Make Monday Matter | Weekly Christian Devotional and Bible Study

Between an annual physical warning about dehydration, camper days cut short by unhelpful rain, and a Wednesday afternoon where every single appointment was either delayed or cancelled, this past week was a masterclass in plans completely falling apart. In this episode, I'm opening up about the reality of trying to balance summer schedules, sports drop-offs, and getting back into a running rout...

A sudden summer downpour, a cancelled softball game, and a frantic drive for behind-the-wheel training almost made me cancel a long-awaited lunch date. But pushing through the rain reminded me of a much larger story that began twenty-five years ago. In this episode, I’m looking back at the heavy, chaotic autumn of 2001—when a global crisis changed my wedding plans and a simple invitation for egg s...

From favorite colors and numbers to a surprising encounter with a fennec fox at the zoo, favorites have been a major topic of conversation at our house lately. But the theme followed me all the way to Duluth this weekend, where a live podcast with pro runners Des Linden and Kara Goucher and a shoe coincidence had me asking a deeper question: Does God have favorites? While the world runs on popular...

What if the ordinary stories you tell have a much bigger destination than you think? This past week at the camper, a random encounter in a grocery store checkout line left my nine-year-old retelling a 50-year-old moon landing story to anyone who would listen. It got me thinking about the lasting impact of the words we choose to share. In this episode, we are looking at the book of Acts to see why...

Leviticus has a reputation for being the exact spot where annual Bible reading plans go to die. It’s full of mind-fogging rules, overwhelming instructions, and endless lists. But as I turned the page to start handwriting this notorious book, a daily battle with my daughters over the sound of buzzing bees completely flipped my perspective. In this episode, we talk about why I started handwriting th...

What do you do when your perfectly planned schedule completely falls apart? The other week, a sudden phone call and an unexpected detour disrupted my entire morning. But what started as a stressful shift in plans turned into an early date for braces coming off, a forgotten rebate check put to great use, and a reminder of how God handles the details we can't see. In this episode, I’m sharing th...

A 7.5-hour road trip from Minnesota to Iowa for a graduation party led to a lot of family time, an intense game of tag, and a sudden wave of panic when a brand-new necklace charm went missing. While the adults gave up the search, a child's simple backseat prayer changed everything. In this episode, I'm sharing the reality of surviving a long drive with car sickness, navigating a busy weeke...

From college "quote walls" and rotating scrapbooks to handwriting the book of Exodus, I'm realizing that we write things down because, quite frankly, we're forgetful. Whether it's an inside joke with roommates or a 2,400-entry gratitude journal, putting pen to paper changes how we remember our stories—and God's story. In this episode, I’m talking about why God tells us to...

Digging out the summer clothes totes this week led to a realization: we spent a lot of time trying to squeeze into things that just don't fit anymore. Sometimes the discomfort we feel in our schedules or relationships isn't just a "growth spurt"—it's a sign that we are clinging to habits or identities that no longer fit who God is calling us to be. In this episode, I’m talking about my own struggl...

A few years ago, we traded vintage linoleum for luxury vinyl plank, and I quickly realized how much I love a floor that camouflages the everyday mess. But eventually, the morning sun hits just right, and suddenly every speck of dust and every little toe print shows up. What looked clean in the shadows gets exposed in the light. In this episode, I’m sharing memories of my grandma’s "shoes off&...

We’ve all been there—you have a "laundry mountain" to climb and a to-do list a mile long, and then an interruption happens. This week, a pair of missing sunglasses and a 15-year-old’s "career fair day" led to a walk I didn't plan, a conversation I didn't expect, and a reminder I really needed. In this episode, I’m sharing how a small, inconvenient nudge turned into a &q...

We all have those people who shaped us in ways we didn't realize at the time. This week, Joni pays tribute to a legendary bus driver who taught generations of kids about respect, kindness, and the importance of truly seeing people. From secret water wars (including a barn hose!) to quiet acts of charity for a lonely neighbor, discover why the people God places in our lives for a season leave the l...

Description: A conversation during Joni's Arizona vacation (the one from Episode 21!) sparked a new mission: handwriting the entire Bible as a gift for her children. In this episode, Joni discusses the "why" and the "how" behind this slow-paced devotional practice. From choosing the 1984 NIV to the necessity of white-out, discover how getting into the Word line-by-line can...

What started as a "God-thing" reconnection with a former co-worker led to a living room Bible study and a question that stopped Joni in her tracks: "How does God see you?" If you’ve been living in a performance trap of trying to "do enough," this episode is a reminder that your identity isn't a to-do list—it's a finished work. We're talking about what it m...

What does it actually look like to follow Jesus through his final week on earth? In the conclusion of our Lent series, we walk the full arc of Holy Week—from the quiet moments of foot washing and the Last Supper to the weight of the cross and the victory of the empty tomb. If you’re looking to move past the "polished" version of Easter and find a deeper connection to the story, this episode is for...

What does it look like to live out the Kingdom of God? In Week 6 of our Lent series, we follow Jesus as He narrows His focus and prepares His disciples for the road ahead. From the "Greatest Commandment" to the humility of the cross, we’re looking at a love that costs something. If you’ve been going through a difficult season or wondering how to show mercy when it’s inconvenient, this episode is f...

Ever felt slightly judged by the clean car in front of you at the car wash? This week, a routine errand turned into a deep conviction about stewardship and what it means to be faithful with what we have right now . Join me as I discuss: The Car Wash Waiting Game: Why do the cleanest cars always seem to be in line in front of me? The "Judgmental" Bronco: Learning that looks can be deceivi...

Who is Jesus, really? In Week 5 of our Lent series, we’re looking past the titles and diving into the character of the Savior. Whether He’s calming a literal storm, feeding a crowd with a small lunch, or welcoming a "prodigal" back home, Jesus shows us exactly what God is like. If you’re facing a storm this week or feeling like you’re running on empty, these readings are for you. Join us as we exp...

I’ve been a little MIA lately, but for a good reason! This week, I’m sharing stories from a sunshine-filled getaway to Arizona. Join me as I discuss: The "Logistics Chaos": Why two introverts take different flights and how to survive the "Brads" of the world. The Messy Side of Faith: A literal "spit and prayer" moment for a foot injury, inspired by Jesus (Mark 8:23) and Naaman (2 Kings 5:14). The...

What does it look like when God’s promises finally show up in real life? In Week 4 of our Lent series, we’re moving past the "waiting" and into the "doing." We’re following the first steps of Jesus’ ministry—from His public debut at the Jordan River to His famous "mission statement" for the brokenhearted. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, overlooked, or just plain tired, this week’s roadmap is f...

Is it possible that the story of Jesus was hidden in plain sight hundreds of years before He was even born? In Week 3 of our Lent series, we’re shifting away from the history of the Exodus and diving into the "Roadmap" God left behind in the Old Testament. From the raw cries of Psalm 22 to the specific promises in Isaiah and Micah, we're looking at how the Bible told us about Jesus long before He...

Join us for Day 12 of our Lent Reading Plan . Following the miracle at the Red Sea, the Israelites sing a song of praise in Exodus 15:1-13 . Today we focus on the transition from the big miracle to the daily walk—trusting the God who redeems us to also be the God who guides us home. ​ Scripture: Exodus 15:1-13 (NIV) ​ Key Theme: Redemption and Guidance. ​ Plan: Find the Full Lent Reading Plan here...

Thursday was supposed to be the "get-my-life-together" day. Instead, it became a lesson in conviction, a trip back to the scene of the crime, and a screw in a tire. Explore why being "trusted with very little" is the secret to a clear conscience and a closer walk with God. In this episode, Joni discusses: The "Tell-Tale Heart" moment with a bottle of curl cream. Why fixing things "online" isn't al...

Join us for Day 11 as the Israelites face a dead end at the Red Sea. We talk about what it means to trust God to fight for you when you have nowhere left to turn. Scripture: Exodus 14 (NIV) Key Theme: The Breakthrough Plan: Find the Full Lent Reading Plan here Blog: www.makemondaymatter.com

Description: Join us for Day 10 of our Lent Reading Plan . After nine plagues of judgment on Egypt (Exodus 7-10), we reach the final night in Exodus 12:1-13 . Today we talk about the significance of the Passover lamb and how God’s rescue is based on the sacrifice He provides, not our own efforts. ​ Scripture: Exodus 12:1-13 ​ Key Theme: Under the protection of the Lamb. ​ Plan: Find the Full Lent...