top of page
JONI LYNN SCHWARTZ


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
6 days ago2 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 272 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 202 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 162 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 63 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 12 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 242 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 172 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
bottom of page