Alive and Active Life

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...

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 gi...

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 dai...

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 …

You’ve heard the illustration of standing in front of several doors, having to choose one without knowing what’s behind each. Similarly, doors you choose for your life become your reality. This can be exciting. Contrastingly, some doors bring great sadness. Nevertheless, you discover new things behind doors. And new experiences can provide hope – if you hold God’s hand while you open and close doo...

OK! Think WINTER! Freezing cold. You feel exposed – at risk. Plus – you’re shivering! Next thing you know, someone offers you a soft, comfortable, big blanket. Plus, it’s an electric blanket, already plugged in – cozy and warm. This word picture shows what it’s like to be covered by God’s love. Particularly in the cold of the world where you are sometimes exposed and at risk. Read More …

Back in the year 2000, in the Disney movie, “The Kid,” two grown-ups have a conversation about growing up. One of them, Amy, says, “Well, we can’t go around anymore talking about what we’re going to be like when we grow up. We are up. ” Basically, she’s saying – it’s time to live grown up. So, let’s explore what it means to live grown up. Read More …

Question for you. What does the White City and your life have in common? Of course, you’ll remember the White City is straight out of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. Interestingly, between the White City and another city, Osgiliath, there’s a lot in common with your life. Let’s look. Read More …

In your opinion, what are the most important 3 things to care about? Do you have a list? For the record, I have a list. Interestingly, the things we care about most – directly influence how we live each day. Read More …

Do you remember Aragorn’s famous quote in The Lord Of The Rings? “There is always hope!” Then there’s another quote by the great soccer player, Pele. “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice – and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” Hope and hard work are guideposts that keep you on a good path. The first quote provides a picture...

Last article, we explored how to respond When Life Gets Hard . Here’s the thing. Sometimes, life stays hard for a long period of time. Despite your best efforts, practicing great action steps, and staying close to the Lord – you can still end up in a place of discouragement or depression. So, how do you cope? What can you do to manage these conditions? Read More …

I remember a time when I made a plunge I didn’t intend to. Nor did I want to. Matter of fact, it surprised me when I realized where I ended up. Interestingly, I found myself in the very place a guy in Scripture landed. When life gets hard, it can knock the wind out of you. Also, you feel exhausted. Things pile up over your history. Then, you can plunge – and slip from the comfortable place you nor...

You know what it’s like when you’re about to tell someone a secret. Or when they want to tell you a secret. You “lean into” the other person with eager expectation. Even excitement. There are many kinds of secrets to share with a friend in life. And the best ones are secrets about your life in Christ. So – let’s tear into it! Read More …

I’m thinking back to when I was a young adult. I’ve discovered people think differently when they first enter the adult world than when they have a decade or two of life experience behind them. That was certainly true for me. As life “happened” and challenges piled up, I began to realize I need a little more wisdom! So, what did I do? Fortunately, I pursued wisdom – because I realized I didn’t hav...

It’s planting season once again in many countries. In fact, some farmers, gardeners, and community agriculturalists have already finished planting seeds for this year’s crops – with hopes of a good harvest. Incidentally, planting a seed means the death of a seed. And from this “death” comes new life. Subsequently, what is the cycle of a seed? And how could information like this affect your daily l...

When I was in college, I took a “Camping – Hiking Course.” It fulfilled a basic requirement. Overall, it was a good experience. Interestingly, I learned a lot. However, I remember one bad experience – the weather didn’t cooperate. Our group pitched our tent. But it started POURING. Then, the temperature dropped dramatically. It was a freezing, soppy mess. Sadly, our group squeezed into a car and s...

Do you remember being a little kid and you just thought it would never get to your birthday – or to Christmas? Now, fast-forward to your current age. Whatever decade you’re in – your perspective is likely different. Even teens start to say things like – “time has passed so quickly.” Essentially, time is growing short. We live knowing we will eventually die. If nothing else, time is certainly limit...

In our last article/podcast, A Plan To Be More Like Jesus , we laid out a reasonable plan using twenty-five helpful action points to keep you matched up with Scripture. You’ve likely formed many plans over the years with strategies to carry them out. Subsequently, it makes sense to develop a plan and long-term strategies to be more like Jesus. Read More …

Do you need a long-overdue vacation? Or perhaps you want to pay off a loan quickly. Maybe you’ve never gardened, but you want to try one. Could be you’ve decided to change careers but need more education. Or you might commit to lose a few unwanted pounds. Regardless, whatever the scenario, you need a plan – or you’ll get nowhere fast. Similarly, you need a plan to be more like Jesus. Incidentally,...

A few years ago, we published an article about “your number.” The content is important enough to explore again with a fresh look – especially considering current global times. Interestingly, everyone uses numbers each day – finances, critical dates, paying bills, trips to the grocery store or gas pump. Then there are birthdays – “how old are you this year?” Incidentally, what’s your number for you...

Just the other day, I was putting on a pair of gloves – without paying attention and with some difficulty. Wouldn’t you know it! I was trying to maneuver the left glove onto my right hand, leaving the right glove waiting for my left hand. Silly, eh? Needless to say, it wasn’t going well. After a good look, I saw the problem and switched them out. No wonder they didn’t fit! I think there’s a life l...

Some years back, I accompanied my grandkids to a park. They were full of energy and expectation. Upon arrival, I gave the usual warning – “Now, be careful as you tackle this playground!” Their response? “O.K. We will!” Well, they climbed equipment, explored, and jumped from tree stump to every conquerable obstacle. The oldest mid-teen made a bounding leap – landing in a wipe-out. Boom! “Are you OK...

This past Christmas season, my family watched a wonderful concert of M.W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Michael Tait. It was so good! The vocals were beautiful, the band professional and creative, the lights and special features very well-done. Best of all, the message was inspiring. Worshipfully, the entire concert focused on Jesus Christ. One of the talking points impressed me. So, as I’ve been ponderin...

Last article/podcast, we explored “A Positive Mindset Works.” Actually, there’s nothing more critical to your success as a Jesus follower. Why? Simply, because a person’s mindset propels them forward into response. Essentially, into action. Subsequently, let’s look at more healthy mindset action points today, with the goal of building character like Christ. Read More …

I’m sure it’s not just me. Surely, you’ve been there, too. Your computer, phone, or device just isn’t cooperating. So, you refresh. If that doesn’t work, you turn it off – and back on again. Plus, you take care of any updates. Worse case scenario, you back-up data and re-format your device. Honestly! A lot of management! Similarly, there’s management needed for a mindset to work well. However, it...