Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 We adopted a new dog a little over a year ago. Her name is Caroline, and she is probably about five years old—but no one really knows, because all her remaining teeth are little nubs. (The vetContinue reading “thankfulness lessons from my rescue dog (revised)”

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.   Matthew 16:24 Back in the 1970s and 80s, the lemon-lime soda brand 7UP had a very popular tagline that immediately boosted sales of the fledgling pop: The uncola. The marketing firm that cameContinue reading “unself”

But You, O LORD are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head.  Psalm 3:3 I don’t know about you, but it’s really easy (albeit, somewhat necessary) for me to keep my head down and just move forward through each day. I stay focused on the task at hand,Continue reading “a chin repositioning”

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 My memory isn’t great—and it’s not just because I’ve surpassed that big 5-0 mark.Continue reading “reflective love”

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:4-7 Confession time: I’veContinue reading “don’t worry, be joyful”

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. RomansContinue reading “misled”

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.        Romans 8:5-6 What is yourContinue reading “shepherd or butcher?”

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 I went to a funeral the other day. And it was a time of deep grief, sorrow, and wishful thinking. We’ve known him his whole life. Through various traditions, our families spent special times together over theContinue reading “dearly departed (part 2)”

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.   1 Thessalonians 4:13 I went to a funeral the other day. And it was a time of joy, laughter, remembrance, and confident hope.Continue reading “dearly departed (part 1)”

For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14 (This is a repost of my very first devotional—enjoy!) Before I became a Christian, I believed whole-heartedly that there were many ways to God—different paths, each as valid as the next. In fact, I was so vehement thatContinue reading “done”