Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, March 3, 2023
(I recently shared the following at a wedding)
Song of Solomon 8:6
Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame.
A few weeks ago, I shared in a sermon that when my wife and I stood together at our wedding and said our vows, I stared at the minister the entire time. My wife occasionally reminds me of how ridiculous I was at that moment. And when we rewatch the recording of our wedding, it isn't very pleasant.
So, my job today is to ensure you keep your eyes on one another. We won't always have someone do that for us. And life can be pretty distracting.
As you stand here today, ready to exchange your vows, I encourage you to remember the value of keeping your eyes on one another. May it remind you that your love, when nurtured with attention and intention, will be your strongest ally in life's journey.
To keep your eyes on one another is to remember, every day, the love that brings you together. It is to see beyond the imperfections and the temporary challenges to the heart of the person you fell in love with. It is to communicate, to share your hopes and your fears, your successes and your failures. In a constantly changing world, where distractions are many and time is fleeting, to keep your eyes on one another is to prioritize your bond, nurture it, and allow it to grow stronger with each passing day.
Keeping your eyes on one another means understanding that while you may not control every aspect of the future, you have each other, and together, you can face whatever comes your way. It means recognizing that your journey is not just about where you have been but where you are going. It is about building a future that is not just a continuation of the past but an expression of your shared hopes and dreams.
In the Bible, Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." Without faith to guide us, we can easily take our eyes off of what is essential. So, let Jesus be the one who gives you strength to keep your eyes on one another.
May your love be a beacon that guides you through the days and years to come, shining brightly as a testament to the value of keeping your eyes on one another and looking forward. May your journey together be blessed with love, joy, and endless adventure. And may it be said at the end of your days together that your love was stronger than death.
Jamey
(Music performed by the Modern Worship Team of Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekly Prayer
Lord, In the distractions and changes of the world, let our faith in You be the anchor that holds us steady. Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
I told my spouse she should embrace her mistakes. She gave me a hug!
My spouse told me I should do lunges to stay in shape. That would be a big step forward!
Wisdom Nugget: It's not just about talking but also about listening, understanding, and responding. Remember, it's not you against each other; it's both of you against the problem.
A Question to Consider: Not every disagreement must become a conflict. Ask yourself, "Will this matter in five years?" If not, it might not be worth the energy.
Photo Taken By Me
Book I Read This Week
The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort To Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self by Michael Easter
Video I Found Interesting
(Watch until the end - empowering)
Found Interesting on Social Media
Podcast Worth Listening to:
Articles that caught my eye:
The Teddy Bear Was Once Seen as a Dangerous Influence on Young Children
After his wife of 50 years died, he found a secret letter she had hidden from him for decades
Gen Xers are sharing the 15 things that people under 25 will 'never understand'
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
May every breath you take fill you with calm, and every step you make lead you through a garden of quiet joy. In your interactions, let kindness be the language you speak. May the lessons of the day be gentle and its gifts abundant.
