Category: Family

The Valentine’s Day Dinner

Posted on by Staci Mauney

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12)

Years ago, I attended a small Baptist church in my hometown. When I say “small,” I mean that we had about fifteen to twenty regular attendees. I was by far the youngest attendee—by about twenty years.

One year, the women of the church decided to hold a Valentine’s Day dinner. They fixed lasagna, salad, and breadsticks—yum.

But I wasn’t going to go. I thought it wasn’t for me because I was recently divorced, and honestly, the last thing I wanted to do was celebrate love.

Eventually, I changed my mind. I don’t remember who convinced me. Maybe it was my mom, or maybe it was my aunt, who played the piano at church and helped organize the dinner. Both of them knew I didn’t need to be sitting around by myself, moping the night away. Continue reading “The Valentine’s Day Dinner” →

Charlie Gets a Nickname

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“For we are God’s handiwork…” (Ephesians 2:10)

My new puppy, Charlie, met my parents for the first time last week. I had warned my dad that I was expecting him to come up with a nickname for the little guy. He had nicknamed my Yorkie, Lilly, “Lilly Doggins,” and people still ask me about her and call her by her full name.

My dad did not disappoint me—Charlie is now “Charlie Bones,” so named because he loves to chew on his bone-shaped chew toys. One evening, my dad stared calling him “Mr. Charlie Bones-Jangles” after the song, “Mr. Bojangles.” It’s a bit of a mouthful though, so we quickly shortened his nickname back to “Mr. Charlie Bones.” Continue reading “Charlie Gets a Nickname” →

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” →