Category: Pain

Hope For A New Year

Posted on

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Hope For A New Year
Loading
/

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.

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Manage Christmas Sadness – Advent Week 3

Posted on

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Manage Christmas Sadness - Advent Week 3
Loading
/

You might be surprised to know Christmas sadness is a real thing. It hits when people go through difficulties that stretch into the Christmas season. Or with unexpected bad news. Sometimes, it’s an on-going, unhealthy relationship or life situation. Interestingly, Christmas sadness can sometimes appear though 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.

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Two Modern Sins

Posted on

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Two Modern Sins
Loading
/

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 –

  1. Living good lives.
  2. Being encouraged.

 

Underneath this flux is the reality of two modern sins.

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

When You’re Down – Scripture Dissection

Posted on

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
When You're Down - Scripture Dissection
Loading
/

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.

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Discouragement – When Hope Flickers

Posted on

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Discouragement - When Hope Flickers
Loading
/

Do you remember in Star Wars when Han Solo and Princess Leia barely escape with their lives from the enemy forces of Darth Vader? On their escape journey, Han suggests they go to Cloud City where one of his buddies, Lando Calrissian, lives. They’ll be safe there. So, with new hope, they arrive in Cloud City, and Lando escorts them into a room. As they approach the room, the door opens. Incredibly, Darth Vader is in the room! Do you remember the look on their faces? Disbelief. Even horror. This is discouragement – when hope flickers.

If you’re not a Star Wars fan, you still know what I mean. Think of your own example. Perhaps you only need to look in the mirror to see discouragement – when hope flickers.

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Secret Code: A Powerful Message

Posted on

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Secret Code: A Powerful Message
Loading
/

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.

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Good News In Difficult Times

Posted on

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Good News In Difficult Times
Loading
/

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.

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Relief And Hope – Scripture Dissection

Posted on

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Relief And Hope - Scripture Dissection
Loading
/

How much can a person take? It’s hard to keep going when the onslaught just won’t stop! Nevertheless, no matter what you are going through, there’s a very “special something” that links you to relief and hope. Incidentally, you and I both know we often need relief and hope. In fact, more frequently than we might wish. So, what is that “special something” that links you to relief and hope? Let’s explore.

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Stressed Out!

Posted on

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Stressed Out!
Loading
/

Life is an amazing privilege with many opportunities. But let’s face it: life is also really hard – especially when you are stressed out.

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Under The Cloud; Through The Sea – Scripture Dissection

Posted on

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Under The Cloud; Through The Sea - Scripture Dissection
Loading
/

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.”

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail