Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, January 9, 2022
We fill our lives with distractions. Information comes at us faster and louder than ever before. Everyone is begging for our attention.
How do we keep from letting the distractions keep us from what is important?
In the bible, we have a story of Jesus visiting Martha’s home where she lives with her sister, Mary. Martha is frustrated with her sister because her sister has chosen to sit at the feet of Jesus instead of helping her around the house.
We can all identify with Martha. She is trying to respond well to her position as a host and provide a welcoming environment for her guest.
And yet, Martha’s busyness prevents her from being truly present with Jesus.
If we are not careful, our distractions can also drive a wedge between the people we love.
Where are you letting distractions keep you from what is important? Who or what needs your attention at this moment?
Jamey
Dr. Shanon Karafanda is a “professional Holy Mischief Maker helping others to engage in the mysterious disruption of love in action.” I want to encourage you to check out her blog at https://shannonkarafanda.com.
Dr. K has a Facebook page where she also encourages people to share some #HolyMischief. Check it out at https://www.facebook.com/groups/854177225004685
She can also be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/skarafanda/
If you are looking for some inspiration in 2022, I want to encourage you to subscribe, follow, and be challenged by her #HolyMischief.
Has the Pandemic changed what we search for?
Before the Pandemic I talked to many people wanting to know their purpose in life. They felt that their life needed more of a sense of meaning so they wanted to process what that meant from a spiritual perspective. Sometimes a meeting like this is just a discussion. I listen and ask a lot of questions. Other times we do a deeper dive. I’ll do a spiritual gifts inventory and a DISC profile. I’ll have the other person discern a few options and put together a personal development plan.
I worry that people have stopped looking for their purpose. I worry that people have gotten so tired during the Pandemic that they stopped looking for God altogether. I worry because I know that good things are ahead. Good things are present now.
(and please don’t remind me how un-gospellike worry is…I know…carry on).
I love that when the magi went looking for the new king, they finally found where he was staying:
"When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. " Matthew 2:10
Before they ever went into his home, they were overwhelmed with joy. Not when...but before. Right before their search was realized.
I hope that you haven’t stopped searching for joy.
I hope that you are still looking for wisdom.
I hope that you still look for where God is working so that you can join Him.
I hope that you keep looking and looking and looking so that right before you experience God you are overcome with overwhelming joy.
Until Everyone Hears
Dr. K
Raised to New Life
Religion can blind us of our need and the need of others to the hope of the gospel.
Don’t let your own blindness keep you from missing out on God’s salvation.
We are set right before God by trusting in Jesus as God’s answer to our brokenness.
Weekly Prayer
Dear God,
You know about that text that I wrote out angrily before sending it. Thanks for giving me the willpower to hit delete.
Help me forgive others. Help me forgive myself. And help me to forgive how I think things should turn out but instead, I am left disappointed.
Thank you for being the God of the worn-out and the broken-hearted, for this is me on more days than I would like to count.
This makes me want to thank you for trustworthy friends and friendly puppies, hot tea, and a cozy bed.
But most of all, I thank you for Jesus and how he never gives up on me. It is His love for the worn-out and broken-hearted that keeps me hopeful.
Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Joke
Mike and Karen Madsen are members of Gainesville First United Methodist Church. Mike is a certified high school construction building instructor, and Karen is a Certified Professional Counselor. Together they bring their gifts and skills to Orphanage Emmanuel in Guaimaca, Honduras. They provide a role model for Christian living and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
If you would like to financially support Mike and Karen Madsen or learn more about their ministry, please email Misty Leach at mleach@gfumc.com.
Spiritual Growth Opportunity
The Centering Prayer group will discuss Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps by Richard Rohr on January 13 to better understand how we are all addicted in some way whether it is alcohol and drugs, power and prestige, food and consumption, or simply to thoughts and patterns of behavior that keep us from living the abundant life that Christ desires for us. Following discussion each week, there will be a time of Centering Prayer. This spiritual discipline opens us to the power of the Holy Spirit to reveal our addictions and bring healing. The book may be purchased at Amazon or other retailers. Newcomers are always welcome.
For more information, contact Rev. Carolyn Clifton at cclifton@gfumc.com.
Photo of the Week (photos taken by me)
Have you ever wanted to study the book of Revelation? Make plans to join me beginning Wednesday, January 28, 2022, for a Zoom-based study.
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