Heartprint of H.O.P.E.

My Vacation to No Where - 3rd Day

2009-10-19T10:51:00.012-05:00

My FaceBook friends have been posting pics of their trips to Disney, Europe, Las Vegas. I decided a wanted a vacation too. This week I am on vacation.
The third one in 30 years! This is a picture outside my house. What a beautiful time of year for a vacation.

I am on a vacation to no where to do nothing.
Sounds good to me! Some people may even be jealous- SORRY!

This is my third day of spending as much time as I want in God's Word...I'm lovin' that!

He reminded me "Be still and know that I am God..."Psalm 46:10

Then, I put on a bright yellow sweatshirt that says Sannibel Island. A great buy at Salvation Army. It makes me feel warm all over - literally!

Those who vacation know housecleaning comes in while you are lounging by the pool. I don't know where Rick found this housekeeper but she is wonderful.
I'm sure she thinks our family lives like they depend on the maid to clean things up. But in less than an hour, the house was transformed like we are expecting company. I do hope someone stops by. I'm going to pay her $30 for all she did!

With my $30 I'm planning a shopping trip this week! I'm so excited.

Then I did something out of the ordinary. Well..no one was watching, so what?

I did the chicken dance.

What do you do when know one is watching on your vacations to no where?

Now, the rest of the day is blogging, answering emails and writing. I'm not writing my book like I had planned...it's something bigger and better. Actually, quite unbelievable. It won't even work unless God is in it.

...I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world -Psalm 46:10

Talk tomorrow!

Dancing with the Stars

2009-08-28T22:21:00.016-05:00

What dance style best describes you?

Slow Waltz * Cha-Cha-Cha * Jitterbug * Ballet * Disco * Square Dancing * Rumba * Swing * Texas Two Step

Whatever beat moves you, motivates you, describes you - it's purposed!

For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. - Psalm 139:13

God planted passions and dreams in you that only YOU can fill. Only you hear the beat. Only you sense His stirring to dance to your dream. Are you moving to the music or sitting your dream out?

Life's disappointments can drown out the beat. Over time music fades. Dreams die. Maybe you find yourself doing the Hustle to Stayin' Alive by The Bee Gee's
If you are not dancing or just surviving, ask yourself two questions: What did I expect to happen? What longing did I need filled from that expectation?
We long to feel: Significant, Secure, Spiritual, Successful, and Intimate.

In the dance called LIFE we often look to a spouse, friend, child or even career to fulfill those longings that lead and expectations that follow. By doing that, we can be disapointed and lose hope.

Unrelenting disappointment leaves your heartsick; but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. - Proverbs 13:12 The Message/NIV

Life is more purposed when you are DANCING WITH THE STARS - God * Jesus * Holy Spirit
God-given longings are placed in us to connect with God. Let His longings lead.
Expectations will never disappoint us when they are in Jesus. Follow His steps.
Passions move us to the beat of the Holy Spirit. Dance to the music of your God-given dreams.
Remember the day God asked you to dance? You said YES! Don't stop now.

May you always be Dancing with the STARS & your dreams come true!

"PRAYER POWER" Blog Tour with Peter Lundell

2009-08-16T16:12:00.026-05:00

Are you hungry for God? Do you have intimacy with God? You can determine your strengths and weaknesses at the end of each chapter in Prayer Power:30 Days to a Stronger Connection with God by Peter Lundell.
ONLY $11.04 - SAVE AT HEARTPRINTS OF H.O.P.E. DISCOUNT STORE. click here

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In the crazy world around us, our prayers may too often seem ineffective. Do you want to connect with God when you pray and receive more direct answers? PRAYER POWER is the tool you need to build a more powerful and dynamic life of prayer.

Intensely practical and straightforward, PRAYER POWER helps you improve on thirty essential facets of prayer such as passion, routine, fasting, praying with others, listening to God, handling distractions, and spiritual warfare. In each brief chapter you'll be inspired by stories of people whose lives of prayer give us powerful examples.

PRAYER POWER can be used as a month-long devotional, a prayer guide, or a reference for help in specific areas. Whether you're a new believer or think you've heard it all, this book's refreshing and honest insight will guide you to a deeper connection with God.

ASK THE AUTHOR - Peter Lundell
What are some of the things God has taught you about prayer over the years - especially from the perspective of your leadership roles?

It’s good to listen before I talk. If I always dive into prayer and never spend time listening, I only dump my own “give-me list” on God. But his word says in 1 John 5:14–15 that when I seek and pray according to his will, my prayer will be answered. So the key is to first get in sync with God.

We’ve got to have a hunger, or thirst, for God. Without hunger, no program or technique or anything we learn will go anywhere. But with hunger for God, we could know almost nothing and still have a great prayer life. Hunger is singularly important—which is why it’s the first chapter.

When I pray with faith and don’t get what I ask for, God will soon show me why. There is always something to learn in unanswered prayer.

What advice would you give to people who struggle with God when they pray?

True men and women of prayer will sometimes struggle in prayer, as did many figures in the Bible, like Jacob’s symbolic wrestling with the angel and Jesus’ wrestling over his fate in Gethsemane.

Like anyone else, I struggle with unanswered prayer or major decisions to do something by faith, when tragedy strikes, problems of injustice, and healings that take a lot longer than I’d like. The key is to keep struggling—don’t give up and too quickly assume something is God’s will before you know for sure. The angel commended Jacob for not giving up until he got a blessing. God the Father actually sent an angel to help Jesus wrestle in Gethsemane. Sometimes wrestling in prayer is God’s will for us.

Wrestling in prayer is actually a good thing. It draws us closer to God. And it changes us in the process. And that’s what most of us hope for!

9 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR PRAYER LIFE

1. Establish a designated place to pray.
2. Set a designated time of day to pray.
3. Use written prayers or music to help get started.
4. Repent of the things that hinder your prayer.
5. Pray out loud--this clarifies thoughts.
6. Personalize Bible verses when you pray.
7. Let yourself get in a situation where you have to trust God.
8. Seek the Holy Spirit's leading--and listen.
9. Be bold and persistent.

YOU COULD WIN THIS PRAYER BASKET! Leave a comment for an opportunity to win this GRAND PRIZE.
Prayer Power by Peter Lundell
When God Turned off the Lights by Cecil Murphey (Cec is one of Peter's mentors)
Committed but Flawed by Cecil Murphey
Also includes: Prayer Journal, Pen, and Candle

When Someone You Love Has Cancer

2009-07-22T23:18:00.037-05:00

A Treatment of Encouragement and Prognosis of Hope

Cancer. One of the deadliest words spoken in modern times. The disease and side effects of treatment break the hearts of onlookers, leaving caregivers and family members feeling helpless.

Bestselling author, Cecil Murphy cared for his wife, Shirley, as she fought cancer.

About the Book:

The World Health Organization reported that by the year 2010 cancer will be the number one killer worldwide. More than 12.4 million people in the world suffer from cancer. 7.6 million people are expected to die from some form of cancer. That's a lot of people, but the number of loved ones of cancer sufferers is far greater. What do they do when a special person in their life is diagnosed with this devastating disease?

Murphey brings his experiences as a loved one and many years of wisdom gained from being a pastor and hospital chaplain to his newest book When Someone You Love Has Cancer: Comfort and Encouragement for Caregivers and Loved Ones (Harvest House Publishers). His honest I've-been-there admissions and practical helps are combined with artist Michal Sparks' soothing watercolor paintings.

Readers of When Someone You Love Has Cancer will receive:

Inspiration to seek peace and understanding in their loved one's situation;
Help in learning the importance of active listening;
Guidance in exploring their own feelings of confusion and unrest;
Suggestions on how to handle anxiety and apprehension;
Honest answers to questions dealing with emotions, exhaustion, and helplessness;
Spirit-lifting thoughts for celebrating the gift of life in the midst of troubles.

Murphey explains why this is a much-needed book: "Most books about cancer address survivors. I want to speak to the mates, families, and friends who love those with cancer. I offer a number of simple, practical things people can do for those with cancer."

From the cover of this beautifully illustrated book to the closing remarks, he guides caregivers through a gentle question and answer session. Prayers for difficult situations are scattered throughout the book and personal illustrations from cancer caregivers help validate and encourage readers.

An Interview with Cecil Murphy, author of 90 Minutes in Heaven, by Kathy Carlton Willis
1. The first sentence of your book reads, "I felt helpless." Tell us about that feeling.

Because her doctor put Shirley into the high-risk category, I felt helpless. To me, helpless means hating the situation, wanting to make it better, but admitting there was nothing I could do for her.

2. On that same page you also write, "One thing we learned: God was with us and strengthened us through the many weeks of uncertainty and pain." How did you get from feeling helpless to that assurance?

Shirley and I sat down one day and I put my arm around her. "The only way I know how I can handle this," I said, "is to talk about it." Shirley knows that's my way of working through puzzling issues. "Let's consider every possibility." If her surgeon decided she did not have breast cancer, how would we react? We talked of our reaction if he said, "There is a tumor and it's obviously benign. Finally, I was able to say, with tears in my eyes, "How do we react if he says the cancer is advanced and you have only a short time to live?" By the time we talked answered that question, I was crying. Shirley had tears in her eyes, but remained quite calm. "I'm ready to go whenever God wants to take me," she said. She is too honest not to have meant those words. As I searched her face, I saw calmness and peace. I held her tightly and we prayed together. After that I felt calm. Since then, one of the first things I do when I awaken is to thank God that Shirley and I have at least one more day together.

3. When most people hear the word cancer applied to someone they love, they have strong emotional reactions. What are some of them? What was your reaction when your wife was diagnosed with breast cancer?

As a pastor, a volunteer chaplain, and a friend I've encountered virtually every emotional reaction. Some refuse to accept what they hear. Some go inward and are unable to talk. Others start making telephone calls to talk to friends.

Me? I went numb, absolutely numb. That was my old way of dealing with overwhelming emotions. I heard everything but I couldn't feel anything. It took me almost two weeks before I was able to feel--and to face the possibility that the person I loved most in the world might die.

4. "What can I do for my loved one with cancer?" That's a good question for us to ask ourselves. How can we be supportive and helpful?

Many think they need to do big things; they don't. Express your concern and your love.

Be available to talk when the other person needs it--and be even more willing to be silent if your loved one doesn't want to talk. Don't ask what you can do; do what you see needs doing. To express loving support in your own way (and we all express love differently) is the best gift you can offer.

5. Why do you urge people not to say, "I know exactly how you feel"?

No one knows how you feel. They may remember how they felt at a certain time. Even if they did know, what help is that to the person with cancer? It's like saying, "Stop feeling sorry for yourself. I know what it's like and I'm fine now."
Instead, focus on how the loved one feels. Let him or her tell you.

6. Those with cancer suffer physically and spiritually. You mention God's silence as a form of spiritual suffering. They pray and don't seem to sense God. What can you do to help them?

God is sometimes silent but that doesn't mean God is absent. In my upcoming book, When God Turns off the Lights, I tell what it was like for me when God stopped communicating for about 18 months.

I didn't like it and I was angry. I didn't doubt God's existence, but I didn't understand the silence. I read Psalms and Lamentations in various translations. I prayed and I did everything I could, but nothing changed.

After a couple of months, I realized that I needed to accept the situation and wait for God to turn on the lights again. Each day I quoted Psalm 13:1: "O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way?" (NLT)

I learned many invaluable lessons about myself--and I could have learned them only in the darkness. When God turns off the lights (and the sounds) I finally realized that instead of God being angry, it was God's loving way to draw me closer.

7. Guilt troubles many friends and loved ones of caregivers because they feel they failed or didn't do enough. What can you say to help them?

We probably fail our loved ones in some ways. No one is perfect. If you feel that kind of guilt, I suggest 3 things:

(1) Tell the loved one and ask forgiveness.

(2) Talk to God and ask God to forgive you and give you strength not to repeat your failures.

(3) Forgive yourself. And one way to do that is to say, "At the time, I thought I did the right thing. I was wrong and I forgive myself."

8. Do you have some final words of wisdom for those giving care to a loved one with cancer?

Be available. You can't take away the cancer but you can alleviate the sense of aloneness. Don't ever try to explain the reason the person has cancer. We don't know the reason and even if we did, would it really help the other person?

Be careful about what you say. Too often visitors and friends speak from their own discomfort and forget about the pain of the one with cancer. Don't tell them about your cancer or other disease; don't tell them horror stories about others. Above all, don't give them false words of comfort. Be natural. Be yourself. Behave as loving as you can.

Visit www.heartprintsofhope.com for a special discount price of $9.34, retail 10.99

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE ONE OF MY READERS WIN A $300 GIFT BASKET thanks to Cec. It could be you! The winner will be chosen from the blog site on tour with the most comments. Do you know someone with cancer? Leave a comment of encouragement!

Don't Give Up

2009-06-22T09:41:00.006-05:00

The door didn't open. One step at a time, I sensed God's leading toward an amazing ministry opportunity. Okay, it seemed impossible but with God all things are possible, right? “My qualifications and experience didn't fit” they said through the closed door. Well, if Moses applied for the job to lead Israelites out of Egypt, his qualifications and experience didn't fit either. But God lead and equipped Moses along the way. I believed God's leading took me to the door so my expectation was to walk through the door. The door didn't open.

Immediately, I felt the sting of fiery doubt, disappointment, defeat and discontentment darts.
I wanted to give up. Just quit. This faith-race is too hard.
Have you been there, done that?

If it wasn't for parakletos, I would have thrown in the towel. Para-what? A couple energy drinks? No, parakletos is a person. The One who comes along side during the last miles of the marathon and sets pace. He cheers his friend and warns him about dangers in the road. He reminds the runner of the finish line. Parakletos means “one called alongside to help.” Jesus sends the “Comforter” (parakletos) to guide us (John 16:12-13 NIV) during our faith-race. The Comforter eased my grief and gave me hope.

Faith makes things possible....not easy

My Comforter reminded me of all the blessings on the journey and those yet unseen. I did not let that closed door rob me of victory that is mine or steal joy along the journey.

Karen Whiting offers added refreshment in her latest article, Multiple Streams of Contentment. Read and rest. Don't give up.

Article link: Multiple Streams of Contentment by Karen Whiting

hughesnet

What language do you speak...check out the video!

2009-06-10T13:09:00.021-05:00

How many languages do you speak? I speak two fluently and one kinda-sorta.
My English is the goodest :)
The other language I speak fluently is Christianeze.

When I realized I was a sinner, I confessed my sins and was born again, Jesus Christ became my Savior. I have a burden for other sinners and pray they repent and receive salvation to live eternally with Jesus.

TRANSLATION: I needed rescued and Jesus Christ was my Rescuer. Anyone who has ever done anything wrong, like me, needs rescued too. Just talk to God, tell him you are sorry and He will forgive you and give you life forever with Him.

While I am so grateful for a changed life, it wasn't those who talked Christianeze that helped me see the truth...it was all God!

This brief video below is funny but true! Check it out...

SundaySchoolThoughts: A Salute to Mr. Christianeze Speaking Person

Asta la vista!

2009-05-08T15:30:00.013-05:00

Snacktime. One glass of cold milk to share. Two Double Stuf Oreos. One for my grandson and one for me. At 20 months, he knew what part to eat first - the middle!
Did someone teach him that or is it just natural to go for the good stuff first?
My attempt to teach him how to eat an Oreo slowly, didn't work. He wanted the good stuff now and wanted it all ...like all over his face! With a chocolate cookie in each hand, he strutted to the waste basket and threw the rest of the cookie away. All done.

I think that describes... me. I go for the good Stuf in life first, want it all, want it now. And when I get it, do I even slow down to enjoy it? What about the other part, the not so appealing part? Do I just waste it?

What is the good, fluffy Stuf in life anyway?

A beautiful spring day (I'm too busy to enjoy).
A long hug from my husband (I cut short because clothes need folded).
A favor for a friend....(that took more time than I wanted to give).

Looks like I need to slow down. Enjoy the good moments! Make them last longer.
What about the rest...the hard part that just isn't as good without the creamy middle.

More month than money.
Rebellious children.
Everything breaking down...at once.

That's the hard stuff. We wish we could throw it away and not deal with it, but the truth is...it's part of the whole package.
God uses the hard part of life to make the double portion of good STUF taste even better.

When snack time rolls around again, I'm going to eat the outside of my Oreo first and take time to enjoy the good Stuf. Wanna stop by for milk and cookies?

Taste and see that the Lord is good....Psalm 34:8 NIV

I WILL SING YOU TO ME

2009-03-07T11:31:00.008-06:00

My husband and I just watched the newly released movie Australia. It starred Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. The romance, humor and action touched my heart but not as much as SIX SIMPLE WORDS spoken throughout the film....

I WILL SING YOU TO ME

Now, to explain the story you will need to email me. I will forward you my March 2009 free Heartprint of H.O.P.E. newsletter which unfolds the meaning of those words.

It reminds me of what Jesus did for me on the cross...
I WILL SING YOU TO ME
When I heard his love song in my heart, I ran into his wide open arms.

Listen...what do you hear?

Send a RED Envelope to the Whitehouse!

2009-02-08T17:18:00.008-06:00

One ordinary mom with one EXTRA ORDINARY IDEA...

Here's what you can do if you are one of the millions who were pained when President Obama signed executive orders to release funds for abortions.

1) Get an empty red envelope.

2) Address the front to:
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500

3) On the back write a message like:
This envelope represents one child who died n abortion. It's empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world.

This represents a heart that stopped beating today because of abortion.

Put it in the mail today and pray that 50 million red envelopes will change the hearts in Washington, D.C.

DON'T FORGET TO FORWARD THIS TO YOUR FRIENDS!
This is not my idea...sharing it from an email I received.

2009-01-31T14:06:00.011-06:00

Lori's Top Pick From Hallmark Cards
That beat my heart skipped...
that breath I didn't know I was holding...
that vision I didn't know I was looking for...
That was you.
You make my world a better place...
you have touched my heart
and made it yours.
To receive Heartprint of H.O.P.E. February Newsletter email lori@heartprintofhope.com

LORI'S FIVE FAVORITES FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

1) Relive your first date. Return to the high school and hold hands. Celebrate at that special restaurant or just reminisce by candlelight.
2) Make an appointment for the two of you to get your photo professionally taken.
3) Make a list of top 10 reasons why you love him/her.
4) Leave love notes all over the house!
5) Attention Men! Buy a bottle of wine or non-alcoholic sparkling juice and offer a toast to her and share what you love about her.

Now share your favorite Valentine idea...

Shock your man, just in time for Valentine's Day...and let me know what happens!

2009-01-14T10:42:00.025-06:00

Does your man deserve the shock treatment? Maybe he does, maybe he doesn't...do it anyway.

Author Nancy C. Anderson shares three ways she makes her husband feel like a V.I.P.

Respect him verbally, intellectually and physically.

VERBALLY
Cut out complaining and add compliments. "Compliments are like magnets," writes Anderson,"the more you compliment your husband the more he will be attracted to you."

Verbally compliment your husband once a day.

INTELLECTUALLY
Men are fixers. Appeal to his intelligence. Ask him to help you fix a problem. "Honey, can you figure out a storage system for your tools in the garage?" Translation "Your tools are all over the place, clean it up."
Show them the facts, not your feelings!

PHYSICALLY

Ask you husband what his top three needs are.Do it! When his needs are met, he will become more content. If you roll your eyes or mock his needs, you are wasting your time...he won't respond positively to your efforts.

One last bit of advice:
Don't do the shock treatment expecting him to change, you set yourself up for anger and disappointment. Put expectations on yourself like
I desire to be the best wife I can be
or
I desire to honor and show respect to God through respecting my husband.
As you change, he will change.

Use the V.I.P. shock treatment and let me know how it goes. I'll be reporting in too!

Visit Heartprints of H.O.P.E. online discount store for a great price on "Love & Respect" by Emerson Eggerich.

Butler, Baker and Candlestick Maker

2008-11-18T22:06:00.007-06:00

Have you ever had a dream so big it would NOT work unless God was in it? The vision I have for Heartprint of H.O.P.E. is that big.

Discover HOPE in every heart!

That is why I'm asking God for a butler, baker and candlestick maker.

Franklin Jentezen writes in his new book,Believe That You Can, about Joseph and three people who impacted his life. (Genesis 40 & 41)

THE BUTLER: One who opens the door for the ministry
THE BAKER: One who is a mentor and can put all your ingredients together
THE PHARAOH: (candlestick maker in my case) One who finances the dream

As you ask God to bring you a butler, baker and candlestick maker remember this...
Praise keeps your dream alive!

"Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the Lord."
Psalm 134:2

The Love Dare

2008-10-14T13:36:00.005-05:00

Did you take The Love Dare challenge on Day 14?

One of the most important things you should learn on your Love Dare journey is that you should not just follow your heart. you should lead it.

When you don't feel like loving your spouse it's time to lead your heart. Relearn what you love about the person you promised to love forever.

DAY 14 CHALLENGE:Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they'd really like to work on. Just be together.
Follow up questions:
What did you decide to give up?
What did you do together?
How did it go?
What new thing did you learn about your spouse?

Care and Share with your comments.

The Shack

2008-08-09T09:19:00.005-05:00

The Shack is a book sweeping across the hearts of its readers.
I am only half way through this 248 page fiction book written by William P. Young. It has grabbed my attention which is something new for me. .. I don't read fiction.

My friend Deb, found a tremendous healing in her heart when she read this book. She is handing out copies right and left!

"Reading The Shack during a very difficult transition in my life,
this story has blown the door wide open to my soul."
- Wynonna Judd, Recording Artist

"This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress did for his. It's that good!" - Eugene Peterson

How has this book touched your life?

If my dream comes true...I'll dream big for you!

2008-07-20T22:45:00.004-05:00

My husband has been dreaming of a Harley for years. He owned several in his younger days.

I came along, then two boys. Ball games, wars and work made the years pass quickly. Sometimes just surviving. He couldn't hear the rumble anymore, his Harley dream died.

He got the fever again. This time I encouraged his dream. He deserved it.

A black Harley Sportster now occupies our garage. His dream came true right before his eyes. Hard to believe it's really there but you can't miss the shine.

Not just the shine of the bike but on my husband's face.

Ever since his dream came true, he has been dreaming big for me. My husband didn't do that before and now I understand why...he didn't believe.

Shocked at the pump!

2008-07-02T21:55:00.013-05:00

I had to grab my camera. I couldn't believe it. I wasn't the only one in awe. Customers at a local gas station were asking "Why?".

"We just want you to be blessed" said the volunteer.

"Can I donate some money back?" asked shocked patrons.

"No, you keep it."

Customers purchasing gas at a local gas station were receiving cash rebates - 50 cents per gallon of purchased gas. First Baptist Church of Aledo put their love into action.

I could tell people were not used to getting a break; not used to something good happening - no strings attached.

People were shocked to

"just be blessed"!

I say we need a SHOCK WAVE across America! How can you bless someone today?

- Take three seconds to check out the poll ...Thanks!

Dance to the Music

2008-04-01T10:35:00.003-05:00

Hope is hearing the music of the future.
Faith is dancing to it today!

Bob Smith - Motivational Speaker

When was the last time you danced? Twenty-five years ago at prom?

Your daughters' wedding last summer?

Your parents 50th wedding anniversary party?

Why do we dance only on special occassions?

I'd like to challenge you to dance everyday!

Fix your eyes on Jesus, stand together arm in arm;

hear the music He has put in your heart.
One, two three.
One, two, three,
One, two, three....
Is it a love song to the beat of his pounding heart?

A waltz drawing you close to Him? You are His Bride and He adores you.

Can you smell the fragrance of Christ - myrrh, aloe and cassia on

His robes as described on the king's wedding day in Psalm 45?

You are His favorite dance partner!
Maybe life has been unfair so you are singing the blues.

The monotonous rythym of the past has you in a dance that is exhauting.

The beat of unbelief is all your can hear.

Jesus still believes in you and waits for the first dance.

If you've been dancing with yourself all these years, it's time to change partners.

Listen for the tune no one else will hear...

the purpose God has for your life and start dancing today.

Take steps to fulfill your life purpose.
Rely on Jesus to lead.
God's Word is a beautiful melody

“...the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 NIV
2008 Copyright – Lori Boruff, Heartprints of H.O.P.E.

Let's take a DREAM CRUISE!

2008-02-25T22:12:00.003-06:00

Does anyone want to join me on a JOYBREAK?
It never stops snowing in Illinois! I say all this snow is for the penquins!

We are going on a "Dream Cruise"!

It's Free & It's Fun

This is what you need:

Comfy clothes (sweat pants, pj's....hey....shave your legs and put on your bikini)
Your favorite drink in a wine glass (nothin' like water in a wine glass)
Invite your friends or have some quiet time alone
A variety of old magazines
Scissors, glue & one sheet of poster board (or use a file folder)

All set? Here we go....

Take a deep breath. Exhale.

For the next minute or so forget about bills to need paid, the full laundry basket, tonight's meal plan.

Close your eyes and relax on your DREAM CRUISE. Hey, think BIG! Get out of the rubber raft and get aboard the largest ship of it's kind.

DREAM BIG. Money is no object.

What Does Your DREAM Look Like?

No dream is too big .... God is BIG!

Where would you like to live or travel?
What is your hearts desire?
Is there a ministry you'd like to start or support?
What and who is important to you?
What brings you joy or brings others joy?
How would you like God to use you...no limits now!

Now let's have some fun....

Thumb through the magazines and cut out those dreams.
What pictures or words represent that BIG DREAM for God?
Paste those dreams, like a collage, on the poster board. BE CREATIVE!

Here is the best part! It may be the hardest but it is the most important part.

Share your dream with someone else. Ask your spouse, children or friend if you can show them pictures of your "Dream Cruise"
Post it on your refrigerator or somewhere you will see it often.
Believe and Receive those God Size Dreams by thanking Him in advance for caring about your dreams!

May I share my dreams with you? God has no limits so don't be shocked!

The picture of my dreams:

Celebration! ....I want to celebrate each day lifting my hands to my God and praising Him!
Man & Woman holding each other.....fall deeper in love with my husband.
Fresh Flowers.....I'd like to have fresh flowers in my home every day and give flowers to others.
Israel....I'd like to go on a Christian tour of Israel
Sail boat...I'd like a vacation.... on a beach ...in a boat....for a long time.
My favorite $100,000......I'd like $100,000 to give away to help someone else.

That's some of the pictures of my DREAM CRUISE!

What do your pictures look like? Share them on this blog!

I care about your dreams too. We can thank God together believing He can do more than we can imagine.

"Thank you for traveling "Dream Cruise Lines" where we Dream Big for God. We hope you enjoyed your stay with us. Come back soon!"

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What do you want to be when you grow up?
What dream sends a stirring up your spine just at the very thought of it?
What dream shattered so you walked away yet still look back at the pieces and.... dream?

I think dreams come together like puzzle pieces. Our experiences, relationships, success, failure and faith are all pieces to the puzzle. God has the box top. In His time it all comes together. It's important to be available and willing to do my part as God directs.

Last year I asked myself, "What am I doing to prepare for success?"

mmm....well....mmmm...huh.

My dream is being a writer. Okay, I write, create and have a few articles published. Those are all pieces of the puzzle.

Hitting financial road blocks, taking detours of my time and sinking in depression potholes make me feel like I'm not getting anywhere. But they are just pieces of the puzzle. Remember, God has the box top.

Last year God opened the door for me to attend a local Christian Writer's Conference . When I think about being a writer I get that stirring inside I asked YOU about. Through the whole conference I thought I was dreaming. It really felt like I was taking a step towards success.

Think about your dream as I close with comments from author Jim Watkins.

Dream is received: develope a mission statement, write it down and set goals.
Dream is refined: God doesn't take dreams away, He refines them. It's a process.
Dream is resized: Our dreams are too small! Broken dreams are either fertilizer for something better or God gives it germination...we win either way.
Dream is revealed: One note from someone may not seem like much. But to every one note multiply it by 1000 and that is the impact you really make. God doesn't always allow us to see how we impact others.

Ask God for a dream that won't work unless He is in it.

You have a dream purposed just for you by a very creative God. Dream Big!

BELIEVE & RECEIVE...

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good

and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

LOOK TO THE BOTTOM RIGHT....click your answer to the 'dream question'

Welcome to my blog!

2008-02-08T16:29:00.000-06:00

This is a whole new experience - blogging.... but I'm up for an adventure!

I'm in the middle of reaching a dream God has placed in my heart.
Believe me, it would have been easier to give up but I am not going to quit now.

What is your dream?
Have you taken the first step or are you weary having traveled a long road...

but you can still see it out in the distance.

LET'S ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER TO REACH OUR DREAMS FOR GOD'S GLORY!

Check out the POLL in lower right corner....
Stay tuned...more to come!

For discounted resources to help you on your journey visit http://www.heartprintsofhope.com/

For encouragement visity my ministry http://www.heartprintofhope.com/.

Be Blessed!
Lori B.