Second Chances

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Second ChancesFor some “humanly” reason we just don’t think we deserve them—second chances. It’s like we have not earned them or we have not behaved well enough to deserve them. But isn’t that what every day is all about? We rest and awaken to do it again. To make it better, to improve it, to love it more, to create more, to laugh more, to cry more, and just to live more! If you are getting second chances, there is a reason and a purpose. Fulfill your special purpose today and make every chance count. If God considers us so very special to have second chances, why can’t we let ourselves enjoy them!

 Second Chances

I was given a second chance yesterday.

I was given the opportunity to see clearly again.

Sometimes I am so blind to the mysteries set before me.

I really just do not stop and even look.

 

I give in to the times of the day.

And the pace of the clock.

Missing each precious view.

I was given more time yesterday .

 

I have been given a second chance today.

Another time to watch the sunrise and the moon set.

Even though I squandered my perspective,

I was able to enjoy coffee, family dinner, and dark chocolate.

 

I saw the moment of breath through my furry friends sleeping.

Even though I chose not to slow down.

Time stopped for me to see the last flower of summer and the first color of fall.

I could see all that had been laid before me.

 

I will be given a second chance tomorrow.

Even though I don’t understand,

I will be given grace.

I will be loved by someone.

 

Even though I may not love in return.

When I don’t help that other soul,

Some sweet soul will show me kindness.

I will see the hope because tomorrow means my days continue.

 

Even though my life seems mundane,

It will be more than extraordinary.

Because I have been given a second chance.

I have been given the blessing of another piece of time.

 

Not a do again.

Not another bat at the plate.

Not another serve.

Not a do over, another chance.

 

When my blood does not continue to flow,

And my breath of oxygen does not lift my chest,

And when my eyes have closed,

And my heart stops pumping,

And my soul transforms,

I will still have a second chance.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

 Do not let your second chance go by today without recognizing it. Make it worth all it can be! Thank you so much for reading with me today—thanks for giving me a second chance!

Love,

Rennae

Journey

 

Reed-Walker

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Reed WalkerThere are just some places where you need to be still and know as the Psalmist says. Reed-Walker is a place like this. Such a place lets you go inside yourself and almost touch the Divine. Sacred is the very best way to describe it in human terms. And this is not a sanctimonious place by appearance-it is a place of deep, calm peace. As you are on this journey here on Earth, find your be still and know place. Go deep, understand all is fine, and you are cared for.

Reed-Walker

There it sits.

On a small knoll.

Sunshine rising in the east,

Setting in the west.

 

Purple flowers wave quietly across the knoll.

There is always a breeze.

Even on scorching days.

A breeze touches your cheek like a soft hand.

As if to say be still and know.

 

The few old trees that have seen one hundred years or more,

Stand swaying and strong.

A couple of stumps verify the weather and insects have caught up with them.

The cows around the knoll stop and ponder who you are.

And then they go right back to grazing.

Calm and enjoying each grass bite in the field surrounding Reed-Walker.

Only the fence separates them both.

 

Some markers say nothing and others tell a life story.

Some stones have seen the sun, ice, snow, and rain.

Others were just placed in their honorable locations.

Each carrying a timeless message demonstrating honor and respect.

Dates varying as much as the occupants themselves.

 

Lay me ‘neath the field of flowers here.

Put me at peace on this knoll.

Let my marker read,

A vessel on this Earth for her God,

A soul in eternity for her Lord.

Reed-Walker hold my body,

Release my soul,

And mark my existence on this Earth within this time.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

 Thank you so much for being with me. I hope you discover your be still and know place this week. Get there, soak it all in, and let the Divine heal and comfort you. God’s blessings on you this week.

Love,

Rennae

Journey

Beauty

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BeautyWhat better time to celebrate the beauty of women than this week which includes Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day to women everywhere! Even though we seem to have educational campaigns trying to teach all of us how inner beauty is so important, we continue to fall for the false perception. Society wants to use the concept of beauty to harm women instead of using beauty to build women up. Labels and physical concepts are applied to women. Women—step up, speak out, and proclaim! We are beautiful! I am beautiful because my soul is beautiful, and no one will ever take that from me or make that seem less. I will celebrate because I have been made especially to be who I am—I am beauty!

Beauty

We are the most beautiful,

When we are the most vulnerable.

When a pain has struck the chords of our heart

And we play a new song.

When we see ourselves as less,

Yet others see us as more.

 

Beauty is when we surrender to God.

When we forgive more than we remember.

When we love more than we hate.

Beauty is when we cry.

It is when we laugh.

It is when we sacrifice for those we love.

 

Beauty is usually described in this world as-

Certain sizes,

Certain looks,

Or as certain styles.

But beauty cannot be measured by a face or a body.

 

It should be measured by personalities,

By smiles,

By courage,

By bravery,

By insight,

By love,

And by the moment in a life.

 

It is the mother holding the child with gazes between each other.

It is the woman kneeling to pray.

It is the woman resting to enjoy the earth.

It is a woman solving a complicated problem.

 

It is the woman baking bread.

It is the woman waiting tables.

It is the woman working each day for her family.

It is the woman serving God each day through His design for her.

 

Beauty when used by humans can be so harmful.

Especially humans with shallow souls.

But when used by deep souled individuals,

Beauty becomes the exact ingredient used by God!

 

Beauty is not a picture in the mind.

Beauty is not skin deep.

Beauty goes to the bone.

Beauty is beyond the bone.

 

Beauty really lies within the soul.

Beauty is a vessel that filters light and love.

Woman!

You are beautiful!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

 Thank you beautiful woman for reading with me this week (and handsome men also)!  I hope you have been encouraged this week to be more confident about your beautiful self. Let God’s light shine through!

Love,

Rennae

Grace

The Best Friend

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The Best FriendIt is quite incredible to receive unconditional love. If you have ever had a dog you know this is truly possible and when you are the recipient of this love, you realize you do have a best friend. If only people could live and love so unconditionally. We want to put all types of request and conditions in our relationships. I can love you if you….. I could love you if you…… Fill in the dots. The responses could go on and on. Learn from our best friends this week. Tell someone you love them just to love them, without anything in return. Is this not what it really means to sacrifice?

The Best Friend

Unconditional love.

That is what they give.

No questions ask—

They are there for you.

 

They are blends of many colors—

Brown, blacks, beige, whites, yellows, and greys.

Fur so soft no one could ever make it or duplicate it.

Eyes so deep that your soul is captivated.

 

A feel of velvet underneath your touch.

When in your lap they know only peace.

You can feel this from their steady heartbeat

And their rhythmic breathing.

 

They don’t care if you have make up on

Or if your hair is done.

Your face and pat is all they need.

They can sense your love.

Their ears perk to warn you of any changes.

Their voice awakens to protect you from harm.

They nudge you for a hug.

They sit and speak if they need something.

 

Cold noses from anything else would be warded away,

But this is so welcomed because it is a kiss.

Sloppy, wet kisses are just given

Without expectations or any returns.

 

Their whiskers tickle.

Their tails tap.

When you feel alone or lost or sad,

You can always count on them.

 

They are there to love you,

To kiss you,

And to make you smile.

 

Woman’s best friend is their furry friend.

Thank you puppy for choosing me.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Accept my love this week. I appreciate your love given by reading with me this week. I hope you experience sacrifice this week.

Love,

Rennae

Blessings

Re-Creation

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ReCreationSmall, small moments are so important and so essential. Many times we want to skip over these. We want to hurry and hurry to get to the “big thing”. All the time missing the special, intimate moments we are meant to experience. And what is the “big thing”? Don’t get in such a hurry this week! Slow down and see every “little thing”. Reflect upon what you are to learn through these small moments. Reach into these wonderful moments, let your mind bathe in their special meaning, and wallow in their inspiration. You will be amazed how the “big thing” will be living each millisecond every day!

Re-Creation

The old creature fades away

As the new brightness shines forth.

The light is tiny, compact, and dull.

But then the rebirth begins!!

The light unfolds,

The tints are vivid,

And the creature is renewed.

 

I am amazed!

My Father shows me this re-creation each year!

I am amazed!

His almighty power surfaces through such a tiny fold.

 

Re-creation can only be through His amazing fuel.

Each small moment makes this happen.

The creature opens its arms to the heavens

And reaches for the face of God!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I am so glad you joined me in reading this week. I hope this small moment speaks to you.  I wish you the biggest blessings in the smallest ways this week!

Love,

Rennae

Blessings

Act I

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Act IHas your imagination plummeted to the bottom? Has your creativity come to a complete stop? Open a curtain, sling a window back, or crack the door leading to outside. Peep out and take a good look or better yet, get out there and experience the scene! The creative show you see, hear, and smell will send your soul to the sky! One cannot help but to have creative thoughts and hope when you witness this show! Let your creating gain courage again and go do it! Hope will drive your creative process. Do not let another week go by that you don’t pursue this for your soul. It is time and you are in the next act, so be ready to go!

Act I

As I write this morning,

I see every shade of green.

Dark evergreen, avocado, light green,

Jello green, pea green, celery.

 

All the smooth and bumpy brown limbs

Are budding with tiny leaves.

Amongst the thinning brown pops chartreus,

The purple of all purples.

 

The redbuds come blasting through

From their winter fortress!

Then I witness the small,

Most delicate tree of all.

 

One white petal unfolds after another

From around a dense center holding precious seeds.

Then in the middle of the various shades of green,

Comes a glorious white dazzle of the dogwood!

 

The paperwhites rustle gently back and forth.

Sending the most fragrant smell through the air.

Their stems sway like reeds in water.

All trying to outreach each other.

 

I see the carpet of green emerging,

Getting thicker and thicker.

Covered with dots of yellow dandelions.

Popping, popping, popping like polka dots!

 

The cool, but warming breeze blows each dandelion gently.

The smells of sweet and fresh glide on the wind’s wings.

Breaths seem to be much easier to take.

The sky opens up to display the bluest of blues.

 

Then like chimes in the wind,

A multitude of chirps flood the air

Creating the sound like a choir on Sunday morning.

The sounds swirl and swing into the blue.

 

I never knew such a performance could be so exhilarating!

How could I have missed this so many times before?

Springtime—you have my attention!

I stand up from the comfy chair

And provide the actors with a standing ovation!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Thank you for inspiring me this week by reading. What you gather in your mind is produced in a creative form. Let the scenes you see this week inspire you to make those thoughts a reality!

Love,

Rennae

Blessings

Given

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Given

This week I received a very special surprise! I was given a delicious, perfect in every way, carrot cake! A precious new soul in my life, Katie, presented me this cake to celebrate my mom’s entrance into heaven. My mom passed two years ago this last Sunday. Katie and I had been discussing life and the opportunities our journeys bring when she ask what did I miss most about my mother’s cooking. I told her my mom’s carrot cake. So on Easter Sunday morning I arrive to work and find the most beautiful carrot cake! That night I relaxed in my chair, made a cup of coffee like Em and I would have, and slowly celebrated my Em in the presence of God. Katie had given me an offering to present to God for my mom! The writing today is how I practice offering myself to God. I honor Him when taking communion representing God within Jesus. But Katie showed me this week how God meant for me to use this practice in a deeper way. God gave so that I might give. Feed someone a crumb this week. Share a drink with someone this week. Give your inner soul to another human being, because this is the example God set through Jesus. Giving is providing grace to others. Sip your coffee or tea! Nibble at your cake! And say “Thank you-God! Help me to give.”.

Given

The crumb in my hand is the food of my heart.

The drop on my tongue is the drink of my soul.

The tug in my body is the pull of His journey for me.

All are much more than they seem.

 

The crumb is the cross.

The drop is the blood.

The tug is the Spirit that is greater than I.

The relief is that the grace has been given for all.

 

God’s crumb, God’s drop, and God’s tug.

Given for one and all.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

You have given today by reading with me. I appreciate your sacrifice. Katie, thank you for reminding me about giving, grace, and celebration! I hope all of you out there get to meet Katie someday.

Love,

Rennae

Grace

The Light of All Mankind

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The Light of MankindHope is what we live for. All of our lives we hope for better living, for loving families, for forgiving friends, and just for a more enriched life. Hope cannot happen without belief, faith, and peace. We are born knowing we have a purpose, and we die knowing we have a higher purpose. We all celebrate “Light”, “Love”, and “Energy” of eternity. I celebrate this week because I serve a God that chose to come and experience this world as a human. I celebrate this week because my God lives with me in Spirit. I celebrate this week because my God has set the light for me to follow when my purpose here has been completed and sets for me the eternal purpose I will fulfill. Hope is real. Hope lets me know that no matter what experiences arise in this world, there are other people that also believe love and light can overcome any difficulties. There are other people with faith and peace. The Light of all mankind has and will give hope for all.

The Light of All Mankind

Tears are wiped.

The rain and cold is taken away.

The wind ceases.

The celebration has just begun!

 

For Your sun shines upon the faces of Your children.

For the greatest gift ever given comes forth.

To rise and carry our hearts into the brightened sky.

 

To lift our hearts from the depths of sorrow.

To lift our souls from despair and into hope.

The greatest promise to the people is kept.

And mankind gives praises for the Sacrifice.

 

Glory to God!

Hallelujah to Jesus!

Praise to the Holy Spirit!

 

God has come.

God conquers.

God loves.

God sacrifices.

Thanks be to God!

 Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

 I pray for many blessings upon you. I especially pray for you to experience hope. I know these writings are letting you know there are people with a faith and peace that you have. Thank you so much for reading with me this week. Please celebrate life and hope!

Love,

Rennae

Grace

Why Write?

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Why WriteEveryone is creative in some way. Whether you build, paint, cook, write, or carry out the special gift you have, you are being creative. This creativity is a way of writing the stories of the miracles we experience each and every day. We do not always know what the story is telling or how it is being interpreted by others, but the story is being told in a very unique way by you. The brush strokes that create an amazing picture or the combination of spices in an incredible dish is God sending miracles through you! So today could not just be “Why Write?”, it could be “Why Create?”. Do not miss out on another day going by that you do not create and tell the miracle you see through your creativity!

Why Write?

Someone once said to me

You write when you have something to say.

Now whether this was their words

Or someone else’s words,

I do not know.

 

But I do know that I have not said things in a long time.

When you witness a miracle,

It’s like you see another side to life.

Your changed and it takes time to process that change.

 

You open up to senses and feelings.

Senses and feelings that are just not in this plane of our everyday lives.

You wonder and think and imagine.

You just have a keener sense for everything.

I really thought I knew about miracles.

 

Like when God gave me my soul mate.

Or like when you lay eyes on your children for the first time.

Or you see how your parents love you no matter and forever.

But these were so much more blessings than miracles.

 

Miracles come from nothing.

Miracles are the unimaginable.

Miracles are unexplainable.

Miracles are for everyone.

Miracles are when God takes His hand and touches someone.

 

When He opens someone eyes.

When He helps them speak again.

When He helps them walk again.

When He makes the unknown truly known.

Then you really witness a miracle.

 

Some people think miracles are God giving us what we want.

Some people think miracles are God providing what we need.

But miracles are something we can never conceive.

Miracles are grace.

Grace is the unknown love.

 

We will never know how the great gospels really felt.

How they really felt when Jesus showed them God’s grace.

We really have only their words.

Words picturing miracles.

Words praising God.

Words of the unknown.

 

But we do experience miracles.

We have no clue what we are experiencing.

We have no idea what the unknown love feels like.

We have no clue what we are witnessing.

But witnesses write because we do need to say something.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Sometimes it is very difficult to remember that sharing our creative gifts are not always about us. It is something greater than us! So do not hesitate—you have no idea who you may change today! Thank you so much for being with me. I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you share your life with me!

Love,

Rennae

Grace

Heaven’s Scent

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Heavens Scent

Finally—here in Tennessee they are back! The ice is melting and the sun is bringing forth the beautiful bulbs hidden beneath! I hope this week you think back to some brilliant color or smell that takes you inside your self and helps you discover something significant. Buttercups do this for me! As far as I can remember my Em always had a small bright pottery vase that would hold the first buttercups. The scent would permeate the kitchen and just brighten our dreams and hopes for sunshine to come. It is amazing how God sends us these small gifts of hope. This week reflect on your small gifts of hope from God that excite your soul!

 Heaven’s Scent

You hide from me.

I wait for you.

As the snow gives way to rain,

I peer expecting your arrival.

 

My soul needs sunshine.

My face needs warmth.

My heart searches for hope in the days ahead.

Your coming always shows me God.

 

The trees are still bare

And the grasses are crunchy.

But a few greens begin to appear.

I wait patiently.

 

The fragrance of your kind takes me back to memories of love and light.

Your little bright color beams forth like the sun at the sea.

I wait patiently.

Then as I walk among the brown and grey grasses, there you are!

 

A small but gloriously bright jewel!

Yellow with the smell of a thousand angels!

Glowing like a thousand candles!

A preface of the smells in heaven!

 

Upon your glowing face,

I know I see, hold, and can feel the love of God.

This is why I wait.

I can know in my heart that every year God will send you as the messenger of hope.

 

Buttercup, narcissus, jonquil-

You are my God appearing to show His faith in me as his servant!

You will be there very year!

And you give me the hints of what heaven is like!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Sorry I was a little delayed this week. I have been way under the weather. I really appreciate your patience and continuing to read with me this week!

Love,

Rennae

Blessings