Have you ever been given signs to know how things should be?  A small signal, a short view, a quick glance, or a deep feeling that gets your attention.  This sign says listen—-I am speaking to you!  With our hurried pace, we so often brush off these signs or ignore them all together.  But we should stop and pay attention.  For example, I have noticed every time I need reassurance, a butterfly seems to appear—-even during the weirdest times of the year.  When I am attentive to the butterfly, a smile appears across my face, because I know God is there.  I truly know and understand this is God speaking to me.  You know we pray for answers, but are we always willing to slow down enough to hear the answers.  This is the way of God signaling me to something that needs my attention or how I need to stop and get the right perspective.  So—-slow down this week.  Look for the signs.  Listen for the prayers to be answered.  And especially hear and receive the speaking!!!

Speak to Me

The whisper of your breath,

Gently passes across my shoulder.

You have sent the breeze

To tell me of your presence.

 

The butterfly quietly rest upon my arm.

She is very still as you tell me to stop for a few moments.

You place a trance upon me when the doe’s eyes meet mine.

I see deep into your soul and understand.

 

You warm my leg

From the fur of the sweet puppy that lies beside me.

You tell me to be comfortable in my own skin.

I am reassured that my inside is more important than my outside.

 

As the bird flits by me,

I hear you speak.

You tell me to spread out my wings and fly.

You tell me You will catch me.

 

When the day is hurried,

As my car glides down the road,

The distinguished turtle slowly steps out in my path.

You tell me to stop and understand pace with wisdom.

 

How can I question you so many times?

When you send so many signs.

How can I not know your love is greater?

Than any measure of kindness when you choose to speak with me every day in some way.

 

Forgive me when I don’t listen.

Forgive me when I don’t notice.

Find grace for me.

Find patience for my ways.

 

Thank You for continuing to communicate with me.

Even when I think I know more.

You show me knowledge is so little for what is out there.

Speak to me.

Always speak to me.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

A very happy, belated birthday to my Lori Lynn!  I have been so blessed to have been chosen to be this woman’s mom.  Love you Ladybug!

I pray this week that the speaking you receive is worthy of your attention.  That you do not brush it off slightly.  Be ready for your prayers to be answered!  God bless you and yours!

Love,

Rennae

 

Journey

Seasonal Reflections

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Seasons for the Soul

seasonsforthesoul.com

 

What physical signs have you been aware of in your life on a day to day basis?

 

 

When is there an instance that you needed to hear the speaking in your life, but made another choice?

 

Upon reflection how did you change your behavior in order that the next time you were spoken to, you were more attentive?

 

If physical signs do not call to you, what does that allows you to know your spiritual communication is happening?

 

This great country has given me freedom and life.  People have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice in order that I have the freedom to write and speak the truths that I hold the dearest.  When I wrote the passage below all I could think about was that no matter what happens or whoever tries to stop this speech and freedom they will not be able to stop it.  I owe it to all those that have given their lives to stand up and speak or else what they believed in and what they stood for is for naught. People consumed with hate and fear can never know this freedom or sacrifice.  I feel so sorry for them.  They can never understand love and love for others, because they will never and have never sacrificed for their neighbor.

Americans have and will always.  I know this country stands for the rights of others.  My family experienced Ellis Island and immigration through the Carolinas.  They settled like many families, past and present, and formed the backbone of this great country.  A country not about cowards hiding behind their weaknesses, but a country about people working hard and standing with their fellowman to love others.  A country seeking a better way of living for all people.  A country standing up for the equality of mankind.  I am one of millions that believe this to be true and together we will be heard!  We the People will be heard!

I Will Be Heard

My voice will be heard.

I will cry out with the truth.

You cannot stop me.

Because my heart leads the way.

 

My voice will only get louder if you try to silence me.

My cries will be heard past the mountains and through the seas.

The truth I speak will not be quietened.

Because I hold in my soul the sounds of the weak.

 

My voice is unstoppable.

Your threats and attempts to muffle me will not work.

For the wisdom will go past these like the wind moves past the branches.

Because others will accept the stories.

 

My voice rises above the screams of the critics.

Their disbelief will fade like the sound of a train as it passes.

The strength of the word will capture their eyes and open them to the hope.

Because we all want a better future.

 

My voice will yell.

My sound will get louder and louder laying a blanket of shame across the doubters.

The sky will carry it further and further.

Because you cannot silence me.

 

My yell reaches beyond the clouds.

It makes others listen intently.

The yell will cry for freedom, justice, and hope.

Because we all seek the truth.

 

My voice will be heard.

I will cry out with the truth.

You cannot stop me.

Because my heart leads the way.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I ask this week that you not be discouraged by the hateful and fearful acts of the weak and selfish, but rather that you rally to let others know we are a great people made of great qualities!  We are people from all over brought together for a greater good than we will ever know!   Thank you so much for reading with me this week.  For taking your precious time to hopefully be encouraged and inspired!  Blessings as you are heard this week!

Love,

Rennae

 

Journey

Seasonal Reflections

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Seasons for the Soul

seasonsforthesoul.com

• What experience has evoked such an emotion within you as it did within me in my writing?

 

 

• When were you in a situation where you should have stood up and been heard but chose to remain silent?

 

 

• When was the last time you took action when you felt passionate about something—-even a small passion in your everyday life?

 

 

• How can we react in a spiritual way to others that seek to evoke fear and hate toward other people or even to you and yours?

 

 

• From the experience you wrote about in the first question, construct a small journal expression about your emotions.

 

 

 

You have heard we are our own worst enemy.  My brain can be my worst enemy.  I have ideas that float around constantly.  Discernment of these ideas is the most difficult thing to do.  Do I believe they are mine or are they God’s?  That is the question I have to ask on a continuous basis.  I really believe God placed them there, and He is waiting for me to find them!  He gives us creative thought, and I truly believe these ideas are the creative power of God working through me.  Many times when these ideas cause my brain to doubt or to be over confident is when the discernment comes in.  That is when we have to let it go!!  That is true trust!!  Now I am sure any one else has this problem?!!  It is so hard to do this, because we are controlling creatures.  If you do keep having the ideas—-Let them flow—There is no telling where God will take you or them!!!

Ideas

The breeze is God’s breath against my cheek.

The sun is his warmth on my eyes.

There are ideas in my head.

I just want what You want God.

 

But I do want good health and joy.

God I seek what you seek.

I know I must be patient.

It’s just so hard.

 

Ideas are in my head, but are these from you or me?

Sometimes when I have done these ideas,

The ones from me, they were wrong.

I think they were wrong or is there a wrong?

 

What am I to do Dear Lord?

Where do I turn?

What do I do?

I want to be creative for You.

 

I want joy not just happiness.

I just imagine You would want joy too.

But I am Your servant and I want what You want in this kingdom.

I want to live for you now, Dear God.

 

With all my heart.

With all my soul,

With all my being!

With all my creative ideas!

 

I want Your ideas to be mine.

Please make sure I listen.

Please make these ideas visible.

Make them come to life!

 

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I just have to share with you today that 28 years ago today was one of the happiest days in my life!  My oldest son, Seth, was born.  It has been an adventure and true trust ever since!  I am so proud of you and who you have become.  I love you so much!!!

Thank you for joining me this week.  I hope you don’t feel alone in this personal quest!  I know I so appreciate you and how you share time with me.  May your ideas be glorious and wonderful this week!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Journey

 

Seasonal Reflections

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Seasons for the Soul

seasonsforthesoul.com

What ideas have you had in the past and acted on?

 

What ideas do you wish you would have acted on?

 

When we search our hearts, what is really holding us back from fully trusting God and letting go?

 

How do you describe joy?

 

How is joy different from happiness?

 

What signs have you been given that helps you know how to choose your ideas?

Sometimes we just have to put it all out there!  We burst with so much energy that to voice that energy is essential.  I really feel that a true psalm allows us to do that.  A psalm by historical terms is a sacred song or hymn used in worship.  The first psalms I read were from the Bible.  I fell in love with this part of the Bible at an early age.  When I wrote this psalm, it was at a time where I needed to voice my thanks and praises to God for all the gifts I had been blessed with.  I have even been blessed so much more since that time.  I just said it all—-I proclaimed where all my belief, trust, and life is vested.  So go out this week—or go in!!!  And write your anthem, chorale, spiritual, or canticle proclaiming your thanks for blessings!

 A Woman’s 21^st Century Psalm

My soul praises God, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit!

For He dwells outside of me and within me creating the joy within every breath—

Here, There, and Everywhere!

 

He is the daughter who rest her curls upon the mother’s shoulder for one brief moment passing her energy of love to the mother’s heart.

Praise the Living!

 

He is the sweet souled son who taller than his own mother, wraps his muscular arms around her, and lays his head upon her shoulder to pass his compassion and pure kindness.

Praise the Light!

 

He is the mother’s strong willed son who in one small moment leans forward displaying his mossy brown hair for a kiss from his mother on his head and voices “I love you.”

Praise the Longing!

 

He is the smile from two faces that show the signs of living and yet can still give love so deeply and unconditionally.

Praise the Long Journey!

 

He is the warm brown and black fur from the creatures that know nothing but loyalty and yet ask for nothing in return except a rub and a play.

Praise the Laughter!

 

He is the man who once with ebony hair now finds sprinkles of salt all throughout from experiences that have made him grow wiser, yet more dependent on God.  A man who promised many years ago that the heart he gave to her would not ever be given again to anyone except God.  A man who serves her, loves her, woes her, challenges her, and seeks her love.

Praise the Love!

 

He is the friend that always knows the right words of encouragement or the right words of truth to give you at the right time.

Praise Language and Logic!

 

He is the quiet morning, the wind that touches my cheek, the dark black sky with piercing light, and the deer with their thirst.

Praise the Landscape!

 

He is the rain against the window, the warmth of the candle light, the warm sun against my skin, the snow on my nose, and the peace in the quietness of life.

Praise the Lord!

 

He is the heaven, the hell, the angels, and the demons.  All who make us grow on the journey.

Praise the Legend!

 

He is the peace and the giving, and we are the chaos and war, but He leads us to victory with ourselves and each other.

Praise the Leader!

 

He gave all to me and I am His vessel.

He creates my soul and my thoughts and my heart to serve in His holy journey—

Here, there, and forever more!

Praise the Listening!

 

My soul praises God, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit!

For every moment and every day and every gesture and every sign showing us the greatest reason for life!

The God, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit that lives, loves, and laughs forever!

 Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Thank you for joining me this week.  I hope you seriously consider everyday finding the thanks you can give for the many blessings.  I am just like you.  I get wrapped up in the busyness of life and find it much easier to complain or see only the troubles instead of the many good happenings in my life.  I pray for you to be given the sight this week to see and then to tell of your many gifts!  Blessings to you and yours!  Praise the spirits of the souls in others!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

 

Journey

 

 

If you have not already figured it out, I love nature!  I really believe it is God’s gift to us that helps us learn about life, explain life, and explore within ourselves to become better.  Being of Irish descent, being close to the Earth is a tradition that has been passed down to me.  A respect and honoring of God’s gifts.  Many spiritual people have this belief.  I also believe God speaks to us with His Spirit through these gifts.  It is that one conversation with the Spirit that allows your soul to gain so much!  God can tell you many things.  He can give you many insights.  So—-if you are afraid you are not hearing from God, when your moment of nature arises—-you need to stop!  Listen and feel Him soak your soul!

The Matriarch

Her neck and head are held so straight and high.

Proud and protecting her home.

When her eyes meet yours,

She touches something in your soul.

 

Some say she is your totem or your fetishe.

Where the Spirit speaks to you through her.

Her presence says peace be with you.

Her confidence tells you to be strong.

 

I know whatever the moment is-

It is so tender.

It is so reassuring.

She provides you with a spiritual base.

 

The only movement between you and her is when

She gently wiggles her ears

Or she slightly swishes her fluffy, white tail.

Also the only sound is your breath

Holding in every second of awe.

Because you are afraid the moment will pass.

 

Sure enough then as delicately and quietly as she comes by,

She says goodbye.

This is what it feels like to be with a true aristocrat.

Or how it is to be with the queen in her court.

 

This is what it feels like to be with a true, confident woman.

A woman that would lay down her life for those she loves.

Whether you are my spirit guide or my angel or my watcher,

Thank you for being my matriarch.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

 Enjoy your conversations with God this week.  It does not matter if it is through nature or some other means—–Just make sure you have them!  Blessing to you and yours!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Journey