Hearing God’s Voice by Cara McLauchlan
SAYING GOODBYE TO THE HOME YOU LOVE
HOW TO SUPPORT SOMEONE FOR THE LONG HAUL
The Gift of
Rest
MAKE SPACE FOR A JOY-FILLED SUMMER
by Catriona Futter
FIND JOY IN YOUR MOTHERING LIFE’S NOT MEANT TO BE LIVED DEFENSIVELY
summer 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
welcome from the editor SHELLY ESSER
Welcome to Summer! Hi Friends, Summer… doesn’t just hearing the word make your spirit feel lighter, freer, and happier? I know it does for me. I look forward to this break in the year when sunshine lasts a little longer, a warm blast meets you every time you step outside, and opportunities for your soul refreshment abound everywhere you look. We savor the sun-kissed shimmering water that washes over our tired souls, the extended times with family and friends on memorable vacations, the lunches at fun outdoor spots, and the favorite cool drinks that quench our thirst—all of it somehow brings us back to life! I live in a part of the country where summers are short-lived, so I have to be intentional—our word for the year—about squeezing the enjoyment out of every minute of it. Do you know what happens when we go into summer with an intentional mindset? We don’t miss out on all God has in store for us; instead, we go through the season purposefully seizing hold of the new opportunities in front of us instead of looking back with regret. We want this issue to help you do that and more…so you can enjoy an intentional summer filled with all the good things your soul needs, and you can look back and say, “My summer counted, it produced growth, and my faith is stronger because of it!”
Then, How I Learned to Hear God’s Voice by Cara McLauchlan on page 16 will help you find your own listening style to hear God. As you’ll see, it most often starts with making more room for God in your life. And for those people in your life who are enduring long trials, author Eileen VandeBerg shares firsthand from her family’s chronic health challenges in Bear Their Burdens on page 26. She offers five practical ways you can approach and come alongside those who are suffering in your life. I can’t wait for you to dig in—there is so much more in store for you! Plan to savor every word and let the Holy Spirit encourage you, comfort you, challenge you, and inspire you. May this summer be a time of spiritual rejuvenation, growth, and deepening intimacy with Jesus. As you bask in the warmth and new rhythm this season brings, may your spirit be refreshed and your faith strengthened—and may you have some fun and new adventures along the way! Here’s to an intentionally refreshing summer!
ȷustbetweenus summer 2024
May God use the words in this issue as part of His summer refreshment plan for you—where you can take a few moments throughout this quarter to draw strength, hope, and encouragement from the words His Spirit lifts straight from the pages and into your hearts.
Inside, you will find all kinds of inspiring articles from women like you. For starters, The Gift of Intentional Rest by Catriona Futter on page 12 will introduce you to seven types of rest and will give you the framework to be intentional in planning activities to restore your soul instead of depleting it. You’ll find a link to a quiz that will help you assess your rest needs.
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Contents
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on the cover
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Recover your life, renew your energy, and restore your soul. by Catriona Futter
Lessons from the birdsong. by Cara McLauchlan
Sticking with others through their long trials. by Eileen VandeBerg
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God gives you grace enough to let go. by Ann M. Cook
The beautiful journey of trusting it all to God. by Katie Davis Majors
Intentionally planning a summer that counts. by Laura Thomas
The Gift of Intentional Rest
ȷustbetweenus summer 2024
Saying Goodbye to Your Family Home
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How I Learned to Hear God’s Voice
What I Didn’t Know About Being a Mom
Bear Their Burdens
Making Space for Simple Joy
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.
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features
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row Your 36 GDiscipleship 38 Intentional Faith
A Change of Perspective
Everyone is dealing with something, let’s choose compassion over judgment. by Renee Smith
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45 Everyday Transformation 46 Between Friends
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10 Transparent Moments 11 Encouraging WORDS 15 Jill Briscoe Poetry 21 Living Your Faith 24 Prayer Prompts
Renewals Manager & Software Support Rebecca Loesche
Director Digital Media Mary Ann Prasser
43 44 Living Well
How God builds truth into us in an intentional and sequential manner. by Sandy Mayle
Advertising & Accounts Manager Sharon Vaught
Assistant Editor Suzan Braun
Outside Your Front Door
Step by Step
Editor Shelly Esser General Manager Mary Perso
Minutes 40 1in5 the Word
41 Intentional Journal 42 Faith at Work
Circulation Manager Suzan Braun
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Founder/Executive Editor Jill Briscoe
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You can be secure in the cleft of God’s heart. by Constance B. Fink
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Whispers from the Waves
CREDITS
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