Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, March 6, 2022
Our mindset shapes our behaviors. For example, our approach to seeing the world is either through an inward or outward mindset.
With an inward mindset, people behave in ways that benefit only themselves. With an outward mindset, we can consider the needs of others. An inward mindset is self-focused. An outward mindset is other-focused.
The bible encourages us to let God change the way we think. Why? Because, as the Apostle Paul says, “Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to God.”
Ask yourself, “Are there people in your life, either work or home, whose needs you resist seeing?” And if so, “Why?” Then, pray and ask God to help you change your mindset to be open to other people’s hurts and pains.
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Weekly Prayer
Gracious God, we try to be self-sufficient; we try to do it all independently. But, unfortunately, we have let entitlement take over and have become self-righteous. Forgive us, O Lord.
By your grace, we recognize our dependence on you. We come to you not full of ourselves but empty of ourselves. We come in need of you in our life. Take the poverty of our spirits and give us back the riches of your presence. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
How do you make a waterbed bouncier? Fill it with Spring Water
How do you know flowers are friendly? They always have new buds
I have been thinking………..
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The current president of Ukraine. I don’t know anything about him besides what I read on the internet. I am not familiar with his political leanings or his social views.
I do know that with courage and grace under fire, he has rallied his people and drawn the attention of the rest of the world.
His bravery and refusal to leave as rockets have rained down on the capital of Ukraine have also made him an unlikely hero to many around the world.
He has allowed us to put a face to the concept of courage.
If we were writing the script for our lives, we wouldn’t need courage. We like to play it safe. We stay with what we can manage.
It takes courage to do hard things. How many things have we not pursued because of fear? How many new experiences are never gained because of fear?
The wisdom writer of Proverbs says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Proverbs 29:25).
At the beginning of his life, the angels proclaimed, “Do not be afraid.” At the end of his life, standing outside the empty tomb, the angels say, “Do not be afraid.” The One whose life is bracketed by the words “do not be afraid,” is the One who says, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
You can do the hard thing that is being asked of you. You can do it because courage comes from knowing that God is with you.
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
If you drive south out of downtown Nashville, you’ll come across a vibrant neighborhood that’s home to a diverse gathering of people from around the world. You’ll also find Woodbine United Methodist Church and Primera Iglesia, both led by Carlos Uroza — a pastor using his experiences as a Mexican immigrant to bring his congregations and the surrounding community together. Click Here to Read
Is Russia’s war on Ukraine about religion? Click Here to Read
Latest homeless numbers in Gainesville likely to jump almost sixfold. Click Here to Read
Beware the joro spider. Scientists say the giant, but harmless, arachnid is spreading. Click Here to Read
The Great Fracturing of American Attention. Click Here to Read
Every March the Junior League of Gainesville host a Diaper Drive. This year, the Diaper Drive will be February 28th - March 11th.
You can drop off diapers at Gainesville First United Methodist Church.
Ukraine Relief
Question Reflection (and yes, I actually think about these things)
What one thing would you take with you to fight a zombie apocalypse?
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
If you enjoy reading this newsletter, I want to encourage you to share it on social media or send it by email to your friends.