decisions Archives - Page 5 of 6 - Alive and Active Life

Important Stuff We Forget

Posted onApril 29, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Important Stuff We Forget

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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?

God Purposefully Picks You

Posted onJanuary 22, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

God Purposefully Picks You

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Do you remember that funny scene in Shrek? The donkey is behind a group of people in a crowd. Shrek is going to choose a companion. And as Shrek considers his options, all you see is the donkey jumping up – over and over in the background. You don’t see him – and then you do! Over and over. As he jumps high enough to be seen above the group, he’s yelling something – “Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!” Interestingly, all people feel this way at times. Subsequently, it’s noteworthy and meaningful to remember God purposefully picks you.

So what does “Pick me!” really look like?
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It Had To Be You! – Scripture Dissection

Posted onOctober 30, 2023May 2, 2024

Alive and Active Life

It Had To Be You! - Scripture Dissection

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You’ve heard of the song “It Had To Be You,” haven’t you? It’s a popular song composed by Isham Jones, lyrics by Gus Kahn, published on May 9, 1924. So, it’s an “oldie-but-goodie.” It’s been covered by many people, including Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble with Barbra Streisand. Well, I’d like to cover “It Had To Be You” in today’s content.

Two Ways To Live

Posted onOctober 23, 2023May 2, 2024

Alive and Active Life

Two Ways To Live

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Every person I know has lived through some pretty tough challenges. So many stories, my own among them. And I bet you have stories, too. So, a question for you: when everything seems tumultuous, when you can’t see, or when you feel overwhelmed and tired, how do you get through tough times well? There’s help by exploring two ways to live.

To Fail Is Not To Be A Failure

Posted onOctober 16, 2023May 2, 2024

Alive and Active Life

To Fail Is Not To Be A Failure

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I want to share an incredible story about a man who figured out – To Fail Is Not To Be A Failure. See if you can guess who this person is. He failed many times, yet had critical impact on history.

Famine – Scripture Dissection

Posted onSeptember 18, 2023September 17, 2023

Alive and Active Life

Famine - Scripture Dissection

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Well, it’s time! The last two Scripture dissections, God’s Timing and God’s Humor, we left something completely unresolved. The famine! And really – that’s an important development. We built up to it, showing how people suffered intolerably for three years. Now, Elijah introduces he’s back! And then introduces it’s God’s timing to end the famine. So, here is the amazing story – with a couple of twists and some teaching points.

God’s Timing – Scripture Dissection

Posted onAugust 7, 2023August 11, 2023

Alive and Active Life

God's Timing - Scripture Dissection

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Surely you’ve wondered at least once – “what’s the deal with God’s timing?!” He seems to be on a completely different time schedule. Admit it with me: there are times you’ve wondered when God is going to answer your prayers. Whether it’s personal or global tragedies that happen without warning, waiting years for God’s intervention in a difficulty, healing a relationship, providing for a need, or personal matters of the heart – all certainly involve God’s timing.

Tear Into It!

Posted onJuly 17, 2023August 7, 2023

Alive and Active Life

Tear Into It!

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In graduate school, I had a stark realization as first semester syllabuses were handed out in class. It reminded me of a similar eye-opener in college-level classes after high school – but this was definitely a step up. As I began to digest graduate school expectations, I noticed a panicky feeling inside. There would be no reminders, no pace set for us, no little “clues.” Set your own reminders, pace, and “get a clue!” The level of expectation was much higher. There was no option except to tear into it, and hope for the best!

Boundaries Help

Posted onJuly 3, 2023July 3, 2023

Alive and Active Life

Boundaries Help

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We live with boundaries every day. Some examples: Your yard ends, and the neighbor’s yard begins. Countries have boundaries to define territory. Speed limits keep traffic in check to prevent accidents. The zoo has walls, cages, and glass to keep children safe as they enjoy animals. Walls and doors form rooms – helpful when you need to sleep or take a shower. Banks with safes protect money. Oceans caress the beach only to a certain distance. If boundaries are so common all around us, then why is it hard to place and keep boundaries to protect our hearts and minds? Afterall, boundaries help.

Been Lied To?

Posted onMay 29, 2023May 29, 2023

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.