Faith | Maverick Life

Faith | Maverick Life

Live Original

Brett & Abby Stanavich

Christ followers, parents of four, impulsive rescue dog saver, passionate about our faith, family, finances, and fitness!

A man reading the Bible to a little boy.

Faith Family

The Importance of Training Up Your Children in The Lord

Brett Stanavich

November 4, 2024 5 min read

Importance of family devotionals The Bible charges parents to “train up” their children (Proverbs 22:6). It is not the responsibility of a church, a pastor, grandparents, or some other institution. This is an area all Christian parents should feel compelled to create an environment that encourages faith to flourish and grow within the walls of […]

Open bible with highlighters, notebook, and a journal for note taking.

Faith

How Great the Love of God

Abigail Stanavich

October 16, 2024 5 min read

I’ve always believed that pregnancy and the process of labor and delivery are one of the rare opportunities to really press into the desperate need for Jesus. I’ve always had uncomplicated labors and deliveries, but nevertheless, there is much surrender that takes place. Knowing that much is out of our own control, I believe that […]

A row of bookshelves in a library.

Faith Family Finance Fitness

Be a Lifelong Learner

Brett Stanavich

October 16, 2024 7 min read

The case for lifelong learning: I’ve personally held onto the belief that learning shouldn’t stop after completing formal education. In fact, I would say, from the moment of graduation, life begins to expand at an exponential rate. Educating yourself should keep in step with your ever-changing life. The type of education I’m referring to focuses […]

Man reading a Bible.

Faith

Why its Important To Read The Bible

Brett Stanavich

January 2, 2025 4 min read

There are many important reasons to personally read and study The Bible outside of a formal church service. In doing so, we learn more about the character of God and how He wants His followers to act, speak, and conduct themselves. If you have chosen to put your faith in Jesus, then you represent Him […]

Picture of an empty tomb for holy week.

Faith

Passion Week: The Resurrection

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 3 min read

The climax of events seemed over as Jesus was taken off the cross and buried in a tomb on Friday. Saturday was dark and gloomy as they were still unpacking all that occurred. The disciples watched their Rabbi, friend, and the man they believed to be the Messiah die at the hands the Romans. Jesus […]

Picture of an empty tomb for holy week.

Faith

Passion Week: Silent Saturday

Abigail Stanavich

September 19, 2024 4 min read

How many of you today are aware that nothing can stop God’s plan from unfolding? He created everything and He is in control of everything. There is no spiritual or human force that can manipulate or control His ultimate plans. Today in Matthew 27: 62-65, we read about the burial of Jesus Christ. But, more […]

Picture of an empty tomb for holy week.

Faith

Passion Week: Good Friday

Abigail Stanavich

September 19, 2024 3 min read

Many who read this will already have a good understanding of what Good Friday entails, the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It’s a day of solitude, of reflection, of trying to grasp what Jesus endured in being mocked and beaten nearly to death before he was nailed to a cross. […]

Picture of an empty tomb for holy week.

Faith

Passion Week: The Last Supper

Brett Stanavich

September 19, 2024 2 min read

Jesus gathered with His twelve disciples to eat the Passover meal in Jerusalem. A meal to remember what God had accomplished by providing a way for the Jewish people to be set free from slavery and no longer under Egypt’s control (Exodus 12). As part of this celebration the Jewish people would sacrifice and eat […]

Picture of an empty tomb for holy week.

Faith

Passion Week: The Sanhedrin and Judas’ Betrayal

Abigail Stanavich

September 19, 2024 3 min read

Today is a tough one to process. Jesus’ close friend and disciple, Judas Iscariot, chose to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver in collaboration with the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin were a counsel in ancient Israel that consisted of seventy men who were known as leaders and officials among the people. Again, these are Jesus’ […]

Picture of an empty tomb for holy week.

Faith

Passion Week: Jesus Questioned by Religious Leaders

Abigail Stanavich

April 1, 2024 3 min read

Related Passion Week Devotionals: Every year, we pull out a wonderful object lesson tool called ‘Resurrection Eggs’ to teach our children in a palpable way the Easter story. It’s an opportunity to teach them about the events of the week leading up to the resurrection of Jesus in a way that truthfully displays the hardest […]

Picture of an empty tomb for holy week.

Faith

Passion Week: Cleansing of the Temple

Abigail Stanavich

September 19, 2024 3 min read

When we often think of Passion Week, or as some call it, Holy Week, we start with Palm Sunday then immediately jump to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. These days are celebratory in nature, with Good Friday being one of reflection, grief, and solitude. However, we often miss the significance of the events in between. […]

Money being taken out of a wallet.

Faith Finance

Giving and Expecting Nothing in Return: A Biblical Perspective

Brett Stanavich

September 16, 2024 5 min read

The act of giving is often associated with the expectation of getting something back in return. However, the Bible teaches us the complete opposite perspective: giving generously to others and expecting nothing in return. Typically, the subject of giving is talked about and encouraged more frequently around Christmas time, but as Christians, we should live […]

An open Bible, journal and a pen to take notes.

Faith

Learning to Study The Bible

Abigail Stanavich

September 16, 2024 5 min read

Choosing to venture into studying God’s Word is the most worthwhile pursuit we can have in this lifetime. It is a pursuit that will not only challenge who you are and how you spend your time, but it will also lead you to a far greater understanding of who God is. You will have many […]

Faith

The Core Values You Need To Live By

Brett Stanavich

January 2, 2025 5 min read

I joined the Air National Guard after graduating from high school. It wasn’t always easy throughout the eight years that I was in, but I am grateful for the discipline and mentorship that shaped me into the person I am today. The military took who I was and broke me down in order to bring […]

Woman looking out into the distance

Faith

Think Big Picture: Balancing Health, Relationships, and Spirituality for a Fulfilling Life

Abigail Stanavich

September 16, 2024 7 min read

Countercultural living requires you to aspire to a balanced, prepared lifestyle. It requires one to dwell in a mindset that is continually taking inventory—physically, mentally, spiritually, and in all matters of the home. It is not an anxious state of mind but rather an awareness, a form of divine wisdom, that guides you to have […]

Halloween

Faith Family

Why Our Family Chooses Not To Celebrate Halloween

Abigail Stanavich

October 16, 2024 7 min read

I would love if you took a few moments to join us here as we talk about Halloween. It is a topic that some would say is controversial, while others might wonder why we don’t participate in a day filled with candy and costumes. I wanted to share a few reasons why our family chooses […]

Woman reading her Bible

Faith Family

Structured Devotional Time With Children

Abigail Stanavich

October 16, 2024 5 min read

Parent’s Responsibility It doesn’t matter what denomination of Christianity you’re affiliated with; I think we can all agree that it is the parent’s responsibility to teach their children about their faith in an effort that one day, our children will personalize it for themselves and walk in Truth. You can drag your children to church, […]

A man facing the ocean with his back to the camera.

Faith

Why It’s Important To Reflect On Your Christian Walk

Brett Stanavich

January 2, 2025 4 min read

I recently was reflecting on my Christian walk. The man that I am today compared to the person that I used to be. I thank God that there is such a drastic difference! The Christian walk is a journey in which we strive to become more like Jesus through a process called sanctification. It is […]

A guy jumping over a fire.

Faith

What Is Influencing You?

Brett Stanavich

January 2, 2025 2 min read

Have you taken a moment to evaluate what you’re opening yourself up to lately? What are you allowing to influence you?Influence is defined as: the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself. There are so many things constantly trying to compete for your […]

The book of James from the Bible.

Faith

An Impartial Way of Life

Brett Stanavich

January 2, 2025 4 min read

Why Being Partial is Wrong The simple and straightforward answer is, because God says so. However, let’s define what partiality is and dive into the topic a little further using what the Bible has to say. 11 For God shows no partiality. Romans 2:11 A Quick Side Note The book of James is one of my favorite […]

A bunch of young plants in small planters.

Faith

Letting The Shell Go: Embracing Spiritual Growth

Abigail Stanavich

September 19, 2024 6 min read

I am always amazed at the process of gardening, the effort it takes, and the joy it brings to yield forth fruits and vegetables from seed. I am no expert by any means, but my husband and I do try to do the best to our knowledge when raising up fruits and vegetables. I had […]

A woman walking in the distance as the sun is setting.

Faith Fitness

Exercise is Spiritual: Connecting Physical Wellness with Spiritual Growth

Abigail Stanavich

September 19, 2024 5 min read

It sounds pretty bold to make the statement that bodily exercise is spiritual, but when you begin to dissect the topic, you realize that exercise and spirituality complement each other in the most unique way. We are not talking about exercise in the form of vanity, but rather exercise in response to who made you. […]

New Year Resolutions

Faith Family Finance

5 Unconventional New Year Resolutions

Brett Stanavich&Abigail Stanavich

September 19, 2024 7 min read

We have never met someone that hasn’t at least thought of a New Year resolution. Whether it’s wishful thinking or a serious resolution, less than 8% of people actually stick to their original goal. Maybe it’s due to a lack of time management, unrealistic goals or something else. Instead of going with the mundane, why […]

A group of people putting their hands in a huddle, symbolizing teamwork.

Faith Family Finance Fitness

The Role You Play in Life

Brett Stanavich

September 24, 2024 8 min read

Embracing Your Purpose and Impact Personal Goals I have always been someone that wants to be the best version of myself. A lifelong learner. Striving to push myself to excel; to do better. I’ve set goals for every area of my life: education, work, guitar, fitness, you get the idea. Life is busy and I […]

Dirty hands after a long day of work.

Faith

Your Labor Is Not In Vain

Brett Stanavich

January 2, 2025 2 min read

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58 How often do we find ourselves in a position where, even though we think we are doing everything right, life still feels difficult. Though none of us […]