Devil's Night

Have you ever heard of this?

Growing up in Detroit, it was a night I looked forward to. October 30th, the night before Halloween. It was one night a year when we as kids could be mischievous. We would go out at night and commit acts of mischief. I don't think it was allowed, but it seemed to be a tradition of sorts. People kept their porch lights on and tried to keep an eye on their car, home, property. That is, if they were home. Mischievous acts consisted of writing something on a car or store window with a piece of soap, knocking over a garbage can and tossing some toilet paper up in a tree or decorating some bushes with it.

As I got into the teen years, the acts of mischief became more destructive. Writing on windows with a piece of wax, or throwing an egg at someone’s car knowing it could damage the paint job. The last year I went out on Devil's night it was with a large group. I don't know how many of us there were and it varied that night. We took up a collection and bought a couple dozen eggs, we had candle pieces and no doubt other weapons of destruction. We hit the alleys and streets and had some fun. It started out fun; I'd be lying if I said different. But as the night wore on, things took a turn. At one point we were chased by a gang. We thought it might have been the Bagley Boys. The notorious feared gang of our neighborhood. We ran, ducked, dived and hid, waiting until we knew they were gone and it was safe to come out from our hiding places. I remember thinking "I hope someone suggests we call it a night." No such luck. The fears were soothed, and the hype of the night was back on.

As we were walking down one alley, talking about a game plan, the sound of breaking glass stopped us in our tracks. Someone had thrown a rock and broke a window on a house. Too far in my opinion, it was something I didn't back, way too destructive. Who did it? What’s wrong with you? Within seconds the sound of the breaking glass was followed by laughter. Then came the sound of a homeowner throwing open his door and yelling. We took off running and heard a gunshot. I will never forget the fear of that moment. He shot at us! Was anyone hit? RUNNNNNN. For blocks we ran and in all different directions. Some of us hooked up soon afterward. I really cannot recall what was said exactly. I may have lied and said I sprained my foot and was heading home. You know, to save face, so my friends wouldn't call me a chicken. The dreaded insult of my youth. No, I don't remember what was said by who but I do know I went home and that was the last year I went out on Devil's night.

A couple of years later, Detroit made national news on Halloween.
Devil's night became a night to burn abandoned houses, apartment buildings and warehouses. It was horrible to see on the news. The following year, the city tried to be prepared and fire trucks were brought in from other areas. One of my friends lived next door to the fire department on Junction and it broke my heart to see three additional trucks parked in the driveway. Ready and waiting for the fires to start burning on Devil's night.

I learned an important life lesson that night. What starts out as a relatively innocent act of mischief can explode into very dangerous circumstances. Death could have very easily been the end result that night.

It’s that way with sin and God’s laws. I can lose my temper and swear up a storm. Walk right on by a person in need. Take a pen home from work and not even think twice about it. The flash of a lustful thought about a perfect stranger. All of these little things that I say and do can build and grow into worse and more frequent sinful deeds.

I have found that if I do not go to the Lord every night with my sins and honestly confess each and every one, I hurt. And the next day, it’s easier to sin, doesn’t cause me much grief at all. It gets worse, because it gets so much easier. Next thing I know, things have escalated out of control and I’m scrambling to get back to where I need to be. Trying to be Christ like, with a kind and caring heart, having only good intentions and lending a helping hand when ever I can.

Does Our Heavenly Father hurt? Does He feel pain and sorrow from watching His children sin? I truly believe He does. That it saddens Him deeply to watch some of the atrocities that happen every moment in the world we live in today.

I want to do my part. I strive to live a good clean life. It’s not easy for me. But I’m finding the harder I try the easier it gets. I just need to stay on the path I’m on. Stay in the word every day. Stay connected with brothers and sisters who have faith. And Pray. Keep a dialogue going with Jesus Christ my savior throughout my day. He knows what I’m going through. He knows what struggles I face. He has been here.

I am so grateful for the life I have today. My gratitude list is long and grows each day. I’m thankful for the challenges and struggles I face. I know I learn from them and can share my knowledge with others. Every trial I endure is for my own good and I pray I can glorify God when I get through it.

I do not want much from this life. I live to serve and pray I please Him in some small way each and every day. That’s all I want and that’s all I need … I’m satisfied.

Are you? Are you happy with the life you live? Or are you still trying to fill a space in your heart? A home full of possessions, the latest fashions, technology and all the other stuff we as humans chase … can not fill that emptiness within. Drugs, alcohol and a man or woman to curl up with at night can not fill that need we all have.

Is there something lacking in your life? Do you want to know what true happiness really feels like? Here is a recipe for a happy life, one worth living. Find a Christian church that teaches from the Bible. Read the Bible, it really is the greatest book ever written. Get connected with others. When you are ready, accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. You will be amazed at the positive changes which will take place in your life. Believe, Trust, Love and Follow Him. You will never regret turning your life over to Our Lord. Honest. I have no reason to lie to you. I am no one special, just a humble, grateful servant.

May God Our Heavenly Father Bless You and Yours.

When Autumn Sings

The last time I was in Michigan for the Fall Colors was 1991. I moved to California in September of 1992. Fall was my favorite time of year in Michigan. Unless you’ve experienced it, you have no idea how magical it can be.

The feel of the leaves underfoot as you walk through them on a path in the woods. The smell of the crisp autumn air, especially early in the morning when all is still and peaceful. The sound of a gentle breeze as it whirls through the trees and a few more leaves will be carried off with the wind and dance through the air before they land. And when the wind picks up speed and whips through you and all around you … it takes your breath away but only for a moment … leaves that were once laying on the ground are dancing through the air all around you. Sometimes they will land in your hair and you can’t help but smile as you hear it softly crackle.

Fall in Michigan is a special time of year and nothing can compare. If you are walking along a trail next to the Pinnebog River you have to stop and marvel at the reflection of a majestic Sugar Maple. The leaves will float along the river as it winds through the forest and out to Lake Huron. If you listen closely and your heart is filled with joy you can imagine them calling you to join them on their journey. The Oak and Maple leaves at different stages of their transformation … yellow to a deep rich gold, red to a wondrous maroon. And still you will find leaves of green all around among all this bounty, this treasure called Autumn, fall color in all its glory.

I Thank God for this gift, one that I have missed and long to see again.

I Choose Love

Today is August 28, 2009 and it is a Friday afternoon. I live in South Lake Tahoe, California and know how very Blessed I am to live in this Beautiful place. I Thank God Our Heavenly Father for allowing me to live here often.

Yesterday, our community and the world was shocked to learn that Jaycee Dugard is alive. She was abducted at age eleven while on her way to school one morning in 1991. The news media is in a frenzy; people are outraged and filled with hatred for those responsible for her abduction.

In other news.

This past Sunday, somewhere in Oklahoma, a Pastor was found brutally murdered in her church. A crime so horrific, no information could be released until further investigation.

In both cases, there is one condition driving everyone. The condition of our hearts.

Is my heart filled with love or hatred? Do I want to see redemption or persecution? Will I hope for more blood to be shed or pray forgiveness spreads?

I choose love, I pray for redemption and I hope forgiveness will pour forth. This is the kind of thing that will stop you in your tracks and make you think and feel. It will tilt your heart and fill your mind with thoughts spinning out of control. Now is the time to stop and pray. People of faith, those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as Our Savior, know there are no accidents, that for every single thing that happens, there is a purpose. That the outcome of everything is already known by Him whom we serve. God is in complete control and “It All Belongs to Him.”

I am waiting on God. I will try to be patient as I watch and listen. I trust Him and Believe with all my Heart, Mind, Soul and all my Strength that His purpose will be revealed in His Time. And I will Pray. I will pray people who are filled with fear and driven by hate will be stilled. That those who want to throw buckets of fuel on a fire already out of control will be stopped. Prayer is powerful. Love is the Way. Christ is the Truth. The Bible is the Word of God and the only direction manual I need in this life.

I will protect myself with the “Full Armor of God.” I will Pray to be Filled with the Fruit of the Spirit. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and

Self-Control.

What will you do?

God Smiles and Frowns

I believe I will always be amazed how God works in my life these days. And I think I will always feel unworthy of His Blessings.

I pray in my car a lot. It’s a habit I’ve gotten into and has now become automatic. I pull away from my home and begin talking to God. It seems time gets away from me in my home and next thing I know, time to go and I haven’t prayed yet. I don’t even think He minds. Maybe He even likes that I pray while motoring. The other morning I was winding it down, this is where I kind of do a recap and is that weird or what. Anyway I finished with “and have a good day!” Immediately I started laughing out loud. How hilarious! Like God ever has a bad day. And then I started laughing even more thinking He must be laughing at me. I love it that I crack myself up. I hope I make God smile sometimes. What a wonderful gift that would be. To make our Heavenly Father smile or even laugh. You know, I don’t mind being crazy anymore. God has taken away my fears and worry about that. God is so Awesome!

The other night I was in turmoil, knowing I had to keep fighting and stand strong. But that evil human nature which I can’t kill, I can’t run away from, it grew. I could feel it getting stronger and I just wanted to give in, just surrender. So I did. I hate it when I disappoint God, giving in to a moment’s pleasure. Immediately followed by feelings of guilt and shame. When I go from possibly making God smile to making Him frown, and all in a 12 hour period. Cunning, baffling, powerful, do these words sound familiar? For me, this can refer to alcohol, and my evil human nature. So what can I do? I know what would have helped the other night but at the time I stubbornly shot it down. Get down on my knees and pray. Because God does care and He would have helped me stand strong and fight. If I had only asked Him in Prayer. Next time, there’s always next time.

A Higher Power

I went to an A.A. meeting one night and listened to a guy share his story. One for the books. He talked about Higher Powers. You see, many people in our fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous choose a higher power like a tree, the wind, a bonfire, and I guess even a door knob. I mention the door knob because I’ve heard a number of people mention it so someone out there must really have chosen this object as their higher power.

His share, especially the part about his higher power, touched my heart. We have the same one. GOD. God is in the big book of A.A. over and over again. This isn’t my humble opinion. It’s a fact I know to be true. I’ve read it and now I’m studying it with my sponsor, like a text. The very last paragraph of the big book is one sentence long and mentions God. The paragraph before this one mentions God twice and makes an incredible statement. One day, I shall read this, when called on, and then close the book with a loud snap. I have a really BIG big book because it’s in really big print. My home group, which is where I got sober so to speak, is in South Lake Tahoe. A number of people that go there do not like to hear others talking about God. In fact, one guy will get up and walk out. Naturally, I have trouble with this. Only because I think I should be able to mention my higher power without someone storming out of the meeting. He can talk about his tree or whatever all he wants, I'm not going to pout or leave if he does.

When I got home that evening I was inspired to write about higher powers. When choosing a higher power you must be very careful. Shall I elaborate? Happy to, in fact, I’ll do more than that. I’ll dig in real deep with a good strong shovel and put my back into it. I think I’ll do OK for an old broad.

A tree – Trees are beautiful, I love them, hugged quite a few over the years. Chestnut trees, Maple trees, all kinds of trees back in Michigan. Too many trees to list in Yosemite, Big Sur and right here in Tahoe. Trees make me smile, sometimes even laugh. The way they can grow, look like other things, and entangle themselves with other life growing close by. The downside. They can be cut down, a storm can take them out, lightning can strike them, they can burn up, be chopped, sliced, mulched … need I go on? I love trees. As a higher power though? I don’t think so. A gift from God which I will always feel Blessed with? Oh Yes.

The wind – Ahh the wind. I love the wind. Sometimes I’ll wake up and hear the wind. My first thoughts are, probably not a good day for kayaking but it might be a great day for flying a kite. When I listen to the wind howl, see the white caps on the lake or my kite shimmy and shake, once again, I feel Blessed. As a higher power though? The wind quickly changes direction, it stops just as suddenly as it blows in. The wind, I think, is another Blessing from God. I don’t believe in weather gods, friend of mine in IL does and he’s a priest. Go figure. As a higher power? If you’re out on a lake, in a sailboat, and the wind stops blowing, then your motor doesn’t work, you’ve no paddles, can’t get one bar on your cell … let’s move on.

A bonfire – oh yeah. I love bonfires; I mean love L U V. I get lost in them. Watching the flames dance, the coals glow, listening to the sounds they make, and feeling the warmth on a cold winter night. Love them. A higher power though? I can put this one out with one word. Water. Bonfires and alcohol, oh dear, I could tell a couple of stories here. They can do some damage, and I Thank God for Neosporin or I could show you some scars. Facial ones. I still love them. Another Blessing to me, a gift from God. A simple pleasure to enjoy. Next up.

A door knob – A good invention and a handy thing to have on a door. My preference however is swinging doors. I’ve always wanted some between the kitchen and living room. They’re fun, can’t be slammed, and you can go through them carrying lots of stuff. No knob to turn. Back to the door knob. It’s just too easy. Use your imagination. But wait, ever see the SpongeBob Squarepants episode where Patrick and SpongeBob order the really big TV because they want the box they know it’s going to be shipped in? Another one for the books. A door knob, imagine that. This has to be one of the worst choices as far as higher powers go. However, that is simply my humble opinion.

Now I think is a good time to talk about my Higher Power. God. My Heavenly Father can not be manipulated by anyone or anything. He is in complete control of everything. I can give all of my heavy burdens to Him and He takes them from me. He loves me no matter what. When I sin, I pray, I confess my sins, ask to be forgiven, and I am forgiven. When I feel weak, I pray and He gives me strength. When my heart aches, I pray, I cry out to my Lord for comfort, and usually, within moments I am crying tears of joy. When I feel I just can’t go on, I’m just too tired; He picks me up and carries me. He never gives me more than I can handle.

I used a lot of I and me words in that paragraph. God is there for everyone. Anyone who reaches out to Him. All you need to do is open your heart. Let Him in. You will be so very glad you did. Honest. I would not lie to you. I am not that type of person. I’m just a plain simple girl, living in this world. It can be a scary place to some these days. This may surprise you but I am not afraid. The news does not terrify me. I quit watching it. The newspaper articles do not break my heart anymore. I rarely read them. Now you may be thinking, oh I get it; you’ve buried your head in the sand. Not at all. I just don’t buy the propaganda anymore. Be afraid be very afraid people. Look what’s happened now. But don’t worry, we got your back. Sorry to tell you though, we have to take away some more of your freedom. We’ll need to tweak this and that which was written long ago.

It’s all gravy, Baby. Our government can do whatever they want to. As long as I have God in my life … it’s all good. It really is.

Have you thought about making some changes in your life? Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Do you ever feel like you just can’t go on anymore? Without Hope … I did, many times over the years. I thought long and hard about killing myself a few times. Came pretty close to following through a couple of those times. Want to know what happened? I prayed, God listened and saved me from myself. This last time that happened, I promised God I would never turn my back on Him again. I got baptized through my church and gave my life to Him. I am just a humble servant now. I’ve never been so happy.

Squirrels Getting Around Town

Yesterday I was out and about, and saw a few dead squirrels on the road. One I didn’t even recognize because he was on his side just his furry white belly was visible. My friend and I both said awww and I asked what it was. She said it was a squirrel, and it was his white belly I saw. We saw a number of “roadkill” on this particular day. I mentioned the coyotes would be eating good that night, one was a big raccoon. Then again they may not. Some people think it’s fun to run over dead critters, and will even swerve over on the road to run over it again, after it’s already dead. That’s why we see the really flat dead critters.

You may already know this but for those of you who don’t, I will explain how squirrels get around. The trees are their means of transportation. Imagine a thick forest with trees galore. A squirrel can travel very long distances and cover a huge area without touching the ground. In fact, many will come down to forage for food and that’s about it. A tad different when they live among us humans and there are many roads. It is really rare when they can cross a street by way of the trees so they have to actually run across the street.

Although squirrels are intelligent, they are limited, just like us. Maybe you are the type of person that thinks you know everything; I would not be so inclined to challenge you. Others would I’m sure. Anyway this isn’t about you, or I, it’s about squirrels. Too damn many dead ones. There I said it. Used a swear word too, for emphasis. It bothers me, a great deal.

A squirrel needs to cross the street, doesn’t look both ways but I think some have learned to listen for the cars, trucks and other vehicles. I have no idea why they do this and it puzzles me to this day. I’ve never been able to figure it out. Often times they will stop right in the middle of the street and just sit there or take a look see. Maybe they forgot which way they were going. Maybe they like the feel of the warm or hot pavement. I have no idea. But there they are sitting in the middle of the road. SPLAT! Another dead squirrel. What I wonder is, could the squirrel have been avoided? Or did the driver actually go out of their way to run it over? My brother saw a car load of people actually do this back in Michigan to a raccoon. He could hear them laughing, while driving behind them. Was the person driving way too fast because they were in a hurry to get somewhere and didn’t see it in a timely manner?

Hurts to admit this, but I am guilty of this very thing. I was late for an appointment and driving too fast down a side street. A squirrel darted out in the street and I hit him. I slammed on the brakes and looked in my rear view mirror. His tail was sticking straight up, twitching, then it went down. I sat there and cried, wanting to go look at it, see if it was still alive, suffering. I didn’t, I just couldn’t. I love squirrels. I was late for my appointment; it was at the Women’s Center for counseling. When I told my counselor what had happened she made some calls and we learned a couple of things. One place said, a coyote will get him off the road eventually. And another place, if you want to go back and check on it, touch the eyelid for a response.

They’re just squirrels after all. We have lots of them where I live. There is something else to think about though. Slowing down. If you are always in a hurry, always driving fast, are you enjoying life at all? When I see people in the spring flying down 50, either coming or going off the hill. Did they see one of the many waterfalls that are flowing this time of year? If you’re hiking in the woods, jamming up or down the trail, are you feeling Blessed by the beauty all around you? Are you scaring away any critters that just might bring a smile to your face? There is nothing wrong with taking time out for ourselves. We need to replenish. We can’t serve Him well without doing this. Think about slowing down. Enjoy life and remember to Thank God for all His Blessings. Oh and one final thing, children also dart across the street! Just some food for thought.

The Body

The body also referred to as the shell, a vessel, and so on. It is what others see, when they look at us. Others who look only with their eyes, not with their hearts. This aspect of the human condition often makes me a little sad. Sad because I’m guilty of this too.

Sometimes I will look at someone and see they are dressed to the hilt, looking sharp Woman! A Lady wearing a very expensive, completely coordinated outfit. Wow, you are looking really smooth Mister! A Gentleman wearing a very expensive, completely coordinated ensemble. Right away the old stereotypes kick in. Sometimes I’ll frown and keep moving on. Sometimes I’ll smile and keep moving on. You wouldn’t believe the thoughts that go through my head at this time. The silliest, stupidest, senseless and sometimes mean thoughts. It makes me sad to think these things because I know it’s wrong and unchristian like. Here’s the flip side of this particular coin.

Sometimes I will look at someone and see they are dressed in nothing special. Male or female dressed in something that doesn’t fit snug, match, or cost much. Maybe it was even free from the goodwill, Christmas cheer, or cost next to nothing from a wonderful place like the attic. I almost always give a big smile, attach a salutation of some kind and often will mosey on over and engage in a little conversation.

I’m prejudiced you see. Hurts my heart a great deal to admit this to myself and others but there it is. A little, unknown fact, which is my secret. It used to be a secret. You have my blessing to shout this from a mountaintop. Tell anyone you know. It’s good to get rid of secrets. Air them out and share them with others. Boggles the mind. How good it feels to get rid of some garbage.

There’s another secret that appears to be spreading like a wild fire across the land. It’s not really a secret. It’s a hook at the end of a line attached to a good strong fishing pole. I say it’s just bamboo, doesn’t even have a reel. The net among their equipment is full of holes. I bet you knew that.

All I need, all I want, all I desire, is this. Our Heavenly Father, the Bible and the church I belong to which has a ROCK solid foundation and a fellowship I used to dream of. That is a Blessing to me. These Blessings I have in my life are a gift from God. There is one more Blessing I need to add. I lead a clean and sober life today. Alcoholics Anonymous, the big book, and the fellowship I have found there is also a gift from God.

Would you believe I’m just a girl? Plain and simple, my clothes don’t match nor do they fit well. Happy beyond words and wear a smile often. I sing loudly in my car, and when I’m home will sometimes dance. I have fun and most of the simple pleasures I enjoy are free.

I’ll share another secret. This one may cost a little cash. Go and fly a kite. You can buy a cheap one and it’s a blast! Pray for a little wind, it’s OK to pray for that. Maybe God likes to watch His children fly a kite. I choose to think so.

Freedom of choice, that’s another Blessing we all have. Thought about choosing to let God enter your heart? Just some food for thought, I’m praying you were hungry when you read this.