Tag: love

Love One Another

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Cor. 13: 4-7)

In February, our thoughts turn to candy, roses, and of course, love. Years ago, I opposed Valentine’s Day. I held the cynical view that its sole purpose was to bolster retail stores’ sales during the slower months of winter and to make those who aren’t coupled up feel bad about themselves. I felt this way even though I was married at the time.

Now that I’m older, I have a different view of Valentine’s Day. Oh sure, it’s still a commercial holiday and makes people feel bad about their relationship status, but now I see the bigger picture of how a holiday about love ties into my faith. Continue reading “Love One Another” →

The Darkest Days

Posted on by Staci Mauney

For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help (Ps 22:24).

In Oklahoma, we usually have a deep cold snap about this time of year. It was right on time this year, and it’s so deep and long it’s breaking records. In fact, we’re still in the middle of it. As someone who suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), I’m worn out by time February comes along. January drags, but the dreary, gray days of February take their toll as winter tightens its grip before finally giving way to spring.

During cold, dismal February, grief feels like it’s compounded. Not only are we dealing with a stretch of eleven days without sunshine (or maybe thirteen—but who’s counting?), but we’re also still dealing with the impact of the global pandemic. Continue reading “The Darkest Days” →

Sharing the Love of Christ

Posted on by Staci Mauney

This blog post originally appeared on December 9, 2018.

“Do everything in love.” (1 Cor 16:14)

The term “love” gets thrown around a lot in today’s culture. We hear the word so much that it’s lost its meaning. Recently, one of my friends recently explained the reason for this: we have only one word in the English language to express the deep, abiding feeling that love brings. We use the word “love” to describe how we feel about cheeseburgers, our families, and our hobbies, among other things. Continue reading “Sharing the Love of Christ” →

2020: The Year of Chaos

Posted on by Staci Mauney

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Col. 3:14).

As 2020 approached, I was filled with hope and anticipation for what the new decade would bring. I read articles about twenty-twenty vision, clarity, and goal setting. I sought advice for how to make 2020 the best decade ever. I brainstormed about long-term goals to determine where I saw myself and my business now and in another ten years. The future was bright and promising.

Now, we are halfway through 2020, and most would agree that that the problems we’re facing are unprecedented. From the COVID-19 to quarantine to the senseless death of George Floyd to rioting and looting, we’ve faced tremendous upheaval. My heart breaks for Floyd’s family, for those who face racial injustice on a daily basis, for the families of those who’ve died from COVID-19, and for those who’ve lost their businesses due to the virus or the rioting or both. Continue reading “2020: The Year of Chaos” →

Leave Your Cares Behind

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil 4:6)

I watch the birds flit through the air in my backyard. There’s a cardinal in the tree. Its red feathers stand out among the branches and leaves of the tree. Some believe that cardinals represent the spirits of those who have passed. Maybe one of my grandparents or my uncle has come to visit. Others believe that a cardinal sighting for a single person is a good sign – it may be a sign of a future romantic encounter. I like the idea of that one, too. Continue reading “Leave Your Cares Behind” →