Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men. Psalm 107: 8 (& 15 & 21 & 31) Psalm 107: 8 (& 15 & 21 & 31) My boys may be beyond the age of that particular incessant request on my part,Continue reading ““what do you say?””

Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 When you purchase a piece of furniture in a box that’s clearly marked “some assembly required,” what do you feel? Dread? Excitement? Anticipated frustration? This line of questioning begs another: Do you carefully follow the directions or throw cautionContinue reading “it’s all in there”

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13 I need to share a secondhand experience. Not to gossip, but to serve as an example—a burst of revelation akin to seeing the brightest explosion of fireworks that in mereContinue reading “convicted by the unconscionable”

Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean.” John 13:10a Those of you who read my post, “choosing the hard way,” you’re probably wondering how my kitchen cabinets turned out (being that I took the lazy-girl route of no sanding and leaving on the doors).Continue reading “in need of some touchup”

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 Do you get this? Really? If you’re a new Christian, the astounding fact of Jesus’ sacrifice may be fresh in your mind and heart. But, maybe, ifContinue reading “in awe of the wounding”

“…and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…” Hebrews 12:1-2 I’ve never been a runner. Soccer was my sport growing up and, although running was required for training and playing, the thought of “running for fun” never crossed my mind. Not once. ButContinue reading “run your race”

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”  Matthew 7:13 The easy way. When you’re a kid (or teenager), it’s the way to go. Minimum effort, maximum results…well, maybe not maximum. Not to say the easy wayContinue reading “choosing the hard way”

“…throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”       Ephesians 4:22-24 I’m not sure how many of you ladies can relate, but my closet isContinue reading “off with the old, on with the new”

When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest. Proverbs 29:9 Over the last couple of decades, our nation has been slipping into greater and greater divisiveness. I’m not talking about the political left and right here (although this is theContinue reading “don’t argue with fools”

It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman. Proverbs 25:24 For some reason, King Solomon brings this “contentious woman” thing up quite a bit in his writings. (It makes one wonder if it had something to do with his 700 wives and 300 concubines.Continue reading “contentious woman”