Alive and Active Life

Think for a minute. What is your most valuable and effective daily resource? In fact, what are your top two tools you rely on most to effectively navigate your day? Your phone? Car? Washer and dryer? Backyard grill? To-do list? Cup of coffee? Bread machine? Google maps? What if I told you about two powerful tools that help you navigate the territory of your soul each day? Interestingly, that’s whe...

I often wonder what my readers and listeners are thinking as they read articles or listen to podcast episodes. Most importantly, I hope you to always read or hear: God wants you! So, in this content, we explore seven points that prove God wants you. Read More …

Have you ever seen a pressure cooker going full tilt? It’s a noisy, powerful event. Weights rocking. Steam hissing. The sound of boiling water from inside the cooker. It can even be a bit scary if you think about all the built-up pressure and stress going on inside that sealed kettle. Yes, the kettle you are standing right next to! With this illustration, let’s discuss the pressures of life and se...

Be content! What, exactly, does that mean? Realistically, if you were to rate yourself on a scale of 1 – 10 (1 not very content and 10 very content), where would you place yourself? Importantly, why? Contentment is a critical piece needed to live a healthy life. Read More …

  By now, I hope you’ve had a good start into this new year. Like so many other years, you’ll likely find yourself wearing down at some point. First, you’re not alone. Second, the key is to get in front of that reality. In this content, we look at the need for a heart-lift when you’re weary. Plus, we identify what it looks like to pursue a heart-lift. Read More …

I’m sure you’ve listened to the news . . . read the newspapers . . . listened to podcasts. Subsequently, you know the world is really struggling right now. In essence, that’s why we should explore what it looks like to have hope in terrible times. Read More …

  The first article this year was “Start This Year Well.” We explored 10 great action points. January is almost over, and some of the emotional energy of starting a new year is wearing off. So, we ask the question – how can you live well this year? The entire year! Afterall, it’s an on-going question. Read More …

  I’m sure you’ve heard the short quote – “life is good.” In fact, I even have a yellow T-shirt with that quote on it. When times are good, it’s easy to believe this is true. However, when times get tough, it takes resolve to fully believe Jesus makes life good. But! He does make life good. In today’s content, we’ll explore how this is true no matter what happens in your life. Naturally, this cont...

When you think of “refreshing and rare,” who comes to your mind? What character qualities define this person? I’m guessing they are courageous, personable, persevering. Further, I imagine they are kind and gentle, as well as strong and honest. Most of all, the person who comes to your mind probably lives with hope. As you enter this next year, you need hope, too. The next 12 months provide opportu...

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 …

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 …

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 ye...

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. Re...

  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...

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...

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 …

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...

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 attenti...

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,...

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 v...

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...

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...

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 …