Tag: Jesus

Time to Rest and Recharge

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” (Mk 6:31)

On a recent drive home from visiting my parents, I thought of around five blog post ideas in the span of an hour and half. Because I couldn’t write them down, I dictated them into my phone to transcribe later. Once one idea formed, the rest flowed quickly – so quickly, I felt I almost couldn’t keep up. Continue reading “Time to Rest and Recharge” →

The Hope of Easter

Posted on by Staci Mauney

 

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” (Mt 28:6)

Each year, I shop for a new Easter dress, knowing that the weather will probably be too cold to wear it without a sweater, especially if the dress is sleeveless. It seems we almost always have one last cold snap here in Oklahoma over Easter weekend. But I enjoy wearing dresses, and Easter provides the perfect opportunity to buy a new one as new, fresh styles become available for the spring and summer seasons. Continue reading “The Hope of Easter” →

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” →

Celebrating the Easter Season

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. (Mt 9:14-15)

Easter, unlike Thanksgiving or Independence Day, is not celebrated on a single day. Instead, the Easter season begins with Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, reflection, and penitence leading up to Easter Sunday. Lent fell on Valentine’s Day this year, the first time that’s happened since 1945. Easter will be on April Fool’s Day. Continue reading “Celebrating the Easter Season” →