Tag: music

Time To Relocate (This Place So Full Of Hate)

On By roberthansen1317In Be The Change, Christian life, dare to be different, poems, Poetry, this will change your life, With God anything is possible2 Comments

Image result for change your heart to change the world

Time to relocate

This place so full of hate

Some say it’s a sneak attack

But the signs were there from way back

Those that can see are blind

Sitting idly by, wasting time

Don’t look down, walk the tightrope

Falling in despair, giving up hope

They say that can’t happen here

Wake up people, it’s your worst fear

This place is falling apart

It’s time for a jump start

This place so full of hate

It’s time to relocate

Image result for you can change the world

Talk a big game but nothing getting done

Everyone looking out for number one

Be sure to get out your selfie stick

Smile now, smile now, click click click

Take a good long look at your eyes

Yes, take a look as you start to realize

Your smile, your smile is fake

Yeah, it’s time to relocate

Image result for care about someone else

Shoot your gun, claim it’s self defense

It’s not too late to get on your knees and repent

Blame the world as you burn down your city

Can’t make a decision, hire another committee

Let the few decide for the rest of us

Final decision, nothing left to discuss

But I have a brain and I see how this world operates

This place full of hate, It’s time to relocate

Image result for change your heart to change the world

White against black against red against brown

I shake my head as I see what’s going down

Don’t change the channel, don’t let it make you numb

We can change the world if we learn to love as one

They say don’t discriminate as they discriminate

It’s crazy man, we so full of hate, time to relocate

Reach out, take my hand

It’s time United we stand

It’s not the color of our skin

It’s about what we believe within

Time to change the way we are

Forgive and erase those scars

Stitch up our hearts, move on from the past

Aren’t you tired of seeing the same old broadcast?

All this hate, that’s what I’m sick of

Time to open your heart to love

Let’s make this world a better place

Look in the mirror, do you like that face?

It’s about love, not hate

Let’s go, time to relocate

Image result for bible verses on changing the world

My mind tells me this is so insane

You blame me, I blame you, we blame…

Around in circles on this merry go round

Same situation just a different town

Got a problem, throw money at it or just ignore

How long are we going to fight this losing war

We have bombs going off right in our back yard

Man, it really shouldn’t be this hard

It’s time we relocate

It’s time we end this hate

They scream to be silent but I still have a voice

To love is a choice. To love is a choice

Related image

This World Is So F*d Up (Never Giving Up On It by Michael Franti –

I’ve Decided by 7eventh Time Down –

Love by Imagine Dragons –

Brother by The Brilliance-

Love Comes In All Colors by Youth For Christ –

Love Anyway by Tenth Avenue North –

Love Wins by Carrie Underwood-

Hey World ( Don’t Give Up ) by Michael Franti –

 

Where The River Meets The Desert

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, God, God can change your life, God is there, Short story4 Comments
Image result for No matter how far down any path you might have walked, the beauty of free will is that at any point you can PIVOT on the spot and take a different journey.

At first, I thought I must be dreaming. I could hear the strength of the water rushing by me, I could feel the wind as if it was piggy-backing on the strong current. I bent down and put my hand into the water and my fingers came out wet. I could pinch myself but I knew this was not a dream. I stood up and I looked to my left and all I could see was a vast desert, no more than ten yards from me, that the river just suddenly disappeared into. I could not fathom how all that water was pouring into the desert with no trace.

The desert was lifeless but I was intrigued to take a few steps into it. I looked back at the river, like a child who is about to do something wrong looks back at its parents, but continued on my way. The river was close, I knew I could return to it anytime I wanted.

I ventured farther and farther into the desert. The farther I went, the thirstier I got. Not for the river, but for more adventure. The desert was alluring but I knew there was nothing out here for me, but I continued to walk. What was I doing? I could no longer see the river but I could remember the life it gave. There is no life out here.

Why couldn’t I turn back? Every time I started to, another distraction caught my eye. I was feeling guilty and ashamed for being gone so long but that made me want to stay away even longer.

I would pass cacti and a few animals out here, reminders that even in the emptiness of a desert, there is life. Life that reminded me of my old life, when things were good. I started to long for that life again, but I didn’t know how to get back there. Out here in the desert, it is easy to lose your way, to continue to go the wrong way, to be desperate to go back but not knowing the way.

Frustrated with the way I was living and desperate for help, I looked back to where I thought the river was and somehow I was able to whisper help me Jesus.

That was a name I hadn’t said in a long time.

Dig. I heard a voice say.

I fell to my knees and started to dig the dry, hard ground. I broke a couple fingernails and my knuckles and fingers bled. Why am I digging? It is so easily to forget the voice I heard.

Keep digging. I am never far from you.

Through the sweat and tears I kept digging for what seemed like hours. Eventually the ground began to soften and shortly after, there was a stream of water. I immediately took a drink and my eyes opened.

It was like I was blind but now I see. I thought I was alone out here but now there were hundreds, no, thousands of others with me. Thousands just like me, wandering aimlessly. Lost souls.

Next thing I knew, I was back at the river. I had found my way home, but I knew I could not stay. I was given a second chance, a new way to live my life, and I knew what I had to do.

I took my first steps into the desert, but this time it wasn’t for me to do what I wanted to do. This time, I had to find other lost ones and bring them back to the river with me.

Image result for i loved you at your darkest romans 5 8 desert

Church (Take Me Back) by Cochren & Co.-

The Wanderer by David Leonard- 

All The Wrong Things by Branan Murphy-

The Journey by Building 429-

Never Been A Moment by Micah Tyler- 

Come To The Altar by Elevation Worship –

 

 

The Turkey

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Short story, Thanksgiving3 Comments

The Aztecs of Mexico domesticated the Mexican subspecies of the wild turkey (called guajolotes). Spanish explorers took some of these back to Europe in the mid-16th Century where they became common farmyard animals. These domestic turkeys eventually completed the circuit and came back to North American turkey farms from Europe.:

This is a story about a turkey. However, this was not an ordinary turkey. This turkey did not want to be a turkey. He wanted to be an eagle.

He often thought to himself, “self, I do not like myself. Self, this is one boring life I live.”  Day after day he would trot around the yard with all his turkey friends gobbling gobbling and gobbling. He would eat all the food that was given to him and he would watch himself getting fatter and fatter.

He would look to the sky and see the eagles flying around. Soaring above the trees. “So beautiful,” he thought. “I want to be like that. I want to be majestic. I want to be  an icon. I want people to look at me with awe. I want to be a national symbol and for people to look at with me with thanksgiving in their hearts.”

Majestic bald eagle over the Des Moines RIver in Iowa:

As much as he flapped his wings he could not get off the ground. It wasn’t that he did not practice, because he did. Some days that was all he did. He would run around the yard flapping his wings, never to get more than a foot or so off the ground. “God, why would you give me wings but not let me fly very well? Why would you let me see the eagles soar but not let me join them?”

Many of his less ambitious friends would talk behind his back. “Who does he think he is?”  “Look at that fool trying to fly like an eagle!” “Doesn’t he realize he will never be anything other than what he is?”

Many days and months passed by and nothing ever changed for the turkey. Every day it was the same thing. Wake up, eat, walk around the yard, eat, try to fly.  Every day he would ask the same questions. “Why God why? I want to be more than this. I want people to look at me in awe and be thankful that I am here. I want people to love me.”

Soon the weather started to get colder. Many days people would come and grab some of his friends and he would never see them again. The turkey continued to eat and grew bigger and bigger. One day a family came and walked around the yard looking for the perfect turkey. They found one in the turkey of our story.

The father looked at his family and said, “This turkey is beautiful. He will be the perfect symbol for our thanksgiving dinner  .”  The little girl looked at the turkey and said “I love you turkey. You are so beautiful.”

The turkey gobbled and gobbled. He was so happy. “Finally,” he thought, ” I am being appreciated. I may not be flying like an eagle yet but at least people are seeing me as special.”

The turkey was taken to the family’s home where he was promptly killed and cooked for dinner. Before they ate the family prayed. “Thank you God for this wonderful meal. Especially this beautiful turkey. We will forever remember this turkey in our hearts on this national holiday.”

List of 25 Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes - Photo Gallery | SAVEUR. I don't have a Turkey board so I am placing these under the Chicken one:

You see, God gave the turkey everything he asked for. He was looked at with awe and beauty. He was a national symbol. The people gave thanks from their hearts  for the turkey. He was made exactly how God wanted him to be and exactly how he wanted to be seen. He just didn’t realize that who he was was exactly who he was made to be.

What do you ask God for? Have you ever asked for a pure heart? Have you ever asked God to show you the way to be more like Him? Or are all of your asks and wants more about you? Have you ever thanked God for who you are, for who He made you to be?

More Alive by Pillar – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdi3saYJxHc&w=560&h=315]

All I Need To Be by Fireflight – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuMWwjJjnlM&w=420&h=315]

This Is Who I Am by Shane and Shane – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2sZDVHSygQ&w=420&h=315]

God Follower by Steven Curtis Chapman – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO5Hvt0ADxE&w=420&h=315]

I See God In You by Josh Wilson – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=labhPz1m3GU&w=560&h=315]

This Is Who I Am by Third Day – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8cSF_mBXdY&w=420&h=315]

The Haunted House

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, haunted house, Short story, the mind is haunted4 Comments

Animated Haunted House animated house gif halloween haunted

I have been in the house many times since the first time. The first time was when I was eight years old. I was being teased, called a chicken, and all those things kids say to each other. Triple dog dare. You can’t turn down a triple dog dare. It was the first time I opened the door. I only looked inside for a second but that was enough.  The door had been opened and my future was doomed.

I soon started visiting the house more than I would like to admit. Always by myself of course. I couldn’t let my friends know what I was doing. Each time I went in I would find a new room to explore. It was fascinating at first. All these new things I was finding meant I was also learning more about myself. I thought I was being brave. Anytime something would happen to me I would run to the solitude of the house. Only in the day time though. Never at night.

At night you could always find me in my own house. Safe, warm and comfortable. My parents loved me and I felt safe in my house. Of course you could say as many times as I was visiting the so-called haunted house that it became my home away from home. My place to go to be alone and collect my thoughts. Leave some of my thoughts there. Come out a new person, but I left a part of me in that house each time I went.

It wasn’t long before I was sneaking out of my home and going to my haunted house at night. I couldn’t help it. I loved being the only one there. The only one that knew I was spending so much time there was me. I loved that sometimes when I went there would be a new room or two to explore. I never questioned how they got there. Part of the mystery of a haunted house I thought.

I started to withdraw from my friends so I could spend more time there. I could explore my house for hours on end, always something new but I could also go back and remember. Remember the who, what, why,  where and when of the first time I opened this door or that door. Remember when I was so scared I slammed that door closed, only to peek back in a few weeks later. No door was ever sealed shut. I could visit anytime I would visit the house.

The problem came when I couldn’t resist the house anymore. It just kept luring me in. Like it was calling out to me. Come on in, it is safe here. You don’t need anyone else. Just you and your thoughts, that’s all you need. No one will hurt you in here.

Comfort. I found comfort in that house. I should’ve bought the place and moved in. Saved me from going there all the time. It was on one of these trips that I met someone. A man like I had never met before. He told me to stop going to the haunted house. There is nothing there for me. How did he know was my first thought? My second thought was who cares who he is. This was my world and my house and he was just an intruder. Another person out to get me.

A couple days later I was going back to the house and there he was. Sitting on the front steps. The same steps I first went up when I was eight, except they didn’t look so scary anymore. They almost looked warm and inviting. Anyway, back to my guest. There he was. “How did you get here,” I asked. “I’ve been watching you for years,” he said. What kind of person is this?  I then bluntly told him to leave. He wasn’t welcome here. He told me he couldn’t do that. He was here to help me leave this place, leave it for good.

No way. This is my place. My home. He had no right to ask me to leave it.

But he got me thinking. In my experience, that is never a good thing. I would rather just go to my house and leave my thoughts in one of the rooms.

I walked on by him and he got up and followed me in. “Look at your prison,” he said. “My prison? This is my house,” I corrected him.  “No”, he said, “I have a much better house for you. Want to see it?”

“Not really sure,” I said, “I like this place.”

“Here take my hand and I will show you,” he said. I don’t know why but I reached out for his hand and….all the doors opened. All the doors in my house flew open and everything that was in them came pouring out.

I screamed, “let me go!!” I pulled my hand away and ran. This wasn’t my house. How did all these things get in here? Why was he letting them all out? I tried to shut the doors but they would not close. I fell to my knees and let them overtake me. But they didn’t touch me. They all poured into him. He took them all. All my good and all my bad. All my pretty and all my ugly. They all poured into him.

I watched, mesmerized. It seemed like it lasted for hours but it couldn’t have been more than a few seconds. How could I let all this stuff in my house? I watched as everything flew out. Things I forgot I put in the rooms. Things that kept me a prisoner in my house. Fear, lots of rooms full of fear. Anxiety, worry, hurt all leaving my house. Negative thoughts and lies I believed to numb the pain all gone. Depression, shame, guilt- all gone. Anger and hate, see you later. Regrets, doubts about who I am, lies, distrust, unforgiveness, all gone.

You might ask what was left but you already know. Love was left. A love that told me I didn’t need to live in this house. A love that told me I was forgiven. A love that showed me who I am. A love that told me to unlock those doors and throw away the key. A love that told me my house isn’t haunted. A love that told me I could’ve left that house anytime I wanted. A love that told me I never had to build that house.

Mansion by NF – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF5QE3-ox4o&w=560&h=315]

My Own Prison by Creed – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBBqjGd3fHQ&w=420&h=315]

Empire In My Mind by The Wallflowers – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJdalfe75ko&w=420&h=315]

Demons by Imagine Dragons – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWRsgZuwf_8&w=560&h=315]

Baptize My Mind by Jon Foreman – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lqn6wtToIE&w=560&h=315]

Change Your Mind by Sister Hazel – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71KdkbT7FKA&w=420&h=315]

Keep Your Mind Wide Open by Annasophia Robb – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYFwJR73R50&w=420&h=315]

Outta My Mind by Anthem Lights – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT9Ieal8TMo&w=420&h=315]

Peace Of Mind by Decemberadio – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T1GLg4a73o&w=420&h=315]

Voices by Sumerlin – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usdmb_32G4g&w=560&h=315]

Hearing Voices by Anberlin –  [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaDziaupqHE&w=560&h=315]

March Out Of The Darkness by Papa Roach – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ9UxY8ENb0&w=560&h=315]

Out Of Mind by Queensryche – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb4Uu9objag&w=560&h=315]

Bruises and Scars

On By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Domestic Abuse, poems, PoetryLeave a comment

Image result for domestic violence

The bruises are gone but the scars remain

She will never look at you the same

You were supposed to be her protector

You were never meant to neglect her

What were you thinking ?

Do you blame it on your drinking?

That’s no excuse, that doesn’t make you a man

Tell me where do you stand?

You think those words won’t leave a mark

Man those go straight to her heart

They leave a scar only she and God can see

Why don’t you just let her go free

Let her learn to spread her wings

Let her learn how much beauty she brings

Would you want your daughter treated like that?

Always flinching, always watching her back

Image result for domestic violence children quotes

Man, why can’t you understand?

She was made from God’s own hand

If you keep treating her like that

I know where you will spend eternity at

Daughter, I know you want to scream and shout

On your knees, your prayers, He hears, that I never doubt

Don’t despair

Know someone cares

Daughter, I pray no matter what you go through tonight

You’ll remember the scars Jesus bears so you know there is a light

When the bruises are gone and the scars remain

Daughter I want you to know that He knows your name

He knows your name, He knows your name, He knows your name

October is officially domestic violence month but we don’t hear about it. All we hear in October is breast cancer, a worthy cause to fight also and one that needs to be fought daily as well. We don’t see any football teams wearing purple. It simply isn’t talked about.  Domestic violence is something we need to look at every day, because every day someone you know is the victim of it.  One in three women, one in four men are victims. One of of every fifteen  children are exposed to domestic violence and 90% of these children witness domestic violence a year. Domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness in the United States.  Domestic violence costs more than $37 billion a year in law enforcement involvement, legal work, medical and mental health treatment, and lost productivity at companies.

These are reported.  Most domestic violence incidents are NEVER reported.  Speak up, speak out, and make a difference for victims of domestic violence. The time is now to change these facts.

Silenced my Mersi Stone – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtuCSfK3b-A&w=560&h=315]

Face Down by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ux6SlOE9Qk&w=560&h=315]

Alyssa Lies by Jason Michael Carroll –  [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLh5vbBLpxI&w=560&h=315]

The Door by JJ Essen – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHph0I1cTj0&w=560&h=315]

Leaving You Behind by Emii – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiRSHSwB5nI&w=560&h=315]

Lies and Bruises by Ryan Daniel – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4GCwEwz5MI&w=560&h=315]

Luka by Suzanne Vega – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZt7J0iaUD0&w=420&h=315]

No More by Kuzie James – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpuNuOzu4e8&w=560&h=315]

Voices Carry by Til Tuesday – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uejh-bHa4To&w=420&h=315]

Broken Girl by Matthew West – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOYyi_FL79w&w=420&h=315]

Beautiful by MercyMe – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vh7-RSPuAA&w=560&h=315]

God’s Daughter by Son of Adam – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIttOjlcMXc&w=420&h=315]

I Believe You Domestic Abuse and Faith Community – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z3dHhLL8RM&w=560&h=315]

He Knows My Name by The McRaes – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULDZZqVekJg&w=420&h=315]

He Knows My Name by Francesca Battistelli – [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYpBgJHmGmw&w=560&h=315]

I Let You Go

On By roberthansen1317In cancer, Christian life, poems, Poetry1 Comment

Image result for letting go of someone you love

Today was the day

I had to find the strength to walk away

I know I have to let you go

You are still as beautiful as the day we met

Our time together I will never forget

But, I have to let you go

Memorizing the tiniest details of your face

Memories that can never be erased

But, I have to let you go

I know our paths will cross again

You were my lover, my best friend

But, I have to let you go

The room used to spin when you walked in

I really can’t believe this has to be the end

But, I have to let you go

When we were together time stood still

A love like ours was honest and real

But, I have to let you go

Maybe we could’ve walked another mile

Maybe we could’ve had a few more smiles

But, I have to let you go

I know that there’s someone who loves you more

He is waiting for you and this kills me to my core

But, I have to let you go

I know you know how much I care

You know with you, my heart is always there

But, I have to let you go

Image result for letting go of someone you love

I try to understand

As I let go of your hand

And, I let you go 

Asking God a million times why

As I turn my head so you won’t see me cry

And, I let you go

I know one day I might be fine

But for now, it’s just simply time

And, I let you go

Thankful for the time we shared

I really thought I would be more prepared

To let you go

The light in your eyes has went away

I knew today had to be the day

That I let you go

I know your pain wasn’t leaving

I could hear your labored breathing

And I knew I had to let you go

I held you tight, oh so tight

Knowing there was no more fight

And, I let you go

God give me the strength to walk away

God give me the strength to face a new day

As I let you go

Your last word, your last breath

As you slipped from life to death

I let you go

 

Image result for philippians 3 21

I’ll Think About You By We Are Messengers – 

Kidnap An Angel by Bon Jovi-  

Austen by As It Is – 

Ok, Here’s The Truth By Javier Colon- 

Strong Enough To Cry By Joey Feek-  

Where Were You by Francesca Battistelli – 

You Came Running by Laura Story – 

Walk By Faith by Jeremy Camp – 

Why Not Me?

On By roberthansen1317In cancer, Christian life, poems, PoetryLeave a comment

Image result for children cancer

You look at me with tears in your eyes

Begging, pleading, asking God why?

You say I am too young

Too much life left to be done

High school graduation, jobs, marriage, children

Heroes and villains and all that will remain hidden

I am telling you it’s okay

I smile and simply say

Why not me?

Maybe it has to be

If it’s God’s plan and it’s my time

Then in His hands I will be fine

A plan

We can’t understand

A better lesson learned

A life being returned

My heart given to someone new

My kidneys will be donated too

My lungs will help someone breathe

Parts of me will continue to be

Maybe a foundation in my name

Will raise enough to change the game

In the meantime don’t be sad

Remember the time we have had

A lifetime wrapped up in just a few short years

When you cry let them be joyful tears

Things happen that only He can see

So I ask again, why not me?

Why should it be yourself

Or even someone else?

I am strong, brave, and courageous, can’t you see?

That is why I say why not me?

I trust in God’s plan so I don’t ask why me?

Let your smile be the last thing I see

Related image

If you would like to help, there are many foundations to donate. Here are a few:

http://www.championforchildren.org/portfolio-item/lindseys-wish/

https://www.sambishfoundation.org/

Image result for children cancer

Little Giants by Tay Barton – 

Sing Me To Heaven by Bradley Walker – 

Kola by Damien Jurado – 

Braid My Hair by Randy Owen – 

Thy Will by Hillary Scott –   

No One Fights Alone by Christian Spear – 

Temporary Home by Carrie Underwood – 

I’m Gonna Love You Through It by Martina McBride – 1