The day’s writing reflects those that do their jobs and passions with all their heart and soul.  In everyday life we meet one person after another and encounter many different people, but occasionally you meet that one special person that takes such pride in what they do.  They make you feel so precious and important just because of their true heart interest in you.  The piece today is about one such person.  You know if you have been blessed by this type of person, because you never forget what this person gave to your life.  So be attentive and do not miss these angels on Earth that God sends.  Whether it is the person fixing your deli sandwich or the person sacking your groceries, you do not want to miss out on the blessing these angels have for you!

The Pumpkin Man

The fruit stand sat right next to the river.

It stayed open all year long.

Offering veggies, flowers, Christmas trees, and pumpkins,

But the best offering was the little man that loved selling pumpkins.

This little man,

Really was not little at all.

He was tall and slender.

His demeanor was always calm.

He would help pick out the tomatoes,

Or he would scoop up roasted peanuts.

He would hold up your Christmas tree beside him,

So you could get just the right size for your house.

But what he loved the most was selling pumpkins.

When all the pumpkins came in,

He cared for them dutifully.

He delighted the most in helping others select the right ones.

His eyes would get a little sparkle.

If you were looking for a pumpkin to make pies,

He would turn each and every one,

Examining until he found the perfect one.

If you needed pumpkins to complete your Fall porch,

He would help stack many different types.

Then he would stand back with you and observe to get the perfect set.

He would lend his advice in such a kind way.

And when it came to a Jack-o-Lantern,

He would examine all sides of the pumpkin with precision.

He checked the stems and the bottoms,

And he always advised which side was perfect to carve!

Year after year the Pumpkin Man welcomed our family.

He graciously assisted us with our selections,

And he demonstrated his love for his joy in life beyond any saint,

Always recognizing what a family memory we were making.

Now many years have passed.

The Pumpkin Man is now caring for pumpkins in heaven,

But my family still misses the fruit stand,

And especially still misses the Pumpkin Man.

No matter what you do,

And no matter what others think,

Always do it like the Pumpkin Man.

With love, pride, soul, and heart.

For the greatest of those among us are the Pumpkin Man.

They know what time happiness is about,

And they know how to love others.

But most of all they know how to serve with joy in this world!

Making the lives of others important!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

We miss our Pumpkin Man this season of the year.  But we know he is blessing so many in heaven, and he is being celebrated in heaven for the life he gave to others on this Earth.  I pray during this Thanksgiving season we can all be more like the Pumpkin Man and be a Thanksgiving blessing for others!

Thank you so much for being with me this week.  I am asking to please say prayers and lift up my sweet husband, Danny, in the weeks to come.  He has hip replacement surgery.  Your gracious thoughts and prayers would be so appreciated.  This may also cause me to not be with you for several weeks, as I am playing care giver.  Please include me in those prayers as well.  I wish you and your family an amazing Thanksgiving season!  And I give thanks for all that I have received, especially in my relationship with you!  Happy Thanksgiving and be a Pumpkin Man!

Love,

Rennae

Blessings

Wow!  Life is so hard!  I know we have all been in situations where decisions had to be made.  In many of those situations, we either knew the decisions could be for the negative or for the positive, but all the happenings led to having to make these tough calls.  Just knowing this makes our heads say “This is the logical thing to do.”, but then our hearts are saying “This is just not right.”.  You have empathy and sympathy from me if you have had to experience these calls like I have.  It makes you question “How to I live with myself?”.  To move through, we have to understand that we are discerning what the Holy Spirit is telling us.  

We must trust this battle to show us through this spiritual guidance in order that we make the very best choices.  At the same time, we have to understand the outcome has to be accepted as a learning opportunity!  Now—Is this all easy?  No!!!  But we must never give up!  Go through the battle, accept the decision, and rest in peace that you have listened to your spiritual guidance.  See if the written piece today speaks to your heart and your head!  

Head and Heart                        

I know in my head it is best.

But I feel in my heart it is not.

Reason and logic say things are right.

But my heart and soul say this should not have to be done this way.

My head challenges my heart, and my heart challenges my head.

Decisions in life are so hard.

Where is the manual?

When you have to start making these choices,

It is no where to be found.

So, you are left with what’s in your heart and what’s in your head.

We weigh goods, bads, and in betweens.

Trying to make the choices that are best.

If it is for yourself, there is a little less pressure.

But if it is for those you love,

The pressure is incredible.

We cry, tremble, and cry more.

As this battle begins,

Our physical body will clench teeth, race the heart, and tighten the fist.

When the battle progresses,

We feel a deep ache inside that pushes to be released.

As the battle draws to a close,

The ache rises to an explosion.

It is then that emotions and physical changes can be seen.

Our eyes weep with desperation.

Our hearts beat outside our bodies until the decision is done.

Then it is done.

We have to live with the decision.

The head continues to reassure.

While the heart continues to question.

The challenge between the head and the heart continues.

Acceptance sends us into the future.

Then the future brings another situation with another decision.

The questioning and guessing starts all over.

Am I right?  Am I wrong?  Will it work?  Will it fail?

The head says it is best, but the heart says it is not, and the battle begins again.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I pray that your head to heart battles are not too uncomfortable this week.  Listen for that spiritual guidance that is so essential.  As always, thanks for being with me this week.  I hope the piece has spoken to you in order that your head and heart can live together!  May your battles be peaceful this week, and your decisions be those that you can live with!

Love,

Rennae

Journey