Journal
Reflections on faith, Scripture, and the deeper life.
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Do you ever scroll through Instagram or TikTok and feel a pang of jealousy? See a friend's post, a couple traveling, a marriage glowing—and wonder, Why isn’t ours like that? Or maybe your heart whispers lies like: They communicate better. They love more easily. They always seem so happy.
Do you ever open your wallet, cart, or bank account and feel a knot in your stomach? That twinge of guilt. Or maybe the thrill of a purchase fades quickly—and you’re left wondering why you keep chasing “just one more sale,” “just one more thing,” “just one more upgrade.” If spending, compulsive shopping, buyer’s remorse, credit card debt, or materialism have begun to steal your peace, you’re not alone. And there is a way out.
Scrolling. Comparing. Refreshing. Scrolling again. Liking. Hiding the screen. Feeling late at night that deep ache—like your self-worth is being measured in likes or your peace stolen by notifications. If social media has become more of a chain than a tool, more of a habit than a healthy part of life—you are far from alone.
Do you catch yourself scrolling through your phone when your spouse is talking? Or maybe late at night, when the screen glows in the dark more than the soft light of connection? In a world wired 24/7, it’s easy for digital noise—notifications, social media, screens—to become the white noise in your marriage: it distracts, divides, and steals intimacy.
Do you ever feel the pull of gambling—the vivid hope, the rush of risk, the promise of “one more bet,” “just one more pull”… only to wake up with regret, debts, anxiety, or even hidden shame? Maybe you’ve tried quitting before. Maybe you said “just this time” and it didn’t go well. Maybe you feel stuck, and you wonder if true freedom is possible.
Have you ever found yourself promising, “Just one more level… just 10 more minutes… one more match,” only to realize hours have slipped away, responsibilities have piled up, relationships have suffered, and your heart feels farther from God than before? You’re not alone. Video game addiction (or problematic gaming) is real. It steals time, peace, purpose—quietly eroding joy and connection.
Have you ever woken up after a night of drinking and felt that sting of regret, shame, or disappointment? Maybe you promised yourself “never again,” only to repeat the same cycle. You’re not alone. Alcohol addiction can creep into life secretly, mask itself as “fun,” “relief,” or “time off,” but it always exacts a cost: emotionally, physically, spiritually.
Southwest Florida’s Fort Myers and Cape Coral are known for sunshine, palm-lined boulevards, and Gulf breezes—but beneath the surface, the heartbeat of the community is deeply spiritual. With a fast-growing population of retirees, young families, seasonal residents, and people from every background, the Christian culture here is rich and diverse.
Want to strengthen your marriage? Read our 40 Day Love Dare daily guide + join HolyJot’s free journaling challenge to invite your husband on a faith-filled journey.
“Separation of church and state” is one of the most quoted—and most contested—phrases in American public life. Some hear it and think, keep religion out of government entirely. Others hear it and think, treat religious people the same as everyone else, including when public money is involved. Still others emphasize history and tradition: if a practice has deep roots (like legislative prayer), they say it’s usually fine.
I’m writing to you as a pastor and a friend—because lately the news feels like a storm that keeps finding the cracks in your windows. You’re tired. You’re scrolling late into the night, bracing for the next outrage, the next siren, the next “breaking.” And when the world keeps breaking, it’s easy to feel like you’re breaking too.
Learn how to study the Psalms with a pastor’s guide—pray Scripture & navigate lament and praise, and build daily habits for worship, trust, and real-life hope!!
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