Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, November 6, 2022
On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus is approached by ten lepers. He extends healing and says, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." On the way to the priest, they realize, "We are clean! We don't have leprosy anymore."
Nine keep walking. One turns around and says, "Thank you!" Jesus looks around and says, "Wasn't there ten?" And to the thankful leper, Jesus says, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."
The nine didn't do anything wrong. But they missed out on the wholeness that comes from saying, "Thank you."
Life throws a lot of pain and hurt, and loss at us. But, a simple "Thank you" is our refrain that we have made it through the bad days.
Where do you need to express gratitude today? We can go through life demanding blessings, but the one who returns with a "thank you" discovers wholeness.
(Read the story here: Luke 17:11-19)
Prayer of the week
Sometimes, Lord, we act like spoiled children. We treat your generosity like we deserve it and take advantage of your love. We hoard your grace and withhold your mercy.
Forgive us; we pray.
May we have the trust today to live securely in your abundance and share with others in a way that shows our belief in a grace that never runs out. Amen.
Because of Jesus, our grief is never the last word spoken in the story of our life.
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A Prayer Meditation for All Saints Day by Safiyah Fosua
We give you thanks, O God, for all the saints who ever worshiped you
Whether in brush arbors or cathedrals,
Weathered wooden churches or crumbling cement meeting houses
Where your name was lifted and adored.
We give you thanks, O God, for hands lifted in praise:
Manicured hands and hands stained with grease or soil,
Strong hands and those gnarled with age
Holy hands
Used as wave offerings across the land.
We thank you, God, for hardworking saints;
Whether hard-hatted or steel-booted,
Head ragged or aproned,
Blue-collared or three-piece-suited
They left their mark on the earth for you, for us, for our children to come.
Thank you, God, for the tremendous sacrifices made by those who have gone before us.
Bless the memories of your saints, God.
May we learn how to walk wisely from their examples of faith, dedication, worship, and love.
Words of thanks from my readers:
Thankful that Jesus is in me, and I am in Him! - JD Walt
I am thankful that my best friend, my hubby Dirk and I are on our ‘faith walk’ in life together. We walk differently and sometimes take different paths, but we explore together, sharing what we learn. It’s pretty neat. I am truly blessed! It’s really fun too! - Pat Mitchell
I am thankful for my mother, Sharon Farkas. When I was in college, I asked her why she never called me, and she said, "Laney. You call me 6 times a day. It doesn't leave me much time to call you!" It's true that she's the first person I call for anything--good news, questions, when I feel sick, etc. She's even the first person I call daily on the way home from work. I am thankful for her wisdom (she's the smartest person I know), guidance, and love! Not only is she the best mom, but she is also the best Mimi to my children! We love her so much. - Laney Park
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
Dad Jokes
Why did the man name his dogs Rolex and Timex? Because they were watchdogs.
Why did the coach go to the bank? To get his quarterback.
Photo of the Week (Photos taken by me)
Book I am Reading This Week
INTERESTING ARTICLES, PODCASTS, OR VIDEOS FROM THE WEEK
Ray Bradbury on feeding your creativity
A Church Built a Massive Baby Jesus Statue That Looks Exactly Like Phil Collins
To My Blind Dog by SEAN DIETRICH
People who make good first impressions never do these 4 things—even 'when they are nervous'
A woman struggling with early-onset Alzheimer's got a moment of grace while shopping
Reconstructing Faith: Christianity in a New World By Dr. Timothy Keller
Youtube:Reconfiguring Your Life To Amplify Sources Of Value w/ Cal Newport
PREPARING FOR THANKSGIVING
WHAT IS THE BEST PIE FOR THANKSGIVING? (Leave a comment)
Click here for the best Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
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
Friday, November 11 / 7 pm / Gainesville First United Methodist Church
The Believers Concert Band is excited to present a special Veterans Day tribute concert on Friday, November 11, at 7 pm in the Sanctuary. We’ll pay tribute to our veterans and their families and thank them for their sacrifices in service to our country.
The 50-piece band will present a selection of patriotic music that includes familiar favorites and a few new pieces we are sure you will enjoy. There will be something for everyone.
The concert is free, and everyone is welcome! Invite a friend.
Who To Follow Online
Looking for beautiful North Georgia photography? Click here to follow Tommy Meyer, North Georgia Photographer.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
“Any man can fight the battles of just one day,” begins a passage collected in Richmond Walker’s book of meditations for recovering alcoholics, Twenty-Four Hours a Day.
“It is only when you and I add the burden of those two awful eternities, yesterday and tomorrow, that we break down. It is not the experience of today that drives men mad. It is remorse or bitterness for something which happened yesterday or the dread of what tomorrow may bring. Let us therefore do our best to live but one day at a time.”