Short Devotionals 3/5

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Mar 2, 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...

0 comments

Spilled Coffee: Finding God's Grace in Life's Messiness

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Feb 25, 20242 min read

Spilled Coffee: Finding God's Grace in Life's Messiness

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Each week, I set aside time to pull my thoughts together for this blog, a...

0 comments

Finding a Way Out: A Lesson Learned from Locked Doors

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Feb 18, 20242 min read

Finding a Way Out: A Lesson Learned from Locked Doors

I had just started my new teaching position, and with classes set to begin on Tuesday after the Labor Day weekend. I made my way to the...

0 comments

Trusting in God's Work: A Parent's Journey through Anxiety

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Feb 11, 20243 min read

Trusting in God's Work: A Parent's Journey through Anxiety

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I remember lying on a cot in the principal’s office. She asked if I was ready to...

0 comments

Surrender: Lessons from Paul to 'Come Thou Fount'

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Feb 4, 20242 min read

Surrender: Lessons from Paul to 'Come Thou Fount'

Surrender is a recurring theme within the pages of the Bible, with one of my favorite narratives being the transformation of Paul, once...

0 comments

The Final Stretch of Winter: Habits for Renewal

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Jan 27, 20242 min read

The Final Stretch of Winter: Habits for Renewal

Winter. While my husband anticipates snowmobiling and ice fishing, I long for the warmth of summer—morning runs and afternoons by the pool.

0 comments

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Jan 21, 20242 min read

Speeding through Life's Lessons

My senior year of high school, our football team had just faced a tough loss in postseason play. Driving my friends back from the game in...

0 comments

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Jan 11, 20242 min read

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...

0 comments

A Day in My Life: Finding Purpose and Seeking God’s Guidance in the Chaos

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Jan 7, 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...

2 comments

New Year, New Beginnings: A Life Cleaning Reflection

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Dec 31, 20232 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...

0 comments

Anticipation and Humility: Reflecting on the True Meaning of Christmas Eve

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Dec 24, 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...

0 comments

Journey to Bethlehem: Endurance, Faith, and the Gift of Immanuel

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Dec 17, 20232 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...

0 comments

Sacred Bonds: A Tale of Miracles, Friendship, and Eternal Hope

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Dec 10, 20232 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,...

0 comments

Unraveling the Tapestry: Exploring the Twists and Turns in the Christmas Narrative

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Nov 19, 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.

0 comments

Finding God in the Tattered Pages of Life

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Nov 12, 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.

0 comments

All Feelings are Okay: Navigating Emotions with Grace and Reflection

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Nov 5, 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.

0 comments

God's Progress Report: Faithfully Creating a Behavior Improvement Plan

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Oct 29, 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.

0 comments

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Oct 22, 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.

0 comments

Living with God at the Center: More than a Priority

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Oct 15, 20233 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.

0 comments

Unlock Your Best Race: Three Key Elements to Motivate You On the Course and In Life

Joni Lynn Schwartz

Oct 8, 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.

0 comments