Many families draw names this time of year-especially big ones. This is our first time to draw names and it is particularly hard on “Planet Carol Santa”! In honor of the new tradition I themed our tree “The Grinch” and hung the sign you see above. It’s all in good fun and PaPa pulled out his Lionel Train to circle the tree for the first time in a couple decades to spruce things up! I was very proud of “the family Grinch”. It has forced me to think about all the things so much more important than the stuff in our lives. Creativity carried away is just one of my many strengths that can “look like Godliness” but in reality has often pulled me away from taking time to get to know Jesus personally. Being busy doing good things does not equate with time spent getting to know intimately the one who invited me to be part of His family- forever!

Approaching a season that for many brings sad memories, publically displays their lack, or pressures them into uncomfortable situations- we planets wearing the Santa caps would do the world a favor by concentrating on building our good character. Sharing these qualities built in us by the Holy Spirit while in traffic, in line at the store, at work, or trying to get our orders at the local café. Here are a few Peter suggests we should work on (I think this might keep me busy….):

Spiritual understanding

Alert discipline

Passionate patience

Reverent wonder

Warm friendliness

Generous love

(II Peter 1:5-7)