faith Archives - Page 8 of 13 - Alive and Active Life

How To Live With Hope – Scripture Dissection

Posted onApril 1, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

How To Live With Hope - Scripture Dissection

00:00 / 18:12

You know the story from Lord of the Rings. Beautiful Arwen loves Aragorn. However, Aragorn left to protect Frodo on his quest. Incidentally, he’ll end up fighting a war. Unfortunately, He may never return. As a result, Arwen is overcome. And she lingers in middle earth rather than join her kin to travel to their forever home. Having remained, she has a conversation with her elf-father. Interestingly, Arwen clings to hope. And she wants to know how to live in hope.

Elrond: “He is not coming back. Why do you linger when there is no hope?”

: “There is still hope.”

Elrond: “If survives this war, You will still be parted.”

Sadly, Arwen’s dad doesn’t sound very hopeful, does he?

Like Lucy – See What Others Don’t

Posted onMarch 4, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Like Lucy - See What Others Don't

00:00 / 15:46

Picture the scene with me. It’s from C.S. Lewis’ Prince Caspian. The four children, Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy are traveling in unknown places, trying to get their bearings. Basically – they’re lost. But Lucy keeps seeing Aslan when no one else does. They think she’s making it up . . . or maybe she’s crazy. Nevertheless, Lucy is the one who gets messages and directions from Aslan. In fact, Lucy and Aslan are friends. It seems she’s nurtured the ability to see what others don’t. Incidentally, this ability opens the whole universe to her imagination and her life purpose.

Get Better At Being You – Scripture Dissection

Posted onJanuary 29, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Get Better At Being You - Scripture Dissection

00:00 / 18:32

When you were a little kid, did you ever dress up or pretend? Maybe you “borrowed” your mom or dad’s clothes, feeling grown-up as their apparel hung bulkily on your small frame. Perhaps you confiscated a large bath towel to be your super hero cape. What about adapting odds-n-ends laying around to dress up like community professionals – firemen, policemen, doctors, scientists, store clerks, movie stars, prince(ess), etc.? But have you ever dressed up to get better at being you?

Let’s explore this fascinating idea – getting better at being you. It’s a healthy way to live.

God Purposefully Picks You

Posted onJanuary 22, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

God Purposefully Picks You

00:00 / 18:30

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?
Read More …

When Faith Hangs By A Thread

Posted onJanuary 15, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

When Faith Hangs By A Thread

00:00 / 16:58

We just finished a series in December that focused on how to prepare your heart for Christmas. Then we explored approaching a New Year with hope. Yet, even after those focuses, it’s easy to feel vulnerable when faith hangs by a thread as you look into the future.

Double Portion – Scripture Dissection

Posted onJanuary 8, 2024February 16, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Double Portion - Scripture Dissection

00:00 / 16:24

If ever there was an Old Testament story that beautifully exemplifies the Spirit of Jesus, this is it! Not only does it show a man’s healthy choices and conduct. It also portrays the very spirit of Jesus Christ in a person who lived long before Jesus came to earth as the God-man. And further, this story is a strong statement – you and I can ask for a double portion of the nature and character of Christ if we fully surrender to God.

Comfort And Joy In Topsy-Turvy Times

Posted onJanuary 2, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Comfort And Joy In Topsy-Turvy Times

00:00 / 16:14

We just came through one of the most special seasons of the year. So many people love these weeks of holidays despite added stresses and responsibilities. Truly, it’s a treasured time each year: Fall Celebrations, Thanksgiving, Christmas – and now New Year’s Day has come. A favorite theme during Christmas from the carol – “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen” is the phrase – “comfort and joy.” If you’re like me and millions of others, you’d welcome some comfort and joy – in your life and around the world.

Manage Christmas Sadness – Advent #3

Posted onDecember 18, 2023December 18, 2023

Alive and Active Life

Manage Christmas Sadness - Advent #3

00:00 / 15:46

You might be surprised to know Christmas sadness is a real thing. It hits when people go through difficulties that stretch into the season of Christmas. Or it happens with unexpected tragedy or bad news. But Christmas sadness can sometimes appear when everything is going fine. Unexpectedly, something rises up or invades without permission – and surprises you. In fact, you may even wonder why it’s there because there’s no identifiable reason.

Whatever the scenario, you are not alone if you experience Christmas sadness.

Subsequently, the kindest thing you can do for yourself is to learn how to manage Christmas sadness.

Joy of Anticipation – Advent #2

Posted onDecember 11, 2023December 11, 2023

Alive and Active Life

Joy of Anticipation - Advent #2

00:00 / 14:56

You know the little kid in the back seat on a long trip? Every 15 minutes, they ask (with a tired sigh) – “Are we there yet?!” That’s the same little cherub, along with a host of other little kids – and just as many adults – who asks, “Is it Christmas yet?” The first exclamation – “Are we there yet?” – is more like – “Gosh! How much longer?!” An impatience and a feeling of being confined. The second exclamation – “Is it Christmas yet?” – is more like – “I’m so excited, I can hardly wait.” An expression of the joy of anticipation.

Prepare For Christmas With Advent

Posted onNovember 27, 2023May 2, 2024

Alive and Active Life

Prepare For Christmas With Advent

00:00 / 15:39

The Christmas season is almost here! Many people are getting excited. How about you? Christmas tree, lights, candles, beautiful music, gifts, special foods, and Advent. In fact, Advent starts in just a few days.

Incidentally, have you wondered what Advent is about? What’s the purpose? What value does Advent bring to your modern, extremely busy life – especially during one of the busiest months of the year?