Echoes of Joy Blog

Introducing Charlie

Posted on by Staci Mauney

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:10)

Meet Charlie! Charlie is a three-month-old Yorkie schnauzer mix (a schnorkie) who came into my life at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, September 10, 2022. His previous owner is a handyman who has fixed a number of things around my house over the years. When working at my house recently, he asked about Lilly, my Yorkie companion, since he didn’t see her running around or hear her barking. I told him that she had passed away in March, and a little while later, he asked if I would be interested in another dog. He told me about Charlie and that he couldn’t keep him because he is gone for work so much, and he showed me a video of Charlie running and playing. He set up a time to bring Charlie to meet me, and I adopted Charlie on the spot. Continue reading “Introducing Charlie” →

Finding Freedom from Migraines

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. (3 John 2)

Many of my long-time blog readers know that I’ve dealt with migraines for many years—25 years, to be precise. For almost two decades, I was considered a chronic sufferer, meaning I had at least 15 days of migraine pain per month. Usually, I had around 25 migraine days per month, and I took daily medication to reduce the frequency and severity of those migraines. While the medication reduced the severity, I didn’t see a decrease in frequency for a long time. Even so, a reduction in severity meant I could function—albeit, not very well much of the time. Continue reading “Finding Freedom from Migraines” →

Birthday Reflections

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lam. 3:22–23)

August is my birthday month, and each year, I approach the days leading up to my birthday with an attitude of reflection. What have I accomplished this past year? What do I want the next year to bring? Continue reading “Birthday Reflections” →

Viewing My Purpose Through the Lens of Grace

Posted on by Staci Mauney

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)

Every July, I like to check in and see what kind of progress I’m making with my word for the year. Yes, I know it’s August—I’m behind. Which kind of sums up my year, I think.

My word for the year is purpose. In January, as the new year dawned, I was excited and a little anxious—how would God use this word in my life? I know my overall purpose is to obey him and give him the glory. But what new, deeper purpose would he reveal? What would my purpose require me to do? In what ways would I be challenged? Continue reading “Viewing My Purpose Through the Lens of Grace” →

The Backpack

Posted on by Staci Mauney

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matt. 11:30)

Years ago, when I was working on my master’s degree, I noticed some pain just under the right side of my collar bone. I’m not opposed to going to the doctor, but I didn’t want to take the time. When I went to the doctor to find out what was causing the pain, I was surprised by the diagnosis—a pulled muscle in my back.

But the pain was in the front, not the back, so I questioned the doctor—was she sure? She was patient and launched into an explanation about how some of the muscles in my back are attached to my rib cage, which is why I felt the pain in the front instead of the back. I’m still not entirely sure I understand how that worked, but one thing I did know for sure—I wanted to prevent it from happening again. Continue reading “The Backpack” →