Category: Christianity

Why I Write

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“He is the one you praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.” (Dt 10:21)

If you’ve followed me very long, then you know about my twisty writing journey. As a child, I enjoyed writing and even started a book called Just Say No when I was about eight. Apparently, I had taken to heart the message about staying away from drugs and wanted to convince others to do the same. As a teenager, I joined the school newspaper staff as a writer and then an editor, and I went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in mass communications. If there was something to be written, whether an article, academic paper, or novel, I wanted to know how to do it. Continue reading “Why I Write” →

Lessons from Year Three as a Small Business Owner

Posted on by Staci Mauney

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

This month, I celebrate my three-year anniversary as a full-time professional writer and editor. Each year of this journey, I’ve looked back on the lessons I’d learned the year before. In year three, I learned the following:

  1. My health is a priority.

Continue reading “Lessons from Year Three as a Small Business Owner” →

What I’ve Learned from Autumn

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.” (Ps 104:19)

Although the calendar says it’s autumn, it has yet to feel like it here in Oklahoma. We often don’t see much of autumn at all―the weather stays in the 80s and 90s as it is now before dropping sharply into the 40s and 50s. The leaves simply die and fall from the trees. Last year, we had a banner year with record amounts of rain and riotous colors on the trees.

In spite of the warm (hot!) temperatures, my heart feels that autumn is upon us. As the seasons change, I’m reminded that although change is hard, it can also be beautiful. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned from autumn. Continue reading “What I’ve Learned from Autumn” →

The Lesson of the Peace Lily

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Ps 31:24)

When my grandpa passed away over eleven years ago, I received a peace lily after his service. It’s common practice here in Oklahoma for members of the family to choose the plants they want that aren’t specifically designated for someone, so I chose the peace lily.

This plant has followed me through two moves and survived six months of serious neglect. I nearly killed it several times. Never on purpose, of course. But when I got busy, I forgot to water it, forgot to open the blinds, and just generally forgot about the poor plant that sat all alone in the corner of my house. At one point, the plant had only two small leaves pushing up from the dirt. Continue reading “The Lesson of the Peace Lily” →

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” →