Author: Staci Mauney

Celebrating Easter During a Crisis

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pt 1:3).

With so much going on in the world around us right now, it’s easy to focus on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the problems it’s causing. When I’m not careful about the media I consume, I get lost in the dire news predictions. My attention moves from God and what I know is true about him to fear and uncertainty.

Even though I want to focus on God, I let the chaos around me take my attention. In fact, I realized I had almost forgotten about Easter when I opened my YouVersion Bible app and saw the Easter Bible study plans there. Continue reading “Celebrating Easter During a Crisis” →

4 Tips for Working from Home

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Prov 16:3).

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, we practice social distancing. This means businesses and schools have closed, and people are working remotely. For such a busy, social culture, this type of restriction can cause us to feel isolated and alone. We aren’t able to meet our friends in person for coffee or dinner, and we may not see our coworkers for a while.

Over three years ago, I began working from home when I decided to focus on my editing business full time. I thought it would be easy since I’m an introvert, but I didn’t realize how lonely it could be.

Remember, even though it may seem that you’re alone, you’re not. We are all in this together. And perhaps you are literally not alone. You may be surrounded by your family, or your barking dog or clingy cat, all of whom are not used to being cooped up either. Continue reading “4 Tips for Working from Home” →

Hope in Troubled Times

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (Jn 14:27).

When I first learned of the coronavirus (COVID-19), it was in China, and then Iran and Italy. It was far away from me and my family. Even when reports of confirmed cases emerged here in the U. S., they were in states thousands of miles from me. But reality set in when the NBA canceled their entire season in my state, in my city. I realized the disease was much closer and more widespread than I wanted to acknowledge. Continue reading “Hope in Troubled Times” →

Songs of Deliverance

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Ps 32:7).

Have you ever had a song running through your mind long after it’s no longer playing? Fun fact: it’s called an earworm.

A few days ago, I took Lilly, my Yorkie companion, for a walk. Rather than listen to a podcast or music, I decided to pay attention to my surroundings and talk to the Lord about the current state of anxiety over coronavirus sweeping the nation. Continue reading “Songs of Deliverance” →

Confessions of a Planner

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Prov 16:9).

I’m a planner at heart, and I’m in my element when I’m organizing something, whether it’s my office space or an event. I like to plan things well in advance – the farther out, the better. Even one of my dates once pegged me for a planner, probably because I refused to drop everything to meet up for coffee at a moment’s notice. Sorry, but I only do that for good friends (and potential clients).

Even though I live like I think spontaneity is from the devil, I can—and have—adapted when necessary. In a previous blog post, I wrote about the way I sometimes meet up with friends at moment’s notice to combat loneliness. This works both ways. If a friend needs me, then I try to be there for her as well. While being spontaneous is difficult for me, it’s not impossible, and I find I benefit a great deal from releasing my hold on my schedule. Continue reading “Confessions of a Planner” →