There are many things going on in our society right now that are disturbing, frightening, and very disheartening.  Some of these things we can help with and others we just cannot handle, especially alone.  That is why I wrote the piece today.  I feel very small in this world many times, and I feel as though I can do very little to solve problems and bring about positive results.  It is frustrating but very true.  Probably, if I knew what everyone else was thinking, there are others that feel as I do.  As I contemplated more and more on this, I certainly began to realize I can not be in big places, doing big things, however I can be a change and a difference in my little part of this world.  I can love.  I can show kindness.  I can pray.  I can encourage.  I can provide hope!  I can bring joy to others!  I really can be a blessing!  I will not be able to deliver this world by myself, but I will make my tiny piece of this world a blessed place!

Be a Blessing

With turmoil amongst the nights,

And unrest during the day.

I must remember my purpose.

I must remember to be a blessing.

 

When I see others stressed,

And many frowns instead of smiles,

I know people need encouragement.

I know I need to be a blessing.

 

The news communicates strife.

Placing fear and sadness

In the hearts of all the people,

But I will be a blessing.

 

Disease, sickness, and deaths

Fills the air and the communities.

People hide and cling to their comfort,

As I try to be a blessing.

 

There are those that want hate.

Others bring about darkness.

All for the gain of power.

But I only want to be a blessing.

 

God continues to make our sun rise,

And our moon to set.

The sky remains blue with hope.

I must be God’s blessing.

 

People help and heal people.

Doctors, nurses, technicians, and lab workers

All seek to cure.

They choose to be blessings.

 

There are those that send love to all.

People who spread enthusiasm,

And hope for a greater day.

They are blessings for all.

 

Prayers are lifted for others.

Love is shown by so many.

Hope lies in the hearts of those that believe.

People are blessings for other people.

 

I may not be able to help all people.

And I may not get far from my home.

I am limited by personal struggles,

But I will be a blessing for everyone I meet.

 

I am here to love,

And I will.

I am here to present hope.

My purpose right now is to be a blessing.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

With all that we are going through these days, be a blessing.  Look for ways, watch for opportunities, and never miss the opportunity to be a blessing.  This world needs hope.  We can provide that each in our own way.  May your last weeks of summer be filled with hope, love, and blessings!

Love,

Rennae

 

Blessings

 

Do you ever become anxious because you don’t know what is happening or what will happen?  I sure do.  Deep down I understand that my faith carries me to accept that unknown, but my working brain says you need to know.  I have to understand as long as God knows, and my faith is there, all will be praises and thanks in the end.  Lately between my family and friend’s circumstances, I have yearned to know faster and more.  As the piece says today, we must enter our faith relationships by saying—You know—so I do not need to know.  This week try to relax and let your faith, whatever it might be, trust and accept through the joy of knowing there is an entity much more brilliant and efficient with time than us!

Knowing

Thank You for knowing.

My praises rise to You, Almighty!

For you have lifted me through Your power, love, and glory.

Lifted me by hope in the next days.

 

I give You praises!

To You God above.

For You provide light in this darkened world.

You have taken me on my laid path with joy!

 

My heart reaches to pay alms toward You, Oh, Lord!

For Jesus came so that I may be with You,

Speak to You,

And lay my head in Your lap.

 

My smiles reach to You.

For I am confident of Your decisions in my life.

You have provided the Holy Spirit

To dwell in me and around me.

 

You make the times right,

The plans important,

And Your closed doors direct me,

To the fulfillment of Your kingdom.

 

Oh!  God!  I can never repay or give back

But You know my heart says thank You,

And I am Your servant!

I serve to display Your light.

 

Help me to bring Your Kingdom to this earth.

May I show and share love to others.

I may not know,

But thank You for knowing more than I!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I wish life and living was easy sometimes, but if it were that easy we would not appreciate our blessings and gifts.  If you will work on accepting not knowing this week, I will too!  Our living will be richer when we accept not knowing.  Happy Summer!  Stay cool and enjoy the sun this week!

Love,

Rennae

 

Grace

 

Hello Everyone!  I am back!  My break was amazing!  We have new memories and the rest we got was so great!  But as my piece says today, there is nothing better than getting back home.  Exploring new places and visiting old ones is a wonderful change, but nothing feels better than to see your forever home.  The place that really calls your name and makes your heart happy.  I hope you can get away sometime this summer, and then be able to return home for that joyful feeling!  If you are spending summer at home, enjoy your blessings of a joyful place to rest your soul!

Coming Home

My heart takes a slower beat,

When I see your green hills.

As I wind your roads,

My shoulders relax,

 

Being back home

Just provides an inner peace.

When I inhale,

The smell of the air is clean.

 

Your trees seem to be in the distance.

But they reach out to me.

Taking my hand and

Leading me home.

 

The smell of the hay and

The cushion of your grass

Provides a walkway to the door

That leads home.

 

Humidity hangs

Just letting me know

A shower for cooling is on its way.

Soon the sweet raindrops will fall.

 

The time away is precious,

And cherished in our memories.

But the time at home

Is never forgotten.

 

Tennessee you will always go with me.

You will always be there when I return.

Your valleys will hold my heart,

And your roads will carry me on my travels.

 

I will remember Tennessee in my mind.

All of my senses feel it.

And I know my search can end

When my soul settles back home.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I hope and pray this week that you can get a rest this summer.  And that you get to feel how good it is to return home.  Being away will many times make us appreciate what we really have!  A few days in paradise can show us the paradise we live in all the time!  Happy Summer everyone!

Love,

Rennae

 

Blessings