The First Bud Of Spring- A Love Story

On March 19, 2021March 19, 2021 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, love, marriage, Short story4 Comments

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It was a long, cold, dark winter. One that she didn’t think would ever end. There was snow, rain, and sleet. A couple of times there was enough ice to nearly break the branches on the trees. The little girl held on. She waited for the warmer weather, the better times, the warmth of the sun. She knew it would come, it was just a matter of time. As she waited patiently, she would say her prayers, she would thank God for protecting her and her mommy and daddy during these cold, dark, winter nights.

Finally, the day had come. The first bud of spring appeared out of the ground. The bud peeked out of her shoot and could feel the warmth surround her. She was filled with so much joy that, at first, she didn’t notice she was the only bud sprouting. After basking in the warmth of the sunshine for a few minutes she looked around, startled that she was the only one. Where was everyone else? Was she going to be all alone? Did she come out too soon? Was colder weather coming back and she would die because of her eagerness to sprout? She was filled with fear and doubt but she stayed strong. She knew God had a plan for her. It was then that a little girl saw her and started yelling for her dad to come see the new flower. The little girl was so excited that the bud could not help but smile. Her excitement was contagious.

A little while later another bud awakened. He also took a moment to take in the warmth around him. He then looked to see if the others had awakened and that was when he saw her. She was within inches of him and he knew he would love her. It didn’t take long for her to notice him either, even though it took the help of a little girl yelling “Look, daddy, now there’s two!”

They welcomed the spring with all the other buds that started to awaken. With all the other flowers around them, they knew they were meant for each other. When the rains came, he would lean towards her to cover her petals. When the strong winds came they would lean into it together, holding stems. They were inseparable. When the bees came they opened their petals for them so they could spread their seeds to other lands where there were no flowers. They also knew that the bees relied on their pollen to take back to their hives for food. It was a beneficial relationship. Everything was new and exciting.

Then summer came. It was a scorching summer, one like they had never seen. There was no water. Many flowers died but not our couple. They shared what they had with each other. Every little drop of moisture was shared between them. Luckily, they were also planted where they had shade for part of the day. They counted the hours down together until they were cooled by the shade. Every once in awhile the little girl would come out with a can of water and water them, helping to keep them alive. They were often too tired to open their petals wide enough for the bees to come but they did their best. They knew the only way to survive this summer was with the help of others. They prayed their prayers for rain, for cooler temperatures but it was not to be. Sometimes in life, God doesn’t answer prayers and there are reasons only He knows why. They had reached a point in their relationship that they were still together, but they didn’t talk much. Too much too worry about, too much life got in the way. When was their next rain drop, how would they make it through another day without food, why couldn’t they be like they were in the spring? Did they waste this whole season of their life? They knew better because they still shared the little water they had, they still protected each other but the excitement was gone.

Before they knew it Autumn was here. They had made it through the difficult summer and were enjoying another season of their life. The rains came again, as well as cooler weather. When he looked at her she was still the most beautiful, most loving, most caring flower in the garden. When she looked at him he was still the bravest, strongest, most handsome flower this side of Eden. They held each other’s petals more each day, knowing that their days were winding down. They reflected on the spring and the summer. Days when their love was new and days when they didn’t know if they would make it. They thought of their seeds spread far and wide, soon to be new flowers that would spread their love and beauty around the world. It wasn’t easy, they had moments of doubt but they fought for each other, they fought for their love. They survived.

Soon the cold winds blew again. They held on for as long as they could but with each passing day, their petals would fall off. They knew it wouldn’t be long now but they held on for each struggling moment. Relying on each other to get by. Praying for just one more second. She was the first to go, as she was the first to sprout. He wasn’t far behind her.

The little girl, all bundled up from the cold, looked at her daddy and said, “Look, daddy, the first two here are the last two to leave. I wonder if they were happy here, I wonder if they were in love.”

“Now, now,” said the daddy, “we know flowers can’t fall in love but if they could, those two would definitely have been like me and your mom. Through all the seasons and all the weather, the rain, the sun, the cold, they were standing right beside each other. Holding petals all the while.”

The little girl giggled. Through the cold, dark, winter nights she was safe as she anxiously waited for the first bud of spring to blossom again.

I Will Be Here by Steven Curtis Chapman –

Then by Brad Paisley –

Stand By You by Rachel Platten –

Love Like Crazy by Lee Brice –

The End Is Not The Answer by Three Days Grace –

Worth Fighting For by Nine Days –

When I Said I Do by Clint Black –

Forever Changed by Carrie Underwood –

Remind Me by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood –

Would You Go With Me by Josh Turner –

I’ll Stand By You by The Pretenders –

Meant To Be by JJ Heller –

What Faith Can Do by Kutless –

A Story About Six Puppies Who Were Taught To Love

On March 11, 2021April 28, 2021 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, love, Short story3 Comments

Our puppies are on their way to their forever homes today. I wrote this one last August when Reagan had her last litter.

I hope that in the short eight weeks we have had them that we have taught them patience and forgiveness by not getting upset with them when they potty where they are not supposed to potty. Or bite our toes and fingers.

I hope that we have shown them that even though families fight and argue with each other, that they may nip at your ears and growl at you and make you mad, they are still your family and at the end of the day, you lay down with each other and snuggle together and love each other again.

But most of all, I hope that we have shown them lots and lots of love and taught them to love. I hope that their new owners will take great care of them and will love them like we did.

We Learn to Hate We Can be Taught to Love” | On My MegaMind

Once upon a time, not too long ago, six puppies were born. They were all different colors. In no particular order, there was a blue one, a black one, a white one, a yellow one, a brown one and a red one.

These puppies played together since they were born. They ran, they barked, they fought, they wrestled, they ate together and did what all puppies do. But, most importantly of all, these puppies loved each other.

As they got older, they were allowed to go outside and play. They loved being outside and running until they could run no more. They would look at each other and laugh, tails wagging and tongues panting.

Then one day, new neighbors moved in next door. With the new neighbors came four white dogs. When they saw the six different colored puppies playing, they were not happy. The leader of the four white dogs called the white puppy over by himself.

“Hey there pup, why do you play with those different colored pups. Can’t you see you are not like them?”

The white puppy looked and around and said: “You know, I never noticed a difference. To me, we are all one and the same.” He then went on his way.

Black dog cuddling white dog | Cute animals, Animals, Cute animal pictures

The very next day the puppies got a new neighbor on the other side of them. This new family had four black dogs. When they saw the six different colored puppies playing with each other, they were not happy. The leader of the black dogs called the black puppy over by himself.

“Hey there pup, who do you play with those different colored pups, can’t you see they are not like you? We are like you.”

The black puppy looked around and said: “You know, I never noticed a difference. But to me, we are all one and the same.” He then turned and went on his way.

This infuriated the black dogs, but what made them more mad was when they saw the four white dogs two houses over. They started barking and growling, which made the white dogs start barking and growling and soon they were running at each other. They started fighting right where the puppies were playing.

They destroyed the puppies yard. They broke their toys and knocked over their water dishes. They didn’t care about anything except destroying each other. Fur was flying, blood was flowing and yelps were going out from both sides. Even a couple of the innocent puppies were knocked down in the melee.

Finally the fighting ended and the white puppy and the black puppy stood together in tears.

“What have you dogs done? Look at you. You have hurt each other, you have hurt our friends, you have destroyed out land over what, the color of your fur? Look at the blood that flows from both of you. It is the same color. We are all the same inside. All of us puppies play together and live in peace with each other because we have been taught to love. We have been taught that hate is never the answer. We have been taught to build up, to raise up, not to destroy and tear down.”

“You are no different than all of us and you are no different from each other in who we are. The only difference is that you were taught to hate, you were taught that because of the color of your fur that you would always be at a disadvantage, or advantage. You were taught to disrespect authority. You were taught that you are the authority. But, in reality, you are nothing without each other. You are nothing without love. Try loving one another and getting to know one another and sure, you will find some things you do not like, but you will also find things you do like. The color of your fur does not define you. It does not define your past or your future. You can never fix what has happened in the past. But what is inside of you can define your present and change your future. Look deep inside you. Find a better way than this. If we can do it, you can do it. It is never too late to teach some old dogs new tricks.”

The Unifiers

On February 17, 2021February 17, 2021 By roberthansen1317In Be The Change, Christian life, love, Short story4 Comments

When I was younger, I wanted to be a superhero. I wanted to fly like Superman. I wanted to have spidey sense like Spider-Man. I wanted to be able to heal like Captain America. I wanted to be like the Hulk for strength. I wanted to be like Waverider and have immortality and invisibility.

Or to be like Batman and have a cool car and weapons. Or like Ironman and have a powerful suit that could do just about anything. Or to have a magic ring like Green Lantern.

What’s my point, you ask? I don’t know except that I always felt like I was destined to be something more than I am. Maybe it’s me wishing people would notice me. Maybe I am wishing for too much.

But here I am. Much older than when I dreamed of being a superhero. In fact, much older than I remember dreaming at all. Life gets busy, time seems to become less, twenty four hours now seems like twenty. Do they have a superhero that has power to stop time? The Flash, yes, I could be fast and slow down time.

But unless I get bit by a spider or struck by lightning or some other strange mutant thing happens, I will have to still be me.

Then, the other day, the older me was thinking. I can be a superhero and I don’t need any super powers or cool suits or cars to be a superhero.

All I have to be is more human. Be more kind. Be more helpful. Be more forgiving. Be more courageous. Be more ethical and moral. Be more responsible and respectful. Be more tolerant. Give more than I take.

Let my words build people up instead of tearing them down.

I can be the Unifier.

But you also can be the Unifier.

Yes, I can do all of those things.

We all can do all of those things.

Yes, we can all work together and together we can be the Unifiers.

Let’s be one. All of us together as one to make this world a better place. Let’s stop tearing each other apart and let all of us become one, become the Unifiers.

Attack Of The Inflatables

On January 11, 2021January 11, 2021 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Christmas, Short storyLeave a comment

This is not a Christmas story, but it is about Christmas time. I have been afraid to tell you this story, but after another neighbor “disappearing,” I feel that it is my duty to tell the story.

It all started last year, the day after Thanksgiving. Our neighbors, who had moved in at the beginning of June, surprised us with a yard full of inflatables for Christmas decorations.

There were Santa’s and Rudolph, the Grinch, Mickey Mouse, a dinosaur and many many more. It was gaudy, but it was also kind of nice because we live on a side street that no one decorated their house, except for us, and we only put out a few strands of lights.

We had grown close to our new neighbors over the last five months but we had no idea they were the Griswolds from Christmas Vacation movie. We made a few jokes but we were busy over the Christmas season and did not see them that much.

On Christmas Day, we went over and said Merry Christmas. I jokingly asked them when the eye sore was coming down and they laughed and said no later than January 1st.

The first came and I went out to take down our few strands of lights but did not see our neighbors. Then the 2nd came and the inflatables were still up. Then the 3rd, 4th and 5th came and they were still up.

I went next door to check on them, maybe they got sick or something but they did not answer. I even called the police to do a wellness check but they said no one was in the house. I thought maybe they left town but when they did that for Thanksgiving, they asked us to check on their house for them so I would’ve thought they would’ve asked again if they had to leave town for an emergency.

On the morning of the 11th, I unplugged all the inflatables. I had a weird feeling that I was being watched. I could swear I even saw Santa’s face change and give me a scolding look. On the night of the 11th, the inflatables came back to life again.

Who would’ve plugged them back in? There was still no word from our neighbors.

The end of January came and the inflatables were still up and there was still no word from our neighbors. No matter how many times I unplugged them, they would always be back up. I told the police that something wasn’t right but they looked at me like I was crazy.

By the end of April, with our neighbors still missing, the house foreclosed. The bank had movers come and cleared out the house, even the inflatables were gone.

At the end of May, the house had sold and we had new neighbors. We weren’t as close to them as the last ones, but we were still cordial and said our hellos.

Then it happened.

The day after Thanksgiving the inflatables were back. The exact same ones were out that our last neighbors had. I asked them how they got them and they said they were all boxed up in the basement. The only thing that was left in the house. They were going to throw them out but thought it would be fun to keep them and let them come to life.

I walked back to my house and swore Santa smiled and winked at me and the dinosaur growled.

Well, let me tell you my friends it is now January 11th and the inflatables are still up and our newest neighbors have disappeared like the last ones.

The police still think I’m crazy but tonight I am heading over there with a butcher knife and I’m going to rip them to shreds.

For some reason, I have a feeling I won’t make it back but there is something sinister about those inflatables and I can not let them win.

If you don’t hear from me again, you will know why.

Wish me luck.

The Christmas Tree

On December 8, 2020December 7, 2020 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Short story, Who God made you to be2 Comments

Image result for christmas tree farm

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

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 –

The Story Of A Snowflake

On December 7, 2020December 9, 2021 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Short story2 Comments

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.

Snow Flurries Possible In Highest Elevations Late Thursday Night | Blue Ridge Life Magazine :

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.

Romans 14:1 — Verse of the Day for 11/11/2021

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.

Limitless by Colton Dixon –

Hands and Feet by The Brilliance –

According To His Word by Jared Anderson –

That’s How You Change The World by Newsboys –

With Every Act Of Love by Jason Gray –

Ready Set Go by Royal Tailor –

Save Me by Jason Lancaster –

Living Word by Jeremy Camp –

Love Alone Is Worth The Fight by Switchfoot –

Living Word of God by Chris McClarney –

Hands and Feet by Audio Adrenaline –

Tom The Turkey

On November 24, 2020November 23, 2020 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Short story, ThanksgivingLeave a comment

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 named Tom. However, this was not an ordinary turkey. Tom the turkey did not want to be a turkey. Tom wanted to be an eagle.

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

Tom 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 Tom flapped his wings he could not get off the ground. It wasn’t that Tom did not practice, because he did. Some days that was all Tom did. Tom 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 Tom’s 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 Tom. Every day it was the same thing. Wake up, eat, walk around the yard, eat, try to fly. Every day Tom 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 Tom’s friends and he would never see them again. Tom 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 Tom.

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.”

Tom gobbled and gobbled. Tom 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.”

Tom was taken to the family’s home where Tom 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 Tom everything Tom asked for. Tom was looked at with awe and beauty. Tom was a national symbol. The people gave thanks from their hearts for Tom. Tom was made exactly how God wanted Tom to be and exactly how Tom wanted to be seen. Tom 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 –

All I Need To Be by Fireflight –

This Is Who I Am by Shane and Shane –

God Follower by Steven Curtis Chapman –

I See God In You by Josh Wilson –

This Is Who I Am by Third Day –

Ungrateful

On November 23, 2020November 23, 2020 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Short story2 Comments

I walked by him at least twice a day. More often than not it was closer to six times a day. He was always in the same spot, always wearing the same clothes and always staring down at the ground.

Anytime that I would walk by and I had some change I would drop it in his hat. He would never look up. He never said thank you. As a matter of fact, I never heard him say anything. I was usually on the go or on my phone or talking to my co-workers so I might not have heard him if he did, but I really don’t think he did.

Image result for picture of homeless man

After a few weeks of dropping change, I decided to do an experiment. I started off dropping one dollar bills in his hat. When he didn’t react I started dropping fives. Then I would drop a ten spot here and there. Nothing, no reaction from this guy. He didn’t even look up to see what I looked like.

I even got my co-workers involved. I had them start giving whatever they had on them to this guy. They all reported back the same thing that I experienced. No acknowledgement that we even existed. No thank you. Nothing. We had to be giving him enough to pay for rent somewhere. Or at least buy some new clothes.

Many months passed. It was getting close to Thanksgiving. I had a really good year financially. Even got myself a promotion. Life was good. I was doing some early Christmas shopping and decided I would buy this guy a winter coat. I even put a hundred dollars in the pocket. I put the jacket down beside him on my way to work. Again, no acknowledgement.

I had enough. I was finally going to talk to this guy. I was going to ask him what his problem was. Why couldn’t he even say thanks. Why couldn’t he at least look up and give me a nod at least. Give me something man. I have been giving to you for over six months now.

As luck would have it though I was tied up in important meetings all day. I had to have lunch catered because I couldn’t get out of the office. When I left that day he wasn’t there. For the first time in as long as I can remember he wasn’t there.

The next morning he wasn’t there either. Same thing at lunch. Same thing on my way home. The entire week was the same. He was no where to be found.

The next week a lady came into my office. She asked for me by name. How did she know my name? Anyway, turns out she was the sister of this man. She told me how Jim, her brother, that was the guys name, had cancer and it took a turn for the worse. He passed away last week. He left a note for her to give to me. I asked how she knew about me. She said it was all in the note.

She also told me more about his story. One night Jim, his wife and kids went out to eat and on their way home they were hit by a drunk driver. Jim was the only one that survived. He never recovered. He never talked again. She never learned if it was trauma from the accident or by choice. Jim just checked out of this world.

I couldn’t believe what I heard. How come I never talked to him? Was I too lost in my own world to reach out to him? Did I think I was better than him? This was another human being and all I did was throw money at him. I didn’t even try to get to know him.

After his sister left I went to my office and opened the letter.

Dear Rob,

I know your name because I listened when you walked by me. I know you are married and have four girls. Congrats on your promotion by the way. I know all of this from listening to you talk on your cell phone. By listening to you talk to your co-workers.

I wanted to thank you for all you gave me. I wanted you to know that I listened because I cared about you. I listened waiting for you to say something to me. I listened, and waited for you to acknowledge me.

I would give you everything you gave me back to you if you would’ve said a single word to me. I would rather have had a friendship with you than your money. I wished you would’ve got to know me. I wasn’t always this way.

I heard you talk about God to your co-workers as you were leaving the building. I heard you thank Jesus when you got your promotion. I heard you talk about hope and faith to your wife in one of your talks. I would’ve liked to know more about God but you didn’t share him with me.

Take care,

Jim

All this time I thought he was ungrateful. What I have come to realize is how ungrateful I am. I realize how I take my life, my wife, my children, my friends, my health, my job for granted. I didn’t realize how lucky I am. No longer. I now realize how quickly all that can be taken away from me.

I also came to realize that I don’t share God or my beliefs with anyone outside my circle. I am not spreading the good news of my savior like I should.

For that, I will always be grateful for ungrateful Jim. I only wish I would’ve taken the time to get to know him.

Guilty by Newsboys – I am guilty of not speaking of God enough. I want to be guilty for sharing it.

Pray For Me by Kirk Franklin –

Lean On Me by Comsumed By Fire –

Brother by NeedToBreathe –

Moments by Emerson Drive –

Help Somebody by Van Zant –

If I Can Dream by Elvis Presley –

Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw –

Charlie Chases Cars

On November 20, 2020November 20, 2020 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, Parenting, parents, Short story8 Comments

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Charlie was just a young puppy when he chased his first car. Charlie loved the thrill of chasing cars. Charlie wondered what would happen when he caught one.

Charlie grew bigger and faster. Charlie ran every day to build up his strength to catch a car. Charlie didn’t have time to play with other dogs. Any dog that tried to get close to Charlie, Charlie would run over on his way to try to catch another car.

Then one day, Charlie was chasing a car when he saw Bella. The world stopped for Charlie. Charlie didn’t think about chasing cars as much.

Charlie and Bella fell in love. Charlie and Bella started having puppies. Charlie and Bella were happy. Charlie started to worry about how he could provide for them.

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Charlie started chasing cars again. Charlie ran and ran. Charlie would stay out late chasing cars.

Charlie and Bella started to fight. Bella was left all alone while Charlie chased cars. Charlie’s kids wanted him to be home more. Charlie’s kids wanted to spend time with their dad. Charlie kept chasing cars.

Then one day it happened. Charlie caught a car. Charlie was so happy. Charlie thought I finally did it. But in that same moment, Charlie had another thought.

Now what?

Charlie realized he had made it to the top but that he had destroyed his life. Charlie had no friends. Charlie and Bella didn’t talk anymore. Charlie didn’t know what his kids were like.

Charlie was miserable at the top. All the long hours, all the sacrifices, all the birthdays he missed to get there.

Charlie wished he didn’t want to chase cars. Charlie wished he could do things differently. Charlie wondered if they would ever forgive him.

Charlie didn’t want to chase cars anymore.

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Cat’s In The Cradle by Harry Chapin –

Lose My Soul by Tobymac-

Just Another Birthday by Casting Crowns –

Love I Leave Behind by Hannah Kerr –

Without You by For King & Country –

How Could You Leave Us by NF –

Without Love by Bon Jovi –

As Children Often Do

On November 9, 2020May 19, 2025 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, daughter, Fathers-Daughters, Short story2 Comments

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From the time she could talk she was full of questions. And I, of course, was full of answers.

Why this, why that, where, when and who?

But as children often do, my daughter grew and grew and her questions became more elaborate.

Where are we going dad?

Nowhere.

Dad, what will we do when we get to nowhere?

Nothing, absolutely nothing.

Yeah, dad, I love going to nowhere with you and doing absolutely nothing. But I wonder, if we go nowhere and do nothing, does that make me a nobody?

Her questions were very deep so I thought for a second and told her she would never be a nobody. She is loved and cherished and will always be a somebody to me.

If I keep going south will I eventually be north?

38 Anniversary Quotes That Will Inspire You 24

As children often do, she grew and grew and her questions became more challenging.

Dad, if we get lost going to nowhere, will we end up somewhere? And when we get to somewhere, will we do something? But I wonder, if we go somewhere and do something, will I then be somebody?

Dad, can we get from here to there without going anywhere? And if we find anywhere, can we go there anytime? But I wonder, if we go anywhere anytime will I still be anybody to you?

If I ever find myself stuck between here and there and can’t find my way to you, will you come looking for me?

I couldn’t understand why her thoughts were taking her to these places but the only thing I could do was put my arms around her and reassure her no matter where she is or what time it is or what I am doing, I will always come and find her when she needed me.

But if I don’t tell you I need you, how will you know?

I will always pray that I will know but if for some reason I don’t know, I know a father who loves you more than even I do who will always be there for you even if I, for some inexplicable reason, get lost and am a little late in getting there.

Thanks dad, but what if I meant to go nowhere but ended up somewhere doing everything I know I shouldn’t do, would you still love me then? Would you go everywhere and do something, anything, to bring me back to someplace where you always are?

Not a doubt in mind that I would go everywhere and do something, anything, anytime to bring you back to nowhere so we could do nothing.

If the sun sets in the west will it always be dark the more west I go?

Just remember, dear daughter, no matter how many steps you take into the darkness, it only takes one to turn around and see the light.

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If I’m doing nothing am I really doing something and can I be doing something but actually be doing nothing?

As children often do, my daughter grew and grew. As she grew it was my arms that became empty, as she no longer wanted me to hold her and it was my heart that shattered to pieces, as it seemed she longer wanted it to beat for her.

I would knock on her door and ask, “Would you like to go nowhere today and do nothing?” To which she would just sigh and say “Dad, I’m not a little girl anymore.”

I would give her some time and distance and then I would knock on her door and ask, “Would you like to go somewhere sometime today and do something?”

To which she would reply, “Dad, I’m busy doing other things today.”

But I could tell something was going on, but I didn’t want to seem pushy, but I knew she needed me.

I gave her more time and more distance, even though it was killing me to see her so sad.

One day I knocked on her door and said, “My daughter, when you find yourself nowhere doing nothing and wanting to go somewhere to be somebody but you can’t seem to go anywhere any of the time remember I love you everywhere every second of every day simply because you are you and that’s enough.”

She gave me a sad smile and a thanks dad.

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Then I heard a voice telling me time and distance isn’t what she needs, she needs closeness and love even though it isn’t what she says.

I went and I knocked on her door and she was crying. I sat beside her and wrapped my arms around her and let her cry. After a few minutes and a very wet shirt later, she calmed down and looked up at me and I looked into those beautiful brown eyes as she asked me a question I had been wanting to hear for so long.

“Dad, do you think we could go nowhere?”

I smiled and asked, “Daughter, what will we do when we get there?”

Then she smiled back and said, “I was thinking we would do nothing dad, absolutely nothing.”

“Daughter, there is no place I would rather be than nowhere doing absolutely nothing with you.”

As children often do, my daughter grew and grew.

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