Category: Christianity

Focus on God, Not Fear

Posted on by Staci Mauney
Staci and Lilly, out for a walk

“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” →

My Grandma: A Living Example of Jesus’ Love

Posted on by Staci Mauney
My Mom and Grandma in June 2003

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Prov 31:30-31)

My Grandma Rena was the glue that held our family together. She faced numerous hardships growing up and even after she married. When she was a child, one of her brothers died when he had a seizure and fell into a puddle of water and drowned. Her mother died when she was only 16, and her older sister Lillian, who was already married, finished raising her. Continue reading “My Grandma: A Living Example of Jesus’ Love” →

Serving Outside My Comfort Zone

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Heb 13:16)

As an introvert, I have a difficult time stepping outside of my comfort zone to meet new people, even in situations that are designed for that purpose. Back when I had a day job and attended networking meetings on a regular basis, I would make my exit as quickly as possible when we were told to mingle, totally defeating the purpose of being there. Continue reading “Serving Outside My Comfort Zone” →

Using My Talent

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.” (Mt 25:16-18)

This week, I received print copies of my devotional book, Echoes of Joy: 30 Days of Experiencing God’s Grace, currently available on Amazon. I started blogging almost seven years ago at the encouragement of a friend. When I decided to write my first book, I wanted to base it on my current devotional blog. Earlier this year, I finished my devotional book and released it as an ebook. I had so many requests for a paperback book that I decided to have print copies made. Continue reading “Using My Talent” →

My Personal Top 40

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa 41:10)

Today is my 40th birthday, so happy birthday to me! I wanted to share with you 40 lessons I’ve learned over the course of my life. Some of them are obvious, but I think they bear repeating. Some, like the lessons I’ve learned about putting myself out there and talking to strangers, may not apply to you if you’re an extrovert. Some are humorous because “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Prov 17:22a). Hopefully, you’ll find some of them to be eye-opening and helpful in your own life. Continue reading “My Personal Top 40” →