Author Archives: Julianne Winkler Smith

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.  Proverbs 17:17 Would you consider yourself a “good friend” to others in your life? What does that mean to you, and what kind of action is required in being a friend? Of course, friendship is about fun times, laughter andContinue reading “necessary wounds”

O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You. PSalm 63:1 I love sunflowers. They’re definitely my favorite flower. Thankfully, my husband knows this—as well he should, after 25 years. So, with every birthday, each Valentine’s Day, and often for no occasion at all, he’ll walk through the door withContinue reading “be a sunflower”

I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:6 I love music. Throughout my youth, I saw countless concerts. From Jimmy Buffet and Bruce Springsteen to the Rolling Stones and U2, I have ticket stubs from all my ‘80s favorites. (I realize I’m dating myself here.) My album collection was countlessContinue reading “forgotten songs”

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 What a strange time this is. I don’t know about you, but this social distancing and self-quarantine thing is messing with me—and the people with whom I virtually interact on a regular basis. Even with the economic fallout of this crisis, myContinue reading “God doesn’t require social distancing”

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! Isaiah 26:3 Whether or not you are physically ill from it, COVID-19 has infected everyone. For some of us, this pandemic hasn’t yet made a big difference to our daily lives…for others of us, it has changed,Continue reading “a COVID-19 to-do list”

Is anything too hard for the Lord?   Genesis 18:14a Many of you may know the story in the Old Testament—in Numbers, specifically—about Moses sending the 12 spies to check out the Promised Land. When they came back after 40 days, 10 of those guys spun a tale of the insurmountable obstacles ahead. They spread terrorContinue reading ““it’s too hard!””

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. 1 John 3:1 Yesterday we celebrated Easter. For many in our country, it was a fun day of egg hunts and candy-filled baskets. And for others, it was the glorious recognition of Jesus’ death-defeatingContinue reading “grafted”

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Have you ever taken an object that you found—something tucked away in an attic corner or discovered at a thrift store—and transformed it? You repair, paint, repurpose. This activity may be a passion for some of us…others of usContinue reading “perfectly redeemed”

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 We adopted a new dog in November of last year. Her name is Caroline, and she is probably about five years old. She’d been in shelters and foster homes for about a year, after being picked upContinue reading “thankfulness lessons from my rescue dog”

“And they overcame him (the accuser) by the blood of the Lamb and the by the word of their testimony…” Revelation 12:11 Throughout the Bible, the enemy of our souls is called “the accuser.” And, sisters, I know you know that’s a fitting moniker for Satan. He stands before the Throne of God accusing usContinue reading “speak out”