Crystal L. Barnes | Spread the Christmas Joy

It’s Mine!

Ever seen it? People scrambling, fighting over unwrapped presents? Bartering, trading, begging? Oh, yeah, anything goes. :) Well, if you’ve been to some of the Christmas parties I’ve attended where we played the White Elephant game (with nice presents, y’all), this is definitely a sight you’ll see.

Howdy y’all! Crystal L. Barnes here. There’s nothing like a fun time with family and friends to make the holidays bright. And I’m not talking about seeing stars because things got too rough. LOL. Just so you know we’ve never come to blows. I think. Maybe. Anyway…have any of y’all ever played the White Elephant game? You know, the one with the numbers and the pile of gifts in the middle of the room? I think one of my fondest memories of one of these events was at a Women’s Ministries party about a decade ago. Let me tell ya, them older ladies know how to play the game. And don’t you get up and leave the room for more food. Ha-ha. Your present might not be in your seat when you get back. They always brought such lovely gifts too. My folks still have one of the presents my mom went home with—three forest-green throw pillows with gold embroidered writing of Joy, Peace, and Hope.

Isn’t that what this season is about? The joy, peace, and hope our Savior, Jesus Christ, brought to this world.

-->“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” —Isaiah 9:6,7
--> I’m so glad that through God’s great love for mankind He made a way for us to be in communion with Him. That is the true joy of this season. May His deep, abiding joy be with each of you this Christmas and always.

Merry Christmas, y’all!

P.S. I’d love to hear stories from your past Christmas parties. Will you be attending any Christmas events this year? What about the White Elephant game? Have you ever played?

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--> Award-winning author, Crystal L Barnes is a born-n-raised Texan and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She enjoys writing because she gets to share her love of old-fashioned things and the Lord. Connect with Crystal at http://www.crystal-barnes.com or on her blog, her Amazon Author page, Goodreads, Pinterest, Google+, or on her Facebook author page. Want to be notified of her latest releases and other fun tidbits? Subscribe to her newsletter.

Win, Love, Or Draw

Catherine McGarrett is a strong woman. Life in Texas demands such. For five years, she has built a growing horse ranch while praying for the return of the one man who stole her heart and shattered it in a million pieces when he left.

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Samuel McGarrett rides into Cater Springs, Texas toting two six-shooters and too many scars. The trouble and pain from the past erupts around the couple. And not just in their marriage.

Can Sam win Catherine’s trust? Will their love survive? Or will his final draw be his last?