Alive and Active Life

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.