Gazing

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Gazing

As the cold crosses the Earth, the night becomes pitch except for the beautiful, magnificent lights! I love having a sweater on, pulling it tight around me, and gazing at the light show that I have been given. I don’t know why but in the winter the show is just so much more spectacular! I truly believe our souls are that light that exist with God before we arrive here. That is why our babies have such innocence. They are pure love and light from God. I wish and hope for each of us that we return to that pure light as our existence here continues. We should not have to speak only or appear only to have this light—our presence should be this light!

Gazing

 With every star a soul is born.

I use to just gaze

And I would wonder how could these be so bright against the dark sky?

 

Then as I realized

The lights were not just those of gas and nuclear power,

But from a power greater than a chemical reaction.

 

A source that streamed forth from every soul that was to arrive on the Earth.

Souls that would spend so little time in these weak bodies,

But forever in these strong hearts.

 

So what is a soul?

Is it energy?

Is it the glory from an unknown world?

Does it matter what it is?

 

What seems more of essence is not what it is,

But what it becomes.

 

A light that is beyond description.

A light that is eternal.

A light that has no words,

Only presence.

 

How many souls will I meet tonight upon my gaze into the dark?

 Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

 Tonight when look into the sky, be open to meet new souls throughout this world. Become the everlasting light to others! During this hurried season, do stop and look up! Thank you for your presence with me this week.

Love,

Rennae

 

 

 

Blessings

 

Prayer

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Prayer

I am so pleased that we have a day set aside for giving thanks. In our fast pace, tech world, our ways and minds think more on what can I receive and what can I get. It is refreshing to say thanks for what I am given, who is special in my life, and I am blessed to be who I am. I realize commercialism has tried to capture this truly blessed day, but we actually make the choice to participate. So I remain thankful for a day of celebrations and prayers! I understand that there are people in the world that think if they do and carry out horrendous acts of cruelty that will stop us from celebrating these types of days in many countries, but I truly believe as human beings we will all stand together and these people will know that all of our prayers in our various countries will block out and remove these types of injustice in this world. Just remember prayer can happen any where and any day. Prayers can be made for anyone anywhere. I would hope and pray that every day and every part of every day we experience thanksgiving! No one can take away our minds of thought and prayer. So today is truly a thanksgiving!

Prayer

 I come to You in the morning.

The sun is rising and the sky turns blue as the light hits it.

The outside awakens with birds of all types.

I ask for direction in the day.

I ask for you to focus my mind.

I give thanks for the drink and bread you provide.

I give thanks for the house to have the nourishment in.

The morning speaks back with Your hope.

 

I come to You in the heat of the day.

When it is busy and rushing.

I ask for strength to make it through time.

I ask to be used for your work.

I ask to be a blessing for those I meet.

I thank you for a job.

The mid-day speaks back from You through others.

 

I come to You in the quiet of the night.

It is still and dark.

Comforting and safe.

I ask for safety and Your forgiveness.

I ask for the protection of those I love.

I thank You for all the gifts I have received that day.

The night answers back with Your peace.

 

I come to You every moment.

To hear and see where I have been and where I am.

I come to You and ask for blessings.

I thank You for blessings already given.

I come to You and thank You for talking back to me in my head.

I ask forgiveness.

I ask for love.

I worship You.

I pray.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I want to thank you for sharing your thanksgiving with me! I am so incredibly blessed to be able to share with you. My prayer for you and your family is peace, safety, and love. May you be filled every day with people that love you and have prayers for you! I have been able to so enjoy my family, and I wish the same for you. Our prayers go out to France and other countries in the world where people are being hurt. We wish their families may have peace and experience love from all of us. We pray that they may be lifted up beyond the evil that does exist and be held safe within our arms. And for those that make the choice on this pathway of cruelty, we ask forgiveness and mercy because their souls will have to carry this burden for the rest of their lives. “Happy Thanksgiving” every day because we are a blessed human race.

Love,

Rennae

 

 

 

Grace

 

The Retreat

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The Retreat

So many big holidays are right around the corner. It is easy to get caught up in the bustle and hustle that we exhaust ourselves. We over commit, we want everything to be just right for the perfect holiday, or we become a soul that no one really wants to be around! This is your year to go on a retreat. And not the kind where you haul all the food, make all the travel arrangements, shuffle all the gifts to get there, or pull together all the matching sweaters. This retreat is about you and your pace of living.  It is the retreat where you bring yourself to rest with God. You don’t have to prepare food, you don’t have to buy gifts, and you don’t have to decorate. God has done all of that for you. All you need to do is sit back and let your mind open to God’s gifts and life that He has created for you. Really look at what all you have right in front of you. I use to think that my retreat had to be in a condo along the beach or a cabin sitting amongst the trees next to a lake–But I found my favorite retreat to be right at home! I can hear the silence of God. I can appreciate all my blessings, and I can discover myself. The key is to commit yourself to do this. Be selfish for once, so you “can be” for everyone else! So as the hurry and scurry times arrive, find your retreat. Go there—be still, listen, talk to God, and let you mind rest. The real “retreat” is where the resting of your soul can be found!

The Retreat

Steam rises from the cup.

The outside looks chilly,

But the aromatic liquid gives warmth to my hands.

The smell is so good,

And the sips are God’s comfort.

 

The only sound is that of the chimes singing in the wind.

The air unit slightly blows like a soft summer’s breeze.

I sit the special cup against my chest,

And I feel the warmth of God’s touch.

 

The soft comforter strewn across my feet provides a spot for the pup to lie on.

The outside appears bleak.

The white ghost looks dark against the grey sky.

But the comfy chair holds my body

And caresses my back like a mama caresses her baby.

 

The small fire flickers with warmth.

Rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

This retreat provides all of these.

No phones, no e-mails, no meetings, and no demands show the comforts of this retreat.

 

The mind can rest.

The spirit can talk with God.

The heart can revel in the joy of safety.

The soul rebuilds and rejoices.

This retreat is called home.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

It is time to enjoy family this holiday season, but you have to enjoy yourself first! Retreat this week! Thank you so much for being with me this week. I hope you have received a blessing and hope with this week’s reading.

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Blessings

Hues of Hope

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Hues of HopeHave you ever been so exhausted that everything was just a challenge? I know I have been there. Your focus becomes blurred and your energy is at a low level. I feel so blessed that God knows exactly what he was doing when he provided me seasons in my world and seasons in my life. This time of year described in the writing can often be seen as a time of dying and depression, but we are given the colors such as the berries, grasses, and trees to show us it is a time of hope. In our lives we are many times chilled, and we develop distance between us and our living. This is why we are given time to rest and reflect. This time provides us the moments to know how blessed we are and how God takes care of us. It is a time we can say take this burden. We can see our purpose and meaning clearer. Open your eyes this week! Don’t miss the hues of hope in your life right now!

Hues of Hope

The Earth is very damp.

The wind chills you.

You pull the jacket close to your chest.

Even though the Earth seems to be dying,

There is something coming alive!

The quiet lets the surroundings be defying.

All at once colors come out that we would never notice.

The muted browns and beiges allow these to strike us immediately.

Deep red berries.

Flowering white grasses.

Green cedars with blue berries.

Everything pulls itself inside to avoid the dark and dull.

God says to us be very quiet and listen.

He says I am giving everything rest.

Time to rebuild and gain strength.

Time to refresh.

Time to reflect.

God says take this time to come inside yourself and share your soul with Me.

And the hues of hope,

The berries, the grasses, and the trees.

Let us know there will be another day to go out and play.

But today I will rest with my God.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I just cannot thank you enough for reading with me this week. Being able to share with you my feelings and emotions is a true blessing in my dull and depressive times. I just have always loved the Psalm that says “Be still and know that I am God.”. When I am with you on this blog, I can be still and know that God is truly there by all of your support! Thank you! The hues are there—just stop, focus, and look!

Love,

Rennae

Blessings

The Thinning

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The ThinningUp through the back north side of our property runs a knoll with many different trees. During the summer this area becomes thick and lush providing all types of hiding places for creatures of all types. As the Fall comes on, the leaves begin to fall leaving the scene exposing the trees and their thin branches. This is what we call “the thinning of the woods.” We all have “thinnings” in our own lives. Our “thinnings” fall away a little at a time, each time revealing our dignity, our shadows, and our open skies. Each time this happens we can become frightened, anxious, or nervous. When the “thinning” for that time period is over, we stand strong and can tell our story because we have survived with God’s grace. My family gave me the encouragement and permission to expose my creativeness after my “thinnings”. I also gave myself permission. That is how this blog came about. So whether your “thinnings” expose positive or negative hiding places, know the “thinnings” allow you to open up more to God and experiencing your life to the fullest! Welcome your “thinnings” this week! Stand tall and strong because these “thinnings” will let you grow into who you were meant to be!

The Thinning

The thickness and the beauty are so green and so deep.

Each hugs close to one another.

As if to hide a secret home dwelling deep within.

Its’ inhabitants covered from the unknown.

Then as the sun changes it shadow.

Some start to thin.

It begins with just a few leaves.

Five or ten or fifteen fall to the ground.

A glimpse of the hide away becomes visible.

Then as the wind picks up,

A cool crisp breeze arrives.

The thinning begins to happen quicker.

The leaves begin to rain.

One after another will let go from its security.

Gently flowing from the sky to the ground.

More and more of the sky can be seen through the thinning.

Suddenly all are there to be seen.

None are hidden.

All stand tall and strong.

And the dwellers find new shadows,

Within the thinning.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Thank you so much for sharing with me this week. I always so honor your time, interest, and thoughts that you share. Can’t wait to hear from you and the wonderful things going on in your life!

Today is such a special day in my life and my family’s life. God has given us Norah Katherine Chapman today! He sent her to this world to be with us and carry out his amazing plan. Thank you God, and happy birthday sweet Norah! G loves you so!

Love,

Rennae

Journey

Children of the Night

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Children of the NightMy family has always sought all times of the year to celebrate! My Irish and Celt background especially sparks a little flame deep inside that loves the excitement of Halloween. Now in modern days the idea of a fun scare and beautiful gourd all a glow just says celebrate with family. I remember one Halloween in particular when I was four or five years old. I hid behind my grandparents’ kitchen door, all dressed in dark, appropriate attire to scare my grandfather and great-grandfather, Daddy Hick and Pa Jones. Of course they knew I was there, but I thought I had really sent some chill through their bones! Afterwards we had a lot of laughs and hugs. That was the very best part. Halloween just says have that last night of fun outdoors before we move inside for the Winter. My Em and Jim always made time for us to have a bonfire during this season. The dark, cool night with that amazing glow would just resonate in my soul. So find time this Halloween and celebrate the magnificent gift God has provided us, family. Enjoy the miracle of God changing this Earth and preparing us for thanks in the weeks to come. Return to your childhood this week, and celebrate the leaves, pumpkins, cool air, and the excitement of the night with your family!

Children of the Night

Gourds are all a glow.

Their eerie faces in the dark

Bring shrills and giggles in the night.

 

Witches fly by in vibrant purple.

Turtles creep in and out of the shadows like ninjas.

Owls hoot above,

As the princess dazzles her scepter through the air.

 

Batman uses his mask to cover his grin as he moves steadily from shrub to shrub.

The colorful bed of leaves, yellows, oranges, and browns crunch under foot of these sinister souls.

Ghosts and skulls are hung on signs or at doors.

Lanterns and lights bring their glow to the enchanted night.

 

Through the howling wind,

You hear boos and howls in the distance.

Pails, sacks, and buckets drag through the leaves.

Holding all the delights found.

 

How can it be such a blessed night.

Because this is one of the last fresh airs before winter.

And this is when we can all return as children to feel and see God!

 Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Thank you for returning to the past this week with me. Remember we always have a reason to celebrate this life that God has given us. Live it to the fullest! Even if it means being silly and dressing in costumes! May the Great Pumpkin enlighten your life this week!

Love,

Rennae

Blessings

Three Bitches and A Bastard

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Three Witches and a BastardToday’s reading is not for the faint at heart. The reading exposes the world of evil. Unfortunately it demonstrates the evil that can be present in this world. If you have ever been in the presence of such evil, you quickly search for the light of goodness and hope. The ironic thought is that this reading references the work of Shakespeare leading us to believe that evil was present then and continues now. I know I am so glad and blessed that I do not have to live as these individuals live, not by what they are referenced as (titles given to them), but with their hurts, pains, and choices. I can have promise in others and enjoy the shining lights of others. I can and will live treating others as I would want to be treated. I can also love others including these individuals by sending my prayers to the Holiest of Lights. Pray today for those not understanding how to love.

Three Bitches and A Bastard

Like Shakespeare’s witches,

The three bitches circle the hot bubbling pot.

They have evil seething from their skin.

Their eyes display darkness.

They pour in deceit and lies.

They add fear and hatred.

Because these are the things they know best.

They conjure up schemes to pit others against each other.

They create stories to pull them into the depths of darkness with them.

The bitches laugh, chant, and circle the pot in order to serve the bastard.

The bastard allures the bitches with power, prizes, and awards.

Then he has them stirring the pot

That contains the liquid that burns and even boils others.

Those that try so hard to do right.

The bitches and the bastard know their plans will never be found out.

The liquid and gases get hotter and hotter.

The solution begins to float above and outside the pot.

One of the bitches goes after the other two bitches.

Each one of the bitches attacks another one.

They have all been slinging hatred, lies, vile thoughts, and ugly words at others.

But now they sling at each other.

The bastard, being haughty, bullish, and deceiving, as usual

Steps in between the bitches.

The bitches surround the bastard.

The evil from all four grows faster, stronger, and hotter.

It encircles them all,

Pulling them into the vortex of the dark.

The circular wind becomes so strong in the vortex,

That the souls of the bitches and bastard break apart into millions of pieces.

The pieces of the bitches and the bastard soak into the dark shadow of the sky.

All four will be held by eternity to live in an empty world of love.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Thank you so much for reading with me today. I realize the last two weeks have contained some dark sides of life, but we sometimes need to examine these to truly understand the wonderful, enlightening sides of life. Thanks for your patience as I have needed to work through accepting these individuals and their situations. Also as I have learned to love such individuals and looking past their choices. I am honored to have your light reading and shining your love in my life!

Love,

Rennae

Relationships

Lady of the Shadows

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Lady of the ShadowsBe prepared! Today is a writing about darkness. Darkness and choices of evil made by souls in this world. I wish we could say this does not exist, but unfortunately we have all experienced someone that is surrounded and enveloped by darkness. Not someone that is simply down due to circumstances or one who has experienced some tough life knocks. This person has made the choices to be consumed by the darkness. Even though this person seems far from the light, all it takes is one small step toward the warmth and light. Sometimes that person simply needs a nudge from us. We may be that only person to stop and love this one and ask for God’s blessing upon them. God has not lost hope for this person even though we and others may. But God may be using you to invade that darkness and bring that person into the light and goodness of others! So do not hesitate—reach into the shadow of this lady and change her destiny!

Lady of the Shadows

She left a highway lined with corpses and carcasses.

She prostitutes her soul.

For what?

For the power only.

 

At least what she thinks power can be or what power can do for her.

Her soul has slipped into the dark part of the shadow.

Her arrogance is worn through her personality.

Too good for others.

 

No compassion.

And no care toward the souls of others.

She frightens others with her demeanor.

Those that have dealt with her cry to be released.

Released from her dark spirit.

 

Will she ever see the damages she reeks on mankind?

Or worse will she see and not care.

She runs from the demons that have caused this dark shadow

By destroying the hearts of others.

 

She will continue to die a little more each time she kills.

Until it is too late to be redeemed.

She will be sentenced to live in her own dark shadow all of her days.

She has successfully conquered and enveloped the evil of the world.

 Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

 There are many people that fight internal demons we cannot imagine. That does not give them the right to persecute others. However we must be especially aware of how these individuals need help and seek that help for them. Most of all offer your prayers for them. There is always hope.

Thank you for reading with me this week. I so appreciate the time and love you give to me by sharing your time. I pray that this week the light will brighten your life to help others.

Love,

Rennae

Relationships

The Waiting Room

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The Waiting RoomIf you are a female or you have a very special female or females in your life, you have experienced the writing today. Some of us walk away with that sign of relief for another year and others of us breath very deep and begin the biggest fight of our lives. Many people, including women, would rather not speak or talk about this, but that is exactly the opposite of what we need. I am so proud of the many people that have made this fight public and built up the awareness of women’s breast cancer and other diseases. Also I feel very blessed for the public push on women’s health awareness. I know we have all been affected in some way by this issue. Just know we are all a family with each other when we fight this battle. You are never in that waiting room alone.

The Waiting Room

The one place where women are very quiet.

Very few words are spoken.

Each sits waiting.

The anxiety hangs in the air.

 

Breaths are held in.

Each one is so tense that no one would even know what to say to each of them.

Each waits to be called back.

Just hoping it will soon be over.

 

Each waits to see if they have the ok.

There are no smiles.

There are no relaxed faces.

Only tense facial expressions.

 

Each pretends to read, check messages, or scan magazines.

Finally the first call comes.

As each one gathers her things, a slight relief comes.

She is welcomed and then the door shuts closed.

 

Staff try in every way to make each one comfortable,

But they also know the fear and the unknown are present for each one.

Each returns to the holding area.

Each returns to their reading, checking, and scanning.

 

Waiting patiently for the happy farewell.

Finally the staff member returns and indicates all is well.

Each one rushes to re-dress, to re-collect, and sigh a relief.

Now each one can take a breath, a deep and long breath for another year.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

 A special prayer goes out to all the loved ones we have lost to these diseases and to the courage of these women. The ones we have lost and those fighting now are our great warriors. God does deliver miracles. Thank you for reading with me this week. Know we are all waiting with you.

Love,

Rennae

Journey

Basking

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Basking

I just get so excited this time of year! I just cannot help it. The Earth just comes alive displaying all of God’s amazing miracles! Also the whole season makes me relax, rest, and feel so comforted in all that is provided for me. I just cannot seem to get enough of the warmth and color! Stop for one moment and bask in all that warmth surrounding you!

Basking

The air is so clear.

The smells are so aromatic.

The wind is so crisp.

The colors are the deepest.

The sun is just brighter during that moment.

 

The senses heighten with all the stimulation bursting forth.

You just do not want to miss anything!

The rich, deep colors make us feel warm.

I lean back and bask in all the comfort around me!

The colors and the warmth also make me feel exuberant!

 

Sometimes I wish it could be Fall all year!

But then would it be so special?

Would I appreciate the moment I am experiencing?

Just last longer!

Don’t go away for a little while!

 

Sun shine a little longer!

Leaves glow a little brighter for a while!

Cool wind blow beneath my sweater for a moment more!

Clear scent settle with me for a little more time!

My cheek can feel the touch of miracles from the air.

I want to bask in this season forever!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I know in my part of the world today, it is raining. So hold out and don’t give up—those beautiful Fall colors will be bursting out! Get your “bask” in this week! And may God bless you even more!

Love,

Rennae

Blessings