Author: Staci Mauney

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” →

Lent: A Season of Sacrifice

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen…” (Matthew 28:5)

Easter, unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, is not celebrated on a single day. Instead, the Easter season begins with Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection that leads to Easter Sunday. Continue reading “Lent: A Season of Sacrifice” →

All the Small Things

Posted on by Staci Mauney

All the Small Things

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Mt 6:33).

When my car needs repaired, I turn to my dad for help. He’s an excellent mechanic and enjoys tinkering on vehicles. I’m thankful because I rarely have major car repair expenses. Recently, he changed the brake pads and rotors and then the oil in my car. When he lowered the car back to the ground, he cranked the ignition, and…it wouldn’t start. Continue reading “All the Small Things” →

Read Books That Renew Your Mind

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom 12:2).

Would it surprise you to learn that 26 percent of people didn’t read even part of a book in the last year? As an avid reader, that statistic boggles my mind. Books compete with a host of other forms of entertainment for our attention. If you’re not reading, you’re missing out on some great benefits, including a reduced amount of stress and improved memory and focus.

If that’s not enough proof of why you should be reading, check out this statistic: a study by researchers at the University of Toledo reported that 77 percent of participants who watched more than two hours of TV each night felt significantly more depressed, stressed, and had higher levels of anxiety than those who watched less. Continue reading “Read Books That Renew Your Mind” →