Month: September 2017

Meeting Bruce Campbell

Posted on by Staci Mauney
Bruce Campbell at local book signing

“David also said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.’” (1 Chron 28:20)

I had the opportunity to meet Bruce Campbell, the actor from the TV show Burn Notice and The Evil Dead movie franchise, at a book signing recently held at a local bookstore. This was a big deal for a couple of reasons: 1) to date, he’s the most famous person I’ve met; and 2) I attended the book signing alone, something I probably wouldn’t have done even just a year ago. And meeting him was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had. Continue reading “Meeting Bruce Campbell” →

Changing Our Shells

Posted on by Staci Mauney
Cricket the Hermit Crab
Photo courtesy of Casey Witvoet

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor 5:17)

Have you ever watched a hermit crab change shells? My best friend, Casey, raises hermit crabs, and has described the elaborate process to me. Hermit crabs will approach a new shell, spin it around, and examine it to make sure it doesn’t have any holes in it. Then, they stick their heads and legs inside to examine the interior and see if it’s smooth. If they like it, they will climb out of their old shell and into the new one. If it doesn’t fit quite right, they will come out of it and put their old shell back on. Continue reading “Changing Our Shells” →

Focus on God, Not Fear

Posted on by Staci Mauney
Staci and Lilly, out for a walk

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

During the hottest part of the summer, I woke up at 6:00 a.m. to walk my dog, Lilly. Even though we left early, the temperature was already in the low 80s. Oklahoma summers can be brutal. One of the parks that we go to has a really pretty fountain on one end. On this particular day, we walked over to the fountain. It’s located in slight depression, so Lilly and I walked down the steps and circled the fountain a couple of times. She jumped up on the edge of the fountain, peered into the water, and promptly jumped in, startling me. She resurfaced and started paddling for the edge, but she couldn’t reach it to get out on her own. I lifted her out of the water, and she took off running to dry off, dragging me behind her as I held onto her leash with all my strength. Continue reading “Focus on God, Not Fear” →

My Grandma: A Living Example of Jesus’ Love

Posted on by Staci Mauney
My Mom and Grandma in June 2003

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Prov 31:30-31)

My Grandma Rena was the glue that held our family together. She faced numerous hardships growing up and even after she married. When she was a child, one of her brothers died when he had a seizure and fell into a puddle of water and drowned. Her mother died when she was only 16, and her older sister Lillian, who was already married, finished raising her. Continue reading “My Grandma: A Living Example of Jesus’ Love” →