Today I am away from the office and want to accomplish Christmas Shopping.  I have had a terrible time getting to this due to personal matters and schedule.  Those personal matters being Dad’s death five weeks ago today.  Yet, the task is before me so I must go forward to accomplish it.

Beginning now you will begin to hear less from me on this blog UNTIL JANUARY 3RD.  I may or may not do a post or two along the way.  Knowing me, I will so you might want to check back.  So many people are away from their computers anyway so it is a good time to hear less from me.  As well, I need a break from writing consistently.  Count on it, January 3rd I will be back in this regular conversation with you.  Again, remember, I may do some posting during the holidays.

Before I sign off I want to give you my Bowl Season Predictions.  By January 5, you will know if I need to keep on preaching or become a broadcaster.  So here goes and I will only spend time on the January Bowls.

• Cotton Bowl: Texas Tech will upset Alabama. Even though the Alabama defense could change all of that, their offense cannot.  It just cannot score enough points to keep up with Texas Tech.
• Outback Bowl: Florida will defeat Iowa. There is just too much speed at Florida for the Iowa team to keep up.
• Gator Bowl: Virginia Tech will overcome the great offense of Louisville. Louisville’s defense will not be able to stop "Vick" and the defense and special teams of Virginia Tech are consistently good.
• Capital One Bowl: Auburn will defeat Wisconsin in Barry Alvarez’s last ball game as a Coach. Wisconsin will want to win for their coach, but they will not defeat Auburn. Auburn may have one of the top five teams right now in the nation if head to head ball games were played.
• Fiesta Bowl: Notre Dame will dominate Ohio State. Charlie Weiss planning for a month…Sorry Ohio State, no way, absolutely no way.
• Sugar Bowl: Georgia will send West Virginia home making them glad they are not in the SEC. Coach Richt from Georgia is a great leader of men and is building a power house in Georgia … what a coach!
• Orange Bowl: Penn State will defeat the Florida State Seminoles. I am tempted to call an upset because of my love for Coach Bowden, however, Penn State is really pretty good, in fact very good.
• Rose Bowl:  Texas will send Lienart and Bush to the NFL losing their final college game. This is Mack Brown’s moment and Vince’s moment to remind people why he was at the Heisman Ceremony. Additionally, defense wins big games.  Texas’ defense is outstanding! This could be one of the greatest games of all time. May we all bleed orange that night.

All right all you die hard Razorback fans, of which I am one as well, I have a prediction for you. 

• The University of Arkansas Razorbacks will be in a January Bowl Game in 2007. Make your plans now … for those constant critics and skeptics:  I am not smoking anything! 

With the frivolity out of the way, may God bless you with a great Christmas.  Enjoy your family if you are with them.  Come to one of our Christmas Day Services! Merry Christmas! 

I am back from Texas and rolling towards Christmas.  Jeana and I landed yesterday right at noon.  I went home immediately, unpacked a few things, and went to the office for meetings.  Few were present due to Christmas, but accomplished the necessities.  Last night we had dinner with a great family in our fellowship.  So we started right after 3:00 a.m. yesterday and by the time I went through my mail at home last night, the light went off around midnight. 

Guess where I have to go today for an annual check-up… the dentist!  Oh my, what a joy.  Going to the dentist is always a challenge for me.  I like the doctor and have gone to him for years, but oh my, I pray it is all simple. 

Both of our projects are moving forward on our campuses in spite of frigid weather.  All seems to be well and we are staying involved in the process of each one of them.  Pray for their success in every way.

I am praying for God to guide me in this season.  It is so easy to get involved in so many things that God Himself does not guide us towards . . . thoughts, our time, and even the money we spend on others and perhaps even ourselves.  Some is needed, some is wasted.  I really want God to guide my actions and thoughts. 

May God bless you with a great day today.  If you think of us, pray for us.  I am facing some enormous challenges, too many to discuss, and a few too big to talk about with anyone but God.  I am desperate for God to move in some major areas of need.  The burdens are great and only God, only God can supply relief and victory. 

Be sure and make plans now for Christmas Day attendance in our church or a church that believes the Bible, ministers to people, and reaches out to win others to Jesus.  Our service options are great so please go to:  www.churchph.com or www.fbcs.net to discover times and locations to attend with us.  Yes, I will be here in each service, leading, and speaking God’s truth.

Until tomorrow . . .

It has been a very busy day with many matters with Mom in relationship to Dad’s death.  I worked diligently for several minutes on grave clean-up, positioning the flowers just right in front of the temporary name plate, stood there and evaluated until all was "just right" in my mind.  As I peered there, I told Jeana, "Is this not amazing, you live for 76 years and all you see to remember you is a name plate."  She remarked immediately, "That is not right, we live with his memory in our hearts."  Mom walked up and I mentioned the same thing and Mom, unknowing what Jeana had said, in essence repeated what she had said but even more strongly.  

What appears on the surface with our eyes is just that . . . a name plate.  However, beyond our eyes with love and spiritual eyes . . . Dad really does live within our hearts and minds with memories.  I knelt down after everyone else had gone to the car and shared with Dad’s body, six feet under, a few things.  I told him I loved him and we will miss him at Christmas . . . and, "Dad, Merry Christmas in heaven."  As I touched that wet clay from the ground where his head and hand would be, my heart was reminded again about faith.  The drive away from the cemetery was different than before for all of us.  I did learn you cannot drive away without faith.  Until He comes again, that body will sleep in Jesus and Dad is alive in heaven today.

From there to lunch in Gonzales, and then back home to a place that sold headstones for gravesites.   Wow, how a few days can change everything.  In July, happiness and love, Dad crying while we drove away.  Weekly, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings, we would talk.  In November, just before Thanksgiving, he died.  From death to casket shopping to headstone shopping.  Life is amazing and it has all been so quick.

So many decisions about the future await us and the only thing I know is what I told Mom and Linda today:  "You have been faithful to God all these years .  .  . He will make His way and provision clear to all of us."  This is what I am trusting God for at this time.  Please pray for those matters for them. 

By noon tomorrow, my day will return to meetings in Northwest Arkansas and much will be before me that is both challenging and invigorating.  Please pray for me to be able to regroup and take care of business.  The one thing I do know today is this: I have taken care of the most important business for this day . . . the needs of my Mom.  God is good and has been so good to us. 

By the way, don’t take today for granted.  A lot could change in a moment.  I lived in the reality of that for the last 24 hours. 

I am in Texas today with Mom.  We flew to Texas yesterday afternoon after the services to spend last night and tonight with Mom and my sister Linda.  I will see my brother Johnny as well.  Friends of the family, James and Judy Leist, picked us up in Austin, and took us to our hometown of Yoakum.  It has been good to visit with all of them.

Today is set aside for "clean-up day on financial details and other items" to help Mom along the journey.  It was one month ago yesterday that Dad died suddenly. 

When I entered back into the house last night, all I can say is it is not the same.  Dad loved and lived for Christmas.  This Christmas he is in heaven.  I told Mom today she is now going to experience an "abnormal normal" because normal is gone. 

We are about to head to the cemetery . . . first time I have been since the day after the funeral.  I am confident it will be sobering to all of us.  Mom and Linda have been there several times, but today we are going to do a little "post-funeral clean-up" on the gravesite.  After this, we are going to find a headstone for Dad’s grave.  That is so weird to say that.  31 days ago at this time, I would have never imagined. 

Check back later today . . . may have an update for you.  Pray for us.

This morning I am going to give you an update on my family. I guess since it is my blog, I can do that. No, I do not want to be misunderstood by anyone, but I am asked continually about the members of my family.

Josh was honored in Little Rock on Monday night by State Farm Insurance and Hooten’s Football Publishing as one of the top 3 coaches in Class AAA in the entire state of Arkansas. This was a great honor to be up for "Coach of the Year" for the state. The coach who won took his team into the State Championship game. Josh was named in November the "Coach of the Year" for our conference here in Northwest Arkansas. At 25 years of age, he is blessed. On the way back from Little Rock he started getting sick (and I was driving him) and is supposed to return to school today. He has been really sick.  What people do not know is that winning coaches pay a high price during the entire year, but especially the season. Many weeks, especially in the playoffs or other big games, these guys will work 80 plus hours a week, not sleep well at all and eat rather irregularly due to their schedule. His body was gone before he got sick, so this virus has been rather powerful upon him.

Kate has taken care of Josh this week.  She is a great wife to Josh and a super Mom for Peyton. Her smile is a blessing and her spirit is always flexible and supportive to her family.  We are just praying that she and Peyton do not get sick.

Peyton is growing big-time. I have not seen him all week, so last night we stopped by and spent some brief time with him in the "sick ward." He is really growing and is engaging more and more. I reminded him again as I do every time I see him, "Peyton, I love you … change your generation."

Nick has really been busy completing his finals, working extra long hours during the Dallas Christmas Festival, and taking care of managing life. I miss his humor being around me and of course, just him. He is a special young man with a great future before him. God is using him greatly in his new ministry assignment.

Meredith participated in the Dallas Christmas Festival as a dancer, has been working full-time at GuideStone Financial Services, and taking care of the normal details of life. She is a real blessing to all who meet her. Her smile, spirit, attitude, and walk with Christ are really special. She is perfect for Nick. They make a great team together and will be used of God in a big way.

Jeana has been loaded down big-time with the challenges of keeping our lives going with the essentials and attempting to do Christmas shopping. This year is just different with the sudden loss of my Dad. As always, Jeana has supported, loved, and been beside me. She is a great wife!

Mom and our family lost Dad four weeks ago today. It is amazing that life can change so very quickly. She struggles daily and most days, hourly. Family and friends are trying to hold her up, but many things she has to go through herself. Pray for her.

I am blessed.

Hey, what’s up?  It is early and I wanted to touch base with you after those incredible pictures placed on the blog yesterday.  Were they not great?  As well, what about that deluxe commentary given by our own Brian Armas.  He is "the man behind the blog" insuring all is monitored on the site.  I want to thank Brian for all he is doing.

There is much transition happening in my life right now.  I am losing some key staff players around me in this seasonal transition before the end of the year.  Rick Ray, my Senior Associate Pastor is entering into a ministry to churches across America.  He will remain in our fellowship as long as he is in Northwest Arkansas, but will depart from all staff and ministry responsibilities by the end of this week.  Becky Fletcher, a top level assistant in the Office of the Pastor, mainly dealing with matters that related to Rick’s responsibilities is helping her husband begin a new business venture.  Jim has retired and is entering a second career; additionally, Becky wants the freedom to go see her grandchildren in Atlanta.  They will remain in our church, active and supportive as ever.  Bert Miller, who has been beside me in many roles since 1988, will be entering retirement on January 8th.  He will continue to monitor the Pinnacle Hills project for us on a part-time basis.  Bert and Wanda have built a home in Bella Vista, just moving in last week.  I am so happy for them.  They will begin to attend the Pinnacle Hills campus due to where they live. 

These three people have been with me, the last 5 1/2 years.  I love them, respect them, and have honored them, continuing to do so in the future.  Yes, transition and change is my journey right now.  With the loss of my Dad suddenly four weeks ago tomorrow, the events of the above paragraph, my heart is filled with so much emotion.  Yes, quite honestly, that is what blogging is about, I feel "left."  Being left is not bad when you know God is in it.  However, even though I know God is on all of this, I still am filled with so much emotion. 

When you have the visibility I have been sentenced with in my life, it brings enormous challenges and scrutiny.  Being protected with discernment from so much "stuff" that can stifle a pastor has been a great blessing.  Confidences and trust are built through experiences together, as well as over time.  Losing staff is a part of a leader’s life.  When staff are friends, the struggle of loss is greater.  Yet, I have full confidence that God is in control, receiving what He is getting me ready to experience as well as our church.

I am fired up about the future of my life, ministry, and our church. I have seen God do this one time before.  When He did, He lifted the church to a new and powerful future.  This is why I have learned in life to embrace change as a friend, not an enemy.  I believe God is wanting to do more in me and in our church so I bless staff members who believe God is calling them away to a new assignment.  Every one needs new challenges.  We all get tired and the "same old thing," even "same old place" can make us stale.  I am very confident that our Lord is preparing me and our church to enter into unprecedented greatness in Him and for Him.

This is what is up with me . . . how are you?

Good Morning Folks! This is NOT the captain speaking. This is Brian Armas, your friendly moderator, and today I have the honor of writing the Tuesday Morning blog by personal invitation from Pastor Floyd.  "Pops" has asked that I post the most recent pictures of Peyton along with a few comments.

I’m not sure if this Peyton… or Kate! He looks just like Mom here.

Not even 3 months old and he already has the "Floyd Grin" down pat.

Check out Peyton’s linebacker build!

Precious! I think he’s going to like football…does he have a choice?

Let me wrap up my weekend for you.  Perhaps this will give you some insight in all kinds of ways of which some may not be extremely helpful, but discard if not.

Friday’s schedule changed and we attended the afternoon Press Conference at the University of Arkansas as they announced Gus Malzahn as the new Offensive Coordinator.  Houston and Gus both desired for us to come and since our schedule had dramatically changed anyway due to many things, I was able to go at the last minute.  It was insightful and fulfilling to see both of these men surge forward with vision for the future.

Friday night was a night at home, but Jeana was getting ready for a Christmas Party on Sunday night with our Senior Staff Team.  Television was boring and you can only read so much. 

Saturday morning was filled with study and prayer.  This is my final time to really "master the message" God had put into my heart.  I saturate my mind with the message and the message with prayer.  Jeana left to take care of details for the party for a couple of hours that morning.

Saturday noon was filled with reading and a light lunch with much "grazing" going on as Jeana calls it in regards to what I do with food.  This means I eat a little bit of this and a little bit of that, invading the pantry and refrigerator constantly.  

Saturday afternoon I did get a brief nap, which I needed desperately; then Jeana and I ran a few errands around Northwest Arkansas.  These were mainly my errands which meant driving around Northwest Arkansas with no purpose at all other than to get out of the house, survey our projects from the road, and observe the events of growth in our region.

Saturday night was my kind of night:  Jeana and I watched the Heisman Trophy Presentation together and then I watched the ESPN movie:  "Code Breakers".  The Heisman presentation was excellent and Reggie Bush’s speech was superlative as he gave glory to God, talking about how he was anointed to play.  The movie was well worth watching, rated PG by the way, about events at West Point many years ago.  I am sure both will be replayed… experience them.

Sunday morning I felt horrible physically. I had a sinus headache that would not quit and under that I preached two services.  If it had been a normal workday within the week, even I would have stayed at home, which through the years, only the flu a couple of times and strep throat once placed me at home rather than work.  God got me through the morning, but it was very tough.  It was not until last night that I began to feel better, for which I was grateful.

Sunday afternoon, we did final details for the party.  I crashed on the chair for a few minutes, got up, got ready again for the "Christmas Celebration" at our Springdale location and it was great.  The house was pretty well full and the choir and orchestra were both excellent.  

Last night, immediately following the Christmas Celebration, we hosted the Senior Staff Christmas Party.  All exited by 8:15 p.m. and we hurried to clean the house up from having several couples in the home, plus feeding them.  It was an enjoyable evening.  Jeana did an excellent job serving as Hostess to the group.   

Wow, I need another weekend.

My dear friend, Coach Gus Malzahn of the Springdale Bulldogs and formerly of the Shiloh Saints, joined the staff of the Arkansas Razorbacks as Offensive Coordinator today.  What a tremendous moment and experience this is for Gus, Kristi, Kylie, and Kensie.  I am so proud of them and very excited about their future in this new assignment.

Gus’ Springdale Bulldogs have climbed to #2 in the Student Sports National Poll and #5 in USA TODAY.  This is a big, WOW!  These young men and their coaching staff have created a phenomenal thing for High School Football in the state of Arkansas.  I was there on Saturday night when they played that State Championship Game.  They were superb and disciplined in every way.  What a team and we are so proud of them.

Coach Houston Nutt has demonstrated great humility in this change in his strategy as a Head Coach and even with the hire of Gus.  This humility is demonstrated because he was willing to give up in order to go up!  The humility is seen because of his willingness to turn the offense over completely to another coach, even a nationally renown high school coach.  The humility is not to do that alone, but is seen in that the system of college coaching the attitude by most is, "high school coaches could not do what we do," yet history proves there have been exceptional high school coaches who leap up the ranks, rather than play the "college football company game" by going up their system.  I am so proud of Houston and his willingness to do this.  It shows a lot about him and a lot about his desire to connect with the fans and with a great coach named Gus Malzahn.

I wish the season kicked off on Saturday… I am pumped!  Now, the reason is not just football alone, but the consistent character that is demonstrated by Gus Malzahn.  What an attribute that will be to the Razorback Nation and to the parents who send their young sons into the football family here at the U of A.  Let me testify:  Gus coached both of my sons… he is unique, godly, disciplined, affirming, but at the same time will deal with business if loafing replaces the love of the game or whining replaces a commitment to winning.  Any parent can be very comforted in letting their son become a Razorback that connects with Gus Malzahn.  My son, Josh, was his first Quarterback in the creation of the famous, "Hurry Up, No Huddle" offense, as well as the Quarterback of the first state championship that Coach Malzahn won.  My son, Nick, was on the first and the second State Championship teams as a Running Back/Receiver in this same offensive system.  The memories they have of those moments contribute to both of their successes today in a major way.

Enough football talk… be in church Sunday… if you are in Northwest Arkansas, connect with our church.  We would love to have you with us.  Also, do not forget our special Christmas program at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at our Springdale Campus… it is for everyone of all ages and there is no cost for this event at all.

Snow . . . Snow . . . Snow . . . nothing like the mountains, but it has covered the ground and minimal flurries continue.  This is your Northwest Arkansas weatherman, Prime Time.  It is rather cold outside, very cold.  I hope you enjoy the beautiful weather today.  This would be some great weather for a football game.

I have had a very consumed week, moving from meeting to meeting.  As well, my study time in the morning has been consumed with preparation and more preparation.  My evenings have been occupied with the Dinner Theatre at Pinnacle Hills.  After today’s events, I must quit.  I must reload again emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

I am hoping to tour outside today our two major projects happening on both of our campuses.  I hope there is someone working who can take me around…prayerfully the fence will not be closed.  They are changing every day.  Please pray for their success.

Three weeks ago today my Dad died.  It still seems like so unreal.  Yet, my talks with Mom remind me in a tough way of reality.  Continue to pray for her. 

Thanks for all my friends.  It is from taking the time to read the blog to encouragement.