An interview with Staci Eastin

In continuing our interview series, we asked Staci Eastin to tell us about herself and her walk with the Lord.

Staci blogs at Writing and Living is the author of The Organized Heart. Staci’s book is actually one of the primary instigating influences for this blog– we highly recommend it! Samantha wrote an insightful review of the book here.

Let’s hear from Staci as she shares her story and the story of God’s grace in her life…

Where are you from? Tell us about “you” (in a nutshell).

I am from a small town in Southern Illinois, about 100 miles east of St. Louis. I’m the youngest of four daughters. I now live in Southeast Missouri. My husband Todd and I have been married since 1994, and we have three children. My oldest son is 15, my daughter is 12 (she’ll be 13 in a couple of weeks), and my younger son is 9.

Could you tell us briefly how you came to faith in Christ?

I grew up in church — Sunday School, VBS, youth group, church camp, etc., and was taught the truth. But even though I was taught from birth that I needed a Savior, I still tended to view the Christian life as doing enough good things to outweigh the bad. It wasn’t until I was in college that I understood that I can’t erase my sin by good deeds, that’s why we need Christ’s death and resurrection. I can’t earn salvation, it’s a gift of grace.

How do you make time to read God’s word and pray?

I’m not really a morning person, but it always works better if I do it early in the day before the kids get up. It’s a lot easier now that they’re older.

What are you presently reading in God’s word?

I’m doing a Bible reading plan that has me reading from different sections of Scripture each day. I also teach Junior High Sunday School, and we’re going through Proverbs right now.

What book(s) are you currently reading for your soul, your ministry, or for personal enjoyment?

I’m forever trying to read too many books at the same time. The two I’ve been reading lately are A Faith Worth Sharing by C. John Miller and Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian.

Apart from Scripture, what book do you most frequently re-read and why?

Trusting God by Jerry Bridges. That book came to me at a time when I was feeling so fragile with worry and fear, and it taught me that God was in control– even in times when I couldn’t see his purpose or understand his ways. I still go back to it to be reminded.

If you could shadow any woman for a day who would it be and why?

Just one? I’ve always admired Elisabeth Elliot. I’ve learned so much from her, and her story is so inspiring. Just to see where she writes and her writing routine would be interesting to me.

In what area of your life are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?

Sometimes I feel like “I had good intentions” should be carved on my tombstone. I always have plans to send cards, take meals, and make calls that don’t seem to get done. When I look back and see all those missed opportunities to reach out and encourage, I get frustrated with myself.

If you’re married, what single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your marriage?

Lately I’ve been convicted by Proverbs 29:11: “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” I tend to be impulsive and emotional, but I’m learning that my initial emotional reaction isn’t always valid or fair. When I take some time to reflect before I share my feelings, things go better.

If you’re a mother, what single piece of counsel (or constructive criticism) has most improved your motherhood?

I wore myself out in my early mothering years just from worrying. The world is a terribly scary place, and I often felt like I had to think through every possible worst-case scenario. Learning that God is sovereign over everything is the only thing that can bring true peace.

What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?

“Just get started.” Procrastinators tend to put things off so for so long that the only option is to slog through nonstop until it’s finished. You can get into the mindset that all projects have to be tackled that way. I’ve learned to start things early, but give myself permission to stop after a short time. I usually find that the project wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. And even if the project does turn out to be a drag, at least I’ve got part of it out of the way.

If you had two extra hours every day to spend however you liked, what would you do?

I’m always wishing for more reading time, so I’d probably read.

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Don’t forget to go to Staci’s blog and check out her book The Organized Heart. We can’t commend these resources to you highly enough!

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