Echoes of Joy Blog

Developing Deep Roots

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jer 17:7-8)

Most of Oklahoma, but especially the area in southwestern Oklahoma where I grew up, is experiencing extreme drought right now. Less than a year ago, we had one of the wettest summers on record. It rained so much that I couldn’t keep up with the yard work. When it finally stopped raining long enough for me to mow, the thick grass was so tall and wet from the rain that it was hard to get the mower through it. Continue reading “Developing Deep Roots” →

Finding Balance

Posted on by Staci Mauney

 

“She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made…” (Luke 10:39-40)

I often get so distracted by the busyness of work and meeting all the obligations I’ve signed up for – things like volunteering at church, for Bible study, for my state writing association, and for a local senior center – that I lose focus of the important things in my life – namely, the people. Continue reading “Finding Balance” →

Battling the Winter Blues

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Th 5:11)

The long, cold winter and gray skies were bringing me down. It seemed winter would never end, and this year my seasonal affective disorder (SAD-an apt acronym if ever there was one) has been triggered more often than in many recent years. The older I get, the more I hate cold weather, which is common of many of us who have SAD. The combination of cold, gray skies, and short days is enough to send me into a spiral of irritability and sadness. I try to keep those feelings to myself so that I won’t damage my relationships, but my friends and family who know me best are aware of how I feel and try to encourage me and talk me through it. Continue reading “Battling the Winter Blues” →

Celebrating the Easter Season

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. (Mt 9:14-15)

Easter, unlike Thanksgiving or Independence Day, is not celebrated on a single day. Instead, the Easter season begins with Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, reflection, and penitence leading up to Easter Sunday. Lent fell on Valentine’s Day this year, the first time that’s happened since 1945. Easter will be on April Fool’s Day. Continue reading “Celebrating the Easter Season” →

The Benefits of Reading

Posted on by Staci Mauney

 

 

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn…” (Rom 12:15)

The cold months of winter were made for curling up with a cup of tea and a good book and of course, Lilly. When I read, Lilly likes to curl up in my lap (on top of a blanket, of course), or right next to my feet on the end of the recliner. She is always curious about what I’m reading – she will give the book a good sniff or two and then lick it a couple of times before giving her approval and settling in next to me. When my mom reads the newspaper, she jumps right in the middle of my mom’s lap and steps on the paper before turning around as if she’s reading, too. Continue reading “The Benefits of Reading” →