Tag: God

The Heart: The Center of Ourselves

Posted on by Staci Mauney

 

 

Pictured from left to right: Uncle Venoy (photo courtesy of Sarah Foust); Grandpa Cecil and Grandma Rena (my mom’s parents); Staci, Grandma Velma (my dad’s mom), and Stoney; and Grandpa Fred (my dad’s dad)

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” (Mt. 22:37)

Heart problems run in my family. Of my four biological grandparents, all had heart problems. Of my mom’s five brothers, two have now passed away from heart attacks. Two years ago this March, my uncle Venoy suffered a massive heart attack, passing away just hours later. Were there signs? Yes. He had terrible back pain for three days prior to the heart attack, and even though he rarely suffered from that particular malady, none of us recognized it as a sign of an impending heart attack. Continue reading “The Heart: The Center of Ourselves” →

Is Stubbornness Ever a Virtue?

Posted on by Staci Mauney

 

“Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my righteousness. I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed…” (Is 46:12-13)

We walked along the side of the road, Lilly trotting on the raised curb beside me. One of my many podcasts droned in my ears as I took advantage of the nice weather to get outside but still learn something new about the craft of writing. I wrapped Lilly’s leash around my hand and wrist to ensure that she couldn’t suddenly break free and take off for parts unknown. Continue reading “Is Stubbornness Ever a Virtue?” →

The Struggle of Waiting

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” (Mic 7:7)

Lilly stood on all fours on the back of the couch, growling low in her throat and looking toward the door. Her growl grew in intensity until it became a full-fledged bark, almost drowning out the chime of the doorbell. She bounded off the couch and raced to the door, alternately scratching and jumping at the door frame, barking the entire time. I grabbed my bowl of candy off the table near the door, took a deep breath, and opened the door. Continue reading “The Struggle of Waiting” →

Taking the Next Step

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” (Prov 16:9)

Several years ago, I decided to go back to college to get my master’s degree. In my mid-thirties, working full time, and out of school for over 10 years, graduate school was a whole new world. Online classes were now available (and sometimes the only option). I felt overwhelmed and out of place. Continue reading “Taking the Next Step” →

From the Inside Out

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“You are judging by appearances…” (2 Cor 10:7)

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about the importance of book covers. When browsing in a bookstore, most people will decide if they are interested in the book in mere seconds just by the design on the cover. Ebook covers are just as important because online shoppers devote even less time to peruse your book cover. If the buyer keeps your book in her hand long enough to turn it over and read the blurb, you may have found a new reader. Continue reading “From the Inside Out” →