Faith Focus bulletin: By Grace We Are Saved

 

Things to do instead of doom-scrolling

 Creative Activities

1. Start a craft project: Try knitting, crocheting, or painting.

2. Scrapbooking: Organize your photos into a physical or digital scrapbook.

3. Journaling: Write in a prayer journal, gratitude journal, or creative writing notebook.

4. Doodle or sketch: Unwind with some simple drawings.

Productive Habits

5. Read a book: Dive into a new story or reread a favorite.

6. Learn something new: Take up a hobby or study a topic that interests you.

7. Organize your space: Tidy your room, desk, or wardrobe.

8. Cook or bake: Try a new recipe or make your favorite treat.

Physical Activities

9. Go for a walk or bike ride: Explore your neighborhood or a nearby park.

10. Exercise: Do yoga, stretching, or a workout routine.

11. Dance: Put on your favorite music and let loose.

12. Garden: Plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables.

Social Connections

13. Spend time with loved ones: Have meaningful conversations or play a board game.

14. Volunteer: Help out at a local shelter, community center, or church.

15. Write letters: Send thoughtful notes to friends or family.

Mindfulness Practices

16. Pray: Spend quiet time reflecting or talking with God.

17. Practice gratitude: Write down three things you’re thankful for.

18. Read your Bible: Engage with scripture and grow in your faith.

Fun and Relaxing

19. Play with pets: Enjoy quality time with furry friends.

20. Solve puzzles: Try jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, or Sudoku.

21. Listen to audiobooks or podcasts: Relax with your favorite stories or faith-based discussions.

Outdoors

22. Explore nature: Visit a trail, beach, or forest.

23. Stargaze: Spend a night under the stars.

24. Have a picnic: Bring snacks and enjoy a meal outside.

Break Free from Doom Scrolling: Reclaim Your Time with God and Family

In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to lose track of time. One minute you’re checking your phone for a quick update, and the next, you’ve spent hours scrolling through social media, news feeds, or endless videos. While these platforms can be useful, they often pull us into a cycle of doom-scrolling—mindlessly consuming negative or overwhelming content—that leaves us drained, anxious, and disconnected from what truly matters.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of spending too much time on your phone, you’re not alone. The good news is, you can break free. Here are some practical ways to stop doom-scrolling and reconnect with God and your loved ones.

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1. Recognize the Cost

Time spent scrolling isn’t just time lost; it’s an opportunity cost. Every hour spent glued to your phone is an hour that could have been invested in meaningful relationships, spiritual growth, or personal development. Ask yourself:

• How often have I missed moments with my family because I was distracted by my phone?

• Am I prioritizing screen time over my time with God?

• Do I feel more fulfilled after hours of scrolling or more drained?

Reflecting on these questions can help you recognize the need for change.

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2. Set Boundaries with Technology

Setting limits on your phone usage can help you regain control. Here’s how:

• Establish Screen-Free Zones: Keep phones out of bedrooms, dining areas, or family spaces. This encourages face-to-face interaction and undistracted moments with God.

• Limit Notifications: Turn off non-essential notifications. You don’t need to know every time someone likes a post or a new video is uploaded.

• Use App Timers: Many smartphones allow you to set daily limits for apps. Use this feature to keep your social media use in check.

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3. Prioritize Time with God

One of the most fulfilling ways to spend your time is by drawing closer to God. Here are some ideas:

• Start Your Day in Prayer: Instead of reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, spend a few moments in prayer or Bible reading.

• Keep a Prayer Journal: Write down your prayers, reflections, and scripture insights. This keeps your focus on God rather than your screen.

• Use Technology for Good: If you’re using your phone, listen to a faith-based podcast, an audio Bible, or worship music to feed your soul.

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4. Reconnect with Family

Your loved ones deserve your full attention. Building strong, meaningful relationships requires presence. Here’s how to make it happen:

• Plan Family Activities: Set aside time for board games, outdoor adventures, or simply sitting down for a meal together.

• Be Fully Present: When you’re with family, put your phone away. Show them they matter more than any notification.

• Share Faith Together: Read the Bible as a family, discuss scripture, or pray together. This not only deepens your connection with God but also strengthens family bonds.

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5. Replace Scrolling with Purposeful Activities

When you feel the urge to scroll, replace it with something more intentional:

• Create: Whether it’s journaling, scrapbooking, or cooking, channel your energy into something creative and fulfilling.

• Exercise: Go for a walk, ride a bike, or do a workout. Physical activity boosts your mood and refreshes your mind.

• Read: Choose a book that uplifts and inspires you, such as the Bible or a faith-based novel.

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6. Give Yourself Grace

Breaking a habit takes time. If you slip up and find yourself back in a doom scrolling spiral, don’t be too hard on yourself. Acknowledge it, and refocus your efforts. Pray for strength and guidance to use your time wisely.

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Closing Thoughts

Life is too precious to waste on endless scrolling. By setting boundaries with your phone, prioritizing your relationship with God, and spending quality time with your family, you’ll find greater peace, joy, and fulfillment. The moments you invest in what truly matters will far outweigh anything a screen can offer.

So, put the phone down, open your Bible, and reach out to your loved ones. You’ll never regret choosing connection over distraction.

The Free Gift of Salvation and What It Means to Me

Faith is such an important part of my life, and I feel led to share with you about the hope, peace, and joy I’ve found in Jesus Christ. Life can be so full of ups and downs, and I’ve realized that no matter what I face, God’s love remains constant. He has walked with me through the darkest times, and I hope what I share will encourage you to put your trust in God.

The Bible tells us that God loves each of us deeply—so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to save us from sin (John 3:16). Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life and then willingly gave His life on the cross for our sins. But the story didn’t end there. On the third day, Jesus rose from the grave, defeating death and offering us a way to have a personal relationship with Him. Through His sacrifice, we are promised eternal life when we believe in Him, turn from our sins, and trust Him as Lord and Savior.  

What amazes me the most is that salvation is a free gift from God. It’s not something we can earn or deserve—it’s freely given to anyone who chooses to receive it. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, *“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”* God’s love and grace are not about how good we are but about how good He is.  

This truth has brought me so much comfort, especially during tough times. Life hasn’t always been easy, and like everyone, I’ve faced challenges. There have been moments when I felt overwhelmed, lost, or broken. But even in those moments, God’s presence was with me. One time in particular stands out. I was going through a dark season and felt like I couldn’t see a way forward. It was then that I felt God speaking to my heart, saying, *“I will go before you with My nail-pierced hands reached out.”*  

Those words reminded me of His love and sacrifice. Jesus went to the cross for me and for you, and He promises never to leave us to face life’s battles alone. Knowing this gave me the strength to keep going, even when I felt weak. He not only saved me but also gave me a purpose and a hope that nothing in this world can take away.  

God’s love is so amazing and beyond anything I could describe. He doesn’t just want us to know *about* Him—He wants us to know Him personally. He wants to guide us, comfort us, and fill our lives with His peace. When I think about all He has done for me, my heart is filled with gratitude and awe. He truly is worthy of all our praise.  

If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, I encourage you to pray and ask God to reveal Himself to you. The Bible promises in James 4:8, *“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.”* God is faithful, and He desires to meet you right where you are.  

Thank you for taking the time to read this. It means so much to me to share what God has done in my life, and my prayer is that you’ll experience the incredible love of Jesus in your life, too.  

With love and prayers,  

Bre  

25 Thoughtful Questions to Deepen Your Friendship with a Christian Friend

 

Personal Faith Journey

1. How did you come to know Christ?
2. What has been the most transformative moment in your faith journey?
3. Who has influenced your spiritual growth the most?
4. What’s a Bible verse or passage that has shaped your life?
5. What challenges have strengthened your faith over time?

Spiritual Practices

6. How do you spend your quiet time with God?
7. What’s your favorite way to worship (e.g., singing, journaling, prayer)?
8. Do you have a specific Bible reading plan or devotional you enjoy?
9. How do you stay spiritually encouraged during difficult times?
10. What’s your favorite way to memorize scripture?

Church and Community

11. What’s something you love about your church?
12. How has serving in ministry impacted your life?
13. What’s the most meaningful conversation you’ve had in a small group?
14. How do you like to get involved in your church community?
15. What’s a favorite church event or tradition you’ve experienced?

Daily Life as a Christian

16. How do you incorporate your faith into your daily life?
17. What’s a habit or practice that helps you stay close to God?
18. How do you handle moments when your faith feels challenged?
19. What’s your favorite way to share the gospel with others?
20. How has God’s love influenced your relationships?

Dreams and Aspirations

21. What’s a prayer you’re currently waiting to see answered?
22. How do you feel God is calling you to serve in this season of life?
23. What’s a dream you’ve prayed about that God has fulfilled?
24. What’s a big goal or aspiration you’re trusting God for?
25. How do you hope to grow spiritually in the coming year?

Let the Spirit do His work

When someone becomes a Christian, they often need guidance to understand how to live for Jesus. In the Bible, Paul spent time teaching and mentoring new believers, helping them grow in their faith. As Christians, we are called to do the same. However, we must also remember that it’s the Holy Spirit who does the work of transforming hearts.  

We must try not to overwhelm people with rules but point them to Christ and encourage them to grow in love, faith, and good works. We need to walk alongside them, teaching with patience and grace. Like Paul, we can share what we’ve learned about following Jesus, helping new believers build a strong foundation in their faith.  

At the same time, we have to give the Holy Spirit room to work. John 16:13 says the Spirit will guide believers into all truth. While we can teach and encourage, it’s God who changes hearts and convicts people of what they need to work on. 

The Power of Prayer and the Impact of Keeping a Prayer Journal

Prayer is one of the most profound ways we connect with God. It’s not just about speaking to Him but also about listening, trusting, and aligning our hearts with His will. Prayer transforms situations, strengthens faith, and brings peace in the midst of trials. But have you ever felt distracted while praying or forgotten what you’ve prayed about over time? That’s where keeping a prayer journal can make a difference.  

The Power of Prayer

Prayer is a lifeline to God. Through it, we praise Him, pour out our hearts, seek His guidance, and intercede for others. Scripture reminds us of its power:  

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)  

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)  

When we approach God in prayer, we invite Him into our lives, our struggles, and our victories. It’s a sacred exchange that grows our faith and helps us see His hand at work in even the smallest details.  

The Benefits of a Prayer Journal

For me, keeping a prayer journal—whether digitally or physically—has been a game-changer. Here’s why:  

1. Focus and Clarity 

   Writing down my prayers keeps me focused. It’s easy for my mind to wander during prayer, but having a journal helps me stay intentional about what I’m bringing to God.  

2. A Record of God’s Faithfulness

   Over time, a prayer journal becomes a testimony of God’s answers. It’s incredible to look back and see how He has worked in ways I prayed for—or even in ways I didn’t expect.  

3. Intentional Intercession

When I write down the names of people I’m praying for or specific situations, I’m more consistent in lifting them up to the Lord. 

4. Reflection and Growth

   Journaling allows me to reflect on my relationship with God and see areas where I’ve grown spiritually—or where I need to trust Him more.  

How to Start Your Own Prayer Journal

Choose Your Format: Whether you prefer a physical notebook, a beautifully designed digital app, or a simple document on your computer, pick what works best for you.  

Create Sections: Divide your journal into sections like praises, personal requests, intercession for others, and answered prayers.  

Set Aside Time: Dedicate a specific time each day to journal your prayers. This consistency will make it a meaningful habit.  

Be Honest: Write from your heart. God knows your thoughts, so don’t be afraid to pour everything out to Him.  

My Journey with Prayer Journaling

Personally, my prayer journal has become a treasured tool in my walk with Christ. It helps me stay connected to what I’m praying about and keeps me mindful of the needs around me. On days when I feel weary or wonder if my prayers are making a difference, looking back at answered prayers and moments of peace reminds me of God’s faithfulness.  

 A Final Encouragement

If you’ve been struggling to stay focused in prayer or want to deepen your prayer life, I encourage you to start a prayer journal. It doesn’t need to be perfect or elaborate—just honest and heartfelt. Over time, you’ll see how it not only strengthens your connection with God but also builds a record of His love, provision, and care in your life.  

God delights in hearing our prayers, and when we take the time to write them down, we give ourselves a beautiful way to reflect on His goodness. So grab a pen or open your favorite app and begin today!  

What’s your experience with prayer journaling? Share your thoughts below!  

Digital Scrapbooking & Journaling

Exploring the Joy of Digital Scrapbooking and Digital Journaling

Scrapbooking is a hobby I absolutely love, and I have a collection of scrapbooks to prove it! There’s something so special about capturing memories on paper, arranging photos, and adding little touches that tell a story. Last year, I decided to try digital scrapbooking on Canva. While I still adore the process of cutting out pictures and gluing them onto scrapbook pages, digital scrapbooking is fun too, and it has opened up a whole new world of creativity for me.

The Shift to Digital Scrapbooking

While physical scrapbooking will always have a special place in my heart, digital scrapbooking has quickly become another favorite. Canva has made it so easy to create beautiful pages with endless options for customization. No longer do I have to worry about cutting photos perfectly or finding the right supplies—I can do it all on my computer! The best part is the freedom it gives me to move things around until everything feels just right, and I can experiment without worrying about making mistakes. It’s also a lot of fun to incorporate digital embellishments, fonts, and backgrounds into my designs.

Why Digital Scrapbooking is So Fun

Digital scrapbooking offers a level of flexibility that’s hard to beat. I can try out different layouts, change colors with ease, and incorporate design elements that I might not have at hand in my physical supplies. Plus, with Canva’s user-friendly platform, I can make scrapbook pages at my own pace, whenever inspiration strikes. Digital scrapbooking is great for preserving memories in a creative way, and it’s something I can share instantly with friends and family—no waiting for photos to print!

Here’s a peek at my digital scrapbook. 

Digital Journaling: A New Creative Outlet

Alongside my digital scrapbooking journey, I’ve also embraced digital journaling. Digital journaling brings a fresh, creative twist. I can combine photos, text, and other elements to make my entries visually interesting and meaningful. It’s an excellent way to organize my thoughts and explore personal growth. Plus, I love that I can access it from my phone or computer whenever I need it, making it perfect for on-the-go moments of inspiration.

One thing I’ve realized is that I no longer want to keep a physical journal like I did before. The clutter of thousands of notebooks full of everyday events just doesn’t appeal to me anymore. Instead, I’ve decided to keep a physical diary, but only write in it twice a year or when something big happens—special moments that are truly worth noting. The rest of my thoughts, reflections, and daily events will be recorded digitally, where I can keep everything organized and easily accessible.

What I love most about digital journaling is how everything is in one place. There’s no more hunting through stacks of notebooks or having scattered journals all around my room. Whether it’s a short note or a detailed entry, it’s all neatly stored in my digital journal, and I can quickly find what I’m looking for without the mess. It’s been a huge game-changer for me in terms of staying organized and keeping my memories and thoughts in a single space.

I love using Google Docs for my digital journaling. 

The Best of Both Worlds

What I love about combining both digital scrapbooking and digital journaling is the balance it brings to my creative routine. I still enjoy the hands-on process of physical scrapbooking, but when I want to try something new or need the convenience of digital tools, both options are there for me. These creative outlets allow me to express myself in different ways, whether it’s preserving memories or reflecting on my spiritual journey.

If you haven’t tried digital scrapbooking or digital journaling yet, I highly recommend giving them a go! The creative possibilities are endless, and it’s a fun way to capture life’s precious moments.

What about you? Have you experimented with digital scrapbooking or journaling? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experience!