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The Perfect Sandwich – Scripture Dissection

Posted onOctober 7, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

The Perfect Sandwich - Scripture Dissection

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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.

What Your Life Pivots On . . .

Posted onSeptember 29, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

What Your Life Pivots On . . .

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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.

Secret Code: A Powerful Message

Posted onSeptember 23, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Secret Code: A Powerful Message

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During many wars, including world wars, there are clever, secret codes used to conceal a powerful message intended for an ally. Espionage and undercover work quite literally help nations advance and win wars. The powerful message is coded for transmission. Eventually, it’s decoded – translated – into it’s true meaning. Essentially, this is the method used to deceive those who shouldn’t receive the information, as well as make it plain and simple for the receiver once it’s decoded.

Relief And Hope – Scripture Dissection

Posted onAugust 26, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Relief And Hope - Scripture Dissection

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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.

Did I Happen To Mention?

Posted onJuly 8, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Did I Happen To Mention?

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How many times have you heard – “Did I happen to mention . . . “ and then someone finishes a thought. Indeed, every mention can become a conversation. Incidentally, this is exactly what Jesus does. He mentions things. In fact, He’s a master at mentioning critical information.

Little gods – Scripture Dissection

Posted onJune 24, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Little gods - Scripture Dissection

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As we explore “Little gods,” I’m thinking about a superhero movie – The Avengers. There’s an exchange between the Black Widow and Captain America. Oddly, they are discussing whether to go after Thor and Loki. If you’re familiar with the Marvel superhero movies, you’ll remember the conversation –

Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow): I’d sit this one out, Cap!

Steve Rogers (Captain America): I don’t see how I can!

Natasha Romanoff: These guys come from legend. They’re basically gods.

Steve Rogers: There’s only one God, Ma’am, and I’m pretty sure He doesn’t dress like that!

You know, it’s one thing to talk about make-belief superheroes as “gods.” But to talk about people like you and me being gods? Realistically, that’s a stretch! Interestingly, Scripture does. Consequently, what practical application does “little gods” have for you?

You’re Not Alone

Posted onJune 17, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

You're Not Alone

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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!

The Mark Of A Christian

Posted onJune 10, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

The Mark Of A Christian

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As we discuss the mark of a Christian in this content, we need to look at a modern, booming industry – marketing. Have you considered specific “marks” of your business, career, organization, and even your lifestyle? Think with me about some examples of “marks” – a logo, a saying or jingle, even a color.

For example, the color brown is trademarked by UPS. Did you know the background color orange is trademarked by Hershey’s for their Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups? What about a red circle with a red dot inside it – like a target? That’s right, the mark – the logo – of Target stores. Or consider the Olympic logo: 5 intersecting colored rings – blue, black, red, yellow, green. Then there’s that one-liner from the 1980’s commercial – “Where’s the beef?!” So, what do you think of? Wendy’s restaurants, right? What about the cute jingle – “I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener!” Guess what that mark was for? Yup! Oscar Mayer hot dogs!

Considering all these examples of marks, what’s the mark of a Christian?

How To Live A Healthy Life – Scripture Dissection

Posted onJune 3, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

How To Live A Healthy Life - Scripture Dissection

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You’ve heard it now for generations: How to live a healthy life. In fact, one of the popular “sign-offs” for emails and letters now is – “Be Well!” So, what does this mean? Truly, all over the world, you hear talk shows, podcasts, seminars, and even friends talk about being healthy:

Use My Plate – to help eat a balanced diet.
Drink plenty of water – stay hydrated and promote your internal systems.
Stay active – keep moving with exercise, biking, jogging, tennis, golf, etc.
Get outside – enjoy fresh air. See the beauty of creation. Be quiet and calm. And, breathe deeply.
Spend time with friends – enrich and nourish your inner person.
Be well-read or well-listened – know what’s going on around the globe to have an accurate perspective.
And I add – Get into God’s Word – for key points and action steps you need to guide your life.
Plus – Get God’s Word into you – grow and change by doing what Scripture says. Remember, what you practice is what you become.

In conclusion, all these – and more, help you live a healthy life.

It Got Flipped!

Posted onMay 28, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

It Got Flipped!

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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.