Alexis (Lexi) had a Christmas Program at Wells Fargo Bank a few days ago. She had a great performance. They sang about 4 or 5 songs then sat on Santa's lap to tell him what they all wanted for Christmas. Lexi has come a long ways this year! She started out on shaky ground at school (probably adjusting to the move - new environment, no familiar faces, in the minority, more pressure to perform than Juneau, etc...) but now she is in full swing! She is still our shy, sweet Lexi when in new atmospheres.

We have enjoyed all the school activities and church activities this time of year. Its a good way to get together, meet new people, swap stories, share lives, and build relationships. I like it!

Christmas Tree, Lives adorned by God

Every year we come together as a family and put up the Christmas Tree! We have lots of fun putting the fake tree up. Dad usually grumbles and complains about finding all the right color-coded limbs and tangled nonworking Christmas Lights (seems to make it a little more fun for me when I do)! I think a great torment in hell should be trying to find the one light bulb that is not working on a million-mile strand of Christmas Lights!

Anyway, the above pictures show our tradition of everyone receiving their own ornament to place on the tree. We try to mark the year on the ornament so they can remember when, where, how old, etc... The pictures below are of the kids putting the ornaments on the tree.

I think as Christians we start out like the barren Christmas Tree (probably with lots of complaints and grumblings from the 'Holier Than Thou Crowd') but as we mature (a life time process) God adorns our lives with peace, hope, love, and finally ends up with the Christian with Christian character (read Romans 5 for more information).

For the Christians who are adorned with the right ornaments in the right place - please be patient with those of us who are still being adorned.

For those who are in the process of being adorned by God - don't give up, remember the song (one of my favorites) "He's Still Working On Me".

How or with whom has God adorned your life?

THE 30 DAY CHALLENGE!

I know becoming a spiritually minded Christian does not happen by accident. Spiritually minded Christians do not become spiritual minded by accidentally reading their Bibles, or by praying “flare prayers” (prayers only offered when in need or distress), joining the assemblies only when convenient, sharing their faith only when there are no perceived threats, etc… Spiritually minded people become spiritually minded intentionally. Intentionally spiritual minded by pursuing a deeper relationship with God through Christ and by intentionally surrendering the “pilot’s seat” over to God and go where He takes you (spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally).
A powerful personal growth tool is the 30-day trial. This is a concept borrowed from the shareware industry, where you can download a trial version of a piece of software and try it out risk-free for 30 days before you’re required to buy the full version. It’s also a great way to develop new habits, and best of all, it’s simple. Dr Harley said, “If you want to change your behavior, consistently perform an action the same time, same way, every day for 30 days.” We really are ‘creatures of habit’.
So, what is THE 30 DAY CHALLENGE for Central? During the month of December schedule an hour a day with the Lord! Replace an hour of television / novel reading / I-pod listening / video game playing with intentional time with God without distractions! I think we will be blessed beyond measure when we pursue a deeper relationship with God. I really think your marriage will be blessed if you take THE 30 DAY CHALLENGE with your spouse!
Drop me a note about the changes, struggles, strengths, blessings etc… during THE 30 DAY CHALLENGE – bruanda2@aol.com