Category: Family

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!” →

Celebrating Another Year

Posted on by Staci Mauney

For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. (Prov. 9:11)

Happy birthday month to me!

Yes, that’s right—my forty-fourth birthday fell on Friday, August 13. I’m a big fan of Friday the 13th birthdays. I hold none of the superstitions about the date, and I feel a comradeship with others who were born on the thirteenth of any month due to the suspicious view of the number thirteen. I, on the other hand, think it’s fun. Continue reading “Celebrating Another Year” →

Rediscovering Lost Connections

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“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” →

Enjoying the Journey

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Then they said to him, ‘Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful.’  The priest answered them, ‘Go in peace. Your journey has the LORD’s approval.’” (Judges 18:5–6)

Some of my best childhood memories were made on the summer road trips my family took to Nevada to visit my dad’s family. My parents went out of their way to take us to see the wonders of the West: the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, Yellowstone National Park, the Redwood Forest, and many others. Of course, a trip through California wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm. One particular memory of a Cabbage Patch Kids store in Los Angeles still stands out. Continue reading “Enjoying the Journey” →