“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside also may become clean.” - Matthew 23: 25 - 26
Jesus' words offer lessons about the importance of inner transformation and authenticity. By taking them to heart, we can live a more authentic, compassionate, and purposeful life, positively impacting ourselves and those around us.
How?
Be authentic and live with integrity. It's easy to put on a façade and appear righteous on the outside while hiding negative traits or attitudes within. However, true transformation and growth come from addressing the inner issues honestly and working towards inner purity.
Focus on intentions. Jesus highlights the importance of pure intentions behind our actions. When our hearts are filled with love and compassion, our actions will naturally reflect that and positively impact the world around us.
Have compassion. Understanding that everyone struggles with their inner battles helps cultivate compassion and empathy toward others. Rather than being quick to judge or criticize, we can learn to extend understanding and support to those around us. Just as we seek understanding and growth for ourselves, we should offer the same to others.
A beautiful life is a life that looks beyond surface-level righteousness and focuses on the transformation of our hearts and minds.
Let’s Talk About Beauty - Part Two
Ecclesiastes 3:11 1 Peter 3:3-4
(Together, What If is a conversation between Michelle Alexander, Ginnie Highsmith, and Jamey Prickett from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia)
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Weekly Prayer
Beautiful God, As I encounter the world's beauty, help me remember that true beauty comes from within. Guide me to cultivate a beautiful heart filled with love, kindness, and compassion for others.
Let me reflect on your beauty through my actions, bringing joy and hope to those around me. May my life be a testament to your grace and goodness.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
Why did the sun go to school in the summer? Because it wanted to get a little brighter!
Why do melons have fancy weddings in the summer? Because they can't elope!
Wisdom Nugget: Don’t let someone else urgency become your emergency.
A Question to Consider (conversation starters): What would it be if you told your life story in exactly one sentence?
Photo Taken By Me
Articles worth reading, videos worth watching, and/or podcasts worth listening to
I Don’t Have the Secret to Making Hard Decisions, but I Do Have a Yellow Note Pad
The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2023
Fall Foliage 2023 Forecast and Guide
Video: People leave recipes on their gravestone
Obituary for James Loveless (What do you think about this?) (make sure to read the comments as well)
Book I Have Recently Read
Summary: The authors propose a system where individuals and businesses set and pursue their goals in 12-week cycles, treating each quarter as a year, thus creating a sense of urgency and focus. The book outlines practical strategies to improve execution, achieve greater results, and maintain consistent progress throughout the year.
Newspaper article about my great-grandmother (The article is 30 - 40 years old). Click on the image, and you can zoom in.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Foster Care Ministry of Gainesville First United Methodist Church will host a lunch and learn event on Sunday, September 10, at noon in the Reception Hall.
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Join us for a special Back to School Blessing on August 6 in all worship services. On this day we will pray over all students, school staff and parents for the upcoming school year. Elementary students are encouraged to bring their book bag and lay it on the altar before worship. This is a day you don’t want to miss, so make plans to be there!
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
“Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly” ~ G.K. Chesterton
I would love to have your feedback. Do you have a meme, dad joke, question to ponder, or wisdom nugget worth sharing? Have you come across an interesting article, podcast, or video that you found meaningful? Is there a quote or blessing that you are currently holding onto? If so, please share it. Let’s make this a community space where we connect with one another.
If you find encouragement in this newsletter, I would love for you to take the opportunity to share it with others. Thank you for reading.
Love the newspaper article!! Having hardworking grandparents and great -grandparents is something that I would think so many of us would have in common, and can learn from!