I really can't even begin to believe that Christmas is over already! Where did the time go? I absolutely love Christmas and it just saddens me that it's already over!

Luke and I had a WONDERFUL Christmas! We spent the last week in South Florida visiting both my family and Luke's family. I had not realized how long it had been since I was last there. Honestly, I think it was like a year since I had seen everyone. Life has just been a little hectic! Luke and I were able to visit both sets of my grandparents which was wonderful. It was also a little sad because the truth of it is that they are getting older and I just don't know how much longer they will be with us. So, thinking about all of that was not the most fun thing-but I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to visit with them.

Luke and I also had the opportunity to visit my cousin Karina and her family which was great! I hadn't' seen them for like 3 years-so it was wonderful to see them. Lastly, Luke and I were able to visit with practically all of his family. It was a much needed week of catching up and visiting with family. We even had the opportunity to "makeover" the bedroom of our teenage niece who lives in Cape Coral. We had our own little, "While You Were Out" room makeover going on. When she came back and saw the transformation her room had gone through, she was just taken back. Her room was Beautiful!! It was such a pleasure to be able to do that!

Well, Luke and I are REALLY hoping that this will be our last year for our Doctoral program. Needless to say, it will be an extremely busy year. We have 6 classes left to take and our dissertation to write. I'm hoping to finish up my concept paper (the first portion of the dissertation) tomorrow and in turn, submit it before I go back to work. So, the goal is that it will be only one more year of craziness!

Luke and I go back to work on Thursday which just seems so fast! Work continues to go well but again, we are REALLY hoping to get into leadership. We LOVE Foundation, but at the same time, we are keeping our options open. You just never know when the Lord might open up a door of opportunity for us. We just continue to be open to where He may lead, whether it is here or somewhere else.

As I mentioned in a previous post, Luke and I are looking at making some major changes in 2008. Here's the list:

* Not spending $$ on eating out-will only eat out if we have a gift card (we tallied up our receipts from 2007 and let me just say, we spent WAY TOO MUCH on eating out!)

* Because we will not be eating out as much, we are planning on eating healthier!

* Getting into shape-making exercise a priority

* Spending more quality time with the Lord-My heart is really yearning for this. I really want to draw closer to the Lord-I just feel as though my life lacks without Him in it

* We plan on using our money more wisely-we have disconnected the satellite radio, stopped lawn service, and plan on going back to basic cable. We really want to be good stewards of our money.

* Lastly, we want to give more $$ to God-Luke and I are thinking about increasing our tithe once again. What I find interesting is that God tells us to test Him when it comes to tithing. This is the only time in the Bible that God says, Test me and watch what I'll do. Luke and I want to give more to the church and worthy causes because each time we have, He has blessed us beyond what we can imagine. But that's not the only reason why-we want to give more because it makes a positive difference-unlike cable, satellite radio, lawn service, etc. So, our goal is to give back to God because He has been so good to us already! Again, we want to live lives of simplicity-more is not better.

Personally, I would really like to work on some of my personal writings that I hope to get published one day. And if possible, I would really like to attend a writers conference in Feb/March. We will see!

So there you have it! When you get a chance, let me know what goals you have set our for 2008. Do you have any? If so, what are they!

Love you all!!

It's so hard coming home after a great mini-vacation! Luke and I spent this past weekend at Disney! We were there with friends and in addition to that, it was kinda like our anniversary weekend get away. We stayed at the Boardwalk hotel on Friday and Saturday night. We spent the day yesterday at Magic Kingdom and then the evening in downtown Disney. It was so nice to be away and not thinking about work nor our doctoral program. Oh, how hard it was to come home. But alas, here we are, trying to gear up for the work week again. As we were walking in the Magic Kingdom yesterday we happened to be walking behind Steven Curtis Chapman and family. Of course, I wanted to just kinda walk by and say hello, but we ended up turning another direction as they kept walking forward.

Today, we spent some time Christmas shopping for all the kids in the family. You know, Luke and I did really well financially. I think we are quite proud of ourselves. With each new day, we are continuing to feel as though the Lord is really wanting us to be better stewards of our money. We just can't seem to get away from this thinking. The more I think about it, the more I feel the Lord wants us to live a life of simplicity. What's interesting is that this morning as Luke was getting himself some coffee (I was still in bed), he overheard some business men talking. As he was listening, one of the men was making the comment that it seems like everyone around him is purchasing these $400 thousand dollar homes and as they do this, he can't help but wonder if he's just been left behind. Mainly, he can't help but think, "Ok, am I just poor and I don't know it?" He went on to say that he knows he can't afford that kind of house but yet, everyone around him seems to be able to.

When Luke told me this, we just began talking about how we too have wondered that. We have quite a few friends who seem to be able to afford really nice, big houses and at times, we can't help but think, ok, what happened with us. But you know, the truth of the matter is that we really don't need nor want that. We really desire a life of simplicity. And the deep down honest truth is that we really like our 1633 square foot house. We really do. And yes, we drive one car, a Hyundai and we really like that car.

Along with this, the other day, a teacher at the school just started talking to Luke out of the blue about how he and his wife buckled down one year and decided to not eat out for an entire year and along with that, they were drastically cutting back in those areas where they could. They decided that in 8 years, they wanted to be completely debt free. Well, they did it. And the teacher told Luke that it has been so freeing and wonderful to not have a car payment, house payment, etc. And what's even more interesting is that this man has been a Christian school teacher his whole life. The reason I say this is because so many people tend to think that if they work within ministry or at a Christian school, then this can't be done. Oh, how wrong we are!

So, it just seems to me like the Lord keeps nudging at us to live a life of simplicity. With that said, I think Luke and I have decided to make 2008 a year of drastic changes. One of the first things we plan on doing is-not eating out! I think we are just going to do this. I can't even begin to imagine the amount of money we would save if we just didn't eat out. We already figured out that if Luke did not buy a coffee each morning, we would save approximately $700. Go figure!
Along with not eating out, we are looking at cutting back in some other areas-like cable. I think we might downgrade to basic cable, because the truth of the matter is-do we really need 200 channels? On everything that we cut back on, we plan on using that money to put back into the car and house. 2008 will be a year of simplicity.

Lastly, 2008 will be a year of healthier eating. We are just going to do it-especially since we will not be eating out (unless of course we get those neat little gift cards from people!). This week, I start working with a personal trainer. Hopefully, he will not be needed for long. I just need someone to get me going and get me motivated again. So this year, I'm determined to start eating healthier and once again, getting back into shape.

So there you have it! The plans of the Bennett's for 2008. It's time for change. It's time to start using the money that the Lord has blessed us with, a little bit better. We are excited about the adventure that awaits us in 2008!

Well, it's Monday and Luke and I are home today. We decided last Friday that we needed to take today off being that our dryer decided that it no longer wanted to work. I know that you may be thinking-ok, why does it take two people being at home if the dryer broke? Well, as most normal people would do, we called Sears and set up an appointment to have a service man come out to take a look at our dryer and tell us what is wrong with it. Well, as usual, they said, how about Monday between 8-5. So needless to say, we both figured why not take the day and catch up on some stuff. So here we are while the repair guy is fixing our dryer for a whopping $185. Don't you just love life's little surprises! :)

This morning I woke up with my head hurting (and it still is) and my neck all out of whack. I'm determined to no longer buy cheap pillows! They are beginning to have an affect on me. So, my next shopping item I must purchase is a pillow that will not make my neck hurt!

Last night Luke and I went to dinner with the staff from Total Life Counseling. It was great, but we ate way too much! Thus, the reason why we had a personal trainer come in and meet with us today, or maybe I should say me! Anyway, we have decided to hire me a personal trainer to get me going on my exercise plan again. The truth of the matter is-I'm excited. I think it will be good for me. The name of my trainer is Chad and he's young. He's someone that I will not want to have to tell-no I didn't' stick to my routine, etc. He might be just what I need. So, for now, I'm meeting with him once a week here at the house where, as he said, he will kick my butt and in turn, will lay out a workout/nutrition plan for me for the week. I start next Monday! So, hopefully this will motivate me to get going again! I need it!

That's the latest! Need to get back to my lesson plans for the week!

My how time flies! I just can't seem to get it into my head that Thanksgiving has already flown by and that Christmas will be here before we know it!

Luke and I had a great Thanksgiving! We spent the holiday in Cape Coral with Luke's sister and her family, along with Luke's parents. It was actually really nice to get away for a couple of days and it was great fun being able to hang out and "play" with my nieces and nephew!

Right before the Thanksgiving holiday, our school attending the ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) conference. I led a workshop on how teacher's can help their students discover their purpose. It was WONDERFUL! I'm still in awe with all of the positive feedback I received. I led the workshop twice and both times, the room was packed with participants. I ended up getting about 50 evaluation cards from those that attended, and my heart was just overflowed with the positive comments I received. You know, even though I get so nervous before I speak, I just can't help thoroughly enjoying it when I am doing it! And I can't help but wonder if God is going to continue to use me within the speaking arena. Each time I speak, I just get great feedback and people encourage me to keep on speaking. So, we will see! Who knows what God has planned!

Work is going well. We have finally made it onto our new campus and it is absolutely wonderful! My classroom is huge and I must say, beautiful! Luke and I are consistently busy with school stuff, but it's a busy that we do not mind. It has actually been a great year!

Regarding our doctorate, we just keep plugging along. We are about to wrap up our fall class and then in January we will be taking two more. We are REALLY ready to be over this! What a glorious day that will be! So please, keep saying a prayer for us! We could really use it!

Lastly, I'm looking at attending a christian writer's conference in February. As some of you already know, I have somewhat of a rough draft written of a book for girls between the ages of 16-19. If you think about this, please be in prayer. I'm hoping to not only learn some great things, but I am also hoping to have an outline and some great chapters finished, so that I can give a proposal to the right agents and/or companies. We will see what happens. I also have another "idea" that I still need to work on and am hoping to get to that soon also!

I have to admit, I would love to be picked up by someone and in turn, spend my time writing and speaking. It's a dream I've had since my early twenties. So, I'm just praying that the Lord will either fulfill this dream or if he has something else, that he will change the desires of my heart. I guess I just need to wait and see what he does!

Well, that's the latest! Let me know how things are going!

Well, here it is another month and new adventures awaiting! Last night my parents came over to share some "good news" with us. They just returned from their one week vacation in Las Vegas. No, they did not win big, although that would have been nice! :) But, what they did do was purchase a time share! Luke and I are so excited, along with my brother! They purchased a time share which will allow for three weeks of free lodging around the world each year! They have given Luke and I a week this year to use and go wherever we would like to go! So, Luke and I are thinking hard of where we would like to spend our week of vacation next summer. My brother is also thrilled being that in June of 2008, he will be a married man and will have the opportunity to take a trip with his new bride (in addition to the honeymoon)! So, needless to say, we are happy kids!

In case I didn't mention in a previous post, my little brother is getting married! Hard to believe! The girl he is marrying is a teacher also who has her Master's degree already. She's a great girl and we are looking forward to having her be a part of the Gomez clan.

Let's see, last month I spoke at a women's retreat which just went absolutely fabulous! God is so good! It was a weekend where the Lord just REALLY encouraged me. The women were absolutely wonderful and when it was all said and done, they gave me a standing ovation. Hard to believe! I don't know what it is, but prior to speaking, I always get so nervous and then of course, the Lord comes through! It was just a fabulous weekend and I love nothing more than encouraging women in pursuing that which God has called them to.

Speaking of speaking, I am speaking at a teacher's conference this Thursday. And yes, I am once again nervous! Please be in prayer for me! I know how "hard" teachers can be! I am presenting a workshop on how teachers can help students discover their purpose. The room I was given holds 154 people! YIKES!! Again, please just pray!

Lastly, Luke and I, along with Foundation Academy, are moving to our new campus!! We are so excited! The new classrooms are amazing!!! We are just thrilled to be on a new campus and all that will take place there!

You know, it's really amazing to me how God is just truly working everything out and in turn, just continuing to show us how he has us right where he wants us to be! God is so Good!

Does life ever slow down? I have decided that I must simplify! The last thing I want is to have a nervous breakdown! :)



Things here on the Bennett home front are going well, just a little too busy for our taste! We are back at work and the truth is, we are enjoying our jobs this year! We have a new administrator that we are VERY excited about having. We see some really good positive changes on the way. And what's even more exciting is that Luke is REALLY enjoying it. We are so happy! I'm really feeling that for now I must concentrate on my teaching job and doctorate studies. With that, I am sad to write that I am not able to attend Hawaii like I had originally planned. Just thinking about it brings a sadness upon me, but I know that I can trust God and rest assured that He knows what He is doing. During the time that Hawaii is taking place, is the same time our school is supposed to move to our new building. So, trying to go to Hawaii and take care of moving a classroom and getting organized, just wasn't going to happen. So unfortunately, I am unable to make it, but again, I am completely trusting God and resting in Him knowing that He can be trusted.

Today I am home preparing for the women's retreat that I am speaking at this weekend. I just can't believe it is already here! I know what I am going to speak on, I just needed some extra time to get through and make sure that I am completely ready to go for tomorrow. So, that is what I am doing today and tomorrow.

Also, you guys can check out the message I presented at my church when my pastor was out of town. I will warn you though, the first main point of the message may sound weird being that I had to re-record that first point. So, when you listen to it, it will sound funny and the switch over sounds funny. But once it switches over, it is good to go. Anyway, here's the link:

http://www.totallifecounseling.com/jen.htm

Go down to the bottom of the page and you will see the podcast titled, "God has a dream for you". Click on that and you should be good to go!

Regarding family news, Luke's father has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. It's been difficult hearing this being that we love him so much. If you would please stand in prayer with us we would greatly appreciate it. We are praying for many more years with him and that God would do a miraculous work.

OK-I need to get back to work here! Hope all of you are doing well!!

It's so hard for me to believe that the summer is done already! Believe it or not, Luke and I have been at school now for almost three weeks. The kids have only been there three days, but we have been there for three weeks already. Our school was supposed to begin the new school year on a brand new campus, but as we all know, construction doesn't always go the way we had hoped it would go. So, needless to say, we have begun the new school year at the old campus and will be moving hopefully at the beginning of October onto the new campus. It's not going to be the easiest thing to do nor the most convenient, but it will work.

I'm really amazed by everything that has just recently taken place with work. First off, my classroom was moved to the portable with the other high school English teacher. I went to school a week early to get my room set up, only to find out that the AC was not working. So, I did as much as I could (without falling over dead due to the heat) and believe it or not, within a day, the portable was tented! So, because of that, once again, I could not get my room set up for like two days. The say of open house, I was finally able to get into my classroom and finish setting up. But, the AC did not begin working until after the first day of school. So, the other teacher and I ended up spending our first day of school in the multi-purpose room of the church with our students. Again, not what I had planned, but I am happy to say that everything has worked out!

School is going well and I am enjoying my students. I think I am going to really LOVE teaching my AP English class because there is so much freedom involved, which I love! This weekend the senior high leave for the spiritual retreat and Luke and I are in charge of team building games and such. We are really looking forward to that. Did I mention how happy I am to have Luke back at work with me!! And what's even better is that Luke is enjoying the school. He is helping coach the football team and is also helping out the new principal/headmaster with administrative duties. We really like the new principal/headmaster and are really looking forward to some great changes taking place.

The other day as Luke and I were driving I was telling him how when I was younger, one of my desires was that my husband and I work together in ministry. Of course, at that time, I had it planned out a little differently in my head. But what I love is how the Lord is doing exactly that. The Lord has placed us within the ministry of education together to help make a difference. God is so good!

So, there you have it a nutshell! Things are good. I'm currently trying to figure out whether or not I can actually make it to my final leg of training for life coaching this September. As many of you know, Luke surprised me with airline tickets to Hawaii, where the training is taking place. But, the days that the training takes place, are the days when the school will be moving to the new campus and to pack-up and move and classroom to just once again, unload and reorganize, is no easy task. So, I am trying to figure out whether or not I can actually do this. Not to mention that being out four days in a row at this point (with where the school currently is) is not looking too good. So, I'm really trying to figure out what to do. I desperately need guidance.

Ok, I must go for now! Need to pick up Luke from Football practice here shortly!! Blessings to all of you!