The Mask

On October 29, 2015October 29, 2015 By roberthansen1317In affairs, Christian life, God, music, the mask you wear11 Comments

This is my last Halloween post. I hope you enjoyed the stories. If you missed any be sure to go back and check out The Maze, The Funhouse of Mirrors and The Haunted House.

Even though I am no Edgar Allan Poe this is the scariest yet ( but don’t worry, it has a happy ending.) We all wear masks! This mask story is just one of many I could tell. It is a true story and it could happen to you. Not that the other stories weren’t true- that’s up for you to decide. Reader beware!

You wake up each morning Ignore all the warnings

With a smile on your face Our love was being replaced

Breakfast made and the kids are dressed Don’t even know their lives are about to be a mess

Out the door they go to school You let the devil make you a fool

I come home from work But you’ve been digging in dirt

You show me that beautiful smile Right now, you are just in denial

You wear a mask of past shames Yet, you continue to play games

You say you aren’t the one to blame The mask of your past caused this pain

You where the mask of lies and deceive Your family is the one you leave

You’re wearing a mask Did you think this would last?

But you can’t hide it well Did you think I couldn’t tell?

Oh love, what have you done? Was it all just for fun?

You’re tearing our world apart You’re breaking our kids hearts

Fast forward through the hurt and lies Fast forward through the tears we cried

Fast forward through the pain What did you think you had to gain?

I gave up and God stepped in “Now let me take all this sin, ”

He whispered to me “it’s not about you, I want you to stay until I am through”

He walked us through the dirt and mud Our love went from ashes to a bud

You removed the mask you wore so long Now you are back with God where you belong

Through all His redeeming grace Our marriage found a new starting place

So my friends what can I say? You have to pray to God each day

What can get you through the worst? In your marriage, God must come first

Don’t fall for the tricks of the evil one Don’t let your marriage come undone

His words are smooth but they are not true Don’t let the devil come between God and you

Be careful of the seeds you sow Guard your heart with the truth you know

Be careful of the mask you wear Let Jesus carry the cross you bear

Remember when you first fell in love Love each other, look to God above

Don’t let the devil come and destroy Don’t fall for his games, his ploys

Even though you once believed he who lied Because of God, our marriage survived

The devil tried but he isn’t winning With God our end became a new beginning

This story is scary because it is true I will pray it doesn’t happen to you

But if it does, it doesn’t have to be the end of your story Let God use your struggles and pain for His glory

If I Told You by Jason Walker – The perfect song for this post. Please listen.

Masqerade by Jonathan Thulin –

Change This Heart by Sidewalk Prophets –

You Are Loved by Stars Go Dim –

Behind The Mask by Eric Clapton –

Something More by Secondhand Serenade –

You Don’t Know How Beautiful You Are by Jon Foreman –

Sick Charade by Letter Black –

The Real Me by Natalie Grant –

In A Hole Again by Tesla –

Giving It Up by Kristian Bush –

Love Heals Your Heart by Third Day –

First Song I Sing by Sara Groves –

Give Me Jesus by Jeremy Camp –

You Loved Me First by MikesChair –

Four Songs God Put On My Heart This Morning

On October 15, 2015October 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, come to Him, God, music, struggling5 Comments

I have been struggling for the last week or so. Don’t know why, just comes out of the blue sometimes. This introvert may just be getting anxious for all the extrovert stuff coming up in the next few weeks. Volunteering at Columbus Marathon since not running it this year, me injured and wife doing NYC instead. Then going to NYC for a weekend for the marathon and to do some tourism with money I don’t have to spend. Bad time of year coming up for me with bad memories. Etc. etc.

Anyway, I listen to music and usually when I finish the songs I had on this month I will revisit older cd’s. I listen to the songs in alphabetical order by title so I don’t hear same singers, or genres, all the time. Takes me about a month to go through 500 songs or so. However, God put it in my head to start listening to next months and these four songs were what I needed to hear so I wanted to share.

Just a reminder that God is there. We just have to ask, confess, repent, and He will come find us.

Awakened by Denise Renee –

Come Find Me by Alabama – yes I know love song but I can hear it as a plea to Jesus to come find me, even as I am just blowing along and on the ledge, I need my friend, come find me (even though I should be finding Him)

Be Still by Kristene Demarco –

Be With Us Now (Emmanuel) by Building 429 –

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 –

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 –

Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli –

Holy Spirit by Kari Jobe – same song, different singer

Welcome In This Place by Hillsong –

Welcome To Wherever You Are by Bon Jovi –

You Are Welcome by Deluge –

You Are Welcome by Forever Jones –

Welcome All Again by Collective Soul –

Welcome to the World by Sister Hazel –

Welcome to the New by MercyMe –

The Ups and Downs of Training a 9/10 Year Old- and my spiritual life

On August 24, 2015September 18, 2015 By roberthansen1317In awesome girls, Christian life, God, music, proud father, running, training3 Comments

I love how God uses the simple everyday things in my life to show me how that relates to my faith. In training Kylie and Brinley for their first 1/4 marathon, God once again has shown me how training them is also reminding how my walk with Him is going.

God’s smile ?

First off, as I posted earlier in It’s All About Me – A Child’s Version, training Kylie didn’t go like I – key word is I – thought it would go. I had a plan all set out that week one we would do three runs and do x amount of miles each time. Week two we would do three runs and increase the miles to x each time and on and on. Kylie and Brinley are both experienced at running 5k’s. Kylie is more experienced but both have done many of them. Each week Brinley would always surprise me at how she just did what was asked of her and never complained. This is Brinley’s personality. She is easy-going and just goes with the flow. Kylie was always complaining, I have to walk, my ankle hurts, my side hurts, etc. and it was very frustrating to me. I knew she could do better but for whatever reason she wasn’t in it. Kylie is also stubborn and set in her ways but she can also be determined and easy-going also. If she doesn’t want to run, she won’t. But when she does, look out.

What a beautiful day God gave us.

This reminded me of my walk with Jesus. As I am training to be a better Christian I let my stubbornness and my set ways get in the way. I know I can do better and I know I can do more than I am doing but for whatever reason I take steps back. Today I can go all day being in the light and praying and feeling like the Holy Spirit is in me and I feel overwhelmed with joy. Tomorrow I can say but God, I really don’t feel like praying today. God I really don’t feel like talking to others about You today. I know I can do better because I have done better and I love how I feel when I am filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit but yet I say I can’t, I don’t, I won’t when I should be saying yes I can, yes I do, yes I will.

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I think only one week we did what was planned. I think we only had two weeks where we ran three times and we only were up to five miles the Monday before the race, and that was just because soccer practice was canceled. Race day morning I was just hoping they would be under one hour and thirty minutes and not walk half the race. As we were talking to the girls Kylie said it isn’t about our time, all that matters is that we finish. This reminded me of how many times God has said go and I said God, I am not prepared. I am not ready yet God. Give me another week or two to read more about you. Give me more time to memorize some Bible verses. God I can’t start that because I can’t finish it. I forget that God is in control. When I don’t know what to say, He will give me words to speak. Christian life isn’t about being perfect, it is about obeying God and doing the best with the abilities He has given you. He will do the rest. It isn’t about how long it takes or where you start, it’s about how you finish. The first thirty years of your life might have been terrible but don’t let it define the next thirty years. (check out Joyce Meyers story.)

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During the race the girls were so awesome. One time at mile two Kylie said she needed to walk so we walked about ten seconds then we ran. We stopped at three water stations (mile 1.5, 3, 4) for less than ten seconds at each and the fourth one at 5.5 they grabbed the water but kept running. I remember Kylie asking when is the next water station. I would tell her how far we had to go. We ran with the 1:20 pace group which was an average of 12:13 per mile. I thought it would be great if we could stay there but I thought we would drop back some. Remember I thought we would be closer to 1:30.

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This reminded me of all the times I have asked God how much longer God? I can’t keep going through this. I can’t take this anymore. I am so tired. God answers with just a little more. Hang in there and you will get your water. Just keep going, put one step in front of the other. But God, I want this to be over now. God says just a little longer, you are almost there, don’t quit. I am not done molding you yet. You will overcome this and be a stronger person. But God, I can’t keep up with this pace. Yes you can. I am here with you.

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Also during the race the other runners were amazing and so encouraging. Way to go girls. You girls are amazing. How old are they? Wow, I couldn’t do this when I was ten. Look at those little girls, if they can do this I can. Keep going girls, you are inspiring the rest of us. There were also families on the sidelines with young kids that said look they are doing it, maybe you can do it next year.

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This reminds me of all the people in my life that are encouraging me. The ones that tell me I am doing what God wants me to do. The ones that thank me for writing, that I am encouraging them in their walk. You don’t have to make miracles happen to encourage others, just do what God wants you to do with the abilities He has given you. Thank you to all that are encouraging me.

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Between 4.5-5 miles the girls were laughing and telling jokes. At one point they were laughing so hard I don’t see how they kept running. I encouraged them to keep at it. Make it fun. If telling jokes gets you through these last two miles then tell away. At mile 5 I told them that at mile 6 we can leave the pace group if they are feeling strong and finish before them. They surprised me with their answer. Remember they only ran 5 miles once during their training so I thought they would be getting tired now. They said let’s go now, we feel good. So we said goodbye to the pace group and took off. The girls were still having fun and were touching all the cones in the roadway to “get that extra power.” Whatever it takes. Around 5.5 miles Kylie said she felt like she was getting blisters and was breathing harder. I asked her if she needed to walk or keep on going since we only had one mile to go. She surprised me with keep going. I honestly expected her to say walk. Around mile 6 she looked back and said we are way ahead of the pace group now and smiled. As we approached the finish line I started to run faster because I wanted to take a picture of them crossing the finish together. Well they took off with me. I went a little faster and then they went a little faster. I said oh so this is how it’s going to be then let’s go. They both started laughing and sprinted across the line. I slowed down to take a picture from behind because I knew I wasn’t going to get in front of them and have time to turn around and take a picture. Mile 13 for the half, 6.45 for us. .1 to go – look where the pace group is Dad.This is how my walk with God is. I try to be serious and make sure I have all the right words and all the right songs but that isn’t what God wants. He wants us to have fun and enjoy this life. I also have to remember that to get where I am going, I need to leave the comfort of where I am. Maybe I am hanging out with the wrong people. Maybe I have just gotten comfortable and don’t want to get outside my box. God tells me to go. Tear down these walls. You can do it. The devil gives me a setback or I do something stupid and give myself a setback but I have to keep going. I may be hurting but I know I have to keep moving forward to get to that finish line. I know when I get there and I see my loved ones that have gone before me and meet Jesus face to face, I will be smiling and laughing as I cross that finish line, just like these girls did when they finished this race. Official time 1:17:22 (11:49 pace). Awesome.

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I am so proud of Kylie and Brinley. I had high expectations going into training but lowered them before the race. They did so much better than I thought they would. They had fun, they laughed, they talked, they encouraged others, they finished strong. I wore my Run for God shirt and had people look at it and ask me about it. It gave me the opportunity to share a little. The girls doing this showed others that they can do this also. You just have to go out and do it.This reminded me that God has high expectations for us. We might not have high expectations of ourselves but God has made us for a purpose. He believes in us and loves and accepts us as we are. It isn’t to dwell on our mistakes and failures and have a life the devil wants us to have. God has given you an ability, go out and use it. God will show you what to do with it, you just have to be willing to go out and do it.

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Then we celebrated their achievement with our friend Deanna. Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements in your walk with God. All glory goes to Him.

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Running For The Father by Day One Worship –

I Can Only Imagine by MercyME – The Hoyt Story –

The One You Need by Shane & Shane –

Better by K’naan –

We Are Young by Fun. –

#Like A Girl from Always –

#Like A Girl from Always – Karlie Harman story –

Wings by Little Mix –

You Gotta Want it by Jordin Sparks –

You Gotta Want It by Roberta Gold –

Born For Greatness by Jana Stanfield –

Dream Big by Emily Shackelton –

Today My Life Begins by Bruno Mars –

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 –

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.

The devil won’t win. God will destroy him. It’s your choice to choose to let him defeat you or to choose joy in your life. I choose joy.

Don’t be one of the many that will look on in disbelief and say I didn’t know when Jesus returns and defeats the evil of this world.

You, the Room and the Devil on Your Shoulder by As It Is –

You’re Not Alone by The Mowglis –

I Choose To Be A Christian by The Erwins –

Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell –

Long Black Train by Josh Turner –

Where The Light Is by Dan Bremnes –

We Are Alive by Fireflight –

What Beautiful Things by Dustin Kensrue –

First by Lauren Daigle –

Lift Your Head Weary Sinner by Crowder –

We’ll Never Learn by Belle Histoire –

Where You’re At by Allen Stone –

Not Forgotten by Ryan Stevenson –

A Constant In A World Of Changes

On July 23, 2015July 28, 2015 By roberthansen1317In changes, Christian life, dictionary, God, God does not change, music, words6 Comments

Change (verb) – to become different, to make someone or something different, to become something else

I was talking to my daughter Kylie the other day and I said something like it ain’t that far to walk. She told me where we live, not from where I am from – small town in Southeastern Ohio – that we use proper grammar here.

I told my mom this story and she told me ain’t is now in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. That had me thinking what else has been added. Words that have been added this year are emoji, meme, twerk, and photobomb along with 1696 other words. Some of last years words were hashtag, selfie, tweep, and crowdfunding were among the 1900 new words added. Merriam-Webster also updates definitions of words as the way we use them changes.

Did you know they also take words out of the dictionary? Does that mean we should no longer use them? Words like cassette player, hodad, tattletale gray and nephoscope.

Change can be good. A lot of us try to avoid change because we are comfortable where we are, doing what we do. Change can be stressful. Loss of a loved one or a job. Birth of a child or new relationship. Move to a new house or city. Change can hurt a relationship if two people are changing in the opposite ways, or not changing at all.

A life without change can be boring. A life with too much change can be miserable. We change as we get older, we change as we mature. We change because of the people we are around – choose your friends wisely. We change because of our mistakes we make, and hopefully learn from. We change with the environment we live and where we live.

Have you ever tried to change someone? We can not change someone. We can show them, we can talk to them, we can be an example for them but in the end, they have to want to change. Even when we want to change, our will to change may not be enough to change us because of our sinful nature. Only God can change someone. God has changed my wife. God has changed me. Two and a half years ago we were on the brink of divorce.

Two things that will never change is God and His Word. God’s word will never change. God wants all people to read his word so it has been translated to many different languages but it will not change. For example, in English we have the King James Version which was translated back in 1611 A.D. It is still widely used today. Since then our language has developed and changed, so the translations have been updated to make The Bible more readable.The Old Testament is the beginning of time, the coming of the Messiah. The New Testament about the life and crucifixion of the Messiah. That doesn’t change in any language or update. The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 and some of the scrolls have been dated to be as old as from 125BC. When comparing a copy of Isaiah from 125BC with the Isaiah in the Masoretic Text the prophesies of Jesus were the same. Just as it is in our bibles today.

I am not good with change. I am pretty set in my ways and routines. However, I thank God every day that He loved me enough to forgive me, to change me. I would not be who I am today without God changing me.

Have a great day! No matter what changes life throws at you today, let God be the constant in your life.

Turn, Turn, Turn by The Byrds –

The Times They Are A Changin by Bob Dylan –

Lifetime by Emeli Sande –

Changes by Tesla –

Same As It Ever Was by Michael Franti –

Winds of Change by Scorpions –

Yes I’m Changing by Tame Impala –

Laughter Lines by Bastille –

Waiting For The World To Change by John Mayer –

Changes by David Bowie –

Changed by Rascal Flatts –

Everlasting God by Lincoln Brewster –

You’re There by City Harbor –

Never Let Go by many but this one AJ Michalka –

One Thing Remains by Kristian Stanfill –

Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture –

Whever The Wind Blows by Pillar –

Some Things Never Change by Decyfer Down –

The Battle Within

On July 22, 2015September 25, 2015 By roberthansen1317In battle within, Christian life, everyday heroes, God, music, super heroes, timeLeave a comment

In an earlier post I mentioned how I like super hero movies. After an epic battle going back and forth the good guys always win. They face many challenges and there is always a time where we start to think they won’t win but they fight and overcome the enemy. I don’t think I have ever seen a movie though that I didn’t know who the good guys were and who the bad guys were. What happens when you don’t know who the bad guys are?

There is also more to the story lines than just good vs. evil. Heroes that are cheered one day, then are booed the next. You have friends that turn into enemies. Brothers who turn against brothers. Enemies that come together to fight a bigger enemy. Friends (communities) that combine to save society. The battle they fight with themselves.

The battle within. The battle we all fight every day. The biggest battle I fight is time. There is never enough but somehow there is always too much. Let me explain.

There is never enough time to do everything I want to do each day. As my youngest daughter is growing up there isn’t enough time to spend with her before other things come into her life. For my oldest daughters there is never enough time to spend any time with them. They have school, jobs, boyfriends, friends etc.. They don’t have much time left over to spend with me. There is never enough time do my workouts, write, play, spend time with wife…I can go on.

Even with saying all that there is too much time. I can look back on each day wondering where the time went, I didn’t have time to do anything but then I look how I spent my time. I spent too much time watching tv. I spent too much time thinking about nothing. I spent too much time talking at instead of talking to. I spent too much time reading a book and not THE BOOK.

You may be thinking that time isn’t something that is within you and I can see that. But the way it makes me feel inside is the battle. The way I get frustrated if I didn’t get around to what I needed to do. The guilt I feel if I didn’t spend enough time with my family. The yuck my body feels if I didn’t work out. To me, time is very much a battle within.

I also battle with the voices in my head. The one that tells me go ahead and do this or that. Just five minutes won’t hurt anything. Next thing you know those five minutes turned to sixty and I have nothing to show for it. The one that tells me I don’t have to pray today. You woke up late, you’re rushing around, got to get dressed, get to work, you don’t have time to stop and pray. Next thing I know it’s bed time and I didn’t talk to God today.

How about the battle with temptation? God wouldn’t have made all these beautiful people if He didn’t want us to look at them right? God wouldn’t have made these donuts taste so good if He didn’t want us to eat them right? God wouldn’t have made cable tv with 350 channels if He didn’t want us to watch tv all day right? God wouldn’t have made smartphones if He didn’t want us staring at it all day right? What do we miss when we give into these temptations? We miss the beautiful people in our lives already. Our beautiful spouses and children. We miss the wonderful food God put on this earth for us to eat. Not the GMO, added sugar, added additives, added etc… We miss this wonderful world God has made. Look away from the tv and look up from our smartphones and look at this world. I subscribe to a few instagram sites with pics from around the world. There are some beautiful places out there but while I am looking at them, I miss the beauty in front of my eyes in my own backyard.

I see a direct correlation between these movies and what the Bible has taught us. Look at the picture quotes in this post and then ask yourself is there a Bible verse like this. Trust me there are. Are there stories in the Bible where the hero is cheered and then booed, friends turned on friends, brothers turned on brothers, once enemies turn to friends for the greater good, communities coming together for the greater good..etc? Yes there are.

In real life we all face the same common enemy- Satan. With that we all face the same fears, doubts, worries, that we aren’t good enough but we can all help each other through the struggles of life.

I think I should write a post every week about the Disney Channel show Girl Meets World. Last week about investing in our children, our future. This week about being a hero. You don’t have to have super powers to be a hero. Quotes from the show “There is enough dark in this world, heroes were meant to bring the light” and “When it’s a struggle between right and wrong, that’s when real heroes fight the hardest.”

In real life we all have a hero inside us. One that can choose between good and bad, right and wrong, to help or not to help. God gave us free will so that we can make that choice. Will you choose to be a hero today?