Janel Breitenstein

Learn more about Janel Breitenstein and check out Janel Breitenstein’s contributions to YMI over the years.

Posts

Two women are holding hands and one is crying

Walking With a Friend Who’s Grieving a Divorce

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Genevieve’s voice poured through the phone to me. She’s going through court proceedings following a horrific divorce.
a girl is holding a cup of tea and sit beside the fireplace

It's Christmas Already, But I'm Still Not Feeling It

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I find myself avoiding Christmas for a handful of reasons—not the activities, but allowing the inside of me to truly engage; to worship, enjoy, meditate and be all there.
Guy stressed out, sitting on the bench

Are You Struggling? God Sees You

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Today I’m writing for those of you who identify with Thomas more than Peter. Who tend to uncover more questions than answers in your faith.
text message bubble

When God Isn't Who You Thought He Was

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Some years ago, my family went through quite an upheaval as we transitioned from one country to another. The transition unearthed in me something unsettling about my own understanding of who God is.
Girl with a box over her head

Why Humility Isn't the Same as Putting Ourselves Down

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My friend gazed at me through FaceTime, a kind smile on her face. “I just want to let you know that I just counted you saying the word ‘stupid’ six times when talking about yourself.”
two friends sitting on the car

What Keeps Us From Going Deep in Friendships

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When I first found out that my thirdborn was a girl, a real part of me was afraid. I should have been happier to welcome a girl. But the thing is. . . female friendships had left me limping.
Image of a women sitting on the rocks by the lake

What It's Like to Wait on God

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Some of the very least favourite parts of my life are the days of waiting. Which, I guess, doesn’t say that much. After all, so much of life is waiting for something.
a woman looks mixed feeling

Am I Really My Sinful Self? Yes and No

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Someone told me they had stumbled on a great new discipline strategy for their children. When this person caught their child doing something wrong, the child was stopped. The parent would tell them, “That’s not who you are!” In one sense, that's true.
hand with ropes

Real Thoughts About Real Temptation

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Is there such a thing as a monthly sin? Because I think I have one of those. Okay, maybe more often than just once a month.