The Reindeer Revolt- The Poem

On December 13, 2017December 13, 2017 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Christmas, poems, PoetryLeave a comment

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I started to write this as a poem then when I was done, I decided to do a story also. The story is a little different than the poem because, well, I didn’t have to rhyme. This morning you get the poem, this afternoon you will see the story. Let me know if you like one better than the other or like them both. Same moral for each.

‘Twas the week before Christmas

And there was trouble at the North Pole

Several of Santa’s reindeer wanted out of the business

They said working every Christmas Eve is getting old

They told Santa they wouldn’t be flying this year

Led by Donner but followed by Comet, Vixen, and Prancer

Donner tried to organize all the reindeer

But Cupid, Blitzen, Dasher, and Dancer

Those four said no, we enjoy traveling around the globe

We only work one day a year

We love seeing the children and bringing hope

Bringing wonders, gifts, and cheer

We have 364 days of rest and that is just one perk

We can train and relax and take long vacations

You are silly for protesting one night of work

There is no reason for you four to have this frustration

The arguing and bickering was causing more of a division

Both sides believing they were right

Cupid, Blitzen, Dasher, and Dancer made a difficult decision

They agreed right there and then on that fateful night

They had been friends and worked together for years

But the time had come and they could no longer be friends

Donner, Comet, Vixen, and Prancer changed too much it appears

The stress and the fighting seemed to never end

They were sad but they knew they had to go their own way

If they stayed friends Santa would think they revolted too

They liked their jobs and knew there was nothing else they could say

So they severed all ties, it wasn’t easy but it was the wisest thing to do

Santa came and saw the division that had taken place

He saw how Cupid, Blitzen, Dasher, and Dancer had to decide

To not associate with the others that would bring them disgrace

Santa knew he had to find four new reindeer for his sleigh ride

Cupid, Blitzen, Dasher, and Dancer would persevere

They were joined by Cinnamon, Gumdrop, Sparkles, and Peppermint

So listen up my friends and learn from these reindeer

If you hang with the wrong crowd it is only imminent

That you too will find yourself in a sticky situation

And in trouble you will find yourself likely

To have a sturdy house you must have a strong foundation

Listen to your heart and choose your friends wisely

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We’re Going To Be Friends by Jack Johnson –

False Friends by Stephen Marley –

Circle of Friends by Point Of Grace –

Friends by Trent Shelton –

The Sun Doesn’t Always Come Out Tomorrow

On December 12, 2017November 14, 2017 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, God heals, help somebody, poems, Poetry2 Comments

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Feeling lost at school and feeling ignored at home

Surrounded by people but feeling all alone

I think I’m tired of fighting the fight

I’m ready to leave this life tonight

There’s nothing here as far as I can see

I wonder if anyone will even miss me

Meanwhile two blocks away

Stacy winds up another day

She remembers him and when they were so close

But lately he seems distant, disappeared like a ghost

I’ll call him tomorrow to just say hi

She doesn’t know he’s ending his life tonight

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Meanwhile two rooms away his parents talk

About how they might go take a walk

Should they go back to his room

They joke how it seems like a tomb

They remember how he laughed not long ago

Would they have tried harder if they had known?

Meanwhile two key strokes away

More of the kids in school type away

Making jokes and calling him names

Doesn’t he know he’s so lame

They wish he would go away and die

Tomorrow they will cry and wonder why

He thinks of how his life will end

Too many torn pieces to try to mend

Image result for air1 verse of the day psalm 42:11

His phone rings “hey how are you doing”

It’s Stacy asking how things are going

I was going to call you tomorrow but why wait

She didn’t know that tomorrow would’ve been one day too late

A knock on his door and mom says let’s leave

We are all going to go get some ice cream

No ifs ands or buts, you’re going

If they only knew what he thought of doing

His screen beeps and Scott starts to fight

What you guys say is wrong, it isn’t right

How about saying something positive

And he starts to think he might want to live

He gets off his bed and starts to head out the door

That’s when his bible fell onto the floor

A verse about you will have pain, suffering and sorrow

Then the Air1 verse of the day says hope in tomorrow

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Then his youth pastor sent a text to see if he was okay

He sent back looks like I’ll make it through another day

Is there someone that you know

That thinks the sun won’t come up tomorrow

Image result for air1 verse of the day psalm 42:11

One Day Too Late by Skillet –

I Can’t Breathe by Bea Miller –

The Call by Matt Kennon –

Beautiful by MercyMe –

Hard Love by NeedToBreathe-

Hope by Ryan Calhoun –

My Friends by Oh Wonder –

Hope by Superchick-

Hope For The Hopeless by Papa Roach –

Remain by Royal Tailor –

Not Today by Hillsong United –

Be Still And Know by Hannah Kerr –

How Do You Get That Lonely by Blaine Larsen –

Storm Inside Of You by Veronica Ballestrini-

I Want To Live by Skillet –

Broken by Lifehouse –

A Christmas Prayer

On December 12, 2017December 11, 2017 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, poems, Poetry, prayer7 Comments

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A Christmas prayer

For the ones out there

Who aren’t full of happiness and cheer

Who are depressed and worn out this time of year

This time of year can be tough

Sometimes you just want to scream ENOUGH!

Maybe it’s the loss of a loved one

Or past hurts that have been done

Everyone else seems full of glee

You’re thinking “everyone but me”

You aren’t the only one faking a smile

Remember the season is because of the birth of a child

It’s not the decorations or presents

Or all the parties and events

Here is an open invitation

To join in the celebration

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No gifts to bring or trees to decorate

Whenever you are ready, we will wait

A genuine heart with love to give

I believe you are meant to live

Do not give up, Do not be dismayed

If you are having a string of bad days

There is a hope for a better tomorrow

One not promised without sorrow

One not promised without pain

One not promised without rain

One promised that you are never alone

One promised that you have a home

One promised that you are loved

One promised of HOPE, sealed by His blood

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I can’t promise tomorrow will be better

I can promise you have a helper

Instead of falling down it’s time to rise up

Don’t give up when you’ve had enough

The night will fall and the sun will soon shine

Please, please give it some more time

Tomorrow is new

Perhaps a blessing for you

Tomorrow will soon be here

And maybe, just maybe, it’ll be your year

A baby boy was born in a manger

Don’t let him be a stranger

Get to know hope, love, forgiveness and grace

Tomorrow you will gladly embrace

I want you to know you are known

And that you aren’t alone

Don’t give up, YOU are loved, even when you are blue

This is my Christmas prayer for you

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Talk to your doctor if you are feeling sad for long periods of time. They can refer you to a mental health specialist. If your feelings of sadness during the holidays are accompanied by suicidal thoughts, do one of the following immediately:

Call 911.
Go immediately to a hospital emergency room.
Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

You can improve your mood by practicing self-care during the holidays. Eat a healthy diet, and maintain a regular sleep pattern and exercise program. According to the kept Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, as little as 30-minutes of cardiovascular exercise can provide an immediate mood boost similar to the effects of an antidepressant medication. Joining a support group where you talk to people with similar experiences to yours can also help.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND YOU HAVE WORTH AND YOU ARE LOVED MORE THAN YOU KNOW!

Image result for bible verses on tomorrow is a new day

Lots of songs but couldn’t decide to put suicide or hope or someone loves you song so put a mix of all them.

Why by Faith Hill –

Why by Rascal Flatts –

Different Kind Of Tears by Sully Erna –

Before The Morning by Josh Wilson –

Somebody Stand By Me by Faith Hill –

Home by Phillip Phillips-

Pray For You by Blessid Union Of Souls –

I Don’t Have The Answers by We Are Messengers-

10 Years Today by Bullet For My Valentine-

Don’t Close Your Eyes by Kix-

Hold On by Good Charlotte-

The Fuzz by Jeff Rosenstock –

Hold On by Wilson Phillips-

The Last Night by Skillet –

The Reason by Lacey Sturm-

Take The Bullets Away by We As Human-

The Right Time by Disciple –

Everybody Hurts by R.E.M.-

Goodbye (I’m Sorry) by Jamestown Story –

Just Say Jesus by 7eventh Time Down –

Pray For Me by Kirk Franklin –

Welcome To My Life by Simple Plan –

My Story by Big Daddy Weave –

Hope Was Born This Night by Sidewalk Prophets –

New Christmas Songs 2017 Week 1

On December 11, 2017December 11, 2017 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Christmas, Christmas music, Merry Christmas, Original Christmas Songs3 Comments

I meant to get this out last Friday the 8th but was busy busy. Then tried this morning but more of the same business. I hope you enjoy, listen to a few and maybe you will find yourself a new favorite.

Messiah by Francesca Battistelli-

This Christmas Eve by Ryan Stevenson-

Christmas Back To You by Chante Moore –

Make Room by Casting Crowns-

Why Can’t Christmas Day Last All Year Long by Alabama-

Sure Could Use Some Christmas Around Here by Alabama-

Santa’s Wish (Teach The World) by The Tenors-

When I Was A Little Girl by Gwen Stefani-

My Gift Is You by Gwen Stefani-

Season Of Love by 98 Degrees-

Christmas C’Mon by Lindsey Stirling-

The Call Of Christmas by Zach Williams-

The Gift

On December 7, 2017November 28, 2017 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Christmas, Merry Christmas, Short story, The Gift2 Comments

There didn’t seem to be much she didn’t want. It seemed like half the toy catalog was written down on her list. Barbies, doll houses, princess things, and dolls. Not to be left out were matchbox cars, board games, Playmobil things, and a football. She even asked for love. She was just a young girl.

Her list changed over the years. Now there were clothes, gift cards, and money on the list. She also asked for iPods, iPads, and other things that start with I. One thing hadn’t changed though, she still asked for love. She was just a teenage girl.

She had most everything she ever wanted. She didn’t have much of a list this year. A new pair of Nikes, some pots and pans for her new apartment, gift cards, and money. Mostly, she just wanted her family to be together. She still was asking for love. She was just a young woman.

She had everything she had asked for. She had been married a few years and had her first child. She asked for her child to be healthy. She asked for her husband to be faithful. She asked for good friends. She asked to be successful in her career. She asked for her bills to be paid. She asked to always be loved. She was just a young mom.

She was confused about her life. Something was missing. She had everything she wanted. She had a great career, she had great friends. She was happily married, had two healthy, happy children and a strong foundation from her parents, but she had forgotten about the one who loved her. Somewhere along the way she had forgotten about her faith. She asked for love. She asked for forgiveness. She was just a young Christian woman.

She thanked God for the life she had. She asked that her children have a relationship with Jesus. She asked that they don’t wait as long as she did to accept Jesus in her life. She asked that they realize how much they are loved. She knew the gift that Jesus had given her. He was born, He lived, and He died on the cross for her sins. She asked for love and she received the love of her Heavenly Father. She received a gift she could never pay back. A gift given to her a long time ago. She just had to be open to receiving it. She was just a woman on her journey to eternal life.

She asked for one more day. She asked for memories she couldn’t recall. She shed a tear for a child lost too young. She asked to see her parents again. She remembered Christmas past. She asked if she had done enough. She thanked God for the gift of love He had given her. She was just a woman at the end of her days here on earth. She was just a woman, filled with joy for the life she had lived. She was just a woman that loves God. She was just a woman that accepted His gift.

She was just a woman who asked for love.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer by Burl Ives –

Children Again by Jason Gray –

Hold On Christmas by MercyMe –

The Gift by Collin Raye –

The Giver and the Gift by Point Of Grace –

Beautiful by Kutless –

For God So Loved by Brad & Rebekah –

Love Is Here by Laura Story –

Your Love Is Mine by I Am They –

Leaving Heaven by Matthew West –

The Perfect Gift by JJ Heller –

Love Will Save The World by Brentwood Benson –

For All That You Have Done by Rend Collective –

I Wrote This One For You

On December 6, 2017December 6, 2017 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Lyrics, poems, Poetry2 Comments

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She might be out in the crowd

Singing all the words out loud

She might think I wrote this one for her

For the times that weren’t and the times that were

But I wrote this one for you

He might think I wrote this for him and his boys

They can sing along with out of tune noise

Another song to the girls they serenade

But that’s not why these words were made

Cause I wrote this one for you

I wrote this one for you

Because you’ve always been true

I climbed the mountain and passed through the valley

Because you were always there with me

I wrote this one for you

They hear the piano and the kids dance around

The words can pick them up when they are down

It’s one of those songs that get stuck in your head

They’ll think I wrote it for them but instead

I wrote this one for you

Because you’ve always been true

I’ve climbed the mountain and passed through the valley

Because you were always there with me

I wrote this one for you

I don’t know where I would be

If you hadn’t come running after me

If you hadn’t pulled me into your arms

And protected me from harm

So they can sing your song

So they can sing right along

They can stand on their chairs

They can hold their phones in the air

They can sing right til the last note ends

And they can think I wrote this one for them

But I wrote this one for you

I wrote this one for you

Image result for bible verse about singing praises to god

1 Song by Matthew West-

The One I Wrote For You by Cheyenne Jackson-

This One’s For You by Luke Combs-

Your Song by Elton John-

Have All The Songs Been Written by The Killers-

Still Writing Songs About You by Old Dominion –

A Town Called Hope

On December 5, 2017December 4, 2017 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, hope, Hope in God, Short story3 Comments

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I currently live in a town called Despair. It’s not my permanent residence. I’ll stay here for awhile then move on to another town. A wandering soul but I always find my way back to Despair.

I choose to stay in Despair. By myself. Everyone else left but I stayed. The only things left are an old saloon, a hotel and a general store. Everything else is gone. The only visitors I have are the sins of my past. Visitors that I choose to live with.

I get used to the buildings. Some are crumbling down now but they are familiar. Some have paint chipping off the walls but I have come to know the patterns. A few doors are hanging off the hinges but I don’t mind.

I don’t see many visitors and when they do come, they don’t stay long. I have a way of running everyone off when they get close. Not that many people want to get close to me. I am a non-talker who is usually self-absorbed and selfish. There isn’t much time for other people when I am busy trying to keep this town in order.

I sat on an old broken bar stool and ordered a drink of faith but the bartender laughed at me. I was the bartender. There is no hope, no faith here. He gave me a shot of depression instead. Followed that with a chaser of anxiety. After a few more drinks of sadness, disappointment and fear and I wasn’t lonely anymore.

Behind the bartender was an old broken mirror that reflected what was left of my life. Broken, scarred, pieces of what was once a beautiful life. I destroyed that life and never looked back. Yet, it still reaches out to me saying here I am. You are never too far gone. You can have that life again. The man in the mirror laughs at me and tosses back another drink.

In a rage of anger, I grabbed the bottle and slammed it into the mirror. As the glass was shattering on the floor a stranger walked into the saloon.

He about scared me to death the way he looked at me. No one had ever looked at me like that before. There was no condemnation. There was no disappointment or disapproval. There was only love.

“Hello. Just wanted to let you know there is a road leading out of this town. It may be hard for you to find right now but it’s there. It leads to a town called Hope. You’ll pass through Trust, Faith, Joy, and Love along the way and you will want to spend some time in each of them. Keep on going until you reach Hope. You will see me again but I will always be with you as you travel. I have never left you nor will I ever leave you.

I stayed in Despair a little longer but his eyes kept reaching into my heart, into my soul. I looked around the town one last time and I said goodbye to the guilt and shame of my past mistakes. I said goodbye to the fear that was keeping me here.

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You Don’t Know by Katelyn Tarver –

Inner Demons by Julia Brennan –

All My Hope by Crowder (feat Tauren Wells) –

Hope Floats by Amanda McBroom –

I Forgive Me by James Fortune –

Old Church Choir by Zach Williams –

The Christmas Tree

On December 4, 2017November 28, 2017 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Christmas, Christmas Tree, Merry Christmas, Short storyLeave a comment

From the time she was a small sapling she knew what she was born for. She was born and raised on a Christmas tree farm. She heard stories from her family and friends about how one day she would be picked to go be inside someone’s house.

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Each year she grew a little bigger but each year she kept hearing people say the same thing. “She isn’t big enough.” “Her branches are still too weak.” “Her needles are too thin.”

She would wonder the same thing each year. “What’s wrong with me? Why doesn’t anyone want me? ”

Another year passed and she thought for sure this would be the year. She was almost as big as all the other trees but it was the same old story for our Christmas tree. “She isn’t quite there yet.” “She’s almost full enough but not as full as we want.” “Her branches still aren’t strong enough.”

Many more years passed and she still wasn’t being picked. She was really starting to wonder what was wrong with her. She was bigger than almost all the other trees. Her branches were fuller and stronger than the other trees. Other trees that were born after her were being picked but she still wasn’t. “Why doesn’t anyone want me?” “When will my time come?”

Another year passed and she was a full ten feet taller than any other tree. She had beautiful branches but she still wasn’t being picked. Now she heard things likes she’s too big, she can’t fit in our house, we don’t have enough lights and decorations to complete her.

Our Christmas tree was so sad. No one wanted her when she was young and small and no one wanted her when she was old and tall. She was thinking she will never know what it’s like to be decorated and look so lovely.

Our Christmas tree continued to grow and by the next year she was seventy-five feet tall. She could see the entire farm. That was when she saw this big truck coming on the farm. They came right up to her. One guy got out and looked at her and said “this tree is what we have been looking for. She will look beautiful at Rockefeller Center. We will decorate her and have so many lights on her. Millions of people will see her and admire how beautiful she is!”

Moral of the story is God will use you in His time. Be faithful and trust in Him and He will use you in ways you would never believe. We just have to be patient and wait for our calling.

Just Like Me by Vanessa Williams –

O Christmas Tree by Bobs and Lolo –

One Little Christmas Tree by Stevie Wonder –

The Little Christmas Tree by Nat King Cole –

While I’m Waiting by John Waller –

Use Me by All Things New –

I Will Wait by Aaron Shust –

I Will Wait by Darlene Zschech –

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gracecamedown.com
newhopeladies.com
freetoursbyfoot.com
azquotes.com

Some Of My Favorite Christmas Songs

On December 1, 2017November 28, 2017 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Christmas, Christmas music, Merry Christmas, Original Christmas Songs4 Comments

Where’s The Line To See Jesus by Becky Kelley-

His Favorite Christmas Story by Capital Lights –

Christmas Shoes by NewSong –

I’ll Be Brave This Christmas by Big Daddy Weave-

While You Were Sleeping by Casting Crowns –

The Story Of A Snowflake

On December 1, 2017November 29, 2017 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Short story4 Comments

I post this every year around this time. It is crazy how many views it gets without me posting it. I guess people search for snowflakes or something. Hope you enjoy.

This is a story of a snowflake. A unique and one of a kind snowflake. All snowflakes are made that way by their creator.

The snowflake in our story was filled with joy. He loved being a one of a kind snowflake. He has his own personality and demeanor. He truly enjoyed being a snowflake.

When it was his time to go and fall to the ground he was ready. He remembered everything he had been taught. He remembered how much he was loved. The most important of these was to spread the word of love. To teach others what a true, sincere, and unique kind of love looks like.

As he was falling to the ground he looked around at all of the other snowflakes. He could see they all were different than him, but they all had the same smile that he did. They were all so happy to finally being on their way to fulfill their destiny.

Then they all hit the ground and stopped. They were all piling on top of each other. Many were not happy. They started to complain. How easily they forgot the joy they had just a few minutes ago.

Some of the angry snowflakes were getting so angry that they were starting to melt. Their anger was also affecting other snowflakes around them because they started to get angry also. Even the ones that were not getting angry were being affected because they started to melt also. They were unable to get themselves out of the situation they were in. They needed help.

Meanwhile, other snowflakes saw what was going on and turned their hearts away from the snowflakes that needed help. Their hearts grew so cold that they started to turn to ice. As their icy hearts expanded, they affected other snowflakes around them. The snowflakes that were filled with joy a few minutes ago were now filled with icy hearts and turning other joy filled hearts to ice also. They needed help.

Our snowflake saw all that was going on and remembered what he was taught. He started talking about their creator and his love for them. He talked about the joy that should be in their hearts. The joy they had just a few minutes ago. He reminded them how they all felt just a few minutes ago and not to let their circumstance affect how they feel.

They should be joyful. Look at the children coming out to play. All with smiles on their faces. Look at how happy we have made them. All by just being who we were created to be.

Oh, how the snowflakes loved the children. It was a love with no end. They loved to hear the giggles and to see all the smiles. They even loved to hear the joys of screams as the children rode their sleds over them. It reminded our snowflake about how much the creator loved him. He remembered how much he loved talking and laughing with the creator. He remembered everything he was taught and he knew changes were coming.

Warmer weather will come and our snowflakes circumstances changed again. Our snowflake and his friends changed from unique snowflakes to drops of rain but their purpose was still the same. They will nourish the earth and provide the people with water to drink and water to grow their food. This is what we they were made to do.

They enjoyed many things in their lives, especially the children, but they each knew that they were brought here for a purpose. Sometimes they found themselves in unbearable situations but those that remembered their purpose never faulted. They stayed strong when others grumbled. They loved when others hated. Some had to change from snow to rain to fulfill their purpose but they did so with love. They knew that not all people would listen to them when they were snowflakes. Not all people cared for the snow. They had to adapt to the world around them and changed to rain so that others would hear the message of love, taught to them by their creator.

Like the snowflake, we are a community all made by our creator with one purpose and we will fulfill that purpose one way or the other. We each have our own unique blend of personalities, demeanor, and gifts. We also have to learn to adapt to our situations. What we talk about God to someone today might not work with the person we meet tomorrow. We have to speak love in a language our recipients want to hear. Do not judge, only love. We need to keep doing what we were put here by our creator to do and let Him, through us, open the eyes and hearts of those around us.