Month: May 2020

Cultivating Contentment

Posted on by Staci Mauney

…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Phil 4:11-12)

Lately, I’m parsing the lessons the Lord has been teaching me during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve realized just how much my circumstances inform my ability to be content. At various times in my life, I’ve complained about my busy schedule, disliking large crowds, and having to cook. During the lockdown, I complained about canceled events, isolation, and having to cook. Continue reading “Cultivating Contentment” →

The Clarity of Hindsight

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. (Is 64:4)

Hindsight is twenty-twenty. It’s a cliché because it’s true. When I look back over a situation, I always have more clarity than when I am in the middle of it. While I may not understand completely, I do find lessons and areas of growth I couldn’t see at the time.

That’s the case with the recent quarantine. While many are still quarantined for various reasons—their health or the health of a loved one, their level of exposure to someone with the virus, the area where they live—most of the US has started opening up to some degree. So I may not have enough hindsight yet, but lessons are emerging. Continue reading “The Clarity of Hindsight” →

Lilly’s Quarantine Adventures

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” (Gen 1:26)

Hi, friends! Lilly Doggins here to tell you about my experiences during quarantine. I’m not sure what a quarantine is (that’s Mom’s word), but she has stayed home all the time for the last couple of months. She’s worked from home for a few years, but she leaves me alone sometimes, and I’m not happy when she does. She says things like, “I’m going to the coffee shop to work” or “I have to meet a client” or “It’s LifeGroup night!” I’ve never understood why I can’t go. But if the quarantine is what’s keeping my mom home, then I have to admit that I love it! Continue reading “Lilly’s Quarantine Adventures” →

My Mother’s Strength

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Rom 5:3-4).

Last September, my mom fell and broke her kneecap. With the subsequent surgery and recovery, she was off work for about six months. What seemed like a tragedy had a silver lining: I stayed with my parents during those months, and I spent more time with them than I normally would have. And even though I wish my mom hadn’t gotten hurt, I wouldn’t trade the time with her for anything, especially since the lockdown has kept us apart for the last couple of months. Continue reading “My Mother’s Strength” →

Living in the Moment

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14).

My Yorkie companion, Lilly, and I go for a walk almost every day. Sometimes, I hurry to get my steps in so that I can get home and go back to work. Other times, I slow down and just enjoy the time with Lilly as she explores every rock and flower along the way. (I’ve written before about how Lilly helps me slow down and enjoy our walks. You can read that post here.)

During the quarantine, I’ve worked to be intentional on our walks—to notice the fresh air, the pretty flowers, the animals cavorting through the neighborhood. This focus has led me to notice some fun things in my neighborhood like the ducks in the water at the pocket park, the squirrel running up the tree beside me, the beautifully landscaped yards, and the abandoned house covered in ivy. Continue reading “Living in the Moment” →