Alive and Active Life

You might be surprised to know Christmas sadness is a real thing. It hits when people go through difficulties that stretch into the season of Christmas. Or it happens with unexpected tragedy or bad news. But Christmas sadness can sometimes appear when everything is going fine. Unexpectedly, something rises inside you without permission - and surprises you. In fact, you may even wonder why it's there because there's no identifiable reason. Whatever the scenario, you are not alone if you experience Christmas sadness. Subsequently, the kindest thing you can do for yourself is to learn how to manage Christmas sadness.  Let's explore this together. 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.

You know the little kid in the back seat on a long trip? Every 15 minutes, they ask (with a tired sigh) - "Are we there yet?!" That's the same little cherub, along with a host of other little kids - and just as many adults - who asks, "Is it Christmas yet?" The first exclamation - "Are we there yet?" - is more like - "Gosh! How much longer?!" An impatience and a feeling of being confined. The second exclamation - "Is it Christmas yet?" - is more like - "I'm so excited, I can hardly wait." An expression of the joy of anticipation. Please join me as we explore the joy of anticipation this week! 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.

Most people really like Christmas. There are a few grinches who despise the annual celebration. But many more cherish this annual holiday. They lean into invisible qualities of hope and joy connected to the evergreen tree, lights and decorations, beautiful music, giving and receiving, special goodies, and moments of reflection. Unfortunately, many of these same "Christmas-loving" people feel overwhelmed at the hustle and bustle. So, how do you prepare your heart for this beloved holiday? This is the first in a series to help prepare your heart for Christmas. Each week we will light another candle in our hearts as a statement of preparation in Advent. Please - join me. Connect with God, enjoy meaningful traditions, and anticipate something fresh and new from God. 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.

Thanksgiving is a time to practice exceptional character. Why is that? Because thankfulness is one of the noblest character qualities. Additionally, it's a time for celebration and fun activities. In this content, we look at both: A thankful heart. Celebration and fun. 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 communion from when I was a child. Even as a youngster, I wanted to understand the bread and cup. But honestly, I did wonder why the bread was so "itty-bitty." And the cup was barely a good swig! Don't you remember sticking your tongue into that tiny cup and licking every drop out when you were a kid? Nevertheless, it was clear to me as a child, that communion is not a meal - or even a snack. It's about celebrating a precious sacrament - and remembering. Today, let's take a fresh look at communion. 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.

So, are you an Apple user or an Android user? Regardless, have you noticed what I've figured out? As soon as you update your device, you're made aware of the latest and greatest? New features. Better camera. Faster processing. Greater connectivity. Technology is a fast-paced industry. Frankly, it affects pretty much everything in our lives. Regardless, life is so much more than technology. In fact, I suggest the latest and greatest you can experience in life is found in God. Let's explore. 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.

Some years back, we published an article called - "The Sin List." About a year later, we published another article - "The Skinny On Sinning." Recently, we published "When You're Down." In that content, we mention two modern sins. Oddly, people are always curious about "what's on the serious sin list." Additionally, folks are interested in how to get Relief and Hope in hardships. So, people flux between - 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.

When you're down, it's hard to function at your best. Things don't look normal, and you can't quite get your bearings. Things may not be going as you expected. Or, you've had a disappointment - possibly a piercing loss. Perhaps you lack energy from carrying your load a long time. Often, there's a pile-up of things. "Stuff" is going on in your heart - and in your world. But - there's also something else going on. And you can't quite put your finger on it. Let's look together. 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.

Don't you just love it when someone gives you the "heads-up?" It helps you know what's coming - and what to do next. Yes, we really like a "heads-up." So, it's even more valuable when the heads-up comes from Jesus. He's always giving helpful information, insights, a peek into the future, and - yes - thankfully - warnings. Let's explore how these timely messages are a life-saver. And while we're at it - let's figure out what a "woe" is! 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.

For starters, we'll share a Star Wars example that shows discouragement - when hope flickers. If you're not a Star Wars fan, you still know what I mean. Perhaps you only need to look in the mirror to see discouragement - when hope flickers. You need hope! Let's explore 12 practical action steps back into encouragement. PLUS, a very transparent prayer that touches the deep places in your heart - to use when you are vulnerable and discouraged. 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.

In a previous article, we shared a fun excerpt from the movie, “The Kid.” Bruce Willis plays Russ Duritz, a grown-up under stress. He regresses to a comfort when he was a kid – a sandwich. As he makes one, he says – “There’s safety in a sandwich!” He grips his almost finished sandwich and flips it around while stressfully raving. Alfalfa sprouts fly everywhere. Then, lettuce flips out. It’s not much of a sandwich any more. Certainly not a perfect sandwich. So, let's take a few minutes to explore the perfect sandwich in your "on-the-go life." Afterall, you need to fill the hunger in your soul. 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.

For just a moment - think basketball, football, soccer, ballet, or gymnastics. Now, consider how agile some athletes are. They just seem to pivot into position on a dime, as needed - with little or no warning. Similarly, your life pivots. Actually, with so many events, people, and unknowns - your ability to maneuver is a critical skill. Consequently, during challenge, disappointments, threats, bad news, conflict - there's good news! Your life pivots on principles that never change. So, let's explore practical ideas and helpful action steps to pivot skillfully - with little or no warning. 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 many wars, including world wars, there are clever, secret codes used to conceal a powerful message intended for an ally. Espionage and undercover work quite literally help nations advance and win wars. The powerful message is coded for transmission. Eventually, it's decoded - translated - into it's true meaning. Essentially, this is the method used to deceive those who shouldn't receive the information, as well as make it plain and simple for the receiver once it's decoded. So, what is God's coded message to you? Have you decoded it and applied it to your daily life? Let's explore this. 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, we entertained special guests - dear friends of many years. It was great to see them again. But - people change. Incidentally, this is exciting. Why? Because it means there's more to know about them. In contrast, God never changes. (Heb.13:8) Remarkably, there's always more opportunity to know and see God in life. In fact, this will continue through eternity. God is incredible! To know and see God is a privilege - something to celebrate even in difficult times. Let's look together . . . 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 we explore good news in difficult times, consider this story. You're on a long trip. You're really hungry. Mmmm - a hamburger and an ice-cold soda comes to mind. So, you off-ramp into a small town with one grocery on the only street. The grocer says, "Well, go down the aisles. Gather supplies. Make your own sandwich. Soft drinks are stacked by the bread." Consequently, you head to the next off-ramp - a gas station. The owner says, "Sorry. All we got is cold beer and a bathroom 'round back." Next off-ramp - an ice-cream stand. But you're told - "Only ice-cream here. Sorry." All you want is a burger and a soda! Interestingly, this "less serious scenario" describes how people feel when they need good news. Instead, they are offered everything else. Nevertheless, there's still one source of good news in difficult times. Let's take a look . . . 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.

Do you take the trash out at your house on a regular basis? Or is that somebody else's job? Have you ever had a pile-up of junk and stuff that needs to be thrown out? Realistically, keeping up with trash, junk, and stuff is part of living well. This is true for your inner person, too. I'm excited to get into this content. 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.

How much can a person take? It's hard to keep going when the onslaught just won't stop! Nevertheless, no matter what you are going through, there's a very "special something" that links you to relief and hope. Incidentally, you and I both know we often need relief and hope. In fact, more frequently than we might wish. So, what is that "special something" that links you to relief and hope? Let's explore. 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.

Life is an amazing privilege with many opportunities. But let’s face it: life is also really hard – especially when you are stressed out. Join me to explore stress and how to manage it to be a balanced, healthy person . . . 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.

You go to the mail box and pull out a crisp white envelope with an official seal. The exquisite handwriting specifies your name and address. Rather than ripping it open - like junk mail - you pull out your letter opener to surgically slide along the top envelope crease. From the open slot, you gingerly slip out a beautiful, heavy-weight card that says, "You Are Invited." In surprise and wonder, you flip open the card to see - it's the very event you've always wanted to attend! Up till now, you've never dreamed you'd have the opportunity. Perhaps that scenario has never happened for you. Indeed, you may wish it had. Regardless, I want to assure you there is a lovely invitation waiting for you. It has your name on it. Let me tell you about this amazing invitation! 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 past spring when we planted our garden, the sun pierced our bodies as we bent over the soil. Then, every-so-often, a coolness enveloped us. Why? Well, clouds moved in. Subsequently, their shadow covered us from the hot sun. It was quite pleasant. Now consider this situation. You pursue forward movement in some endeavor. Yet, you continually hit road blocks and barriers that work against you. A "sea of obstacles" prevents progress. So, your goal awaits your arrival from a distance. Now - let's look specifically at how you can be under cloud protection and how you can get through a sea of difficulties. 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.