Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, March 12, 2023
If your life is anything like mine, I am constantly on the go when my feet hit the floor in the morning. Therefore, it is essential to take time for what is important.
When I became a Christian, a wise mentor told me that spending daily time with the Lord in prayer and scripture reading was important. Since then, I have made it a habit to read through the bible yearly and spend a few minutes in prayer every morning.
It is one of the most important things I do every day. So, friends, if you haven't tried it, I encourage you to set aside time to ask God for guidance, help, and direction in the things that you are involved with daily.
Let's be like the Psalmist who says, "Lord, in the morning, you hear my voice. In the morning, I lay it all out before you."
Jamey
Genesis 2:9; Genesis 8:21; Romans 12: 9-13
(Pre-recorded online worship from Gainesville First UMC, Gainesville, Georgia)
If you are in (or near) Gainesville, Georgia, and would like to explore this topic more, plan to join us on Wednesday at 6 pm at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. It is a discussion open to everyone.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
How can you tell it’s a dogwood tree? By the bark.
I lost my job at the bank on my first day. A woman asked me to check her balance, so I pushed her over.
I Have Been Thinking……………
Are we living in a time when honor is considered outdated? Some say it keeps us from being truthful. Honor is old fashion. It harks back to the days of chivalry.
But I worry about a society that throws respect for one another out the door.
If we choose to live a life that dishonors people, who are to say that, we will be honored when we most need it? If we live in total disrespect, what happens when we need someone to show us respect? If we don't give dignity to others, who will treat us with dignity when we need it the most?
Thomas Carlyle said, "Show me the man you honor, and I will know what kind of man you are." If you only look up to people who lie, cheat, and steal their way through life, then that will be the person you will become. But if you honor a person who stands with integrity and lives her life with honesty, then you are more than likely to become that type of person. Our lives are shaped as much by those who give honor as it to those whom we choose to dishonor.
I pray we won't ignore the admonition to "love each other with genuine affection, and delight in honoring each other" (Romans 12:10 NLT).
Book I am reading this week
See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love by Valarie Kaur
Top Ten (This is a little brain exercise I do - since I don’t do Wordle). I have a notebook where I make a list of ten things that serve as sort of a brain dump for me. It is random but fun. I plan on sharing it with you in 2023.
What is another question to ask beside, “How are you?”
What made you smile today?
What is bringing you life at this moment?
How are you taking care of yourself?
What is on the top of your mind today?
What are you looking forward to this week? Month? Year?
What is the most interesting thing that has happened to you this week?
What are you learning about yourself? The world?
What one thing could be done to make your day better? Week? Year?
How can I pray for you?
Where have you seen God at work?
What about you? What other questions do you think are good?
Here are some responses from social media: How’s your heart?/ How can I pray for you?/ Got any gum?/ How can I help?/ How is your mama’n’em (You got to be from the South to get this)/ Sup?/ How are you feeling today?/ How is it with your soul?/ Tell me about your day/week/
Photos I Have Taken
Trivia: What movie made this place famous? And who was the actress in it that is from Georgia?
Women’s History Month
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions to American history.
We all have women who have impacted us in ways that have made us better human beings and challenged us to live into a better version of ourselves.
Who are you celebrating? I encourage you to nominate someone who has impacted you or the community and write a summary of the contributions you want to celebrate. Send a photo to jamey.prickett@ngumc.net, and I will include it in the Mid-Week March newsletter.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Gainesville First United Methodist Church is partnering with the Junior League of Hall County and collecting diapers and pull-ups. You can drop off diapers at the church Sunday - Thursday.
Address: 2780 Thompson Bridge Rd Gainesville, Georgia 30506
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Georgia
Sunday, March 19 / 4-6 pm / Sanctuary of Gainesville First UMC / Admission: free-will offering
In this stunning two-hour performance, Rev. Joseph Morris shares Mark’s Gospel by memory. This is an event you will be talking about for years to come, so invite a friend and make plans now to join us.
Address: 2780 Thompson Bridge Rd Gainesville, Georgia 30506
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
“God refuses to give up, and we who are enlisted to be fellow-workers with God know that the only reason we continue is that death did not have the last word; that Good Friday was not the end of the story.” —Desmond Tutu