A quiet trail run, 11 blue signs, 1989 memories, and what it really means to "be gentle with others" in everyday life.

In Episode 57, Joni shares a weekend run on the Lake Wobegon Trail near St. Joseph that unexpectedly led to the 11 traits of Jacob Wetterling. Connecting these blue trail signs to Jesus’ teachings in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) and a real-life moment in a crowded coffee shop, Joni reflects on how simple character traits change the way we interact with the people around us.

Key Scriptures:

• Matthew 5:1–12: The Beatitudes ("Blessed are the peacemakers...")

Connect with Joni:

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✨ Follow for weekly encouragement and practical faith.

Playoff underdogs, high school cross-country talks, David vs. Goliath, and what it really means to earn a "heartie"!

In Episode 56, Joni connects the end of volleyball season to a speech she gave to a high school cross-country team about what makes a race—and a life—truly great. From her 2021 sub-4 PR running for her friend Kristie to the tough BQ attempt where her sister ran alongside her in sweatpants, Joni explores why our best moments often happen when things don't go according to plan.

Key Scriptures:

• 1 Samuel 17:34–37: David remembers God's faithfulness before facing Goliath.

• Proverbs 3:5–6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..."

  
  

Connect with Joni: 📖 Read the blog: makemondaymatter.com ✨ Follow for weekly encouragement and practical faith.

Late-night post-game debriefs, street-clothes marathons, and the endless list of roles we balance every day!

In Episode 55, Joni reflects on missing a big family text about a 2027 marathon after a busy night of volleyball and mom-taxi duty. From sisterly rescue missions (involving street clothes and door-to-door Tums hunts) to swapping between teacher, cook, referee, and mom every ten minutes, Joni looks at what it really means to honor God in the middle of our chaotic schedules.

Key Scripture:

Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Connect with Joni:

📖 Read the blog: makemondaymatter.com

✨ Follow for weekly encouragement and practical faith.

Cross-country breakthroughs, BQ dreams on hold, and why matching someone else's pace is exhausting!

This week, Joni shares how a 7th-grade runner breaking away from the pack at mile two inspired her to look at her own comparison traps—from house cleanliness to parenting. Plus, navigating a year-long foot injury after a PR, balancing work and mom taxi duties, and learning to rebuild mileage on God's timeline instead of our own.

Key Scripture:

• Proverbs 16:9: "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."

  
  

Connect with Joni:📖 Read the blog: makemondaymatter.com✨ Follow for weekly encouragement and practical faith.

Taxi moderating, morning car drama, and being held hostage in a Walmart parking lot!

In Episode 53, Joni shares why praying for patience is a dangerous game. From refereeing her early-bird and night-owl daughters to waiting out a stranger who parked two car doors right against her vehicle, Joni reflects on how God gives us everyday moments to practice patience. Join us as we look at James 1:5 and discover how to choose peace when life slows us down!

Key Scripture:

• James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Connect with Joni:

📖 Read the blog: makemondaymatter.com

✨ Follow for weekly encouragement and practical faith.

High school bets, neon running vests, wet shoes, and what happens when you finally change your "no" to a "yes"!

In Episode 52, Joni shares her experience speaking at a women's event after years of staying out of the spotlight. From pre-event jittery rainy runs to her daughter working the room handing out folders, Joni reflects on how God orchestrates every detail when we listen to His quiet nudges. Join us as we look at Psalm 32:8 and explore what it means to follow God's guidance—even when it makes us a little nervous!

Key Scripture:

• Psalm 32:8: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."

  
  

Connect with Joni:📖 Read the blog: makemondaymatter.com✨ Follow for weekly encouragement and practical faith.

Sick kids, zero sleep, and the power of an SOS prayer text!

In Episode 51, Joni wraps up a 3-week series on sports and faith by sharing what happened when sickness hit both of her daughters during volleyball season. When you can't fix the exhaustion or the chaos, sometimes doing the hard thing means raising your hand and asking your people to pray. Join us as we talk about Psalm 29:11, Philippians 4:6–7, writing "strength and peace" on your arm, and why we were never meant to carry the heavy weeks alone.

Key Scriptures:

Psalm 29:11: "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."

Philippians 4:6–7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God..."

Connect with Joni:

📖 Read the blog: makemondaymatter.com

✨ Follow for weekly encouragement and practical faith.

Candy wrappers, cross-country PRs, Lotus coffee bribes, and learning how to shake off mid-game errors!

This week, Joni shares how her sister's cross-country coaching mantra ("You can do hard things") led to a 40-second race PR and a saved candy wrapper quote. Plus, a mid-game volleyball breakthrough, why Moses had to put in his reps, and a simple 3-step formula for our faith: research, practice, and repeat.

Key Scripture:

• Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

  
  

Connect with Joni:📖 Read the blog: makemondaymatter.com✨ Follow for weekly encouragement and practical faith.