The Smells of Christmas
February 5, 2025 by Gina Stinson
Filed under Daily Devotions, Humorous
By Gina Stinson
Gingerbread, pumpkin pie, apple cider, roasted turkey, fresh breads, and homemade cookies are the smells of the season in my kitchen.
Last Christmas Eve, we were busy getting things ready for Santa’s arrival…reindeer food, cookies, peppermint stick, and milk. We wrapped last minute gifts, made an emergency trip to the local store, and tried to keep the kids under control. It was hurried and crazy but at four in the afternoon things took a turn. We left for church.
Focusing on the true meaning of Christmas had a calming affect. We enjoyed fellowship, music, and communion with our church family and returned home to welcome more friends for Christmas Eve finger foods.
24
February 3, 2025 by Gina Stinson
Filed under Daily Devotions, Life Topics
By Gina Stinson
My last 24 hours have been CRAZY! My friend from out of town came to stay with us for two days while in the area working. While here, she had a horrible reaction to some medication she is on and we ended up spending four hours in the ER. When I got home, my son, who had been sick for three days, was worse than ever—fever, vomiting, coughing, stuffy nose…YUCK! We had a pretty sleepless night.
Isn’t it funny how much can change in 24 short hours? The house was clean, we had company over, we were talking about a staff dinner we were to host that night, and we were making PLANS. Needless to say….all those plans…and the clean house changed pretty quickly.
Somehow, in the chaos that transpired, I imagined how it must have been 24 hours before Christ was born. My mind had been dwelling on the nativity story lately so I pondered there for a while. What was Mary thinking? Knowing the Savior of the World was on His way in just hours. What about Joseph? Do you think he felt the weight most fathers feel when they are about to become a parent? I also thought about Mary’s parents. How do you think they felt knowing their daughter was soon to deliver and was heading out of town? (I know my mom wouldn’t have been happy!)
Gift of Joy
January 31, 2025 by Kathy Carlton Willis
Filed under Daily Devotions, Worship
By Kathy Willis
You won’t find joy gift-wrapped and under the Christmas tree, but it is a gift indeed. Without the birth of Christ which we celebrate at Christmas, there would be no authentic joy. There might be temporary bursts of happiness, controlled by surrounding circumstances, but there would not be joy.
Joy can only come from the One who guarantees salvation, because with that, there is eternal peace of mind. When Christ becomes real in our lives, we begin to pick up His mannerisms, and if Christ was anything, He was joyful. It is one of those character traits I’m most thankful for receiving. The Holy Spirit living in me whispers joy to my heart and my mind when the outside world seems to be yelling negativity to me.
The Destination
January 28, 2025 by Cheri Cowell
Filed under Daily Devotions, Personal Growth
By Cheri Cowell
You know the stereotypes about men and women and how they travel. Men just want to get there and women want to enjoy the journey.
My husband and I are just the opposite. Randy wants to stop at every rest area, historical marker, and little town store. When we first met, I enjoyed the belief that the goal was to get there and THEN sightsee. I am happy to report that I have been trained. It didn’t happen overnight, but eventually, I learned it is more fun to enjoy the journey. You’ve probably heard the quote, “Success is not a destination, it’s a journey.” I propose that Christmas is not the destination; it is the journey. Take time to enjoy every aspect of preparation. Take time to make room in your already crowded life for a miracle to happen. God spent many hundreds of years preparing His people for this miracle. He wanted them to be ready with their lives and ready in their hearts.
The Elf Is Watching…
January 26, 2025 by Gina Stinson
Filed under Daily Devotions, Family
By Gina Stinson
Every year about this time a small little stuffed creature arrives at our home—Elf. Elf is a friendly little guy who is responsible for reporting back to Santa about the behavior of my kids. He’s Santa’s helper.
It’s convenient. Elf shows up and my parental instructions are more readily obeyed and my kids actually move more quickly and with a little more excitement when routine chores are accomplished. It’s hilarious. I giggle to myself as I watch.
Eagerness to please, quick response times, and such remarkable devotion to a stuffed animal that only comes around three months of the year is cute…and understandable for little children. Adults would be ridiculous to act that way. But in a world where materialism, money, and employment are valued above character, morals, and values, we might need to take a second look into the Elf’s mirror. Who are we trying to please?
