Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, November 13, 2022
It's easy to get caught up in the moment and not always have a positive outlook on life. But what if we all took a moment to give thanks for everything we have? The small things, the big things—they all matter!
In the book of Romans, the author Paul writes: “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
Giving thanks takes your mind off the negative and reminds you that life is a gift. It also helps you remember that there are many good things in this world that bring us joy, and it gives us hope for the future.
Being thankful helps us realize what matters most and allows us to see beyond ourselves and focus on others instead of ourselves.
I'm thankful for the Lord's guidance, and all the Lord has done for me.
I am also thankful for my family, friends, and loved ones—those who have helped me grow and supported me throughout my life.
For what and for whom do you need to be thankful today?
Jamey
Prayer of the week
We thank you for the plentiful food. We thank you for homes that are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We thank you for our family and friends who love us. We thank you for comfortable pajamas with feet. We thank you for deodorant. We thank you for toilet paper. And we thank you for moose track ice cream.
We thank you for laughter. And we thank you for loving us when we are not very loveable.
May we thank you for what we can do and thank you even when our skills and talents keep us coming up short.
We thank you for what brings us joy and even what brings us grief, for if our grief points to anything, it points to the depth of our love.
And may our gratefulness be genuine. We are indeed blessed. Amen.
Good Grief: Comforting Those Who Mourn
Rev. Carolyn Clifton
Words of thanks from my readers:
I am thankful for being a child of God. I'm thankful for family and friends who support me physically and through prayers.
I am thankful for my family, my faith, and my friends. God has blessed me beyond measure.
God removing my desire to drink for 8 glorious years!
I am thankful to you. Grateful for your friendship and leadership.
Buddy and I are thankful for you and your family. Your wisdom in leading your ‘flock’is helping so many people. I personally enjoy your messages during the week, as well as on Sunday. - Evie and Buddy. (And my family is blessed by Dr. & Mrs. Langston)
I’m thankful for my small group, my Soul Sisters. They have helped me grow as a stronger Christian by praying with and for me. They are seven of the most generous women I know. My life is better with them in it. - Heather Chandler
In November, I will include notes of thanks from my readers in my newsletter. So who or what are you thankful for? And why?
Meme of the Week
Do you put up Christmas decorations in November? Or wait until December?
Dad Jokes
What's a turkey's favorite Thanksgiving food? Nothing—it's already stuffed!
What did the turkey say to the turkey hunter on Thanksgiving Day? Quack, Quack!
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Book I am Reading This Week
Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want
INTERESTING ARTICLES, PODCASTS, OR VIDEOS FROM THE WEEK
(Not much reading this week)
If you are a fan of Country Music, check out this video of Christ Stapleton and Patty Loveless at CMA
PREPARING FOR THANKSGIVING
Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Sorghum
Making A Difference
Ending hunger in our lifetime is the driving mission of Rise Against Hunger. By joining Gainesville First UMC on Saturday, November 19 you and your family will be part of the mission to end hunger.
Sign-up to package meals here.
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
Remembering Others
O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.
- Samuel F. Pugh