If you could choose only one thing you need this year more than anything else – what would you pick? That’s a hard question to answer. Actually, I’m not sure I could do it. Nevertheless, let’s see if God’s Word Read More ...

For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

A New Year is an opportunity to let go of some things, hold onto other things, and reach for new things. Even though a New Year can feel scary, not knowing what's ahead, it can also be exciting with new opportunities. Often, there's relief to adopt fresh perspective. Hope begins to rise.

These are positive ideas healthy people embrace as one year morphs into another. Let's explore these ideas together. . . . Read More ...

For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

It's Christmas week! How can you prepare your heart to receive Emmanuel in fresh new ways during busy Christmas week? In this content, we look at simple action steps to focus on Emmanuel: God With You. Preparing your heart is just as important as all the other preparations. Perhaps even more important. Read More ...

For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

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 inside you 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.  Let's explore this together. Read More ...

For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

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.

Please join me as we explore the joy of anticipation this week! Read More ...

For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

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?

This is the first in a series to help prepare your heart for Christmas. Each week we will light another candle in our hearts as a statement of preparation in Advent. Please - join me. Connect with God, enjoy meaningful traditions, and anticipate something fresh and new from God. Read More ...

For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

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.

For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

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. Read More ...

For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

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. 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. Read More ...

For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

Some years back, we published an article called - "The Sin List." About a year later, we published another article - "The Skinny On Sinning." Recently, we published "When You're Down." In that content, we mention two modern sins.

Oddly, people are always curious about "what's on the serious sin list." Additionally, folks are interested in how to get Relief and Hope in hardships. So, people flux between - Read More ...

For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.