Echoes of Joy Blog

Reflections on Year 4

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (Prov 29:18 KJV)

When my friend and I started Prestige Prose, our online professional editing service, back in 2015, my goal was to run the business full time someday. But to be honest, I wasn’t sure if that could be a reality. I knew people who edited or wrote as a side hustle but not full time.

After establishing an online presence and developing a small portfolio, I ventured out on my own in October 2016. I quit my office job. My goal at the time was to give the editing business one year and then reevaluate. Continue reading “Reflections on Year 4” →

Embracing the Lessons of 2020

Posted on by Staci Mauney
Road trip! This photo was taken in January 2020 before one of the last trips to my mom’s orthopedist.

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Ps 18:2)

This last year has been quite a roller coaster ride. Last month marked one year since my mom fell and broke her kneecap. When the orthopedist told us an injury like hers could take up to six months to get better and a year to heal completely, I thought, That surely isn’t right. Continue reading “Embracing the Lessons of 2020” →

Praying the Psalms for Encouragement

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” (Ps 39:7)

My spiritual discipline for 2020 is prayer, and what a year of prayer it has been! From global issues like COVID-19 to national issues such as racial disparities and the election to personal issues like community, I’m learning to “pray continually” (1 Thess 5:17). But sometimes, situations are overwhelming, and words are hard to find. When that happens, I use prayer prompts I find online or in a Bible study plan. Often those prompts are from the Psalms. Continue reading “Praying the Psalms for Encouragement” →

Finding the Pandemic Reset Button

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” Rom 14:12

Early in the pandemic, I threw myself into work and other projects to stay busy, and now I’m feeling the fatigue. Every day feels like Groundhog Day.

I’ve let some things slip. Things like my Bible study time and eating habits. Has this happened to you? No? Is it just me? Continue reading “Finding the Pandemic Reset Button” →

Giving Thanks for Fall

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess 5:18)

Fall has long been my favorite season. As a child, I looked forward to the first day of school when I would see my friends again. The sport I enjoyed most—basketball—started in the fall.

When I was diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder as an adult, I dreaded fall because it meant I was that much closer to winter, when the worst of my symptoms would hit. Continue reading “Giving Thanks for Fall” →