Feelings Archives - Page 4 of 9 - Alive and Active Life

Discouragement – When Hope Flickers

Posted onOctober 14, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Discouragement - When Hope Flickers

00:00 / 16:42

Do you remember in Star Wars when Han Solo and Princess Leia barely escape with their lives from the enemy forces of Darth Vader? On their escape journey, Han suggests they go to Cloud City where one of his buddies, Lando Calrissian, lives. They’ll be safe there. So, with new hope, they arrive in Cloud City, and Lando escorts them into a room. As they approach the room, the door opens. Incredibly, Darth Vader is in the room! Do you remember the look on their faces? Disbelief. Even horror. This is discouragement – when hope flickers.

If you’re not a Star Wars fan, you still know what I mean. Think of your own example. Perhaps you only need to look in the mirror to see discouragement – when hope flickers.

The Perfect Sandwich – Scripture Dissection

Posted onOctober 7, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

The Perfect Sandwich - Scripture Dissection

00:00 / 16:25

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.

Good News In Difficult Times

Posted onSeptember 9, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Good News In Difficult Times

00:00 / 18:15

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.

Life Junk And Stuff

Posted onSeptember 2, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Life Junk And Stuff

00:00 / 19:47

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.

Relief And Hope – Scripture Dissection

Posted onAugust 26, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Relief And Hope - Scripture Dissection

00:00 / 17:12

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.

Upended!

Posted onJuly 22, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Upended!

00:00 / 16:52

As I considered this article, I decided to look up the word “upended.” The definitions made me think of a boat or canoe. Maybe a personal craft on the sea of life. Here are synonyms I found to help define upended.

flipped
inverted
overturned
upset
bottom-side-up
tipped over
capsized

I don’t know about you, but these synonyms gave me a mental picture of upended.

You’re Not Alone

Posted onJune 17, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

You're Not Alone

00:00 / 16:17

Most people have felt alone at least once in their life. What about you? Perhaps you’ve been forgotten by friends or family, and you feel set aside. It could be your child or spouse dies, and you are left. Sometimes, you stand alone in conviction when others around you do what you know is wrong. Then, there’s a scenario you are seriously ill, so you must fight to survive. Maybe, you’ve taken a critical moral stand everyone is against, and you suffer by yourself. Unfortunately, you may have had to leave your home, and you have no idea if/when you can return. Perhaps you’re in a marriage you thought was a partnership, but you realized over time you are alone. To all these situations – and many more – I strongly encourage you to believe the truth. You’re not alone!

It Got Flipped!

Posted onMay 28, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

It Got Flipped!

00:00 / 16:41

Recently, I looked at a picture and saw the most beautiful landscape. Upon further study, I realized – it was upside-down. A bit stunned, I figured out I was looking at the perfect reflection of a landscape on a calm, serene lake. It got flipped! Interestingly, God flips some things, too.

Indignant!

Posted onMay 20, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Indignant!

00:00 / 16:11

Remember Downton Abbey – the television series and movies? If you watched this excellent period drama, I’m sure you’ll remember frequent times the Dowager Countess and Cousin Isobel are completely indignant toward one another. Their continual sparring is a unique dimension of their very unusual friendship. So, what exactly is “indignant?” Let’s look at what it means and who uses it.

Important Stuff We Forget

Posted onApril 29, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Important Stuff We Forget

00:00 / 15:38

We had a leap year this year. And it struck me again how that phenomenon only occurs every four years. So, what happens to the important stuff that occurs on Feb. 29th? Like a birth, anniversary, a death, start date of a business, etc. Do those special events get appropriate attention? Or do they make it on a list of important stuff we forget for another four years? From my connection with people who have a Feb. 29th event, most retain their date – but move celebrations or remembrances to the day before or after. What can we learn from this interesting reality?