Echoes of Joy Blog

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” →

The Lighthouse

Posted on by Staci Mauney

The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. (Matt. 4:13)

My family and I recently visited two lighthouses on Lake Michigan. The history behind the beautifully restored lighthouses on Lake Michigan fascinates me. The lighthouse keepers and their families were isolated in a way that we can’t imagine today, even with the isolation caused by the pandemic. Imagine you’re the lighthouse keeper at Point Betsie Lighthouse, or his wife or child. The nearest road was 40 miles away, and it could be reached only by boat, which severely restricted access in and out. The lighthouse had been in operation for decades before the townspeople of nearby Frankfort, Michigan, banded together and raised money to create a road directly to the lighthouse for delivering supplies. Continue reading “The Lighthouse” →