Speaking Up, Standing Up

On July 9, 2015September 25, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, music, stand up for Jesus, teslaLeave a comment

When my oldest daughter Kayhla was four years old she stole a pack of gum from the grocery store. We were grocery shopping and when we got home, she had it in her pants. Of course, she didn’t know it was stealing but I had a choice. I could laugh about it and let her have it or I could take her back to the store and let her give it back to the manager and explain what happened. I took her back and explained what happened and everything was okay. It is something we remember to this day. I call that a teachable moment. What would you have done?

Now I have a question for you. Who invented the radio? Growing up you no doubt heard Marconi. All the school books say he did so it has to be true. They are wrong. Nikola Tesla invented the radio.

Kylie brought home her science book and we were going over it together and when it came to Marconi invented the radio I told her that was wrong. She asked “how can it be wrong if it is in my school book?” I told her about Tesla inventing it and showed her on the internet. Being the smart nine year old she is she said “you can’t believe everything on the internet.” I told her she was right but to trust me. I did a report on Tesla in high school and college and I know it is right. I did some more research to show her that even the US Government Patent Office declared Marconi’s patent invalid in 1943.

Kylie went to school the next day and told her teacher the book was not correct. Her teacher looked it up on the internet and was astonished that she had never heard of Tesla before or that he had invented the radio. Kylie told me when she went up to her teacher her hands were sweating and she felt like she was going to get sick. She stood up for the truth.

‘In December 1901, Marconi established wireless communication between Britain and the Newfoundland, Canada, earning him the Nobel prize in 1909. But much of Marconi’s work was not original. The Brandley coherer increased the distance messages could be transmitted. The coherer was perfected by Marconi. However, the heart of radio transmission is based upon four tuned circuits for transmitting and receiving. It is Tesla’s original concept demonstrated in his famous lecture at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in 1893. The four circuits, used in two pairs, are still a fundamental part of all radio and television equipment. The United States Supreme Court, in 1943 held Marconi’s most important patent invalid, recognizing Tesla’s more significant contribution as the inventor of radio technology.’ – Tesla Society

He also invented AC current, developed the technology for the light bulb forty years before Edison (his had neon lights) and the theory for our current smartphones – in 1926.

Tesla

So, why am I giving you a history lesson on Nikola Tesla? Because most people have never heard of him. They don’t know what he did and how it has impacted our lives today. Sound familiar?

Most people have not heard of Jesus Christ. They don’t know what he did and how it can affect their lives today and in the future. Some people that have heard of Jesus say he isn’t really God. That He was just a man, even though there is a ton of evidence from non-Christian sources to the contrary.

‘Let’s summarize what we’ve learned about Jesus from this examination of ancient non-Christian sources. First, both Josephus and Lucian indicate that Jesus was regarded as wise. Second, Pliny, the Talmud, and Lucian imply He was a powerful and revered teacher. Third, both Josephus and the Talmud indicate He performed miraculous feats. Fourth, Tacitus, Josephus, the Talmud, and Lucian all mention that He was crucified. Tacitus and Josephus say this occurred under Pontius Pilate. And the Talmud declares it happened on the eve of Passover. Fifth, there are possible references to the Christian belief in Jesus’ resurrection in both Tacitus and Josephus. Sixth, Josephus records that Jesus’ followers believed He was the Christ, or Messiah. And finally, both Pliny and Lucian indicate that Christians worshipped Jesus as God!’ -excerpt from Ancient Evidence for Jesus from Non-Christian Sources by Michael Gleghorn.

All the historical people named above really existed and no one doubts that they did. They wrote about Jesus, the dates they wrote about Him and what He did match with the dates in the Bible that Matthew, Luke, Mark, John, Peter, etc. wrote about Jesus. So why do people still doubt the fact that Jesus was real and did what the Bible says He did?

Maybe it is because people like me haven’t taken a stand for Jesus. I haven’t talked about Him enough to others that don’t know Him. I have many times taken a stand and talked about Tesla. I have many times taken a stand and talked about my favorite sports team/athlete. How many times have I taken a stand and talked about Jesus?

How many times have you?

Edison’s Medicine by Tesla –

Hold You Up by Shane Harper –

Speaking Louder Than Before by Jeremy Camp –

Until The Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns –

I’ll Breathe For You by Decyfer Down –

Stand Out by Tye Tribbett –

Love You With The Truth by Casting Crowns –

Let It Shine by Tyler James Williams –

God’s People Stand Up by Holinite –

Running For God – Motivational

What Are Waiting For by Matt Papa –

Stick to Your Guns by Scarlet White –

Fix My Eyes by For King and Country –

We Are by Thousand Foot Krutch –

More Than Conquerors by Never Forsaken –

Is It You?

On July 8, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Be somebody, change the world, Christian life, music4 Comments

Is it you? Is it me? Who will change the world? You never know how the Holy Spirit will work through you. Today, maybe only ten people will read these words. Tomorrow, maybe a million. The Holy Spirit could lead someone who reads my words to change the world. You say one person can’t change the world. I used to believe that. I am only one person, what can I do? Now I say why not me! I may never see the results of what I do today but I have faith in my God that He will use them to touch someone that can change the world.

Martin Luther King Jr., Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, Isaac Newton, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Jesus Christ and many more. All people who changed the world. I believe that there is one person out there right now that will turn our world around.

Have you heard of Clara Barton? She was a shy, timid child, afraid of strangers. At the age of fourteen she became a nurse. By the age of seventeen she was a schoolteacher with over forty students. She later founded the American Red Cross.

There are young girls at our church that are changing the world. Three sisters raised money to buy two cows for a village in Africa. There are other children that told relatives to not buy them presents for their birthdays but to donate money to the food container we shipped to that same village in Africa. A few years ago when my wife and I were going through some issues, our daughter would play Matthew 4:1-11 about Jesus not giving in to the devil’s temptations.

God will use you whether you are five or ninety-five. Are you open to hearing him? Age is not a restriction when it comes to doing good, doing the right thing.

Moses was not a good speaker. He was a murderer. He questioned God, but what if they don’t believe me, what if they don’t listen. Moses even asked God to send someone else. In the end, God used Moses, his strengths and his weaknesses, to further the kingdom of God. Exodus 4:1:13

What about Jonah? He told God no way, and ran away. Then God came to Jonah a second time and Jonah obeyed and spread the word of the Lord to the city of Nineveh, a very sinful city. Jonah 1-4

What about you? Is God telling you to do something and you are ignoring Him? Are you saying are you sure God, who am I to do this? Sorry God, I’m too busy right now, maybe later. Send someone else.

What about you? Are you the one that is keeping someone from doing what God wants them to do? Do you discourage instead of encourage? If someone came to you and said God wants me to…. what would you say?

God has given all of us abilities and talents. Some of us have five star talent, while others have one star. If you are a five star, are you helping the one stars get better? If you are a one star do you still do the most with the gifts that God has given you or do you give up, thinking you aren’t good enough? Michael Jordan cut from his middle school basketball team. What if he just gave up? Tom Brady drafted in the sixth round. What if he thought he wasn’t good enough to be a starting quarterback? Thomas Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at the light bulb before he was successful. What if he gave up after 999 failed attempts?

Romans 12:6-8: Romans 1268, God Words, Quote, Spiritual Gift, Scriptures, Time God, Bible Verses, Romans 12 6 8, Political Government

It is easy to fall into bad habits and once you start, it is hard to quit. They say the more bad you do you can become numb to doing bad. It just becomes a way of life. God can step in and change that way of life. Look at Paul. A persecutor of Christians who became a Christian and spread the word himself. Can you imagine that?

Likewise, once you start doing good, it is hard to stop doing good. Once you get over the fear, which is a major inhibitor and which I had to overcome to start letting others read my words, and you take that first step toward God, and you keep going forward you will experience more of God’s intentions for your life.

I am speaking now to the younger generation. Because of technology you have more freedom and more opportunities at your finger tips to do good, or bad. Are you being a cyber-bully or are you using your social media sites to spread good? Are you constantly looking down on your devices or do you look up to see this great big, wonderful world God has made for you? Are you following the ways of your boyfriend or girlfriend or friends in general? Do you step up and say I won’t do that when they do bad, even if they make fun of you? Are you going with the flow or are you going against the norm? If you never attempt to do hard things, things that stretch, grow and strengthen you, then how do you know what you can become?

If you treat an individual as he is he will remain as he is but if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be he will become what he ought to be and could be

Are you being honest with yourself? Is how you spend your time now preparing you for the future? Are you just skating by, doing enough to make it? The choices you make today will prepare you to be the person you will be later on in life. Don’t let fear stop you. God is with you!

One person can change the world. Will it be you?

The Anthem by Jake Hamilton –

War Drums by Jake Hamilton – Someone in this generation is going to make a noise that is going to shake a nation

Rooftops by Jesus Culture –

Can’t Shut Up by Anthem Lights –

If You Say Go by Blanca –

Wasted Life by Seventh Day Slumber –

Man Up by Lecrae, KB, Trip Lee, Tedashii, Sho Baraka, PRo & Andy Mineo –

We Are Brave by Veridia –

You Make Me Brave by Bethel Music –

Brave by Sara Bareilles –

Brave by Moriah Peters –

Say Yes by Michelle Williams –

Stand Strong by Moriah Peters –

Stand Up by Mike Tompkins –

What I Believe In by Marky Silvers –

I’m Getting A Divorce

On July 7, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In anger, anxiety, Christian life, fear, forgiveness, guilt, hate, judgement, lies, music, negativity, pride, self-esteem, shame, temptation, worrying5 Comments

No, not from my wife. I am divorcing all the things in my life that take away from God’s purpose for my life. The list is long and I may fail on some but with the help of Jesus, I can end the relationships.

I am divorcing pride. He was been there too long. Not that I thought I was better than anyone else because I am not but the pride that I thought I didn’t need anyone else. The pride that told me I can do this by myself. The pride that kept me from reaching out to others for help. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

I am divorcing negative thoughts. The ones that tell me I can’t do this. The ones that keep me from doing that. The ones that tell me people will think I am not good enough. The ones that tell me no one will read this anyway. Proverbs 15:26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.

I am divorcing negative words. I will no longer bring others down by the words I speak. I will speak words of encouragement, words of healing, words of truth, words of love. Job 4:4 Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees

I am divorcing fear. Fear that has kept me from talking. Fear that has kept me from doing. Fear that has kept me from living. Fear that has kept me in my box far too long.

I am divorcing not forgiving others. It is said that not forgiving someone is like drinking poison then waiting for the other person to die. I am tired of holding on to the pain, the anger, the hurt. It is not up to me to punish them. I have to forgive in order for me to live again. God is in control. How many times has he forgiven me? Luke 11:4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

I am divorcing going through the motions. I will no longer say I am okay or fine when you ask if I am not okay or fine. I will no longer say I will help and not. I will no longer say we should volunteer and not sign up. I will no longer live my life like a robot.

I am divorcing shame. Shame that has kept my secrets hidden. Shame that I am not wanted. I am divorcing the shame of my family not wanting me, the shame of my family controlling me and doing things they want so they will like me, the shame of my family giving me no boundaries, the shame of the family that abused me. (note: this isn’t my family. I have a wonderful family but this is for those that don’t). I did not deserve to be shamed by you and now I am divorcing you. Job 11:15 then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear.

I am divorcing my past and my worries and anxiety about the future. My past does not define me and will not shape my future. My worries about the future only take away the joy of my today. I will live in the present. I will love each moment I have of today. I will live each day like it is a gift from God. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

I am divorcing my selfish ways. I am going to give more of my time to my wife and children. I am going to give more of my time to my community. I am going to give more of time to my church. I will not be overwhelmed by the things I have to do. If I need 25 hours in day to get things done, God will show me how to do it. Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

I am divorcing my low self-esteem. I am not who you say I am. I am wanted, accepted, and loved by my God, Jesus.

I am divorcing guilt. Guilt for the things I have done to others. Guilt for the things I have done to myself. I am not a bad person even though I have done bad things. Psalm 38:4 My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.

I am divorcing lies. Lies I have told and lies I have believed. I am divorcing the lies of this world. There is only one truth and that is the Word Of Jesus. Leviticus 19:11 ‘Do not steal. ” ‘Do not lie. ” ‘Do not deceive one another

I am divorcing anger and hate. I have been so mad at people that it has made me hate them. I have hated people I don’t even know for the things they have done to people I don’t even know. I have hated and been angered at those that hurt children. I have hated and been angered at those that have taken advantage of the elderly and the sick. It is not my job to put punishment on these people. God will have the final say. Deuteronomy 30:7 The LORD your God will put all these curses on your enemies who hate and persecute you

I am divorcing judgement. I have judged people on the way they look and the clothes they wear. I have judged people by the job they have and the places they live. One day that could be me. Mark 14:7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me

I am divorcing temptation. I am tempted way too often by way too many things. The devil will tempt me again but by the name of Jesus I will not fall for his deceptions and his lies. I will follow the truth. Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. and Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.

Some of these I will be able to divorce easily and quickly. Some of these will be hard and take years. Will these ex’s try to sneak back into my life? Yes. Will I cheat on my new life by falling back to my old life? I pray not but only with the help of Jesus will I succeed. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Lay Down My Pride by Jeremy Camp –

Speak Life by TobyMac –

Motions by Matthew West –

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

We Fall Apart by We As Human –

Disconnected by Veridia –

Negative Positive by 3 Winans Brothers –

Shame by Keith Urban –

Why Worry by NewSong –

I Have A Friend

On July 6, 2015July 28, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, friends, Jesus, music, stand up for Jesus5 Comments

If you recall I mentioned in an earlier post that I don’t have any friends, none that I would call close anyway. It is all my fault, I am to blame, I take full responsibility. I never took the time to invest in anyone else. I was okay with just being by myself. I have since figured out that this isn’t the way God wants me to live. I can’t grow as a person or in my faith without the help of others.

It is easier to burn bridges than it is to rebuild them. Why would anyone trust me now? They got close to me once and look where it led them. I can’t blame them. One thing I do know about is forgiveness. Maybe one day they will forgive me.

Now let me tell you about my friend. He loves me when I don’t love him. He accepts me for who I am. He is there to encourage me when I am discouraged. He is there to carry me when I am worn out. He looks at me with compassion when I yell at him. He always has my back, even when I stab him in his. He forgives me, even when I don’t forgive myself. He picks me up when I fall down. He waits for me when I forget the plans we had together.

He serves me and teaches me how to serve others. He prays for me and has taught me how to pray. He is patient with me and has taught me how to be patient with others. He was tempted and has taught me how to have self-control and not to give into temptation -but when I do, he forgives me. He is humble and has taught me to be humble- and when I forget and think highly of myself he is quick to remind me why I have my talents and gifts.

He is always there for me. I can call on him at six in the morning or six in the evening. He answers my call at two in the morning or two in the afternoon. Sometimes his greatest answer is no. He is generous with his time and has taught me to be generous with mine – even though I am a work in progress on learning how to be more generous with mine. He has held my hand when no one else would.

Even with all those things, what he does most is what I think a true friend does. He tells me the truth. He tells me how it is even when he knows I won’t agree with what he says. He tells me that’s a bad decision then watches me make it. He tells me I will suffer the consequences if I do it, then watches me suffer the consequences. He never once tells me I told you so. He is always there to pull me closer when I push him away. He is committed to our relationship even when I am not so committed to him.

Would you like to have a friend like that? My friend told me to share him with you so now you have a friend like I do. His name is Jesus. Will you accept his friendship.

Oh, one last thing. My friend said he would die for me and he did.

Friend Like That by Hawk Nelson –

Me and Jesus by Stellar Kart –

Jesus, Friend of Sinners by Casting Crowns –

Give A Little Love by Noah the Whale –

My Friend Jesus by Newsboys –

New Friend Jesus by Craig Finn –

What A Friend We Have In Jesus by many but this one Alan Jackson –

Just Say Jesus by 7eventh Time Down –

Beer With Jesus by Thomas Rhett –

Jesus He Loves Me by Chris Tomlin –

I’ve Got Friends That Do by Tim McGraw –

Jesus Loves You by Stellar Kart –

Love Like Jesus by Rhett Walker Band –

Loyal by Lauren Daigle –

Without Jesus Here With Me by Holly Williams –

Have A Little Talk With Jesus by Brenda Lee –

Happy Fourth of July

On July 4, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In America, Christian life, freedom, music, rightsLeave a comment

Image result for pictures of american flag

Happy Fourth of July.

First and foremost I would like to thank all of our service men and women who have fought for our freedom. Who have given their time, their lives so that we can have the country that we have.

When I first started writing this I was going to go a different direction but God has lead me to make it more simple. I believe our country was founded on Christian beliefs. All men are created equal, we help those in need, we live in a morally correct way and treat others the way we want to be treated. Isaiah 1: 16-17 Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
stop doing wrong.Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

Our First Amendment rights to freedom of religion, speech, press, petition and assembly are under attack. We are free to believe or not to believe. We are free to be Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, or any other religion we want to participate in. We have the right to assemble, to gather and talk about our God. Neither the First Amendment nor the Constitution states seperation of church from state. With that being said, we, as Christians, are under attack and I don’t believe it will stop at just Christianity.

Why does one who doesn’t believe in God get to dictate those that do? I don’t ask them to pray in school if they don’t want to, I don’t ask them to take down their signs that say God doesn’t exist. If that’s what you want to believe then so be it. Yet, anytime someone expresses their belief in God in public, we get shot down. Take for example a high school in Kountz, Texas. The cheerleaders made signs using scripture like Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us,” to take a stand for God. A Freedom From Religion group in Wisconsin is suing claiming violation of the First Amendment. The First Amendment gives these cheerleaders, and everyone else, this right. So why can these anti-religious groups take away our rights to say we believe in God? Again I say no where does it state seperation of church and state in the First Amendment or in the Constitution.

In Poteet, Texas ONE person changed a 99-year tradition to pray both before and after a high school graduation ceremony. The valedictorian — an atheist — complained, a pro-separation group intervened and applied legal pressure. If ONE person can change a 99 year history, why can’t the rest of the people that want the prayer be allowed to keep it?

Why can we teach evolution in schools but not creation? If we are going to make everything equal then….

Many people are suing to take God out of the Pledge Of Allegiance. We, as citizens of the United States of America, have the right to say it just as much as these people have the right not to say it.

Atheists have tried, unsuccesfully, to take God off the currency.

The last poll taken in 2014 posted on May 12, 2015 by Pew Research shows 70.6% of America view themselves as Christian, while 7.1% are atheist or agnostic. Yet, the majority are having to change their lives because of the minority and because our court systems are ruling, in most cases, in favor of the minority.

When did we as a country start letting the minority dictate the majority and why? The majority have been silent for too long.

Whether you believe or don’t believe is your choice. Why are you trying to take away my rights?

106 out of the first 108 universities founded in America were Christian. Harvard, being the first, had its first rule in the student handbook : “Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, John 17:3; and therefore to lay Jesus Christ as the only foundation for our children to follow the moral principles of the Ten Commandments.”

I believe our country has taken or is taking our freedom of religion away in order to create all men equal. If no one can say God, then everyone is equal. If we can’t say the Pledge of Allegiance in schools or have prayer before a football game, then we are all equal. Yet, you have taken away our rights of freedom of religion, speech and assembly.

Why stop there? If we are going to quit doing religious things in public to have everyone be treated equally then let’s call up the top 10% richest people in America and have them share their wealth with the other 90% of us so we can all be equal. Heck, let’s make every sporting event end in a tie so there are no winners or losers, just everyone being equal. I don’t believe when our founding fathers came up with all men are created equal that this is what they had in mind.

A government can not be all things to all people. When it tries, it will overextend itself and frustrate the freedom of its citizens.

On this Fourth of July, let us Christians speak up. Bring our country back to where it was, for what it was founded on. Our freedoms, religious, speech, and others are being taken away by the few. Stand together and let our voices be heard. I will pray that we will be the salt and the light. Will you stand with me?

On this Fourth of July I will pray for our leaders. I will pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders. I will pray that God will transform the hearts and minds of our citizens. I will pray for our generation and the next. I will pray that we ask God for forgiveness for the decisions we have made. I will pray for peace for our nation. I will pray that God will heal our land.

Proverbs 28:2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Pledge of Allegiance by Lee Greenwood –

God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood –

America by Chris Tomlin –

Heal Our Land by Michael Card –

America by Neil Diamond –

Middle Of America by Will Hoge –

American Pride by Moonshine Bandits –

Answer To No One by Colt Ford –

Freedoms Never Free by Phillips, Craig and Dean –

Pink Houses by John Mellencamp –

Hero by Finding Favour –

Home by Dierks Bentley –

Red White and Blue by Rockie Lynne –

Only In America by Brooks and Dunn –

Two Soldiers Coming Home by Lori McKenna –

It’s America by Rodney Atkins –

American Child by Phil Vassar –

New, forgotten, unknown 7/3/15 – New music Friday

On July 3, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, musicLeave a comment

Since I missed last week because of being out of town, I will do a double dose this week. Let me know what you think, do you like some of these bands, have you heard or not heard of them before, etc.. Thanks

Beautiful by Dan Bremnes –

The One We Love by Derek Johnson –

Never Surrender by Like A Storm –

Forgive and Forget by You Me At Six –

Dyin’ To Live by Smallpools –

Bad Dream by The Mowgli’s –

Still Think About You by William Clark Green –

They Don’t Make Them Like They Use To by Will Hoge – I know he has been around awhile but he doesn’t seem to get a lot of radio play, I like almost all his songs

Better Than Home by Beth Hart – again, been around awhile but I think this new cd might be one of her best

Better by Casey J –

Lights Go Out by KB –

So Good by Tuxedo –

The Older I Get

On June 30, 2015September 25, 2015 By roberthansen1317In appreciate, Christian life, disney, introvert, live life, music, parents7 Comments

Today is my birthday. To me it is just another day. I don’t think I have ever been big on celebrations, probably the introvert in me. As I get older though, I would like to think I have become better. A better husband, father, son and brother. God has given me this day and this year to cherish each minute of each day because somehow, they go by faster and faster.

The older I get the more and more I like children’s movies. Disney, Pixar, Marvel Superhero, etc.The old ones and the new ones. They always have meaning, they always bring joy and happiness, and have memorable characters. (and the good guys always win)

On Everlasting Love...

The older I get the more I say things my parents said. How many times growing up did we say “I will never say that to my child.” “I will never act that way in front of my kids.” Yes, parents are embarrassing but as we get older, it’s those things we remember the most. Dance in the rain, hold hands, sing in the car. I hope our daughters will remember the times we acted like fools in front of them, made them laugh, made them cringe, made them say ” I will never do that in front of my kids.”

The older I get the more I realize I am not as old as everyone else my age is. Or maybe I just view myself as looking and feeling younger than I am. Or maybe at this age I’ve just become illogical and don’t really know what is going on. I do know it takes longer to heal my injuries. Man, when did a sore calf keep me from running for a week.

The older I get the more I appreciate the ones I have had. I don’t remember all the presents but I do remember the people I shared them with, the love we shared, and the laughter we had. Here’s to cherishing this one and looking forward to the next one, which will be here in about ten days it seems. Time slow down please. From changing diapers to graduating college happens in a blink of an eye.

If you are younger and reading this, don’t wish your years away. Cherish where you are now and enjoy this time in your life. It won’t be long before you will have to roll out of bed too.

Live every day like it’s your birthday. Today could be my last. Don’t count the presents, count the smiles.

Ecclesiastes 8:7 Since no one knows the future, who can tell someone else what is to come?

Proverbs 16:31 A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness.

Psalm 39:4-5 LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath.

Job 12:12 Wisdom is with aged men, With long life is understanding.

Two mile run done with part of the family, Kylie is training for her first 1/4 marathon. Then off to see Inside Out (appropriate for what’s inside my head)

clip from Inside Out –

The Older I Get by Skillet –

My Next Thirty Years by Tim Mcgraw –

Just Older by Bon Jovi –

I Wanna Grow Old With You by Westlife (scenes from Up) –

Automatic by Miranda Lambert –

Don’t Blink by Kenny Chesney –

I Just Came Home To Count The Memories by John Anderson –

I Question You – The Finished Song

On June 29, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, music, new music8 Comments

Here is the official, last version, mastered, edited, mixed etc version of the song.

I need help and prayers though.

When I do something, I usually go big. I want the best results. I want to be faster each race I run. I want the world to read my blogs, listen to my music, but what does God want?

We are not putting it on itunes yet because we are praying on where we should go. Ceylon Wise, who produced, mixed and mastered the song, is taking a leap of faith and starting his own record label. We could sign with him, which means the rest of our songs would get recorded without any out of pocket expense from us. He would get more royalties since he is taking the chance of recording the EP, which really doesn’t bother us any. We are wanting to get the music out there to have an affect on peoples lives and have the songs touch people. If we sign with him, he wants to get rest of EP done then release the song on itunes.

Answer to our prayers right?

So what’s the problem?

I feel like I want to get the song out to bigger labels and see what happens. Everyone that has heard the song and Lily’s voice is telling me it is good and she should be on the radio.

Is this what God wants though?

It would be exciting to be with a start up label and maybe be one of the founding artists that helps it grow. It would be exciting to be heard on the radio and be on a big label, if God leads us that way, but would we get lost in the shuffle.

Speak to me God, I will wait and listen. Lead me in the way you want us to go. Lead us to what will glorify your name the most. Lead us to what will touch someones life.

I Question You by Lily Messer –

Do you listen when God speaks?

On June 29, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In choices, Christian life, fear, God speaks, musicLeave a comment

This is a tough one for me. There have been so many times when I heard or felt God telling me to do something and I let fear get in the way and did not do it. Why do I do this? It wasn’t like He was asking me to sacrifice my child or to go preach to a city full of sin. He wasn’t asking me to turn water into wine or leave my family or my job to follow Him.

Fear, the great inhibitor.

As you already know I am not a big talker. I am also comfortable in my comfort zone. God says go talk to that stranger. I am like are you sure? Then the stranger walks away and the chance is gone. God says go left and I go right and find myself somewhere I shouldn’t be. Should’ve listened to God. God says get off the computer and spend time with your family. I say they are fine. They are busy doing what they do.

Status quo. Don’t rock the boat. If it’s not broken, don’t try to fix it.

But it is broken isn’t it.

Technology is great but it has also taken so much away from why we are here. Yes, I can reach millions of people I will never see through these writings and hopefully bring a few of those people to know Jesus. Am I sacrificing my time with my family by doing this? Maybe. God is telling me to do this so I am doing it. How do I do it without sacrificing family time? I have to sacrifice my time. Instead of aimlessly looking at the internet I have to concentrate on writing. Instead of sleeping seven hours maybe I sleep six. Would you sacrifice an hour sleep if God was using you to change the world? Would you spend the thirty minutes you take each morning drinking coffee and reading (or watching) the morning news and change it to taking thirty minutes to tell the world about Jesus? We all have extra time in the day, it comes down to a matter of how do you want to use that extra time? If God asks you to give him ten minutes a day, would you, could you do it?

Watch tv or read the bible? Read about the latest news on this or that celebrity or talk to your children and spouses?

Matthew 6:22 The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,

Spend twenty minutes reading all the jokes, gossip, news etc in your inbox or spend twenty minutes exercising? If God asked you to run for Him, would you do it?

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

I remember a time when a young couple came to our church. They sat right in front of us and they looked distraught. She was pregnant and you could tell they didn’t have much money. At the end of service, God was telling me to talk to them, but I didn’t. I said maybe next time. Later, my wife told me God was telling her the same thing, but she did nothing also. She thought maybe next time. That couple has not been back to our church, or if they have we have not seen them. I would talk to them now.

I remember a young lady sat beside us one service and she cried most of the service. I felt God telling me to talk to her. This time I did, a simple are you okay, anything I can do? She said thanks but no, she will be okay. I see her every service and she is an active member of our church. What if that day I didn’t say anything?

I remember at my work, a long time ago, everyone was cursing all the time. It was a hostile environment. Yelling across the room f this or f that. I heard God say stop cursing and people will follow. I quit and within two-three weeks, almost everyone quit cursing and the mood in the room changed for the better. What if I didn’t listen and kept cursing?

I remember my wife saying she can’t lead a Run For God class. She heard God telling her to do it but fear of speaking in front of people kept her from doing it. She lead her first Run For God class June 28th. Sixteen adults and ten children were there and more people have shown interest in being there for the second class. So far, that’s twenty-six people, that through God, she is leading to bring them closer to God, to meet new people in their walk with God, and to use their bodies and minds to glorify God. All because she listened to God.

How do you know if it’s God, your own mind, or Satan speaking to you? Satan deceives and lies, will try to lead you away from what is right. Your mind is selfish and will try to promote your own self interests. God will lead you to do what is right, He will never ask you to do something you shouldn’t, and will always put others before yourselves.

Once you get over your fears, it gets easier. That’s why people try to conquer their fears by facing them head on. Afraid of heights? Go someplace high. Afraid of spiders, snakes? Hold one. Okay maybe not. How about be in a room with them at the zoo or something. Have you watched Biggest Loser or Extreme Weight Loss? The issues are usually the fears they have or a trauma that had happened in their life that is holding them back. Once they tackle those issues, the I can’ts or the trauma they faced earlier in life, they move forward. Afraid to tell the truth because of shame, hurt? Do it anyway, the truth will always set you free.

John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

What is God asking you to do today? Is your answer yes Lord?

Never Gone by Colton Dixon –

More Than You Think I Am by Danny Gokey –

Drops In The Ocean by Hawk Nelson –

By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North –

You’ll Never Be Alone by Capital Kings –

So Far To Find You by Casting Crowns –

Call My Name by Third Day –

I Loved You Then by 33 Miles –

Word of God Speak by MercyMe –

God Speaking by Mandisa –

Speak To Me by Matty Mullins –

Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns –

Sound of Your Voice by Third Day –

I Will Always Be True by Third Day –

I’m Only Jesus by Tim McGraw –

Believe ( Waiting For An Answer) by The Afters –

Happy Father’s Day

On June 21, 2015February 19, 2016 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, dad, father, music2 Comments

Happy Father’s Day. For some of us it is a day of celebrating and honoring our father, for some of us it is a day of sorrow and remembering our father, and for some others of us, it is a day of wishing they had a father or that their father was more involved in their lives.

My dad was a truck driver. He was home almost every weekend. To me, it’s just how it was. I didn’t envy my friends that had their fathers every day. Maybe that’s the introvert in me that’s ok with being alone. I know he worked hard and I have my work ethic from him. I wasn’t as close to him as I should’ve been but when he was gone all week and I didn’t talk when he was home I guess it was what it was. When he was home and wanted to teach me how to work on a car I wanted sports and girls. It didn’t affect the way I am as a father, except maybe I want to be home every day to be with my children. He was a great dad though and through all his good and bad it taught me valuable lessons on what to do and not do.

When I think about it, I know I never considered how hard it must have been for him. All the sporting events , all the little moments, and all the big moments he missed. The life of a truck driver back then was harder than it is now. Less truck stops, practically no healthy foods, no exercise (no 24 hour gyms). All those things affected his mental and physical health. Not to mention the agent orange and Vietnam War he also dealt with.

He was also an awesome drummer who could play anything by ear. I could bring home Skillet or Bon Jovi or Luke Bryan and he could play right along without ever hearing the songs before. He played in bands and in bars since he was young so that didn’t help his health any either.

If I really think about it, he had 3 strikes against his health. (bands/bars, truck driving, Vietnam). I wish he would’ve taken better care of himself so he could still be here. I know he would be proud of me, he always said he was.

Call me weird but I have never felt the need to be accepted by anyone. Maybe I am lucky that way. Maybe I have just always felt accepted by my parents and by God. I know a lot of children live to be accepted by their fathers and when they are not, they try to find that acceptance elsewhere – which is always bad. Listen up dads, tell your children every day how much you love them, how much you are proud of them, how much you appreciate them and how much you accept them, even when they make mistakes. A spilled glass of milk cleans up easy in a few minutes, the harsh words you yell at your kids for making the mess will last a lifetime.

No matter what kind of dad you have, please believe you have a father that loves you and accepts you for who you are. Your Father in Heaven will always have his arms open for you, His words will always guide you, and His love for you will never fail. Trust in that and trust in Him.

However you are feeling about your father today I pray that you will be thankful for him. Without him you wouldn’t be here reading this today and without him you wouldn’t be able to make a difference in this world. You can make a difference.

If today is a struggle for you because your dad wasn’t there for you, maybe today can be a day of forgiveness and reconciliation for you.

Thank you dad for being the hard worker, teacher and example for me to follow. Thank you for loving me. Thank you Father for always being there for me, for accepting me for who I am and for waiting for me to come to you.

John 16:27 “No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.

1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles

John 17:23 I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus

Ephesians 3:14-15 I have always been Father, and will always be Father

John 1:12-13 My question is ~ Will you be my child?

Luke 15:11-32 I am waiting for you

Father’s Love Letter –