There’s a whole section of published books called “self-help” books. Some of these resources have helpful information. Others – not-so-much. Some topics are – habits, leadership, rest, self-care, and many more. Interestingly, I happen to know a very effective book that covers the entire spectrum of your life – all topics! Further, it provides focus points to improve your character.
We just finished a series in December that focused on how to prepare your heart for Christmas. Then we explored approaching a New Year with hope. Yet, even after those focuses, it’s easy to feel vulnerable when faith hangs by a thread as you look into the future.
Pause with me and ponder stories of people who have overcome circumstances. History is filled with these heroes.
A man in prison named Dietrich overcomes risky circumstances as he does what he believes pleases God. Mr. Bonhoeffer overcomes by penning invaluable resources. One of his best known is The Cost Of Discipleship. Also Letters and Papers From Prison. Fascinating works of character and insight. Finally, he overcomes the circumstance of being hanged and dies with dignity.
A woman overcomes her disappointment over a life she’d rather have had. She addresses continually – difficult circumstances for decades as she wields her authority to bring about strategic solutions and peace. Her incredible character makes Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth one of the world’s greatest leaders.
An actor overcomes the odds – and wins to preside over a country, and then over a devastating war of aggression. With circumstances beyond imagining, in the face of grave danger, President Zelensky applies creative strategy and fresh thinking to preserve his country’s freedom. Volodymyr has won respect of world leaders and citizens everywhere.
Medical students overcome the strain and sleeplessness of grueling requirements – only to graduate to residency with even more pressures – unknown to the patients they care for. With strategies and discipline, these trainees becomes physicians – to train others and help the sick, suffering, and dying.
A mother overcomes circumstances of losing her child to leukemia.
Children overcome circumstances of poverty and lack of opportunities. Some become leaders in government and business.
After a spouse dies – or perhaps walks away, the remaining partner overcomes circumstances to support and raise the family, launch children into a level of success, and find a new purpose.
Everyone needs heroes, especially in difficult times. That means someone to look to for inspiration, courage, and noble character. Have you ever run out of heroes? Sometimes it’s hard to find a hero who lives an Alive and Active Life. So, this content is about some ordinary people who are faith heroes.
(This is Part 1 in a series on faith. See below for the entire Faith Series articles/podcasts links.)
“Fall Forward, Fail Fervently.” What an unusual title! That’s a lot of “F’s.” You certainly can’t say it very fast without getting tongue-tied and sounding pretty weird. Still – falling and failing are scary to everybody. Those two concepts are associated with missing the mark. Most people want to succeed. Well, by just adding two describing words to falling and failing, it changes everything. Fall Forward– Fail Fervently. Now – we’re back to that unusual title. What on earth does that mean?
Have you ever been stuck? You want to break free and make progress, but a helpless feeling pervades. Still, part of you knows there has to be an option to get unstuck. What a miserable place: feeling suspended, unable to maneuver, paralyzed to come up with a plan. Yet, in your heart, and with God’s help, you suspect you are able to get unstuck – somehow! You just don’t know how.
We are excited to announce our name change! Intentional Living is now Alive and Active Life! You will notice changes on our website to reflect the new name. As we have been re-branding this past year, it’s been a process of new vision, excitement, challenge, and hard work. God started preparing our hearts last year about a name change. For half a year, there has been much prayer and exploration. Now He has laid a new path in front of our faith, and we are eager to see what God has planned. But – I want to tell you more about this change. I think you will find it interesting.
[Click on above image – “Alive and Active – Our New Name” – and please share on your social media to announce our name change.]
Everyone goes through a time of feeling, “I can’t see You, God. They may feel discouraged, tired, and even disillusioned. This world, in its fallen state, is a place where it’s not only possible to feel these things at some point. It’s very likely! The human spirit cries out – “Where are You, God? I’ve lost sight of You, and I need You.”
I’ve found life to be a mix of enjoyment, struggle, and problem-solving. It takes courage and management as fear pokes holes in your confidence and hurt threatens your heart. After living for awhile in this reality, a person realizes life isn’t always peace, rest, and unity. You realize you need to work it out.