Let’s continue to thrive
It was a brief conversation, but it made a lasting impression on me. A friend told me that she had gone to a casual Sunday afternoon barbeque in her neighborhood. She was... »
Editor's Introduction
Facing our fears
We often hear that we need to “face our fears.” I think the first step is to differentiate feelings of fear and anxiety from true threats. A professional surfer has to as... »
The search
The need to “belong” seems to be an inherent desire in all of us. To fulfill this need for acceptance and belonging, think of how many young people seek to be part of an... »
Don’t give up!
Today’s magnificent oak is a testament to the hardiness and endurance of yesterday’s seed. In times of trouble, distress, or uneasiness we learn to hold on and to seek re... »
Recognizing God’s priorities
A Biblical promise that I quote as a prayer when I need to organize my day is Proverbs 16:3, which says: “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be establi... »
Peace in the storm
What will this new year bring? Will I be able to cope? Am I equipped to make the necessary changes? Will I encounter towering obstacles? Will life throw me a curveball th... »
The Christmas wish
I once signed a Christmas card saying, “I hope you have a meaningful Christmas.” Months later the recipient of that card got in touch with me and said that my Christmas w... »
Growing in the 21st Century
Welcome to this year’s second variety magazine. We greatly enjoy these issues as Activated contributors write about what is on their hearts at the time, which results in... »
From heaviness to happiness
One of my students was treading in the murky waters somewhere between discouragement and depression. It was so hard for him to concentrate during the one-on-one class tha... »
Satisfied customers
Have you ever wondered how Christianity could have spread from the small province of Judea in the Mediterranean basin to reach pretty much every corner of the globe by th... »
A lifetime of learning
I was watching an instructional video about how to make studying the Bible a consistent habit. The teacher was explaining that deepening our relationship with God should... »
The Power of choice
My wife and I once heard a story about a man who had lived in the same house all his life. He always had the same food for breakfast while reading the newspaper. He dress... »
The love of Our Father
I was a very insecure child. Once when my family was on vacation, I decided to hide in some bushes by the lake to see if anyone would miss me. Would they care enough abou... »