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.

***************************************************

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.

*****************************************************************

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

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

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.


**********************************************************************
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...

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/