Month: September 2026

Directionally Challenged

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Many years ago, my mom and I attended a women’s conference in Oklahoma City. I drove, as is our custom. I can’t remember if I had a GPS system or if I had printed out the maps from MapQuest (it was that long ago). Either way, I wasn’t all that familiar with many areas of the city back then, and after dinner, I found myself turned around, in the dark, trying to find my way back to our hotel. I missed our exit, which meant I was now heading away from the hotel instead of toward it, and I started to panic. We were lost, and it was my fault. I didn’t know what to do. Continue reading “Directionally Challenged” →

Words of Encouragement

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today'” … (Hebrews 3:13)

This summer, my mom’s oldest brother passed away. My uncle was a big part of my life growing up and when I became an adult. In fact, I can’t remember a time when he wasn’t around. He and my aunt lived just down the street from us. I spent countless hours at their house playing with my cousins. When I visited my grandma, he would often pop in while I was there. He told the funniest stories, and he always had a joke. My grandma’s laughter would ring out, and it was so contagious that even if I didn’t understand the joke, I would laugh along too.

One of my favorite memories of my uncle comes from a very difficult season in my life. When I was going through my divorce, I reached out to him because I needed someone to talk to. Not only was he my uncle, but he was also my pastor. He listened with kindness, offered encouragement, and reminded me that I still had something to contribute. Continue reading “Words of Encouragement” →

When We Drift

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:8)

A little over a year ago, I had a stress fracture in my right foot and had to wear a boot for two months. (I wrote about that experience here.) Now, all these months later, I continue to have issues with the joint between my right hip and my thigh, the hip flexor. Most days, I don’t notice anything. But every once in a while, my hip aches or I have a catch in my hip when I stand and walk after sitting for an extended period. Earlier this year, in March, I tried running a short distance, and my hip flexor ached constantly for about two months.

When my hip gave me trouble during this time, I went to the doctor, who gently scolded me for running—it was too much too soon, she said. She instructed me to walk or do low-impact exercises only. Then I did some research on exercises that will strengthen that joint. The truth is, I’m getting older and most likely have some arthritis making that joint weaker, even without the added burden of walking off-balance in a boot for two months. Continue reading “When We Drift” →

Our Forever Home

Posted on by Staci Mauney
Charlie Bones

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3)

As an adult, I’ve had two dogs, and both have been rescues. They were dogs no one wanted initially, and then in both cases, the people who took them in couldn’t keep them. That’s how I ended up with Lilly and then, thirteen years later, Charlie.

After Lilly died, I considered going to a shelter to get a dog. I perused shelter websites looking for the perfect dog. Most of the dogs were big, and I wanted a small one. I stopped looking because it was too heartbreaking.

Then Charlie came along, and he was the perfect fit. He’s high energy—too high energy for some people, which is why he came to live with me when his first owner decided he wanted a calmer dog. I had thought that Lilly had a lot of energy, but she was almost reserved compared to Charlie. The things that kept her occupied didn’t work on him. He loves to chew and has sharp teeth. I engaged him in training and found natural chews that he could tear into—and not bite my fingers or my furniture. Continue reading “Our Forever Home” →