Category: Family

Road Trip Traditions

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. (Prov. 23:22)

Road trips are a tradition in my family. Growing up, my dad drove us to see his family in Nevada almost every summer. My brother and I have a lot of memories from those trips, and the hours and hours we spent together cooped up in the car helped shape who we are today. At the time, I probably wouldn’t have said those trips were a blessing, but I can now see that they were, and I cherish the memories we made. Continue reading “Road Trip Traditions” →

When Strivings Cease

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10)

Even though I would like for life to slow down at Christmastime, it rarely does. In fact, it usually speeds up. With plays and parties, baking and decorating, Bible studies and special church services, it seems there’s more to do than at any other time of the year.

I don’t know how your Christmas season has been, but my plans for a quiet month of rest and reflection disappeared quickly as I spent long days, nights, and weekends working; dealing with a COVID scare (thankfully, I tested negative, but it canceled several of my activities); and walking beside friends who are going through some really hard things. Continue reading “When Strivings Cease” →

Longing for Peace

Posted on by Staci Mauney

This post was originally published on December 23, 2019.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is 9:6)

Peace is elusive. With the invention of the smartphone, we are constantly connected and bombarded by dings, rings, and chimes. Instead of finding activities to engage our minds, we pull out our phones when we’re bored and pass the time on mindless games or scrolling through social media. We have email on our phones, so even when we’re away from the office, we’re still available and always on call. “Downtime” isn’t a word that’s even in our vocabulary anymore. Continue reading “Longing for Peace” →

Overlooking Thanksgiving

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Today, I want to share an excerpt from my new devotional, Echoes of Joy: A Thankful Heart. As we enter November, I hope you will be inspired to take a few moments each day to focus on gratitude and give thanks to the One from whom all blessings flow.

Day 1

Overlooking Thanksgiving

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Col. 3:14–15)

The holiday season seems to get busier each year. With Thanksgiving sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas, we rush past it as we go from buying candy and costumes to baking goodies and trimming the tree. We squeeze in Thanksgiving dinner so that we can move on to Black Friday shopping and the bigger celebration of Christmas. Continue reading “Overlooking Thanksgiving” →

Happy Birthday, Lilly!

Posted on by Staci Mauney

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. (Ps. 77:11)

Happy twelfth birthday to my Yorkie companion, Lilly!

Lilly came to me when she was six months old. She’d been given to my brother and his wife, who couldn’t keep her, so she ended up with me. I don’t have any papers on her, so I don’t know her exact date of birth. The vet estimated that she was born about six months before I got her, which would put her birthday some time in October. So we celebrate for the entire month! Continue reading “Happy Birthday, Lilly!” →