Hope For A New Year

Alive and Active Life
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.

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The Latest And Greatest

Alive and Active Life
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.

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What Your Life Pivots On . . .

Alive and Active Life
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.

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Secret Code: A Powerful Message

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Secret Code: A Powerful Message
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During many wars, including world wars, there are clever, secret codes used to conceal a powerful message intended for an ally. Espionage and undercover work quite literally help nations advance and win wars. The powerful message is coded for transmission. Eventually, it’s decoded – translated – into it’s true meaning. Essentially, this is the method used to deceive those who shouldn’t receive the information, as well as make it plain and simple for the receiver once it’s decoded.

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Know And See God! – Scripture Dissection

Alive and Active Life
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.

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You Are Invited

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
You Are Invited
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You go to the mail box and pull out a crisp white envelope with an official seal. The exquisite handwriting specifies your name and address. Rather than ripping it open – like junk mail – you pull out your letter opener to surgically slide along the top envelope crease. From the open slot, you gingerly slip out a beautiful, heavy-weight card that says, “You Are Invited.” In surprise and wonder, you flip open the card to see – it’s the very event you’ve always wanted to attend! Up till now, you’ve never dreamed you’d have the opportunity.

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Under The Cloud; Through The Sea – Scripture Dissection

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Under The Cloud; Through The Sea - Scripture Dissection
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As we discuss the cloud and sea, I’d like to lead with two examples. One is literal. The other is figurative.

This past spring when we planted our garden, the sun pierced our bodies as we bent over the soil. Then, every-so-often, a coolness enveloped us. Why? Well, clouds moved in. Subsequently, their shadow covered us from the hot sun. It was quite pleasant. I’m sure you’ve had a similar experience. This is the literal example.

A second, figurative example. You pursue forward movement in some endeavor. Yet, you continually find road blocks and barriers that work against you. A “sea of obstacles” prevents progress. So, your goal awaits your arrival from a distance. This happens often in life.

Clearly, there’s a need for cover and a path through in daily life. So, let’s dissect the idea of “Under The Cloud; Through The Sea.”

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Upended!

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Upended!
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As I considered this article, I decided to look up the word “upended.” The definitions made me think of a boat or canoe. Maybe a personal craft on the sea of life. Here are synonyms I found to help define upended.

  • flipped
  • inverted
  • overturned
  • upset
  • bottom-side-up
  • tipped over
  • capsized

 

I don’t know about you, but these synonyms gave me a mental picture of upended.

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Dissect Something Meaningful – Scripture Dissection

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Dissect Something Meaningful - Scripture Dissection
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Have you ever dissected something? High school biology? Perhaps college anatomy? If you’ve been following Alive and Active Life, you know you can dissect Scripture, too. Thankfully, I’m not talking about heavyduty, theological stuff. Rather, this is a lighter approach to dissect something meaningful – with practical action steps for your life.

Much like you command a kitchen knife, you must learn how to wield your Sword – the Scriptures. So, why not dissect something meaningful with me today?

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The Guy Who Found It – Scripture Dissection

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
The Guy Who Found It - Scripture Dissection
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I bet you’ve lost something on occasion. You know how it is to misplace an item – and then spent far too much time looking for it. “Keys” is the big one. (Where do those keys always disappear to?) Sometimes it’s a gift item you purchase and put it in a logical place – and then can’t find it when you need it. Then there’s your vehicle! “Where in blazes did I park in the lot outside this store?!” Well, this content highlights the guy who found it. Interestingly, he wasn’t even looking for it. Incidentally, what he found was much more precious than keys, gifts, vehicles, and other things commonly misplaced. What this young man found had been hidden a long time.

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