Hello gals,
I just wanted to hop on here and tell you something that has me a bit rattled today. Allow me to give you a bit of background information first.
As many of you know my sweet mother passed away over a year ago. For those of you who have lost loved ones I know you understand the pain loss can bring. I miss mom. As simply as I can say it-I miss her to the bone sometimes. I am, however, thrilled that she is with Jesus today. I have discovered that when a loved one dies there are all kinds of new things you have to learn to deal with and take care of- grief being only one of them. It seems the 'stuff' surrounding loss seems endless. It has been a year and a half since mom died and there is still to-do-type stuff that keeps coming up!
Now, let me get to the rest of the story....this past Sunday was 'Decoration Sunday' at the cemetery where my mom is buried. My dad purchased all manner of flowers to place on her grave and the real stuff too! None of that silk stuff for my mother! For those of you who purchase silk flowers- there is absolutely NO condemnation whatsoever here! I say that from my dads point of view! His beautiful bride of 42 years is worthy of real flowers not to mention I secretly believe dad thinks she may haunt him if he were to put silk on her grave! (Just kidding!) Mom had a green thumb that would rival Mr. Green Thumb himself! She could grow anything under the sun. Gardening was her favorite thing and she did it better than anyone I know. So, dad purchased a red rose bush (roses were mom's favorite), two potted arrangements of geraniums and a shepherd's pole with two hanging baskets. As morbidly as all this sounds- I must say- in my opinion, mom had the most decked out grave in the cemetery. And she deserved it! It was so decked out that my dad asked me to make a picture! (You are probably going to think we need counseling after reading this post! ha!) And, just so you know- to please my dad- I did take a picture! I should consider posting it for you to see (now I'm sure you think I need help).
Anyway, my dad called me this morning all distraught. He had went by the cemetery to check on the flowers and the shepherd's pole and hanging baskets were there but the potted plants were gone. He searched the cemetery over thinking they could have been blown away by the storms- but didn't find them. His gut reaction is that someone stole them. I keep thinking there has to be a better explanation- like maybe they did blow away and the care takers picked them up- and didn't know where they belonged. Who knows? All I do know is that my poor dad is all to pieces. And, if his gut reaction is right and someone really did steal them- I'm praying they prick their finger on the rose bush and God pricks their heart! (Is that really bad? The pricking the finger part?)
Thanks for listening/reading,
Love to all,
Lori
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Very Random....
Hell to all,
Just wanted to stop in and share a few 'random' thoughts! I laugh every time I think of the word 'random' it's one of my daughter's favorites. She tells me all the time "Mom, you are so RANDOM". I must admit she is right on! My brain is working overtime these days and my thoughts are all over the map. The scripture "Be still and know that I am God" comes to mind! Yet again, rather random. But, oh, so needed!
How about a quick update on the Drain family. Shelby, my brand new 13 year old, is working for her father at the Auto Parts store. Shelby has a personality that just tickles my funny bone. Where I am 'So Random' she "Is SO TRANSPARENT". You will never have to guess how she feels about anything. She blurts it right out- let's you know right where she stands on any given issue and has absolutely no fear in telling you exactly what she thinks! Every time we are among people outside our family I cringe when she opens her mouth. I just stand there holding my breath in fear of what she might say and who she might say it to! Even though I usually stand in fear for what 'might' be said- this is one of her qualities I appreciate most. Why hold back- when we put things out there- we can deal with them. Holding stuff back and inside is what makes life difficult sometimes. I would much rather know how someone thinks or feels about me or about something I've done than have to guess! Transparency- I believe we could all use a strong dose of it. Realness (not sure if that is a word) but I desire real authenticity in my relationships! How about you!? (See- I told you I was so random!)
Gabe just got chosen to play on the All star baseball team for the league he plays in. As you can imagine-I'm one proud, but very random, mom! Gabe is growing up so fast. It is hard to believe he will be in the 5th grade this year! Where in the world does time go?
Chad is working like mad storing up for the winter. We have 287 bails of hay to prove it. All of which the whole Drain family helped with (loading, unloading, and stacking)! It was like a scene right out of Little House on the Prairie! I have to admit I love life on the prairie! Well, we don't really live out west on the prairie- but we do live in Harmony. And that's not a metaphor- there really is a place called Harmony. It feels like the prairie though. (Okay- I've gone random again).....
Don't forget about our Facebook Bible/Book Study. I hope you will join me! If you feel weird about posting on the wall- just send it to my inbox! And, if you've already read 'Crazy Love' read it again! This will by my fourth time! It's worth it! So, come on and join in the fun!
And, lastly, as random as it gets- thanks for hanging in there with this blog thing. It seems my time to write has dwindled so very much- but keep checking back.
Love to all,
Lori
Just wanted to stop in and share a few 'random' thoughts! I laugh every time I think of the word 'random' it's one of my daughter's favorites. She tells me all the time "Mom, you are so RANDOM". I must admit she is right on! My brain is working overtime these days and my thoughts are all over the map. The scripture "Be still and know that I am God" comes to mind! Yet again, rather random. But, oh, so needed!
How about a quick update on the Drain family. Shelby, my brand new 13 year old, is working for her father at the Auto Parts store. Shelby has a personality that just tickles my funny bone. Where I am 'So Random' she "Is SO TRANSPARENT". You will never have to guess how she feels about anything. She blurts it right out- let's you know right where she stands on any given issue and has absolutely no fear in telling you exactly what she thinks! Every time we are among people outside our family I cringe when she opens her mouth. I just stand there holding my breath in fear of what she might say and who she might say it to! Even though I usually stand in fear for what 'might' be said- this is one of her qualities I appreciate most. Why hold back- when we put things out there- we can deal with them. Holding stuff back and inside is what makes life difficult sometimes. I would much rather know how someone thinks or feels about me or about something I've done than have to guess! Transparency- I believe we could all use a strong dose of it. Realness (not sure if that is a word) but I desire real authenticity in my relationships! How about you!? (See- I told you I was so random!)
Gabe just got chosen to play on the All star baseball team for the league he plays in. As you can imagine-I'm one proud, but very random, mom! Gabe is growing up so fast. It is hard to believe he will be in the 5th grade this year! Where in the world does time go?
Chad is working like mad storing up for the winter. We have 287 bails of hay to prove it. All of which the whole Drain family helped with (loading, unloading, and stacking)! It was like a scene right out of Little House on the Prairie! I have to admit I love life on the prairie! Well, we don't really live out west on the prairie- but we do live in Harmony. And that's not a metaphor- there really is a place called Harmony. It feels like the prairie though. (Okay- I've gone random again).....
Don't forget about our Facebook Bible/Book Study. I hope you will join me! If you feel weird about posting on the wall- just send it to my inbox! And, if you've already read 'Crazy Love' read it again! This will by my fourth time! It's worth it! So, come on and join in the fun!
And, lastly, as random as it gets- thanks for hanging in there with this blog thing. It seems my time to write has dwindled so very much- but keep checking back.
Love to all,
Lori
Monday, June 15, 2009
Facebook Bible Study
Hello to all,
I wanted to invite each of you to join me in a summer Bible/Book Study on Facebook. If you are not a Face Book user- it's easy to join and start an account (which is free). Just go to:
I wanted to invite each of you to join me in a summer Bible/Book Study on Facebook. If you are not a Face Book user- it's easy to join and start an account (which is free). Just go to:
Click on 'Sign Up for Facebook'
Then follow the directions listed.
Once you have an account- look on the top user bar (in blue) and click on 'FRIENDS' then click on 'FIND FRIENDS' once there-add my name in the 'SEARCH' box- 'Lori A. Drain'
Then Invite me to be your friend. I will then reply to say I've added you as my friend and you will be good to go!
If you have problems- feel free to email me or leave me a posted comment here on the blog & I will try to walk you through it!
Here is how it will work:
- You will need to purchase the book 'CRAZY LOVE-Overwhelmed by a Relentless God' by Francis Chan. You can purchase it online at Christian Book Distributors or Amazon. Or order it from your local Christian Book Store. YOU WILL NEED TO GET IT THIS WEEK!
- We will read one chapter a week for 10 weeks starting this week (June 15-21).
- After you have read the chapter sometime before Sunday at 10 P.M. post a comment about the reading, a question, or observation to my wall on Facebook. You may post this ANYTIME through the week but each Sunday at 10 p.m. is the deadline for each chapter. (So, this week you will read Chapter 1 and post a comment, question or make an observation about the reading on my facebook wall by Sunday, June 21, at 10 p.m.)
- If you have a more in-depth question or would like to keep your comment private- then send it to my 'INBOX' on Facebook and I will reply.
- I will moderate the comments and reply to any personal 'Inbox' questions or concerns you have by Monday following the Sunday Deadlines.
Please know in advance I am not a great Facebook user in that I'm still learning my way around. Feel free to post any suggestions you have! But, I thought this would be fun for all and a way for us to study together without having to meet together. So- what do you think???
If you have already read the book 'Crazy Love', I invite you to read it again with me! I personally have read the book three times and will now read it a fourth. I believe the book offers some great insight and it offers some lessons that I want to learn and live!
Looking forward to studing/reading with you!
Love to all,
Lori
Thursday, May 28, 2009
JOY
Hello to all,
I pray you are having a terrific Tuesday! I myself am! God is good! Not just good- GREAT! I have been working on writing a Bible study on JOY this week. I will be leading a retreat in October for my Home-girls and the retreat theme is JOY! I prefer typing the word 'JOY' in all caps because the more I'm learning about it the more I'm seeing that JOY is BIG! In order not to spill the surprises for my Home-girls and the retreat- I'm going to withhold all I'm learning until later. But for now just know- JOY IS BIG!
I have not forgotten about our Church Alive posts and keep your eyes out for the next one next week! I have given this topic so much thought that I've had trouble wading through it all. You would think it would be an easy topic- but the more I visit churches and the more I look at the book of Acts and the journeys of Paul and his New Testament letters I find that the matter can be complex- mostly because there are many characteristics of an Alive Church. With that being said- don't give up on me!
Allow me to give a teaser into the next post by offering a quote I read sometime ago by Rick Warren:
I pray you are having a terrific Tuesday! I myself am! God is good! Not just good- GREAT! I have been working on writing a Bible study on JOY this week. I will be leading a retreat in October for my Home-girls and the retreat theme is JOY! I prefer typing the word 'JOY' in all caps because the more I'm learning about it the more I'm seeing that JOY is BIG! In order not to spill the surprises for my Home-girls and the retreat- I'm going to withhold all I'm learning until later. But for now just know- JOY IS BIG!
I have not forgotten about our Church Alive posts and keep your eyes out for the next one next week! I have given this topic so much thought that I've had trouble wading through it all. You would think it would be an easy topic- but the more I visit churches and the more I look at the book of Acts and the journeys of Paul and his New Testament letters I find that the matter can be complex- mostly because there are many characteristics of an Alive Church. With that being said- don't give up on me!
Allow me to give a teaser into the next post by offering a quote I read sometime ago by Rick Warren:
"You don't judge the strength of a church on its seating capacity but on its sending capacity."
I'll let you stew on that one for a bit!
God bless,
Lori
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Been so busy...
Hello gals,
So sorry, it has been too long! I have been busy lately. Every night I sit down and want to write to you so badly but don't have the strength to do it from my cell phone- remember- I don't have Internet access where I live (only from my phone) and it is just way to tedious to blog from a cell phone keyboard!
I have much to catch you up on. But for today, I want to take you on a trip to BIRTHDAY land! The Drain family has several birthdays to celebrate in the month of May. First, my sweetie, Chad, will turn the big 39 on the 25th. (So that you get a personal look into the Drain family and get to know us a bit better allow me to share a bit more in depth with you!)
If you were to ask me who I most admire in this world (besides Jesus) I would tell you Chad. Don't even have to think about it! He is it! This man has taught me more about being a servant than anyone I know! He is constantly helping someone else out and never wants recognition for it. He goes above and beyond the call of servant hood every day by giving up his time for another soul. I don't remember the last time Chad had any time for himself yet he never complains. He gets so much joy out of giving and it shows!
Secondly, this man knows the worst of me and loves me anyway! He has shown me more times than I can count what grace lavished on a life looks and feels like. I love Jesus more today because of the way this man has loved me. He is an Ephesians 5 husband- loving his wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. I am one blessed and thankful woman!
The second birthday celebration is for my soon to be 13 year old daughter, Shelby. I am so proud of this young lady! Not only is she beautiful on the outside but on the inside too! One of the things I admire most about her is she knows what she wants and she knows what she likes. She isn't indecisive about anything.
This year for her birthday she bought her own birthday gift (with a little help from grandparent birthday money) but she did at least half of it on her own. I reminded Shelby all weekend every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord. In normal Shelby style- she agreed with the biggest grin I've ever seen!
Meet Dakota (see the picture below). This is Shelby's new baby. He is six years old and as sweet as they come. She choose the name Dakota before she learned what the previous owners had named him. She thought about a name all weekend and decided on Dakota. We went Monday evening to pick him up and bring him home only to hear his owner call to him from inside the barn. When he brought the horse out we asked him what his name was- get this- it was Dakota. The Drain family had no idea what the horses name was. We went to see him on Saturday night with friends and the owner was not there. We saddled and rode him then called the owner to let him know we would take him. We never asked what his name was until we went to pick him up on Monday. How neat is that!
I have found so much pleasure in both Chad and Shelby and people everywhere. God has designed us to be in relationship. As I celebrate two lives this month I'm ever reminded of the goodness of God. How like him to bless his children with one another. Although relationships can be hard at times (Chad and I have proved this over and over), they are so worth it! They are worth every ounce of energy we pour into them. Allow me to encourage you today to pour forth! Pour into your family and existing friends. Spend yourself in building new friendships. I tell my children all the time "You can never have enough friends." Many times we get clickish- and feel we don't have time to develop new friends. If that is your mindset- you are missing out! There is joy to be had in new discovery. Our hearts have room for more- they can hold more than you think! So, seek out a new friend! And then- Celebrate!
Pouring forth and celebrating,
Lori
So sorry, it has been too long! I have been busy lately. Every night I sit down and want to write to you so badly but don't have the strength to do it from my cell phone- remember- I don't have Internet access where I live (only from my phone) and it is just way to tedious to blog from a cell phone keyboard!
I have much to catch you up on. But for today, I want to take you on a trip to BIRTHDAY land! The Drain family has several birthdays to celebrate in the month of May. First, my sweetie, Chad, will turn the big 39 on the 25th. (So that you get a personal look into the Drain family and get to know us a bit better allow me to share a bit more in depth with you!)
If you were to ask me who I most admire in this world (besides Jesus) I would tell you Chad. Don't even have to think about it! He is it! This man has taught me more about being a servant than anyone I know! He is constantly helping someone else out and never wants recognition for it. He goes above and beyond the call of servant hood every day by giving up his time for another soul. I don't remember the last time Chad had any time for himself yet he never complains. He gets so much joy out of giving and it shows!
Secondly, this man knows the worst of me and loves me anyway! He has shown me more times than I can count what grace lavished on a life looks and feels like. I love Jesus more today because of the way this man has loved me. He is an Ephesians 5 husband- loving his wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. I am one blessed and thankful woman!
The second birthday celebration is for my soon to be 13 year old daughter, Shelby. I am so proud of this young lady! Not only is she beautiful on the outside but on the inside too! One of the things I admire most about her is she knows what she wants and she knows what she likes. She isn't indecisive about anything.
This year for her birthday she bought her own birthday gift (with a little help from grandparent birthday money) but she did at least half of it on her own. I reminded Shelby all weekend every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord. In normal Shelby style- she agreed with the biggest grin I've ever seen!
Meet Dakota (see the picture below). This is Shelby's new baby. He is six years old and as sweet as they come. She choose the name Dakota before she learned what the previous owners had named him. She thought about a name all weekend and decided on Dakota. We went Monday evening to pick him up and bring him home only to hear his owner call to him from inside the barn. When he brought the horse out we asked him what his name was- get this- it was Dakota. The Drain family had no idea what the horses name was. We went to see him on Saturday night with friends and the owner was not there. We saddled and rode him then called the owner to let him know we would take him. We never asked what his name was until we went to pick him up on Monday. How neat is that!
I have found so much pleasure in both Chad and Shelby and people everywhere. God has designed us to be in relationship. As I celebrate two lives this month I'm ever reminded of the goodness of God. How like him to bless his children with one another. Although relationships can be hard at times (Chad and I have proved this over and over), they are so worth it! They are worth every ounce of energy we pour into them. Allow me to encourage you today to pour forth! Pour into your family and existing friends. Spend yourself in building new friendships. I tell my children all the time "You can never have enough friends." Many times we get clickish- and feel we don't have time to develop new friends. If that is your mindset- you are missing out! There is joy to be had in new discovery. Our hearts have room for more- they can hold more than you think! So, seek out a new friend! And then- Celebrate!
Pouring forth and celebrating,
Lori
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Happy Belated Mother's Day
Hello friends,
Sorry it has been so long! I've been experiencing computer issues. I choose not to call them problems- I'm in denial. Honestly, I share a love hate relationship with computers. One day I love them and then when they don't preform properly- I just hate them! Anybody feel my pain?For the moment my computer is working so I thought I would hop online and wish you all a Happy Belated Mother's Day! I hope you enjoyed the beautiful day with your family!
My son, Gabe, proudly handed me two envelopes on Monday morning which he found in his folder from school. "Here mom, I made these for you" he said as he handed me the envelopes. "Why, thank you baby", I said as I began to peal the envelopes open. One envelope had a note that said this- "I love my mom because......" and Gabe's response was "because she is the only mom I had. I love you, Gabe." After laughing hysterically, a moment of total insecurity began to creep in. Did you notice the past tense usage of the word have? I know I'm getting older but give a mom a break!! Am I a has been? And of course, I wondered if Gabe would rather have another mom besides me. So, what's a mom to do? I asked him. And, his answer was no he liked me just fine. Boys! Praise the Lord- he likes me just fine.
In the next envelope I found coupons for free gifts that Gabe would give me. One was a free coupon to go worship God with the whole family. I love that Gabe knows exactly what makes mom happy! I found it rather funny that the next free coupon was for me to love Gabe as much as I wanted. He cracks me up! As I'm reading these 'free' coupons I imagined his teacher coaxing the students to offer to do something nice for mom like chores around the house. Not my Gabe. He worked all three coupons out to where he didn't have to do anything out of the ordinary! Such a smart boy.
He also had made me a 10 Ten Reasons why I love my mom list. Needless to say his list cracked me up. I don't have it with me today or I would give you the top ten run down. Several of the things were the normal stuff but a couple surprised me! I'll try to remember to bring them to the office with me so I can share them.
After thinking of Gabe's Mother's Day cards and some of my funniest Mother's Day memories I realized that you probably had a few stories to tell as well! Kids are so funny! Enjoy these moments girls- they fly by!
I am working on our next Church Alive post and I will try to get it up by the first of next week. Until then- enjoy your week!
Blessings,
Lori
Sorry it has been so long! I've been experiencing computer issues. I choose not to call them problems- I'm in denial. Honestly, I share a love hate relationship with computers. One day I love them and then when they don't preform properly- I just hate them! Anybody feel my pain?For the moment my computer is working so I thought I would hop online and wish you all a Happy Belated Mother's Day! I hope you enjoyed the beautiful day with your family!
My son, Gabe, proudly handed me two envelopes on Monday morning which he found in his folder from school. "Here mom, I made these for you" he said as he handed me the envelopes. "Why, thank you baby", I said as I began to peal the envelopes open. One envelope had a note that said this- "I love my mom because......" and Gabe's response was "because she is the only mom I had. I love you, Gabe." After laughing hysterically, a moment of total insecurity began to creep in. Did you notice the past tense usage of the word have? I know I'm getting older but give a mom a break!! Am I a has been? And of course, I wondered if Gabe would rather have another mom besides me. So, what's a mom to do? I asked him. And, his answer was no he liked me just fine. Boys! Praise the Lord- he likes me just fine.
In the next envelope I found coupons for free gifts that Gabe would give me. One was a free coupon to go worship God with the whole family. I love that Gabe knows exactly what makes mom happy! I found it rather funny that the next free coupon was for me to love Gabe as much as I wanted. He cracks me up! As I'm reading these 'free' coupons I imagined his teacher coaxing the students to offer to do something nice for mom like chores around the house. Not my Gabe. He worked all three coupons out to where he didn't have to do anything out of the ordinary! Such a smart boy.
He also had made me a 10 Ten Reasons why I love my mom list. Needless to say his list cracked me up. I don't have it with me today or I would give you the top ten run down. Several of the things were the normal stuff but a couple surprised me! I'll try to remember to bring them to the office with me so I can share them.
After thinking of Gabe's Mother's Day cards and some of my funniest Mother's Day memories I realized that you probably had a few stories to tell as well! Kids are so funny! Enjoy these moments girls- they fly by!
I am working on our next Church Alive post and I will try to get it up by the first of next week. Until then- enjoy your week!
Blessings,
Lori
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)