Look Out Boston, Here We Come

On April 14, 2016April 14, 2016 By roberthansen1317In Boston Marathon, Christian life, marathon, marathon running, music6 Comments

Now that I made you cry for three days with sad poems, let’s end the week with a picker upper. A rare two posts in one day from me. Look out Boston, here we come.

This will be our first trip driving east, we flew to NYC. We always drive south where it’s warm. At least the weather forecast looks to be about perfect for all the runners. I plan on running from our hotel Sunday morning to Heartbreak Hill and back. Which, if I mapped it correctly, looks to be five miles or so to Heartbreak Hill so ten miles total. Of course it will be mostly uphill on the way there, downhill on way back. Maybe I will take the train to Boston College and get closer to Heartbreak Hill. Hmm. Oh, be tough and just run it all. That’s what my mind is telling me. Our hotel is on the other side of the water by mile 25 so if you check out the elevation chart below, it’s all uphill from the hotel until mile 20.5 of the race and it’s about a mile from our hotel to the 25 mile mark of the race so maybe it will only be like 4-4.5 miles uphill. I can do it. I have to keep plugging away to get where I was three years ago before I tore my meniscus. I have lost the weight in the last five months since I started running steadily again but was hoping muscle memory would kick in and not take this long to build up my endurance and speed but it is what it is.

Also have to get some locals advice on where we can see Kim, other than near the finish line. Since it’s like a straight line we would have to be able to get a train or bus from x to x to be able to see her multiple times, like we did in NYC. If not, we will be waiting at the finish. I know we can take the train, as mentioned above, to see her around Boston College/ Heartbreak Hill, but don’t know how fast we can get back to the finish area.

Of course our hotel swimming pool is under construction so Kylie won’t be swimming indoors. I am sure there will be plenty to do to keep us busy while Kim rests Sunday and runs Monday. Look for a post next week on our travels and the race. With that being said, I doubt I will have a post on Monday, race day, or Tuesday, after driving back all night Monday.

Anyway, we would appreciate prayers and thoughts for safe travels and an awesome race for Kim. Let’s pray she doesn’t hurt her hip like she did during the New York City Marathon. Let’s also pray for all the other runners, spectators, volunteers, the police and security, and all those involved for a safe weekend.

Hay is in the barn, trust in your preparation and run your race. Be strong, Boston strong.

Running On Pride by John Voci –

So Good (The Boston Song) by Vincent Sneed & Eyton Nicholson –

Boston (You’re My Home) by Kenzie –

Boston Strong by Steve Balsamo –

Keep On Running by Carly Tefft –

Strong (Boston Anthem) written by Amanda Carr feat Charlie Farren –

Run Run Run by Michelle Lewis –

Run – Inspirational –

The Champ by Nelly –

You’re Going Down by Sick Puppies –

Always Remember by Stereoside –

A Daughter’s Gift

On April 14, 2016May 4, 2016 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, daughter, Loss of loved one, music, poems6 Comments

Part three of three poems I wrote many moons ago. If you missed part one or part two here they are : A Mother’s Gift A Father’s Gift

A Daughter’s Gift

I am too small to speak

And I am still oh so weak

I don’t understand what you are saying

I will try to figure It out while I am playing

Don’t know what it is, but I’m missing something

From what you say daddy, she’s in Heaven with wings

I know I cry and I pout

But daddy, I am just trying to figure out

How someone could be taken away

Without me hearing one word she would say

I can hear the care and love in your voice

Even when I am making all this noise

You don’t know this but I hear you cry

When you think you are alone, I hear you ask why

Just promise me you will love me no matter what

And I’ll try to remember things I already forgot

If I remember right, mommy left so I could live

I won’t let you or her down , that’s the gift I give

You Should Be Here by Cole Swindell –

Heaven’s Garden by Kieran Brennan and Paul Kealy –

If You Could See Me Now by The Script –

Best Seat In The House by Locash Cowboys –

I Still Miss You by Hawk Nelson –

I Miss You by NllU –

Go On Without Me by Brett Eldredge –

With Hope by Steven Curtis Chapman –

A Father’s Gift

On April 13, 2016May 4, 2016 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, daughter, Fathers-Daughters, grief, grieving, Hope in God, Loss of loved one, poems5 Comments

The second of three poems I am sharing this week that I wrote a long time ago.

If you missed the first one here it is: A Mother’s Gift

I also posted another poem on Monday about spending time with your significant other, you can find it here : If It’s Only An Hour

A Father’s Gift
It’s just you and me now

We will get by somehow

I promise to give you all my love

You’ll always be who I’m thinking of

I know you’re sad, I am too

Oh no baby , I don’t regret you

I know that we lost your mother

So you may never have a sister or a brother

I know no one will ever take her place

Someday, you may be asked to let another be that face

Until then, it will be just you and I

So we must remember, even when we don’t know why

Everything happens for a reason

Good and bad, in every season

We’ll both make mistakes, but nothing you ever do

Could ever, ever , take away my love for you

A Fathers Love For His Daughter (commercial) –

Don’t Take The Girl by Tim McGraw –

Car In Front Of Me by Luke Bryan –

Save A Place For Me by Matthew West –

Without You by For King & Country –

Sissy’s Song by Alan Jackson –

One More Day by Diamond Rio –

If I Had Only Known by Reba McEntire –

Say Hello To Heaven by Collin Raye –

A Mother’s Gift

On April 12, 2016May 4, 2016 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Loss of loved one, music, poems6 Comments

I did not know April was National Poetry Month. I just read that the other day. In honor of that, this week I will share three poems I wrote a long time ago. Twenty one years or so. The only reason I still have them is because they were published. Yes, I paid $30, I think it was, to buy the book and they, in return, published the poems. All three have to do with a dream I had when Kayhla’s mom was pregnant. Here is the first called A Mother’s Gift :

All I have left in this world

Is you, yes you, my little girl

Your mommy left, yes she is gone

No, baby, it wasn’t anything you had done

Her smile would move Heaven and Earth

You know, she passed it to you at your birth

Her eyes sparkled just like yours

When she cried, my eyes would also pour

She loved life and all its pleasures

She did so much but you’re her greatest treasure

Mommy couldn’t wait til the day you were born

There you were, I was happy, yet I mourned

I see her in everything you do

Sshh now baby, looks like you have her temper too

It’ll be hard, but you and I, we will survive

‘Cause mommy passed away to give you life

Mama’s Arms by Joshua Kadison –

All The Way to Texas by Coffey Anderson –

Mother I Miss You by John Tesh –

Thank You by Johnny Reid –

You Should Be Here by Cole Swindell –

If It’s Only An Hour

On April 11, 2016May 4, 2016 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, God in your marriage, marriage, music, poems, Time3 Comments

Many of us always seem to be too busy to spend time with our significant others. I know my wife and I are really bad about making times for ourselves. It is something we always talk about but seldom do. We get up early to work or work out, we go all day and Kylie goes to bed at 9:30 then we are right behind her, getting rest for the next early morning. However, I know there is time if we make it. What about you? Do you make the time? 30 minutes, an hour, if that’s all you have make them count.

If It’s Only An Hour

If it’s only an hour

To help our love flower

Then I will take the time

To keep our love alive

If it’s only sixty minutes

Then I will buy the tickets

We will dance to each song

We will keep this love strong

If it’s only three thousand six hundred seconds

In each and every one I will be present

We will laugh and talk

We will hold hands as we walk

If it’s only sixty minutes

This my dear, you can believe it

I will reconnect with you

I will do everything I can do

If it’s only an hour

I will do all that’s in my power

To show you what our love means to me

To show you, show you what I see

Until God gives us another hour

Sway Blue October –

Disconnected by 5 Seconds of Summer –

Together by Steven Curtis Chapman –

Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars –

I’m Yours by Jason Mraz –

Love Like Crazy by Lee Brice –

When The Crazy Kicks In by Francesca Battestelli –

Restored by Matthew West –

Restore by Chris August –

When We Love by Love and the Outcome –

Chocolate and Ice Cream by Plumb –

Beautiful by Plumb –

Better Man by American Analog –

New, Forgotten, Unknown 4/8/16 New Music Friday

On April 8, 2016April 22, 2016 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, music, new music, new music Friday4 Comments

Three new musician followers this week. Please take a listen and find some new music to listen to. Please feel free to share/purchase the song I wrote with Lily Messer and Ceylon Wise. I have many more songs I would like to get out there but can not financially afford to record them. If interested in teaming up together, feel free to contact me.

Young by The Wright Brothers –

Moonlight by Unclemad (Christian Proietti) –

So Lie To Me by Like Lifting Wales –

Thanks for all the follows, musicians and non-musicians.

Some other music from non-followers I have listened to recently.

All Alone With Something To Say by Bonnie Raitt –

Among Other Foolish Things by Brian Fallon –

For A Moment by Elevation Worship –

Crazy As Me by Granger Smith –

Face To Face by Hillsong Young Free –

He Gave Me More Love by Jody McBrayer –

Godawful Things by Lake Street Drive –

Blame It On Me by Last In Line –

Heaven By Tonight by Matt Baird –

Carry Me by Matt Baird –

Directions by Micah Tyler –

Family Of God by Newsboys –

Hard Day Coming Down by The Record Company –

Do You Remember by St. Lucia –

Amen by Steven Curtis Chapman –

The Colors That Never Ran by Tammy Jones Robinette –

Foothills by Violent Femmes –

Best Of A Bad Situation by Wolfmother –

Believe It by 3 Doors Down –

and our song:

I Question You by Lily Messer –

On Itunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-question-you-single/id1018588943

She Smiled

On April 7, 2016April 7, 2016 By roberthansen1317In All Glory to God, Christian life, God, God can change your life, music2 Comments

She was born into a home that didn’t want her. She was neglected and mistreated. She was told she wasn’t good enough. She wasn’t wanted. One day they proved that to be true and they gave her away. Through it all she smiled.

She was adopted a short time later by parents that wanted her. Parents that loved her. She had nightmares. She was comforted by her new parents. She was told how much she was loved. She was taught about God. She was told how much she was wanted. Through it all she smiled.

As she continued to grow and get older people would ask what is wrong with her. How can she always be smiling? She must be hiding something. She would tell them all is good, nothing to hide. She just loves life and is so happy to be here. They would tease her but through it all she smiled.

She met a guy. She fell head over heels. Everything in her life was perfect. Until it wasn’t. He started to yell at her all the time. He started to abuse her. She tried to leave but he would convince her to stay. She would believe him when he said he would change. Slowly her smile started to fade.

She became pregnant. He didn’t change. She knew she had to leave him, not only for her but for the baby. She could remember how her biological parents treated her. She didn’t want her baby growing up the same. She moved back to her adopted parents, her real parents. Slowly her smile came back.

She read her bible and raised her little girl on her own. She knew who she was and why she was here. She taught her little girl about God. She was told she was loved and wanted. She told her about her dad and about her Father in Heaven. It wasn’t always easy but through it all, they smiled.

On her last day here she thanked God for everything in her life. The good and the bad. She thanked Him for giving her a thankful heart. For giving her a smile through everything attitude. For giving her life lessons to teach her daughter. For giving her parents that didn’t want her, and for giving her parents that did. For giving her a home to grow up in that taught her about Him. She thanked Him for helping her forgive, her parents and her ex- husband. She took her last few breaths and as she left this world she smiled.

Think of these songs as a soundtrack to the reading.

Alyssa Lies by Jason Michael Carroll –

When Love Takes You In by Steven Curtis Chapman –

Orphan by John Waller –

Everything To Me by Mark Schultz –

You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile by Sia –

Smile by Nat King Cole-

Bubbly by Colbie Caillat –

Face Down by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus –

That Don’t Sound Like You by Lee Brice –

I Smile by Kirk Franklin –

Like My Mother Does by Lauren Alaina –

There Will Be A Day by Jeremy Camp-

I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe –

I Was Thinking…

On April 5, 2016April 5, 2016 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, God, music3 Comments

I took last week off from posting because we were on vacation in Florida. We drove like we always do and that gave me time for thinking.

I was thinking I would try to do one new post last week and reblog some of my older ones but the wifi didn’t work that well. It was hit and miss for some reason and I didn’t want to spend hours waiting for it to work. Maybe that was God just telling me to relax and not worry about posting.

I was thinking I was going to run every day. I remember when I was younger I would wait until the middle of the day to run in the summer time. I liked running in the heat. I ran 3 the first day, 5 the second day then missed the next two days. Planned on running 10 miles but cut it short at 7. It was too hot and humid, 73 and 90% humidity average every day, at 7:30 in the morning. The old me would’ve toughed out the 10 but the wiser, older me said call it and live for another day. Being in the sun all day and that 7 mile run I think beat me so I missed one more day. Then I put mind over matter and did 5, 5, 3 three days in a row. Got used to the heat and humidity. Overall, I guess 6 out of 9 mornings wasn’t bad.

I was thinking on the drive back how much it costs taxpayers for states to put up mile marker signs every tenth of a mile. It used to be one every mile marker then they had to add one for every tenth, why? Sure, if you are broke down you can give a more exact location but I think they could find you if you said I am between mile marker 3 and 4.

I was thinking who would want to live in Atlanta? I’m sure it has a lot of positives but traffic is a nightmare. Yes, call me a fool for driving through instead of around. This is at 10 pm.

I was thinking I am getting too old to be driving straight through to Florida. 17-18 hours straight. My wife helps out some but by the time I get tired it’s one in the morning and I feel bad asking her to drive at that hour. I worry about drunk drivers and her falling asleep so I try to tough it out. Let me tell you what helps, Arbonne energy fizz. Two or three of them and I am awake. My wife is an Arbonne distributor if you want more info.

I was thinking at two in the morning I need to find a way to get all my thoughts and ideas down. I can’t talk into a recorder and wake every one else up. Anyone have ideas on something that can read your thoughts and put them down in writing?

I was thinking one of the best chorus I have heard is NF’s Mansion song.

Broken legs but I chase perfection
These walls are my blank expression
My mind is a home I’m trapped in
And it’s lonely inside this mansion

How many of us are chasing perfection, but have broken legs and will never get to perfection.

And then parts of two verses really speak to me :

Yo my mind is a house with walls covered in pain
See my problem is I don’t fix things
I just try to repaint, cover em up, like it never happen
Say I wish I could change. Are you confused?
Come upstairs and I’ll show you what I mean
This room’s full of regrets, just keeps getting fuller it seems
The moment I walk in to it is the same moment that I wanna leave
I get sick to my stomach every time I look at these things
But it’s hard to look past when this is the room where I sleep

So this part of my house, no one’s been in it for years
I built the safe room and I don’t let no one in there
Cause if I do, there’s a chance
That they might disappear and not come back
And I admit I am emotionally scared to let anyone inside
So I just leave my doors locked
You might get other doors to open up but this doors not
Cause I don’t want you to have the opportunity to hurt me
And I’ll be the only person that I can blame when you desert me
I’m barricaded inside
So stop watching
I’m not coming to the door
So stop knocking, stop knocking
I’m trapped here
God keep saying I’m not locked in
I chose this
I am lost in my own conscience
I know that shutting the world out ain’t solving the problem
But I didn’t build this house because I thought it would solve ’em
I built it because I thought that it would be safer in there
But it’s not, I’m not the only thing that’s living in here
Fear came to my house years ago I let ’em in
Maybe that’s the problem
Cause I’ve been dealing with this ever since
I thought that he would leave, but it’s obvious he never did
He must have picked the room and got comfortable and settled in
Now I’m in the position it’s either sit here and let him win
Or put him back outside where he came from, but I never can
Cause in order to do that I’d have to open the doors
Is that me or the fear talking?
I don’t know anymore

Yes I am partial to it because it reminds me of what’s in my head. Also looking forward to his new cd coming out, Therapy Session. Sounds like it will speak to me.

I was thinking how we are all like sand on the beach. Some of us get blown about by the wind and water, always trying to find where they belong and who they are. Find God, you will find who you are. Some of us are always getting in other people’s shorts, irritating and leaving some marks. Most of us are all in this together, there for everyone to enjoy and to spread the love of who God made us to be to everyone who we come in contact with.

I was thinking how great is God. The sunsets and sunrises. His forgiveness. His grace. The gifts He gives all of us to further His kingdom. How some of us are like Jonah and try to run away, others are like Peter and deny our savior to save ourselves. How some of us are like Judas and betray Jesus. How some of us are like Noah and just say yes God, whatever you want. The most amazing thing is how He loves us all the same and gives us all the same forgiveness.

I was thinking I could post a lot more if I didn’t put music to each one but then that’s part of why I started so…

Mansion by NF –

Did You Really Think by Wess Morgan –

Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Lee Brice –

Rest Stop by Matchbox Twenty –

Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It by Darius Rucker –

New, Forgotten, Unknown 3/25/16 New Music Friday

On March 25, 2016April 15, 2016 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, music, new music, new music Friday6 Comments

No new musician followers this week. Please feel free to share/purchase the song I wrote with Lily Messer and Ceylon Wise. I have many more songs I would like to get out there but can not financially afford to record them. If interested in teaming up together, feel free to contact me.

Thanks for all the follows, musicians and non-musicians.

Some other music from non-followers and followers I have listened to this week.

Modern Love by The Coasts –

Tambourine by Elton John –

When I’m Gone by Joey & Rory –

Stay Close , Let Go by Manafest –

Take Me Back Trusted by Meredith Andrews –

Vertigo by Phases –

Old Moon New by Randy Rogers Band –

Pay It Forward by Rick Springfield –

Never Ending by Rihanna –

Oh My Love by The Score –

Suburbia by Troy Sivan –

Reasons For The Tears I Cry Made by Vince Gill –

The Train by Macklemore and Lewis –

Used To by Mutemath –

White Horse by Kevin Max –

and our song:

I Question You by Lily Messer –

On Itunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-question-you-single/id1018588943

Dear God, Are You Hearing My Prayers?

On March 24, 2016March 24, 2016 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, God, prayer26 Comments

Dear God,

Are you hearing my prayers? I have been praying the same prayer for as long as I can remember but my prayer isn’t being answered. Is there another way I can reach you? Can I send an email, text, tweet, Facebook message, any other way? Can You at least send me a message received? Should I keep praying or should I move on to another prayer? Do You get tired of hearing the same prayer every day?

Am I asking for too much? Am I asking with little faith? I don’t think so. Is my heart sincere? I think so. You say ask and it will be given to me. I believe in You and believe You will answer my prayer request. I just want to make sure You are getting it. I know you probably get more prayer requests each day than there are grains of sand so I could understand if one or two get missed. I’m not saying you miss any or anything, just saying I understand if You did. How do you keep track of all of them anyway? Health requests go in one file, relationships in another, financials in another or are they grouped by person or country?

Back to my prayer, sorry I got sidetracked. I seem to do that when I pray also. Can you figure out what I am asking when I start then go elsewhere then come back to you ten minutes later right where I left off? Sorry but my mind is constantly going, thought in, thought out, start, stop, start, where was I? Oh yeah, as you know I have been praying for people I know to get their health back, to even get partial health back. I am sure to be 80% would be a lot better than where they are now. It seems like some of them are getting worse. Or they get better only to relapse. Some of them have a much stronger faith than I do and I know they are praying to get better also. It is okay to pray for themselves right? I know I pray for me. Fix my mind God. Are their prayers stuck in your inbox also? Have you checked your spam folder? I know there are many people out there that pray for bad things or things they shouldn’t be praying for so maybe they go straight to spam so you don’t have to even acknowledge them. Maybe some honest prayers get stuck there also.

I don’t know God. I am just throwing ideas out there why my prayers aren’t getting answered. How about just send me a sign that you received it and will get to it when you can get to it? I know maybe my prayer requests are probably far down on your list. Look at all the evil in the world. The people starving. The homeless. The lonely. The deathly sick. The enslaved. The persecuted. I pray for them also and honestly, I know answers to my prayers can wait so You can take care of all those worse off than me. Those with more urgent requests. Please take care of those first. I totally understand.

Just in case you have missed them here is what I pray for. I pray for my wife and daughters, God. I just pray that they walk with You in this life. I pray for my friends and family to get their health back and to trust in You. I pray for my church to follow You, the truth. I pray for my job to stay secure. I pray You heal my mind and help me resist temptation. I thank You for giving me another day to rely on You. As You know that is the super condensed, none rambling version. Whenever You can get to them. I will try to be patient while You take care of the ones that need Your help more than I do.

I have noticed as I get older my prayers have changed. Those things I prayed for in my youth, I am glad You didn’t answer a lot of those prayers. I could only imagine what kind of mess I would be in now if You had. I have learned to be a lot more patient than in my youth. I can only imagine where all the people I prayed bad things to happen to would be if You answered them. I am glad You ignored them. I am glad You handled those situations in Your way and not my way. Even if Your way was just to give them grace and mercy. I am glad You didn’t answer people’s prayers about me either, extending me that same grace and mercy.

I also just want to say thank you God for answering prayers I didn’t ask for. Giving me what I didn’t know I wanted or needed. I also want to thank you for answering my prayer to use me a few years ago. It was not the way I wanted You to use me but it has made me a stronger person. It also helped my wife be closer to You.

Thanks for taking the time to listen. More prayers coming your way. I will trust in You and wait for your answers, even if your answer is an unanswered prayer. You know what is best for me.