Tag: Christmas

Joy to the World

Posted on by Staci Mauney

…for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

Joy can be difficult to find during the Christmas season. Perhaps our lives haven’t turned out the way we thought they would. Maybe we’ve lost someone close to us or been rejected by someone.

In Western culture, we equate joy with happiness, but these are two different things. Both are emotions, but happiness is determined by our circumstances. Joy goes much deeper and is one of the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22). The Greek word for joy is chara and is closely related to charis, or grace. Joy is the natural response to the work of God in our lives. Continue reading “Joy to the World” →

Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men

Posted on by Staci Mauney

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. (Isaiah 9:6)

During the second week of Advent, we focus on peace. When you think of peace on earth, what comes to mind? Often, we think about the absence of war or conflict. Peace of mind, peace in relationships—all can be boiled down to the calm that comes when there’s no conflict.

That is one meaning of peace, but the peace mentioned many times over in the Bible is not just the absence of conflict but also the presence of God. Continue reading “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men” →

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” →

Be the Light

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Can you believe it’s less than two weeks till Christmas? Before we know it, the clock will strike midnight, and 2022 will be upon us. Are you ready?

One of my favorite things to do at Christmastime is drive around and look at the lights. From city parks to downtown Oklahoma City to local neighborhoods, I like to explore and see them all. Continue reading “Be the Light” →

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” →