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!  

When Life Hits Pause: Finding God in the Waiting

Have you ever felt like you’re at a standstill in life?

It’s as if your life were a movie, but this part of the story is so uneventful that anyone watching would be tempted to skip it—or even turn it off. Yet, here you are, stuck in what feels like a boring season, with no option to fast forward or switch to a more exciting plotline.

It’s not just boring; it’s unsettling. You feel unsure about what’s next or where to go from here.

If this resonates with you, take heart—you’re not alone. Life has a way of leading us into waiting seasons, times when everything feels like it’s on pause. But even in these still moments, there’s good news: Jesus is right here with us. And often, He uses these waiting seasons to prepare us for what’s to come.

The Power of Standing Still

In Exodus 14:13, Moses reassured the Israelites, saying, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today…”

Sometimes, the most faithful thing we can do is simply stand still. Standing still doesn’t mean giving up; it means trusting that God has a plan, even when we can’t see it. Feeling stuck is not a sign that God has abandoned us. Instead, it’s an invitation to rest in Him, to trust His timing, and to allow Him to work behind the scenes.

Waiting on the Lord isn’t wasted time; it’s preparation time. During this season, God is aligning circumstances and shaping your heart for His purposes.

Using the Waiting Season Wisely

Standing still doesn’t mean doing nothing. It’s an opportunity to grow closer to God and prepare for what’s next. Here are some ways to use this season wisely:

1. Dive into God’s Word

Spend time studying the Bible. Let His truth anchor your heart and guide your thoughts. As you read, you’ll see countless examples of people who waited on God and experienced His faithfulness in their lives.

2. Pray Without Ceasing

Take your fears, frustrations, and questions to God in prayer. He is always listening, and prayer has the power to transform not only your circumstances but also your heart. As you draw closer to Him, you’ll find peace in His presence.

3. Seek Community

Don’t isolate yourself during this season. Connect with fellow believers who can encourage you, pray with you, and remind you of God’s promises. Sometimes, God uses community to speak wisdom and hope into our waiting seasons.

4. Embrace the Present

Even if this season feels ordinary or uneventful, look for beauty in the little things. Find the joy in everyday moments. Trust that God is present even in the small, seemingly insignificant details of your life.

Trusting God’s Perfect Timing

It’s natural to want to rush out of a season of waiting, but remember that God’s timing is perfect. He sees the entire picture, and He knows exactly what you need and when you need it.

Isaiah 40:31 reminds us of this promise: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Waiting on God isn’t passive. It’s a refining process that builds your strength, deepens your faith, and prepares you for what’s ahead.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling stuck, don’t lose heart. Stand still, knowing that God is working even when you can’t see it. Use this season to draw closer to Him through prayer and His Word.

The waiting season is not the end of your story—it’s a chapter in the greater narrative God is writing for your life. Jesus is right there with you, holding you steady as you wait. Let His peace fill your heart, and trust that His plans for you are always good.

Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

What Disconnecting from Social Media Did For Me...

Today, I want to share my journey with social media and how it has shaped my perspective on life. A while back, I decided to step away from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and the positive changes I experienced were profound:

1. Reduced stress: I no longer felt overwhelmed by constant updates about others' lives or the pressure of comparison.

2. Improved mood: Without the endless scrolling and comparisons, I felt lighter and more content.

3. Increased free time: Disconnecting gave me the freedom to spend more quality time with my family.

4. Revealed true friendships: It became clearer who genuinely cared and who only maintained superficial connections.

That break was so beneficial for my mental health, but I’ve recently decided to return to social media with a more intentional approach. Here's how I'm keeping it healthy:

• Purposeful use: I’ll primarily use Facebook and Instagram for messaging friends and sharing photos or videos in a private group with close family and friends.

• Strict boundaries: I’m only adding people I genuinely want to connect with, and I’ve committed to avoiding the endless scrolling or looking at random feeds.

• Practical utility: I’ll use Facebook to check when my local thrift store is open or browse Facebook Marketplace for specific items.

• Exit strategy: If social media starts feeling overwhelming again, I’ll simply delete the apps from my phone—without deleting my accounts—so I don’t have to start all over later. 

With these boundaries in place, I’m confident I can maintain a balanced and positive connection to social media while staying focused on what matters most.

Let me know—what’s your relationship with social media like?

My Favorite Christmas Movies

Christmas movies are such a big part of the holiday season for me. 

They bring warmth, joy, and a little bit of nostalgia 

that makes everything feel so wonderful. 

Whether it’s a heartwarming classic or a fun family favorite, I love watching them to get into the Christmas spirit.

Here are some of my all-time favorite Christmas movies:

It’s a Wonderful Life

The Shop Around the Corner

Miracle on 34th Street

Holiday Inn

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The Year Without a Santa Claus

Little Women (1949 My Favorite)

Frosty The Snowman

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Christmas Card

(I'll add more to this post when more titles come to my mind)

Christmas movies have a way of capturing the heart of the season. They make me laugh, cry, and reflect on the things that matter most—family, love, and faith. Watching them is such a special tradition that I look forward to every year.  

What are your favorite Christmas movies? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to add some new ones to my list!  

Until next time,  

Bre