Because Jeni and I usually write these posts when we're mentally going about 100 miles an hour, a lot of the posts have been about what we have been doing or just about little things in our life over here. But, what I haven't ever stopped to talk about is the awesome things God is doing over here!

For me, last year was pretty rough. I didn't have a consistent church I was going to and work was very stressful and time consuming. I just got into that rut of rushing through my days without taking time to make God a priority. I was just super spiritually dry.

Anyway, I think one amazing change is not having a TV. You never know how much garbage your mind is being filled with until you step away from it. Especially nowadays (yes, that's a word!) when there are less and less "clean" shows. We go to an awesome church. Jeni and I both are doing a mentoring program (Titus 2 type of thing) and we both were blessed with awesome mentors that fit our lives perfectly.

But here are some things God has been teaching me:

1. Be nice to other people! Sounds simple, but what a concept to have people leave a conversation with you feeling better than they came. Our world is so full of negative people that we really need to get our acts together and start encouraging each other- because the world really isn't doing it.

2. I've also been learning to protect my heart and mind and stay away from those brothers and sisters in Christ who are so negative and just mean. Psalm 101, 1 Cor 5, 2 Cor 15:33...... I don't think God always calls us away from those who are bringing us down, but I think it's definitely a prayer thing to find out if He'd have you in that situation. Sometimes, we feel like God is leading us to minister to them. But here's a good question.... are they becoming more like you or are you becoming more like them?

3. I've been learning more and more about an eternal perspective. 1 Timothy talks about the love of money.... look at verses 6-11.

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

The verse that says "just having food and water, we shall be content....". What a huge concept! If we have food to eat, we are ok.

1 and 2 Timothy are excellent books to read to contrast living in the world versus living in the Spirit of God- there is a huge contrast of strife vesus peace.

Ok, that's it for now.... my class is about to start! Hope you all have a great day!!!
Jaime