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.
Category: Adventure
Know And See God! – Scripture Dissection
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.
You Are Invited
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.
Under The Cloud; Through The Sea – Scripture Dissection
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.”
Upended!
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.
Dissect Something Meaningful – Scripture Dissection
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 heavy–duty, 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?
The Guy Who Found It – Scripture Dissection
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.
The Game Of Life And Relationships
Do you like chess? Surely, some of you do, while others of you . . . well, not-so-much. Perhaps you prefer checkers, scrabble, trivial pursuit, monopoly, or nertz. Regardless of your preferred game, life is like playing a board game – in some respects. For example – chess. Interesting pieces are placed in a certain order on an equally interesting board of contrasting squares. Then it starts: the strategies, choices, and patterns. It only takes a few minutes to realize you can’t play chess without being very engaged and thoughtful. Subsequently, you realize there’s an element like this in the game of life and relationships. Let’s look at helpful similarities.
Like Lucy – See What Others Don’t
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.