Tag: quarantine

A Slower Pace

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Gen 2:3)

Before the pandemic, life had sped up to a frenetic pace that I couldn’t maintain. (This led to my word of the year, renew which I’ve written about several times.) When someone would ask how I was doing, my answer was good but busy. This was the case so often that I found myself trying to find ways to answer without using the word “busy,” but in all honesty, I was busy, so I struggled to come up with another word that summarized my life.

When I returned the question, the answer was always the same. Everyone was always busy. We wore busyness like a badge of honor.

Between work, volunteering, and my social activities, I had filled every last moment in my schedule. All good things, to be sure, but too many good things is still too many. Continue reading “A Slower Pace” →

2020 Mid-Year Goals Check

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Ps 33:11)

Do you set goals? Each year, I create goals with smaller, manageable action steps. This is partly based on my performance-based personality (I like checking off boxes) and also because I used to work with grant programs that required this sort of goal setting. While coming up with realistic, measurable goals can seem daunting at first, I have found that setting goals ensures that I get to where I want to go.

To make sure I’m on the right track, I evaluate my goals mid-year, and because this year has been stranger than most, I really have no idea where I stand. This is unusual for me. I usually keep track as I go, but I haven’t done so this time. I’m interested in finding out how I’m doing with my writing goals and where I need to make adjustments. Continue reading “2020 Mid-Year Goals Check” →

The Process of Renewal

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Mt 11:29)

Back in January, I wrote about choosing the word “renew” word for 2020. According to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, renew means “to make like new; restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection.”

I chose this word because I felt depleted. After years of nonstop busyness, from running my editing business to volunteering at church and for writing organizations, I knew I was heading for burnout. I wasn’t getting enough physical rest, but this sense of depletion felt deeper. I studied spiritual rest and discovered how it’s different than physical rest—it’s a rest for the soul and a time of drawing closer to God. Continue reading “The Process of Renewal” →

More of Lilly’s Quarantine Adventures

Posted on by Staci Mauney

And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. (Gen 1:24)

Hi, friends! Lilly Doggins here. My mom and I had so many adventures during quarantine that she said I could tell you more about them!

When it started getting hot outside, Mom gave me a bath. And then, horror of horrors, she cut my hair. With scissors. Where was Ms. Connie, my groomer, when I needed her? I never thought I’d miss being groomed, but boy, did I! I didn’t think Mom would ever finish. I had to sit down to rest a few times. I looked like a mess when she got done, but I was so much cooler. I’m actually glad Mom cut my hair. Thankfully, it happened only once. At the end of May, Mom let me go to Ms. Connie’s again, and now I look like the pretty girl Mom always says I am. Continue reading “More of Lilly’s Quarantine Adventures” →

Cultivating Contentment

Posted on by Staci Mauney

…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Phil 4:11-12)

Lately, I’m parsing the lessons the Lord has been teaching me during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve realized just how much my circumstances inform my ability to be content. At various times in my life, I’ve complained about my busy schedule, disliking large crowds, and having to cook. During the lockdown, I complained about canceled events, isolation, and having to cook. Continue reading “Cultivating Contentment” →