The Reading Slump

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. (Eccl. 3:1)

Have you ever been in a reading slump? This is an extended period of time when you don’t read much. It’s not that you don’t want to read—it’s more that your mind won’t focus. I noticed recently that I’ve been in a reading slump for a couple of months. Even when I have time to read, I would rather watch TV or scroll through my phone—something that doesn’t require too much brain power. Continue reading “The Reading Slump”

Staci’s Super Stocking Stuffer Giveaway

Congratulations to Maggie S. from Traverse City, Michigan, the winner of this giveaway!

Stockings are a tradition in my family, and each time new members join our family, they get their own Christmas stocking made just for them. Each Christmas morning of my childhood, my brother and I would run into the living room to find what Santa had left under the tree. Then we turned to our stockings, which were overflowing with goodies ranging from toothbrushes to small toys to socks to books to gift cards.

I still have that stocking and hang it up every year. My little Yorkie companion, Lilly, has one of her own too, and I stuff it with fun things like dog treats, toys, and a new collar and leash.

This Christmas season, I’m joining The Kids Did It blog and The Mommy Island blog to participate in the Super Stocking Stuffer Giveaway Hop, which runs from November 9, 2021, to November 30, 2021. The winner will receive a signed copy of Death by Dice: A Bunco Club Mystery (my new Christian cozy mystery) and a $15 Amazon gift card.

Continue reading “Staci’s Super Stocking Stuffer Giveaway”

Overlooking Thanksgiving

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”

Rediscovering Lost Connections

“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” (Prov. 18:1)

In the last two weeks, I’ve attended two events where I sold my devotionals. These events were the first of their kind I’ve gone to in almost two years. The truth is, before the pandemic hit, I had decided not to attend these types of events. They are time consuming, and I struggle with the in-person sales part. But during the pandemic, my book sales tanked (not that they were that great to begin with, but I went from a few to almost none overnight). And I realized that in-person events were more beneficial than I realized for an unknown author like me. Continue reading “Rediscovering Lost Connections”

2020 Winter Is Coming Blog Hop

This year, I’m looking forward to Christmas more than ever. It’s a bright spot in the dark of 2020. Like many of you, I have cherished memories of family gatherings. I’ve spent many hours throughout the years creating handmade gifts for others and baking sweet treats with my mom. The holidays often bring additional stress to an already stressful year. We can feel overwhelmed and stressed by the season for many reasons: financial difficulties, too many activities, family members who don’t get along…the list goes on and on. Joy seems elusive, but we can experience the joy of the season when we remember why we celebrate this season: Jesus.

This Christmas season, I’m joining The Kids Did It blog and The Mommy Island blog to participate in the Fifth Annual Winter Is Coming Giveaway Event, which runs from December 3, 2020, to December 21, 2020. The winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card. Continue reading “2020 Winter Is Coming Blog Hop”