New Years

We had a great New Years, just hanging out with some close friends. Once again I didn't take any pictures. I wanted to share something that Corey and I would love to strive for this year, "Contentment".

This is Rick Warren's "Lessons in Contentment"
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11

1. Stop comparing yourself to others - When you compare your life with someone else's, the only place it can lead is toward discontentment. There will always be people who appear to be better off than you, but you don't know their real circumstances.

2. Be grateful for who you are and what you have. - You are unique, God created you to be like nobody else, so why would you want to be anyone else. God is perfect, and you were his perfect choice to be you. Understanding that is a huge step toward being content with your life. And then look at all the things God has given you. So often we allow what we don't have to dominate our focus that we forget the many wonderful things we already have, not only material blessing, but far more important things, such as family and friends.

3. Give yourself to others. - If you will begin giving yourself to others, sharing what things you do have, sharing your time and your talents, you will find yourself learning to be content. Helping others will give you an appreciation for waht you have and who you are, but more importantly, you will find yourself growing content. God designed us to serve and share with others, and until we do that, we will feel great discontent.

4. Focus on things with eternal value. - Think about the things in your life: What will last forever? What will last at least for your lifetime? What will last a few short years, or months, or days? Based on eternal value, what things are most important in your life? Where and with who should you put your most time and energy? By re-organizing your life around eternal priorities, you'll find yourself growing in contentment as you live according to God's design and purpose.

These are just a few things for us to not only think about but take action on this year.