Category: Christianity

Focus on God, Not Fear

Posted on by Staci Mauney

This blog was originally posted on September 10, 2017.

“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” →

Back to School

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. (Prov 9:9)

When fall approaches, I start thinking about going back to school. I always enjoyed school, from learning new things to seeing my friends to joining clubs.

Even as I got older, I continued my love of learning. I studied English literature and writing as an undergrad and secondary education as a graduate student. Sometimes, I think about going back to get my Master of Fine Arts or maybe even my doctorate. Continue reading “Back to School” →

Overcoming Negative Self-Talk

Posted on by Staci Mauney
At the Skirvin Hotel for WriterCon 2019

Writing is a solitary activity, but like anything else, my writing is better when I have a group of people who can provide feedback and cheer me on. Attending a writing conference is a great way to meet like-minded people, learn more about the craft of writing, and learn more about the business side of writing.

This weekend, I attended WriterCon, an annual writing conference in Oklahoma City. Even though I’ve been attending writing conferences for years (and even helped organize a few), I learn new lessons each time. Continue reading “Overcoming Negative Self-Talk” →

More Summer Adventures with Lilly Doggins

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” (Prov 12:10)

Hi, friends! It’s Lilly Doggins again. Mom said I could tell you more about our summer adventures. But first, I have to tell you something—I think my mom has lost her mind. She took me to the V-E-T again (she still thinks I can’t spell that word) to have my teeth cleaned. This’ll be the third trip this summer! I don’t know why I needed to have my teeth cleaned. I chew on DentaSticks every day. Just because my breath didn’t smell like roses before. It does now, and my pearly whites gleam. Friends, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, but I’d still appreciate your prayers for Mom to stop taking me to that place. Continue reading “More Summer Adventures with Lilly Doggins” →

Growing in Community

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal 6:2)

As believers in Christ, we carry a sense of responsibility for each other, known as community. Growing up, my family, my church friends, and my school friends formed my communities. I didn’t have to search for them; they were just there. When I started kindergarten, one of my cousins was in my class, along with several of the girls I knew from church. I can still remember spending the day with my cousins or friends from church, making cookies, riding bikes, watching movies, or playing with makeup. We were in and out of each other’s homes and lives, and I thought that was just how it was supposed to be. Continue reading “Growing in Community” →