The Whys Will Make You Crazy!

Sometimes I think in many ways I am my own worst enemy. I have a tendency to think and dwell on things too much. I wish sometimes my mind had an off switch.

I guess by nature I am somewhat anxious. I come by it honestly. I envy people who can just let things roll off their shoulders and trust that everything will work out.

One of the things that has been plaguing my mind is the idea of injustice. What I mean in particular is watching people live the way they want to live without regard for God, and yet they seem to have the things in life they want.

I was reading in Jeremiah 12 last night where he questions God's justice. "Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?" My heart and mind cannot reckon this. I completely identify with Jeremiah. It saddens me to watch people prosper who do not live the way God wants us to. I don't mean to sound like I am looking down on people who are not as good as me, because I have my own hangups in my walk with God.

I guess what struck me in looking at Jeremiah is God's response to the whys. He doesn't offer an answer specifically to those questions. Maybe he didn't think he needed to answer whys. I've learned that he rarely, if ever, does. That is his perogative, after all he is God.

I have lots of why questions, and I can make myself CRAZY thinking about them but never find an answer. What I am reminded of are the promises God makes to me about living faithfully.

"Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous." Prov 13:21

"A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble." Prov. 17:20

"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Prov 28:13

"A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper." Prov. 29:25

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Heb 10:23

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Heb 10:36

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Heb 11:9

God is faithful to his promises, so I have to trust that he has and will bring about those things in my own life. I guess my problem is the waiting!

"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:13-14

I Love My Dad!

Today is my dad's 70th birthday. It is hard for me to believe. I remember one time when I was younger telling him he had a lot of hair for an old man. That has become our running joke. Every birthday, I call him and he reminds me he still has a lot of hair left.

So in the spirit of celebrating my dad, here are some of my favorite things about him:

1. Everytime I call him, he is always cheerful and excited to hear from me. I usually get a "HELLO, Sarah Jones!" or a "Is this the party to whom I am speaking?" or a "It's me again, Margaret!"
2. My dad will go well out of his way to do anything for anyone. He does so cheerfully and selflessly.
3. Dad always made sure Jason and I were at church and surrounded us with godly people who helped lay the foundation for our faith.
4. When I was little, mom worked the 7 to 3 shift at the hospital a lot. Dad would get us up, feed us, and would even fix my hair every morning. He was good at it too! I remember one morning when I was little I wanted to wear my jeans backwards and without any objections dad let me. (It wasn't very comfortable!)
5. In high school we lived across the street from the school. Dad would schedule his lunch around mine and met me at home everyday to make sure I had a good lunch.
6. I can remember every free moment he had he spent with me and Jason. He took us hunting, sight-seeing, visiting people who lived way out in the country, bouncing down country roads. He didn't let the TV babysit us, he got us out and showed us how to have fun without being lazy or spending a lot of money. We sang a lot on these trips. Our favorite song to sing was 1814 by Johnny Horton. Radio-schmadio, who needs it?!
7. Dad has the biggest hands. He can fit both of mine in one of his, and they are always warm. I love holding his hand. No matter how old I get, I will never outgrow that!
8. He worked many many years at a job that was virtually thankless and many times downright miserable to provide for our family and raise us in a small town. He could have moved us to a larger town, worked a job that was more fulfilling and paid more.
9. I always feel safe in my dad's presence. I can remember once when I was about 5 or younger, our drunk/drug addicted neighbor was shooting his gun off in the street at his wife and baby in the middle of the night. (So much for the safety of a small town, huh?) My mom woke me up and I can remember dad standing by the window with a gun. I don't remember being scared because I always knew dad would keep us safe.
10. Dad always taught me the importance of taking care of myself. I am sure this is where I get my independence from. I can remember him telling me very often that I needed to be able to provide for myself and not rely on anyone to take care of me.

I could go on and on about my precious dad. I am so thankful God chose him for my daddy. It makes me sad for people who don't have the kind of relationship with their fathers that I have with mine. I truly wish everyone could experience that kind of love. I am just reminded that if my earthly father loves me this much, how much more does my heavenly father love me!

So on his 70th birthday, I will praise and thank my heavenly father for the gift of my dad. I hope he's around many more birthdays! You are my hero, Dad!

Tagged....AGAIN!

Rules:

1. Post rules on your blog.
2. Answer the six "4" items.
3. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving them a comment.

4 Things I Did Yesterday: Went to church, made soup, hung curtains, hosted a Christmas party

4 Things I Look Forward to: Christmas break, playing Guitar Hero: World Tour with Brad and Paige, sleeping in, and my first Christmas in my house with my family

4 Things On My Wish List: Gift cards from Home Depot, restful break, for God to bless our ladies bible study with answers to our prayers, oh yeah.....and World Peace. ;)

4 Restaurnts I like: Patrizio's, La Madeleine, Mongolian BBQ (in Dublin), California Pizza Kitchen

4 Favorite TV Shows: Lost, 24, Pushing Daisies, and its a tie between Ghost Hunters and The First 48.

4 People I Tag (You're it): Paige, Sherry, Elaine, Leslee

A Very Bad Dog!

I got home yesterday from Thanksgiving with my friends, Greg, Angie, and Selandra. I started a load of laundry and noticed I had very little water pressure. My first course of action when something goes wrong is to call my dad. He said I needed to call the water company and find out if there were any broken water mains near my house. LP&L sent a serviceman over and he told me I had a water line broken and I would need to call a plumber. I knew this wasn't going to be cheap!

The LP&L man turned off my water supply because I was loosing 25-30 gallons per minute. Having just spent the day on the road I was in need of a shower. Thankfully, Sherry came to my rescue and let me come over to her house and take a very nice, long, hot shower!

This morning I called the plumber. The owner called me and asked me if there was anyway I could put the dogs up so they could work in the back. I found someone to cover my class and drove home to find the plumbers waiting on me. The one who looked like he was in charge told me he thinks he got it all figured out. He said my water faucet in the backyard was on. He said he thought my dogs might have turned it on. Immediately, I knew it wasn't the dogs, but one dog in particular......Bentley!

Thankful for my prayers being answered for a cheap fix, I am now contemplating what to do with this dog who can apparently turn on the faucet. Not only can he turn on the water faucet, but it seems that he is a master escape artist. He has managed to get dig/tear out of the yard three times, two of which, my very good dog has followed him. One of those times I got a call that they were found in Wolfforth.

I adopted him thinking I was being a good pet lover and rescuing a doggie that needs love. What I wound up with is a dog who happens to be a holy terror!

So if you know anyone who lives on the farm and has kids that could wear this dog out, or even if you know some gypsies who need a sideshow, please let me know! He is sweet and good with kids, just very determined. He likes chewing up things and jumping on the trampoline.

Any takers?????

The Cat Lady of London

The following is a story my mom wrote a couple of years ago about the cat epidemic at their house. My mom makes me laugh a lot, I think we have similar senses of humor. I am beginning to learn where I get my love for animals. I hope you'll enjoy this and get a good laugh out of it!


The Cat Lady of London

I’VE BEEN THINKING OF HER A LOT LATELY. A few years ago Gerald and I went to see our daughter, Sarah in Ireland. We left with 2 back packs and BritRail passes. We wanted to ride the train through England, Scotland, and Wales before crossing the Irish Sea to Dublin where Sarah was living. We really enjoyed the train because it allowed us to visit with residents of the British Isles. Our first destination out of London was St. Ives, England. On the way back to London, we met The Cat Lady of London, a sweet elderly lady who was on holiday. She worked with an organization in London who rescued homeless cats. Her job was to take in Mama cats with babies and pregnant cats until homes could be found. She lived in a flat in London. I asked how many she had and she was unsure, “but a lot”. She kept them in her extra bedroom. Gerald remembers 100+ but I think it was in the 30s. Her son, an RN who was needing a 3rd kidney transplant was looking after the cats while she was on holiday.
After Mother died , I wanted to get back to the country. I hadn’t lived in the country since I was 17.5 (years, not dress size). I wanted a cat and a dog. We ended up with 2 dogs, but that is another story altogether. We now have a “cat ranch” on our Ranchita. It all started with Miss Kitty, a coal black kitten with pretty green eyes. Our Granddaughter Jaylee gave her to us. Well it wasn’t long before Miss Kitty was a “lady in waiting”. I have assisted with many human births and even pulled a calf once, but I was 60 before I saw a cat give birth. I fixed her a nice box in the garage and watched her closely. I went to check on her and she had this look in her eyes sorta like a woman when birth was imminent. She had 4 kittens. I went to bed and the next morning there were 2 more. Not long after they were weaned, 3 of them disappeared the same day and it wasn’t long before the other 3 were gone. We figured the coyotes got them. Well, Miss Kitty was "in waiting again". This time she had 5 kittens under the porch. We did not even see them until they were weaned. We ended up with 2 toms, "Tom Jones and Lazy Tom" and a female we named Racoon Kitty. So now we had 4 cats, 2 of them female. You guessed it, both Miss Kitty and Racoon Kitty were "in waiting together". It was almost a week before we found Miss Kitty's 5 kittens in our chiminea. I fixed them a nice box in the garage, but it wasn't long before she moved them under the porch. I was able to check them before the move and 4 were females. Jason says you can't ID cats just after birth, but I knew exactly what they were. (He didn't think I could pull a calf either when he was 4). Now we have 9 cats 6 of which are females. Racoon Kitty gave birth but we never found her kittens. One day here she comes with a kitten in her mouth and she deposited it where else but under the porch. She went back to the barn and another fluffy kitten followed her down the hill to join all the other cats under the porch. Our count is up to 11. All the kittens are WILD. Jaylee loves cats and I was trying to tame a couple for her. She and Wes loves to watch the Broadway Play CATS when they come to visit. She named 2 of her favorites, Victoria and Demeter, but we could not catch them. We gave the name McCavity to their brother who had that wild look in his eyes. I named Racoon Kitty's kittens Fluffy and Muffy. Now we have 7 females. If Muffy turns out to be a tom, I guess he can be called Muff. I told Gerald we need to get a handle on this cat deal. Our Ranchita is not big enough for 11 cats. Someone told me you can get cat traps at the Animal Control Center in Amarillo. I picked up a trap and learned the cats were not adoptable because they were wild. The trapping started. I set it up on the porch. All the cats were gathered around eating and Gerald said, "get the pet taxi and I'll get them while they are eating". Well the rodeo started. He caught Victoria and she was screeming and scratching. She ended up in the taxi, but Gerald had blood running down both arms. She was a woman scorned. Pretty soon we caught one in the trap. As we were attempting to transfer her to the pet taxi, Victoria got away because I was't paying attention. Gerald said, " I'll just shoot them". I could not let him do it, so the trapping was left up to me. I trapped 2 and made the trip into Amarillo to AC. Later that evening I trapped "Lazy Tom" a big cold black cat with pretty green eyes like his mother. Just as I was getting the trap out of the back, I heard a comotion in the car beside me. Lazy Tom, started yelling and hissing like I had never heard before. I looked over to the next car and here came 2 HUGE Rotweilers after me and my cat. I hurried through the doors and told the girls at the desk I had to get this cat somewhere before those dogs get in here. She let me step through the door. Tom was still screeming and the biggest Rot was trying to jump over the counter. At that point I thought, " maybe shooting them WAS the better choice". The girls bravely went out and snared the Rots and took them away. I don't know about Tom, but my heart was pounding out of my chest. That evening I set the trap again and heard a comotion outside. Just about bedtime, I had another cat, but it was a stray Tom with a long grey and white coat. Uhm, he looked like he could be the father to Racoon Kitty's 2 kittens. He had no tags, so I took him into Amarillo too. By now I am feeling like an executioner. I have 3 more to go and have Miss Kitty scheduled for surgery next Monday. As soon as Racoon kitty's are weaned, she will also go under the knife. Since we have had cats, there are no rattlesnakes around. Now that is something I CAN shoot.
Gerald asks, "how far is it to the AC in Amarillo". About 20 miles I responded. "So it is 40 miles round trip?" Probably, I said. Then he said, "a 5 cent cartridge would have been a lot cheaper".


My favorite cat story involves my mom trying to nurse an ailing kitty back to health. There was a little tiger kitten that found its way to my parents house one weekend when I was visiting them. She was a sweet little thing, so mom decided to let her stay in the garage. The next morning we woke up to find poor kitty had explosive diarrhea all over the wall of the garage. Of course this thrilled my dad who thinks all animals belong outside!

Later, after church, mom asked me to help her doctor kitty. Mom's cure-all, by the way, is Pepto-Bismol. We were in the garage and mom asked me to go get the little medicine dispenser spoon she had for the grandkids. She said she would wait in the garage for me. I found the spoon and when I returned to the garage I could hardly believe my eyes. There sat my mom with Pepto-Bismol from head to toe, holding kitty, who was no longer orange, but pink. My mom was saying to the cat, "What's the matter, Kitty? It tastes good!" I think I passed out from laughing so hard! I still tease mom about that! It always provides us with a good laugh!

Not About Me!

I had the priviledge of going to the Bebo Norman/Mercy Me concert on Saturday night. I have been a fan of Bebo Norman for a few years now, although I have to admit I was not really familiar with Mercy Me. I have heard and enjoyed their songs on the radio, and knew their name, but never connected the two.

I was really sad that Bebo didn't really get to perform that long. He is just a very simple, and humble guy. I wasn't sure what to expect with Mercy Me. I was so blessed by their part of the concert as well. They are extremely talented and I quickly saw why so many people are attracted to their music.

I think even more than the music, I was blessed by what the lead singer, Bart, had to share with us. He had some amazing insight in general, but there was something in particular he said that stuck with me. He talked about how this life is not about ourselves, but about God receiving glory above anything else. I am paraphrasing, but he talked about how God must be glorified regardless of the circumstances of our lives. Even if it must be uncomfortable or even painful, if God is glorified, that is the way it has to be.

I can remember a dear friend of mine telling me that God doesn't want us happy, he wants us his. That is kind of hard for me to swallow. I know it sounds a bit extreme, but I also understand her intention in that statement. Of course God delights in our happiness, otherwise why would he bless us? However, I do think that our happiness isn't God's number one priority.

I say all of that because I am learning that sometimes God being glorified often comes at the expense of my happiness. When mom was diagnosed with cancer, I thought it was the end of my world. How could I live without my mother? I'm too young to be without her! Looking back now, I see we all had to go through that storm so that needed change would take place in all of us. My mom says cancer was one of the best things that happened to her. I think this is all easier to understand because my mom was healed and is alive.

Ok, I'll stop now because I am rambling. I would like to know if you can relate. If you can't, just lie so I can feel better about myself! ;)

Big Brown Eyes

Ok, I'm such a follower Paige and Sherry! I had to try this! Not sure what it says about me.

1. Put your iTunes/Ruckus/Napster/etc on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!


IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?

Walk Through the Borderland - Lyle Lovett

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?

God Part II … U2

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?

Medley: Bamboleo, Volare, Djobi Djoba, Pida Me La, Baila Me - Gipsy Kings

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?

Two - Ryan Adams

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?

Handle with Care - Traveling Wilburys

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?

Walls - Tom Petty

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

When It Don't Come Easy - Patty Griffin

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?

Commerce, TX - Ben Kweller (Sorry, but I had to cheat on this one because the 1st song was not appropriate. Funny, but not appropriate!)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?

Dear John - Ryan Adams and the Cardinals

WHAT IS 2+2?

Saint Judas - Natalie Merchant

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?

Just Like I Am - Landon Pigg

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Hava Nagila - Snatch Soundtrack

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

Cover Me - Bebo Norman

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

Ride - Old 97s

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Track 09

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

Thank You Louise - Ryan Adams

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

Up the Devil's Pay - Old 97's

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

Either Way - Guster

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?

Mama Prays - Chris Rice

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

Leaving - Indigo Girls

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?

Revolution 1 - The Beatles

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?

Jealousy - Natalie Merchant

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?

Savoy Truffle - The Beatles

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?

All Downhill - Lyle Lovett

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?

Big Brown Eyes - Old 97's

I thought I'd also post some pics from my birthday cruise!

Home

A little over six months ago, I was praying that God would help me find a house. I was at a place in my life where I had/have a great job, great church family, and was/am surrounded by amazing friends here in Lubbock. I knew this was where I wanted to be.

Someone at church mentioned that I should look at the For Sale by Owner website. Well, pretty soon I found my house. I had a blast getting it situated and making it my own, and enjoyed the contributions my parents and friends made to help me get it where I wanted it.

This weekend my brother and his family planned to come visit me. I was excited to have a place to house all of them. Late Friday afternoon my aunt called and said there were no more hotels available and asked if she and my uncle could stay at my house. I was so excited because I was hoping they would stay with me. My aunt, uncle, brother, sister-in-law, niece, and two nephews all arrived Friday night within five minutes of each other.

We spent the weekend going to see my cousin perform with Best Friends at LCU, eating, talking, and enjoying each other's company. Last night as I prayed, I just thanked God for giving me this home and a place for me to enjoy the people I love. This morning it was awesome to have my brother and his family go to church with me and worship with the church I love so much!

In our Sunday morning kids class that I teach, we have been studying how God takes care of his people. I am reminded everyday how blessed I am by God. I am amazed at how he answers prayer and provides for my every need. He graciously provided me with this house,and I love being able to share it with family and friends.

Please pray that God will help me be a good steward of what he has given me.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

Sworn Friendship

Lately, I have been reading in I and II Samuel. I started reading there because I wanted to study Hannah, and other women that God chose to fulfill his purpose. I got caught up reading about Saul's kingship, and then of course the story of David.

As I have been reading I fell in love with the story of David, and Saul's son, Jonathan. The closeness that the two of them shared is not one you often see between men. The bible says that Jonathan loved David as himself. When Saul promoted David through the ranks of his army, Jonathan stood by David, rather than being jealous of him.

These two friends made an oath to each other. Jonathan promised to stand by David as he faced his enemies, even to the point of putting himself in danger by his own father. David swore that he would show unfailing kindness and never cut off his kindness to Jonathan's family.

The story is tragic, because Jonathan is killed in battle. David was understandably devastated. There is a brief mention of Jonathan's son Mephibosheth, but later in II Sam. David fulfills his oath to show kindness to Jonathan's family. Mephibosheth was crippled in both feet. It says "Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of the king's sons." David loved his friend so much that he made sure this son was treated as one of his own. No wonder he was considered to be a man after God's heart.

Recently, I have been pondering the friendships God has brought into my life. I call them my heart friends. They are the kind of people who know your biggest flaws, and love you inspite of them. The Lord knows us so well, that he places those people in our lives that just fit us.

There are a few I want to honor and thank for loving me as themselves. Lisa, who is always encouraging me. She is the most devoted and loyal friend anyone could ask for. God brought Elaine into my life to show me the importance of building my house on the foundation of the rock. I have never met a woman so prayerful! There is Jane, who always builds me up and shows me how a woman of God conducts herself. My friend, Paige, is the kind of person who you can spill your guts to and she will never judge and will always hold those things in confidence. Then there is my newest heart friend, Sherry. She has brought so much laughter into my life and shown me how to cling to Jesus, even when it seems easier to let go.

I am amazed at how God shows us his love through our friends. I know I am blessed beyond what I deserve. I thank God for the Jonathan and Davids in my life!

Things I wish I hadn't heard.....

It seems like my whole life I have worked with kids in some form or fashion. They never fail to take me by surprise with the things they say or do. Sometimes it is funny, and then sometimes I think I work on a funny farm. It is always something interesting, though.

I like lists. The movie High Fidelity is one of my most favorite movies, because John Cusack's character is always coming up with his top 5 of everything. So in the spirit of lists, I have decided to compile a list of things I wish I hadn't heard and/or seen. Some names have been changed to protect the not so innocent! If you have a weak stomach you might want to stop reading!

"Miss Floyd! Tommy is sucking his toes!"

"Miss Floyd! Tommy just tried to lick my ear!"

"Miss Floyd! I need to *insert puking noise here*!"

"Miss Floyd! I need a tissue *insert image of a child stringing snot from his hands and nose to the tissue box*!"

"Miss Floyd! My ponytail just came off! Can you put it back on?"

"Miss Floyd! When Johnny threw up on the table, some splattered on my shirt!"

"Miss Floyd! Suzy just peed in the sink of the girl's bathroom!" (I only WISH I were joking!)

"Miss Floyd! Someone wrote about you in the bathroom in red permanent marker!" (And it wasn't "Miss Floyd's my favorite teacher!")

"Miss Floyd! You sure have put on weight!"


But then there are those things you hear that just melt your heart!

"Miss Floyd, you're hair smells really good!"

"Miss Floyd, you are SO skinny!"

"Miss Floyd, can I hold your hand?"

"Miss Floyd, can you teach 5th grade so I can have you again?"

"Miss Sarah, I was one point away from commended on my reading TAKS!" (Matthew, my friend Elaine's son, after years of struggling in reading.)

"Miss Sa - wah, I need a hug!" (Sweet little Noah, Matthew's little brother.)

"Tay-uh, Tay-uh!" (Little Noni Gearhart trying to say my name as she runs to hug me!)

"Aunt Sarah, you're my favorite!" (My nephew, Kolin, 3)

So I guess when working with children, and loving children, you have to take the good with the not so good. I don't think I'd trade it for anything! Well.......maybe some Calgon and a bottle of Advil!

......just cuz!

There are moments that I find myself doing things or saying things just because my parents did them that way. It's like that story about the woman who cut the ends off the roast before she put it in the pan. When she was asked about it she said she did it because her mother did it that way. Then her mother was asked why she had done that same thing, and she had the same reply. Come to find out the grandmother cut the ends off the roast because she didn't have a pan big enough for it to fit in.

When I make a bed I always tuck the corners a certain way. It was never a thought to me, it was just the way mom did it. It wasn't until I was much older that I realized we did that because mom was a nurse, and it was called a hospital corner. I just thought that everyone made their beds that way.

I have a very particular way to fold towels. One time an old roommate pointed it out to me. I hadn't thought about it before, but that's how mom folds towels.

I'm thrown off when I let someone borrow my toothpaste and they put a big thumbprint in the middle of the tube. That is a nuance I picked up from my dad.

The last time my mom was in town we had been out and about and I was backing into my garage. My mom asked me why I did that and before I could answer she said "Because you're Gerald Floyd's daughter." Actually it is because my bike is hanging where the driver's side door would open if I drove in forward.......and I am Gerald Floyd's daughter.

So what things have you picked up from your parents that are just second nature?

House pics!

Dining Room


Living Room


My Green Grass Master Bath


Addy in the Living Room as if she's always belonged!


The Sunshine Master Bedroom


Brad, Kelly, and Paige working on my fence! Aren't they sweet!


Tanner and Brad working hard!


So my house is really coming together. I am really blessed to have amazing family and friends who have been so willing to make this happen for me. Yesterday at church we sang God Has Smiled on Me. It is hard for me to think about that without tearing up. God truly has blessed me with this house!

Here's Your Stupid Sign, Sarah!

Yesterday I was working my tail off in my yard. I cleaned out flowerbeds and bought some new stuff to plant. I cleaned so much stuff out of them that I cannot lift the trash barrel I dumped it all in, and it is still sitting out by the street.

So needless to say, I was one ripe girl! I was so excited about taking a shower and washing all the grime off of me. Well, when I got in the shower, I noticed the water wasn't getting hot. I was desperate, so I just took a very COLD shower. I was praying, "Lord, please let this be a cheap fix! Home Depot already has all my money!"

Once I get out of the shower, I call my handy man extraordinaire, Jeff Gearhart. He, Amy, and the kids came over last night to assess the situation. He tried to light the pilot, but it just wouldn't light. We were talking about all of the things that could be wrong, when Jeff asked "Have you paid your gas bill?" I said no because I hadn't gotten one. Then he asked "Did you ever have the gas turned on?" It was then that it dawned on me that I didn't even realize I had gas, and no I hadn't had it switched over in my name. Jeff went out to the alley to check the meter and said there was a lock on it.

So for the past month, I have been living off of the previous owners' gas. It seems like I remember talking to them about what their expenses ran and I vaguely remember them mentioning gas.

I called Atmos last night and put in a request for the gas to be turned on. The man came over today and turned it on and lit the pilot. The hot water has returned!

Sigh! Thank you Lord for making this an easy/inexpensive fix! Sometimes I wonder where I leave my brain! If you find it, can you please return it to me?!?

My Very Own Home!

Well, I am in my new house, but far from settled in. It is a lot more work than I ever expected. I thought I was just going to have to repaint a few rooms, but I am finding that every room in the house needs a fresh coat of paint. One of the most annoying things is that all the baseboards are painted the same color as the walls. I am finding places on the ceiling where it wasn't taped off and there are paint streaks on the sides of mirrors, showers, tile, doorframes, etc. How hard is it to tape things off? Oh well, it keeps me busy!

I have painted my dining room, and living room. I am taking a break from the hallway painting at the moment. Home Depot has given me a frequent buyer card and have made me a shareholder in the company because of how often I have been there! They are getting my life savings it seems like.

I have taken pictures, but cannot find the plug to connect my camera to my computer. So unfortunately, I have nothing visual to give you. I guess that just means you'll have to come visit me! And if you do, wear your paint clothes, because I'll put you to work!

Our Eyes are Upon You

Yes, I should be packing. I had a really productive day yesterday, doesn't that count for something? Actually, I was catching up on some friend's blogs, and was reminded of the theme of God battling on our behalf.

A friend, Barry, had posted about Exodus 14 where Moses tells the Israelites God has the battle and they will only need to be still. Several of my friends are facing giants in battle here recently, so this has been at the forefront of my little brain. Obviously, packing has not!

One of my favorite battle stories from the Old Testament (II Chron. 20) is when Jehoshaphat is facing what seems like certain destruction by the Moabites, and fellow unpronounceable evil-doers. King Jehoshaphat is told that a vast army is coming and basically has him surrounded. These guys sound like some bad dudes!

Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast for all of Judah and goes before the assembly and prays an amazing prayer. v 12 "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

I've not known what it is like to face vast armies, who are hell-bent on my destruction, or even come close to facing the struggles of many of my friends. I have prayed that very prayer, though. "Lord, I don't know what to do, but my eyes are on you."

The good news is that God is always victorious. The rest of the story tells about a man in the assembly being struck by the Spirit and declared that the battle wasn't theirs, but God's (Where have we heard that before?). He told them they would not have to fight, but sit back and watch the deliverance of the Lord. The coolest part is where the armies of the bad dudes, having them basically surrounded, started turning on each other and completely annihilated each other. Jehoshaphat gets there and sees nothing but dead bodies. Can you imagine? It took Jehoshaphat and his men THREE days to carry off all the loot.

v 19-20 "The fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side."

That's the kind of protection I want, and there is only one source for it.

School's Out - Right On!

It seems like the last couple of weeks have dragged out. I think I have been anxious for this summer mainly because I am ready to get into my new house! Less than a month to go! Eeek!

Yesterday I went to my brother's house in Dalhart to hang out with them. I don't get to see my niece, Jaylee, and nephews, Wes and Kolin as often as I would like. They are a blast, and always make me feel loved!

While I was there I went to a dog shelter and found a new Golden Retriever that I am adopting. His name is Bentley, and he is not quite a year old. He is a sweet guy and I think he'll make a nice addition to my little family. Addy got to meet him too, just to see how they would get along. She seemed a little indifferent to him. I thought it would be a good idea to adopt around the time we move so Addy didn't have time to establish her territory. I'd prefer to not have a repeat of when my mom's dog was here.

So as it is, they will keep Bentley for me and have him neutered and all his shots up to date. He is going to need a lot of work because he isn't leash broken, and maybe not house broken either. I'll have a lot of time this summer to help him transition into his new home.

My brother, Jason, set up the tent in their backyard. The kids and I got to sleep in it last night. I actually slept better than I thought I would. Addy, and Abby (mom's dog) kept trying to get in the tent with us. Mind you it is a 2-3 person tent, and we were already at maximum capacity. I got to the point where I was just too tired to chase them out, so Abby slept over on Jaylee, and Addy slept tangled up around my legs. I guess it is no wonder why I was tired all day!

Nonetheless, we all had fun riding bikes, camping out, playing with the dogs, and watchin' movies. I am really thankful that God has blessed me with such good family, particularly the youngest Floyds!

Sweet Bentley!


Jaylee, Kolin, Wes, and I snugglin' in the tent!


Brothers, Kolin and Wes


Kolin taking me and Wes' picture


Wes trying out his mad photography skills on me and Kolin!

People Who Inspire Me - The Santos Boys

I have talked a lot about my friend, Elaine Santos, as well as her sweet boys. I really want to tell you all about how special these three boys are to me.

Mark is the oldest, and is finishing 6th grade at Hutch. Mark is one of those kids who is so smart and excels at everything he sets his mind to. He is a kind, thoughtful, outgoing 12 year old. Elaine says he is a carbon copy of his dad, Chris. In my estimation, it doesn't get much better than that. His dad is a wonderful, godly man. Mark is following suite.

Matthew...ah precious Matthew. We have been working together on his reading for the past couple of years and he has grown leaps and bounds. I have never known a child more willing to work for something that doesn't come easy to him. Matthew has been such an encouragement to me over these past years. He has worked so hard for me, through his own frustration and tears. Matthew has the most amazing manners. When I introduced him to Sherry, he told her "I am very pleased to meet you." The thing with Matthew is that is just who he is, genuine. At a time when he was so frustrated with reading, I would say to him "We don't have time for the tears, we just have to press on." He would just say "Yes, ma'am." and trudge on like a soldier! And just to brag on him a little more, he made straight A's all year in every subject. Hard little worker bee!

Noah, is the youngest in the Santos clan. He is the most lovable child. My favorite Noah quote is "Miss Sarah, I need a hug!" Noah is so cuddly and loving. He loves unconditionally. Sweet Noah never complains, only focuses on the positive. This is amazing considering that he has had some medical hurdles in his short six years. Noah has eczema and his mom told me the most amazing story. One night on the way home from church, Noah proclaimed that even if God didn't take away his eczema he would still obey Him. If that doesn't warm your heart, well, I don't know what will.

I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with the Santos boys at the soccer fields today. I have to say, I don't think I feel more loved than when I am around those three amazing children!

I only hope that in my life I can have Mark's cheerful, outgoing spirit, Matthew's never quit attitude and genuineness, and Noah's ability to love and obey unconditionally. These three young men have set an amazing example of how a Christian should conduct themselves. God has BIG plans for each one of them and I can't wait to watch it all unveil.

I am blessed to have them all in my life!

A Home of My Own

Well, it looks like I have found myself a house! I have been looking for a while, and it has been kind of discouraging here lately. I don't have the stomach for making large purchases. Shoes, yes. Houses, no.

On Sunday at church, we had been talking about asking God for what we want. I said I wanted to find a house. After church, one of the men there came up to me and suggested that I look on the Lubbock for sale by owner website. On Monday, I found the house.

I am becoming more and more of a believer in asking God specifically for what I want. He spoke to the blind men in Matthew 20 and asked them what they wanted. They didn't waste any time telling him they wanted their sight. They got exactly what they wanted. They had faith enough to know that Jesus could give them what they requested of him.

We won't close on the house until the end of June, so it won't be mine for another month or two. It already feels like mine, though.

I have put off buying a house for a few years thinking that Lubbock wasn't where I wanted to settle down. Once I got back from my trip last year, I came to realize more and more that I absolutely want to be here. I am close to my family, love my job, have AMAZING friends, and finally feel like I BELONG to a group of believers here.

This is all exciting and frightening at the same time. I told my dad the other night that I didn't like being head of household, at least not for this! The people I am purchasing the house from are the kindest couple. They have been so flexible through the process.

So, I guess this makes me a grown up now....YIKES!!!!

In the Dog House!

Addy and Abby, two not so innocent canines!



My mom left her dog, Abby, with me while she went to help take care of a friend who just had surgery. Abby is a very well behaved white schnauzer. She and my dog, Addy, are about the same age (Addy's a little older).

I have had them both for a week now, and I am ready to sell them to the gypsies. It isn't really Abby. For the most part, she has done well. It is Addy, who is about to see her own demise. She is extremely jealous of Abby. So much so that one day I had taken her out to potty first. Next I took Abby out to potty and came in to find where Addy had left a few little presents behind my dining room table. Mind you she had just relieved herself not moments before. It was as if she was mad enough to show me, but not really in plain sight. This has happened at least twice more, and now Abby thinks that is where she is supposed to go potty!

I came home last night to find a frickin' lake behind the dining room table, as well as a few other presents both of them decided to leave me. I was furious! They both could tell, and didn't move for about an hour. Neither of them even begged when I was eating dinner in front of them!

So, if you know of any gypsies who might like to buy these two hellions, please give them my number!

People Who Inspire Me - Elaine Santos

I've been thinking for a while about how I wanted to highlight some very special people on my blog, and how they have inspired/encouraged/blessed me. I'm pretty sure I know the best people there are to know. This past year has really reminded me how cool it is to know them.

The first person, I want to thank for inspiring me is Elaine Santos. At the beginning of our friendship I didn't realize what a catch of a friend the Lord gave me.

Elaine is the mother of the three sweetest, most behaved, polite boys I have ever met. The middle son, Matthew was a student I started tutoring two years ago. He is a delight to my heart. He is a carbon copy of his mama. Matthew and Elaine love unconditionally.

What I love most about Elaine is her loyalty. She is extremely loyal to the Lord, and her family. You would have to look hard to find a more loyal friend. Elaine is the most prayerful person I have ever met. God listens to her, and he listens to her three boys.

Elaine exemplifies the Prov. 30 woman. Blessed are all who can call her friend!

Thank you for taking care of me, Elaine!

Elaine and sweet Noah!


Matthew and me

Thank God for Good Friends!

I thought I'd post some pics of a few of my favorite people from this past weekend. I have been reminded of how blessed I am to have these people in my life. My life would be dull indeed, without them!

Lisa, Paige, Dennis, and way over yonder....Sherry!


Me and my Shawn Lewis, he's probably in my top 5 favorite guys....right up there with the Wiisterbunny, the Spurgeonator, Steve McGee, and Jeff Gearhart! Shawn is one of my Blue Haven peeps!


Jeff Gearhart and Shawn Lewis being dorks!


Noni,the heart breaker!


Abby Gearhart, she is always glad to see me & makes me feel good about myself!


Cooper, my boyfriend! I heart him!


Amy G and Cooper! Love, love, love them!

Nothing interesting....

Life is pretty dull right now, nothing new or interesting...

I do wish it was summer and lake season...

I am weary of being sick....


There...happy, Barry! ;)

Silly Kids!

The other morning I woke up extremely late, 7:15. I am supposed to be there by 7:30, but unfortunately my alarm didn't go off. I usually make coffee in the morning and take some to work with me. Not on this day. My first math class came in and I mentioned to them that I hadn't had any coffee. You could hear a pin drop.

After the initial shock, there was a gasp. One of the boys said, "Miss Floyd, can I use the phone?" I asked him why and he replied, "Because I wanna call my mama and tell her goodbye!"

I did get some coffee, and the world was safe from anniliation. Needless to say, the children were relieved.

How to Save a Dog's Life!

About a week or so, I came home to a shocking scene. I had a candy dish on my coffee table that was full of chocolate. Mind you it had been there for a few days, undisturbed. I noticed on the floor all the chocolate wrappers all over the living room floor. I looked up to see the candy dish was empty. Only one culprit, Addy, my six-year old Golden Retriever.

She seemed fine, but I knew chocolate could be deadly to dogs. It was around 8 or 9 on a Sunday, so I knew I couldn't take her to the vet. I called the animal emergency clinic, knowing what they would tell me. The vet there told me to give her some peroxide and make her throw up.

I grabbed the $0.33 bottle of peroxide and proceeded to try to force it down her throat, which of course she was not going to have it. So I thought I'd just see if she'd lap it. To my surprise, she lapped right out of the measuring spoon. Presto, within 5 minutes, problem solved.......all over the kitchen rug.

So Addy is a survivor! It just goes to show that my dog, will truly eat anything!

The Evidence


Little Miss Innocent


The Solution


Aren't you glad I spared you the aftermath pic?

A Good Day!

Even though this has been the last day of break for me, and I have been dreading going back to work, it has been a great day!

I got a call from Jeff Gearhart this morning and I was able to talk him into bringing the fam to meet us for lunch after church. I love the Gearharts, Jeff and Amy. I am IN love with their precious kids. If you haven't had the pleasure of their company, it would be worth your time. The whole family is a delight!!!

I went to workout this afternoon, and went back to their new house. I got to be in charge of playing with the kids while Jeff and Amy worked on the house. We put Cooper's Hot Wheels Construction Rig together, and colored in the big Barbie coloring book with Noelle (Noni) and Abby.

Sigh, a good day indeed!

Abby, Cooper, me, and Noni (check out her cutie little smirk!)