Category: Family

Words of Encouragement

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today'” … (Hebrews 3:13)

This summer, my mom’s oldest brother passed away. My uncle was a big part of my life growing up and when I became an adult. In fact, I can’t remember a time when he wasn’t around. He and my aunt lived just down the street from us. I spent countless hours at their house playing with my cousins. When I visited my grandma, he would often pop in while I was there. He told the funniest stories, and he always had a joke. My grandma’s laughter would ring out, and it was so contagious that even if I didn’t understand the joke, I would laugh along too.

One of my favorite memories of my uncle comes from a very difficult season in my life. When I was going through my divorce, I reached out to him because I needed someone to talk to. Not only was he my uncle, but he was also my pastor. He listened with kindness, offered encouragement, and reminded me that I still had something to contribute. Continue reading “Words of Encouragement” →

My Dad’s Example

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Cor 3:2-3)

From praying before meals when I was a child to demonstrating a strong work ethic, my dad is a man of conviction who leads by example and supports and encourages his family.

When I was growing up, I learned the value of a good education by watching my dad earn multiple degrees and become a teacher. He didn’t need all those degrees to teach, but he enjoyed the process of learning, and he taught me to enjoy it as well. When he attended summer school in Stillwater, he took my brother and me to class with him a few times. It’s an experience I still remember to this day. Continue reading “My Dad’s Example” →

A Strong Influence

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Her children arise and call her blessed…” (Proverbs 31:28)

Mother’s Day is always a good time to acknowledge the women who have influenced me the most. Throughout my life, I’ve had many examples of what a strong Christian woman looks like. My family tree is filled with women who have helped me learn more about Jesus and grow stronger in my faith, and I also have a lot of friends who have been good examples. Continue reading “A Strong Influence” →

The Map for Our Lives

Posted on by Staci Mauney

This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God,    who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. (Is. 48:17)

When I was growing up, my family went on a road trip almost every summer. My dad, a teacher, had summers off, and since his mom lived in Nevada, we would take off and explore various points of the West on our way to visit her. Continue reading “The Map for Our Lives” →

The Anchor of Our Souls

Posted on by Staci Mauney

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (Heb. 6:19)

My parents and I visited my brother and his wife in western Michigan this June, and on our first full day there, we took a day trip to Grand Haven, where we visited Lake Michigan and the Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer and Inner Lighthouses. Last summer, I wrote a blog post about my fascination with lighthouses and all they represent for me as a Christian, and these lighthouses were no exception.

Painted bright red, they are located on the south pier where the Grand River enters Lake Michigan. The inner lighthouse is tall and cylindrical and what we picture when we think of a lighthouse. The outer lighthouse looks like a little square barn and sits right at the end of the pier. Originally, the outer lighthouse contained a foghorn to warn sailors they were approaching land when the fog was so heavy the light could not be seen. Continue reading “The Anchor of Our Souls” →