35 YEA
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Should I Trust Again? by Debbie W. Wilson
! e at r b e l e C It’s Time to
by Sharon Hodde Miller
EMBRACE YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST
HOW VALLEYS SHAPE US
MASTER YOUR THOUGHT LIFE
THE GOD WHO CALLS YOU WORTHY
spring 2025 | 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
welcome from the editor SHELLY ESSER
Happy New Year, Friends! We couldn’t be more thrilled that you’re starting the new year with us. Our prayer is that this magazine continues to be a place you return to again and again. This year is particularly special as we celebrate a significant milestone—our 35th anniversary! We’re so grateful for all that God has done through this ministry over the past three and a half decades, and we invite you to join us in celebrating His incredible faithfulness. Together, let’s take time to reflect with gratitude on the countless ways Just Between Us has walked alongside women in their faith journeys, offering encouragement, hope, and friendship to women all over the world. Thirty-five years ago, few believed it was possible to run a magazine with a small team of part-time staff and over 30 volunteers. Yet here we are, celebrating a vibrant ministry that continues to impact women worldwide. Our theme for this special anniversary year is celebrate. The word celebrate captures the heart of this milestone. When we celebrate, we recognize God’s goodness and give Him praise. We remember that through every high and low, He has been our constant source of hope, strength, and joy. God’s celebration of us is rooted in His great love for each of us—a love so deep that it touches every detail of our lives.
As we embark on this anniversary year, let’s celebrate together all that God has done. Let’s lift our hearts in gratitude for His goodness and remain watchful for new reasons to praise Him in the year ahead. As you read this issue, we invite you to reflect on what God has done in your own life and through this ministry. You are part of this story—the reason we have been able to encourage and equip women in their faith for 35 years. Whether you’ve been with us for decades or are just discovering Just Between Us, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here to celebrate with us. From all of us on the team, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, let’s celebrate the God who continues to make it all possible—and the amazing community of women who share in this journey with us—all of you! Rejoicing and celebrating with you,
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In this issue, we’ve included some treasures from the past—look for the anniversary logo to spot them. Don’t miss one of Joni Eareckson Tada’s inspiring columns, “God’s Idea of Good,” on page 12. For over 10 years, we had the privilege of featuring Joni’s powerful writing. Also, be sure to check out “On the Go for the Gospel”
on page 18, highlighting the remarkable story of our founder, Jill Briscoe. From the beginning, Jill’s heart was to resource women around the world with a publication they could call their own. At 54 years old, she made Just Between Us a reality. This year, we celebrate not only our anniversary but Jill’s 90th birthday this summer—and she’s still passionately on the go for the gospel!
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Contents
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on the cover
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Everyone Needs to Celebrate!
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Think About What You’re Thinking About
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Only changed behavior can restore trust. by Debbie W. Wilson
See yourself the way God sees you. by Sandy Mayle
Should I Trust Again?
A spiritual discipline that’s meant to be a regular rhythm in our lives. by Sharon Hodde Miller
Your life is shaped by your thoughts. by Jenna Dexter
In celebration of our 35th ministry anniversary, we will be giving you a peek into the past in each issue this year! Look for this logo.
Worthy in His Eyes
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Learning to walk in the understanding of who you are in Christ. by Tracy Hill
Holding onto the One who holds onto you. by Linda Kline
Celebrating Your Identity
Lessons from the Valleys
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
Jill Briscoe has always had a heart to share Jesus with the world. by Shelly Esser
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Another Side of Martha
How belief can exchange worry for peace. by Debra Celovsky
11 Transparent Moments 12 Joni’s Corner 31 Prayer Prompts 38 Living Your Faith
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columns
35 Years of Wisdom
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A collection of quotes that have been featured through the years to inspire your hearts once again. Compiled by Shelly Esser
Advertising & Accounts Manager Sharon Vaught
General Manager Mary Perso
Renewals Manager & Software Support Rebecca Loesche
Assistant Editor Suzan Braun
Marketing Julie Santiago
Director Digital Media Mary Ann Prasser
Director of Mission Advancement/ Social Media Ashley Schmidt
Copy Editors Ann Cook Rachel Engler Constance B. Fink Gayle Gengler Cherry Hoffner Danae Templeton
Subscriptions Mary Richards Jan Schuldt Lin Sebena
Creative Director Julie Krinke
Prayer Sharon Stonecipher
Advisory Board Anita Carman Pam Farrel Judy Briscoe Golz Nancy Grisham Pam MacRae Elizabeth Murphy Jackie Oesch Stephanie Seefeldt
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.
1 5 Minutes in the WORD
41 42 Faith at Work
Just Between Us (ISSN 1069-3459) is published quarterly by Just Between Us. 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
Your 44 Outside Front Door 45 Living Well
Periodical Postage Paid at Brookfield, WI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Just Between Us, 777 S. Barker Copyright ©2025 by Just Between Us. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.
for subscriptions
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ȷustbetweenus spring 2025
46 Everyday Transformation
Editor Shelly Esser
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39 40 Intentional Faith
Reflective questions to become aware of God’s movement in your life. by Cherry Schwulst
Circulation Manager Suzan Braun
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To Begin Again
Founder Jill Briscoe
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9 10 Happy Home
On the Go for the Gospel
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Encouraging WORDS
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Welcome from the Editor
features
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TABLE TALK WITH ABBY
Everyday Celebrations
H
ave you ever paused in the middle of a busy day and thought, “What would it look like to make this moment special?” I asked myself this recently as I balanced my nine-month-old on my hip, watching toys scatter around the living room. It wasn’t an ideal moment for guests, but a friend was coming by, and I wanted her to feel welcome. I didn’t have a fancy spread or a spotless home; just a cup of coffee and a cozy chair. As she sat down, I realized that hospitality in this season of life isn’t about perfection; it’s about being present.
Everyday Hospitality
Everyday celebrations are an invitation to foster this kind of intentional hospitality—a way of welcoming others in simple, heartfelt ways that bring joy to both them and us. In our task-driven world, it’s easy to think of hospitality as something reserved for special occasions or meticulously planned gatherings, but the Bible calls us to live lives of ongoing welcome, opening our hearts and homes not just occasionally, but as a natural rhythm that flows from our faith.
ȷustbetweenus spring 2025
One of the clearest examples of this everyday hospitality is in the life of Abraham. In Genesis 18, Abraham, sitting by his tent in the heat of the day, noticed three travelers approaching. Without hesitation, he hurried to greet them, inviting them to rest, and preparing a meal with urgency and care. Hospitality can be as simple as responding with openness to whomever crosses our path, whether they are expected or not.
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This openhearted way of living finds reinforcement in Hebrews 13:2, which reminds us, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers...” We’re encouraged to have a posture toward others that reflects God’s generous heart. When we approach hospitality as a daily practice, our homes become a haven, and our lives express the love of Christ to everyone who enters. As a mother, hospitality often looks different in this
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Abby Turner Kuykendall season. With a young child, life is messy, unpredictable, and full of interruptions. I’ve found that small gestures, like making space in my daily routine to be present, are the things that turn everyday moments into something meaningful. Inviting people into the realness of my life allows me to show love and share God’s love, even without perfection.
Small Gestures
Showing everyday hospitality doesn’t require grand gestures. We can bring joy to the ordinary with simple actions that make others feel loved. Here are some practical ways to begin celebrating the everyday: Share a simple meal: Invite a friend or neighbor over for coffee or soup—something easy yet comforting. Celebrate small milestones: Acknowledge achievements like a child’s first steps or a friend’s new job with a little treat or homemade card. Be spontaneous: The little moments where we send a text and say, “Come over,” or “Let’s grab lunch,” can become a way of life rather than a moment in time. Jesus modeled this relational hospitality beautifully. He didn’t wait for people to get their lives in order before connecting with them. He shared meals with tax collectors, dined with His disciples on dusty roadsides, and welcomed sinners into fellowship. He showed us that hospitality isn’t about the perfect setting but the heart behind it. Know that your hospitality—even in small gestures— makes a difference. When we welcome others, even amid the chaos, we create moments where people can feel Christ’s love. Everyday celebrations don’t require grand gestures; they simply need a willing heart. Through these small acts of hospitality we reflect a God who welcomes us, not just in the big moments of life, but in the often-forgotten moments of the everyday.
Abby Turner Kuykendall is the author of The Living Table, a newlywed, a new mom, and works full-time as a food blogger, speaker, and writer. Abby’s passion is to encourage women to stop wasting time waiting for the perfect family, house, or table and to start opening their homes and building community. Learn more about Abby and enjoy her recipes at atabletopaffair.com. G facebook.com/atabletopaffair w pinterest.com/atabletopaffair e instagram.com/atabletopaffair
IN PRINT! A Time to Celebrate God’s Faithfulness Let’s celebrate! It’s been 35 years since God took founder Jill Briscoe’s dream and made it a reality. Today, we celebrate Just Between Us as a faithful friend and spiritual lifeline to readers in every state in the U.S. and in over 65 countries. It has been our staff and volunteers’ profound privilege to walk beside each of you, offering encouragement and sharing in your journeys of faith. What an incredible ride this has been! Every page represents hours dedicated to bringing you biblically-based articles with the hope that God’s Spirit would refresh, challenge, and uplift your souls. It’s our great joy to draw you closer to God and His great love for you. We thank you, our dear readers! Your prayers and faithfulness have been the heart of this ministry. Celebrating this milestone would be impossible without you. Year after year, it’s been an honor to be your friend and trusted companion in your walk with God. As we celebrate in all kinds of ways this year, we look ahead with grateful hearts and eager anticipation for all God has in store.
Philippians 1:3
spring 2025 2025 ȷustbetweenus spring
“Together we have shared in the blessings of God.”
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