Alive and Active Life

Happy New Year! May it be a good one for you! Now, to set the tone, here’s a quote from C.S. Lewis – “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” With this insightful observation, let’s explore 10 points to start this year well. Read More … For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

This week, I get to say – HAPPY NEW YEAR – to you! Of course, it’s also an opportunity for a fresh new start. So, let’s look at some action points for a great start with strong traction this next year. Read More … For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

I remember one Christmas years ago – I almost missed Christmas! That experience was a “wake-up call.” In my busy life, filling roles and carrying out responsibilities – all the Christmas preparations pulled me off track. I asked God to show me what happened and how to avoid it in the future. That’s when I learned how to pause at Christmastime. And it works! Now, I use a “pause” all through the year. Do you need to pause a bit more this Christmas?   Read More … For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

During a season filled with peace and joy, it’s painful to experience grieving at Christmastime. But that’s what many people do. They celebrate. Simultaneously, they grieve. There are always losses in life. Sometimes, these losses almost consume the space meant to be filled with peace and joy. Strategically, there are ways to keep these spaces free for healthy processes – even at Christmastime. Read More … For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

  Many cherished Christmas carols talk about joy. Consider Joy To The World – “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” Or While By My Sheep – “Joy, joy, joy! (echo) joy, joy, joy.” If you are looking for joy at Christmastime, you are joined by millions of people. Interestingly, Paul starts every single letter he wrote in the New Testament with wishes of grace and JOY to his readers. So, how’s your joy as Christmas approaches? Read More … For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

Many cherished Christmas carols talk about peace. Consider Silent Night – “sleep in heavenly peace.” Or, Hark The Herald Angels – “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” Yes, for centuries people have yearned for peace. Particularly, peace at Christmastime. Let’s face it. This world really needs peace. Interestingly, peace starts in each individual heart. Equally, lasting peace only comes from the “Prince of Peace” – Jesus Christ. So, peace at Christmastime . . . Read More … For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

It’s Thanksgiving! Time for a “self-check” on gratitude. A mindset of gratitude makes a huge difference, even when things are difficult or painful. So, if you had a Gratitude Scale that measured how thankful you are, where would you score on a scale 1-10? Let’s explore “mindset of gratitude.” But first – let’s have some fun with that Gratitude Scale we mentioned. Read More … For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

I can’t think of a better way to begin this content – purpose-filled living – than to quote a good authority on the subject. “Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days – when you heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you’re out of options, when the pain is great – and you turn to God alone.” (Rick Warren) This insightful quote leads us into our discovery today. Read More … For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

Recently, I connected with a dear friend and learned about her struggle with cancer. Not only her courage to face cancer, but the tenacity and grit it takes to go through chemo treatments. On top of that, to deal with side effects. Little sleep, loss of hair, skin so sensitive you can’t comfortably wear a hat or light scarf. Terrible pain. Time off work. Daily responsibilities still demand attention. Without a doubt, it takes courage and confidence to make it through such difficult circumstances. How I admire this friend. Each day, she rises into new courage as she manages these realities. Plus, she remains confident God will carry her through. At the same time, she is honest and authentic about her sufferings. So, let’s dive into what it means to live with courage and confidence each day – no matter what your situation. Read More … For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

Someone’s hanging from a high ledge, ready to fall! They’re yelling for help and losing strength. Now, they hold on with only one hand. You know emergency teams will never make it in time. Frantically, you grab a nearby sturdy tarp and enlist five or six strong-looking by-standers to hold tightly on corners and sides – a “make-shift” life-net directly below. Realizing the person is about to fall, yet is filled with fear, you yell, “Let go. It’ll be OK.” This is #6 in a series on hope. Read More … For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

As I consider today’s material: “Strong Hope,” I’m reminded of a Bible passage in one of my quiet times. Interestingly, a thought struck me as I read that passage. Simply this. If I were to make a list of all the struggles, issues, sorrows, and difficulties in my life so far – – and if I were to put a column of dates next to them (similar to what I have in my Bible) – then, if I were to record a verse or promise God gave me for that particular situation in a third column – I would have an amazing record of God’s faithfulness in my neediness. In fact, I’d have enough material to publish a book about strong hope. This is #5 in a series on hope. Read More …

Have you ever desperately cried out “change me, Lord?” I have. I vividly remember a time I said this many years ago. Challenges had piled up. Demands were high. Expectations even higher. I was pulled in too many directions. And I felt overwhelmed. Read More …

As I write “You Are Included,” I remember a special event several years ago. I was finishing a book manuscript in a bed and breakfast when I met a lovely couple staying in the next room. In the dining area, they invited me to join them at their table. I learned they were on their honeymoon through a previous, introductory conversation. So, I declined. Still, I felt special to be invited. The next day, they invited me again! I told them my reservation – “You’re on your honeymoon, and I don’t want to barge in!” They reassured they wanted to visit with me. Suddenly, I had courage to say, “yes.” Subsequently, I found myself delightfully included at their table. This is #3 in a series on hope. It’s been encouraging exploring hope for two articles. Check them out. (See below.) Read More …

Hope is so important, don’t you agree? Sometimes it seems hope just . . . disappears! Or – you can barely it see through a pinhole of hope. Regardless, just like – Life-saving fluids enter your body through a “pinhole” of an IV needle. The “pinhole” of a telescope, microscope, camera, or binoculars provides a refined, clearer view –   – so the “pinhole” of hope gives you a more realistic view of life. This is critical – especially during difficult seasons. This is #2 in a series on hope. I’m excited about this series. I hope you will be, too. Read More …

To be without hope is discouraging – even exhausting. Equally, a message of hope is such welcome news. Perhaps you need that right now. This is #1 in a series on hope. So, stay tuned! Read More …

  I’m thinking of a specific person. Actually, a remarkable person. As I got to know and interact with them, I realized they are the perfect example of what we discuss today – well-thought, well-spoken, well-lived. Over time, I came to deeply respect this person because they represent a very well-lived life! Who comes to your mind as you consider today’s content? Read More …

The power of good ripples is like tossing a pebble into a quiet pond. First, the entry of the pebble creates a “plunk.” As the water receives the pebble, it leaps up with a splash of welcome. Then the ripple begins! It’s beautiful to watch from the side. Artful, smooth, concentric circles roll outward. Interestingly, their art continues to “tell” about the pebble. Finally, the ripples reach the edge of the water and fade into the bank. Circle by circle becomes still – and once again, you see your own reflection in the pond canvas. Thankfully, good ripples still happen in life. First, there’s a start – the plunk. Then, the power of good – ripples outward. Considering the upheaval and confused state of our world, wouldn’t you agree you should adopt good ripples on a personal level? Read More …

The highest motive is often identified when a person, family, community, or country is under duress. For instance, both world wars gave the global public – and nations – opportunities to choose motives that are honorable despite risks, sacrifices, and cost. Incidentally, it’s helpful to know your personal highest motive. Additionally, to let it propel you into opportunities each day. Also, this gives you influence and purpose. President Zelensky said – Read More …

A couple of decades ago, there was a commercial for Coca-Cola that claimed – “It’s the real thing.” If this is before your time, just google it. There was another trend during those years. Basically, how to be real. I also recall another phrase – “It’s the real deal.” Incidentally, that phrase inspired marketing strategies, shareable images, at least one podcast, creative pictures, and use in daily conversation. Essentially, it means – “the real thing, genuine, not fake, not imitation, not a copy.” Read More …

What’s the theme of your life? Have you thought about it? Some people target a theme and work toward it for years. Others simply live – and notice a theme forms over time. Interestingly, if you engage some strategy, you can maneuver – and even change – your life theme. Hope and opportunity are always available to help you move forward. Let’s explore. Read More …