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Hey there! I’m Jodie, and I’m glad you’re here. I’m a wife, a mom, and a writer who thinks God is infinitely tender, infinitely strong, and infinitely the reason we can live lives marked by grace, purpose, and joy. He’s pretty amazing, and nothing makes me happier to talk about him with friends like you! Read More

On the Blog

Sabbatical Summer: Find the Rest You Crave in the Chaos

Sabbatical Summer: Find the Rest You Crave in the Chaos

June 17, 2024

How to Pray for the Marriage You Want Title Slide

How to Pray for the Marriage You Want (A 5-Day Plan)

April 26, 2024

Robbie with grandchildren

How to Pray for Your Grandchildren

April 5, 2024

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Took a bazillion pix on our family vacay (I am "that" mom), but this one might be my favorite. It's peaceful, but what you can't see is the storm of snotty tears on my face.

Everyone had packed up and left except for our son Robbie and his wife. I went down to the ocean for one last cold plunge, and the tears just started falling.

Tears of gratitude, yes. You've seen the pix; we had a wonderful time. But also tears of frustration and fear.

Like every mom, I have a heart full of unanswered prayers for my kids and my grandkids, and nothing brings those to the surface like spending a week in a cottage with 15 people, 2.5 baths, sick & sleepless babies, and two toddlers who kept falling out of their new "big kid" beds.

As I stood there, knee deep in the waves, crying out to the Lord (and hoping the lifeguards didn't notice my shaking and attempt a rescue), I felt an arm encircle my shoulder. It was my son...but honestly? It felt like a hug from God. Like he saw me. Like he knew.

Psalm 147:5 says that God's understanding has no limit. He gets us. He sympathizes with our weaknesses, and he invites us to come. To fall into his arms and find mercy and grace.

I don't know what's on your heart today, but if you are a mom or a grandmom, I know you love your family as much as I love mine, and I am sure you have some fears of your own. You might not have an ocean nearby to bawl into, or even a big strapping son (who has no idea why you are crying) to come give you a hug, but you have Jesus.

Let him hold you today. He understands. 💜

(Thank you, @moberndt_ , for snapping this pic. It is one I will treasure.)

It's been an interesting week in our country (almost surreal, stacking the craziness of the headlines against the crazy of our family vacay). But I'm still so very glad to be an American - and even more grateful, as I scroll thru 1386 photos this morning, to my people for putting up with my "fun" ideas.

Because sometimes you just have to make your own Patriotic Parade. 🇺🇸❤️

We all crave connection - and what better place to build friendships than around a summer table?

Jesus was a pro at the al fresco thing, and his invitation to "Come and dine" (John 21:12) is for all of us. And before you start stressing about having to create the "perfect" tablescape, remember this wisdom from @thetablebylynnpitts:

1. Start with a good foundation (as in, pick a tablecloth to set the vibe)
2. Add some layers & fun accents (the turquoise chargers pictured here were just $1.99 @hobbylobby 😉)
3. Focus on PEOPLE over PRESENTATION - invite friends, family, or neighbors and just let people know they are loved (even if they keep talking while you are trying to film 🤣)

#ComeAndDine #SettheTable #summervibes

🤩 PRICE DROP! Prime Day pricing is just $10.83 - almost 50% off - July 16-17 🤩

Happy Monday! Sliding into your scroll with some fun news: Praying the Scriptures for Your Children" got picked for Amazon's Prime Day deals - now thru 7/17 you can get the book (reg $19.99) for just $11.40. 🎉🎉

+ the hardcover gift version is $15.49 (reg $27.99). 🎁🤗

Stock up now for baby showers, birthdays, Christmas... or grab a few friends and read/pray the book together, using the ⭐️ free study guide ⭐️ available at JodieBerndt.com.

#primeday #prayingthescriptures #salealert #parenting #prayer

I could have added about a hundred more Bible promises to this clip - God LOVES it when his children walk! 😊

I'm walking all over the place this summer as part of the LOVE PACED RACE. This isn't a "normal" race; it's more about getting out there and MOVING together in FREEDOM. You choose where you walk, when you walk, how fast/slow you walk, and even how far you walk.

If you'd like to join me (and thousands of others 👟👟👟), click the link in my bio & pick the training program you want - anything from a 5K (three-ish miles) to a full marathon. Part of every registration fee goes to help ❌ fight human trafficking ❌ thru a partnership with @a21 - and between now and July 8, get 20% off with the code FREEDOM24 🇺🇸⭐️

And here's something for all my fellow Scripture nerds. Can you spot all 7 "walking" verses tucked into the reel? 🧐 Take another listen...I'll share the answers below! 😉
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Micah 6:8
Ephesians 5:2
Isaiah 43:2
Isaiah 30:21
John 8:12
1 John 1:7
Psalm 119:45

Happy 4th! 🇺🇸

Every year when we drag this plywood sign out of the garage, I am thankful for all the little hands who helped make it nearly 25 years ago! ❤️😊

If you're familiar with Nehemiah's story, you probably know how the Jews - stunningly - rebuilt Jerusalem's walls in just 52 days, despite fierce opposition and attempted sabotage from their enemies.

What you might not know - and what I've never done much thinking about - was what happened next.

The walls & gates were repaired, but the city itself still wasn't all that attractive, and most of the Jews preferred to live outside the walls in the surrounding towns and countryside.

To re-populate the city (both to protect it, and as a witness to what God was doing through his people in that place), the Jews instituted a draft of sorts, picking one out of ten ppl by lot. They also accepted volunteers.

Warren Wiersbe wrote this about Nehemiah 11:

"Never underestimate the importance of being physically present in the place where God wants you. You might not be asked to perform some dramatic ministry, but simply being there is a ministry."

Where might God want you to be present today?

Maybe it's working Vacation Bible School, even if you don't have kids in the program. Maybe it's showing up at a funeral service for the neighbor you didn't know all that well, just to let the family know they are loved. Maybe it's calling a friend to go for a walk - not because you need to talk, but maybe she needs someone to listen.

🔥 "Never underestimate the importance of being physically present in the place where God wants you." 🔥

Happy Monday, Friends! Let's ask God to help us be alert to the places he wants us to show up this week. 🤗

Y'all. My stuff does NOT look this good. But when Lynn Pitts comes to town, everything magically starts coming together. Follow @thetablebylynnpitts for more inspo - and if you live in the Charlotte NC area, pop by Lynn's shop @cotswoldmarketplace or invite her to come over and make YOUR table look this good! 🌺🍽️🥂