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JONI LYNN SCHWARTZ


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
4 days ago2 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 112 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 32 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 262 min read


Brain Fog, Busy Days, and Finding Peace
Early mornings, busy evenings, and that third cup of coffee just to keep going. Lately, life feels like a blur of brain fog and busyness. But a simple preschool breathing exercise and a reminder from Isaiah 26:3 helped me see peace is still possible, even here.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Sep 202 min read


Saved by Grace, Shaped by Words
Growing up, I thought I had to be “good enough” to get into heaven. Perfect. Sinless. Always right. That’s impossible. After high school, I finally understood—Jesus is perfect, He took my place, and His grace is the only way. 🌿
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Sep 123 min read


A Spiritual Eye Exam
This week I realized my eyes aren’t what they used to be—after 8 hours of paperwork, the screen was a blur. But it reminded me of another kind of eyesight: our spiritual vision.
Jesus said, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” (Matthew 6:22)
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Sep 52 min read


A Sunrise, a Prayer, and God’s Will
While my uncle was in the hospital, I prayed the night before he passed, asking God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Aug 293 min read


We Do Not Know the Day or the Hour
A summer visit with my daughters’ 94-year-old great great uncle: we do not know the day or the hour, but we know the One who holds our days. His steady presence and quiet faith point to the hope found in Jesus, who promises eternal life to all who believe.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Aug 233 min read


Small Wins in the Shift from Summer
This week, gratitude felt stuck. My calendar was packed, my summer fun was over, and the “mom taxi” job was in full swing. But in the middle of the chaos, God sent a small win—a reminder that He cares about the little things too.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Aug 152 min read


Trolls, Mud, and a Golden Rabbit: A Parenting Adventure Worth Laughing About
What started as a fun family troll hunt in Detroit Lakes turned into a muddy, laughter-filled adventure complete with flip-flop regrets, emergency Walmart shorts, and one unforgettable search for the Golden Rabbit. Parenting isn’t always pretty—but sometimes, it’s pretty hilarious.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Aug 72 min read


When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned (and the AC Breaks)
Delayed flights, a broken AC, and an unexpected week full of minor chaos. But also, moments of peace, purpose, and unexpected gratitude.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Aug 12 min read


What a Wandering Cat Taught Me About Prayer
When our cat disappeared during a stretch of stormy weather, I found myself praying a prayer that felt small—but honest. What happened next reminded me that God cares about the details, even the ones with fur and whiskers.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jul 252 min read


“This Is Dumb!”—What It Really Means to Embitter Our Kids
Today I had what I thought was a brilliant parenting idea: music time instead of screen time. It was met with groans, arguing, and the classic “This is dumb.”
But eventually… they had fun.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jul 182 min read


Gifts in the Quiet: A Duluth Getaway
No kids, no responsibilities—just gifts. From a quiet balcony overlooking tall ships to a surprise seat at a USA Dive Team practice, this Duluth getaway slowed me down enough to notice the beauty I usually rush past. Week 2 of my journey to 1,000 gifts reminds me: the blessings are there when I take time to see them.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jul 112 min read


Kindness in the Other Lane
I came over the top a hill. A car had passed me, and as I started downhill, a truck approached and stopped. At first, I was nervous. But then I realized...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jul 32 min read


Blurry Vision and Unseen Details
You know the feeling when something is in your eye. It’s scratchy. Your eye waters. You blink and rub and just want whatever it is out ....
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jun 262 min read


Race Recap: Grandma’s Marathon Weekend 2025
This year’s Grandma’s Marathon weekend was far from our usual routine. Typically, we hit the road on Friday for our race adventure, but...
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jun 243 min read


Devotional: Manna: A Daily Need for a Daily God
In Exodus, God gave the Israelites manna—just enough for each day.
The same is true for us. We’re not meant to live on yesterday’s faith.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jun 182 min read


The Bike Rack Battle
What started with yelling, pinched fingers, and a bike nearly flying off the back of our vehicle turned into a week of progress—and a lesson in faith.
Just like spiritual routines, getting back into the groove can feel clunky at first. But God never expects perfection—He just invites us to return.
Joni Lynn Schwartz
Jun 122 min read
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