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

 

 

As we enter the Fourth of July celebrations within the next several weeks, I really wanted to describe my true country!  I felt a heart tug to share how far we have come in this country although we have further to go, especially with all the stress, emotions, and happenings over the past months.  I truly believe our founders did not see this country as a government, but rather as a people.  A group of people under the allegiance of freedom.  They had experienced persecution, harassment, and even death.  They sought a free world with a group of free people.

Many people may not want to celebrate this during this holiday season, but I do.  I stand for my people’s Flag, I honor my Statue of Liberty, I hold my neighbors’ hand, I revere those that have fought for this freedom, I will always believe in change for the better, and I live with purpose to uphold this country.  I am proud to be an American including my own family’s original home culture and country.  But never misunderstand me, I will always be an American!

USA—My Country, My People

I search for the words.

The words to tell you

About my country.

By that I mean my people.

 

My country has the foundation of freedom.

Freedom of choice.

Freedom of speech.

Freedom of living.

 

There are very few countries,

In this world like my country.

That can proclaim

The freedom of protection for its people.

 

And what is this protection?

Protection of making choices.

Protection of saying what I feel.

Protection to live my very best life!

 

My country is not a government.

My country is the free people.

People that choose, feel, and live by their beliefs.

A country of humanity for all.

 

It has stood through

The good times and the bad.

It has weathered the wars,

And the celebrations.

 

Is everything right in this country?

No—perfection cannot exist within humanity.

Like no one person is perfect.

No group of people are perfect. 

 

Trying to improve is what matters.

We have made corrections over years to improve freedom.

We have succeeded with some.

And we have failed with some.

 

I speak today for my country.

All the many parts that are right.

The good that is so important.

The people that are good for humanity.

 

I travel our streets.

On one corner I see a Jewish Synagogue.

Three doors down I see a Baptist Church.

And on the next corner a Muslim Mosque.

 

If you travel into a neighborhood,

You will see just a few of the many people.

The many cultures of my people.

China, India, Ireland, Vietnam, Native American and the list goes on!

 

When you seek out a meal in town,

You will witness Asian Cuisine, Italian Cuisine,

Mexican Cuisine, and so many more.

Mixed and mingled throughout.

 

All of this country represented by its people.

Sharing streets, homes, and communities.

Living free!  Worshiping free!  Makin free choices!

With freedom as their welcome mat!

 

No matter—

This is my country!

My country of freedom!

And no one will take that from my country, my people!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I hope you and your family can celebrate your culture and your American heritage this holiday season!  Enjoy and celebrate your freedom!  As always, thank you for taking your time and spending it with me!  I am taking a few weeks off for vacation.  You may remember I spoke of the callings last week.  We decided to listen!  I will miss being with you, but I will return in July.  Please continue to read with me when I return.  While I am gone, stay inspired and positive!  Life has so much to offer—Do not miss out on our freedom of everything!  Blessings and love!

Love,

Rennae

 

Family and Traditions

 

 

 

This season brings me great memories of the sea.  I was raised always visiting the water during the spring and summer seasons.  Our second cousins lived on Dolphin Island in Mobile Alabama.  Rene, officially Irene, and Craig, officially Theodore, lived in the area due to Craig’s job with Alabama Power.  They would come up to Tennessee for Fall and Thanksgiving, and we would go down for Spring and Summer.  We got to go visit and enjoy the ocean!  I was first taken when I was barely a year old, but my first great memories were when I was about five years old.  My cousin, who was the same age as me, and I would get to lay belly down in the sand letting the ocean waves lap upon us.  We would pretend we were surfing!  This is also were I fell in love with shells.  The mystery that so many beautiful animals could be hidden below the surface and live in so many different forms was so exciting to me!

The causeway was the best!  We would put out lobster traps in just a small area, retrieve, and have dinner right on the spot!  Fishing off the piers was amazing too.  Our catch was never real big, but you were sure to get a glimpse of dolphins dancing the waters!  Fortunately, as a young adult, my husband and I were able to continue our trips to the sea.  We enjoyed excursions to small islands within the Gulf.  We then were able to take our children to visit the ocean.  As we have aged and our children have gone on their own trips, we have just not listened to the calling as much.  We are hoping in a few weeks to answer the call once more!  All of this to say today, if something is calling you, it is for a purpose.  You may or may not know that purpose, but you are meant to receive a blessing.  This week listen to your callings!  Go for that inner nudge.  Your blessings will be great if you answer!

The Sea Is Calling

The sea calls to me.

Its light salty breeze,

Clears my lungs,

And its waves caress my skin.

 

The sea lays its treasures at my feet.

Delicately shaped and intricately made.

They rest right in front of me,

With their beautiful textures and feels.

 

The sea’s bottom shifts.

It goes forward and backward,

And side to side.

Changing the land that supports it.

 

It makes me uncertain,

But at the same time assured.

I always know it will be there.

Its sounds will always bring peace.

 

The creatures you support,

Gently glide out and across your waves.

Whispering their sounds,

To announce their beauty.

 

The feast you provide is magnificent!

Tasty, exquisite morsels.

Rich in protein,

And pleasing to any hunger.

 

I know the sea calls me.

I may not always get to answer,

But I will always hold it in high esteem.

The seas’ calling is a true gift!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Whether your calling is the sea, the lake, the city, or even just your back yard, go for it!  The calling is telling you something very important.  Especially enjoy this summer season by following your nudge.  Blessings are just waiting for us, if we will only listen!  Blessings for you and your family this week and every week of the summer!

Love,

Rennae

 

Blessings

 

Our spirits can be broken easily.  Lately I hear and see many people with broken spirits.  The happenings of life just wear on people, crushing their souls.  We all either will have this happen or we already have sometime during life.  What we need to remember is that these spirits can be healed and mended!  The heart and the soul can persevere through many things, because our God raises us up above the hurt and pain.  We are also never left alone.  The Great Spirit speaks to our spirit deep inside.  The Spirit’s small inner voice is there for our comfort and for our courage.  God sends angels and other to caress our hurts and pains.  They lift us up and provide us the hope of God!  Sometimes we see these angels and other times we do not.  The most important thing is to know that we are never left alone with our broken spirits!  God and the angels are always right beside us!

Broken Spirits

When my spirit is broken,

Your hand lifts me up.

My heart cries on Your shoulder.

You hold me with Your Spirit.

 

Broken spirits are everywhere.

Can You lift all of us?

Can You catch all the tears?

Of course!  You can!

 

Your Spirit knows brokenness,

Because You came as us.

Your tears fell on this Earth,

And opened up the sky.

 

Now many broken spirits cry.

Hurting from their souls.

They beg for Your mercy,

And for Your hold.

 

Your great Spirit is with all of us.

It touches the hearts of angels,

Who soothe our broken spirits,

And hold our hearts on the journey.

 

Then You mend our broken spirits.

Blend us together in our lives.

Letting us hold each other.

Through Your everlasting love!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Never be afraid to bring your broken spirit before the Great Spirit and those sent through love.  Humanity gave us each other and our spirits for each other.  Not for selflessness, nor loneliness.  We will hold each other through many hurts and pains, but we will also hold each other through joy and triumph!  Stay uplifted this week and accept the many messengers of love from all the spirits among us!

Love,

Rennae

 

Grace

 

 

As I have tried to write recently, my heart and soul were very sad and burdened greatly.  The entire situation about this virus, the cruelty we have witnessed, and the injustice demonstrated by so many.  This week I lay these thoughts with those that follow me.  The happenings this week do not represent America.  The happenings over the past months do not represent a loving humanity.  Sadness has engulfed my soul as I have watched in horror what has gone on for months and now within just a week in our America.  I cannot speak for others, but I can speak for myself.  These happenings do not represent me as a human, nor as an American.  My piece today explains very well how I was raised and how I try to live my life.  I absolutely am not perfect and never will be perfect.  I have not experienced anything like others have in this life, and I never will, but I have in my soul the power to love.  The later parts of my piece speak loudly to what I truly believe.  I believe this in my heart and my soul.  I am not the only one here in America or across the world that feels this way, and I for sure believe in the last stanza.  Stand strong this week and weeks to come for love and life.  Hope, peace, and love will lift us above the hatred and evil being committed.  Live as a real human with real love.

While I Breathe

I will breathe

For those that can’t.

I will mourn

For those that die.

 

I will speak

For those not heard.

I will sing

For those that have no voice.

 

I will listen

For those that cannot hear.

I will watch

For those that find it hard to see.

 

I will pray

For those who are questioned.

I will raise my hand

To protect those who are weak.

 

I will love

For those who know hate.

I will rejoice

For those who persevere.

 

I will lift up

Those who are trodden on.

I will hurt

For those who are wounded.

 

I will cry

For those who are in pain.

I will shout

For those that are silenced.

 

I will rise up

For those who cannot stand.

I will lay down

For those oppressed.

 

I will worship

To our God for all.

I will kneel

For all of humanity.

 

I am only one

But I am really so many.

And if one can do this

All can do this.

 

Love one another.

Honor one another.

Respect one another.

Breathe another breath for one another.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Never consider giving up this week.  We cannot.  Civilization and humanity depend on our stance against hatred and evil.  If we believe, we can conquer!  Hope will carry us forward, and peace will protect us.  Blessings and love this week for all.

Love,

Rennae

 

Relationships

 

I have been blessed with a life that has allowed me to see a multiple number of people wander into my life and wander out.  I have even had some wander in two or three times!  These individuals can be loving and giving people or they can be individuals that use and abuse others.  I have dealt with both types.  There is one thing I have paid attention to as both types come and gone, and that is they were there for a reason.  They were placed into my journey in order that I learn a very specific lesson.  In past post I have discussed some these of negative people, but today I want to share the positive blessings I have received from some of God’s souls.

Recently within the last two years, two of these wanderers re-entered my journey after twenty years.  When we were all three younger we met through work, but immediately we knew our relationship was a much deeper friendship than just co-workers.  We watched as each of us discovered different things in life such as new love, new babies, and growing families.  We learned to laugh out loud, share our hearts, and grow our souls together.  Then life happened and some how our paths wandered apart after years of kinship.  We all had our own paths that seemed to not directly connect again for twenty years.  But then suddenly, a connection here and a contact there, we were right back together as “Sisters”!  And right at the times that each of us needed that love and caring again in our own ways.  We have been able to laugh out loud again, care for each other, and be there as each of us experience this journey called life.  This week as people enter your path, pay attention.  Seek how you can learn and grow from these souls.  Always know God places these people for you and for them!

Wandering People

They come and they go.

Wandering in,

Then wondering out.

All for the purpose of love.

 

Their purpose not always known,

Until they have disappeared.

Then you can see,

Very clearly what they meant.

 

Some are strong.

Take charge.

Get it done.

And allow you to take pride.

 

They are the best friends.

Giving you love and strength.

Protecting you with their love.

Sharing all they have.

 

Others are soft.

Or they seem soft.

But their strength can lift mountains,

And nourish your soul.

 

They protect those they love.

They give up prayers,

And sacrifice themselves.

So that others may be elevated beyond the skies.

 

They come and they go.

Not once but twice.

Enriching your existence,

And nourishing your soul and heart.

 

They come and they go.

Wandering in,

And wandering out.

All for the purpose of hurt.

 

Their purpose of hate,

Can be seen immediately.

You see directly,

What hurt they desire to bring.

 

Some are selfish.

Arrogant and vengeful.

Power hungry.

Stomping all in their way.

 

They deceive others,

In order to get their way.

And only to better themselves,

While others are left damaged in their paths.

 

Others play pretend.

Pretending to care for others,

While they scheme the best for themselves.

Pressing others until they hurt in the worst ways.

 

They are amazing actors.

Playing their harmful roles until the end.

Walking away unscathed,

And proudful for their kill.

 

They come and they go.

Wandering in,

And wandering out.

Designing our journeys along the way.

 

Each for a purpose of learning,

About others and about ourselves.

Setting our lives into motion,

For becoming better people.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

The piece this week is for my “Sisters” of the soul—you know who you are!  What a blessing they have been in my journey!  There are many others I could have shared too—Carrot Cake, I am talking about you too!  But I have to wrap up.  Watch for the wandering people in your life this week.  And realize you may be the wanderer in someone else’s life.  Live in order to learn you lessons!  May God’s blessings be with you on this journey!

Love,

Rennae

 

Blessings

 

 

 

 

 

 

During a time in my life, the Light within my soul had to battle the darkness.  Some dear close friends were not what they appeared to be.  I was led, very easily, into believing they were caring, loving people, but the truth became clear.  They were pressing their values and beliefs upon me.  Also, they were not very open to opposing thoughts and the exploration of new ideas.  This left my mind and soul battling.  Why did they lead me to believe I could be important to them?  Why had they nurtured my mind into believing our friendship was genuine?  Why could they not respect my ideas and opinions?  The whys just went on and on.  Know that all of this was not their faults alone. In retrospect, they were trying to care for themselves and survive.  They were at the point they could not engage in new directions.   I was just not mature enough to understand not sacrificing my values and beliefs by succumbing to other’s values and beliefs.  So, you can understand how this Light and dark battle went.

In my case I am thankful the Light won!  I learned to grow and understand protecting my beliefs while still respecting those of others.  I also was able to mature and move on to better understand the nature of people and their survival.  I know my prayer helped tremendously!  Voicing to God how I was really struggling.  I was able to move forward by letting the Light come out!  Unfortunately, these friends are no longer in my life, but their purpose for my life was so important.  Sometimes people are meant to enter your life and leave.  Their presence teaches us valuable lessons.  If your life circumstances are causing a battle—-pause—-let it out—lift it up—stay true to you—and accept your growth!  The Light will always win!

Prayer of the Light Battling the Dark

Bring the joy back to my soul, Dear Lord.

I want so much to feel and experience,

The love and pleasure of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

 

Help me God.

I cannot do this on my own.

The mind is doubtful.

 

It is the dark side.

The dark side wanders and turns into the shadows.

It leads me to lies.

 

The mind robs me of the joy.

Leaving hurt and pain.

Sadness envelopes my soul.

 

But I chose You

To place the light in my heart,

That gives rise to the fire.

 

The fire of life.

The fire of smiles.

The fire of miracles.

 

I chose You, Oh! God!

I chose Your flame, warmth, and brightness.

I chose Your glow.

 

Your glow will remove the darkness from inside me.

I know Your glow is stronger than the dark.

The dark will hide and shrink in Your presence.

 

I will once again smile.

See the miracles.

And thank You for all the blessings I have been given.

 

I give You the glory and honor for me.

How Your touch has healed me.

The joy will touch all I touch because of You!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

My love and prayers are with you this week, especially if your Light is battling the dark, no matter your situation.  This is a time that we must never put down the torch!  We must battle to win for a better life!  Remember—the Light can never be put out!  My dear friends and family shine your Light this week!

Love,

Rennae

 

Grace

I do not know about you, but sometimes I need for everything to just be quiet!  And most of the time the everything is me and my internal talking!  I get so caught up in all my speaking, I forget to just stop and listen.  I mean stopping to listen to others, everything around me, and even myself.  Listening is such an important skill but for extroverts this is so hard to develop.  If we can do it, we get so much out of listening.  We can hear all the good the world offers us.  Listening helps us to learn and search for answers.  Listening teaches us about others and ourselves.  It can bring joy to our lives.  Stop this week and listen.  Listen to what the Spirit, your soul, and the world has to say!

Listen

The flowers speak.

Telling us where we are in time.

They carry us from one year to another.

Delighting us with their joy!

 

I hear the conversation between animals.

Their chit and chat delight my day!

They discuss their flights to be made,

And they share stories of their adventures.

 

The trees whisper in my ear.

Either come out and feel the cool air.

Or retreat inside from the storm coming.

Whispers in all tunes.

 

The creek babbles to me,

As it delicately crosses the rocks and the dirt.

It is a language soft far away,

But strong when it drifts across my foot.

 

I listen for the sky to spell its words with clouds.

It slowly shifts them,

From space to space filling the sky,

With sentence after sentence.

 

The quiet sings soft lullabies.

Speaking its message.

Soothing our hearts,

And making our time be still.

 

I hear the rain talking to me.

As it moves across the hills.

Very light at first saying cool yourself.

Then stronger saying refresh yourself.

 

The snow muffles everything else.

It softly tosses around,

Leaving a blanket of silence,

And a touch of quietness.

 

Your soft beat tells me there is life.

I can hear you in my chest and my arm.

The rhythm you play,

Puts me at ease and leads me to sleep.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I pray this week you can enjoy listening in your life.  And I ask for prayers.  I am an extrovert most of the time, and I find it difficult to listen.  This is a skill I have had to work on and continue to work on, so your prayers are appreciated.  Stay safe as we all go out more!  Pray for others in our communities that need our patronage and support.  Continue your love and concern for others.   And especially listen to your heart!

Love,

Rennae

 

Blessings

 

 

Happy Mother’s Day everyone!  As this day of celebration day approaches, I of course think about my sweet Mama, Ella Mae, or better known as Em.  She continued her journey to heaven seven years ago.  I miss her every day.  As the years move forward since her passing, I get so worried that I will forget things about her.  I really believe many of us are this way, we just do not come out and say it.  We all work really hard to move forward and try not to live in the past,  but I know deep in our hearts we yearn for so many of those things about our Moms.  I know I will always remember her, but I worry about the small things.  Her touch, her smile, her hugs, her laugh, her mad face, and I could go on and on.  I do not want to ever forget all of the small things that made her so very big to me.  I work really work hard at it by keeping pictures close and memories on the standby.  And I catch my children or grandchildren doing something just like she did!  Or I see myself in the mirror and I go “Oh!  I am just like Em!”!  Do not let this Mother’s Day go by without either being with your Mom or close to her.  If she has traveled on like mine, take this day to honor her in memories and stories.  What ever your situation, this is absolutely the day to celebrate these strong, amazing, warriors that raised us!  Celebrate them and their contributions to our lives!

Never Forget

I fear I will forget you.

Not who you are or were,

But the touch of your hugs,

Or the kiss on my cheek.

 

I know you are right here.

In my heart and soul,

But I miss your laugh.

I miss your touch.

 

The pictures remind me of our times.

Our smiles, our laughs, and our cries.

The many places we went,

And the times we shared.

 

I do not want to ever forget.

It is just the further away it gets,

The harder it is to remember.

To remember all your details.

 

The sound of your voice.

The sparkle in your eye.

Your hand upon my arm to soothe me.

The beautiful script of your handwriting.

 

The more steps I take away from your leaving,

The more faded the memories.

I really miss you so very much.

Tears fall upon the page as I try to remember.

 

You are in my inner being.

My heart beats only because yours did.

You go where I go,

And I remain with you in your soul.

 

I can still taste the special food you made.

The soft fabric you sewed for me

Seem to feel so close.

And the flowers you grew remain in my smile.

 

I so want to feel

You hold me during a thunderstorm.

Your support as you let go of me

When I swim or float.

 

Hope remains that I never forget.

As the time of your passing grows longer.

My yearns for you are greater,

But I know it is selfish.

 

I will never forget.

Even though it hurts to remember.

I know our times will return.

When our journeys parallel again.

 

Until then the pictures will keep me close to you.

My memories will soak in your touches.

You are in my heart.

Smiling and laughing with me.

 

I will never forget.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Never forget these wonderful women that made our lives so full and joyful!  Also, if you are a Mom, celebrate yourself!  You are giving to this world in ways you could never imagine.  Never forget these contributions that make us better than we could ever be!  Prayers and blessings during this great week!

Love,

Rennae

 

Relationships

 

Some people in this world just live in this life to hurt others.  Unfortunately, the real truth is that these individuals are hurt so deeply themselves that they cannot react in any other way.  This does not justify their actions.  Also, this does not keep their victims from hurting very deeply.  Their victims develop very damaging internal fears deep within their minds.  Unconscious thoughts that are so very buried the victim does not even know they have these thoughts.  Consciously the victim may have forgiven this person and even resolved the hurt in their own lives, but the deep hurt has hidden itself deep into their thoughts, especially into the flight and fright areas of the brain.

In today’s piece I am addressing the victim, not the perpetrator.  But we are calling the victim a survivor because that is exactly what they are!  Survivors are warriors, individuals that cope daily, individuals with strong hearts, those know how to persevere, and demonstrate the greatest hope possible!  Today’s piece is about this type of trauma and how to overcome.  Yes!  One can overcome!  The most important question in all of this is for the survivor—“How can I push past this trauma and move on?”.

This is not an easy question, nor an easy process.  Usually the process includes several paths of success.  It has to be a consistent one instilling safety, hope, and love within the survivor.  We must each and every day as a survivor remind ourselves that hope is greater than this type of hurt.  That joy and love can be seeded deep within out thoughts as well as hurt.  Surround yourself with positive, loving people.  Participate in activities that bring you joy.  Cry and laugh because both help.  If you are this survivor or someone you know is, never stop hoping.  Also seek professional help because talking or bringing this hurt to the forefront will allow you to let go.  There are so many excellent professionals these days that can help.  Stay true to your path in seeking hope and fill your life with joy and love!  Our strength will overcome the hurt!  We are survivors!

The Nightmare

I cry out in my dream.

Hoping someone will hear.

Someone will deliver me,

From the ones that haunt me.

 

One moves through the day.

Never expecting your mind.

To collapse in the night.

To be chased again by the dark ones.

 

Why and how can one be scared?

Even frightened.

From the ones living in your past.

Why?  When you have tried to move on.

 

My heart beats out of my chest.

I hold onto the sheets for my life!

The pillow holds my buried head.

It takes me moments to know it is not real.

 

Why does the mind hide these deep inside?

I wish it could just forget.

As I gasp for air,

Tears run down my face.

 

Finally, I see the dim lights.

And I know they are far away.

I realize I am safe.

In my own place and home.

 

There are so many memories we wish not to forget.

But these we wish to never meet again.

If only I could be saved.

To never have to go there again.

 

I know this is not where I live now.

My days are filled with joy!

My hours are consumed with pleasures,

And smiles carry me day to day!

 

So why deep in my mind does it hurt?

How can I be pulled to the past so easily?

Dragged through the hurt,

And punished again?

 

There is certainty.

I will not be frightened by these nightmares.

In my conscience I choose joy!

I have and will make a blessed life!

 

Even though the dark ones claw at my dreams,

They will not claw at my conscience dreams.

My days will be filled with glory and pure happiness!

This will overshadow the nightmare.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I hope this week you have been inspired to strengthen yourself and heal the hurt you may have experienced.  Or maybe if someone you love has been hurt, you can be their support in this time.  We are all survivors from something in our pasts, but we are also survivors that will make this a more beautiful, loving world!  My prayers are with you as you seek your blessings, hope, and joy!  Let’s go show this world what a survivor can do!

Love,

Rennae

 

Journey