We have this enormous white birch tree on our hill leading to our pond/wetland (better known as the frogs’ home!). I really never appreciated this particular species of tree until I started watching this particular one live from year to year. Its absence of color makes it the most spectacular portrait! It stands out against all the other colors that are shown by nature changing over the seasons. I have learned how delicate it can be and how strong it can be. I have seen it nourish other living things, and I have seen it give life through seeds and roots. There is one thing for sure, it is always there—constant and steady. This beautiful tree reminds me of some of the people in my life that have been constant and steady. People I could and can always seek for strength, encouragement, and love. So if you have not—go and hug your tree today! “The Ghost” that breaths wind into your life and allows the colors in your world to burst forth!

 The Ghost

The background is blue.

A blue that is bright and light.

The white skin pops against the blue canvas.

The white, pasty arms show the signs of growing and living.

The cracky flakes display the effects of the wind and the water and the sun.

The sounds of the ghost are soft,

But constant as the winds swiftly move by.

In the dark the ghost makes it sound as a whisper in the air or the blow of a kiss.

Against the dark, grey sky, the figure fades into the grey wash.

Then within a season of change,

The once obscure figure pounces forward with multiple greens.

The ghost feels a burst of revival as it displays one shade of green after another.

Birds find a home within its arms,

And insects discover their haven within its body.

As the ghost grows, the greens turn to gold, brown, and orange against a crisp cloud in the sky.

The gold, bronze, and orange drop to unveil the naked beauty beneath.

Another moment has past,

And another year has gone.

And the Ghost continues to breath the wind,

And paint the sky with its life and soul.

 Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

 Thank you so much for joining me this week. I feel so honored that you take your time to visit with me and are willing to listen to my words. I hope your life is brighter and lifted by reading.

I miss you- Em and Mama Hick (but you are forever with me). Thank you Danny, Jim, Lis, Lori Lynn, Cam, and Seth. Thanks to all of you for being my “Ghosts”!

Love,

Rennae

Blessings

The weather has revealed truly everything on the Earth’s surface over the past weeks. Relaxing across this massive amount of stone and dirt is everything we know as living. It is funny how any other time of the year we are not as tuned into the magical world supporting this amazing living ball. It is really like people. People have been pressed, molded, and structured in their various environments to appear in certain forms or ways, whether to show a physical form or a behavioral form–Most of the time by other people. We forget like the lay of the land, we all have internal spiritual forces sculpturing, molding, and forming these unique souls we each possess. A nurturing external environment is important and a must for all of us, but even more important is allowing our spirit to be nurtured by our divine Creator. Sit back and enjoy the squeezing, pressing, and shaping as the art piece inside of you is revealed!

Lay of the Land

It is there all along,

But it is hidden during the year.

When the white blanket covers everything,

The lay of the land appears.

Curves and heights.

Bumps and rumps.

Lines that are straight.

And lines that move in and out.

Each tree and each rock lays upon it.

In their own special birthing place.

Everything stands out

And can be seen in its own special way.

Whoever knew charcoal, grey, brown,

Beige, and black could have so many shades!

You can see how rich the valley is

And how glorious the hills appear!

Occasionally throughout the muted colors,

A burst of deep green will flash as a cedar or pine surprises you!

To think this lay of the land has been molded

And has been shaped to make this impressive display.

Pressed, compacted, and stroked to make this magnificent view.

The forces working slowly

But specifically to allow us a view at this art piece.

Pressure squeezing rock and dirt to form the base where life springs forth!

The forces will continue working

So the lay of the land will be there for others to extract joy.

Providing imaginations a place to create.

The lay of the land can lead to a discovery at home

Or to any adventure past the hills!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Thank you for being open this week to the greatest discoveries that can be found within yourself. Especially for following along and reading with me this week. Don’t hold the art piece in this week-As a very special Disney character has said over recent years-Let it go!!

Love,

Rennae

Blessings

It is very amazing that each particle can be so unique and different, yet come together for such an incredible scene. If only we could accept how we as individuals are very much the same way. Each one of us is so very unique! Just stop and think—no one in the entire world or universe has your genetic material nor your special soul. You are so very special! And you are in this world with your very own special purpose, direction, and gifts—making the world scene more incredible than it could ever be! Please stay unique and special!

The First Snow Fall

 Each one is different.

Everyone has its specific place.

Everyone travels at a specific time.

What if each one were blue?

Would we see a blue sea?

Or a blue sky? A star? Or the blue in her eyes?

Instead we see a white cloud.

A white field.

A white fog.

The chemical makeup coming from a Creator.

A Creator with an imagination to set each one as an individual.

Each crystal not absorbing the Light but reflecting the Light.

What is each one were black?

Would we see a black night sky?

A sweet blackberry?

Would we not see the Light if there was not black?

How would we know there were fireflies?

Yet they are all white—They all reflect.

Every shape proportionally perfect.

All sides of the shape coming together at the precise points.

Precise points that make a perfect individual.

What if each of these were red?

Would we see a big red leaved tree?

Would we see the breast of a beautiful red bird?

Would we see the red sunset?

What is they were all yellow?

Would we see the sunflower or the yellow Light rising at dawn?

What if they each were brown?

Would we see the brown earth?

Would we see the brown rock?

We are blessed.

Our internal eyes allow us to see all the colors.

To see the reflection.

The red bird perches on the black tree trunk that lightens brown as it grows.

The yellow sun rising gives a back drop to the tree and the sky.

The sky gives way to the blue.

The blue meets the green grass.

The grass meets the still black water.

The still white water bubbles to form the white foam.

Each alike.

Each creating the colors for another.

Each building to make the picture.

Each becoming real.

And the snow continues to fall.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I am so blessed to be in this world with such unique people. Thank you for being one of those and sharing your life with me. This is for the “Katies” in the world!

Be who you are and love yourself for your gifts!

Thanks so much for reading with me this week!

Love,

Rennae

Blessings

Who said winter is dull and lacks stimulating colors?! All I need do to is to look outside my window on these winter days and see the whole sky come alive! As these incredible creatures flit, flutter, and glide through the sky, I am witness to the most vibrant colors and moves that can ever be seen. What I find the most amazing is the demonstration of trust shown by these creatures. They do not worry. They know they will be fed—especially by me! They know how unique they are and will gladly show those specific characteristics—woodpeckers for instance! They know they are part of a community with each having a specific purpose. Take a peak out your window during this seemingly dull time—relax, enjoy the show, and ponder on your purpose!

Sky Show

They trust so freely.

Never doubt.

They are not afraid to show who they are.

They are an art show outside the window.

Touches of red, gold, yellow, black, and white.

All shape.

All sizes.

All with full trust in God and his provision.

They praise Him with song and dance.

They sit and share the meal.

The mix of colors against the blue sky brighten the cold, bitter day.

They know no difference.

They know and trust that they are provided for by their maker.

Each unique.

Each with a message.

Pure creations of the Majesty from above.

The sky show goes on!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

May your week be filled with surprises of color and song! Your purpose is specific also. Be unique, but be strong! Thank you so much for reading with me this week. I am honored to be sharing your time.

Love,

Rennae

Blessings

Nature has brought us wonderful scenes over the past week! The cold has brought spectacular visions of jewels all across the land! The frost and the ice that form on the Earth’s surface makes for the most amazing light show helping us feel we are planted in the middle of diamonds or emeralds or sapphires! It also reminds us that beneath what appears cold and barren can really be warming and giving. Our perspective has to be open to witness the miracle. Look inside something or someone you may feel is cold and barren this week. Be ready to see the blessing that may be offered when you are really ready to view the crystals they have buried inside!

Crystals

Is it diamonds I see?

The lights sparkle.

The space gives way to jewels amongst the weeds.

It is as if I can see through them,

Yet they reveal all by watching them.

One light turns into another light.

Even though the cold permeates the air,

The light pierces through the air and creates visions of crystals.

Each crystal leading another soul through the grain and grass.

One is a diamond, one is an emerald, and another is a sapphire.

Although the growth appears colorless,

The crystals reveal all the colors of the brightest light!

Like a rainbow across the ground.

This fills my soul with warmth.

The light is not contained,

But spreads across the heaven and the Earth to be seen in another form.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

 We are given so many souls to reach and love this week. Some of these souls may not appear warm and giving, but remember we must be open to see what is inside and how our gifts can provide a new perspective. The light reflecting upon water always bears amazing colors and shapes!

 A very special thanks to Matt Stonerock for getting our technology up and running again so that we could visit and share! You are a sparkling jewel in our lives!

Thank you so much for reading with me this week! I am blessed to have many crystals that sparkle and make my life an amazing trunk of jewels on and in this beautiful Earth!

 Love,

Rennae

 Blessings