Echoes of Joy Blog

Let Freedom Ring

Posted on by Staci Mauney

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13–14)

Cookouts. Fireworks. Family. I have many good memories of celebrating Independence Day, a holiday when we celebrate the birth of the United States of America and all the freedoms afforded to us because of where we live. Freedoms that men and women (and their families) fought and sacrificed for, from the battlefields to the halls of Congress, from courtrooms to grassroots movements—all starting on the day in 1776 when the US declared it was no longer a colony of England but rather an independent nation. Continue reading “Let Freedom Ring” →

Delays

Posted on by Staci Mauney

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. (Prov. 16:9)

A few months ago, I flew from Oklahoma City to New Orleans for a work conference. After hearing so much about delays and problems with flights over the last few years, I wasn’t looking forward to it.

Thankfully, the delays I experienced were minor, and I got to my destination only five minutes later than planned. The longest delay occurred when I arrived and couldn’t find my luggage. I watched the conveyer belt for my lime green suitcase (you can’t miss it!), but it never appeared. The Uber driver who was taking me to the conference hotel called every ten minutes or so as he circled the airport, waiting for me to emerge. Finally, when the conveyer belt stopped moving, I realized that my suitcase wasn’t coming out. I found an airline representative, who went into the back to check for me, and thirty seconds later she wheeled my suitcase out.

Delays in life are inevitable. Do we handle them with anger and annoyance? Or with patience and calm? If you’re like me, it depends on what causes the delay and how long it takes. Usually, there’s a mixture of emotions—first anger at the delay, and then worry as reality sets in and I realize I can’t do anything about it. Calm acceptance happens much later, often after a delay is resolved and I’ve moved on. Continue reading “Delays” →

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” →

When Faith Falters

Posted on by Staci Mauney

He [Jesus] replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (Matthew 8:26)

Hey, readers! It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog post (or anything else), and if you’ve moved on, I understand. But if you’re still here, or if you’ve just stumbled across this post, please know how happy I am to have you.

Around this time last year, I realized that the freelance writing and editing business I’d worked so hard to build was in trouble. I wasn’t bringing in new clients, and my long-term, reliable clients didn’t have much work for me. After eight years of hustling to find work, and almost three years of steady work, I was burned out. As much as I hated to, I knew that I needed to find an alternative source of income not related to writing and editing. Continue reading “When Faith Falters” →