A Small Tribute to Big Heroes

By Lori Boruff

Papa teaches me to count—

one flag, two flags, three.

I am his helper,

just Papa and me.

Papa teaches me colors

like red, white and blue.

He tells me a story,

of a soldier he knew.

Papa teaches “never forget,”

those who sacrifice all.

Brave men and women die

so I can grow tall.

Papa teaches me respect—

“Hold the flag high,”

for today we remember

soldiers who have died.

 

 

By Lori Boruff

The real-life love story of Dave and Jo Lawson looks like a Hallmark movie. The divinely written script weaves war, romance, tragedy and happy endings together for an enchanted story of destiny and unending love.

It begins during war time when Germany invades Europe. But in a land far from bombs and bullets, two high school friends are separated by their dreams for adventure.


Jo's four year college education didn't satisfy her thirst to see the world. Joining the Coast Guard did. Her first assignment landed her at Air-Sea Rescue in San Pedro, California. While on duty she receives an emergency call about a mid-air collision between two planes. The pilots ejected landing them 20 miles off the coast. She learns later, one of the rescued pilots is her high school friend—Dave.

Dave loved the military and his near death experience couldn't keep him out of the sky. He spends a year overseas flying a SBD dive bomber searching for Japanese submarines. At war's end he continues to fly in the ferry command transporting aircraft. After receiving orders to transport a plane from San Francisco to San Pedro, an extra large heart-shaped box of chocolates made it's way to the two-seater Helldiver for special delivery to Jo still in San Pedro.

Just before take off, an unexpected passenger jumps on board and buckles in.

“What happened to the package in the seat?” Dave yells over his shoulder.

Silence.

“I'm sitting on it,” the sailor sheepishly admits.

Determined Dave did not abort his Valentine's Day mission. Love is in the air and the smashed box of chocolates melts her heart.

After discharge from military duty, Jo returns to the midwest teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. Dave continues his reserve training in Chicago.

Their relationship blossoms and one spring day love is in the air—again.

The rumble over head lured Jo and her students outside just in time to see something fall from the plane. The curious kids ran to the drop site like a covey of quail. They confiscated a knotted pillowcase and opened to find a coded message: .. .- ..- –...-. .----..-

Who could make sense of dots and dashes? The former Coast Guard SPAR could—that's who! Dave delivers a morse code love note reading I love you.

The long time friends tied the real knot on May 13, 1950 and renew their wedding vows every year—
but that's not all.

Every Valentine's Day, Jo affectionately receives a smashed box of chocolates from her soldier sweetheart.

Are You A World Changer?

By Lori Boruff

You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had

your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him,

giving him trouble every chance you got.

But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross

actually dying for you, Christ brought you to God's side

and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence.

Colossians 1:21 – 23

 

Are You A World Changer?

It was my son's cell number that brought me to this meaningful passage in God's word. After his arrest, with wrists reddened by tightened handcuffs and ankles chained together, he shuffled to Cell 121.
That was his home—his identity—for nearly a year.

On the other side of the bars and bulletproof glass, my mama's heart tried to make sense of the pain.
Believing there are no kwinky-dinks when God is involved, I knew 121 was a significant number.
I went to God's word for answers. The Holy Spirit led me to Colossians 1:21

The next three verses filled my heart with hope. It described my son's life having turned his back on God. I understood God knew his heart better than me. The verse became God's promise to me. I believed through Jesus Christ, my son would be brought to God's side and all that seemed lost would be restored.

While in jail, my son did come to God's side. He did a 180 and turned towards God. Five years later, my son is known by a new number—The 180 Zone. He directs hundreds of volunteers who help the hopeless and broken put their lives back together.

This past Saturday night, my son stood on stage with recording artist Matthew West. The singer/songwriter describes my son as a 'world changer.' His newly released cd, Into The Light, includes the song We Are The Broken inspired by my son's real life experience. West calls the song an anthem—a victory song.

You too, have a victory song. It was not written with pen and ink but by the blood of Jesus Christ. By believing he died in your place, you become a world changer because God is The World Changer.

Are you on God's side?
What is the name your victory song?
How is God using you to be a world changer?

I Ain't No Grammar Girl

By Lori Boruff

I am a writer but not the best

so I'm getting this off my chest--

I ain't no grammar girl!

My participles dangle                                                             

and I don't even no it,

I imagine the scene

but don't know how to show it.

Double negatives haunt me,

ellipses taunt me,

conjuctions I strut—

don't look at my big but!

I ain't no grammar girl!

I often compare my verbs to yours.

Am I a skinny or fat writer?

In my dreams I hear

Cec Murphey scream WRITE TIGHTER!

I ain't no grammar girl!

I suffer from split infinitives—

however, they're not readily contagious,

that's what I think about that!

Is that too many thats?

Will I grow up to be the grammar queen?

The bestest writer you've ever seen?

Practice makes perfect, I know that's true,

so look out grammar gurus—someday I may be like you!

Hard Hats, Soft Hearts

By Lori Boruff

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11  NIV

Oh no, not THIS scripture again!

In the midst of financial crisis, health issues, broken relationships and dead dreams—this verse pops up again?

Plans to prosper me? I'm not seeing it.

Plans to NOT harm me—right when I'm feeling the worst persecution and emotional pain in my life.

Plans to give me hope and a future? I need help now!

Today, you may be living in the midst of fear and uncertainty. God KNOWS the plan designed for you. He's not guessing or wishing the best for you. He is certain of a way to bless you.

The Lord also knows you will have trouble this side of heaven. He gives specific instructions to help you thrive as His perfect plan—and perfect timing—unfold. God desires His people to be active, not passive during the tough times.

Prophet Jeremiah delivered this ancient text message from God to His people, once free in Jerusalem, now captive in Babylon. The people God loved lived in emotional, financial, and spiritual chaos—much like today.

Hard hats, soft hearts...

Jeremiah's God-inspired, timeless message told the exiles to build three things during their season of distress (verses 4-10). 

1.       Build homes and gardens—keep on living, working and watching with hope in your heart.

2.      Build relationships—seek a heart of gratitude. Cherish family and friends.

3.      Build your prayer life—pray for those in authority. Even if they are against you, ask God to give them prosperity and peace so that you receive those blessings also.

Unclench your fist. Relax your shoulders. Breathe. Build.

You do your part. God will do His. He is a promise keeper.

Hello Spring

By Lori Boruff

When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Psalm 94:19 NLT

           Have doubts filled your mind leaving you frozen in your faith? Renee Swope, author of  A Confident Heart—How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises, writes “Doubt keeps us from believing things can get better.  Doubt convinces us that it's not worth the effort.”

Well, I have good news. Winter is over. Spring is here. It's a new season!

            Like daffodils and dandelions popping through thawed ground, the comfort found in God's word pushes through dead thoughts of doubts and despair .

            Hope blossom in the light of God's word. Cheer grows in the garden by His fertile favor.

       Good-bye Winter Blues                            Hello Spring                           Look in God's Garden

You say: “It's impossible”	God says: All things are possible	Luke 18:27
You say: “Nobody loves me”	God says:  I love you	John 3:16
You say: “I can't figure things out”	God says: I will direct your steps	Proverbs 3:5-6
You say: “I can't do it”	God says: You can do all things	Philippians 4:13
You say: “I'm afraid”	God says: I have not given you fear	II Timothy 1:7
You say: “I'm not smart enough”	God says: I give you wisdom	I Corinthians 1:30
You say: “I'm always worried”	God says: Cast all your cares on Me	I Peter 5:7

Thank you, God of Hope, for new seasons.

 I declare this is the first day of spring in my mind and heart.

Whenever doubt and despair creep in, I say Hello Spring!

I trust You, Lord, to give me comfort through Your word.

I'm excited to watch my garden of faith grow into something beautiful for Your glory!

In Jesus' Name – Amen.

Precious Life-Giving Words

By Lori Boruff

29 year old Christen Ringle went home to be with Jesus on Jan.9, 2012. Her husband and two babies have been left with her precious life-giving words written on her November 1, 2011 blog. What message will you leave behind for your loved ones, families and strangers? What is your legacy? What do you believe?

Do you have the hope of Jesus? Stop. Reflect. Cherish these precious life-giving words written in the midst of the valley. You never know when your road will lead you there.
Christen Ringle Blog post on November 1, 2011.

In the Valley

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runneth over.

I need You more that ever before. Lord knows, as we begin November, I rely so heavily upon His mercy and His grace. For since as long as I can remember, I've suffered headaches. Migraines usually at least once a month. This past month it was 5 or 6. I saw a doctor who would like to put me on a daily med that I am not comfortable with. I've been asking for discernment and as far as I can come up with, I should not take the prescribed medication. Now, I've stood for healing in the past. Many people have fought this battle on their knees on my behalf. But no. I'm not discouraged. God is a good God. He is faithful. He's all that I want. I do desire healing. I believe I will be completely delivered from this illness, but even if I'm not. God is good. You know, I get really weary of saints proclaiming the goodness of the Lord only when circumstances turn out as they would like. You know that even if nothing went "right" and if I am never delivered from migraines, He is good. He is faithful and He is worthy of all praise.

I know His ways are higher than mine. His thoughts are far beyond my own. I trust in Him and allow His purposes to be fulfilled in my life. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all of my days. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Posted 1st November 2011 by Christen Ringle

Pray Like You Are Happy

By Lori Boruff

“Don't pray like you're sad, pray like you're happy.”

These are words of wisdom from my four year old grandson to his daddy as they pray before bedtime.

I'm imagining myself in his tiny tot shoes or should I say Buzz Lightyear jammies to understand what he heard daddy say.

Was it the words or tone of voice prompting that observation from a preschooler? Certainly quiet, reverent prayers before bed could sound cheerless but have great meaning. But I wonder if God ever wants to say Child, don't pray like you're sad, pray like you're happy!

I'm sending the challenge to all my praying friends to belt out prayers of gratitude with verve and vigor. Yes, God does know the depths of joy in your heart, but today if you are happy and you know it shout Amen!

Have a truly Happy Thanksgiving!

Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name! Tell everyone you meet what he has done!

Sing him songs, belt out hymns, translate his wonders into music!

Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs, you who seek God.

Psalm 105:1 The Message

Happy Birthday to YOU, TGBA*

By Gail P. Smith

One year ago on today, November 9, we officially launched the QCCWC** blog.  We named it

*“The Great Blog Adventure.”

We began with 16 writers (14 women and 2 men), a few seasoned professionals, some novice bloggers/writers and lots of us somewhere inbetween.  Along the way we’ve lost and gained bloggers and we miss those currently "on hiatus."  As of today we are 14 writers strong, each contributing once or twice every two months. We publish twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  At least that’s the goal, and most of the time we make it.

Among our writers we have a resident baseball expert, several photographers, a writer’s group leader, homemakers, a reporter and a Sister with a capital “S.”  To read more about each of our talented bloggers click on “The Great Blog Adventures/Contributing Writers” tab above.

Over the past twelve months we’ve blogged about our families, jobs, pets and other less welcome critters who've invaded our homes.   We’ve written about wise men, Thanksgiving, Psalms and Proverbs, tombstones, writers block, tests, beauty, swimsuits and spam.  We’ve confessed mistakes and shared blessings, talked about growth, writing and even reality TV. 

At least one of us had a book published this year and I think it may be more.  (In fact, if any of our bloggers were published anywhere else besides TGBA this year, please comment so we can celebrate with you.) 

Best of all, we shared our relationships with the Lord, how we seek Him, how we struggle and what He’s taught us.  What a blessing it's been to read how God worked in each individual life.

As as far as "stats" go,  our page has had 38 views today (11-8-11), 25 yesterday, 592 last month, and 5,185 views for the past year.  We have 18 followers (are YOU following us yet?) and our readers represent ten countries and 4 continents.  (So if you know anyone in South America, Africa or Antarctica, please invite them to take a look!)

We’ve had 228 comments on 103 posts, and we are so grateful for each person who has taken the time to read and comment on our writing.  You have encouraged us by letting us know that someone took the time to read what we had to say. 

As we celebrate this milestone for TGAB, we are most grateful for YOU, the person sitting at your computer, reading this post, right now, today.  Without you readers bloggers would be nothing and so we want to say thank to each person who has visited this blog in the past year. 

We hope this year that you have been entertained, informed, uplifted, amused, touched, encouraged or inspired by something you have read here.  Please come back soon and invite a friend. 

At the top of our blog are these words “Read~Write~Learn~Share~Trust.” That is what we've attempted to do for the past 365 days.  Thanks for joining us.

So Happy Birthday to YOU,

Great Blog Adventurers,

and many happy returns.

** Quad-Cities' Christian Writers Conference

Double Stuf

By Lori Boruff

Snack time. One glass of cold milk to share. Two Double Stuf Oreos. One for my grandson and one for me. At 20 months, he knew to eat the middle first! 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 disc 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 waste it?

 What is the good, fluffy Stuf in life?

l        A beautiful summer day...that I'm too busy to enjoy.

l        A long hug from my husband... I cut short because clothes don't fold themselves.

l        A favor for a friend....that took more time than I selfishly wanted to give.

 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 cream.

l        More month than money.

l        Rebellious children.

l        Everything breaking down...at once.

That's the hard Stuf. We wish we could throw it away but the truth is...it's part of the whole package.

God uses the hard cookie part to make the double portion of good taste even better.

Next time I'm going to eat the outside first and really enjoy the Double Stuf. Would you like to join me?

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

Pressure to be Perfect

by Lori Boruff – Hope101.net
 

Pressure to be perfect may push us one of two directions- overwork or under achieve. Some people strive for perfection with unlimited preparation and perspiration expecting everyone to do the same. Others throw in the towel before they try because they know it's not going to be perfect. Either way, results lead to dead dreams and unmet goals. How do you respond?

I believe accomplishing a task with excellence honors God. However, fear of rejection often becomes our driving force taking us in the wrong direction. Our self-worth mistakenly depends on our ability or inability to perform. We long for approval from others, even God.

God says it himself in Matthew 5:48 (NLT) - You are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Talk about pressure to be perfect!  It's tough enough living up to an imperfect earthly father's expectations let alone expectations of a flawless Heavenly father.

Don't be discouraged or defeated. A little understanding of the word perfect gives new perspective and passion.

Ironically, the modern meaning for “perfect” is imperfect from a biblical view. Webster's Dictionary defines it as having no defect or fault. Thus, the pressure humans put on themselves or others.

For the follower of Christ the biblical definition  means suited for a determined purpose. When God told his people to be perfect as he is, he meant “be fitted for your purpose, to fulfill your ultimate design, as fully as God is.” His command does not come with unbearable pressure or a set up for failure. It's inspiration to fulfill your God-given destiny.

You are already approved by God. Exhale! Obedience honors God. Exhale again! Now, allow him to use those imperfect experiences to move you into his perfect plan and purpose for your life.

God is my strength and power; and he makes my way perfect. 2 Samuel 22:33 (MKJV)

National “I Believe” Day

By Lori Boruff

I declare today is National “I Believe” Day

I Believe...

I Believe spring is sprouting.

I Believe round pizza should come in a round box.

I Believe it's okay to wear socks that don't match.

I Believe Mr. Sun is always shining on someone.

I Believe in miracles.

I Believe a broken heart can mend.

I Believe Hope makes things happen.

I Believe Truth is more powerful than lies.

I Believe that God loved me first.

I Believe He sent his son to find me.

I Believe Jesus found me and I found him.

I Believe I'll be dancing forever in his presence.


What do you believe on National “I Believe” Day?
Tell your friends about this holiday and ask what they believe.


“For God so loved the world he gave his only
begotten son, that whoever believes in him (Jesus Christ) will not
perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Go Undercover

By Lori Boruff

    Undercover Boss is a favorite Sunday night program. A recent show inspired this little blog adventure.

    Featured boss of BELFOR, the world's largest disaster restoration company, was emotionally moved by four employees during his week undercover. According to the story, boss Sheldon Yellen and his three brothers were raised by a mother on welfare. His father was in and out of the home. Mother was the glue keeping her boys together.

    Yellen rose from rags to riches becoming President and CEO of BELFOR. He trades in his Italian suit for a uniform and begins working with the common man.

    He encounters:

• A contractor whose business suffered from tough economic times. He now works several jobs to recover his losses.
• Brenda, who shares being raised with nothing while living in a railroad car. She struggles to advance in the company because she cannot read.
• Another young man with his master’s degree in marketing cannot find work and takes this job to pay off student debt.
• Jen, who also struggles to make ends meet even before BELFOR carried out a wage freeze.

    After a life-changing week undercover and through humble tears, Yellen offers those dedicated employees promotions, vacations and financial rewards to ease their hardships. I cried through most of the program.

    But what really moved those workers to tears? They knew someone noticed. They felt significant.

    "That never happened before," expressed a grateful employee.

   Who in your world needs to be noticed? Who has never felt significant in their life? Who needs to know someone cares?

    Will you let God go undercover through you? Will you see the worn out waitress, cashier, delivery person or overwhelmed mom who longs to be noticed?

    By a simple act of kindness, conversation, time or finances – who will come to know that God Sees?

But from heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;

from His dwelling place He watches all mankind.

 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him,

on those whose hope is in His unfailing love.

 Psalm 33:13-14, 18-19 (NRSV)

It's how you treat a stranger that draws God's notice and his blessing.

Be Blessed,
Lori Boruff
309-582-7685

Webshop:  www.heartprintsofhope.com
Ministry:     www.heartprintofhope.com
Blog:          www.heartprintsofhope.blogspot.com

Introducing Lori Boruff

A Flying Lesson from Mary Poppins

What was your 'big girl' or 'big boy' dream when you were little?

Did you dream of being a teacher? A superhero? A princess? Did your dream come true?

My six year old dream was to fly....but not in an airplane.

I wanted to fly like magical Mary Poppins

Surely a windy, Midwestern day and mom's umbrella could take me where I wanted to go.

SLAM went the screen door.

POP went the umbrella.

OH NO – Away I go!

I hung onto the umbrella for dear life.

Up, up and away I began to go to the very tip of my tippy toes.

Guess what happened?

I got scared.

I pulled down the umbrella with all my might.

My feet became firmly planted on the ground.

Slam went the screen door.

Safe and sound in my corner of the world....

Whew went this little girl.

Today, I think about that exciting adventure and wonder....

Can dreams come true if we aren't afraid to fly?

Reflect on these questions:

• What is my 'big girl' or 'big boy' dream?
• Where do I want to go?
• Do I focus on “I can't...” or “How can I...”
• Am I afraid to fly?

Face your fear and dream big. Don't miss the adventure God has in store for you!

###

Be Blessed,
Lori Boruff
309-582-7685

Webshop:  www.heartprintsofhope.com
Ministry:     www.heartprintofhope.com
Blog:          www.heartprintsofhope.blogspot.com

Lori Boruff believes in the power of hope because she experiences it. Personal 9/11's once caused her to see only hopeless ends until she discovered the secret to ENDLESS HOPE. As a Hope coach, Lori speaks at over 40 womens' events a year but dreams of reaching thousands around the world by producing and hosting her internet radio show Hope101.net - How to live a hope-FULL life launching in January 2011.

    Helping others live life on purpose motivates Lori to step out of her comfort zone and dream big for God. Whether freelance writing, polishing her first book, promoting a Holocaust writing project for children or directing a local writers' group - Lori is answering her God-given call to write.

    She married her sweetheart 30 years ago and they live in Aledo, IL. They've raised two sons and are proud the young men help others through military and community service. The way-to-young-to-be-a-grandma loves play days and afternoon naps with her three year old grandson.

    On the silly side of life, Lori lets bathtime bubbles wash her troubles away and chocolate be her friend.

    If Hope is like oxygen to the lungs and you have no hope - are you really living? Let Lori help you breathe deeply into the life God wants you to live.