Category: Community

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” →

The Power of Taking a Break

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“…he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone…” (Mt 14:23

When I co-founded Prestige Prose over four years ago, I didn’t know what running my own business would actually be like. I had always worked for others in jobs with salaries and benefits. When I left one of those jobs to run Prestige Prose full time, reality set in quickly. I have no sick leave, no annual leave. For a while, I worked so many hours that weekends, too, were just two more days to work. Continue reading “The Power of Taking a Break” →

Lilly Doggins’ Summer Adventures

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:7-10)

Hi, friends! Lilly Doggins here. Summer’s in full swing, and my mom and I are having some great adventures together. Riding in the car is one of my favorite things, especially during the day when I can see outside. Mom takes me to the post office and the library when she doesn’t have to get out of the car and we can stay inside where it’s nice and cool. Continue reading “Lilly Doggins’ Summer Adventures” →

When Saying No Is the Boldest Choice

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Mt 5:37)

A couple of months ago, I wrote about the transitions I would face after moving into the past president position of the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. (OWFI). (You can read that post here.) Currently, I’m in the middle of that transition period. While I knew that adjusting to a new routine would take time, I’ve struggled more than I thought I would.

After devoting so much of my time to OWFI, I’m now able to take on other projects. But lest I burn out (a very real possibility), I’ve decided not to take on any new projects for at least six months, maybe even a year. Continue reading “When Saying No Is the Boldest Choice” →

2019 Mid-Year Goal Check

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer 29:11)

We’ve reached the halfway point of 2019. Yikes! Where did the time go? Before any more of 2019 slips away, I’m evaluating my goals for the year. In the past, I’ve broken my larger, yearly goals into smaller, monthly goals. I didn’t do that this year, and I’ve noticed my progress has lagged.

I set goals in seven different areas: health, financial, work, personal writing, Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. (OWFI), spiritual, and relationships. For each of these categories, I set two to three overarching goals for the year.

Having so many goals felt necessary in order to move forward, but overwhelming at the same time. I decided to focus most of my efforts on one area: health. Continue reading “2019 Mid-Year Goal Check” →