Charlie was just a young puppy when he chased just first car. Charlie loved the thrill of chasing cars. Charlie wondered what would happen when he caught one.
Charlie grew bigger and faster. Charlie ran every day to build up his strength to catch a car. Charlie didn’t have time to play with other dogs. Any dog that tried to get close to Charlie, Charlie would run over on his way to try to catch another car.
Then one day, Charlie was chasing a car when he saw Bella. The world stopped for Charlie. Charlie didn’t think about chasing cars as much.
Charlie and Bella fell in love. Charlie and Bella started having puppies. Charlie and Bella were happy. Charlie started to worry about how he could provide for them.
Charlie started chasing cars again. Charlie ran and ran. Charlie would stay out late chasing cars.
Charlie and Bella started to fight. Bella was left all alone while Charlie chased cars. Charlie’s kids wanted him to be home more. Charlie’s kids wanted to spend time with their dad. Charlie kept chasing cars.
Then one day it happened. Charlie caught a car. Charlie was so happy. Charlie thought I finally did it. But in that same moment, Charlie had another thought.
Now what?
Charlie realized he had made it to the top but that he had destroyed his life. Charlie had no friends. Charlie and Bella didn’t talk anymore. Charlie didn’t know what his kids were like.
Charlie was miserable at the top. All the long hours, all the sacrifices, all the birthdays he missed to get there.
Charlie wished he didn’t want to chase cars. Charlie wished he could do things differently. Charlie wondered if they would ever forgive him.
I picture it being harder, faster, maybe Skillet, Thousand Foot Krutch or NF could take it on. LOL, I can only dream. Well, since I have all but given up on my words becoming songs you get to be the first ones to see what’s in my head today. After all, it seems like every time I give up on something in my life, God steps in so….. I will wait, I know in God’s time and His will. Maybe it will never happen. Until it does or until it doesn’t….I will let God take these words where He wants them to go. I will keep writing what He puts in my head.
Hitchcock Movies
I wanna be a Marvel superhero
But I always feel like I’m less than zero
Did I just say that? Let me push rewind
Man I’ve been messed up a long time
I want the whole world to know my name
Maybe I’m just playing the wrong game
I can’t believe these choices I make
Man, I think I’m losing my way, I’ve lost my way
It’s like I’m tearing my world apart
Ripping out my heart, do I have a heart?
Can’t you see me? Can’t you see me? Can’t you see….
It seems like I have Hitchcock movies playing in my head
I have killer birds and psycho killers
I don’t know what I’m gonna do, my soul is dead
I only need one thing but I have all these fillers
I push you away, tell you to leave
Then ask, why won’t you reach out to me?
Why are all these demons in my head?
Man, I’d be better off dead, am I already dead?
I want to rip out my brain, am I going insane?
If I’m being honest I know I’m the only one to blame
Oh my God what have I done?
Oh my God what have I become?
Can’t you see me? Can’t you see me? Can’t you see….
It seems like I have Hitchcock movies playing in my head
I have killer birds and psycho killers
I don’t know what I’m gonna do, my soul is dead
I only need one thing but I have all these fillers
I’m on my knees
Begging you please
Take my life, take my life, take my life
Cut these demons out, I’ll give you the knife
Can’t you see I’ve hit the bottom
I’m no longer fighting Him, fighting Him
Rip off these chains
Take my shame
You alone have taken my sin, You alone give me reason to live
You alone forgive all, You alone forgive all, You alone forgive
You can see me, You can see me, I know you see….
It seems like I have Hitchcock movies playing in my head
I have killer birds and psycho killers
I don’t know what I’m gonna do, my soul is dead
I only need one thing but I have all these fillers
originally published Oct 19, 2016 (it’s been a year already, crazy)
It wasn’t a good night. Alone again. Alone with my thoughts. Alone with my doubts. Alone with my past regrets. That’s when I realized I wasn’t alone. Something, or someone was there with me. I could feel it. I would rather face off against Freddie Krueger.
I could feel it before I could see it. I looked around but I was the only one here. Fear crept in. The only sound was the sound of my too loud beating heart. Evil lurked. Looking for a place to land. It only needed a small opening and it waited patiently. I wasn’t going to let it in, but it waited. Evil is patient, waiting for its opportunity.
I fought the invisible evil. It wasn’t going to win. Doubts would sink in. At times I believed the lies. I was stronger than this. I had a power inside of me. I often forgot about this power. I often forgot about the strength it gave me. I wasn’t going to forget this time. I also knew I couldn’t do it alone. I yelled out to God.
The evil was gone. A peace overcame me. I stopped shaking. My heart calmed. I wasn’t naive though. I knew the evil would be back. It doesn’t give up easily. More importantly, I knew neither did God.
I had to get out of the house.
I liked walking on the beach. The wind coming off the ocean, the smell of it. The way the moon and stars shined their light off the waves. I could walk for miles. It was relaxing but there were no stars to light my way tonight. Only the light of a full moon, and it didn’t seem to be as bright as it should have been.
I walked along the beach. Even the waves didn’t sound the same. Like they were whispering to me. There was definitely a thickness in the air.
Something just didn’t feel right. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Was something in the house with me? Was it just my imagination? I couldn’t quite shake the feeling.
That’s when I saw him. Well, I guess I should say it. I couldn’t quite make out the form in the darkness but something was definitely there. He, or it, was hiding in the darkness under the pier.
My heart was starting to beat fast. Stop it, I said to myself. This is just your imagination acting up. There is nothing to fear.
I was getting closer to the pier. Maybe 30 feet away. I took a deep breath. My mind was playing tennis. Volley to the left, it’s going to be okay. Volley to the right, be prepared. It’s going to be you or him. Volley left, volley right. That’s when he stepped out and I could see it in his eyes. Volley right it is.
I had no weapon. Or at least I thought I had no weapon. God, be with me. I heard the scream, I saw the light. That’s when I fell to the ground.
Did someone sneak up behind me and hit me in the head? What was that light? I quickly did a self check and realized I wasn’t hurt. I looked up looking for the man but he was nowhere to be found. What just happened?
Add that to my list of weird things happening tonight. The list would be getting longer.
I know what you are thinking. I should turn around and just go back home. Lock myself in my room and say goodnight. I could not do that. I should’ve done that but something was telling me to keep moving forward.
I heard the screams. I ran to them. I know you are yelling for me to run away from them. I was thinking the same thing! I couldn’t do it. I am not a hero but I had to see if there was anything I could do.
They were huddled together at the dead end of a one way street. The look of terror on their faces is something I can never forget. They were looking upward. I followed their eyes and then I saw them. There had to be at least twenty, maybe more, of them. The legion of demons were hideous. They were attacking relentlessly. They disgusted me.
At one time or another they were all a part of my life. I am a sinner and I knew them all by name. There was greed, lust, fear, addiction, hopelessness, negative, pride, envy. I knew them well. There was also wrath, sloth, doubt, low self-esteem, failure, sorrow, gossip and hate. Many more I will not name but they were all following their leader Baal. I was actually surprised to see him. They usually let their minions do the work and don’t show their faces. With him here, I knew this was going to be a long battle.
That’s when I saw the glow. I looked down and I was shining like a light. I wasn’t alone. I looked around and there were many others with me. We had been brought together for this moment. We are the light of the world and now was the time to defeat the darkness.
We lit up the dark night. Many of the demons ran when they saw the light. Many others chose to fight. The light was their enemy. The truth was their adversary. Hope was their opponent. We were their prosecutors.
After a long, bloody, hard fought battle we were victorious. There was sadness in our victory. We lost some friends in the battle but they will forever be remembered as heroes. We will fight the good fight. Where there are demons, so will we be. We will honor the truth and defend it with our lives.
They will be back. We will be here when they return.
We are the light of the world and we will shine victorious.
Good Fight by Unspoken –
Soldier On by Sidewalk Prophets –
Never Burn Out by Stars Go Dim –
Same Power by Jeremy Camp –
Independence Day by Union Of Sinners and Saints –
Soldiers by Martin Smith –
Onward Christian Soldiers by Petra –
I’m Just Another Soldier by The Five Blind Boys Of Mississippi –
On your knees, your prayers, He hears, that I never doubt
Don’t despair
Know someone cares
Daughter, I pray no matter what you go through tonight
You’ll remember the scars Jesus bears so you know there is a light
When the bruises are gone and the scars remain
Daughter I want you to know that He knows your name
He knows your name, He knows your name, He knows your name
October is officially domestic violence month but we don’t hear about it. All we hear in October is breast cancer, a worthy cause to fight also and one that needs to be fought daily as well. We don’t see any football teams wearing purple. It simply isn’t talked about. Domestic violence is something we need to look at every day, because every day someone you know is the victim of it. One in three women, one in four men are victims. One of of every fifteen children are exposed to domestic violence and 90% of these children witness domestic violence a year. Domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness in the United States. Domestic violence costs more than $37 billion a year in law enforcement involvement, legal work, medical and mental health treatment, and lost productivity at companies.
These are reported. Most domestic violence incidents are NEVER reported. Speak up, speak out, and make a difference for victims of domestic violence. The time is now to change these facts.
Silenced my Mersi Stone –
Face Down by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus –
Alyssa Lies by Jason Michael Carroll –
The Door by JJ Essen –
Leaving You Behind by Emii –
Lies and Bruises by Ryan Daniel –
Luka by Suzanne Vega –
No More by Kuzie James –
Voices Carry by Til Tuesday –
Broken Girl by Matthew West –
Beautiful by MercyMe –
God’s Daughter by Son of Adam –
I Believe You Domestic Abuse and Faith Community –
I was sitting in church and some of these words started coming at me. I said no God, I can’t write about this. Even though all the Birds stories are based on real-life events, I can’t write about this one. God was silent until I got home then the words started coming again faster than I could write them down. I don’t know if the right words were written down, I tried to remember them as they were coming, but I hope I can bring some healing to the tragedy. So…..
Mother bird sat on her eggs for a very long time. Sometimes mother wondered if her eggs would ever hatch.
But mother knew.
The baby birds hatched and mother bird had to keep busy feeding them. Sometimes mother bird wondered if she would ever get any rest.
But mother knew.
Mother bird told her birds it was time to learn to fly. All the baby birds said they didn’t need to learn to fly, that they would always be by her side.
But mother knew.
All the baby birds learned to fly but they all told mother bird they would be back soon.
But mother knew.
All the baby birds grew up and started families on their own. They said they would visit as soon as they could.
But mother knew.
All the birds knew mother was old and didn’t have much time left. They came home to visit. They said they would be back next week.
My name is Legend. I am a warrior. I fight the demons of this world. I fight your demons. Ones you never saw attacking you, ones that you fight each day. I stand with you.
I have to admit one thing that tears at the very depth of all that I am is loving my enemies. The same enemies I fight every day. I pray they will change. I pray they will find love instead of hate. The devil has them in a stranglehold. Another dies as their blood drips from the end of my sword. As their lifeless body lays at my feet I pray for them. I do not gloat or take pride in what I have done. It pains me greatly. It scars me more on the inside than the scars visible to you.
I have a confession to make. I am tired. More than that, I am worn out. Darkness is everywhere. I am only one man. I only have so much fight in me. I have more scars than freckles. I am on my knees begging God for help. Send me help God!Help me get off my knees and pick up my sword to fight again.
God’s answer was to go to His people. Here is my plea:
As I mentioned before, I am worn out. Yet, I pick myself up, grab my sword and head into the night to fight another battle. I fight your battles. It’s time for you to stand up. As I have prayed to God, I will ask of you the same. I need help. I need your help!
Make no mistake the devil knows your name. He keeps track of all the demons you let in. He knows when to send more. You have to put on your armor and you have draw you sword. Even then the devil will not stop. You have to be tenacious. You have to never give up.
The devil tells you to yell at your husband for forgetting to go to the store on his way home from work. Knock that demon on his butt and smile at your husband, be thankful he arrived home safe.
The devil tempts you with that new attractive coworker who is flirting with you. Take your sword and cut that demon in half. Look at that picture of you spouse and children on your desk. Be thankful for your family.
The devil tells you to yell at your child for spilling her milk at the dinner table. Destroy that demon with kind words and forgiveness. It take only a few seconds to clean up the milk, harsh words will be remembered forever. Be thankful you have a child. Many want one who can’t have one. Look in her eyes and tell her it’s okay. Tell her how much you love her.
These are just a few examples where you can help me. These are what I call the front line demons. The little ones that try to ruin your life. The little ones that open the doors to the big ones. The generals, the lieutenants, the corporals. You can not give in to them. You can not give in to the addictions, the temptations, the struggles that will rip your life to pieces. The ones that once they sink their teeth in are hard to defeat.
Ask not what God can do for you but what can you do for God. Ask not what people can do for you, ask what can you do for people. You can help me, you can help others fight the demons. Will you be God’s light in this dark world. Will you fight with me? Will you help me destroy these demons that attack you and other people?
I will fight them with you. I will stand by your side, sword drawn, ready to attack. Are you with me?
Tonight, as you get ready to sleep, drop to your knees and thank God for getting you through another day. Thank God for helping you defeat some demons today. Look deep into your heart and tell God everything you are thankful for. Then I want you to raise your head, lift your hands to God and let God hold your hands for this next thing. I then want you to look the devil in the eye and tell him to leave your life. He has no place in your life. I want you to say devil, do you not know who I am? I am a child of God. My name is —— and I am a warrior.
I am worn out but I will not quit. I see a light at the end of the darkness. I see hope. I see you. I see you picking up your sword. I see the demons on the ground, laying at your feet. I see me on your left. I see God on your right. We will win this fight!
My name is Legend. I am a warrior. I have renewed strength. I will never give up fighting the darkness of this world.
Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.
Since it is October 3rd, I would hope most of you realized it is October. The month of Halloween, camp fires, s’mores, roasting hot dogs on the camp fire. Scary stories, witches and goblins. Cooler weather, leaves changing colors.
It is also the month of The Nationwide Children’s Half and Full Marathon that I once again will NOT be running. I signed up for the full knowing I was there mentally but had to get there physically. I did not. More injuries. This time it is my left knee. It pops every time I straighten it. I don’t think that is a good thing. I think it is time to get checked out and get both my knees fixed. Something to look forward to next year.
(update, still not running marathons but the wife is, she is aiming for 3 hrs 30 minutes this year)
It is also the month for just about every cause and every thing there is. It is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Domestic Abuse/Violence Awareness Month, Stand Up To Bullying, Pastor Appreciation, Pizza, Child Abuse Awareness Month, Cyber Security Awareness Month, Healthy Lung Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), Jazz Awareness Month, Lupus Awareness Month, National Alcohol Awareness Week (Oct. 4-10), National Brain Injury Awareness Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (Oct. 15), National Liver Awareness Month, National Orthodontic Health Month, National Spina Bifida Awareness Month, Psoriasis Awareness Month, Rett Syndrome Awareness Month, Vegetarian Awareness Month, World Food Day (Oct. 16), and World Hepatitis Awareness Day (Oct. 1).
If that wasn’t enough, we also have:
AIDS Awareness Month ,Adopt A Dog Month Link, Adopt A Shelter Dog Month, American Cheese Month, American Pharmacists Month Link, Antidepressant Death Awareness Month, Apple Month Link, Bat Appreciation Month, Black Speculative Fiction Month Link, Bullying Prevention Month Link, (World) Blindness Awareness Month Link, Caffeine Addiction Recovery Month,Celiac Disease Awareness Month, Celebrating The Bilingual Child Month, Children’s Magazine Month Christmas Seal Campaign (10/1-12/31) Church Library Month Church Safety and Security Month Class Reunion Month Link Co-op Awareness Month Corn Month Link Country Music Month Link Cut Out Dissection Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month Down Syndrome Awareness Month Link Dyslexia Awareness Month Eat Better, Eat Together Month Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month Emotional Wellness Month Employee Ownership Month Link Energy Management is a Family Affair-Improve Your Home Month (10/1-3/31/13) Eye Injury Prevention Month Link (Note: There is also one in July.) Fair Trade Month Link Financial Planning Month Link Feral Hog Month or Hog Out Month Link Gay & Lesbian History Month German-American Heritage Month Global ADHD Awareness Month Link Global Diversity Awareness Month Go Hog Wild – Eat Country Ham Halloween Safety Month Head Start Awareness Month Link Health Literacy Month Home Eye Safety Month Italian-American Heritage Month Link International Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month International Starman Month International Strategic Planning Month International Walk To School Month Link Intergeneration Month
Learn To Bowl Month Link LGBT History Month Link Long Term Care Planning Month Month of Free Thought National Animal Safety and Protection Month National Arts & Humanities Month National Audiology/Protect Your Hearing Month National Bake and Decorate Month National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month National Caramel Month Link National Chili Month National Chiropractic Health Month National Cookbook Month National Crime Prevention Month National Critical Illness Awareness Month National Cyber Security Awareness Month Link National Dental Hygiene Month National Depression Education & Awareness Month National Ergonomics Month Link National Family Sexuality Education Month – Let’s Talk! Link National Field Trip Month National “Gain The Inside Advantage” Month National Go On A Field Trip Month National Kitchen & Bath Month Link National Medical Librarian Month National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month Link National Physical Therapy Month National Popcorn Poppin’ Month National Pork Month Link National Protect Your Hearing Month Link National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month Link National Reading Group Month National Roller Skating Month National RSV Awareness Month Link National Sarcastic Awareness Month National Seafood Month Link National Stamp Collecting Month National Stop Bullying Month National Substance Abuse Prevention Month Link National Toilet Tank Repair Month Link National Window Covering Safety Month Link National Work and Family Month National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month Organize Your Medical Information Month Photographer Appreciation Month Polish American Heritage Month Positive Attitude Month Raptor Month Right Brainers Rule! Month Sausage Month Link Self-Promotion Month Spinach Lovers Month Squirrel Awareness Month Link(Different Than Squirrel Appreciation Day in January) Tackling Hunger Month Link (Campbell Soup Sponsor. Not the same as Hunger Month in September by 2nd Harvest.) Talk About Prescriptions Month Wishbones for Pets Month (10/15 – 11/30) Women Walking In Their Own Shoes Month Workplace Politics Awareness Month World Menopause Month
I think October is pretty busy. I wonder why some of these organizations don’t pick another month?
I have written about many of these and will reblog them this month as well as my scary short stories, in case anyone has missed them. I may even surprise you and write a new short story.
My God, My Music, My Life 