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Make Monday Matter


God Goes Before You
During my college journey, I decided to transfer to the University of Minnesota as a sophomore. Coincidentally, two girls from my...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jan 11, 20242 min read


A Day in My Life: Finding Purpose and Seeking God’s Guidance in the Chaos
In the middle of my jam-packed day off, it all begins at 5:00 AM. I grab my Bible, gulp down some much-needed coffee, and dive into a...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jan 7, 20242 min read


New Year, New Beginnings: A Life Cleaning Reflection
Cleaning my house recently led to a surprising and disturbing discovery as I moved the couch—revealing a collection of food, dirt, and...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Dec 31, 20232 min read


Navigating Post-Holiday Recovery: Balancing Dos and Don'ts
Did the holiday season leave you feeling sluggish and in need of a physical reset? If unhealthy choices took center stage in your...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Dec 27, 20231 min read


Anticipation and Humility: Reflecting on the True Meaning of Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is filled with anticipation. In my childhood, I'd incessantly plead with my mom to open a gift during the day, often with...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Dec 24, 20231 min read


Journey to Bethlehem: Endurance, Faith, and the Gift of Immanuel
When I was 8 months pregnant, we went on a double date with friends who had recently acquired a new truck. Despite my relatively active...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Dec 17, 20232 min read


Winter Run Adventures: Snowy Challenges and Speed Surprises
Join me on my winter run as I navigate through the recent snowy landscape. After a week of mild weather and temperatures in the 40s, a...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Dec 16, 20231 min read


Sacred Bonds: A Tale of Miracles, Friendship, and Eternal Hope
Growing up, I treasured the close bond with my cousin; our families participated in a variety of activities together, including camping,...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Dec 10, 20232 min read


Conquering Winter Runs: A Battle with the Elements
Getting out the door during the winter months is, undoubtedly, the biggest hurdle. As winter sets in, I find myself revisiting these tips.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Dec 9, 20232 min read


Beyond Expectations: Miracles and Withholding Judgment
First comes love, then comes marriage, and perhaps a baby in the baby carriage – or not. Life's order is sometimes not a straight line.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Dec 3, 20232 min read


Surviving Holiday Gatherings: An Introvert's Guide
Thanksgiving has wrapped up, and if you're an introvert like me, you know the struggle of navigating through the chaos of the holidays.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Nov 28, 20232 min read


Echoes of Accusation: Unraveling the Misunderstood Tale of Mary and Joseph
I was a reserved student, placed in a classroom with a no-nonsense, strict teacher. Then came the day my name appeared on the blackboard.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Nov 26, 20232 min read


Unraveling the Tapestry: Exploring the Twists and Turns in the Christmas Narrative
I set up my Christmas tree and soon discovered an unexpected twist in my decorating plans.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Nov 19, 20232 min read


Finding God in the Tattered Pages of Life
The other day I stumbled across one of my old Bibles – duct taped together, pages torn and tattered, verses highlighted.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Nov 12, 20232 min read


All Feelings are Okay: Navigating Emotions with Grace and Reflection
As a child, I put my anger into action in unhealthy ways. As an adult, I have learned the importance of pausing.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Nov 5, 20232 min read


Rebuilding My Running Journey: Overcoming a Stress Fracture to Training for Grandma’s Marathon
A stress fracture forced me to put my running goals on hold for two long months.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Nov 2, 20232 min read


God's Progress Report: Faithfully Creating a Behavior Improvement Plan
I couldn't help but wonder what kind of update God would give about me at a Parent-Teacher Conference.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Oct 29, 20232 min read


Transform Your Self-Talk
During our annual trip to the corn maze, we found ourselves in an unexpected conversation about self-talk – those inner conversations.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Oct 22, 20232 min read


Living with God at the Center: More than a Priority
Living with God at the center isn't about juggling priorities but about letting God saturate every area of life.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Oct 15, 20233 min read


Lessons from the Sidelines: Navigating Life's Unexpected Turns
Today was meant to be the day of my goal marathon, the race where I aimed to qualify for Boston. But God had other plans.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Oct 14, 20232 min read
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