In graduate school, I had a stark realization as first semester syllabuses were handed out in class. It reminded me of a similar eye-opener in college-level classes after high school – but this was definitely a step up. As I began to digest graduate school expectations, I noticed a panicky feeling inside. There would be no reminders, no pace set for us, no little “clues.” Set your own reminders, pace, and “get a clue!” The level of expectation was much higher. There was no option except to tear into it, and hope for the best!
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.
Narrative is a word that has “ticked up” in usage recently. We’ll explore that. But this content is about God’s narrative of you. What is that narrative? Because you hear many different messages daily about your life and value, it’s tricky to determine which narratives are true and which are lies. So – do you know the truth? Comfortingly, God’s narrative about you is based in truth – and love.
What youthink about what Godthinks about you – matters! God is interested in you, in blessing you, and in your friendship.
I remember a season a couple decades ago when I felt things were falling apart. By that time in my life, I’d already noticed an interesting development. Despite a lot of hard work, regardless of best intentions, even after applying good counsel and working to apply Scripture – things don’t always turn out. That’s when you discover the value of a fresh start.
I remember as a kid how excited I was when school let out for summer. That meant – freedom and fun. Then there’s the happy childhood memory of when I received a beautiful “Little Girl Lotion-Perfume” set from my grandmother at Christmas. As an adult, I’ve been thrilled when I owe less taxes than I thought – or get an extra bonus day off work. And at any age, there’s the joy of seeing new daffodils, tulips, and lilacs starting to share color and fragrance in spring. But nothingcompares to how thrilled I was when I discovered a “Thinking Grid” in my Bible – a resource for better thinking!Read More …
I’m guessing you’ve had at least one time in your life when you felt your relationship with God was good. Maybe not. But for myself, I’ve had several seasons where lots of things shifted, like seasons of the year. Truly, all relationships keep changing. So, it’s reasonable to expect your relationship with God to shift. Is that normal? Good or bad? This content explores how to stay healthy when your relationship with God shifts in a complicated world.
Prepare For Easter Free Devotional Activity- Not Too Late to Sign Up
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It’s Not Too Late!
for a fun, FREE, brief Easter Devotional Focus/Activity!
Easter Week Devotional Focus
“Prepare For Easter” is – –
Meaningful! Brief! Fun! Refreshing! Read or Listen! FREE!
Starts Monday through Easter Sunday.
Because this content is concise, quality material – busy people with full schedules can easily participate.
You Can Also Listen To This Content
Since this material is designed to help manage your busy schedule, you can just click on the player above each day’s content. It will look like this image. (This picture is not an active player.)
We’re also published on popular podcast apps, so connect with your preferred app. If you’re already signed up with the Alive and Active Life Podcast, you’ll receive each day’s content in your feed. If you need help, here are instructions to SIGN UP.
Quick Overview (and not too late to sign up):
“Prepare For Easter” features:
Brief Daily Focus– Using a short reflective thought to focus your heart for Easter, each day explores a special role Jesus has in your life. It’s very encouraging!
Fun Activity– Additionally, engage a fun activity each day – by yourself, as a family, with a friend, or with a group.
Teaching Point– By combining the Daily Focus and Fun Activity, each day’s content becomes deeply meaningful.
The reason this Easter resource is so meaningful is . . .
Because each session explores how Jesus provides for you!
Here’s a list of topics we will cover, one each day:
Sacrifice
High Priest
Lover of Your Soul
Intervener
Intercessor
Interconnector
As you explore these special roles, you can know without a doubt that God’s love for you is sincere!
You’ll also receive a BONUS POST –
“When You Run Out of Ideas of Where to Hide An Easter Basket.”
Since Easter brings hope, joy, and cheer . . . take this opportunity to prepare your heart!
IMPORTANT and TIMELY Heads-Up! . . .
Since Day #3 Fun Activity uses Resurrection Eggs to tell the Easter story with a little reminder token in each egg, to get your set before Wednesday’s Fun Activity:
Visit/call your local Christian Bookstores to inquire about a set OR
Make your own.
To make your own:
Incidentally, it’s really fun to make your own set! But it’s also simple. By filling empty plastic eggs with little items, each part of the Easter story can be told. Since the online set (above link) shows detailed pictures of items needed, use that example. And not only kids love this set, but every age!
However, if you decide not to make or order this tool, our content gives additional options for an activity.
Alive and Active Life wants your Easter week to be special by connecting with Jesus.
So – to participate! – www.aliveandactivelife.org/Easter.
It’s Not Too Late!
You’ll be glad you did!
In addition to this Easter resource, visit our website for devotional materials, articles, podcasts, and resources to help grow your faith in God.
It’s also not too late to receive weekly encouragement in your inbox. Sign up on our email list.
I had my annual visit with my doctor. (Have you had yours?) We sometimes have conversations about long-term health. Apparently, I’m right on target for getting another year older!
How about you? At some point this year, you will become another year older. So – Happy Birthday!
Although you and I don’t have control over the inevitable aging process – we can make some good decisions.
Do you have a mentor? When I was younger, I prayed for a mentor. God gave me – not one – but my three mentors. As God often does, He gave them in a much different way than I wanted. Yet, I have come to agree with Him – that His ways are higher than my ways and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts. (Is. 55:9) Interestingly, none of these three people really knew they had become my mentors.
One freezing early morning, I pushed back my curtain to see what the winter storm did to my yard overnight. My eyes struggled to focus in the flood of “sun-on-snow” brightness. Gradually adjusting, I saw something magical. It was like a story book scene. This piece of incredible winter art – in front of my eyes – reminded me – God’s dimension is real and very near.
(If you live in an area where this weather never happens, I’m including a few pictures so you can imagine.)
