When You Look In The Mirror

On August 12, 2015September 3, 2015 By roberthansen1317In bully, Christian life, dare to be different, music, positive role model, when you look in the mirror, words, world changer10 Comments

When my wife and I went through our troubled times a few years back, I wrote on the mirror – Who do you want to be today? It was a daily reminder that when we looked in the mirror, we had a choice that day to do the right thing and live for God or do the wrong thing. It was our choice.

It is your choice who you want to be today. Do you want to be a bully? Do you want to put others down and make fun of them? Do you want to make a change and make your corner of the world a better place? God gave us free will. He let’s us choose what we will do with this time we spend on this earth.

I don’t understand bullies. I don’t understand taking your frustrations out on someone that is weaker than you. Why don’t bullies pick on someone that can fight back? Unfortunately, bullies develop early in childhood. Some reasons are lack of love, lack of attention, they see their parents be bullies, they lack social skills, etc. Psychologists have determined that bullies are untroubled by anxiety, they have a strong need to dominate and derive satisfaction from their actions, they have little or no prosocial skills – they do not know how to relate to others. They also do not understand how little they are liked because their “friends” will encourage them, laugh with them etc when they do bully. I do know bullies are hurting also. They just don’t know how to express it. I do know that if they don’t learn how to that it affects them their entire lives, their relationships, their jobs, their kids. Both bullies and their victims can be affected the rest of their lives by their actions.

The cycle can be stopped. It must be stopped.

Parents need to understand it is not boys will be boys or girls will be girls. It is a call for attention, albeit the wrong kind. Unfortunately us parents fail to see or choose not to see bullying-not sharing, throwing their toys at others- when the child is younger, which only enforces their belief that it is okay as they get older. Then as they get older parents are so consumed with work, bills, soccer practice, band practice, etc that we talk to our kids but don’t carry conversations with them on what is going on in their lives.

My wife and I have tried to raise all our girls the right way but we are a blended family and didn’t always get to teach them right. Other circumstances, Kayhla’s mom leaving her for Florida, also threw in some wrenches. For the most part I would like to believe they stand up for what they believe in and try their best to help others. I know since Kylie has been with us from birth that she has been raised to have high self esteem, to be aware of how her friends treat her, etc. I know a few times she has had trouble with a couple girls that were mean to her and she tried to talk to and be nice to and when that didn’t work she asked the teacher to move her seat so she could do her work. She also asked to have a one on one meeting with one of the girls and her teacher to discuss the issues at hand.

I can tell you I have always stood up to bullies. Most of the time when someone came at me, I stood my ground. I have never been in a fight but I have never backed down. I can tell you one story at my last job where I was the transportation manager at a scrap yard where we have some unsavory customers. My boss, who was a bully, said we were going to work until five one Christmas Eve. We had always closed at one in the past. No one said a word, except for me and I said no. We work six days a week, if we work until five we will miss Christmas Eve services, we have family to see and it isn’t right and I won’t work and neither will anyone else. He didn’t like it but sent out an email asking for everyone else’s opinion. They all said he was wrong. We closed at one that day. Maybe I have just got lucky or maybe God has always been watching out for me but in my experience, if you don’t back down, they usually walk away (I know this isn’t always true though). I have also just walked away from people, sometimes you have to be the bigger person and just walk away. Each situation is different.

I would like to say I have never been a bully but I have. When my wife made some poor choices, I berated her constantly. I wouldn’t let it drop. I was a bully. I was hurt and I wanted her to hurt. I should’ve been more Christ-like. I am human though and I am sure at one point in our lives, most of us have done something that we would consider as bully behavior. Gossip, talking about someone behind their back, putting something on social media, anything that would hurt someone else. It is so easy to always look at the negative in people but everyone has good qualities also.

We have the power to build others up. Say something nice. It doesn’t take much to say nice job on that test, you did a good job on that project, nice to see you today, anything positive that comes from the heart and is genuine.

I wouldn’t want to be the one that caused someone else to hurt themselves or even commit suicide. I don’t know how I could ever look at myself in the mirror if I did.

Again, I don’t think my words came out like I wanted them to but I hope God uses them to touch someone on this issue. You can make a difference. Be a positive role model.

When you look in the mirror will you feel good about yourself? Did you help or did hurt today? Today our mirror has on it God, Trust, Pray, Believe, Hope, Faith. It is our choice that that is who we want to be.

Teen bullying –

Reverse the Trend by Reverse Order –

Mean by Taylor Swift –

Hopeful by Bars and Melody –

Face Down by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus –

Hey Bully by Morgan Frazier –

Because of You by Kelly Clarkson –

Words by Hawk Nelson –

Speak Life by TobyMac –

I Hate Hate by About A Mile –

Dare To Be Different by Rachael Lynn –

Breathe Me by Sia –

Build You Up by Kim Taylor –

Mean Girls by Rachel Crow –

Stand Up by Mike Tompkins –

Even Though I Say by Saint Asonia –

Bully by Shinedown –

Bully by Three Days Grace –

Small Town by Thousand Foot Krutch –

Fight Song by Rachel Platten –

Somethings Gotta Give by All Time Low –

Burn Bright by Natalie Grant –

Made To Glow by Shine Bright Baby –

World Changers by Matthew West –

World Changers by Audio Adrenaline –

Man In The Mirror by Michael Jackson –

Who You Are

On August 11, 2015August 11, 2015 By roberthansen1317In bully, Christian life, love who you are, music, who you are2 Comments

You are who you are and who God made you to be. You are not what others say you are. I know it is difficult to drown out the voices but there is only one voice to listen to. I know it is difficult and think these times will never end but they will get better. I wish I could say the cliques of high school end but in reality they do not. People grow up and they do mature but there will always be the jock, the geek, the beautiful, the reclusive, the invisible and the rebellious.

I think God made me to be all the above in one. I am athletic. I run and played team sports but I was never the best. I am a geek. I like superheroes and I like to read. Even though I don’t always think so a lot of people have said I am attractive. Some girls called me Handsome Hansen. Lol. I am reclusive. I am an introvert. I could spend days by myself if I could. I am rebellious. I have stood toe to toe with my boss when he was wrong. I have stood up for what is wrong. I have had people ask me to speak up for a group of employees because they knew I wasn’t afraid to go against my boss. Growing up I was more of a popular kid but I also hung out with all the above cliques. It made me more rounded as a person but it also, in my opinion, led me to not have any close friends. When you are friends with all, you can’t be a best friend to one. That’s my story, what is yours?

Do you like who you are? I’m not talking about how you look. God made each of us in His image and He made you who you are. God has used shy people, people with speech impediments, people that didn’t think they were good enough. God has used people with no legs and no arms to change the lives of thousands of people. He has used them to lead congregations, lead churches, lead nations. I am talking about how you are on the inside. Do you hate other people, do you pick on other people, do you follow others even though you know what they are doing is wrong, do you hold resentment to those that hurt you, do you seek revenge, do you forgive, do you love your enemies, do you do the right thing even if no one else will, do you stand up for the least of us? Please watch this video before you continue reading.

Nick Vujicic – yes I posted this yesterday also but it is worth watching again

I know things are more difficult now than when I was younger. Maybe I had my books knocked out of my hand or I was pushed against a locker but nothing crazy. I wasn’t really picked on nor was I a bully. I guess you could say I was just there. It wasn’t like today where social media allows you to be bullied 24/7. I know it is easier said than done but try to ignore it. The people that are bullying usually have more issues than you do. The jock that looks like he has it all together could really have issues with anxiety, trying to perform well all the time, their parents could be constantly pushing them to perform to get that scholarship. The beautiful cheerleader could have self-esteem issues. She always has to look good, watch what she eats, even have an eating disorder. Someone’s parents could be getting a divorce or fighting all the time so they take it out on you. The point is no one is perfect. We all have issues. It is how you react to those times that make you who you are.

I was cheated on, several times, because I am the nice guy. I don’t talk enough or I may not be exciting enough. I could’ve went off and seriously hurt or killed the other people or even hurt myself but in the end, I know who I am. I know God will take care of things in His time. I know the tormentors will end up being the tormented.

Suicide is not the answer. No matter how old you are. In 2013 the rate was 12.6 deaths per 100,000 people. Falling only to cancer and heart disease as the most deaths in the United States. In 2013, adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 had a suicide rate of 10.9. Surprising to me was that the highest suicide rate (19.1) was among people 45 to 64 years old. I guess mid-life crisis, loss of jobs, divorces, depression for those in my age group. Like I said, it may not get better as you get older but you must find who you are and be happy with who you are.

Suicide prevention info : Hotline Numbers: 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255Crisis Text Line: Text “LISTEN” to 741-741

I saw an excellent movie also called To Write Love On Her Arms which is also an organization that can help.

One day, at your 10 or 15 or 20 year reunion you will see what I mean. The star quarterback could be bald and gained 50 lbs. The beautiful one may not be so beautiful. The plain girl is now the beautiful girl. The shy guy is now a CEO at a Fortune 500 company. The overweight person could now be a model. You never know what your future holds, only God knows the future and He has great plans for you. Be patient and wait for Him. If you aren’t ready for Jesus yet, find a positive role model. Find someone who lives selflessly. Find someone who is happy with who they are. Message me. I will help to the best of my ability. Surround yourself with positive people. It is the people you surround yourself with that you will be associated with.

Jesus was rejected by humans but He will never reject you. Look at the next few inserts.

Parents, you play a part in this also. Raise your kids to have self-esteem. Build them up. They don’t have to be the best but teach them how to love themselves and appreciate the abilities they have, not to worry about what they don’t have.

Kids, don’t spend all your time on social media. Don’t believe the lies people say to make themselves feel better. Have you ever seen some of these super models without make up? Sure they look gorgeous on the magazines but in real life not so much. Kurt Warner wasn’t drafted out of college. He knew who he was and worked hard and didn’t believe that he wasn’t good enough. He became a league MVP. Michael Jordan cut from his basketball team. Tom Brady drafted in 6th round. Six quarterbacks were thought to be better than Tom Brady. None of them are in the league or made much of an impact when they were. Did he listen that these guys were better than him? Believe in yourselves. You are so much more than what others think you are. You are loved and accepted.

Watch The Breakfast Club. Even though it is just a movie, it is right on the mark. We are all going through the same things.

This week on Girl Meets World, Girl Meets Yearbook, also dealt with knowing who you are. People are always going to say things but how you react defines the person who you are. See how God works, right when I was going to write on this topic there it is for me to see.

I apologize for the length of this but it is something I truly believe in. If everyone taught their children to have high self-esteem and these children believed in themselves, there would not be nearly as many bullies, suicides, harming oneself, and lack of doing the right thing in this world.

You are loved and accepted, you are precious and cherished. You are not your mistakes or who people say you are. Believe in yourself.

Who You Are by The Unspoken –

You Are More by Tenth Avenue North –

Who You Are by Jessie J –

Exhale by Plumb –

Be Somebody by Thousand Foot Krutch –

Who Am I by Casting Crowns –

Let It Go by Idina Menzel –

Echo by Jason Walker –

Remind Me Who I Am by Jason Gray –

Last Night by Skillet –

Baby Don’t Cut by B-Mike –

Dark Enough by Amanda Lopiccolo –

Scars by SayWeCanFly –

Goodbye I’m Sorry by Jamestown Story –

Saving You by Chris Ganim –

He Knows by Jeremy Camp –

All About The Bass by Meghan Trainor – I didn’t like this song at first then I really listened to the lyrics and how it was about self esteem –

Who Says by Selena Gomez –

Skyscraper by Demi Lovato –

Beauty in the Broken by Hyland –

One Day by Charice –

Unity by Shinedown –

Every Bit of Lovely by Jamie Grace –

Firework by Katy Perry –

High School Never Ends by Bowling for Soup –

High School by SuperchicK –

Let Me Win, But If I Can’t Win

On August 10, 2015August 28, 2015 By roberthansen1317In athletes, best of what you have, Christian life, do your best, I can, music, special olympics, the least of these5 Comments

The motto of the Special Olympics is “Let me win, but if I can not win, let me brave in the attempt.” With 6,500 athletes and 2,000 coaches representing 165 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games will be the largest sports and humanitarian event this year.

This past week I took the time to watch the Special Olympics World Games. Something I have never done before. After watching these athletes compete and hearing some of their stories, I am truly inspired. From the outside most of them don’t look like the rest of us, but on the inside most of them are better than the rest of us.

One athlete said I don’t worry about what I can’t do, I do the best at what I can do. I have gained confidence in myself. Confidence to push myself to the limits to be the best I can be. I do the best with what I do have and I don’t worry about what I don’t have. I could sit around all day and do nothing but what is the fun in that. The American Dream is about working hard and doing the best you can.

How many of us are so consumed and worried about trying to have more, trying to keep up with the Jones’s, trying to get a bigger house, faster car, a better spouse that we lose track of what we do have. I had a smaller house that I grew up in and I never thought it was small. It was all we needed. The average home in 1970 was 1523 square feet. In 2013 it was 2384 square feet. Adjusted for inflation, the prices of these homes today cost 32% more than they did 35 years ago. What could we all do with less? Less house equals less house payment equals less stress, less cleaning and less distance between others in your house. We don’t have to have bigger, better, more of this world. What could we all do with more money, more freedom, more joy, and more time with loved ones. Whether it is your job, your house, your car, your spouse, or your abilities be content with what you have and do the best you can with that.

Another athlete finished first in the 100 meter dash and second in the 200 meters. In her interview she said it’s okay, you don’t have to be first all the time. The most important thing is being a good sport and cheering on your teammates. This is the same athlete who is also battling cancer but quit her treatments so she could compete in these games.

Are you always trying to be first and when you don’t do you get upset? Do you forget how lucky you are just to be able to compete? Do you remember your coaches and teammates that helped you get to where you are? When another teammate messes up do you help pick them up or do you kick them when they are down?

Another athlete said he has to practice, do the hard work and have the dedication to try even when he doesn’t feel like it. He has to be consistent in his training. Then I know win or lose, I did my best today.

How many of us say I can’t run, I can’t eat healthy, I can’t find time for my kids, instead of saying I can and I will find a way. I can’t is a powerful phrase. It makes the possible impossible. However I can is even more powerful. Once you get it in your mind that you can, you will. My wife said she can’t run a marathon. Then we would watch The Biggest Loser and watch the contestants turn their I can’ts into I can and run one. She ran her first marathon and now feels silly for all the times she said she couldn’t because now she can and she does.

Appreciate your uniqueness, appreciate your haves and don’t worry about your have not’s. No matter what you do go all in and don’t give up. It may take time but you will reach your goals. All of us have a light inside us. All of us has a power that can’t be extinguished. Will you let your light shine?

Don’t let your first impression be your last impression. Get to know someone and you may be surprised how much they can make you a better person.

Reach Up By O.A.R feat. Cody Simpson – theme song for the Special Olympics

Fly by Avril Lavigne – for the Special Olympics –

Rise Up – Special Olympic Closing Ceremony Film –

Never Give Up –

God’s Will by Martina Mcbride –

We Can Do It by Geoff Levin –

Along The Way by Tylee Ross –

Special Olympics through the eyes of the athletes –

The story of Tim Harris –

Nick Vujicic –

Share the Journey –

You and I by Tania Fiza Rozlan –

New, forgotten, unknown 8/7/15 – New music Friday

On August 7, 2015August 7, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, music, new music FridayLeave a comment

I can’t believe it is August already. Some new musician followers this week to give a shout out to. Thanks for the follows. Once school starts next week I will try to do a special blog about some authors that follow me. I would like to read their books first but I don’t have that much time in a day. I appreciate everyone that follows me. I pray God will use the words He gives me to bring others to Him.

Please share our song at the bottom.

Victory In Jesus by Kristeen Nicole Gillooly –

He’s All Around by Christiana D’ Amore –

Rising Flames by Last Chance City –

Pi by Ari Zizzo –

If The Sun Burned Out (album Preview) by Above Stars –

Fall Into The Sea by Resistant Hearts –

Here Before by Reverse Order –

We Will Not Be Shaken by The Keirls –

Show Me The Money by Lux Lisbon –

Our song:

I Question You by Lily Messer –

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

Today Was A Good Day

On August 5, 2015August 5, 2015 By roberthansen1317In be happy, Christian life, good day, music, rejoice in the day God has made, Today was a good day, water park, zoo3 Comments

Because of Kylie’s attitude and personality I don’t think she has had many bad days. I can’t tell you how awesome it is though when she looks at you and says “today was a good day.” She says it quite often but it never fails to make me smile.

Today was one of those days. We went to the Columbus Zoo for about an hour then went to Zoombezi Bay. I had the girls we watch with us since Kim is in Florida. We did water slides, wave pool, lazy river, and the kids area. It was a beautiful, sun and fun filled day. It wore Kylie out because she fell asleep within minutes of getting in the car.

It got me thinking. How many good days have I had? Days where at the end I said “today was a really good day.” I can’t really think of too many. Today was definitely a good day but then I think I have so much to do when I get home. Kim is going to kill me if she sees the house like this when she gets home. Today was a good day but I have to go back to work tomorrow. Today was a good day but…. why do we let ourselves ruin a good day. Why can’t we just enjoy the moment, enjoy the day God has given us and not worry about other things.

I could have 99 things go right at work but when Kim asks me how my day was I complain about the one thing that messed my entire day up. Seriously, it might have been a problem that took ten minutes of my day to resolve but I fail to mention the rest of my good day. It was a good day until….

How many times have we been enjoying a day with the family then work calls and just ruins everything and puts you in a bad mood. I used to work for a boss that was like that. I worked 60-70 hours a week and then he would call on my day off or call at nine at night. I can’t tell you how many times he called on a Saturday night, after just seeing me all day Saturday, to say I don’t like how you did something, we will talk about it Monday. I would say what is it and he would say we will just talk about it Monday. Then why are you calling me on Saturday night. Then I would worry all day Sunday on what he was going to say, if I still had a job or what and not enjoy my time with my family. Monday would come and he would forget what he wanted to talk to me about but I let it ruin my good day with my family. I don’t work there anymore. My family and my life are more important than money. I have never been happier.

When Jesus was on the cross do you think He was thinking, this is a really bad day? Did the disciples think it was a bad day? I don’t know what they were thinking but I now know that three days later was the best day in history. It was the day God had made to save us from our sins and death was defeated.

Next time you think you are having a bad day, count your blessings. Think of the things that went right. I bet more times than not you will have more good than bad happen. If by chance your day did totally stink, go home and be thankful you have a home to go to. Eat dinner and be thankful you have something to eat. Tuck your children in and go to bed and be thankful your family is safe. When you wake in the morning thank God for another day. Thank God you can get out of bed on your own. Thank God you are at home and not in a hospital.

Choose joy, not happiness. Choose to be thankful, not ungrateful. Be content. Never stop praying.

Today choose to have a good day.

Today was a good day!

CAM00374

I made this video then realized I didn’t have enough pics of “today” to make the entire video so I had to include other good days. I started to think I wish I had taken more pics but then I wouldn’t have been in the middle of all the fun so I have the other pics in my head.

It’s A Good Day by Hilary Weeks –

We Are by Big Time Rush – just because I forgot them on Date Night post, I later added a song by them, and it is Kylie’s fav band. I think we saw them in concert 5 times.

Good Day by Ron Pope –

Good Day by J Moss –

Good Day by Jewel –

Pretty Good Day by Lonestar –

Good Day To Be Alive by Jason Gray –

Good To Be Alive by Skillet –

Best Days of My Life by Jason Gray –

Best Day by Taylor Swift –

Best Day of My Life by American Authors –

Happy Day by Tim Hughes –

Today Is The Day by Lincoln Brewster –

Good Life by One Republic –

My Greatest Day by Bowling for Soup –

Wonderful Day by OAR-

Happy by Pharrell Williams –

Best Day Ever from Spongebob –

Date Night

On August 4, 2015September 25, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, connect, date night, daughter date night, lessons learned, music, quiet time7 Comments

Lessons we all can learn from my daughter. She is wise beyond her years.

CAM00325

Since my wife is in Florida, Kylie wanted to go out to eat. While the cat’s away, the mice will play is what we say. We don’t eat out much, mainly to save money but we also eat healthier at home. My wife is a personal trainer and health coach and she is an excellent cook. We eat a lot of healthy meals but we will still have pizza and other not so healthy foods occasionally. We even have had some meatless weeks. Try it. I feel so much better after the week of having no meat.

Kylie said she wanted to try buffalo wings since she has never had them. I said, “so do you want to go to BW3’s?”

Lesson 1:

She said “no, that’s more like a bar and it is too noisy. I want to go somewhere where it is quieter and we can talk.”

Hmmm. That kind of floored me. Someplace quieter so we can talk. That’s something we as adults don’t do enough of. At least I know I don’t. It also reminds me my wife and I do not go out enough to just spend time with “us”. We need to work on that.

We decide to go to TGIF’s because of endless appetizers. Mom would NOT approve. Kylie orders the buffalo wings, Memphis bbq style. I order the smoke-stacked burger and fries. (1800 calories in one meal. I had water to drink. It was good but not worth about 10-12 miles of running I would need to lose those calories.)

We start to talk and I text Kim to tell her what we ordered and Kylie says “give me your phone.” I thought she was going to text her mom also but no, she puts it on the outside of the table.

Lesson #2

She then says “no more phone during dinner.” I did use it to take pictures though. How many times have we gone out and spent the entire time on the phone and ignoring our families. The few times we have gone out to eat we are amazed of all the people doing this. We went out to dinner for our anniversary and there was a grandma with her two grandchildren and from the time they sat down, ordered the food, and then got the food, she was on the phone and her grandchildren were just sitting there doing nothing. How sad that in this world we choose to be connected to our phones, to sports scores, to news, to work -when we are off work- that we neglect the ones we should be connecting to. I’m not perfect. I have done it also. Next time you go out to eat make the no phones during dinner rule.

What did we talk about? We talked about our summer, school starting, the upcoming football season, and God. We talked about her being baptized soon. She wants to finish reading Discovering Jesus before she gets baptized. She has once chapter left then review. She said she does not want to do it in front of the entire church on a Sunday so we will need to schedule another time. I told her that’s what I did also.

Kylie eats plate #1 and gets plate #2. I believe she ate 11 or 12 of the 18 wings. When did she start putting food away like that? Plus she ate the celery (“because mom would be mad if I didn’t eat some vegetables.”) I guess we are all allowed a cheat day. It is when we do it every day that we gain weight, become unhealthy and start a downward spiral to health problems. Mom did not approve of our dinner.

We then come home and head up the stairs for Kylie to take a shower. As we are going up the stairs she says “I feel like a fat cow. I can’t believe I ate all that. My body is definitely not liking me right now.”

Lesson #3

Recognize when you have done something you shouldn’t. Whether it is eating too much (or not enough), or not exercising (or exercising too much), or drinking too much alcohol, pop, sugary drinks (and not drinking enough water) or whatever it may be. One extreme or the other. Recognize it and make a vow to yourself that you will remember this and not do it again.

“I think I ate too much.”

In summary: find someplace quiet to talk and talk, put away your phones and connect to the humans in your life, and recognize if you have gone to one extreme or the other and correct it. Break bad habits and start new ones.

Bonus lesson :

When you cook, or do anything, together, don’t leave the other person to clean up the mess. In case you were wondering, I am not the one that left the mess for someone else to do.

From our third night without mom.

These are some of Kylie’s favorite songs:

Diamonds by Manafest –

Til I Forget About You by Big Time Rush –

Eyes Wide Open by Sabrina Carpenter –

My Lighthouse by Rend Collective –

Lift Your Head Weary Sinner by Crowder –

Blood Brothers by Luke Bryan –

Somebody by Bridgit Mendler –

Runnin Outta Moonlight by Randy Houser –

I Need A Miracle by Third Day –

Fight Song by Rachel Platten –

Southern Comfort Zone by Brad Paisley –

Had Me At Hello by Olivia Holt and Luke Benward –

and some daddy/daughter songs

Daughters by John Mayer –

You’ll Be In My Heart by Phil Collins –

Daddy by Beyonce –

Walk With You by Edwin Mccain- this is more a wedding song but it can also be the slow sweet walk from baby to adulthood

I Remember

On August 3, 2015August 3, 2015 By roberthansen1317In alz.org, Alzheimer's Disease, Christian life, forget, God, hope, memories, music7 Comments

Growing up I always felt like I had a photographic memory. If not, I think it was pretty close. School was pretty easy for me and I hardly ever had to study because I could remember a lot. I know I didn’t have a true photographic memory because I did struggle in some classes, geometry for one. I did have a pretty good memory though.

I remember the one and only home run I ever gave up. It was in little league. I still remember how I felt. I knew as soon as it hit the bat it was going to go far. I think that 35 years later it is probably still be going. That’s how hard it was hit.

I remember the cold and snowy day my parents told my brother and me they weren’t going to get a divorce. I don’t remember knowing they were getting a divorce but I remember when they said they were staying together.

I’ve never been able to remember quotes from movies. I remember a lot of music though. I can’t memorize a bible verse. I know the gist of the verse and can look it up but to say Romans 1:8 or John 2:9 says this, I can’t do it. I can remember who my favorite athletes were growing up and most of their stats.

As I have gotten older, I still remember most things, except where I put my car keys. Strangely enough, I seem to forget a lot of things my wife asks me to do also. I catch myself forgetting some things though. I don’t think I would remember anyone’s birthday without Facebook. Phone numbers, forget it. I can barely remember mine but I blame that more on technology and not having to memorize them like we had to do when we were younger.

I worry about our younger generation. It doesn’t seem like they have to use their brains like we used to. Technology has let them not memorize things because they are stored in their devices. They can do an entire research paper from their laptop. When we had to go to library and get 3-4 books and read and translate it to paper and proofread it etc, our brains had to think. Now it’s copy and paste, proofreading is done for them – as long as the right word is used (red vs read, two vs too, etc.) There is not a computer that would correct that, it takes making your brain think about what you are writing.

The brain is a funny instrument. If you don’t use it, you can lose parts of it. Just like any other muscle in your body, it will deteriorate with time if you don’t use it. Challenge your brain, try memorizing phone numbers. Try doing brain game puzzles and thinking games. Keep alert.

I am writing this today because my wife is currently in Florida taking care of her mom who was recently diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. Her mom is having some depression because of it. Her mom passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease. Medicine and technology have came a long way since then but there is still no cure. Kim is also worried for her future since this seems to be hereditary. I pray that she cast her anxieties, worries and fears on you God.

I just can’t imagine what people with Alzheimer’s Disease go through. Forgetting how to do simple tasks, forgetting who your spouse, your children are, forgetting where you are or not remembering how to get home. I do know that God is always with you and He will never forget who you are. He knows what you are going through and I pray you will remember the peace that God can bring.

Dear God, I pray that You will comfort Pat as she begins this phase of her life. You know what she is going through and I pray that You will bring her comfort and peace in her times of confusion. I pray that she will find rest in Your arms. I pray for her husband Frank that You will give him strength and patience during this time. I pray for Kim and all her siblings that they know You are there and that You are walking beside their mom. I pray You are with all the grand-kids as they learn more and try to understand what is going on. In your name, amen.

I love you Meme.

For more information on Alzheimer’s Disease please visit alz.org or call the helpline 1-800-272-3900.

Could I Have This Dance by Anne Murray – Mom and Frank’s song

Grandpa Tell Me About The Good Ole Days by The Judds –

You Carry Me by Moriah Peters –

Just Be Held by Casting Crowns –

Shoulders by For King & Country –

I Am by Crowder –

Words I Would Say by Sidewalk Prophets –

Healing Hand of God by Jeremy Camp (devotional video) –

Hope Now by Addison Road –

I Will Remind You by Brian Asselin –

Sometimes by Charlie McGettigan –

I Will Remember For You by David Michael Mainelli –

That’s How I’ll Remember You by David Nail –

I’m Not Gonna Miss You by Glen Campbell –

Where’ve You Been by Kathy Mattea –

Remember Me by Chris Mann –

From His Window by John Smith (musicians for a cause) –

Let Go by Dewayne Woods –

Mighty To Save by many but this one Laura Story –

House That Built Me by Miranda Lambert –

This Is The Time by Billy Joel –

New, forgotten, unknown 7/31/15 – New music Friday

On July 31, 2015July 31, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, music, new music, new music FridayLeave a comment

A few more new musician followers this week to give a shout out to. Think if this keeps up I might have to start doing two of these a week. Thanks for the follows. Don’t forget to check out our song on the bottom and feel free to share it.

Tate Olsen- cellist for Skillet –

Raised By A Good Time by Steven Lee Olsen-

Never Walk Away by Sleep Signals –

Transformed by Survivor Q –

Star in Your Car by Genny Sokoli –

No Distance by Those Among Us –

When You’re Not Looking by Alyssa Mae –

Good People by Silvertrain –

Let’s Make It Last by Michael Danielson –

Rise Up by Cenacle –

Final Seconds by Lord (Andy Dowling) –

Call My Name by Melancholic Metamorphosis –

Our song:

I Question You by Lily Messer –

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

How Satan Works vs How God Works

On July 30, 2015July 30, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, devil, devil is a liar, God, music, persecuted, Who will you followLeave a comment

My God, My Music, My Life

I am trying to spend more time with the family since school starts back in a few weeks. Where did this summer go? Seems like just a few days ago I wrote 23 days down, 59 days to go and now we are on the short end of those 59 days left. The devil lied when he said I had more time.

That leads me to thinking about all the lies the devil tries to get us to believe. Have you heard the saying “man plans, God laughs?” Meaning of course that God is in control of all our plans. What about the man falls for devils lies, deceptions, and trickery and the devil laughs harder. Probably not since I just made it up but can you picture it? Devil tricks us into sinning then laughs so hard he falls out of his chair because he got us again. When…

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How Satan Works vs How God Works

On July 30, 2015September 25, 2015 By roberthansen1317In armor of God, Christian life, devil, devil is a liar, God, music, persecuted, Who will you follow1 Comment

As many of you know I have been trying to raise $2000 to finish our cd. The devil knows that God will use my words and music to change someone. All it takes is for one person to change and the devil is defeated. This is how he tried to defeat me but I won’t allow him. My wife’s car broke down and we had to fix it. Cost $1430. My wife’s laptop then decided it would rather be a coaster than a computer. Since she needs it for her business we had to replace it. Cost $600. Do you think it’s a coincidence that when I could use $2000 to spread Gods word I get hit with $2030 in bills?

The devil will not faze me though, maybe in the past he would have but not now. God has had many people listen to the song and send me positive thoughts on it. I have many musician twitter followers so maybe God will plant the seed in them to collaborate with me. I don’t know God’s plan but whatever it is, it is good and it will happen in time. I just have to be patient. I waited five years to get this first song out so… I know it will happen when God says it will happen.

We then get the opportunity to sign with a label in Columbus where I don’t have to worry about the costs and the devil throws another wrench at me. Lily says she isn’t for sure at this point in her life if she wants to pursue music as a career. She loves to sing and worship and she has a lovely voice but she is afraid that singing as a career might take the fun out of singing. Plus she is 19 and in college and is still figuring out her life. The old me would be discouraged and quit writing and give up, just what the devil wants.

The new me says ok God, one door partially closes, I will wait for another to open. Maybe it’s one of my new musician friends, maybe it’ll be Lily at a later time if God puts it on her heart. I totally understand Lily’s thoughts and I pray that someday, whenever that day will be, she will see what an impact her voice can have on people. Until then, I will keep writing.

The devil says see, I told you you weren’t good enough. No one is even reading your stuff. You are just wasting your time. Go do something else. Fly a kite, twiddle your thumbs, whatever. Anything would be better than doing what you are doing. Put your thoughts out there and no one even reads them. Ha you are a joke.

God then has someone from Cambodia or Ireland or Cayman Islands or anywhere United States read my words. People I could never reach on my own. God has someone that is struggling with what I am struggling with read my words and tell me thanks for helping them. When I have nothing to say on my own, God says “keep going, write this.”

The devil says look at all the decay in this world. You people keep destroying fields that feed you to put up more office buildings, more houses, more parking lots. You people are greedy and I love it. More, more, more. That’s all you need. Destroy yourselves. You are all sinners. God doesn’t love you. Why would He let you go through this if He did.

God says: Will you believe in Me when your faith is tested? Will you praise Me in the storms?

The devil says why would you want to suffer for someone you can’t even see? Look at all these people all over the world that have nothing to eat, no home, no water. Look at all these people that worship your God who are persecuted, maimed, killed for what they believe in.

Then God gives me an email get your free book. I ignore it for a few days then open it and decide to order it. Then I get another email for a free book so I order it also. What have I to lose? They are free (donate if you can). All I can say is I have not suffered enough. My life is too blessed. I haven’t read through all of these books yet but from what I have read..wow. These books have opened my eyes and my heart. They tell me they have suffered so much for what they believe in, I can do better to spread the word about what I believe in. If you get the chance to get these books please do. Hearts of Fire by Voice of the Martyrs and Revolution In World Missions by K.P. Yohannan. I also get a monthly magazine from Voice of the Martyrs. They will change your life.