Stuff....

Hello to my favorite group of gals!
I just wanted to stop for a few minutes to say hello before I say goodbye for a couple of days! I'm off to Kentucky with the Phillips and Haan families as we help the Phillips family move into this new chapter of their lives. I'm looking forward to spending the time with them so much before having to say a final 'see you later'! And on Wednesday we are all heading to Ohio for the North American Christian Convention. I am so very excited about this part-- I've never been to the convention before and from what I have heard it is ministry heaven on earth! Lots of great speakers, lots of great worship, lots of great materials! Don't you know I'll be like a kid in a candy store! Look out Ohio- here I come!

I hope you enjoyed Sunday's message as much as I did. Luke Erickson did a wonderful job of speaking to us as a church. For those of you who were not with us he spoke about being 'in between'. And, how we as a church are 'in between'. He used the story of Jonathan from 1 Samuel 14 when he with his Armor bearer attacks the Philistines. Luke asked us some tuff questions about how we as individuals will choose to live during this time of being 'in between'. Will we be like Jonathan and charge ahead knowing that God 'may' choose to bless our efforts as he did with Jonathan or will we stay in a safe pattern and do nothing to further the cause of Christ and just wait on someone else to come in and take the lead for us. You see Jonathon charged ahead and attacked the Philistines without his leader- Saul. He went forward knowing that God 'could' in fact act on his behalf or he could not. But, Jonathon acted in faith and with that faith God joined his effort! Yep-Luke asked some mighty tuff questions! But- worth the asking! I hope that if you heard his sermon you have given it some thought. I have a copy if you would like to read it. It's much better than my pitiful attempt of retelling it for you!

I sure hope each of you have a wonderful week and an excellent 4th of July! I'll see you all on Sunday!
Love,
Lori

Thanks to all....

Hello ladies,
I just wanted to say "Thank you" to all who helped with our Mission Possible Garage Sale. I appreciate the donations of items & of your time to help price, organize, and sell them! The sale was a huge success. We collected over $2500. Please know that I truly appreciate each of you and your willingness to serve!
Love to all,
Lori

Garage sale woe's

Okay gals- it's 2:49 and we just finished wrapping up the last of the garage sale stuff. I'm absolutely beat! I've never in my whole life embarked on such an adventure! And, for those of you who worked the sale today- you know what I'm talking about! And, for those of you who are coming out to help tomorrow-- hold on to your hat!

Just to give you a quick update on where we stand- we are close to $1400 (now- I'm way tired so my count could be way off- but I think that is a pretty close estimate!) So, with that being said- Praise the Lord!

Now, if you got an email today from our darling church secretary asking for more donations of stuff (people really do love the stuff you would never think they would love!) we could use more stuff! So, feel free to do some cleaning out tonight if you haven't gotten the chance & drop it off either today or tomorrow morning early. Leanne Phillips & the Haans are on church door duty (meaning if you come by to drop off stuff tonight- stop by the parsonage first & they will unlock the fellowship hall door for you). We have had so many people come by before & after the sale ended so we didn't want to leave the door unlocked.

For those working- we will meet at 6:45 am. Come by and check things out! You just might find a treasure you can't live without!

Love to all (I'm going home soon to soak my tired feet!)
Lori

Grage Sale

Hey gals! It's grage sale insane here at HCC this morning! The crowds were out before 7am & the fellowship hall is full of people! Praise the Lord! I snuck upstairs to make a few signs & just thought I would let you know how things are going! We are selling so quickly today- so go home tonight & clean out those closets! We may need to stock up with some new items!

Love all of you!
Lori

No time to spell check!

A Tribute.....

Hello ladies,

Today I'm feeling a bit sappy and sad so I thought it might be a good day to share some thoughts with you about one of my favorite families- the Phillips Family.

This week is the last official office work week that I get to share with fellow co-laborer, Pastor Phillips. Hence the sappiness (I'm not sure that's a word). I can't believe how time just flies. It seems like only yesterday I walked through the doors of Harrison for an interview with Robbie for an interim Worship leader position. I'll never forget that day- I was on pins and needles but in a few short minutes Robbie had me feeling as if I were home. Now, five years later I realize just how quickly time can get away from you. So, if you will- allow me to share a small tribute of feeble words with you about my friends- Leanne & Robbie.

First, let me say a few words about Leanne. I know each of you appreciate her so much because she has played a huge part in making Women's Ministry at Harrison a success. You should know how very much she loves you and wants to see each of you living and loving life with Jesus. She shares my deep love and conviction that life lived in and with Christ is full, abundant Living! She is all about relationships. And she is the best mom I know. I've learned more about parenting from her than anyone. She is a pro! And she asks the hardest questions of anyone I know. She, more than anyone, keeps me on my toes when it comes to studying God's Word! And, anything I have ever ask of her she always gladly says yes-- sometimes she asks me how can she help before I even get the chance to ask her for her help! She is a friend who loves at all times- and I love her too!

Now let me say a few words about Robbie. He is a man of great integrity who allows God's word to shape the way he lives his life. He is an relentless student who loves to dig deeper into God's word- always looking for more than what comes forth on the surface. And, as you all know- he is a fantastic teacher! He can take criticism like no one I've ever known. Where it just about kills me- he takes it with grace and humility. And he is fun -just hysterical.

I mentioned Sunday that I felt a bit like Paul and Timothy must have felt when Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to oversee the young church there (1 Timothy 1:3 & 4). I would say Robbie is the Paul in this picture and me, Timothy- the very young (ha!) inexperienced one. The miles Paul & Timothy traveled together were many. They had suffered, cried, and laughed together and the bond of friendship they shared was bone deep. They had the joy of seeing people respond to the Gospel and they shared the agonies of seeing it rejected and distorted. Even when Timothy was ineffective (1 Cor. 4:14-17) Paul never gave up on him. Paul saw Timothy's potential as a child of God. He helped Timothy grow in Christ and develop his abilities as a leader and always encouraged him to live up to his potential. I must say Pastor Phillips has done the same for me. As the Proverb says, "As iron sharpens iron". Well- there has been a whole lot of iron sharpening over the past several years. I believe it was God's Sovereign will that I would get to hear Robbie's sermons 2 or 3 times before he would ever deliver them to each of you. I think God knew I needed them more than the rest of you!

As a co-worker one of the things I always appreciated most about Robbie is that he valued my opinion. Many times I would give it whether he wanted to hear it or not- but he always listened. As a female in ministry- this aspect of his leadership always made me feel as if my views and ministry counted. And, I hope he would say the same about me. Did we always agree- no! There were times that we just had to agree to disagree and move on. Many times I would be proven sorely wrong! And from time to time I would get the privilege of being right-only to find being right really didn't matter! Sometimes we both took ourselves all to seriously- and we would have to take a step back & look at the bigger picture! The bigger picture of God working to bring all peoples to the saving knowledge of His Son. I love that we at times disagreed upon the how to's of ministry but we never ever disagreed upon why and for whom we were serving!

Day to day office life has never been dull with Robbie around. In the midst of getting a lot of work done- there is always laughter going on and a whole lot of teasing taking place. And from time to time a few practical jokes. Pure innocent fun. And I must say over the years we've needed it. Because life can get way to deep and way to serious. As ministers who love their congregations we can at times try to carry every one's burdens and that can be a very heavy load. A load we are honored to carry- but heavy nonetheless. I'm thankful for Robbie's ability to lighten the mood which always helps me to lighten up! Goodness knows I need to lighten up sometimes! And- he taught me how to play the 'GLAD' game!

I know I've done a pitiful job expressing what they all mean to me and to my family and how much they have helped us! I just love them- simply put! They have been there for me, Chad and our children at every turn. They are the real thing. Godly, loving, caring, kind- real! I could go on and on about them. I dare say that nothing I've written will come as a surprise to you. But It makes me feel better just to share-it's therapeutic for me to just spill it out! I'm saddened by their leaving but excited for what God has in store ahead for them. Over the past five years God has given me the joy of sharing life with two dear, dear people (and not to mention 3 amazing children)- a blessing if I've ever had one! I can't thank Him enough for allowing our paths to cross. For allowing two families to join together and share in God's work. Who could ask for more? God is so good!

Thanks Phillips family for serving Jesus and being a beautiful example of His love!

With much love, respect, and friendship,
Lori

"The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you."

P.S. Check out Robbie's blog to see a slide show of this past Sunday.

http://www.robbiephillips.blogspot.com/

As Promised....

Hello ladies!

As promised I have posted a few family beach pictures on our blog. Look to the right & click on the slide-show to view all the pictures.

Later this week I will post pictures from this past Sunday of the Phillips family.

Just a couple of reminders:
Pot Luck Lunch Sunday- Abraham Thomas Preaching- Don't forget to bring lunch to share!
Mission Possible Garage Sale this Weekend!

Love to all!
Lori

Church in India

Hello again from Destin, Florida,

I received an email with pictures of one of the church buildings in India which was built with the funds Harrison raised. I couldn't wait to share them with you! The church is now completed (these pictures are not the completed version).

In case you had forgotten Harrison raised enough money for one church and a member from Harrison generously donated enough money for a second church. I believe both churches have been built. I am not sure how many members are attending them but as soon as I talk with Abraham Thomas I'll be sure to ask him.

Abraham and his wife, Valsa, are here in the states and will be visiting our church June 22nd. We will be having a pot-luck lunch after church for the Thomas family. I hope each of you will take the time to speak with them. They are an extraordinary family.

I am so looking forward to going back to India in January 09' to dedicate the two new church buildings and to do some work with Abraham. Please be in prayer for our team as we work to raise money for our trip plus all a trip like that entails.

Love to all,

Lori

Hello from Florida!

Hello ladies,
I just wanted to say a quick hello from sunny Florida! Yes, the Drain, Cross & Utsman families are all on vacation in Destin, Florida. Just so you know- that equals 23 of us! Nine under the age of twelve and fourteen who act like they are under the age of twelve but for the most part are all adults by age only!

We are all having a blast & enjoying the fun in the sun. Hopefully, I will be able to post a picture or two within the next day or so to let you get a look see at our favorite vacation spot.

So, how is the 'No Negative Talk' theme going for you and your family? My family didn't want to participate. So, I'm going it alone. And, I will tell you I have a small offering started. I won't try to give any excuses but here is what has happened with me thus far. Eleven hours in a car, driving all night without sleep, staying up the whole next day (still no sleep!), with 23 other people, and not to mention 100 degree temperatures- well, need I say more? I hope you are doing better than I am! I'm determined- I'm not giving up! I really believe that godless chatter makes us less and less ungodly.

Please know that, as usual, each of you are in my thoughts and prayers- even on vacation! Let me know how our 'No Negative Talk' theme is going for you-- post a comment- I'll be checking back!

Love to all,
Lori

Godless Chatter

Hello ladies,

I'm not sure what time you lovely ladies got out of bed this morning- but you will be so glad to know that I beat Woody Woodpecker this morning! I was up by 6 a.m. and I decided I was going to wake him for a change! I figured maybe I'd give him a taste of his own 'Alarm Clock'! The only problem is Chad had his machine gun locked in the gun case- and for some reason he hasn't seen the need to give me a key- something about PMS....(I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say that on a blog or not- but It's a WOMEN'S BLOG for heavens sake!). Just kidding- we don't have a machine gun or a gun case- but if we did I'd be oh so tempted (and If we did have a machine gun or a gun case- I feel sure the PMS thing would still be an issue with Chad giving me a key!) HA!!! Well, as luck would have it- I awoke early and you know who didn't show up! If I do see him- I'm going to let him know I've renamed him- CHICKEN!

Now- I realize the blog posts as of late have been way under spiritual- but the way I see it- our God ordained laughter and fun. Sometimes I am way to serious and it has been nice to take a short break from the seriousness of life and just laugh a little! I hope you will stop and just laugh a little this weekend! Enjoy God, enjoy life! Remember Jesus came so we could have abundant life- full livin'! And I believe part of that full livin' is stoppin' to see and enjoy the birds!

Now for those of you needing something a bit more spiritual- I have something that I've been chewing on all week. I'm not real sure if your gonna like it or not-- but her goes:

Today I would like to share with you a scripture I have posted on the wall in my office. As a matter of fact this particular Scripture is one I can stare at all day because it is posted right above my computer! I have memorized it because I believe wholeheartedly in it's message! Here goes:


"Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene." II Timothy 2:16


Okay before any of you get mad- I didn't say it- God's Word did! Just so I don't take this scripture out of it's context let me explain what Paul was talking about here. There were false teachers in his day (and ours) and Paul is giving Timothy advice as to how to become one who "does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth". Paul warns Timothy not to be "quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen." He also warns Timothy to "avoid godless chatter".


Let me just say that I believe these scriptures can fit out of context too. I believe that when we engage in ungodly talk we become less and less godly. Would you agree? Just so you don't go to thinking I'm standing on my soap box with this scripture- let me tell you that we all have engaged in godless chatter- me too. I believe our tongues are one of the most dangerous weapons we have. The book of James says the tongue is "a restless evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:6). I would have to agree. I've spewed some deadly poison from my mouth a few times over the course of my life- I'm ashamed to say it- but it's true. I dare say it is true for you, too. But here is the deal- the more and more we give in to the temptation of using our tongues (words) in a way that doesn't glorify God- then we become less and less of who God wants us to be- godly women. I want the Lord to be the Lord of my mouth as well as Lord of my life! (Isn't the two the same?)

The Bible has a lot to say about the words we speak. Our words are to be used to build each other up but too often they are used to tear another down. Sad, so sad. And don't you know it breaks God's heart. So here is what I purpose- Let's make a pact together- let's agree to bridle our tongues. Together & with accountability- we can mange our words and use them for good. Would you join me in a 30 day experiment? Here is what I'm asking-

• Allow NO NEGATIVE talk whatsoever. That means no complaining, no tearing another person down for what the may or may not have done, nothing negative what so ever! Only positive uplifting talk.
• If another lady (or fellow) catches you speaking negatively- they may request a quarter from you--yes, .25 cents!) This practice is sort of symbolic of what our words can cost us and others. At the end of 30 days any quarters collected will go into the offering here at Harrison-as a sort of Praise Offering to God.

So, are you up for the challenge? I am! I am going to enlist my family as well (I couldn't think of a better time to start - seeing as how we are leaving for vacation tonight & will be spending 11 hours in a car together! I may be able to fund a new church building or my trip to India by the time we get there! ha!!) See if you can get your family to join in on the fun! I sure hope you will.

Make sure to spread the word of the challenge & post a comment to let all of us know that your on board!

I'll write to you while I'm away next week to see how it's going!

Love to all,

Lori

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." James 3:9-10

My Alarm Clock

Hey gals!

Just thought I would share a little bit more about my morning alarm clock- Woody Woodpecker. Bless his heart- I've just been feeling a bit sorry for him (although my sympathy is quickly disappearing) and here is why-

Chad & I got to talking this week (I was sharing my bird 'post' with him) and he had heard that the pecking on the brick of my house is a mating sign. Well, if this is true- let me just say one more time- bless his heart! This poor bird has been pecking on the same brick for three springs now-- you would think by now the pour soul would have found a mate! But obviously he is having no luck! Not only does his intelligence rate up there with mine but the poor thing is having girl troubles too!

Please pray that my alarm clock gets a date soon! (Let me tell you that waking up to the sound of a machine gun going off (this is the best way I know to describe Woody's brick-pecking)- is no way to wake up!) And talk about waking up in a bad mood! Well, we just won't even go there today!

I've also heard that the pecking is a sign of marking their territory. And, if this is true, man is he making sure nobody comes around- cause he has just about drove me out of my house- I've almost decided it can be his territory! ha!

Well girls, pray. Pray for Woody to get a date that will last or pray he gets over his territory issues soon! And you might want to pray for my kids too! Cause bless their hearts- mommy hasn't been to 'happy' of the mornings (if you know what I mean!).

Love to all,
Lori

Help Needed!

Hello Ladies!

As you know one of our Monday night small groups & our Thursday morning small group is hosting a Church Wide Garage Sale June 20 & 21. We could use all the help we can get! Here are a few things we need:

• Donations- quality items which are 'sell-able'
• Donations- bottled water, soft drinks & homemade cookies/brownies
• Clothes hangers & clothing racks (racks will be returned after the sale)
• Organizing & Pricing Help!!!!!

Our first work day/night is this Wednesday, June 4, the church will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. so come by anytime during those hours to help out. We will be working to price & sort the items which have already been donated! So, if you can lend an hour or two of your time we sure could use it!!

Thanks in advance!

Love to all,

Lori