Do People See Jesus in
? e M by Jill Briscoe
LOVING SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH DEPRESSION
J oy
Prescription for by Elizabeth Murphy
FINDING FRIENDS TO DO LIFE WITH 5 SIMPLE WAYS TO FLOURISH IN PRAYER SHE LOST HER SON ON 9/11
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Explore the Virtues of
F aith, Hope, & Love
welcome from the editor SHELLY ESSER
Hello Friends, It’s hard to believe we’ve already hit the halfway mark of the year. And what a glorious time of year this is, at least in Wisconsin, when God’s creative masterpiece of color fills the landscape and sky. What a blessing to know that every step we take on this journey of faith yesterday, today, and tomorrow is always in companionship with the God Who is crazy about us—and with a sisterhood that spans across the world. Think about that! You and I are never alone, not for one moment. It can feel like we are on some days, but the truth is God never leaves our side. The great C.S. Lewis said, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What? You, too? I thought I was the only one.’” It’s my prayer that throughout this issue you will have lots of “You Too” moments. That you will feel a heart connection with the authors who write for the sole purpose of encouraging you! Of lifting you up! Of refreshing you! Of walking alongside you through the printed word. All to point you to the Jesus who loves you.
AVAIL AB LE S E P TEMB E R 2021 • Hundreds of highlighted Bible verses relate to the key themes of faith, hope, and love • 52-week guide, rotating weekly through the key themes • Reading plans for a month or a year • Full-color art & journaling space throughout
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As we continue to focus on flourishing, our word for the year, I can’t help but think that when we shine, we also flourish, and help others flourish. I love what Mother Teresa said, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” It’s my prayer that you will go out into this broken and needy world shining the love of Christ through your face, your eyes, your smile, and your actions—and that the hurting people all around you will see Jesus in you! Keep Shining for Jesus,
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When we picked our encouraging word SHINE for the issue on page 9, we hadn’t selected our features yet.
On page 30, Greg Asimakoupoulos interviews Peggy Beamer in She Lost Her Only Son on 9/11 as we remember the attack on our nation 20 years ago. If you don’t remember, you’ll read how Todd shined for Jesus in a big way before the whole world in his last moments on this earth.
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FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE—the three virtues found in 1 Corinthians 13—are at the heart of the NIV Radiant Virtues Bible. Discover how these themes are woven through both the stories of the Bible and your own life.
There have been many times in my 30 years as editor that God has pulled out just the right article, word, phrase, Scripture, experience, or story that I have needed to make it through a tough day. The Holy Spirit knows exactly what you need and in what area of your life you need it. I’m trusting Him to do His work in your heart with this issue and that as you read down to the last word, you can say, “I’m not the only one. They get me. They understand me. They feel my pain. They know my joy. They know me!” We all need those kinds of friends in these days. And it’s my hope that you will find that friendship here in these pages every quarter.
And it wasn’t until I was editing this issue, that I discovered how the Holy Spirit weaved shine in big and small ways throughout the magazine. What an incredible opportunity we have as God uses us to shine the love of Christ in a dark and broken world. Jill Briscoe’s article, So Little Redeemed on page 14 is challenging to that end. Do the people around me see Jesus in me? Do the words that I speak and write on social media and other places shine with the love and kindness of Jesus? When we let Jesus shine in and through our lives 24/7, our world becomes a flourishing place.
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The friendship of Mary and Elizabeth has a lot to t each us about finding friends to do life with throughout all of our ups and downs. by Lisa Elliott
30 She Lost Her Only Son on 9/11 Todd Beamer’s mother reflects on his
courageous death twenty years later. by Greg Asimakoupoulos
34 Why Christian Love Matters in Depression
Breaking down the misconceptions so often associated with depression, so you can be Christ’s love to someone struggling through the darkness. by Dr. Kathryn Butler
37 5 Simple Ways to Flourish in Prayer When we flourish in prayer, our intimacy with
Laughing at the Days to Come 28
You can trust God to support and change you through the transitions of life. by Sandy Mayle
The Art of Helping 32
What to say and not to say when someone is hurting. by Terri Foster
faith chats 18 Experiencing God in Uncertain Times
Your Soul
Outside Your 44 Front Door
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s the world emerges from the pandemic, Eda A Esilaba shares wisdom about holding onto joy in the midst of pain. by Marilyn Pritchard
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Advisory Board Anita Carman Pam Farrel Judy Briscoe Golz Nancy Grisham Pam MacRae Elizabeth Murphy Jackie Oesch Stephanie Seefeldt
Just Between Us (ISSN 1069-3459) is published quarterly by Just Between Us, 777 South Barker Road, Brookfield, WI 53045-3701.
Christ grows. Try these five steps and watch what God does! by Ginger Harrington
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Creative Director Julie Krinke
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42 Discovering the Word 43 Strengthening
Photography Wayde Peronto Babboni Photography babbonis.com
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Editorial Assistants Ann Cook Constance B. Fink Gayle Gengler Betty Hinds Cherry Hoffner Melinda Papador Jen Symmonds Danae Templeton Susan Vanselow
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16 Flourishing Friendships
happily-ever-after fairy-tale ending doesn’t happen. by Julie Kulp
columns 38 Journal Your Heart 39 Intentional Faith 40 Living Well Minutes 41 1in5 the Word
Director of Mission Advancement/ Social Media Ashley Schmidt
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about your faith? by Jill Briscoe
Imperfectly Perfect One woman’s story of healing when the
Marketing Julie Santiago
Web Director Mary Ann Prasser
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What is your life saying to a watching world
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Renewals & Software Support Specialist Rebecca Loesche
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14 So Little Redeemed
A variety of women of all ages share ideas, tips, and wisdom about going back to school. compiled by Ann Cook
in every issue 3 Welcome from the Editor 6 Meet Our Team 7 Between Us 8 Happy Home 9 EncouragingWORDS 10 Heart to Heart 11 Transparent Moments
General Manager Mary Perso
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Have you been feeling blah? Discover how to pursue and enjoy life again. by Elizabeth Murphy
features 22 It’s Back to School Time!
Administrative Specialist Sharon Vaught
Assistant Editor Suzan Braun
12 on the cover 12 A Prescription for Joy
Editor Shelly Esser
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Circulation Manager Suzan Braun
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Founder/Executive Editor Jill Briscoe
EVANGE
VOLUME 31
CREDITS
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