You Gotta Keep Dancin 1st (first) edition by Tim Hansel published by Cook (1985) [Paperback]

by Tim Hansel

Glossy paperback 1985 150p. 8.50x5.30x0.50 STORY OF A CHRISTIAN WHO HAD AN ACCIDENT. GOD'S WORKING, HELPING HIM DISCOVER AND JOY.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Christian Living, Self Help, Christianity, Grief

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I've had this book on the shelf since the late 1980's and finally pulled it off for a before bed reflection. Unfortunately, life got in the way, AND I found his message very repetitive and nothing new for me at this point in my life. I also had a hard time connecting with the author's story. Set it aside for quite a while.
The message in a nutshell is despite major obstacles in life, know that God loves you and will guide you to your best life with what you have. Natch!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life changing book. One of the rare books I have kept throughout the years. (I don't keep books unless they're very special.)Tim Hansel lives with pain all the time. How does he deal with it? He says people in pain are closer to God because they're constantly talking to Him. Even if you're not physically in pain, this is a life changing book.

[Mattie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at hangers for hope and bought it because the title intrigued me. I knew nothing about it before. I loved it! It was repetitive at times, but it was sweet and honest and encouraging to read. I hope I can rejoice in suffering and keep dancing when things get hard too, Tim. Thanks for writing this book, I’ll be recommending it for a long time

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely was a reawakening of what I learned years ago. Will go back and highlight parts of this book to share with family members.

[Barba Minajeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Hansel is an inspirational human being and that shows in his writing. Choosing joy in spite of the circumstances is a much more uplifting way of living rather than focusing on finding happiness. He points out that happiness has its root in the word happening. This is very true because often we expect something to happen in order for that happiness to arise.
Hansel also points out that limitations can give life depth. In his case it is chronic pain. But it can be something else in everyones life. These limitations makes us reach out for the things and people that are closest and appreciate what we already have.
He also compares the experience of life to a patchwork quilt. How boring would it be if all the patches would be the same colour and pattern? The essential idea is that life is messy, complex and hard most of the time and maybe these times are what makes it so beautiful too.

[Cerenity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe books find us. This book was a gift from a friend and I really needed to hear its message.

[Wesley Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You Gotta Keep Dancin'" was a recommended read for my class, Practical Application of Biblical Counseling, this winter/spring at Christian Life Ministries. I am very thankful for reading Tim's book at this time, to minister to someone I love deeply, who is going through a long battle with pain. This was a great book to understand how deep physical, emotional and spiritual pain can be - that of which Tim lived through since his fall. My main takeaway from the book is to truly LIVE LIFE, ENJOY LIFE, ENJOY GOD'S CREATION given to us and savior the love, grace and beauty that is Christ Jesus! We get so wrapped up in the world and its demands and pursuit of more and more that we forget to savior the here and now ("the intrinsic value of life itself -- the sacredness of each unrepeatable moment" Tim says), this moment, given by God, living with Jesus in us by the Holy Spirit. The book was a wake-up call on how bad and deep physical pain can inflict on our bodies. I can't imagine being Tim Hansel and what he had to live through after his fall.

A story I will never forget that he included in his book was the story of two men in the hospital, described by G.W. Target. *That* will stay with me for a long time. Tim's surgical focus on dealing with his pain through perseverance, patience, humbleness, prayerfullness and courage will stay with me for a long time as well. And this:

"I know full well that I would rather make my days count than merely count my days."

I would recommend this book to those dealing with any deep pain in their life--physical, emotional and/or spiritual. Or those that are ministering to a love one, this book can be a help. Or for those seeking inspiration from someone to lived a life for Christ while living with deliberating physical pain.

[Erin Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read my fair share of Christian books. I’ve also read my fair share about pain and suffering, questioning Gods purpose, and finding joy in the midst of our circumstances. This book was amazing and I’d say it has been the best book I’ve ever read regarding this subject. It’s all in the title “You gotta keep on dancing”.

Funny enough, one of my favorite, Christian authors is Bob Goff. If you know him and his books, you know that he leaves his phone number at the end of each of his books. He gets 100s of calls a day and has just an incredible love for people. A few weeks back, when I was feeling very low, I called him for the second time. He recommended that I read this book and I’m so glad I did.

This book will stay on my book shelves for me to read over and over again. It’s just that powerful.

[Brittani (Book_Byrd) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book off the library shelf over 5 years ago and it forever changed my outlook with my own health struggles and the way I understand psalm 23:1
Remembering this book in a new season of health struggles I decided to buy my own copy because it impacted me so much back then.
I got a refresher to what I learned before and also gleaned so much more this time around as I've grown in my faith the last few years.
I highly recommend this book for those going through health struggles, especially chronic pain, or chronic lifelong diseases. But I also recommend it to fellow Christians because I guarantee Tim's story will change your outlook on life's struggles.

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

You Gotta Keep Dancin' by Tim Hansel is a good book about overcoming adversity. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain Tim lived with after his accident. I live daily with the pain of fibromyalgia and from scars, but I do not pretend to begin to understand the level of extreme, severe pain Tim lived with. I can only thank the Lord that the thorn He gave me is the He Gave ME. It is important to notice that Tim did not allow the pain he lived with to keep him from serving the Lord to the best of his ability and to find joy in the Lord... Regardless.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last book my mom gave me before she died last month. So many things to say. Very bittersweet. She got it for me after my diagnosis, and we struggled together, limping west. She also had health concerns, and it was like we were the only ones who understood each other as we travelled this journey. Now she's gone and I am left with this book. Finishing it feels like I am finished with her. Nevertheless, it is a valuable book, and has important perspective changes, even if the theology isn't 100% all the time.

[Josh Loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Hansel is an inspiration. As a man who experienced a terrible accident leaving him in constant pain, he tells the story of learning how to find joy in the midst of suffering. Hansel encourages his readers to choose to see the blessings of life instead of focusing on the hardships. The book helps reorient your thinking and helps you to focus on God’s many blessings.

[Amy Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1985 and still so relevant! The one constant in human history: pain. Tim talks from his personal experience with vulnerability, hope, and truth from God’s word. It’s memoir-like in style if that’s your jam, but super encouraging to anyone struggling with physical setbacks (so most of us!!). This book reminds me that God’s ways are higher than ours.

[Sarah Hess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an inspiring story and a message that causes one to dig deep and ask whether they too can find joy in the midst of struggles and heartache that everyone encounters. Hansel challenges us all to choose joy as he did despite the most difficult of circumstances.

[Cheryl Perry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great message. Inspiring quotes. About choosing joy in midst of difficult things. Reads as separate paragraphs and snippets of thoughts and wrestlings. Great content just difficult to stay engaged with the flow of writing.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fits in my life changer category. As someone with chronic pain He met me right where I was at in this book!

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book really pointed you to finding joy in life regardless of your circumstances. It was full of great nuggets but a bit repetitive.

[Paula Kramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a memoir of sorts about a man who lives in constant pain from a fall during a climbing trip. He decides that no matter the obstacles in your life, you have to choose to be happy and overcome these trials in life. A great self help book.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible true life story of faith and courage

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to have joy inspite of one's circumstances.It truly is a choice and God gives you the ability to choose that , if you are willing to.

[Abby]

Mentioned by Janet Lee in the book Marathon of Faith. About a guy who almost dies in a mountain climbing accident and lives the rest of his life in constant pain. But it's a happy book.

[Karie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing....a must read!

[Keith A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book of encouragement and inspiration.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a mixture of human motivational philosophy and scriptural truth on how to keep going in the worst of circumstances and pain. The mixture of truth with human philosophy did not sit well.

[Jessica Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

[Debbie Rogoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Life changing. Shows you what true joy is.

[Natalie Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Inspirational!

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book!

[Ann Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like anything with dance as the theme---especially devotional books

[Zelma · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a fantastic book to learn to choose Joy and a stand up against whatever illness or disability you may be facing. choosing joy in the midst of pain and suffering is one of the hardest things to do. there were so many great quotes in this book that I can move on with my life and to choose Joy.

this quote in the book stuck out to me.
"there is only two ways to approach life-- as a victim or a gallant fighter-- and you must decide if you want to act or react.. a lot of people forget that." Merle Shane

let's take these words to heart and be the Gallant fighter show people that we can have true Joy even in the midst of our pain and suffering to know that we have been healed as much as God needs us to be healed and the rest of it is to be a teaching device for others to be that light in this Dark World