Category: Christianity

Being Grateful During Hard Times

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Col. 3:15)

During the month of November, our thoughts turn to thankfulness more than at any other time of the year. Even so, when we’re dealing with something difficult, it can be hard to be grateful.

Does anyone ever feel gratitude for difficult circumstances? Perhaps someone who is unusually optimistic does. I believe I’m an optimistic person, but—full disclosure here—gratitude is not my first response when things are tough. Continue reading “Being Grateful During Hard Times” →

Staci’s Super Stocking Stuffer Giveaway

Posted on by Staci Mauney

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

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!” →

For the Directionally Challenged

Posted on by Staci Mauney

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace . . . (1 Cor. 14:33)

I recently started attending Sunday school at a new church. It’s like a small city, and for this woman who grew up in a town of about 200 people, it can be overwhelming to walk into a building with more than 20 times that number of people milling about at one time.

I’ve attended the class only a handful of times, so I’m still trying to figure out the layout. On my second trip there, I went in a different door and asked the volunteer if I could get to where I needed to be from that entryway. She directed me around the corner and down a hallway that took me to the atrium that connected to the Sunday school classroom hallway. Confused yet? If not, maybe I need to take you with me next time. Continue reading “For the Directionally Challenged” →