Category: Community

Confessions of a Planner

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Prov 16:9).

I’m a planner at heart, and I’m in my element when I’m organizing something, whether it’s my office space or an event. I like to plan things well in advance – the farther out, the better. Even one of my dates once pegged me for a planner, probably because I refused to drop everything to meet up for coffee at a moment’s notice. Sorry, but I only do that for good friends (and potential clients).

Even though I live like I think spontaneity is from the devil, I can—and have—adapted when necessary. In a previous blog post, I wrote about the way I sometimes meet up with friends at moment’s notice to combat loneliness. This works both ways. If a friend needs me, then I try to be there for her as well. While being spontaneous is difficult for me, it’s not impossible, and I find I benefit a great deal from releasing my hold on my schedule. Continue reading “Confessions of a Planner” →

All the Lonely Hearts

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted” (Ps 25:16).

We all feel lonely at times. Loneliness can sneak up on us whether we’re in a crowd or by ourselves. When we spend time alone by choice, we come away feeling refreshed and energized. But when being alone isn’t our choice, it can feel overwhelming and draining.

Continue reading “All the Lonely Hearts” →

Battling the Winter Blues

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Authors’s note: This award-winning post was originally published on March 4, 2018.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Th 5:11)

The long, cold winter and gray skies were bringing me down. It seemed winter would never end, and this year my seasonal affective disorder (SAD-an apt acronym if ever there was one) has been triggered more often than in many recent years. The older I get, the more I hate cold weather, which is common of many of us who have SAD. The combination of cold, gray skies, and short days is enough to send me into a spiral of irritability and sadness. I try to keep those feelings to myself so that I won’t damage my relationships, but my friends and family who know me best are aware of how I feel and try to encourage me and talk me through it. Continue reading “Battling the Winter Blues” →

2019 – A Review

Posted on by Staci Mauney

For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. (Ps 33:4)

It’s hard to believe another year is coming to a close. My blog posts serve as a reminder of things that have happened in my life this past year, and I believe reviewing them is helpful. I can see areas in which I’ve grown and where I still need to do more work. I note lessons I’ve learned and common themes among those lessons. I’m encouraged by God’s faithfulness, which increases my faith and trust in him. Continue reading “2019 – A Review” →

2019 Winter Is Coming Giveaway Blog Hop

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Congratulations to Sarah M. from Wisconsin, the winner of the $10 Amazon gift card!

Christmas is my favorite holiday by far. 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. As adults, 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 Third Annual Winter Is Coming Giveaway Event, which runs from December 3, 2019, to December 21, 2019. The winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. Continue reading “2019 Winter Is Coming Giveaway Blog Hop” →