stress Archives - Page 8 of 14 - Alive and Active Life

Joy of Anticipation – Advent Week 2

Posted onDecember 8, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Joy of Anticipation - Advent Week 2

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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 Your Heart For Christmas – Advent Week 1

Posted onDecember 2, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Prepare Your Heart For Christmas - Advent Week 1

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Most people really like Christmas. There are a few grinches who despise the annual celebration. But many more cherish this annual holiday. They lean into invisible qualities of hope and joy connected to the evergreen tree, lights and decorations, beautiful music, giving and receiving, special goodies, and moments of reflection. Unfortunately, many of these same “Christmas-loving” people feel overwhelmed at the hustle and bustle. So, how do you prepare your heart for this beloved holiday?

Thankfulness

Posted onNovember 25, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Thankfulness

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Thanksgiving is a time to practice exceptional character. Why is that? Because thankfulness is one of the noblest character qualities.

Additionally, it’s a time for celebration and fun activities. In this content, we look at both:

A thankful heart.
Celebration and fun.

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.

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.

Know And See God! – Scripture Dissection

Posted onSeptember 16, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Know And See God! - Scripture Dissection

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Recently, we entertained special guests – dear friends of many years. It was great to see them again. But – people change. Incidentally, this is exciting. Why? Because it means there’s more to know about them. In contrast, God never changes. (Heb.13:8) Remarkably, there’s always more opportunity to know and see God in life. In fact, this continues through eternity. God is incredible!

To know and see God is a privilege to celebrate even in difficult times.

Good News In Difficult Times

Posted onSeptember 9, 2024March 2, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Good News In Difficult Times

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As we explore good news in difficult times, consider this story. You’re on a long trip. You’re really hungry. Mmmm – a hamburger and an ice-cold soda comes to mind. So, you off-ramp into a small town with one grocery on the only street. The grocer says, “Well, go down the aisles. Gather supplies. Make your own sandwich. Soft drinks are stacked by the bread.” Consequently, you head to the next off-ramp – a gas station. The owner says, “Sorry. All we got is cold beer and a bathroom ’round back.” Next off-ramp – an ice-cream stand. But you’re told – “Only ice-cream here. Sorry.” All you want is a burger and a soda!

Interestingly, this “less serious scenario” describes how people feel when they need good news. Instead, they are offered everything else. Nevertheless, there’s still one source of good news in difficult times.

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.