Coincidence or God’s Plan?

On July 21, 2015July 31, 2015 By roberthansen1317In angels, Christian life, coincidence, God, God's plan, music, prayer, rain4 Comments

On July 15 I wrote God I Am Tired. Most of it was about being tired of all the rain this summer. We have had enough but our friends in California could use some. Since then we have had very little rain. We had a storm last night but other than that nothing of significance. Our forecast is for seven straight days of sun and no more than a pop up shower. Did you see the rain in California this past weekend? On July 18 San Diego had a record for a day in July with 1.03 inches of rain. Then they received another .66 inches Sunday making July the wettest month on record. As of Monday morning they had a total of 1.7 inches, the old record was .92 inches. Los Angeles had .38 inches of rain over the weekend. Lancaster 1.59 inches, Riverside 1.37 inches, San Luis Obispo 1.28 inches. More rain was expected for July 20th. Coincidence or did God hear my cries for less rain?

My wife and I met online. Of all the dating sites she just happened to be on the one I was on. Of all the women I was looking at, she was the only one that didn’t have a picture. When we first started talking she asked if I wanted one and I said no. Our first date was the first time I saw her. Eleven and a half years later we are still together. Coincidence or God’s plan?

We drove four and a half hours to go to Gull Lake Ministries in Michigan only to meet an amazing Christian couple who I have a lot to learn from who only live two miles from us. If we had never went there we would’ve never met these new friends in our lives. Coincidence or God’s plan?

Karen Kingsbury talks about angels walking and how she got the idea on an airplane flight. In forty minutes she had over thirty pages of outlines, characters, etc. I would write down her book Angels Walking to read but never read it. Until 8 months later when I start to blog and how the characters in it are like me and some of the things I blog about. Coincidence or God’s plan?

Viktor Frankl was an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist. He had a choice to make. He had a visa to leave his country and come to the United States before the Nazis took his country and send him to concentration camps. What to do?When he returned home, he found it. A piece of marble was lying on the table. His father explained that it was from the rubble of one of the nearby synagogues that the Nazis had destroyed. The marble contained the fragment of one of the Ten Commandments — the one about honoring your father and your mother. With that, Frankl decided to stay in Vienna and forgo whatever opportunities for safety and career advancement awaited him in the United States. He would later write that even in the worst conditions, even in suffering, life can have meaning. He would write the best selling book Man’s Search For Meaning. Coincidence that one piece of marble survived and wound up in his dads hands or God’s plan?

Have you ever totally slept through your alarm and was running late to work only to find out there was a terrible accident right at the intersection you would’ve been at if you had woke up on time? Have you ever started out on your morning run wanting to go one way but something tells you not to go that way, then you find out on the news that another runner was attacked on that route you wanted to run?

There a alot of stories out there of guardian angels. I have heard of a girl named Diane walking alone down a dark alley and seeing a guy standing there. She prayed to God for protection and she walked right by without any harm. Then the girl twenty minutes behind her was attacked. Diane read what had happened and came in to identify the attackers. She asked the police why he didn’t hurt her and he said “because she wasn’t alone. She had two tall men walking on either side of her.”

Another story of a beginning surfer who went out by himself one morning so he wouldn’t be embarresed with all the times he fell off. He was the only one on the beach and the water. He fell off and was caught in a riptide. He thought for sure he was going to die but then another surfer came up beside him and gave him his board. He got to the shore and looked out in the water to thank the other surfer but no one was there.

Do you have any stories of “coincidence” or of angels? I would love to hear about them.

A little conversation with God I read a few years back that I have never forgotten.

Me: God, can I ask You a question?

God: Sure

Me: Promise You won’t get mad

God: I promise

Me: Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today?

God: What do u mean?

Me: Well, I woke up late

God: Yes

Me: My car took forever to start

God: Okay

Me: at lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait

God: Huummm

Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call

God: All right

Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home ~I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. BUT it wouldn’t work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did You do that?

God: Let me see, the death angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that

Me (humbled): OH

GOD: I didn’t let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.

Me: (ashamed)

God: The first person who made your sandwich
today was sick & I didn’t want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn’t afford to miss work.

Me (embarrassed): okay

God: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn’t even let you talk to them so you would be covered.

Me (softly): I see God

God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn’t think you wanted to be in the dark.

Me: I’m Sorry God

God: Don’t be sorry, just learn to Trust Me…. in All things , the Good & the bad.

Me: I will trust You.

God: And don’t doubt that My plan for your day is Always Better than your plan.

Me: I won’t God. And let me just tell you God, Thank You for Everything today.

God: You’re welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children.

The Call by Matt Kennon –

Closest I’ve Ever Been by Keith Anderson –

Angels Among Us by Alabama –

Angels by Owl City –

Heroes by Casting Crowns –

Beautiful People by Tim McGraw –

Everyday Heroes by Dave Carroll –

Angels by Austins Bridge –

Army of Angels by The Script –

Angels In Waiting by Tammy Cochran –

If I Could See by Amy Grant –

Ordinary Angels by Tate Stevens –

God Laughs by Delta Goodrem –

Ironic by Alanis Morissette –

God I am tired

On July 15, 2015September 25, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, God, music5 Comments

God if you have a minute I need to talk to you. I am tired. I don’t want to complain because You have given me so much but I am tired. I am tired of so many things, I am tired mentally, physically and emotionally.

First off God I am tired of all the rain this summer. I know You send us rain for our crops and animals and for us to use but seriously God we don’t need this much. Our fields are flooded. Our houses are flooded. My friends at pools, golf courses, construction etc are losing money because they can’t work in this weather. Our friends in California are in desperate need of rain. I pray that You can send some of this to them. I do understand that I do not know the future and what Your plans are but in the present I am tired. Maybe next summer we will have a drought and the rain this summer will get us through next year.

I am tired of being inside all the time. Yes, I know I am still complaining about the rain. I can’t run outside, I can’t ride my bike, I can’t play outside. I can’t sit outside and just relax. I can’t open the windows and let fresh air in. A lot of I can’ts I know but God can You hear my cries? I have been able to write more since I have been inside. I have been able to spread the words You give me to others. Is that your plan?

I am tired. I am so tired I didn’t even hear the storm last night. Wait a minute, am I still complaining about the rain? What a storm You sent our way. It shook the whole house. Kylie woke up at 2:00 and came into our bed. My wife is so tired. Kylie likes to sleep right on top of her. What a blessing it was to wake up and see my daughters beautiful face though. Thank You for giving us Your daughter to take care of while she is here. She is truly a blessing. Oh, and what a beautiful rainbow. (You even sent a double rainbow)

A reminder that You are always with us.

I am tired. I am overwhelmed. Is this what You want for my life? I have so many people to try to reach to tell them about You. I wasted my entire life ignoring You and I feel like I have so much time to make up. Can You give me an extra hour today? Stop the day like You did for Joshua? Give me just a little more time today. I need to spend more time writing about You, more time with my family, more time exercising, more time… and I need a nap.

I am tired Lord. This world wears me out. It pulls me this way and that way. There are so many people promising me so many things God. God, I beg you to give me the strength to look to You. Give me the strength to fall to my knees and pray to You.

I am tired God. It seems like everyone is out for themselves. Who can I trust God? Lead me God and I will follow. Bring people into my life that I can trust. People I can open up to, that I can share my burdens with. At least I know I can trust You God.

I am tired God. I am tired of letting others down. I am tired of letting myself down. I am tired of letting You down. I want to do more than go through this life like I am. I want to make a difference.

God I know you have blessings in all this. I know that in these trials I will persevere and be stronger for them. Thank you God for everything You do for me. I know You delight in me and are there for me when I am down and tired. Thank you God for giving me words to speak when my mind is blank. Thank you God for never giving up on me. Thank you God for listening to me complain. I know that in Your time You will show me the blessings You have in store for me. Thank You for giving me Your words, words to remember that when I am tired and weary, You are always with me.

Thank you for today God. A reminder that sometimes you have to dance in the rain to appreciate the sun.

Worn by Tenth Avenue North –

I’ll Keep On by NF –

The One I’m Running To by 7eventh Time Down –

Strong Enough by Matthew West –

Overcomer by Mandisa –

Overcome by Jeremy Camp –

Theater of My Soul by Poison –

Shoulders by For King & Country –

Stay True by Hector Cortez –

Sick and Tired by Cross Canadian Ragweed –

Last Hope by Paramore –

This Song Saved My Life by Simple Plan –

Holding On by All Things New –

Safe by Phil Wickham –

Suitcases by Dara Maclean –

Blessings by Laura Story –

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns –

Rise by Shawn McDonald –

Wake Me Up by Avicii –

The Cave by Mumford and Sons –

Oceans by Hillsong United –

Hold On by Wilson Phillips –

The Original

On July 13, 2015August 28, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, God, musicLeave a comment

Have you ever heard a remake of a song and thought that isn’t as good as the original. What about a movie? Some remakes are better than the original. I believe though that most remakes aren’t as good. Sometimes I have to think about it though. I mean, if an original was 30 years ago and the remake comes out now look at how much technology has changed. The action scenes might be better. The acting may even be better. I go back and watch the original again and say hhmm, the new version is better. Go back 30 years though and the first time I saw the original it was amazing. One of the best movies I have ever seen. If that is true, then how can the remake be even better? What about a song? That song that every time you hear it it takes you back to that time. Then a new version comes out. How do you feel about it? Do you feel like it is taking those memories from you or are you open to new memories being made with the new version?

Times they are a changing my friend. Perceptions change as we get older. A new director can give a new spin on part of or all of the story line. One of your favorite singers now could remake a song from one of your favorite singers then. They could slow it down or speed it up, give a new twist to the song. They may add a new verse to make it more now. Whatever the reasons, sometimes the remake is better than the original. Sometimes it is not.

We all have one original. One tried and true person in our life that there will never be a remake of. There will be many that will try to imitate Him. There will be many false teachers, false prophets, and false words.

There is only one King, one Lord, one Savior. There is only one God. There has never been anyone else like Him nor will there ever be anyone else like Him in the future. He is original and unique.

God made us to be original. He made us to be unique. He made us in His image. No one else in this world is like you or me. No one else has my, or your, exact personality, exact gifts, exact DNA. He doesn’t want you to live your life trying to be like this celebrity or that star. Not all of us are called to be famous. We are called to do the work God has assigned to us specifically. My words are not the most elegant but I believe God will use them for His good.

I urge you my friends to be YOU. No one else is like you so why try to be like someone else. Sometimes it will be hard being you but all you have to remember is the One who made you to be in His image. You won’t always like yourselves. I don’t always like myself, especially when I mess up. I know that even when I mess up and even when I don’t like myself there is someone who loves me, forgives me, and who wants me to follow Him and do the work He set for me to do.

Even though there are many cover songs, these are a few that I like. Of course some are from the tv shows Stalker and Grey’s Anatomy. and I really like the duets with Boyce Avenue. Not saying any of these songs are better than originals, just different.

Careless Whisper by Shinedown –

Careless Whisper by Wham –

Be My Baby by Snowhill –

Be My Baby by the Ronettes –

Fast Car by Boyce Avenue feat Kinna Grannis –

Fast Car by Tracy Chapman –

Simple Man by Shinedown –

Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd –

Every Breath You Take by Denmark & Winter –

Every Breath You Take by the Police –

You Give Love A Bad Name by Jax –

You Give Love A Bad Name by Bon Jovi –

Heaven by Boyce Avenue feat Megan Nicole –

Heaven by Bryan Adams –

I Want You To Want Me by Gary Jules –

I Want You to Want Me by Cheap Trick –

Roar by Boyce Avenue and Bea Miller –

Roar by Katy Perry –

Time After Time by Quietdrive –

Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper –

Fame by Mree –

Fame by Irene Cara –

Man in the Mirror by J2 –

Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson –

and of course the old hymns that I don’t have originals on but..

Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin –

It Is Well by Matt Redman –

Come Thou Fount by David Crowder Band –

Be Thou My Vision by Rend Collective –

Jesus Paid It All by Newsboys –

Happy 10 Year anniversary to my wife

On June 18, 2015July 16, 2015 By roberthansen1317In anniversary, Christian life, God, music, wife3 Comments

What can I say? We have been through hell and back and here we are still fighting the good fight. I see God working in us more and more each day. I pray that as painful as our story was, that one day God will use it for His glory and we can help others.

You are an amazing mother, an awesome healthy cooking chef – just no orange chicken please, a great wife, and make me want to be better physically. Just don’t ever ask me to do a workout with you because you know you kill me. I pray one day when I get back to where I was we can run together again and cross a finish line together. ( I know I will have to slow down to do that since I was so much faster than you 🙂 )

I see the changes you have made and how God is working in you. I know I don’t tell you that enough. Look at you, going to be leading your own Run For God class, overcoming that fear of talking in front of people. I am proud of you.

Anyway, I love you and happy anniversary.

I Will Be Here by Steven Curtis Chapman – Our song

Love You All The Way by Sean Mcneill – Had to make my own video for this one, hope you like it

You Had Me From Hello by Bon Jovi –

Perfect Proposal by Wayne Wonder –

and of course for you, your favorite Jeremy Camp

Overcome because we have overcome so much

Same Power because He is working in our lives

He Knows because He Knows all we have gone through and we will go through

Be Still my favorite song from his new cd

I Still Believe because I still believe in us, I believe God is going to do great things for us

23 Days Down, 59 Days To Go

On June 14, 2015June 20, 2016 By roberthansen1317In children, Christian life, God, music, time11 Comments

59 days. That’s 1,416 hours. That’s 84,960 minutes left. Left of what you may ask? Summer break. Seriously, I think I might go nuts. I work 3.5 days a week and off 3.5 days a week so I am home with Kylie for 3.5 days while my wife trains in the morning. That’s with one child. I can’t imagine being a stay at home parent with two or more. Hats off to you stay at home moms and dads. Kylie is an awesome daughter and she is very independent when it comes to most things and she isn’t one to constantly be up my butt, so why I am saying only 59 days left?

It’s because I feel like I lost my freedom. I feel like I am selfish. I feel like I constantly have to entertain her. I feel like I can’t go workout. I feel like I can’t go out and run for an hour. I feel like…… I feel like I won’t have many of these summers with her left.

Those of you that have older children know how fast these times go and I know in a few years she won’t want to snuggle and watch tv with me. I know she will want to spend more time with her friends than with me. I know how I spend this time with her now will influence how she relates to other men in her life as she gets older. I know she watches me and how I handle difficult situations. I know she watches me to see if I read the Bible today. I know that when we go anywhere and she holds my hand there is no place I would rather be in this world. I know I wasn’t the greatest father to my oldest daughters. I know during the years when they were this age, I worked 60-70 hours a week. I know I missed a lot of life with them. Time I will never get back. They will never truly know how it pained me to miss that time and how sorry I am. I know I don’t want to miss it with my last daughter.

I feel like I will gladly give up my freedom because I know I will be selfish to spend as much time with her before she moves on to the rest of her life. It won’t be long until we go from “Just Fishin” to “Cleaning My Gun”. One day I will blink and wish I had 59 days, 1416 hours, 84960 minutes to spend with her.

Dear God, thank You for this time You have given me to spend with my daughter. I pray that when I get frustrated with not having enough me time that You remind me this is the time You have given me to spend with her, to bond with her, to teach her about You, to love her, and to cherish her. I pray that You help me with my older daughters to be able to speak with them, spend time with them, and make up for the time I missed with them. Thank you for my family. In Your name, amen.

It Won’t Be Like This For Long by Darius Rucker –

You’re Gonna Miss This by Trace Adkins –

Let Them Be Little by Billy Dean –

My Little Girl by Tim Mcgraw –

Just Fishin by Trace Adkins –

Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman –

Don’t Blink by Kenny Chesney –

Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle –

There Goes My Life by Kenny Chesney –

Photograph by Ed Sheeran –

Watching You by Rodney Atkins –

Heaven by Live –

One Life To Love by 33 Mile –

Turn Around Slowly by David Kauffman –

Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift –

Handprints On The Wall by Kenny Rogers –

You’ll Always Be My Baby by Sara Evans –

You Can Let Go by Crystal Shawanda – from birth to death wow…

Daddy Dance With Me by Krystal Keith –

Butterfly Fly Away by Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus –

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/summer/”>Summer</a>

Start Somewhere, Take a step, even if it’s a baby step

On June 14, 2015July 16, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, first steps, God, Jesus, walk of faithLeave a comment

How do you start following Jesus? It is easy and it is hard. First, ask Him into your heart. Tell Him you want a relationship with Him. Second, you show God you are dedicating your life to him by being baptized. (and no, it doesn’t have to be in front of the entire church, it can be a private affair). Third, you wait for God to move in you.

Take your first step. Go away from what is holding you back and go toward the one that is holding His arms out to you. It’s hard to leave this life behind. It’s hard to give up control. It’s hard to trust in someone you don’t see. Trust me, I struggle with some of these issues. Even in times when I gave up control and things were so much better when God stepped in, I still want to control. I am getting better every day.

Here is a silly example but it just shows how hard something is once you start doing something you shouldn’t do. (and vice versa- once you start doing what you should do, it gets easier to do the right thing each day) I started grabbing a handful of m&m’s after dinner. It started out as maybe 5-6 pieces, something to have with the rest of my milk. That turned into two handfuls. After a few weeks it was hard to stop. It took me a few weeks to not want to get a handful and the urge still hits me, and sometimes I give in. Then I have to fight it all over again. I can not imagine what an addict has to go through but from reading about addiction (that does not make me an expert) that the first step is always the hardest. Admit you have a problem. God wants you to confess to Him. He will then help you through it, even though that temptation is always there, you have to decide to take the first step to God rather than the first step to the problem.

God wants you to have a relationship with Him. He loves you and accepts you for who you are. Isn’t that what everyone wants? Isn’t that why so many people make mistakes, looking for love and acceptance. You fall into the wrong crowd, do things you know you shouldn’t do. God accepts YOU for who you are.

When you are a parent, do you not want the best for your child(ren)? Do you not love them unconditionally? Do you not protect them with all you have but yet sometimes bad things still happen to them? Do you not discipline them when they break the rules? Do you not give them wings and let them make their own mistakes, even it if means they have to suffer some for their choices? I know my parents let me make some bad decisions, even when it broke their heart and even though they knew I would suffer for them. It allowed me to be the person I am today.

Now let’s change the above paragraph.

Does your Father, God, not want the best for His child, you? Does God not love you unconditionally? Does God not want to protect you at all times but yet sometimes bad things still happen to you? Does God not discipline you when you break the rules? Does God not give you wings and let you fly and make your own mistakes, even if it means you have to suffer for some of your choices? Does it not break His heart and does He not know you would suffer for the choices you would make? It allows you to be the person you are today. You persevere and you become stronger, your character builds.

Yet, that is the argument I hear from people. I can’t believe in a God that lets bad things happen, that lets suffering happen. I know there are starving children all over the world. Why does God let that happen? Did you know in America we throw away 263 million pounds of food every day? (endhunger.org) Just a 15% reduction in losses in the US Food supply chain would save enough to feed 25 million Americans annually. (Huffington Post 8/21/12) I ask you, is it God that allows children to suffer in hunger or is it ourselves? Look in the mirror, does God make you suffer or is it the choices you make that make you suffer?

Take that first step. Everything happens for a reason and everything happens on God’s time, not ours. Most of us would like to think we can make it happen if we force this issue or if we hurry up and do this or try to control that. I used to think that. God, I am doing all I can here, a little help would be nice. James 1:12 states : ” Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. ” Romans 5:3-5 states ” Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Galatians 3:26 “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,”

Have a great Sunday!

Day One by Matthew West –

City On Our Knees by Tobymac –

Startin’ With Me by Jake Owen –

Live Like That by Sidewalk Prophets –

All You’ve Ever Wanted by Casting Crowns –

How Can It Be by Lauren Daigle –

Reason For Hope by Ron Pope –

Lifeline by Papa Roach – God is your lifeline

In My Room by Thousand Foot Krutch – have God meet you where you feel safe,

Love Like Jesus by Rhett Walker Band –

Lay Down My Pride by Jeremy Camp –

All Yours by Kutless –

What if it’s EVERYTHING

On June 9, 2015February 19, 2016 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Father's Questions, God, it's everything, music4 Comments

I have always believed in God, Jesus resurrection, and Heaven and Hell, but I didn’t believe in a lot of other things when it comes to religion. We went to church a few times when I was a child but not really anything I can recall stuck out for me. Growing up, I never read the Bible. The only person in my school that did, that I remember, was a boy named Jeremy. I never talked to him about it but a few years back I sent him a message telling him that I thought it was awesome he did that, that it is something I remember from high school.

I was a questioning Christian. I questioned people I knew who were Christians but their actions didn’t reflect that they were. ( Note to self : Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones). I know that many people get turned off because of a few bad apples. I questioned TV evangelism Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart. I questioned the Da Vinci Code. If Jesus wasn’t born December 25th, then why do we celebrate his birthday then? What about the books that weren’t included in the Bible and why weren’t they? Why does Jesus have so many names? etc etc. I could go on.

Then I met my wife in November 2003 and she introduced me to a few things. My wife went church shopping and walked into our current church, Westerville Christian, and God spoke to her and that this is where we should be. I started going and we sat in the back and I didn’t sing or any of that. I just listened. I talked to our pastor Greg and went through my questions and then all I can say is my heart started to soften. Then I questioned myself, am I really wanting to chance a life forever in Heaven because I have a few questions I don’t have answered. The question turned from what if none of this is real to what if it is? What if I miss it? Now, we sit in the front and I sing.

I was baptized on February 25th, 2009. I didn’t feel any different. There wasn’t an Aha moment but it was the start of a new life for me. One that would prepare me for times to come. One that would awaken my eyes, my heart, like never before. Was I really ready to live my life for the one who died for me?

At the end of 2012 my world was rocked. We will save this discussion for another time when God says I am ready but for now let’s just say my faith in everything I had come to believe in was tested. I asked God to use me and he did, not in the way I wanted to be used but in the way He wanted to use me. I believe in Heaven and Hell like never before. You see, I invited the devil to leave someone else alone and to come to me, I was strong enough. I got what I asked. God used me and the devil came to me. Since I will talk about this in depth later, I will just say something quick now. I never get headaches. Never, not once that I can recall. After I asked the devil in, I was getting headaches all the time, woke up covered in sweat, and sometimes when I looked in the mirror, I could tell the eyes looking back at me weren’t me. I don’t know how else to describe it. I went to counseling and did some pretty intense stuff and we talked about it and went under something called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing ( they use this to treat PTSD) and let me tell you, it is no joke. Anyway, questions came up about what, or who was inside my head and my vision, as clear as it is right now, was the devil. I don’t remember the name I said he said he was but it was real. After a few treatments, and many prayers to God to bail me out of what I asked for, the headaches stopped, the waking up covered in sweat stopped and the eyes not being me stopped. Be careful what you ask for.

Fast forward to now. I know without a doubt God is with me. I have overcome one of the hardest things I ever had to deal with. It took awhile but here I am. Proof positive is that I am writing for the entire world to see. Proof positive is that I am taking a chance on my music getting out there. The peace I feel when I told fear to go away, God’s got this, is overwhelming at times. The battle I had with fear and doubt when I was deciding to get my music out there. Come on man, you can use that money for something else. Don’t do this, no one will like it. The peace I felt after we did the first song and I put the money down, it was like God was smiling on me.

Even after all that, I was still a sinner and always will be, none of us are perfect but at times I was like, well if I mess up God will forgive me so what’s the point. I can watch what I want, listen to what I want, eat what I want and God will forgive me and then repeat cycle begins. Then I said to myself, what do I have to lose. Then God said, try it and see. I tried it, I quit following certain people on social media, I quit looking at certain people on social media, and I quit listening to some music that was negative or treated women or others with disrespect. All I can say is almost immediately I felt a change. I feel like my heart is going to fly out of my chest. I believe I am doing what God wants me to do and I am praying God will use my words and music to reach someone else.

All in God’s time.

If you are struggling with anything, find someone to talk to. We as Christians are not to condemn others but help them walk into the faith. Take baby steps, don’t try to read The Bible in a day. Download the Youversion Bible app and start with a simple devotional. See how God leads you. I can’t tell you how many times I was struggling with something and my devotional that day talked exactly about what I was struggling with. There are new devotionals each month and I just read the ones that jump out at me. This month, and it is amazing how God works this way, my devotionals are: Share Jesus- Go and Give Life, Beginning a Relationship With Jesus, Living Out Your Faith, Trusting God Day by Day, Gods Dream For Your Life, Go: Your Action Plan to Change The World, etc. You get it right? All these devotionals about sharing Jesus all at the same time that I started sharing Jesus. Something to help me in my walk as I start out on this new path for me. God moves in mysterious ways.

A book that may help you is Letters from a Skeptic : A Son Wrestles With His Father’s Questions About Christianity by Dr. Gregory Boyd and Edward Boyd.

Wherever you are in your walk, God will meet you there when YOU are ready to meet HIM. He is always there waiting.

Are you willing to risk everything that it is nothing? Or are you willing to risk everything that it is everything?

Thanks for the donations. I know it’s hard to donate on faith since you haven’t heard the song yet.

Just In Case by Tesla – I don’t want to be knocking on Heaven’s door wondering if I did enough

Everything by Colton Dixon (originally performed by Lifehouse )-I chose Colton’s version simply because it had the words. God is Everything, I never considered this a Christian song until I really read the words

Lord, I’m Ready Now by Plumb – God is waiting for you, it’s up to you to be ready now.

The Man I Want To Be by Chris Young – who do you want to be

Shine by Collective Soul – teach me Your ways

Walk By Faith by Jeremy Camp – my wife’s favorite artist, we have seen him in concert probably 7-8 times and each time we find a way to talk to him. Great guy and follower of Jesus.