Tag: read the Bible

The Creativity Struggle

Posted on by Staci Mauney

But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. (Jer. 10:12)

My word for the year is “create,” but lately, finding the time or energy to create has been a struggle. I believed God gave me this word because he wanted me to create new things this year. I have two book projects along with numerous small projects to complete. I still believe I’m to create new things, but now I also believe he wants me to learn the best ways to do that and to leave behind projects that don’t help fulfill my mission of reaching people for him with the written word.

When I’m busy, when I’m stressed, my creativity dries up. A migraine or exhaustion results, and I know I have to stop and take care of myself. Rather than hurting my productivity and creativity, taking a break rejuvenates me and gives me the strength I need to finish the project at hand. How quickly I forget this when the pressure of a deadline looms! I would do well to remember it. Continue reading “The Creativity Struggle” →

Finding the Pandemic Reset Button

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” Rom 14:12

Early in the pandemic, I threw myself into work and other projects to stay busy, and now I’m feeling the fatigue. Every day feels like Groundhog Day.

I’ve let some things slip. Things like my Bible study time and eating habits. Has this happened to you? No? Is it just me? Continue reading “Finding the Pandemic Reset Button” →

Guarding Our Hearts

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Prov 4:23)

I was out for a walk recently with Lilly, my little Yorkie companion, when the recycle truck pulled up beside us. Lilly started barking as soon as he turned the corner and headed our way. She doesn’t like loud noises, and the recycle truck was anything but quiet.

The driver called to me from the cab of his truck. His daughter wanted a Yorkie, and seeing that I had one with me, he thought he’d stop and find out if they make good pets. Of course, my answer was yes, even though I had to compete with the noisy truck and Lilly’s wild barking to be heard.

“In fact,” I said, holding the leash taut and gesturing to Lilly, “they are extremely loyal and protective.”

He laughed and agreed. He drove on, and we continued our walk. But Lilly’s protective instincts, in this and many other situations, made me think about how we as Christians are to guard our hearts. Continue reading “Guarding Our Hearts” →

Lessons Learned from Gardening

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Lk 8:14-15)

Before the first freeze last fall, I brought my herbs inside my house. Each one grew in its own container, so I made a place for them in my laundry room, which receives a lot of sunlight. There were four: basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

One by one, the herbs died until the oregano was the only one left. At first, I watched it diligently for rot or dryness. Soon, I became distracted and forgot to check it as often as it needed. One day, I noticed its dry leaves and realized with chagrin that I had forgotten to water it. Overnight, it seemed, many of the leaves dried up and fell on the floor. My neglectfulness led to the eventual death of the oregano plant. Continue reading “Lessons Learned from Gardening” →