Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, August 14, 2022
The Apostle Paul describes love well when he says, “Love is patient. Love is kind.”
I once had to have emergency surgery to remove my gall bladder. My children were young, my wife was working, and all the challenges of navigating an overnight stay in the hospital put a lot of pressure on our family.
I had a friend show up and sit with me while my wife could get what needed to be done at home. She did not have to worry about me being in the emergency room alone because he stayed by my side the entire time.
If I were to add anything to Paul’s description of love, I would say love is simply showing up. Love does not keep an eye on the clock to decide when to call it quits. Love is showing up.
Who can you show up for today?
Jamey
Prayer for the week
Lord,
I know you have told us not to fear the future and not worry about tomorrow, but it is hard not to be overwhelmed. It doesn't take much these days to send us over the edge.
As we walk through valleys of uncertainty, be with us. As we travel roads filled with doubt, could you show us the way? As we navigate mountains of pressure, please give us the strength to put one foot in front of the other.
Remind us how you are at work in the world, making all things new. Amen.
Together, What If
Pre-recorded online worship from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia
Happening Around North Georgia
Sunflowers and Selfies: Smithgall Woods State Park
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2022 @ 10 AM – 3 PM
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
What happens when you rearrange two of the letters in the word “nuclear”? It’s unclear.
When you die, what is the last part of your body to stop working? Your pupils. They dilate.
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Book I am Reading This Week
Collected Stories of William Faulkner
INTERESTING ARTICLES, PODCASTS, OR VIDEOS FROM THE WEEK
The reason why presidents can't keep their White House records dates back to Nixon
Our Favorite Ways To Spend a Day in Savannah, Georgia
Video: Daily Consistency = Massive Results: THE COMPOUND EFFECT by Darren Hardy
(I was a little light on my reading, listening, and watching videos this week)
Making A Difference
The Gateway Domestic Violence Center is celebrating 40 years this year and is also moving into a new shelter! The shelter serves victims of domestic violence, both adults and children. They offer support groups, legal services, and children and teen programs. They currently have a wish list of items needed as they move into their new space. If you would like to support them, you can browse their wishlist: amazon.com/registries/custom/PS9TPOFEYJUG/guest-view, and any items purchased will be sent directly to Gateway!
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
On Wednesdays, Aug. 17- Sept 14, from 6-7 pm, several experts in their fields will share insights for parents of children elementary age and younger. Each week will feature a different speaker. A snack supper will be provided for parents. Your children ages three and up can join Bridges, our Wednesday night children’s ministry activities, and we’ll provide childcare for your children ages two and younger.
Our speakers include a pediatrician (Brad Boyd), an educator (Leslie Frierson), a child psychologist (Kristen Green), special education specialists ( Amy Cox), and a guru of faith development in children (executive director of N GA Camp & Retreat Ministries, Russell Davis)
Topics will include:
how to make the most out of your pediatric appointments, parent-teacher conferences, IEP meetings, etc.
when to seek special services for your child
how to be an advocate for your child's health & well being
how children develop spiritually and how you can support them
There will be time for Q & A in each session, and you'll have a chance to hear from other parents about what has worked for them.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
I place on the altar of dawn:
The quiet loyalty of breath,
The tent of thought where I shelter,
Waves of desire I am shore to
And all beauty drawn to the eye.
May my mind come alive today
To the invisible geography
That invites me to new frontiers,
To break the dead shell of yesterdays,
To risk being disturbed and changed.
May I have the courage today
To live the life that I would love,
To postpone my dream no longer
But do at last what I came here for
And waste my heart on fear no more.
JOHN O'DONOHUE
Excerpt from 'A Morning Offering' found in his book,
To Bless the Space Between Us