commitment Archives - Page 6 of 9 - Alive and Active Life

Hope For A New Year

Posted onDecember 30, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Hope For A New Year

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A New Year is an opportunity to let go of some things, hold onto other things, and reach for new things. That process involves various emotions. Even though a New Year can feel scary, not knowing what’s ahead, it can also be exciting with new opportunities. In some cases, it may be a relief to walk into fresh perspective. Hope for new possibilities begins to rise. Simultaneously, sadness about aging, saying good-byes, accepting losses, or letting go of previous endeavors can be painful. Even knowing there will be difficulties ahead – overall, people embrace hope as one year morphs into another. God gives hope for a New Year.

Let’s explore what this looks like.

A Fresh Look At Communion – Scripture Dissection

Posted onNovember 18, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

A Fresh Look At Communion - Scripture Dissection

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I remember communion from when I was a child. Even as a youngster, I wanted to understand the bread and cup. But honestly, I did wonder why the bread was so “itty-bitty.” And the cup was barely a good swig! Don’t you remember sticking your tongue into that tiny cup and licking every drop out when you were a kid? Nevertheless, it was clear to me as a child, that communion is not a meal – or even a snack. It’s about celebrating a precious sacrament – and remembering. Today, let’s take a fresh look at communion.

The Latest And Greatest

Posted onNovember 11, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

The Latest And Greatest

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So, are you an Apple user or an Android user? Regardless, have you noticed what I’ve figured out? As soon as you update your device, you’re made aware of the latest and greatest? New features. Better camera. Faster processing. Greater connectivity.

Technology is a fast-paced industry. Frankly, it affects pretty much everything in our lives. Things would really change if all our technology suddenly stopped working. For example, with an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) or a Geomagnetic storm. Thankfully, that’s not the norm.

Regardless, life is so much more than technology. In fact, I suggest the latest and greatest you can experience in life is found in God. Let’s explore.

When You’re Down – Scripture Dissection

Posted onOctober 28, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

When You're Down - Scripture Dissection

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You’ve been there. I have, too. In fact, pretty much everyone has. When you’re down, it’s hard to function at your best. Things don’t look normal, and you can’t quite get your bearings. Things may not be going as you expected. Or, you’ve had a disappointment – possibly a piercing loss. Perhaps you lack energy from carrying your load a long time. Often, there’s a pile-up of things. “Stuff” is going on in your heart – and in your world. Regardless, you need to manage this stuff!

However, it’s not those things, alone, that get you down. Something else is going on – and you can’t quite put your finger on it. Matter-of-fact, if you could put your finger on it, you’d know better how to address being down. So, it’s tricky to to be your best when you’re down.

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.

Life Junk And Stuff

Posted onSeptember 2, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Life Junk And Stuff

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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

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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?

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?