An Untraditional Holiday by Lori Ann Wood
Find
Peace
in Breath Prayer by Jennifer Tucker
THE POWER OF GRATITUDE
HOW TO THRIVE IN TRANSITIONS
EMBRACING THE LIFE YOU HAVE
IMPACTING YOUR GRANDCHILDREN
winter 2024 | F I N D M O R E A T J U S T B E T W E E N U S . O R G
ȷustbetweenus ENCOURAGING & EQUIPPING WOMEN FOR A LIFE OF FAITH
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welcome from the editor SHELLY ESSER
Hi Friends! As we gather in the warmth of this season, with Thanksgiving and Christmas drawing near, we are reminded of the abundant blessings we’ve received throughout the year—especially the gift of sisterhood in this faith-filled community. It is such a joy and privilege to welcome you to the latest edition of our magazine, a space where we can journey together in faith, growing and uplifting one another in the love of Christ. This year, our theme has been intentional, a word that has been woven into every issue. To live intentionally is to live life with purpose. It’s our prayer that this theme has inspired you to do that in all areas of your life—whether it’s in your time with God, in serving others, or in taking care of your own heart and soul. Living intentionally has called us to a deeper faith and greater trust, and we celebrate how God has moved through this community, growing us individually and collectively.
What better way to prepare your heart for the upcoming holidays than digging into several of our Christmas features: “An Untraditional Holiday” by Lori Ann Wood on page 14 will help you take the pressure off of the perfect Christmas by letting go of things that don’t have
You also don’t want to miss Jennifer Tucker’s article, “Find Peace Amid Your Anxiety” on page 16 to help you breathe easier through this chaotic time we’re living in. You will discover how breath prayers can help keep you calm and focused on Jesus no matter what’s going on in your life and world. As we near the close of another year, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect on God’s unwavering faithfulness. Together, we’ve faced challenges and celebrated victories, all while keeping our focus on Jesus. Throughout every season, the inspiration and biblical encouragement within these pages have served as a continual reminder of God’s presence—something truly worth being thankful for. As we enter this sacred time—a season of reflection, gratitude, and the joyous celebration of our Savior’s birth—let’s continue to support one another. And may reading through this issue be a constant reminder to you of God’s unending love and His constant invitation to draw closer to Him—the Savior of the world! Have a Blessed Season!
P.S. We have a wonderful Christmas gift offer for you to reach the younger women in your lives. We hope you will take advantage of it.
ȷustbetweenus winter 2024
We are so grateful that you are part of the JBU family. It’s our desire that when you come to the pages of this magazine, you’ll find a place of peace, encouragement, and inspiration as you seek to deepen your relationship with Christ. Whether you’ve found comfort in an article during a difficult time, felt encouraged by the Bible devotional, or connected with another sister’s story, we hope you’ve sensed the love and support that surround you in this community. And we pray that the magazine has been more than just reading material— that it’s felt like a trusted friend.
to be done. Additionally, you will be inspired by taking a fresh look at Mary through the eyes of Melissa Jongetjes’s article, “Expectantly Waiting” on page 28.
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Contents
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on the cover
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An Untraditional Holiday
Take the pressure off and give yourself the grace to make new memories. by Lori Ann Wood
ȷustbetweenus winter 2024
Find Peace Amid Your Anxiety
Discover how breath prayers can help calm you and recenter your focus on Christ. by Jennifer Tucker
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Embracing the Life You Have Loving the life you have instead of the life you wish you had. by Aimee Claire Cooks
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Fighting the lies in your life by demanding truth through thankfulness. by Jenni LaBrie
Practical tips for making an impact on your grandchildren. by Ann M. Cook
How Joshua’s example can guide us through the tough transitions of life. by Sylvia Schroeder
Gritty Gratitude
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Intentional Time with the Grands
Life on the Bridge
About Our Ministry: Just Between Us is a vibrant and expanding not-for-profit ministry that continues to transform the lives of women around the world. Our heart-focused and biblically-based content in the print magazine, on the website, in the weekly digital mini-magazine, on social media, and other products—all help women find hope and encouragement while growing their faith and deepening their love for Jesus.
Find Us in All Kinds of Ways:
T F I justbetweenus.org
features
columns
28
row Your 38 GDiscipleship
Founder/Executive Editor Jill Briscoe
Circulation Manager Suzan Braun
Looking to Mary, the mother of Jesus, for Advent hope. by Melissa Jongetjes
Minutes 39 1in5 the Word 40 Intentional Faith 42 Faith at Work
Editor Shelly Esser General Manager Mary Perso
Advertising & Accounts Manager Sharon Vaught
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Everyday Transformation
6 Encouragement Calendar 7 Table Talk with Abby 8 Between Us 10 Happy Home Transparent Moments
12 24 Prayer Prompts 31 Living Your Faith
Prayer Sharon Stonecipher Photography Wayde Peronto Babboni Photography babbonis.com
If the post office informs us that your print magazine is undeliverable, JBU has no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address.
ADVERTISING Ellie Dunn For more information call (856) 582-0690 ext. 2# or email ellie@carldunn.com. The ads in this publication do not imply endorsement. Just Between Us (ISSN 1069-3459) is published quarterly by Just Between Us.
for subscriptions Visit our website at justbetweenus.org
Make all checks and money orders payable to: Just Between Us, Subscription Orders, 777 S. Barker Rd., Brookfield, WI 53045. To order by phone, or for more information: call 800-260-3342. From Canada call (262) 786-6478. Email: jbu@justbetweenus.org Website: www.justbetweenus.org Periodical Postage Paid at Brookfield, WI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Just Between Us, 777 S. Barker Rd., Brookfield, WI 53045. ust Between Us is a member publication J of the Evangelical Press Association. Copyright ©2024 by Just Between Us. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. We occasionally share subscriber mailing addresses with select organizations. If you would like your name removed from direct mail promotional lists, please call 800-260-3342 or email jbu@justbetweenus.org.
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Advisory Board Anita Carman Pam Farrel Judy Briscoe Golz Nancy Grisham Pam MacRae Elizabeth Murphy Jackie Oesch Stephanie Seefeldt
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Welcome from the Editor
Subscriptions Mary Richards Jan Schuldt Lin Sebena
Creative Director Julie Krinke
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in every issue
Your 44 Outside Front Door 45 Living Well
Director of Mission Advancement/ Social Media Ashley Schmidt
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Giving gifts that aren’t limited by the boundaries of our lifetime. by Shelly Esser
Marketing Julie Santiago
Copy Editors Ann Cook Constance B. Fink Gayle Gengler Cherry Hoffner Rachel Engler Danae Templeton
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A Mountain Surprise
Renewal Assistants Wayne + Sally Schlittenhart
Director Digital Media Mary Ann Prasser
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Renewals Manager & Software Support Rebecca Loesche
Assistant Editor Suzan Braun
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Expectantly Waiting
CREDITS
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