Category: Hope

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” →

Our Forever Home

Posted on by Staci Mauney
Charlie Bones

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3)

As an adult, I’ve had two dogs, and both have been rescues. They were dogs no one wanted initially, and then in both cases, the people who took them in couldn’t keep them. That’s how I ended up with Lilly and then, thirteen years later, Charlie.

After Lilly died, I considered going to a shelter to get a dog. I perused shelter websites looking for the perfect dog. Most of the dogs were big, and I wanted a small one. I stopped looking because it was too heartbreaking.

Then Charlie came along, and he was the perfect fit. He’s high energy—too high energy for some people, which is why he came to live with me when his first owner decided he wanted a calmer dog. I had thought that Lilly had a lot of energy, but she was almost reserved compared to Charlie. The things that kept her occupied didn’t work on him. He loves to chew and has sharp teeth. I engaged him in training and found natural chews that he could tear into—and not bite my fingers or my furniture. Continue reading “Our Forever Home” →

The Rescue Attempt

Posted on by Staci Mauney

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

If you follow me on social media, then you may have read the first part of this story. This blog contains the conclusion and lessons learned.

When I got home from work, I let my dog, Charlie Bones, out into the backyard, where he found an injured bird—a little robin. I placed it in a shoebox, lined the box with a towel to keep the bird from slipping, and with help and advice from friends and family, set out to keep it alive while it was in my care. Continue reading “The Rescue Attempt” →