Echoes of Joy Blog

41 Acts of Kindness in 41 Days: My Birthday Challenge

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“But show me unfailing kindness like the Lord’s kindness as long as I live…” (1 Sam 20:14)

In a previous blog post, I wrote about how I will turn 41 this month. I’ve challenged myself to complete forty-one acts of kindness in the forty-one days leading up to my birthday. My goal was to find as many things to do that didn’t cost money (or a minimal amount) as I could. Instead, I focused on things that took time or an effort to make a connection with someone. Continue reading “41 Acts of Kindness in 41 Days: My Birthday Challenge” →

Growing as a Leader

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“…but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Tim 4:12)

I’ve never considered myself a leader. I believed that because I’m an introvert and quiet, I couldn’t be a leader. Over the last few years, I’ve recognized that for the lie that it is. Introverts may lead differently than extroverts, but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t good leaders. We’re often motivated by productivity, not ambition, and we tend to build meaningful, lasting connections with people. Continue reading “Growing as a Leader” →

The Road Trip

Posted on by Staci Mauney

The Road Trip

Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? 16 Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge? (Job 37:15-16)

The hot days of summer bring back memories of childhood vacations: riding in the car for hours, listening to my brother sing Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA,” declaring war on my brother for crossing the invisible boundary separating us in the backseat, exploring the wonders of the West, and having adventures with family in Nevada. Continue reading “The Road Trip” →

Quirky

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Tim 1:5)

We all have funny quirks. When I’m reading, Lilly will jump in my lap, sniff the book all around, lick it one time, and then look up to see my reaction. It’s almost as if she wants to know why I’m just holding the book and not licking it, too. I haven’t figured out why she does this. Maybe it’s the glue or the taste of all the other hands that have held the book. Continue reading “Quirky” →

Growing Through Fear and Rejection

Posted on by Staci Mauney

This post was originally published on June 25, 2017.

“…may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God…” (Ephesians 3:18-19)

When I was a sophomore in college, I changed my major from accounting to English for two reasons: 1). I hated accounting and at 19 just couldn’t imagine working with numbers for the rest of my life; and 2) I loved words and wanted to be a writer. After graduation, I pursued several jobs as a writer, but most of those jobs were far from home. So instead of becoming a full-time writer, I began working in government and nonprofit positions where I used my writing and presentation skills. I then pursued writing part time. Continue reading “Growing Through Fear and Rejection” →