Tag: Jesus

Renewal in the Time of COVID-19

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Ps 90:12 (NIV)

Due to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) around the country, we are faced with continued quarantine and isolation. My calendar, which is usually filled to overflowing, is now clear except for a few work deadlines.

Rather than focusing on the negative, I’m looking for silver linings. I’ve become accustomed to finding lessons in everyday situations in order to write posts for this blog. This situation is so extraordinary that I know God has something for me to learn.

One message I’m hearing loud and clear is that I need to be more selective about how I spend my time. That includes taking better care of myself. My word for the year, renew, comes to mind. Continue reading “Renewal in the Time of COVID-19” →

Hope in Troubled Times

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (Jn 14:27).

When I first learned of the coronavirus (COVID-19), it was in China, and then Iran and Italy. It was far away from me and my family. Even when reports of confirmed cases emerged here in the U. S., they were in states thousands of miles from me. But reality set in when the NBA canceled their entire season in my state, in my city. I realized the disease was much closer and more widespread than I wanted to acknowledge. Continue reading “Hope in Troubled Times” →

All the Small Things

Posted on by Staci Mauney

All the Small Things

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Mt 6:33).

When my car needs repaired, I turn to my dad for help. He’s an excellent mechanic and enjoys tinkering on vehicles. I’m thankful because I rarely have major car repair expenses. Recently, he changed the brake pads and rotors and then the oil in my car. When he lowered the car back to the ground, he cranked the ignition, and…it wouldn’t start. Continue reading “All the Small Things” →

The Winter of My Soul

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour’” (Job 37:6).

During the winter, the days are cold, dark, and barren. Colors are drab and unappealing. Winter is my least favorite season, but even so, it’s important both in nature and in our spiritual life. Our lives resemble the four seasons: new beginnings like the spring, busy like the summer, harvest like the fall, and rest like the winter.

We resist experiencing winter in our lives, which is natural. We want continual spring or summer or fall. Any season but winter, really. But a winter season doesn’t mean we’re doing anything wrong. It can feel that way when our days are bleak and our souls are tired. Continue reading “The Winter of My Soul” →

When Christmas Isn’t So Wonderful

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” (Ps 25:16)

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year for many, but it’s not that way for everyone. As much as I love Christmas, and I really do, there have been years I just wanted to skip the holiday. The years with tremendous changes such as my divorce, the death of my grandma, and the move of my brother and his wife were times I didn’t feel as festive. Continue reading “When Christmas Isn’t So Wonderful” →