Tag: worry

Directionally Challenged

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Many years ago, my mom and I attended a women’s conference in Oklahoma City. I drove, as is our custom. I can’t remember if I had a GPS system or if I had printed out the maps from MapQuest (it was that long ago). Either way, I wasn’t all that familiar with many areas of the city back then, and after dinner, I found myself turned around, in the dark, trying to find my way back to our hotel. I missed our exit, which meant I was now heading away from the hotel instead of toward it, and I started to panic. We were lost, and it was my fault. I didn’t know what to do. Continue reading “Directionally Challenged” →

Details Matter

Posted on by Staci Mauney

So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. This is how you are to build it . . . (Genesis 6:14–15)

As a writer and editor, I know that details matter. If a comma is out of place or missing, it can change the meaning of a sentence. When writing a scene for my cozy mystery, it’s important to include details so that the reader can “see” what’s happening in the story.

It can be tempting to think the details of our lives don’t matter to God—that he’s too busy running the universe and helping people with bigger problems than our own. Continue reading “Details Matter” →

The Consolation of a Furry Companion

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (Ps 94:19)

Lilly, my Yorkie, ran to hide under the bed again as I grabbed my purse and keys. It was time to leave for work, and she was determined to keep me home.

“Lilly,” I called, peering around the corner of the hallway into my bedroom.

Silence.

Then I heard a snuffling noise from under the bed, so I knew she was still there.

I walked into the bedroom and peered under the bed. Two bright eyes stared back at me. I put my hand out, and she licked my fingers, but she didn’t get any closer. I sighed.

“Okay, Lilly, you win. Treat!”

I grabbed the container of treats and shook it just outside the bedroom door. As soon as she heard the crinkle of the packaging, she ran out. I gave her the treat and quickly put the baby gate in place before she could run back into my room. Disappointed, she ran into the living room to hide behind the blankets. Continue reading “The Consolation of a Furry Companion” →

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” →