Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, March 20, 2022
In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I walked around a bait and tackle shop when I saw this prize box. People were invited to fill out their name and contact information and place it in the box for a chance to win an expensive fly rod.
So, I filled out the information, and when I was just about to drop it in the box, I saw the sign on the bottom that said, “Must be present to win.”
I was disappointed. However, there was an important lesson about life on that occasion. Unless we are present in the moment, we miss out on the joy of the opportunity.
Jesus defines a blessed life as a life of presence. True blessings come when we are present with God and present with one another.
A lot can distract us from the present. The past keeps us looking backward, and the uncertainty of the future can keep us from ignoring the present.
If we want to win in life, we must choose to be present with those around us.
Jamey
Blessed are Those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness and are Merciful
Weekly Prayer
Lord, it seems that we need to be angry, resentful, and filled with hurt to find our place in the world. At least, this is the way it appears when we see how others get attention. We feel like we need to be unforgiving.
And then we look to Jesus on the cross, and we see an act of divine justice that called down mercy and not judgment. In this act, Jesus has shown us a future not calculated by what we deserve but by mercy, not by despair but hope, not by violence but healing, not by hate but love, not by death but by new life.
You show us, O God, that you measure forgiveness not by what we deserve but by love. So could you give us the strength to do the same? Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
Why was the basketball court all wet? The players were dribbling on it!
This joke was courtesy of Michelle Alexander. If you have a joke or a meme, send it to me. I would love to see it. jamey.prickett@ngumc.net
I have been thinking………..
Fearful people focus on issues rather than relationships.
We need those not only who carry the courage to speak the truth but who will listen with integrity.
I am more convinced every day that the ones who demonstrate love in a hate-filled world and who point to the way of unity in a divided world will be the ones who will inspire us to be people of hope.
The future of leadership will be the person who can be a consistent witness to the power of love over the love of power.
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Click on the links to read
Spiritual Lessons from My Dumb Phone
This church-maintained exercise trail is open in Oakwood
Photos of the Week: Sloth Rescue, Moon Rocket, Ukraine Crisis
Deshaun Watson Agrees to Trade to the Cleveland Browns
Is a Great Resignation brewing for pastors?
Coach K Stirs the Passions of the Southern Basketball Faithful
The South's Best College Towns 2022
Books I am currently reading
Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life by Henri Nouwen
Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich
Question Reflection (and yes, I actually think about these things)
Where is the worst smelling place you have been?
(Driving past a row of trash trucks on SR 400 prompted this question)
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
If you are in Gainesville, mark your calendar! We are participating in a ecumenical Good Friday Service with seven local congregations.
Are you interested in visiting the Holy Land?
10 DAYS JOURNEY TO THE HOLY LAND
APRIL 18 - 27, 2023
Email me at jamey.prickett@ngumc.net for more info.
I have exciting news to share: You can now read Jamey’s Newsletter in the new Substack app for iPhone.
With the app, you’ll have a dedicated Inbox for my Substack and any others you subscribe to. New posts will never get lost in your email filters, or stuck in spam. Longer posts will never cut-off by your email app. Comments and rich media will all work seamlessly. Overall, it’s a big upgrade to the reading experience.
The Substack app is currently available for iOS. If you don’t have an Apple device, you can join the Android waitlist here.