At Your Edge

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
At Your Edge
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Short Stories – At Your Edge

I have a few short stories referencing “at your edge.”

When I was a child in gym class, we practiced walking on a balance beam. It was a bit nerve-racking! Apparently, if you walk a beam only two or three inches off the ground, it’s easier. But walking a beam four feet off the ground takes a bite out of your confidence. I tried to be confident four feet off the ground. But it was still tricky.

When I was a young mom with little ones, we visited a state park. We climbed a high cliff and came to an edge with a very long drop. It was roped off – but ropes don’t stop little kids. They started right for the edge! As my stomach turned somersaults, I quickly intervened and pulled them back from the edge.

During another season of life, I experienced being at my edge when difficulties and losses piled high. I was at the edge of my endurance. Incidentally, it was terribly uncomfortable. And it was at this edge I learned some critical skills and maneuvers. I grew into a “new maturity” as I realized from God’s point of view – life’s beam is only a few inches off the ground. He stabilizes my balance, closely spots my walk, and keeps me safe. This gave me hope.

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Overcome Circumstances

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Overcome Circumstances
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Pause with me and ponder stories of people who have overcome circumstances. History is filled with these heroes.

  • A man in prison named Dietrich overcomes risky circumstances as he does what he believes pleases God. Mr. Bonhoeffer overcomes by penning invaluable resources. One of his best known is The Cost Of Discipleship. Also Letters and Papers From Prison. Fascinating works of character and insight. Finally, he overcomes the circumstance of being hanged and dies with dignity.
  • A woman overcomes her disappointment over a life she’d rather have had. She addresses continually – difficult circumstances for decades as she wields her authority to bring about strategic solutions and peace. Her incredible character makes Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth one of the world’s greatest leaders.
  • An actor overcomes the odds – and wins to preside over a country, and then over a devastating war of aggression. With circumstances beyond imagining, in the face of grave danger, President Zelensky applies creative strategy and fresh thinking to preserve his country’s freedom. Volodymyr has won respect of world leaders and citizens everywhere.
  • Medical students overcome the strain and sleeplessness of grueling requirements – only to graduate to residency with even more pressures – unknown to the patients they care for. With strategies and discipline, these trainees becomes physicians – to train others and help the sick, suffering, and dying.
  • A mother overcomes circumstances of losing her child to leukemia.
  • Children overcome circumstances of poverty and lack of opportunities. Some become leaders in government and business.
  • After a spouse dies – or perhaps walks away, the remaining partner overcomes circumstances to support and raise the family, launch children into a level of success, and find a new purpose.

 

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Been Lied To?

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Been Lied To?
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Have you ever been lied to? I’m guessing you have. I have, too. It’s a devastating experience. You don’t know who to trust going forward. Consequently, that’s the power of a lie. It tears down trust and ruins what could otherwise be healthy and dependable. Although it’s become more common – even normal – to lie, all lies come from one place. Jesus identifies that source.

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Be A Friend Back

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Be A Friend Back
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You’ve experienced this, and so have I! You reach to someone in friendship, but there’s no reach back. Most of the time, that’s OK. But sometimes, when your heart is more deeply invested in a person, it’s painful when they don’t want to be a friend back. You just have to accept it. I think there are practical take-aways from this scenario as we consider our relationship with God.

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We Have Jesus!

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
We Have Jesus!
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Easter week is here! As a result, people love to celebrate with joyful traditions, activities, reflections, and food. Since this week is the highest pinnacle of celebration for Jesus followers (perhaps second only to Christmas), we celebrate the amazing, simple reality – we have Jesus!

NOTE: there’s a meaningful, FREE, easy-to-use Easter week devotional focus/activity at the bottom of this content. Click for more information and to

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Victim or Victor. Which Are You?

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Victim or Victor. Which Are You?
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I want you to stop and think about a recent crisis moment you’ve had. What happened? A crisis moment is where things change. Your path goes one way – or another. This is the exact moment you decide if you will be a “victim” or “victor!” So, which are you?

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Steps To “Turn the Corner” In A Loss

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Steps To "Turn the Corner" In A Loss
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Without any warning, something hits you hard – and you realize it’s challenging to manage a life loss! Sometimes, you feel you’re drowning in sadness . . . cut off from good things . . . observing others’ joy at a distant like a dream . . . wanting so badly for “normal” again . . . just  wanting hope to return. Yet, you still face your loss. So, how do you “turn the corner” in a loss?

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Need A Miracle?

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Need A Miracle?
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I’m sure you’ve heard stories of people who died but came back to life. Some have been miraculously healed of serious diseases. There are stories of amazing financial provisions – down to the penny needed. Imminent tragedies have “somehow” dissipated. People have prayed for rain in drought and received it. These kinds of things are on the list of “Big Deal Miracles.” But most of us just need a regular miracle – something to encourage our hearts. I also think we get so focused on our own stuff that we miss the entire list of “Super Special Small Miracles” that happen each day. Do you need a miracle?

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The Magic Of Being Alive And Active

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
The Magic Of Being Alive And Active
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It’s challenging to be alive and active each day. Global situations bring concerns, fears, and insecurities. Losses and deep disappointments get in the way of living free. This world is writhing with threats against peace. Even so, you can discover the magic of being alive and active.

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Special Ways God Loves You

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Special Ways God Loves You
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There is an alarming development over the past several years. People wonder if they actually matter. These “wonderings” happen deep in people’s hearts. Sadly, depression has broken some people. Additionally, discouragement wraps devastating effects around serious global developments. Pandemic, natural disasters, wars and rumors of wars, global warming, political unrest. I think it’s time for a strong look at Special Ways God Loves You. May you be encouraged as you connect with the God who loves you.

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