When I was a little girl, I had my favorite hiding place.  It was at the back of our property in an overgrown tree stand near the fences.  There was a wonderfully old stump in there that looked much wiser than me!  This is where I could go to think, to breathe, and rest a few moments away from the real world.  I could dream of my life to be with all its adventures!  I could just admire all the other inhabitants of this Earth that share this space with me.  I could mindlessly let my eyes wander across the field in front of me, floating far off with the butterflies on top of the wildflowers.  I watched the colorful leaves swirl and float to the ground in the fall, and I could sit bundled in the chilly, crisp air of winter.  That experience taught me to always find my hiding place, no matter the time of life I am in and no matter where I call home.  This week’s piece describes the perfect Fall hiding place.  Take out time from your rushed schedule and busy world this week to find your favorite hiding place.  Your hiding place may include a big chair in the corner of comfy room.  It may be a park bench.  The hiding place might be a rocker on the front porch.  Go there alone to think, breathe, and rest!  It does not matter where as long as you give yourself permission to find your hiding place for one short moment in this chaotic world!

Fall Hiding Place

I saw the path.

It laid between two big oak trees.

The path drew me in.

The colorful trees took my hand and led the way.

The orange and gold of the oaks,

Made the path warm and inviting.

The path itself said follow me for joy!

The many-colored, sacrificed leaves cushioned my steps.

Down the path,

All was very still.

Except for the scamper of a squirrel searching for delicacies,

And a golden leaf that floated down.

Once I was down the path for a little way,

The hidden world started revealing itself.

The ghost trees, the white birches, stood tall and stately.

The dogwoods danced in their reds and greens.

The rough bark of the elms gave me a grip to continue my walk,

Providing me strength to move forward.

I knew warmth could be had if I needed,

By the dark sticks in perfect piles amongst the leaves.

Occasionally I could hear the chime of an acorn that jingled to the ground.

And them startling me,

A doe lifted her head with ears in attention,

Hearing me encroach on her territory.

In a distance, I could see a small patch of red lanterns, blackberry bushes,

Trying to make their bed amongst the edges of the trees.

Fungi and mushrooms found their protection on the dead trees lining the forest floor.

Their dusty colors settled into the bronzes, golds, and greens of the tree leaves.

The smell of musk and sage filled the air,

Because the air was crystal clear.

The light made its way through the various windows in the canopy,

Bringing all the inhabitants to life in their own right.

As always, my path ran out into a field of goldenrod and ironweed.

My Fall hiding place was gone,

But I knew,

Another day, another way, my hiding place would explode again with its many colors!

I knew the hiding place would lead me on a path of gold once again,

Giving me joy inside my soul,

Warming my heart with comfort,

And rescuing me from a harsh world.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

What better time to discover your hiding place than during this Fall season!  Breathe.  Think.  Rest. Enjoy all that nature offers during this amazing season!  Get in that hiding place and take a little time out for yourself.  Happy Fall Ya’ll!

Love,

Rennae

Blessings

These days in our world, there is a lot of blame shaming.  It is much easier to blame someone, something, or some entity for our free will choices than be responsible for ourselves.  From the beginning moment of our lives, we have free will.  The free will to choose, decide, and make our own directions.  I know for me I have by my free will made some good choices in life, and then there are the negative choices I made that gave me results I would rather had not gone through.  However, I accepted what happened from the negative choices and learned a lot!  No one forced me.  No one led me that direction.  The bottom line is that my free will and I made the choices.  One of the best things you can do this week is understand and accept your free will, but most importantly own it!  Own your decisions and your circumstances!

Free Will

We come into this world,

No preconceived thoughts.

Free to think as we wish.

Free will!

Free will is a magnificent thing!

Choices, decisions, directions,

All made by you,

Not by or from someone else!

We can allow others to hold us down.

Or we can allow others to lift us up.

The choice is ours,

Because of our free will.

Some of us use this free will,

For good, love, and tenderness in this world.

Others use their free will,

For evil, hate, and selfishness.

We all make decisions,

Or examine our free will,

That leads to positive results for our lives.

Or we use free will for negative results in our lives.

Negative results are what we consider our learning moment!

Or we may hold regret and be a cynic because of our negative choices.

We forget to step outside,

And see what a blessing free will can be.

Free will.

No one makes a choice for me or you.

Those that love you,

Say you are free now!

Free will should be your most prized treasure!

The freedom for your mind to think what it wants to think.

The freedom it gives your heart and soul to act.

The freedom that can provide peace by your choices.

Go before your God.

Demonstrating your free will to make the hard choices.

Go before your Mankind.

Showing a free will completed with love.

Use this gift wisely.

See it for the treasure it is.

Never fear using it,

Because you were born to be free if that is your will!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I pray this week that you can see clearer your free will choices, what they have been and what is ahead.  Use discernment on your options with peace and joy, accepting you are doing your best.  If you are not, then my prayers are for you to improve and move forward with a better attitude.  Be responsible for those free will choices!  Enjoy your week of freedom!

Love,

Rennae

Grace

19 years ago our America as we knew it would never be the same again.  We promised we would never forget what sacrifices were made that day.  Souls from many different nations, cultures, and beliefs, all American Souls, were lost due to the evil and hatred in the world.  America showed this evil and hatred how a loving country can rise to fight back.  Whether these Souls were in Pennsylvania, Washington DC, or New York City, they showed American bravery at its best.  These Heroes, American Heroes, can never be dismissed or forgotten.  We continue to offer our love and prayers to the families and friends of these lost Souls.  And we give thanks for their sacrifices.  We do need to remember as nation that we can come together in prosperity, as well as in tragedy.  We are only as strong as each of us coming together as a whole. 

We Will Remember America Will Always Be Whole and United.

Love,

Rennae

I know all parents have experienced the feelings and the emotions that go into letting a child go.  Over the last several weeks, many parents have sent children off to pre-school, kindergarten, college, or into the world of work.  You may have done this years ago or you may have not been through this just yet.  It may even be your sweet niece, nephew, or cousin.  All, no matter the circumstances, it is a very hard job and task to do, especially considering what the world has presented us with lately.  You have taught, nurtured, loved, and cared for a soul that has to now find their own ways to teach, nurture, love, and care.  Our faith and trust has to grow leaps and bounds during such a time.  You have to rely on God.  We often forget that these souls were loans to us from God.  He loaned them to us, trusting that we would teach, nurture, love, and care for this soul as He would.  Even though this act of letting go is so very difficult, we must.  We must trust that God has them covered!  We must set them free just as our own caregivers set us free!  Increase your faith through this time, because God never loses sight of His children—you and your special ones!

Set Them Free

The Mother and the Father have to part.

They part with something that is so dear to them.

They knew the day of birth would lead to a day of freedom.

A day of freedom for this soul in a physical body.

 

They were strong and loving and caring to this special one,

Because they knew God’s grace was so far beyond their own.

They also knew God’s destiny for this soul was greater than they could ever be imagine.

Their faith would continue, but it would be hard letting go.

 

Anticipation is always the creature of emotions.

It causes people to wish and hope and dream.

Sometimes with too much excitement,

And sometimes with too little.

 

Although the goal all along is to free a man or a woman,

The release of the parent’s love is so tight.

It takes faith—great faith,

Because they know these gifts were on loan from God.

 

It is always about freedom.

Freedom from the holds of love,

But freedom by the grasps of love.

Freedom toward God’s plan.

 

Set them free.

On their own path and their own journey.

Keeping your bond of love,

Trusting them to live freely.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I pray and hope the writing this week has brought you comfort if you are setting free some of your special souls.  May your trust and your faith bring you peace.  Recognize that you have done your job and now it is God’s time to do His!  We all want to give thanks that God gave us these loved ones!  Open that hand, unlace those fingers, and release a blessing into the world!

Love,

Rennae

 

Journey

 

It is so very sad, but it is time we start saying goodbye to summer.  I feel so blessed to have enjoyed all the great gifts this season has delivered.  Although this year has not been at the top of its game, the summer always delivers such treasures.  Great swimming days, amazing flowers, fresh air, sun, birds, butterflies, and the list could go on.!  We will often slide through the seasons without noticing the many blessings provided.  Do not let this season be one that slides by.  With the last, limited days we have, soak in all the blessings.  Enjoy all of the many gifts of summer, so that you can cherish your blessed memories forever!

Goodbye Summer

You gave us sunflowers.

Now you leave their beauty for the birds.

The green grass you provide has cushioned our feet,

And provided us with lightening bugs all season.

 

Your streams are dry,

Waiting for your tears of leaving.

The last of the morning glories

Provide the last hummers one last meal.

 

The deep purple iron weed is one of the last blooms you give us.

Speckled across fields and in ditches.

The vegies are gathering their strength to give their last yield.

Tomatoes and squash push forth their last delicious ones.

 

Your waters are starting to get cold,

As where they have given us a cool splash with your hot sun,

And the air hangs a little heavy,

Like it knows you are saying your farewells.

 

The bright greens of your tree foliage start tinging to yellow.

All standing but standing very still.

Your air says take it all in,

Because I will be gone soon.

 

Bunnies make their last hops for the clover.

The tall grasses begin to show rust tops.

Your treats only last us a short time,

But your carefree days stay in our hearts.,

 

I don’t want to see you go,

But I know you must go to return again.

You wave sunshine kisses that will be missed,

And your sweet sounds of the birds will never be forgotten.

 

Your bidding farewell is bittersweet,

And I will truly miss you.

I say goodbye for now,

So that I can say hello tomorrow.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I pray this week that you, family, and friends can get in your last summer memories over the next few weeks.  Take in those last strong rays of summer and the breeze in the trees.  And as always, thank you for joining me and giving of your time to me this week.  I so appreciate you being here.  I wish blessings beyond the summer gifts bestowed upon you and your family!  Happy last Summer days!

Love,

Rennae

 

Blessings

 

 

 

 

 

Civilizations and societies will always develop classes.  Even though it is wrong, mankind will always group people.  The big point here is that we are all different, and we all have specific purposes for our lives.  However, not a purpose set by another human being.  We are all made with different genetic codes that makes each one of us very special which in turn makes us perfect for our purpose.  Where the real trouble comes in is when one group of people tries to dominate, oppress, or suppress another group that includes the many unique beings with their own specific purposes.  Where a class or group demands that another individual live and be what they want in order to control that person is where the real trouble comes in.  So was the case of women one hundred years ago.  Very clearly what happened when the Women’s Suffrage Movement came about.  If mutual respect as humans was practiced, it would not matter the class of these individuals.  There would be no caps or ceilings holding people down in any class.  One hundred years ago, women said enough is enough.  They stopped, spoke up, and even yelled that this type of inequality would have to stop!  Women fought and won the right to vote, the right to be equal, and the right to live a free life within any class that uplifted their purpose.  Did that solve all of the problems of women’s oppression?  No, but it was a beginning!  A beginning for one class to say No More!  We will rise for our purpose!

Woman Uprising

I made your jello cottage cheese salad.

Your floors were cleaned and scrubbed by me.

I washed your clothes,

And ironed all that you needed for work.

 

Yet!  I am considered weaker.

You say my voice should not be heard.

Damn it!  It will be heard!

I will be heard!

 

I balance budgets,

And I make check and balances work.

Yet you say leave the hard math to the men.

This is just too tough for you.

 

Hell!  If I will!

I can work problems before you can even start.

I can do it,

And I will do it better!

 

I conceive and carry our child.

Until you are ready to show our child off.

While at the same time,

I make a dress to wear as I host a party for your friends.

 

Yes!  I am physically strong,

But more importantly I am mentally strong!

I am creative, imaginative, and inventive!

Strong enough to overcome your oppression!

 

I run a household, laboring from sun up to sun down.

I am told I cannot manage a restaurant,

But I can serve people for less money.

You do not even believe I can run a team.

 

Oh!  I can run a team!

I will show you!

I can run a company, a team, and even a country!

And I will!

 

Many before me have suffered.

Suffered that I may have freedom.

I will respect this suffering to honor the freedom they gave me.

The freedom that allows me to grow!

 

I can and will do all the things you have stopped me from doing.

Your hand cannot push my head down any longer.

I will be brave,

And rise above your expectations.

 

I will put on my heals,

And my pearls!

With my flag in one hand and my purse in the other,

I will show you who I am!

 

I am a woman!  We are women!

Our voices will be heard!

These voices will be heard from the valleys to the mountain tops!

No longer can you silence our souls!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I really believe in my heart the women that succeeded in winning a woman’s right to vote never had the intention of demonstrating a superiority over another class.  Now in my piece today, I really do push the “I will take over” attitude to demonstrate my passion for this.  I really believe this was all about the equality of respect—respecting one’s purpose and way of life.  I pray this week we can all practice respect of others and providing grace no matter how different they are, where they come from, and where they are going!  All of us are very different and have very different purposes.  The equality of respect is what we all want!  Blessings on your journey this week with this endeavor—as you respect, give grace, or as you rise!

Love,

Rennae

 

Grace

 

 

 

I feel we would all like to say we always know where we are, where we have been, and where we are going.  But I have come to find out in my experiences very seldom do we know.  Our journeys are composed of a tremendous amount of wandering.  We also seem to wander from one season of life to another discovering new and different purposes at different stages.  Even though this wandering is so necessary, we must be lost sometimes to find life.  If your heart and soul are in a wandering state right now, stay the course.  Maintain your hope and your openness for growth.  Your wandering is taking you exactly where you need to be!

The Wandering Soul

My heart and soul are wandering.

Searching for what?

I do not know.

 

My inner self cannot settle.

It yearns for something,

But that something is beyond my reach.

 

As children we yearn for new adventures.

We believe in the magic of life.

It is just beyond our backyard.

 

When we are youth,

We all seek out and search for new experiences.

All which seem to be forbidden.

 

Young adults are reaching for the dream.

The perfect job in the perfect town at the perfect place.

And the love that will satisfy them for life.

 

When the grown-up stage comes around,

Family and children consume our wandering.

We wander for a moment of peace and quiet.

 

Our wandering goes back into the world during our middle age.

We seek a new place to fulfill our purpose.

We search for our place after children.

 

And here I am back again.

My soul and my heart,

Wandering and searching again.

 

I reach for something that I cannot see.

My soul yearns for another time.

Wandering becomes my life.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Happy wandering this week on your own journey!  Please remember to be patient with others that you know who are wandering too.  They may need your shoulder to lean on or your ear to hear their searchings.  If you are wandering without a purpose right now, give yourself time to relax, reflect, and refresh upon finding your next purpose.  I so appreciate the time you spend with me.  I realize your time is very precious and every moment matters in your life.  Thank you so very much!  Happy wandering this week as we enjoy these dog days of summer!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Jounrney

 

 

 

The way of life replicates itself so very often in nature.  Such a miracle of how this world functions, and how our lives mimic this function!  We are pulled from the heavens and planted in families.  If we are lucky, we are with a family or given others that nurture us, feed us, and help us to grow.  We grow, bloom, and produce fruit that begins to replicate the process again.  As the tomato plants produce and then wither giving back to the full cycle, we also do.  Hoping that we leave enough of ourselves in the service of others and love toward others that our souls live on. It is a true miracle!  And to think it is just like growing a tomato!

Life in the Garden

I run my fingers through the soft, warm dirt.

I let the dirt sift through my fingers.

The ground is patted,

Building a small hill with a hole.

 

The seed is so very small.

It is hard to believe it can become something so glorious!

I gently lay the seed into the opening,

And carefully I cover it with the nourishing soil.

 

Even so lightly,

I sprinkle the water across the hill.

The sun already warms the safe spot,

And the seed nestles itself where it is protected.

 

The gentle rains come.

The sun rises to provide more warmth.

I pull away encroaching weeds,

That would harm this delicate life.

 

Then one day.

Out of nowhere!

A small stem appears with tiny leaves.

Gently pushing its head out of the soil!

 

The small baby grows.

I water and the rain waters.

The soil feeds,

And the sun caresses.

 

The stem’s leaves continue to reach for the sky.

It becomes stronger and bigger.

The branches are so large they need support.

I carefully place supports under the leaves and stems.

 

Then tiny buds and blooms peek out.

Bright yellow and white.

I water more,

And the sun shines brighter upon this life!

 

As the days go by,

The blooms seem to dry,

But they are transforming.

Small fruits begin to appear.

 

The small green fruits grow more each day.

Spots of red show on their surface.

The stems and the leaves beg for more water,

As the days have gotten longer.

 

Soon the dull, green fruit,

Turns bright red!

Red and smooth,

With an amazing aroma!

 

I can barely hold the beautiful fruit in my hand.

It is so large,

But still so delicate.

I gently pull it from its supported stem.

 

I pull the fruit toward my nose,

For a smell of the intoxicating aroma!

And I gently touch the fruit’s skin,

Imaging it on a burger or beside some fried corn!

 

Most of all I admire this display of life.

I see a miracle.

How a small, fragile seed can feed,

And give nourishment and joy to another display of life.

 

And I think to myself,

This is just another day in the garden of life,

To be planted, to sprout, to be fed, to give, and grow my soul,

As well as growing a tomato!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I hope this week you can grow and bloom where you have been planted.  I pray that you can place your fruits in the lives of others and leave your mark upon this miracle in an amazing way!  The real true miracle is the simplicity of the whole process.  May you reap the fruits of this amazing process!  Happy gardening this week in the dirt and in real life!

Love,

Rennae

 

Journey

 

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