Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, December 10, 2023
I read a story about a woman who felt she was always followed. She would snap back to see who was behind her, and no one would be there. Yet she always heard footsteps. She sought out her doctor, who discovered that she was wearing her hearing aids backward. The footsteps turned out to be her heartbeat.
Of course, the story is probably made up. I am not sure if wearing hearing aids backward, you hear your heartbeat. But it is a lesson on how so many live our lives. Many of us always look over our shoulders. Anxiety is a real issue for so many.
The hope we have this Christmas season is that God has walked into our lives as Emmanuel, God with us, and we do not have to walk through it alone.
The Good News is God is with us. We are not alone.
Jamey
(Music performed by the Modern Worship Team of Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekly Prayer
Lord, guide us to guard our hearts, not with walls of bitterness or resentment, but with the armor of Your love and compassion. Help us distinguish between guarding and hardening our hearts, teaching us to remain open to Your grace and to the joy of loving others. Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
What do you call Santa’s most impolite reindeer? Rude-Dolph!
What kind of money do reindeer use? Bucks!
Wisdom Nugget: It is a dream if your goal does not have a schedule.
A Question to Consider: What kind of impact do you hope to have on the people around you?
Photo Taken By Me
Book I am Reading this Week
With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God Paperback by Skye Jethani
Articles worth reading, videos worth watching, and/or podcasts worth listening to
YouTube: David Brooks | How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen
INSIDE THE WORLD OF GUIDE DOG DROPOUTS
YouTube: Young boy tells mom about his 'classic' role in school's Nativity Play
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
I am excited to share that this year’s Christmas Eve Offering from Gainesville First United Methodist Church will benefit Love Your Story. Love Your Story’s mission is to provide respite and belonging for families impacted by disabilities. Watch the video to learn more about Molly’s House and prayerfully consider your Christmas Eve Offering gift.
Click Here to Learn More About Love Your Story
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." - Buddy the Elf