In step with God
On a recent family visit I took a walk around the neighborhood with my grandson and had a great opportunity to hear some of his deepest yearnings and thoughts. This allow... »
Gabriel & Sally García
Let’s build bridges
When it comes to relationships, we can choose to build walls or to build bridges. Our biggest challenges in life often come in the form of loving our neighbor as we love... »
Being proactive in prayer
As we contemplate the new year we might feel a bit of trepidation, but God, who sees tomorrow with infinite clarity, whispers to us: “There is hope for your future” (Jere... »
The essence of Christmas
The beauty of Christmas seems to have been lost in many parts of the world. Longtime traditions have been dropped to give way to flashy trends. Bright trinkets, ornaments... »
Something for everyone
In the Bible we read account after account of people who were accustomed to conversing with God. For example, Noah received detailed instructions to build the ark, comple... »
Always remember the God factor
We all face times in our lives when we feel overwhelmed by hardships. We are beset by difficulties, economic worries, or health problems. As we confront one obstacle afte... »
Succeeding at the game of life
An early 20th-century American sportswriter named Grantland Rice wrote, “It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.” That concept goes along with the th... »
Our place within God’s family
Have you ever met someone who asks “How are you?” not as a cordial salutation but with genuine concern? And then that person takes the time to quietly listen to you witho... »
Try a Little Kindness
Courageous kindness. That is the theme of this Activated issue. What do we mean when we talk about courageous kindness? It can be a lot of things. Perhaps showing kindnes... »
A Glimpse into Prayer
It would be unrealistic to think we could cover the colossal subject of prayer in one edition of Activated. But, while the subject of prayer is vast, it is not complicate... »
A Marathon, not a Sprint
Interesting things happen as you grow older, one of which is that you slow down. Maybe not by choice, maybe not even consciously at first, but there comes a time when you... »
Is Finding Peace Possible?
The famous Russian playwright Anton Chekhov once wrote: “We shall find peace. We shall hear angels. We shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds.” That’s a magnificent id... »
Jesus, the Risen Savior
Johanna-Ruth Dobschiner was a young Jewish woman who survived the WWII German occupation of the Netherlands by hiding in attics and behind false walls in the homes of the... »