We have so many things in our lives to be thankful for that hardly grab our attention during our busy lives.  A phone call from your sister, right in the middle of dinner; Christmas with everyone together; discussions about politics and left-wing media;  praying together; filling her hot water bottle, again.  Sometimes it is the loss of something so dear that reminds us of all the details that mean so much to us.

Lorrie Ann (MacKenzie) Gnos, wife to Swiss hubby, mother of two practically perfect children, master to one needy dog and rescuer to three stray cats, daughter to parents married over 50 years, dedicated daughter-in-law, grand-daughter to 95 year old grandmother, only sibling to devoted sister, auntie to beautiful niece, best friend to so many and many more she never met, Homeschooling advocate, staunch Republican, lover of HGTV, and blessed to finally be in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Lorrie peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of this Thanksgiving day.  She left without fear or regret and was surrounded by loving family and friends in her final days.

I give my deepest thanks to all those who have blessed my sister’s life with your love, kindness and friendship, big or small.  Every one of you made a difference in her life.  She will await our arrival into heaven with open arms and a big smile.

Posted by anyachristine

What an incredibly beautiful post. My prayers are with your family at this time. It is hard to know what to say at times like these, but knowing that there are others praying and crying right along with you provides the encourgement we need. That is what I am doing right now.
You have given your sister a beautiful tribute. Thank you for painting a picture of the essence of her life.
Christy :)

Posted by cstett

Our hearts are just so heavy with the loss your family has experienced. We will continue to pray for Lorrie's family and especially her dear children. May the Lord pour comfort upon them.

Carol, a FIAR friend

Posted by OneyJones

I did not know Lorrie in real life, but enjoyed getting to know her through the FIAR message boards. While I am not surprised that God chose to bring her home this Thanksgiving Day I know that this will be a tough time for you all. My prayers are with you all. May our Lord and Savior hold you firmly in His grasp as you mourn the earthly loss of dear Lorrie. May you feel His peace and protection and love.
In Christ,
Oney

Posted by sagerats

The first time I came to this blog I was so sad to read about the cancer Lorrie had and that there was no hope for a cure this side of Heaven. My prayers are with the family, and I am so thankful that I have had a chance to "meet" a woman who had so much to share with all of us here at HSB.

Posted by redmom

My prayers are with your families

Posted by treasurekeeper

I know this holiday season will be an especially difficult one for your family. It can be some comfort to realize that Lorrie is celebrating with JESUS himself! What an amazing thought.
My prayers are with your family

Posted by all4mine

What a beautiful tribute to your sister. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.

Posted by UndertheSky

I am so very sorry for your loss. May God in His great mercy and wisdom give you His comfort at this time.

With deep sympathy,
Kate

Posted by KarenW

May the God of all comfort hold you all in His almighty arms. I am so sorry for your loss. Praise the Lord for a saint who is safely home.

Posted by wardssward

So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Lorrie. I will be praying for you all during this difficult time.
~Connie

Posted by Aligirl

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that our family is praying for your family during this difficult time. We are all so thankful that she knows the Lord. We will see her again one day, and it will be a wonderful thing!

Ali

Posted by BlessedBeingMom

I am so sorry for your loss, but rejoicing that Lorrie is with our Lord and Savior now. Please know that you are all in our prayers and we have all been so touched by Lorrie.

Tricia O from the FIAR boards

Posted by drewsfamilytx

I am rejoicing for Lorrie right now! But my heart aches for her family left behind. Thank you so much for letting us know of dear Lorrie's passing...

May God comfort you in this time and give you peace.

Love,
The Drews Family

Posted by LIFE

Please know how very sorry I am for your loss. I will be praying for you as you grieve the loss of such a wonderful person.

Beth and Family

Posted by eyecorn

The Lord welcomed home an angel. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Our family is praying for all of you. May God's comfort surround and fill you.

God bless,
Michelle

Posted by nsremom

I've been diligently praying for your sister. My heart is so sad for her husband tonight. Next year, while sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner....I can only imagine the discussion. A time to focus and say Thanks Lord for this dear woman who meant so much to everyone who knew her.

I'll keep praying for her husband and two children.

Posted by Fiarstar

Lorrie's story has touched so many of us, and although her passing is painful for those left behind, I know the Lord has used her strength and peaceful spirit to give testimony to His unfailing love for her...for all. God bless you all as you go through these difficult days.

In His care,
Lisa S.
FIARteam

Posted by deedeeuk

For thinking to tell us all, in the midst of your great sorrow! We have been praying and will continue to uphold the family in prayer especially during this holiday time! You have a group of Mum's in England who are praying for you all. Praying for the God of all comfort to be close to you all and that you will know the Peace that passes all understanding!

Posted by poorspeech

I am so sorry to hear of Lorrie's passing. That you have taken the time to give thanks is such a blessing. I did not know Lorrie in real life, but have always been amazed by her spirit. We are praying for you.

Posted by HeidiHomeschools

Praying for your family.
What a lovely tribute to a lovely lady~ I know she will be missed by many.
I only wish I had gotten a chance to get to know her better.
One day......

Posted by journeybackintime

Words seem so inadequate at this time, but it's all I have to offer. I will be praying for your family during this difficult time. May His comfort surround you in the coming days.

Kris

Posted by TNMOMTOMANYBLESSINGS

Prayers for your family.
May the Lord continue to bring peace to your hearts.
Maria

Posted by Joanise

I know it's a difficult time, but you all have our prayers and our support.

Posted by momofgirls

I only knew Lorriw through the FIAR boards, where she touched so many hearts. I'll still be praying for your family. I honestly cannot wait to meet her.

Jen in SC from FIAR

Posted by onfire

My homeschool group is having a meeting this morning, and we will pray for you.
Thank you for the priviledge of "knowing" Lorrie.
My life is so much richer because.
Neal, Kristina, Jonam and Evan Campbell

Posted by Karen Johnson

I am one of those who knew Lorrie from the FIAR board and just wanted to come and express my sympathies to her family. It was an honor to pray for her and it is still an honor as I lift up her family for strength and healing. What a comfort to know where she is and that you also will be reunited! I pray that the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will touch each of you. God bless you!

Posted by kampsplete

Oh how my heart aches for all of you today. What a lovely tribute to your sister. I was privileged to find her blog, and to read of her courage, strength, and great faith in her God. Praise God! that she is standing in His presence at this very minute. That she was able to express her thanks to Him in person yesterday. I'm so sad for your loss, but so happy for heaven's gain, and that we will all have the opportunity to meet Lorrie someday and spend eternity with her worshipping God as she is doing right now. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you over the next difficult days and months as you adjust to life without a dear sister, mother, wife, daughter. May God pour out an extra measure of grace upon you all this day. Much love to you....

Love, Kathy

Posted by Happyhome

Praying for your family during this bittersweet time. Be encouraged today as you allow the sweet spirit of the Lord to envelope you.

"When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need." Psalm 138:3

Another favorite:

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Hugs,

Angela

Posted by tn3jcarter

You did such a wonderful job of capturing the relationships that are so important in life. Thank you for taking the time to let us all know. So many of us were praying for Lorrie and all of you that love her. It's hard to imagine what you all are going through, but it's a blessing to hear that Lorrie had no regrets or fears. I'm sure you all are looking forward to the day when you will see her beautiful smiling face again in Heaven. She's left a beautiful testimony for all of us.
Blessings,
~Nancy

Posted by ThreeLittleLadies

The kind of loss of losing sister, wife, mother. I will pray for you all as you trust God in this difficult time. My heart is with you all.

Carol

Posted by proudmommaof3

We really do have a lot to be thankful for!! We take life for granted!! Even though there will be much rejoicing in heaven upon a saint coming home, I know she will be greatly missed!!

Posted by AmoScribo

Thank you for allowing us to meet this moment with you in whatever small way possible. Your loved one's grace and courage follow her. Praying in the peace of Jesus,
the Costa family

Posted by GirlsofGrace

Nothing I can say can ease your pain right now. Just know that we are lifting you all up in prayer and we are thinking of you. Please call if you need anything. I sent our new phone number to your home email.

Sending our love and hugs across the miles,
Anna & Family

Posted by Dechertimes2

Hugs and much love and prayers to all of Lorrie's family. And, I am praising the Lord with you that she is safely in the arms of Jesus now. NO more suffering and pain. Praise Jesus for His healing touch.

Posted by Anonymous

We are sorry to hear of your great loss. Yet we are thankful that your family that has the comfort that only the Savior can bring in such a time as this.

Lisa in Maine (from FIAR boards)

Posted by creativehsmom

There are so many who mourn with you and your family at this moment. Even though we have never met in person, a brother or sister in Christ is as close as your own heart. I've not been able to remove Lorrie and your whole family from my thoughts and prayers from the time I found out that Lorrie was ill. I pray that the Peace which passes ALL understanding would FILL you to overflowing at this time. I pray the children and Lorrie's husband are held so close in our Saviors arms and that they know in the fullest the indescribable joy that their Mommy is experiencing at this very moment. The Lord knows each and every tear that we shed and He keeps them. He will one day wipe them all away! Paul said in the Word that our present trials cannot even compare to what which will be reveiled one day..........

2 Corinthians 4:15-18

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we don't faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;

18 while we don't look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

May you sense the embrace of our arms across the miles..........
In His Love,
Cathy Nagle and Family

Posted by Vanderclan

tears of joy for Lorrie, who now knows no pain or suffering, only joy.

Grace and peace,
Jennifer

Posted by Devonbunny

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Posted by mlpinky

I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort, wrap his arms around you during this time.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
1 Cor. 1:3-5

Posted by OurLittleSchoolRoom

but glad to know Lorrie is with her Lord and Savior. We grieve for those left behind, and pray that her passing will be the means that bring many others to know the Lord.

No words can describe the heartache and sadness we feel when a loved one is gone. We miss them so much! But the hope that we have gives us the strength to go on.

My prayers are with you all,
Karen

Posted by Tami in FL

I too, only knew Lorrie through the FIAR boards but her love and spirit touches so many of us.
I will continue to pray for your family and I do hope you will continue to let us know how the family is doing as we have such a love and connection to them. Our prayers will be with you!

Posted by SheriLynn

Like so many before me, I was only blessed to know Lorrie through the FIAR boards. We am so sorry for your loss, our family continues to pray for your family.

Posted by Anonymous

Thank you for posting such a beautiful tribute to Lorrie. I have been praying for her and will continue to pray for all those she left behind.

How blessed to be in the arms of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Hope

Posted by chickadee

i'm so sorry. your family will be in my prayers.

Posted by Anonymous

I am so sorry for your loss. She truly is a precious child of Jesus. She really was a shining example for us. May He comfort you abundantly.
In Him,
Christine
www.christine-mary.blogspot.com

Posted by Anonymous

Your family is in my prayers.

Michelle

Posted by Anonymous

I just wanted to let Lorrie's family know that you are all in my family's prayers during this difficult time. I can't imagine how much you'll miss her.

With Love,
Elysa MacLellan

Posted by mommyto7

I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family! With hope and peace, Holly Garland

Posted by myboysand1ladybug

Lori is so happy now what a way to go. I know your loss is deep but she is smiling how wonderful your family is and how supportive. What a blessing and beautiful post to your sister's blog. Lori you were an inspiration in life. Many hugs go out to your family.

Posted by Anonymous

I pray that you find comfort in this your time of loss.

Catherine

Posted by adegrasse

I pray that during this difficult time God's loving grace and comfort be with you. I am so sorry for your loss.

Anissa

Posted by Tinakay

I am sorry I never knew her. My prayers are with you and your family.
Tina Kay

Posted by Anonymous

My prayers are with your family.

Posted by SwitchfootFan

My name is Brandon Arnold. My mom just told me the sad news. I know she is with Jesus and out of pain and that she is in a better place looking down upon you guys, but I will pray for you as it must be so hard to be without your mom and wife.

Brandon, son to Mary Arnold from the FIAR boards!

Posted by my3sons

What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing your loved one with us. It was a blessing to read her posts and share in her fervor for homeschooling. May you all feel the calming arms of our Lord during this difficult time. We can all look forward to seeing Lorrie again--or meeting her for the first time in person--when we all get to heaven!
~Pam~

Posted by ArmyOfFive

I am so sad that I only discovered Lorrie's blog just a few weeks ago. She sounds like she was a WONDERFUL mother, sister, wife. May she rest in the arms of our Heavenly Father, and may all of you know the peace she is now at. Until you meet again.....

Posted by Anonymous

Lorrie seemed like an incredibly sweet and special person. I am so happy that she knew the Lord has her Lord and Savior. My heart heart aches for her family as they deal with their loss and they will surely be in my prayers!

Posted by Anonymous

I pray the Lord will wrap His loving arms around you all to comfort you and ease your sadness.

In Christ,
Kate

Posted by LoniStel

We weep with those that weep, with the earthly loss of Lorrie - a temporary loss for those that know the Lord, and will be reunited with her someday. And we rejoice to know Lorrie is healed and with her Lord and Savior. Her Lord did come quickly for her as she desired. May God surround those left behind for now, with His peace that passes all understanding.

Posted by amandasangels

The HSB community has been richly blessed by Lorrie's presence. I know that we all will be mourning with you and that she will be greatly missed until the day we all meet again.
Greatest Sympathies, Love, & Blessings,
(: Amanda :)

Posted by LisaLW

I wish I had words that might ease the loss of your and Lorrie's family members. I can only say how very deeply sorry I am. Knowing that she is in the arms of Jesus is a comfort. My prayers will be with you now and in the coming months.

Lisa B. in AZ

Posted by Anonymous

I pray that your family would know the peace of God during this difficult time.

From a FIAR "sister," and a sister in Christ,

SarahLynn

Posted by Abiga51

Peace and comfort to you at this time.

Posted by Testimony

I was truly touched by this blog and the strength of the Lord that your sister had with her. She is definitely with Jesus. I will pray for your family i.e. your sister's husband and children and everyone for comfort and strength during this time.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Karen Flores
www.homeschoolblogger.com/testimony

Posted by gabalot

I am terribly sorry for your family's great loss and will pray for peace and comfort for your family and the children.

Jennifer

Posted by semimom

My heart goes to all of the family that Lorrie has left behind, we know all too well what a tragedy this is as we suffered the loss of our child in 1993. I never had the opportunity to meet Lorrie or even read her blog until tonight, and my heart breaks for you all. It was very apparent that Lorrie was a great mom and had a lot of love for her family and we wish you all the best through this difficult time. You all are in our hearts and prayers. Best wishes and warm hugs,
Michelle and Family

Posted by jaminacema

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will be praying for your family.

Jamin

Posted by mamaduso

Will be praying for you all. I realized that you are only 2 hours from me and I had thoughts of coming, but driving over the mountain right now is a bit difficult with the snow. I will be thinking of you tomorrow.
God bless!
Susan

Posted by Darrensgirl

Dear Ones,
Please know there are many, many folks bringing your dear family before the Lord in prayer.

Warmly,
Maggie Duke

Posted by

I sit here with tears in my eyes . . . My heart aches for you and your loss. However, my spirit rejoices that she is now with the Alpha and Omega - Jesus Christ! My prayers are with you and your family!

Edited by angelstar on Monday, November 27, 2006 at 5:14 AM

Posted by dawilli

Praying for you all... I wish there were more words...
I can rejoice for her entrance into heaven- that is such a blessing, but I do weep for her exit from your presence. Missing a loved one is so hard. But you will see her again some day,
keep on keepin' on,
ali

Posted by Buckeyeblog

What a bitter-sweet thing when a Christian passes. I rejoice with all my heart that she is HOME with Jesus...the goal of our hearts and lives. But, I'm broken-hearted for the family.

I will be praying for you during the time of the funeral service.

We don't know the reason for this to happen, but when our first precious daughter died 2 Cor. 1:4-7 was great comfort to me and it has been fulfilled many times since.

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Posted by JavaMama

My heart rest in knowing that Lorrie is at home with her Saviour but weeps for her family whom I know loved her dearly. I will keep all of you in my prayers during this difficult time.

God Bless you,
Kelli

Posted by Jen Unsell

I knew Lorrie from the fiar board and just wanted to come here and say that I am praying for your entire family during this time of grief.

Posted by learning4fun

I am happy she is healed and in the arms of our Lord but so sad for her family. I have been off the internet for a few weeks dealing with the my own battle with breast cancer and we became very close this summer with all of that. Praying for the family. Blessing to you

Posted by hsmomof3

Our family's prayers are with Lorrie's family. We grieve with you in the loss of wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. May the peace that passes all understanding be with you and may you feel the loving arms of your Heavenly Father wrapped tightly around you in the days and weeks ahead.

Posted by Anonymous

I am praying for you and your family during this very difficult time in your lives. May the peace and comfort of our Lord and Savior be with you.

In Christ,
Tracy

Posted by CommunicationFUNdamentals

May God bless and keep your family at this difficult time. What a sweet and lovely post.

JoJo

Posted by elljazz

What a brave and special lady. Truly heavens gain. Our prayers are with her beautiful family.

Posted by foxvalleyfamily

May Jesus welcome you with open arms!
God Bless your family!
Michelle W.

Posted by agodlyhomemaker

my heart aches for you all. praising Jesus that lorrie is with Him and not alone. she is surrounded by beauty and His peace.

Posted by BooksandBairns

Praying for those two practically perfect children, that they may find peace in the knowledge that the their mommy is with Jesus and awaiting them.

Posted by Anonymous

I will pray for stength and confort for your family.

I thank God for Laurie´s peaceful passing.

Love in Christ.

Mrs. T (South Africa)

Posted by Clarkxbar4

I am so very sorry for your loss.

Posted by Anonymous

I am currently praying for my friend who has stage IV breast cancer. The doctors have told her she will be on chemo for the rest of her life. My prayers go out to you as well that God will comfort and bless you and your family.