Tag: Jesus

The Difficulty of Decision Making

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” (Mk 9:24)

Lately, I’ve been fascinated by the Enneagram, which is a self-assessment to determine personality type. The Enneagram consists of nine distinct personality types, and they interact with each other. In other words, we’re not all one or the other, but a combination. Some of the personality types manifest themselves more obviously than others in our lives. (For a free Enneagram test, click here.)

For instance, I’m a one, the perfectionist. No surprise there. (You can read my recent post about being a perfectionist here.) Traits of the perfectionist include being responsible and working toward self-improvement, which explains the appeal of self-assessments such as the Enneagram. I also have what the Enneagram designers call a two wing. This means I’m a one who also has strong tendencies of a two, the caregiver. Continue reading “The Difficulty of Decision Making” →

The Specter of Perfectionism

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” (Ps 18:32, NLT)

Years ago, my parents and I worked on a house painting project together. Usually, my dad and I work well together. However, for that project, it seemed neither of us could do anything right. I wanted the room to look perfect when we were done, and I had a vision of the final version in my head. My dad didn’t do things my way, and I didn’t do things his way, so I almost scrapped the entire project before we started. My mom, caught in the middle, gave up and left us to it. In the end, we talked it out, compromised, and finished the job, which turned out better than I had hoped.

Perfectionism. I’ve been plagued by it all my life. Perfectionism isn’t reality. As humans, we can never be perfect. Only one man was perfect: Jesus. Continue reading “The Specter of Perfectionism” →

Lessons Learned from Leading OWFI

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“He [David] cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.” (Ps 78:72 NLT)

For the last year, I’ve served as the 2019 Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. (OWFI) president. As of today, my tenure as president is over, but not my involvement in OWFI or my local writing community. (In last week’s blog post, I wrote about the transition I was facing. You can read that post here.)

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a leader because I’m introverted and quiet. I don’t like making decisions, but I do believe in standing up for people and doing the right thing. Over the years, I’ve held various leadership positions that, in hindsight, I know prepared me for this one. Continue reading “Lessons Learned from Leading OWFI” →

Holy Week: From Acclamation to Devastation

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’” Mt 21:9

This Sunday, April 14, begins Holy Week. Applauded and acclaimed on what is now known as Palm Sunday, Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem on a donkey. By Friday, he’d received a sham trial and then was beaten and ultimately crucified. Saying he had a terrible week would be a gross understatement. But because of his willing sacrifice, we have the hope of eternal life today. Continue reading “Holy Week: From Acclamation to Devastation” →

The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Mt 6:17-18)

As Easter draws closer, we look for ways to deepen our spiritual life and draw closer to Jesus. Fasting is one spiritual discipline we can use to do this.

When fasting, we give up something we enjoy – food, liquids other than water, social media, TV or movies – and we use that time to study Scripture and pray.

Fasting can be done any time, not just at Easter or as part of Lent. Some people fast before making a big decision (see Acts 13:2-3; 14:23). Some people fast at the beginning of the year to reset their minds as the new year begins. Continue reading “The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting” →