in Jesus Christ at an early age, and grew into a patient, wise and discerning counselor able and willing to encourage anyone who needed it. A father to many who needed one, his influence extends far beyond what can be printed here.

A Celebration of Life ceremony was held at Harrell Funeral Home, FM 2770 and Kohler's Crossing, Kyle TX, at 4pm, September 2, 2012. Rev. Buddy Johnson of Buda Baptist Church presiding.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family encourages memorial gifts toMelanoma Research Foundation athttp://www.melanoma.org/community/memorialsor send a check to Melanoma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 759329, Baltimore, MD 21275-9329. Make check payable to: Melanoma Research Foundation.

To Organize or To Not To...

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

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

I'm so behind...

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

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!

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

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

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

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"

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

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