Tag: summer

Enjoying the Journey

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Then they said to him, ‘Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful.’  The priest answered them, ‘Go in peace. Your journey has the LORD’s approval.’” (Judges 18:5–6)

Some of my best childhood memories were made on the summer road trips my family took to Nevada to visit my dad’s family. My parents went out of their way to take us to see the wonders of the West: the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, Yellowstone National Park, the Redwood Forest, and many others. Of course, a trip through California wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm. One particular memory of a Cabbage Patch Kids store in Los Angeles still stands out. Continue reading “Enjoying the Journey” →

Lilly’s Summer of Fun

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 to tell you about my fun summer hanging out with my mom! I’m happy to say that not much has changed since last summer when we were in quarantine. Mom is still home most of the time, and that makes me one happy dog! When she leaves to go buy groceries or get dinner at a drive-through, I give her my saddest puppy dog eyes to try to get her to stay—or take me with her. So far, it hasn’t worked, but she doesn’t stay gone long, thank goodness. Continue reading “Lilly’s Summer of Fun” →

Sacrifice

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Sacrifice

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world…” (1 John 2:2)

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer in the US. Here in Oklahoma, people cook out, go to the lake, shop the sales, and use this weekend as a springboard to start summer vacations. Continue reading “Sacrifice” →

Focus on God, Not Fear

Posted on by Staci Mauney

This blog was originally posted on September 10, 2017.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

During the hottest part of the summer, I woke up at 6:00 a.m. to walk my dog, Lilly. Even though we left early, the temperature was already in the low 80s. Oklahoma summers can be brutal. One of the parks that we go to has a really pretty fountain on one end. On this particular day, we walked over to the fountain. It’s located in slight depression, so Lilly and I walked down the steps and circled the fountain a couple of times. She jumped up on the edge of the fountain, peered into the water, and promptly jumped in, startling me. She resurfaced and started paddling for the edge, but she couldn’t reach it to get out on her own. I lifted her out of the water, and she took off running to dry off, dragging me behind her as I held onto her leash with all my strength. Continue reading “Focus on God, Not Fear” →

More Summer Adventures with Lilly Doggins

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” (Prov 12:10)

Hi, friends! It’s Lilly Doggins again. Mom said I could tell you more about our summer adventures. But first, I have to tell you something—I think my mom has lost her mind. She took me to the V-E-T again (she still thinks I can’t spell that word) to have my teeth cleaned. This’ll be the third trip this summer! I don’t know why I needed to have my teeth cleaned. I chew on DentaSticks every day. Just because my breath didn’t smell like roses before. It does now, and my pearly whites gleam. Friends, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, but I’d still appreciate your prayers for Mom to stop taking me to that place. Continue reading “More Summer Adventures with Lilly Doggins” →