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Make Monday Matter


Insomnia, Coffee Mistakes, and New Mercies Every Morning
I didn’t sleep, hit the wrong coffee button, and started my day already exhausted. But God’s mercies still showed up—right on time.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Feb 72 min read


Preparing for Lent: Why 40 Days
As Lent approaches, I started looking at 40-day journeys in the Bible. What stood out wasn’t discipline or sacrifice, but dependence—learning to trust God one day at a time.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jan 302 min read


Third Time’s the Charm
Life felt full last week. From early mornings to sourdough starters that took three tries, this is a reminder to practice gratitude—and keep going.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jan 232 min read


Rejoice: A Prayer Habit That’s Changing Our Home
A simple prayer walking devotional led to small but real changes in our home—less anxiety, more connection, and a renewed focus on rejoicing.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jan 162 min read


Extra Innings and a Thousand Gifts
A week of Twins Fantasy Camp, family memories, and unexpected joy reminded me how easy it is to spot God’s gifts on vacation—and how important it is to notice them in everyday life too.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jan 106 min read


Anticipation Leads to Preparation
Anticipation isn’t just about waiting—it shapes how we live today. Watching my girls get ready for their first airplane ride reminded me how preparation, priorities, and small faithful choices matter, both on a trip and in life.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jan 13 min read


Faithful in the Small Things: Looking Back on 2025
As 2025 wraps up, I’m reflecting on family, running, summer memories, and the lessons this year has taught me. My focus for 2026? Being faithful in the small things.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Dec 27, 20252 min read


Choosing the Appreciation Room
A reflection on marriage, busy seasons, and how easily we drift from gratitude without ever meaning to.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Dec 19, 20252 min read


Why the Wise Men Aren’t at My Nativity (And What the Bible Actually Says)
As we decorated for Christmas, my family reminded me of my very particular nativity tradition—keeping the wise men far from the manger. Here’s the biblical reason why.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Dec 11, 20252 min read


When Your Only Prayer Is “God, Help Me.”
When life hurts and all you can pray is “God, help me,” He meets you there. This devotional offers comfort, Scripture, and hope for the moments that feel too heavy to carry.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Dec 2, 20252 min read


White as Snow
The first snowfall looked fresh and clean, but it reminded me how often we cover things up in our own lives. Only Jesus can cleanse what’s beneath and make us truly new.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Nov 27, 20252 min read


The Lie: “Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones, but Words Will Never Hurt Me”
Words do hurt. When someone spoke something untrue about me, I wanted to fight back—but Jesus shows a better way to respond when accusations come.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Nov 20, 20252 min read


Your Presence is My Home: Finding Peace in Jesus
I’m not afraid of dying — and it’s not because I’m brave. It’s because I know Jesus, and His perfect love casts out all fear. His presence is our true home, now and forever, and Heaven isn’t just a someday promise.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Nov 16, 20252 min read


5 Simple Steps for a Prayer Journal (That Actually Work During Busy Seasons)
Life isn’t slowing down anytime soon — but that doesn’t mean your prayer life has to suffer. Here are 5 simple ways to build a prayer journal that keeps you grounded and connected to God in every season.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Nov 6, 20253 min read


Captain Walmart and the Squeaky Cart: Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
What started as a grumpy Walmart trip—with a squeaky cart and a long to-do list—turned into a reminder to find joy in everyday moments. Sometimes God uses unexpected people (and a man in a cape) to shift our perspective.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Nov 1, 20252 min read


The Soup That Refused to Be Rushed (And What I Learned)
Sometimes life—and soup—don’t go as planned. 🍲
I tried to rush a white bean chili recipe, and in the middle of the mess, God reminded me of
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Oct 24, 20252 min read


The Danger of Moving Without God
When we rush ahead of God—driven by fear, impatience, or the illusion of control—we often end up exhausted and anxious. But when we slow down and wait for His direction, peace follows. This week’s Make Monday Matter reminds us of the danger of moving without God and the freedom found in trusting His timing.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Oct 17, 20252 min read


Shared Space Isn’t Connection
Last week, my girls and I went out to eat. When we go out, I usually bring a game or a notebook to keep us entertained while we wait for...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Oct 11, 20252 min read


Finding Contentment in a Disjointed Life
Disjointed has become my new normal. Between school, work, appointments, and waiting in parking lots, life feels chaotic. But I’m learning, like Paul, that contentment can be found in every circumstance.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Oct 3, 20252 min read


When Obedience Feels Gross
Sometimes healing looks nothing like we imagine. Naaman faced the muddy Jordan River; I’m facing the dreaded boot. On the other side of obedience is God’s plan— and I hope healing is included.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Sep 26, 20252 min read
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