During August so many of us, who are parents and grandparents, are having to let go of our children.  Whether it be to kindergarten, college, or jobs, our hearts pain and our souls want to hold on tight to those sweet ones that are ours.  We forget these souls are not completely ours, they are loans from God!  We forget they were given to us in order that we can be good stewards of these souls He places here on Earth.  The fact that they are loans leaves our thoughts all together, especially when we have done everything for them since birth.  We want to just hold on tight and not let go, but we have to let go.  These souls are only loans.  We should not interfere with their life paths for God.  We love them, protect them, but the most important thing we do is to teach them.  How to love others and themselves.  How to serve others and themselves.  So, as the precious hand of the one you love so much slips out of yours this week or as they drive or fly away, be proud that you have done your job preparing them.  But remember it has always been God’s job to watch over them and lead them.  They are His more than they are ours!

God’s Love Loan

It is time.

The time we prepare them for.

The time they become who God intended for them to be.

We so often forget they are on loan.

 

We cuddle, caress, tickle, and pray for them.

We ask for God’s blessing upon them.

We give them more freedom each day with each step.

Our attachment becomes greater with each step of freedom.

 

They are us when we have moved to the next level of heaven.

But most of all,

They are God’s plan for the future.

They will cure others, love others, teach others, and help others.

 

They will be the extension of the light to others.

Light that cannot be captured.

Light that must be turned in the direction,

In order that it can be given away toward others.

 

God is reflected in this gift.

The loaning of the light from God.

God’s loan to us.

We are thankful for this loan.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Just remember this week you are not losing your love loan.  You are sharing them with the world!  They are going out to do God’s will and be His light.  Your job will still be to love, support, and teach them, but God takes over when they leave your nest to do the rest!  Peace to all parents and grandparents this month!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Blessings

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you missed the dance?  If you have, you need to slow down and be a part of the dance!  We just should not be so busy that we can’t participate in a blessed dance.  I am not unrealistic.  I know this is much harder to do than to say.  Do you remember how free you feel to just throw your hands up, sway, jiggle, and shuffle your feet?  When we let lose, it can be so freeing.  It frees our mind, soul, and spirit!  It opens us up to love and better understanding of the world around us, because we can be more relaxed, and we can love ourselves more.  If the trees know this is freeing, why can’t we learn from them.  Life should not be confining—-Life should be freeing!  So, dance today!  Dance over dinner, dance under the sunrise and the sunset, dance with your dogs, dance in the grass, dance in the store, dance at work, dance by yourself or with someone!  Stop and enjoy the dance where ever you might be!

Dance of the Trees

They sway and they swing.

Sometimes gently,

Other times rapidly.

Always in sync together.

 

They warn me of the troubled storms.

Or they greet me to a sunny, cool day.

Prancing and dancing to the wind.

Always with meaning.

 

Appearing as one,

Yet made of many different colors.

Sage, bright green, forest, and avocado,

Birch, maple, oak, hackberry, and cedar.

 

They set the scene against the sky.

They protect the birds.

And make provision for all the other animals.

Each limb and leaf providing the dance.

 

If you are invited to watch the dance.

You are not only blessed,

But benefited from their shade,

And nourished by their food.

 

The dance is so distinguished.

The excitement it provides.

Dancers, happy and free!

Flowing and strolling.

 

I wish to see the dance over and over.

It brings so much joy!

The dance will continue.

And I will see it in my memory forever!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

If anything, I hope today inspires you to not be so adult this week. Watch the dances of nature and dance during your day for life.  Self-help and care are so very important these days.  Dancing will make you smile and live freely!  God’s blessing on your dances this week!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Blessings

 

 

 

 

 

On this journey have you ever found yourself with a deep feeling of loss?  A loss that puts your mind and spirit on a path of wandering.  Both your mind and spirit feel as though they are completely lost.  Lost in an area of loneliness, a vast and deep space of emptiness.  The events causing this lost feeling could be from having to let a sacred soul go to losing something that brings great meaning to your life.  Whatever event causes this position, we all know it takes a lot to pull oneself out of such an emptiness.  However, it can be done!  Accepting the joys around you can bring you back.  Even the smallest of joys!  Allowing your soul to gain its spirit again.  Never giving up is another way.  Holding onto your hope and your knowledge of an amazing future!  The depths cannot hold you down with hope and promise.  As you read this week, keep that joy and hope always in focus!

Lost

So much sound.

So many tones and noise,

Loud and soft.

Loneliness is felt in my heart.

 

Loss causes these pains.

But we sometimes really cannot name the loss.

Is it a relationship or age?

Loss of dignity or trust?

 

The sound is not the source of pain.

The reaction to the pain is the sound.

We are so close yet so distant when we experience loss.

Just like the sounds.

 

If we gain nothing by the loss,

Then we have truly never known life.

The sounds are often deafening.

Then at times they grow so quiet I must strain to hear.

 

Sometimes the tone is quieter away from us.

Then as the sound approaches,

It becomes louder and louder until we shudder.

The loud tone reflects such loss.

 

Such deep loss.

When it hits you,

You so badly want to make a sound,

But nothing moves forth from your body.

 

Your soul cannot even bring forth emotion to make the sound.

If loss were the end of sound, we would be at a place where our souls could not return.

As it is so often eluded to,

Loss does bring gain.

 

Sounds of joy once again.

The lost found.

The gain of our souls again.

The joy with the remembrance of those tones.

 

Tones that are reflective of the loss return—

If not in air—in your soul.

Remember those sounds,

Because they cannot be duplicated ever again.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

We all experience this “lost” feeling at some time in our lives.  No one is immune to this experience.  I pray that you keep your light glowing in this lost world.  I also want you to know there is always someone with you.  Keep those close to you that love and bring joy!  And keep that hope and promise in your heart and spirit!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Journey

 

Journeying through any space and time is a true experience.  We have all types of adventures and directions with a variety of emotions.  I was just reflecting on my journey in the piece this week.  All the blessings, whether positive or negative, being part of the journey.  I think we need to stop wherever we are on the journey.  Stop to see where we have been and where we are.  Halt to examine your journey from all the angles this week.  There are so many twists and turns loaded with jewels of the landscape!  Take possession of your journey this week and see your many blessings!

The Journey

Whether short or long,

There are hills and valleys.

I have tried the shortcuts,

Which have turned into long detours.

 

There have been cries of tears.

Some have been happy and others sad.

I have shouted cheers of joy,

Celebrating what the journey has brought.

 

I have seen the most glorious sunrises with the birds,

And I have basked in beautiful sunsets with family.

Mornings have given me good coffee and thanks,

As where nights have soothed me with hot chocolate and movies.

 

The sea has offered me the feel of sand and creatures like scallops.

The seas’ lobsters and the sea allowing me to catch these lobsters to satisfy my tummy.

The water has flowed over me lifting me forward and to heights of ecstasy.

Dolphins within it have spoken to me.

 

Many cities and towns have appeared on my journey.

All with their own unique gifts.

Providing me with new experiences and knowledge.

But my journey always leads back home.

 

The hills of the journey have provided me home.

Their colors in spring and fall provide me hope and trust that something is greater than I.

The hills’ rocks and animals have given me adventure and investigations,

Which made the journey an excursion.

 

The joy of children made the journey so bearable.

Their laughter and happiness carries you so far on the road.

The accomplishments you see as they are on their own journeys

Make your heart skip and beam hotter than the sun.

 

People come and go.

Some join you for a brief moment and others stay the whole journey.

Some become a part of you because of their love.

Others disappear quickly down various trails because they cannot love.

 

Being a caregiver becomes part of the path.

It is difficult and sad,

But you respect giving back to those that have loved you so.

Their journey becomes the side streets of yours.

 

The pets that come along with you are never forgotten.

They watch you and support you every step of the journey.

You are comforted by their presence,

And their eyes see your soul.

 

The artists have painted and sculpted the journey with vivid colors and textures.

Museums, zoos, and libraries give the road wisdom and knowledge.

The journey holds so many treasures and dreams.

We collect some and we lose some.

 

If you are blessed for your journey to continue,

Grace has been extended to you.

When the journey on this living ball ends,

And starts again beyond here your prayers have been answered.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I pray that your journey will be blessed and that you enjoy every second!  This week I was so blessed to spend the afternoon with two incredible women, Kristen Rameriz and Barb Mayo!  They took me into a new world with fascinating directions.  My journey certainly took an interesting, yet amazing swirl this week!  Don’t travel through so quickly that you forget to cherish these swirls this week.  Happy travels on the journey this week!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Journey

 

 

 

 

 

 

We very often think constant motion means productivity. But we forget all this movement does not allow for peace.  Now don’t get me wrong, we do need motion in our lives.  However, too much can bring on complicated problems.  Fatigue and exhaustion are just a few of these problems. For me I am usually moving to search for solutions by myself.  I am trying to solve things on my own.  I have to remember that God and the Holy Spirit are there to help me if I will be still.  Please make sure to carve out some part of your days this week to not move!  Settle down even if for a short time and seek peace!

The Search

Pulling back.

Pushing forward.

Constant movement.

Maybe motion allowing the still to permeate time.

 

Is this why we like motion as babies?

Does this begin our back and forth struggle to avoid peace?

How can one have peace if one cannot experience stillness or heaven?

Settling is the base of our peace.

 

We want to be present with those pulling and those pushing—

But we also want stillness.

Stretch backward.

Lean forward.

 

Searching for the moments,

May lead you to the quiet.

Settle for stillness.

Then others will settle with you.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I pray that you can find a balance in your life this week.  Enough movement to enjoy your journey, yet stillness to seek help.  Some motion with some peace!  You may not accomplish this right away but working toward a balance is part of the journey!  So, journey on this week with a little of both!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Journey

 

With life so complex these days, it is so nice to enjoy blessings of the summer!  It is amazing how all those small, wonderous blessings can make a complex day so relaxing and enjoyable.  Everyone has a more laid, back attitude during these summer months.  Stopping to say look at what all the experiences and blessings I have! Recognizing these can be a great thing for our minds and our souls.  Don’t let these summer days slip by without stopping to see one of these miracles!

Simple Summer

Dragonflies abound.

Queen Anne’s Lace scattered.

Smell of cut grass.

Sun rays intense and hot.

 

Hot, humid air.

Clear mornings.

Stormy afternoons.

Sultry nights.

 

Butterflies fluttering.

Bees buzzing.

Clouds of fluff.

Trickle of cool water.

 

Deep voice of the frogs.

Light show from lightening bugs.

Coyote voices heard.

Quiet and still air.

 

Pool water splashes.

Hungry appetites for lunch.

Sun talks around the picnic table.

Sipping sweet cool tea.

 

Smell of a grill burning.

Laughter of kids playing outside.

Fresh fruits everywhere.

People absorbing the long days.

 

Cool air to sleep in.

Bedtimes stretched into the night.

Lanterns lighting the dark.

Chirping crickets.

 

Soothing and exhilarating.

Chaos and calm.

Relaxing and revitalizing.

Complex yet so simple!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Thank you for joining me this week during this blessed season!  Stop and look for these special blessings that are right in front of you this week.  Take it in and feel so fortunate to have all your own personal experiences this week.  Soak up your simple summer!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Blessings

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fear—–a word, emotion, or feeling that brings us to our knees.  If you have never had to deal with the word, you are so very lucky, but you are probably not in the real world.  Most of us have first-hand experience with fear.  Fear of illnesses, relationships, finances, failures, successes, pleasing others, and the list goes on.  Fear can freeze us and cause stagnation in our life.  When I was younger, I really fought fear much more in my life.  I fortunately have lived, experienced, and been in this world long enough that I really fight for my freedom of fear now!  I hope the prose today leads you to a new outlook on facing your fears.  Live and live with freedom!

Free of Fear

When I read in the Constitution that I am free,

It seems I can’t be free.

When I read in the Bible that God and Jesus set us free,

I really did not understand.

 

Free from debt?

Free from obligations?

Free from choices?

Free from demands and pressure?

 

Then as life experiences occurred,

I learned that God and the Holy Spirit meant freedom of fear.

I realized the founding Fathers meant freedom without fear for living.

See fear is the base of all of these.

 

Fear to face the day.

Fear to make choices.

Fear from others.

Fear of pressures.

 

The living seems hard,

But the living is the freedom!

The freedom of fear allows peace.

Peace allows the giving of the soul.

 

I live to be fearless!

I am free to live!

My soul will never fear again!

And the Soul is free!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Thank you so very much for joining me this week.  I realize your time is very special, and I appreciate you using your time with me!  The things we live with day to day can be overwhelming, especially fears.  I pray for you that fear will not consume you this week.  I hope you are inspired this week to apply your faith and fight that fear!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Journey

 

Happy Fourth of July!  I mean it!  We have so much turmoil and negativity in our country right now.  I want us to stop and realize how we are so blessed to live where free speech, thought, and life exist.  We really like to complain about a lot of things, which defending and standing for issues is our right.  And there it is!  Our right—-We have the right—We are allowed to express those rights in our country!  I am not saying we don’t have problems, but if we work together instead of apart many of these problems can be solved.  We need more positivity and cooperation among ourselves.  Most Americans are in this category.  They are proud and want our country to be the best it can be.  On this country’s birthday celebration, the Fourth of July, let’s celebrate all the cultures that we are as a country.  Some of our families came long ago, some came yesterday, and some lived here centuries ago.  All together we make up this amazing country!  Let’s celebrate!  Let’s sing and dance to our differences as a country of free people!  Happy Fourth of July, Americans!

The Red, White, and Blue

A country.

Cities, towns, counties, and states.

Country land.

Divided into pieces.

 

All types of land in pieces.

All under one government.

Each under their own individuals.

A government sworn to protect individuality.

 

Young strong nation.

Created by people seeking a new way.

What way?

More of a freedom way.

 

Persecution for speech, religion, and more.

They only sought freedom.

Not knowing how,

But determined to sacrifice all for freedom.

 

All history of this country.

Most of the time forgotten.

The bravery to seek.

The courage of giving up all.

 

The flag protecting all flags from all countries.

Celebrated still for the freedom.

Honored for its tribute to the brave.

Stars and stripes for its individuals.

 

A country remaining diverse.

Populations representing so many cultures.

But represented under one flag.

Representing one nation of people.

 

Many have forgotten.

And others really don’t care.

But the multiple cultures of Americans,

Are still proud to be Americans.

 

The glory of being able to disagree!

The beauty of agreeing!

Neighbors beside neighbors loving each other.

All believing in freedom for all to be different.

 

So many these days want separation of souls.

Some seek uproar and division.

Most just want life, peace, and freedom.

And most are the ones that make this country.

 

One country of individuals.

A flag representing many cultures.

It is these that seek life, peace, and freedom.

It is those individuals that hold that flag of this country up to wave.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I hope your holiday is glorious and safe.  Enjoy friends, family, and your heritage as an American!  Keep striving to help America come together in peace and love.  Blessings to all of us that call ourselves Americans!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Blessings

 

Oh boy!!! Now this is a really, tough matter to deal with today, change.  It is inevitable.  You either adapt or die!  That is the bottom line!  But I am going to tell you, many times I just wish the change could be slower.  I think as we get older, we always reflect on “the good old days”.  “The good old days” were good sometimes, but not always.  I am very proud for many changes, like more equality (although it can be even better), technology advances including medical, being able to voice and practice our beliefs (1^st amendment upheld), and so many more.  At the same time, I am saddened to know that changes with families and relationships has changed and not necessarily for the best.  I know with our families, when the matriarchs passed away, no one stepped in to continue all the connections.  The same goes with friends and relationships.  People have to make life changes and move on.  I even see my Dad, who is 83, has lost many simply due to death.  I feel that is why today’s subject is so important.  We must make sure we are not losing these relationships in the middle of the constant changes.  We have to reach out to each other, contact each other, and make those connections.  Of course, we also have to embrace the change as well.  Face it with joy and celebration for the great things that come out of it!  Make a change this week!  Also reach out to someone and strengthen one of those relationships in the middle of the change!

Signs of Change

Gone are the days of simplicity and naivety.

Gone are the laid-back family gatherings and swings on the porch.

Days have been changed.

 

Sometimes I feel the good change.

Then other times I feel the bad change.

No matter there is change.

 

The pace scorns the day with missed relationships and unmeet obligations.

The days are hurried and exhausting.

All energy is low in everyone.

 

I search for the simple signs.

The simple signs allowing for a moment of peace.

The simple signs telling us to not rush somewhere else or to something else.

 

I yearn for the moments when a conversation can be shared.

Not to be dissected,

But to be accepted and just heard.

 

Changing times frighten me.

I fear relationships can be lost forever.

Just slow down change!

 

There needs to be time to grow!

We all want more time to love!

I need more time to change!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I must end up saying today how thankful I am that you reach out to my writings for a connection.  I pray that some inspiration is gained by the time you spend with me.  I have experienced many changes since the beginning of this site many years ago.  I did not always make these changes without kicking and screaming, but I did make them!  As I reflect, God led me through these times for the best things in my life.  I have been so blessed through this guidance.  Embrace your changes, make connections, and count your blessings this week!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Journey

 

 

 

I always think about obedience as an action.  However, one action I forget that obedience can be is listening.  I sometimes get all caught up in the acting and doing, but I forget to just listen.  The year I wrote this piece lots of things were happening to me.  I could not see the big picture or plan.  I was trying to be obedient, but I was not slowing down and stopping to listen.  Remember, obedience is listening so you will know the Creators next big step for you.  Don’t get lost in all the chaos and acting.  Get more into listening for the answers and solutions!

Obedience:  The Art of Listening

God please forgive me for fighting.

I really do not mean to collapse into my own wants.

I try so hard to know what You want me to do.

Please forgive me.

 

I think I know.

Then circumstances through Your grace show me that I am so ignorant.

I promise I am trying.

Please forgive me.

 

I am trying to be obedient.

I am trying to listen.

My ears hear, but my mind is deaf.

Please forgive me.

 

I cause such pain to myself.

I drown in despair.

I lose hope.

Please forgive me.

 

I am not strong for those that I love.

I forget my lessons to them about obedience.

I forget to let go.

Please forgive me.

 

I know obedience is freedom.

I know freedom is You and Your Son.

I know You use me for Your glory.

Please forgive me.

 

Obedience is freedom.

Freedom is forgiveness.

Forgiveness is living.

Thank You God—-for Your forgiveness!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

True listening is a very hard task.  We all want to inject our opinion, our viewpoint, or our experience.  But listening can help us learn so much about ourselves and other people.  Go into this next week trying to practice listening, if only for a little bit of the time.  I am right there with you practicing too!  See what a difference it can make in your life!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Grace