Tag: focus

Choosing the Best Yes

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (Jas 1:5)

Those of you who read my blog know I’m a self-proclaimed overachiever who likes to stay busy and who has a hard time saying no. I volunteer for a variety of organizations in my spare time. I’m president of my state’s writing organization, Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. (OWFI), I serve on the board for a senior nutrition site, I volunteer at church, and I organize a monthly celebratory meeting for the women in my small group. While I love being involved in each of these things for different reasons, I sometimes become overwhelmed when activities for each coincide. In this season of life, I’m often faced with two (or more) good choices, and I’m learning to choose the best one when presented with scheduling options. Continue reading “Choosing the Best Yes” →

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” →

Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun?” (Ecc 2:22)

Are you stressed and overwhelmed by the thought of all you have to do this holiday season? Are you putting pressure on yourself or allowing yourself to be pressured by others? It’s not uncommon to take on too much at the holidays. From family gatherings, work parties, school plays, and church events (not to mention work and taking care of your family), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Continue reading “Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress” →