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Make Monday Matter


Finding Peace: Learning to "Take Yourself Away" Like Jesus
With a 6-year age gap, you’d think my kids would have little interest in feuding, but they seem to have a magnetic pull toward it. When...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
May 19, 20242 min read


Sowing Seeds: From Preschool to Parenthood
In our preschool class a few weeks ago, we began an exciting experiment: planting seeds in cups. Each student received the same...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
May 12, 20242 min read


God's Humor in Slowing Down
Earlier this week, I shared on social media, “If you don’t have friends that make you laugh until you cry, you need new friends.” Well,...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
May 5, 20242 min read


Deepening Our Roots: Slowing Down with God
We live across the field from my parents’ house. For years, they had a row of tall pine trees that stood between our houses. Then, one...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Apr 28, 20242 min read


Prioritizing Love and Selflessness in Relationships
In relationships, there often comes a moment when we're called to set aside our own preferences for the greater good of those we love....
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Apr 14, 20242 min read


High School Sports and Everlasting Victories
As the winter high school sports season nears its end, the excitement steadily builds with each passing day, signaling the onset of the...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Mar 10, 20242 min read


Unexpected Help: Perfect Timing
Back in high school, I had a job as a cashier at our local grocery store. One afternoon, as my shift was coming to an end, I glanced...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Mar 2, 20242 min read


Surrender: A Daily Commitment
Surrender sounds simple, but living it out is a daily struggle. Even faithful believers throughout history wrestled with wandering — and returning again to Jesus.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Feb 4, 20242 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


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


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


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


Unlock Your Best Race: Three Key Elements to Motivate You On the Course and In Life
Through racing, I've discovered three key motivators that consistently propel me to my best, whether I'm on the course or in life.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Oct 8, 20233 min read


Cheerleading for Christ: Living Life as a Faithful Encourager
The cheerleader in me is still going strong. I love to show up for my people and cheer them onto their best performance.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Oct 1, 20232 min read


Genuine Gratitude
When is it easiest to be grateful? When life is easy? All the time? When things are hard?
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Sep 17, 20232 min read
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