For Those Of Us Left Behind

On September 28, 2015September 30, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, God is there, grief, grieving, music, trail running3 Comments

My cousin said some powerful words to me that I can’t explain how humbled I was by them. I had been thinking about writing this post since I wrote about my dad but other things kept popping in my head. I wanted to try to make sure I came up with the right words so I went for a nature run on a bike trail I had not ran in a few years to clear my head. As usual in these times I felt God telling me what to say, I just have to remember them, so I hope this comes out okay.

I had regrets when my dad died. That I didn’t visit him enough. That I didn’t this or didn’t that. That I would never see him again. My mom told me over the last few months before he died he was seeing a pastor and had given his life to God. That brought me a lot of comfort because I know I will see him again.

The first thing that came to mind is not everyone grieves the same. Everyone remembers their loved ones differently. The flood of memories that came back to me as I stepped on this trail were awesome. I remembered the first time I ran it and wondering what I got myself into. There are two six mile bike trails and this one is said to be the easier for bike riding so I chose it. It sucked. I tripped on roots three times and fell and got skinned up. By the way, the second trail is easier to run. I remembered when I brought Kim out here and how she hated it. She is a road runner, not a trail runner. I remembered running these trails when I was recovering from injury, because trails are softer than roads. I remembered when I fell one time and my key fell out of my hand and was lost forever. I looked for it for over an hour going back and forth over a 100 yard area and nothing. I had to walk to the nearest store and call Kim to come pick me up. All these things I remembered four years after I had ran this trail.

That brings me to memories of loved ones. How things come out of nowhere and hit you hard. I can hear my dad playing drums each time I hear Kylie playing his drums. When I want to feel him, sometimes I go play them. Not even 1% as well but I play. When I do everything I can to see Kylie play sports I remember the times dad couldn’t make our events because he was on the road. A song comes on that I haven’t heard in thirty years and I can remember asking my dad to play it on his drums. I remember him when I do the same stupid things to my kids that he did to me growing up. Things I said I would never do or say.

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I feel his presence just like I feel God’s. Sometimes it’s just in a butterfly that floats by out of nowhere. Sometimes it’s in gentle breeze on a breezeless day. Sometimes it’s when I mow the grass and I remember how he taught me to mow. Sometimes it’s when I go out to get the paper and I remember the times he drove me around on my paper route in the dead of winter so I wouldn’t be in the cold for an hour.

What did God teach me on the trail today? He taught me that there is a time for everything. A time to run and a time to walk. A time when the lush green of summer turns into the abundance of color in fall. He taught me for every time I went up that there would be an easier time just on the other side. He taught me that when I am lost and in the middle of nowhere He will build a bridge to help me cross.

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He taught me that sometimes old paths are made new for new memories. This picture is of a bridge that didn’t use to be there. It crosses a creek that I would have to run through to get to the other side. Now I can keep dry.

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He taught me that even on a long bridge when I feel safe and secure that sometimes rocks will come up and I will have to navigate over. He taught me that He is there to help me and when I overcome this set back that He will guide me back to where I am safe and secure.

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He taught me that if I trust in Him that He will carry me through these rough times. If He doesn’t carry me, He will take the obstacle out of the way for me.

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He taught me even out in the forest all by myself that He will send a reminder to me. How amazing that a butterfly flew in front of me and landed right beside me.

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He taught me that as I look back on the path behind me that there is still a path in front of me. That when I forget, which I often do, that He was there then, building bridges for me to cross, that He is here now and that He will be there on the path ahead. I must pick up my feet and continue forward.

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He taught me that, just like Jesus, my dad is here. He is in everything I do. He is at every sporting event. He is inside of me. He helped make me who I am today and I know he would want me to continue on. He is watching from the best seat in the house. That makes me want to be a better person.

Dear God,

I pray that you bring comfort to those that are grieving. I pray that you will send them a reminder that their loved ones are watching over them. A gentle breeze on a breezeless day. A butterfly out of nowhere. A rain cloud on a sunny day or a rainbow on a rainy day. Have a song come on that lets them remember. Most of all God, I pray that you help them take the next step forward. That you remind them that they will see their loved ones again. In your name, amen.

Best Seat In The House by the LoCash Cowboys-

Healing by Blessid Union of Souls –

About You by Soulidium-

Together Again by Janet Jackson –

Where I Belong by Building 429 –

A Father’s Love (Only Way He Knows How) by Bucky Covington –

He Weeps by Fireflight –

I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachlan –

Holes In The Floor Of Heaven by Steve Wariner –

Old King James by Scotty McCreery –

See You In A Little While by Steven Curtis Chapman –

There Will Be A Day by Jeremy Camp –

I’ll See You Again by Westlife –

Heart Headed Home by Scott Parker –

Wings Of A Butterfly by Jimmy Scott –

Before the Morning by Josh Wilson –

Trust by Matt Hammitt –

New, forgotten, unknown 9/25/15 – New Music Friday

On September 25, 2015September 25, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian, Christian life, country, music, new music Friday, pop, rock9 Comments

Some more amazing musician followers this week. I hope my sharing your music will get word out about your music. Please take time to listen/share/purchase the song I wrote with the wonderful Lily Messer and Ceylon Wise at the bottom of this page. Thank for the follows.

Speak by Foreverlin –

Forever In Pursuit by Ricki George Project –

How ‘Bout We Do That Tonight by Sim Balkey –

Memories Don’t by Emily Shackelton –

Flowers Fade by Jesus Army –

Thank You by Jesus Army – I used this for another post but wanted to put it here because I really love this song

The Light by Pedro Costa –

Some non-follower musicians this week that I listened to :

Yellow Boxes by Tyler Ward –

Glow In The Dark by Jason Gray –

Who Taught You How To Hate by Disturbed –

Ashes of Eden by Breaking Benjamin –

Bronco by Canaan Smith –

You Want A Battle (Here’s A War) by Bullet For My Valentine –

Unhappy by Jordin Sparks feat. Elijah Blake –

Your Night by ConFunkShun –

Hold My Hand by Jess Glynn –

What’s Not To Love by Native Run –

Love Will Conquor by Aaron Watkins –

While I Was Away by Pat Green –

and our song:

I Question You by Lily Messer –

Now on i tunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-question-you-single/id1018588943

Amazing How We Forget

On September 24, 2015September 24, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, do not worry about the future, Forget the past, live in the moment, music25 Comments

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Dear God,

First I just want to say thanks for this beautiful weather to end the summer and start the fall. I can’t even remember the last time it wasn’t sunny. In fact, it has been so nice I have almost forgotten about all the rain we had at the beginning of the summer. Isn’t that how you want us to live though? Forget the past, don’t worry about the future, live for today.

In this life I know I will have troubles but I keep pushing forward to the prize that awaits me. I am sorry God that many times I have been so caught up in the bad things in my life that I let them consume me. I complain about the rain but I know you will give me sunny skies in the near future. I get caught up in anger at the person that hurt me that I forget to forgive them and let you handle it. I close myself off because someone broke my heart and I forget that you made us to love. I see temptations all around me and when I fall for them and want to beat myself up that I forget that you sent Jesus to die for us so that I am no longer condemned.

I just want to thank you God for all the heartbreaks. All the times that I didn’t think I could go on but I picked myself up off the floor and I am stronger today for it. I wouldn’t love like I do now if I remembered all the hurt from the heartbreaks.

I want to thank you God for the pain. Thank you for making me strong enough to fight through it. Thank you for showing me there is a light at the end of the struggle.

I want to thank you God for the cold and miserable days. Without them I wouldn’t appreciate the warm sun on my face as much. I wouldn’t appreciate each season if they did not change (but I know at sometime I would like to live in a warm all year around climate).

I want to thank you God for letting me make bad choices. I can see the wisdom in my good choices because of the bad ones I have made. I have made some pretty bad choices. Thank you for giving me the sense of humor to look back at those choices and laugh now instead of living in regret.

I want to thank you God for the times I have lost. Whether it was in a sporting event, a job, a relationship, anything that I have lost. I would not appreciate the times I have won without those losses.

I want to thank you God for the ashes. I would not see the beauty of this world that you have made without the ashes.

Thank you God for the darkness. Thank you for the times I have been lost so that I could look for your light and find my way.

Thank you for the roads less traveled. They may not be the roads I would have chosen to travel on but I have learned so much more about me and about you on those roads. Who wants to be on the easy roads everyone else is on anyway? Less traffic on these roads you keep putting me on.

God, I want to say thanks for getting me out of my box and helping me share you. I know you will use what I write to touch someone just at the right time. I am sorry for the times I doubt myself and wonder if anyone is really reading them. That is not for me to worry about but for you to handle.

Thank you God for the battles you have won on my behalf. I know without a doubt that you have defeated the enemy for me without me even knowing I was being attacked.

Most of all I want to thank you God for loving me and accepting me just as I am. I don’t even want to think about the things I would do to be accepted by this world if that were not true. I know because you made me that I can just be me and not worry about needing others acceptance. Thank you for sending your son Jesus to die for my sins so that I could live free of guilt and shame.

For The Heartbreak by Downhere –

Thank God For The Pain by Big & Rich –

Beautiful Day by Jermaine Edwards –

No More by Josh Wilson –

I Can Just Be Me by Laura Story –

On My Own by Ashes Remain –

for more songs on Thanking God see my post Thank You God.

Cinderella and Forgiveness

On September 22, 2015September 30, 2015 By roberthansen1317In be true to yourself, Christian life, Cinderella, forgiveness, music6 Comments

We watched Cinderella, the movie, this past weekend. I haven’t seen the animated version in probably 18 years so it had been awhile. What I remember about it is just the simple story of Cinderella being mistreated by her step-mother and step-sisters. The prince searches for his one true love with only a glass slipper in his hand. She then finds ever-lasting happiness with the prince after trying on the glass slipper and showing him she is the one.

Maybe it’s because it was a movie (and not animated) or maybe it’s because I hadn’t seen it in so long. Maybe it’s because it varied a little from what I remember. Maybe it’s because of where I am with my walk with God that this movie had more of an impact on me.

I would consider this movie a Christian movie. The story of overcoming tragedy. The story of doing whatever you do with joy and doing it to the best of your abilities, no matter how mistreated you are. The story of being true to who you are, being true to yourself. The story of others pretending to be who they are not. The story of forgiveness.

I can relate the scene where all the prince’s men are searching the kingdom for the one who lost the glass slipper to God searching for us. God searching His entire kingdom for me, for you. For the ones that don’t know how great His love is for us.

One of my favorite scenes is toward the end of the movie. Cinderella looks into the mirror and the narrator says “there is no magic to help her this time. Perhaps this is the greatest risk any of us will ever take, to be seen as we truly are.” (I included this scene at the bottom.)

Love each other as we are. That’s how God loves each and everyone of us.

I don’t want to give away too much in case you haven’t seen it but I would highly recommend this movie. While you watch it, watch it through the eyes of a Christian.

Have courage and kindness and always believe in what could be.

Not forgiving someone is like you drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Non-forgiveness, hatred, anger will only destroy yourself.

It took me a long time to forgive but once I did my world changed. How many times have I needed forgiven? More than I count. What kind of person would I be if I chose not to forgive?

Is there someone you need to forgive today? Is that person YOURSELF?

I Forgive You Scene –

Losing by Tenth Avenue North –

Forgiveness by Matthew West – the story behind the song and the song live –

Forgiveness by TobyMac (feat Lecrae) –

Forgiven by Sanctus Real –

Forgiveness by Beckah Shae –

Forgive Me by John Waller –

Forgiven by Skillet –

Forgiven by Laura Story –

Forgiveness by Collective Soul –

Forgiveness by Chris Young –

Heart of the Matter by Don Henley –

All Has Been Forgiven by Mark Schultz –

Forgive Yourself by Downhere –

Come As You Are by Pocket Full Of Rocks –

Forgive Me by Nural –

Forgiven by Relient K –

Long Road To Forgiveness by Melissa Greene –

O God Forgive Us by For King and Country –

Steps of Faith

On September 21, 2015September 23, 2015 By roberthansen1317In All Glory to God, Christian life, Run For God, Steps of Faith, With God anything is possible1 Comment

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Run For God- preparing people to be better witnesses for Christ physically, mentally and spiritually. Physically by creating a healthier you and make it possible to reach a new demographic of non-believers-potential believers. Mentally by learning the discipline and endurance it takes to run the race set before us. Spiritually by learning always to give God the glory for all that we accomplish.

Yesterday we finished our 12 weeks of running for God. My wife led her first Run For God class at our church. She stepped out of her box and did a wonderful job. I helped out with the children. I tried to teach them a lesson each week on preparing for the race and endurance of being a Christian. In the end I think they just ran around playing hide and seek in the life center more than anything.

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12 weeks of studying what it takes to run the race as Christians. 12 weeks of building endurance to run the race. 12 weeks of getting to know other members and become friends with them. 12 weeks of having struggles, doubts and fear. 12 weeks of overcoming every obstacle in the way and achieving more than we ever thought we could.

Almost all the members of the class were newbies to actually running. Some ran years ago but had given up. Some had never ran at all. The first week we started off by jogging 60 seconds and then walk for 90 seconds and repeat for 20 minutes. The homework was to do this 2 more times during the week. We slowly increased this week to week where week two was 90 seconds jog, 120 seconds run for 20 minutes to the last class where we jogged for 30 minutes straight. It is always amazing to see the people that struggled in week 1 to jog 60 seconds actually jog for 30 minutes and how much confidence they have gained in themselves through this process.

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Throughout the weeks we learned about different types of running gear, shoes – not one size fits all, stretching the proper way, injuries and injury prevention. We learned about nutrition, proper ways to lose weight, staying motivated, running your race and what to expect during the race.

We watched videos and read inspriring stories from the Hoyt family, Ryan Hall, Edwin Moses, Gary Basher and many others. These stories told us about overcoming obstacles, fears, and doubts.

We read about how Jesus is the one who enables us to run at all. The race of faith takes us to eternal life through God’s wondrous hand. Stick to God’s plan and let God keep you on the path that leads to life. We learned that to be a runner, and a Christian, you have to have the right equipment, be determined, diligent, and focused. The Bible makes an incredible number of references to the sport of running, paralleling it to the lives of believers and the journeys of exhaustion, pain, and dedication that all Christ-followers must experience.

Instead of always asking God for what you want, try asking for a better understanding of what He wants. Sometimes we get so busy doing what we think God wants us to do that we totally miss God. Make time every day for the Lord even if it means sacrificing something else that you love- it will be well worth the sacrifice. Don’t lose focus of your goal, whether it is physical, mental, or spiritual. Keep your eye on the goal and don’t complain about the obstacles you have to go through to achieve your goal.

Our 12 week ministry ended with the Steps Of Faith 5k run/walk that our friend, Ben Reed, started 4 years ago. All race proceeds will support The Heinzerling Foundation and Bradley’s House of Hope, two organizations (one local & one global) working to engage & develop individuals with disabilities in a loving & nurturing environment. We had the largest turnout ever with over 400 people registering, I believe 8 different churches came together to run and share God together.

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Run For God does not end with the class. Many participants realize they can run and keep on going. Run For God is also a community outreach. I know several times have worn their Run For God shirts when running or shopping or … and people always are asking “what’s this Run For God thing?”. We also volunteer at water stations for other races such as Cap City, Emerald City, Nationwide Children’s 1/2 and marathon, Ohio State 4 miler, and many others.

Look for a church near you to join the next class. Can’t find one, start one. You will be amazed.

God gave us a beautiful day and an amazing race. I can’t tell you enough how amazing it is to see people cross the finish line who, 12 weeks earlier, were struggling to run for 60 seconds. The smiles at the finish line from everyone were truly inspiring. Several people asked, “What’s next? Can we keep meeting to run?”

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Know that what you choose to believe is what will remain until we change our mind. If you believe that you are defeated then you are. While you are focused on tomorrow know that God is already there working it out for you, so live in the present. Live each day believing you are victorious in every area of your life. Run for God. Live it. Love it. Teach it.

rfg end

Thanks Ben Reed, thanks Mitchell Hollis for starting Run For God and, most of all, thanks to God. With Him, anything is possible.

*some excerpts from Run For God by Mitchell Hollis

Ben Reed, Just Say Yes

Run For God, What’s It All About –

Run For God, 5k Challenge –

Run For God by Miriam and Sarah Burnette – Steps of Faith 5K Westerville Christian Church edition –

Kings and Queens by Audio Adrenaline –

Team Hoyt –

Ryan Hall, How Does Running Glorify God? –

Run For God Church of Messiah (where Ben Reed started it and where we learned about it) –

New, forgotten, unknown 9/18/15 – New music Friday

On September 18, 2015October 9, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian, Christian life, country, music, new music Friday, pop, rock1 Comment

Wonderful Things by Ryan Corn (directed by Joel Banta who also directed Shake by MercyMe and Words by Hawk Nelson) –

Wishing Well by Nicole Maguire (produced by Ken Caillat who has produce many hit songs, Fleetwood Mac, Colbie Caillat amongst many others in his 27 plus years in the business) –

Snowflake by Passport –

Difference by Rekoncyle –

The Motions by Color Theory (Brian Hazard) –

Blessed Be by Dan Dyer – a snippet from his new song

Never Be Alone by Brooks Dixon –

Drinkin Whiskey Alone by Kimberlee Shannon –

New music I have been listening to this week from non-followers. I try to put music on here that isn’t as popular but is that fair to the popular ones?

Fast by Luke Bryan –

History by Lauren Alaina –

High by Zella Day –

Hold On (The Break) by Walk Off The Earth –

Paper Doll by Bea Miller –

Pieces by Rob Thomas –

Let You Go by Grace Potter –

More No More by Matt Pond PA –

Lonely by Anderson East –

Love Broke Thru by TobyMac –

Not Going To Be Afraid by Finger Eleven –

and our song:

I Question You by Lily Messer –

Now on i tunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-question-you-single/id1018588943

Where Are You?

On September 17, 2015October 27, 2016 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, God, music, Questions for God, Where are you10 Comments

I walked through this town I love so much and couldn’t believe my eyes. Everywhere I looked the city was in ruins. Every corner had something else wrong. Every block I walked all I saw was confusion. I went into my favorite store and had to take a step back. Something wasn’t right.

The buildings were still there. The architecture as beautiful as ever. It was the people. They were all walking around like robots. No one smiled. They all had the same blank stare. What happened to them? It’s like they were all….lost.

I smiled at a child. She smiled back. The mom looked at me like I was trying to kidnap her child. I smiled at her also but only received a glare in return.

I pulled out my phone to see if I missed some news on what is going on. I looked on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but nothing. All I saw were pictures of people smiling. Posts about how great their lives were. Tweets about how happy they are. I looked up over my phone and didn’t see that.

I decided to reach out to the 87,654 friends/followers I have on social media. No one responded. I was getting concerned so I decided to text the 70 people in my contact list that I never call and talk to. Again, no one responded.

I decided to go get a hamburger and some fries and try to figure out what is happening. After I ate, I didn’t feel so well. Come to find out the hamburger I ate was laced with steroids and synthetic hormones that has caused hormonal cancer rates to rise. Then I found out this is banned in Europe, Japan, Australia and China but yet we serve it in my town.

I then decided to get something to drink. I couldn’t decide between Coke, Pepsi or Gatorade. I looked on the label and noticed all of them contained brominated vegetable oil. From my science days I knew bromine was used as a flame retardant. This builds up in our bodies and can cause nerve damage, memory loss, and other issues. This has also been banned in over 100 countries, including Europe and Japan but here it is in my town. I then found out that bromine is used in some of the breads I eat.

I see young children running around the streets like they don’t have a care. I see them getting what they want, doing what they want, taking what they want. Weren’t they taught to earn what they get? Weren’t they taught that sometimes waiting for something is better than getting it instantly? Where are the parents?

I stood on the corner and yelled as loud as I could “God, help me!” I knew God was here somewhere but I could not find Him. The corner across from me had people yelling “God does not exist. He is not here and never has been. There is no God.” I yelled right back. “My God is here. He does exists. He has always been here.” Next thing I know I am being told I can’t talk about God here. I protested and asked why can they say there is no God but I can’t say there is. I was told because they have the right of religious freedom.

It was time for me to take a walk. Try to clear my head. What was happening here?

God, are you there? Why are you allowing this to happen? Why is my town turning into this? Why are people hurting inside but pretend they are okay? Why are people doing wrong and don’t even act like it bothers them? Why, God, are you letting this happen?

God, where are you?

I ran and ran as far as I could. When I stopped I saw the most amazing bright light. I had never seen anything like it. A breeze picked up and I heard, “where are you?” I looked around but didn’t see anyone. Then I heard it again, “where are you?”

Then that voice said “I have searched for you. I have called out to you. I have rescued you from the depths of sin many times. I have forgiven you. Why do you hide in shame from me? Why do you run from me? Why do you only question me in the worst times of your life? Why do you not think of me in the best times? What is this you have done? Why are you here in this place? Who told you I wasn’t here? Who told you I didn’t love you?”

Then the bright light disappeared and was replaced with a mirror. I looked in the mirror and saw my reflection. I then only had one question to ask myself.

Where are you?

Never Alone by Barlow Girl –

Don’t Let Go by Josh Wilson –

Not To Us by Nichole Nordeman –

I Question You by Lily Messer (and me) –

In My Room by Thousand Foot Krutch –

Revelation by Third Day –

If I Could Talk To God by Alice Peacock –

Beer With Jesus by Thomas Rhett –

If I Talk To God by The Last Goodnight –

God Of This City by Chris Tomlin –

God Can You Hear Me by Tait –

The Opening Act of Spring by Frank Turner –

Temple Fit

On September 16, 2015September 17, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, drink water, fitness, Get fit, Made in His image, move, music, Temple Fit, the next phase of my life, We are the body4 Comments

I recently accepted the position at my church as Temple Fit Director. Amazing isn’t it, what God can do. An introvert like me now leading our church into becoming more fit physically. This is a volunteer position that I will find the time to do. I may have to blog a little less.

I have always done well no matter where I worked. I have always been promoted. I have always helped my teammates around me and had them get promoted – even though it always hurt me to lose my best people. I would go on vacation and my area would do so well without me that I would be moved into another area to get it straightened out. I attribute this all to God of course. The patience, wisdom, work ethic, and knowledge He has given me and how He has taught me to treat others.

I have always been respected and well-liked – by most. I actually have been trusted so much that when I left the company I am at now the second time they let me come in on Sundays and work by myself. My wife, who was a stay at home mom and watched other kids as well, lost a couple kids she was watching so we needed extra income. That is how much they trust me. Then they brought me back a third time and I am so glad they did.

This is the lesson boys and girls. A lesson that I learned from my parents and a lesson I have learned in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Watch what comes out of your mouth. Treat others with respect and dignity. When someone makes a mistake, walk them through what they did wrong in a calm manner and instruct them on how to do it right. Keep your promises. Be trustworthy. The only thing you have in this world is your word. Guard it with your life. No matter what else is going on around you, you control how you react and what you say. I have always given employees the opportunity to succeed, even when they didn’t want to. It’s amazing, not only at work but in life, seeing peoples faces when they do something they didn’t think they could do.

That’s also why at one job I had twelve people I trained be promoted to supervisors. The next closest person was two. My employees stayed with the company on average 10 months. The next closest average was 4 months. Don’t get me wrong, I have had some employees/employers try to take advantage of my leadership style only to find out the hard way. My last boss, 60-70 hour a week boss, couldn’t understand how I could get so many employees to do anything I asked them to do when he couldn’t. In the end he didn’t like the fact I didn’t talk – socialize- much, and that I stood up to him when no one else would so I left. He has called three times since I left asking me to come back.

I say all these things not to toot my own horn but to show you what can happen if you are a thoughtful, attentive, respectful, honest, open, trustworthy, decisive and conscientious. I can make a positive impact or a negative impact on someone. The choice is mine. I choose positive. Treat others the way God wants you to treat them, live the way God wants you to live and people will see it. Maybe not now, but it will pay off in the end.

I know that this introvert will not be able to lead an entire church of 1000 plus members to get fit without the amazing help of others. Our team already has some great ideas and will implement them and see where God takes them. I have been blessed to be able to motivate people. This however is a whole new ballgame. I know God will be with me to help others. One thing I have learned about fitness is to start small. Make small changes daily that will add up over time.

Maybe I will even get my wife to guest blog. She is in charge of our Run For God classes and running clubs. She is also a personal trainer and health coach. I will be relying on her a lot.

First step I will ask you today is quit drinking sodas and sugar drinks. Drink your water people.

How much water should I drink? Half of your weight in ounces is recommended. If you weigh 200 lbs, drink 100 oz. of water. Keep in mind you get some of this in foods you eat, especially in fruits and vegetables.

Run For God by Miriam and Sarah Burnette –

Running With God – motivational –

The Strength of God Resides In You – Motivational –

Soul On Fire by Third Day –

Life Is A Gift by John Waller –

Move by MercyMe –

Everybody Get Movin by Mr. Steve and Miss Katie –

Lift Me Up by The Afters –

Dear X, You Don’t Own Me by Disciple –

Page One by The Beautiful Refrain –

It’s Your Life by Francesca Battistelli –

Stronger by Mandisa –

Made To Love by TobyMac –

No Longer Slaves by Bethel Music –

Taking Life by We As Human –

Thank you for nominating me for Encouraging Thunder

On September 14, 2015September 14, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, encouraging thunder4 Comments

The Encouraging Thunder Award comes with very simple rules:

The nominee posts the Award on their blog and adds the logo.
Pay it forward by nominating others.
Mention your purpose for blogging and thank the person that nominated you; also add their URL to your post for ping back.

This is long overdue in responding but I am not good at promoting myself.

I started My God, My Music, My Life because I felt, and feel, like God was telling me the time is now. I have wrote things, songs, poems, short stories, etc, and usually just threw them away. I felt like I was letting God down by not speaking about Him, by not reaching out to the world and tell others about what He has done for me, and for all of us. I’m an introvert and I don’t talk much at all, even to my own family. I have always tried to let my actions speak for me and live the right way. Writing for me is a way for me to get the word out and still stay in my comfortable box, which I know with time I will break out of for I am already seeing the box open. I see God in everything and try to write about it. I believe music is a universal language. Everyone listens to some kind of rhythm, beat, words. I put it all together in one writing and I hope that my words and music encourages others. If my words don’t, at least I pray the music will.

I have to admit I don’t follow many other bloggers at this time. I want to follow others to read what they write, not to follow just to follow and unfortunately, there is only so much time in a day.

Don Merrit for the Life Project https://lifereference.wordpress.com. He has helped me learn so much more about the Bible than I could ever learn on my own. I love how he puts the bible together, how some passages parallel others in the Bible. i.e Revelation 20:22 and Ezekiel 37:48. There are far more but this is just one example. Thanks Don.
Pam Witzemann for Joy Indestructible http://joyindestructible.com/. She teaches me so much about finding joy in all circumstances. Look for joy and not happiness. For her life and to still experience joy in everything is an example we should all model.
J.D. Riso for Wish I Were Here https://julieriso.wordpress.com/. I have just started reading her but I love her stories and the places we go. I can picture myself where she is through her writing.

I thank Pam Witzemann http://joyindestructible.com/ for nominating me. God seems to always give her words to say to encourage me in my journey into this blogging world. Many times I have thought no one is reading this just to get a message from her at the right time. Thanks, Pam, it is truly an honor to be nominated but more of an honor to call you a friend.

You Are Welcome Here

On September 14, 2015September 14, 2015 By roberthansen1317In accept others, Christian life, God, music, welcome all, you are welcome in this place4 Comments

I saw the new couple enter the room. I immediately thought, c’mon, our group is fine. We don’t need a new couple here. We all get along so well now we have to get to know someone else.

I saw the new kid walking down the hallway of school. He had to be lonely and scared. Not knowing anyone. People staring. People whispering. He came from out west and didn’t look like us mid-westerners. I could’ve introduced myself, I could’ve said hi, I could’ve…

I saw the homeless outside the cafe where I was eating. It started to rain on an unusually cold September night. I saw them put the cardboard on top of their heads in a feeble attempt to stay dry. I could’ve invited them in to eat with me. I could’ve given them some relief from the cold, the rain, the hunger.

I saw her making all the wrong decisions. I saw her flirting with all the boys. I saw her wearing way too revealing clothes. I heard the other girls gossip and spread rumors. I knew her parents wouldn’t approve. I knew she was desperately just trying to fit in somewhere. She wanted to be accepted. I knew I could’ve said something.

I am constantly doing wrong. I am constantly not reaching out to love others who are not like me. I am constantly beating myself up for what I do. I constantly let shame keep me from doing the right thing the next time. I constantly doubt myself. I constantly question God on how He could love and accept me. Look at me!

I go to church on Sunday and sing Holy Spirit, You Are Welcome Here. I go to church and beg God to help me. Help me change God. Help me reach out to others. I pray that God will come into my life. I pray that He will make me strong and brave when I am weak and afraid

I drive to work Monday and complain about the stop lights. I finally get to work and complain about my co-workers. I go to work and complain about my job. I drive home and complain about the traffic. I get home and complain about my day. I complain about all the homework my kids have. I go to bed.

I didn’t think about God all day. I didn’t tell God He was welcome to be in my car as I drove to work. I didn’t tell God He is welcome at my work. I didn’t ask my co-workers to welcome God into their lives. I didn’t welcome God into my car on my drive home. I didn’t tell God He was welcome in my home. I didn’t tell God He was welcome into my family.

I went to church and sang Holy Spirit, You Are Welcome Here.

Will you accept God into all areas of your life? Will you accept others as they are and welcome them in your life? Is one easier to do than the other. Where are you at in welcoming God in your life?

First three are same song, different artists.

Holy Spirit by Jesus Culture –