Weekly Roundup: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Old maps from the Middle Ages show the borders of the known world with the warning, “Beyond here lie dragons.”
You are free to keep going, but there are consequences. You can trespass at your own risk but know that it may be the point of no return.
The same is true of our lives. God has given each of us freedom. However, freedom has boundaries; if we exceed those boundaries, we will have to live with the consequences.
We live in a web of relationships with God and one another, which are shaped by our choices. When we exercise our freedom in life-giving ways, everyone benefits. Conversely, when we exercise our freedom in death-dealing ways, we all suffer.
When freedom goes past the place of love of neighbor, it enters the territory of dragons, which becomes terrible for everyone involved.
Pastor Jamey
Weekend Prayer
Teach us to use our freedom not for our gain but for the flourishing of all. May we always choose life over death, love over harm, and community over isolation. Lead us away from the places where dragons dwell and deeper into Your love, grace, and truth. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Wisdom Nugget: The most authentic expression of freedom stays rooted in love.
A Question to Consider: Are you consciously making choices that uplift and bring life to the people in your life, or are there areas where your actions might be self-serving?
Meme of the week
(It is that time of year again! Send me your best pumpkin spice memes)
Dad Jokes
Slipped on a pumpkin today. It caught me off gourd!
What do you get when you drop a pumpkin? Squash!
Photo Taken By Me
Book I am reading this week
Found Interesting on Social Media
Podcast Worth Listening to:
Articles that caught my eye:
Legendary Fly Fisher Joan Salvato Wulff Looks Back at Life on the River
Trump Becomes the First President Since Eisenhower to Change Faiths in Office
Inside the Dangerous, Secretive World of Extreme Fishing
Carlos Whittaker spent seven weeks screen-free. Here’s how his idea of God changed.
What Makes Someone Wise? Global Study Finds Cross-Cultural Agreement on 2 Major Factors
Guest column, Shannon Casas: Share your support for those who keep our schools safe
Things To Do In North Georgia
Discover the Best Fall Festivals and Corn Mazes in Hall County: Your Guide to Autumn Fun
Make a Difference
Click Here to Purchase Tickets
Click Here to Learn More About Love Your Story
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
September 15, October 20, November 17 / 5-7pm / Adult Lobby
Whether you're a seasoned labyrinth walker or simply curious about this contemplative practice, experience walking meditation on our 7-circuit Chartres-style indoor labyrinth.
The Labyrinth is not a maze. It has only one path with no tricks and no dead ends. It simply asks that we take one step after another and allow the rhythm of walking to quiet the mind, relax the body, and open the heart so that we can be present to the presence of God with us on our journey.
Email Rev. Carolyn Clifton for more info at cclifton@gfumc.com.
Top Ten: I have a notebook where I list ten things that serve as a brain dump. It is random but fun.
If I was going to market Pumpkin Spice, this is how I would do it based on the fact we find it in everything:
Pumpkin Spice Bubble Bath – Turn your bathtub into a seasonal spa with Pumpkin Spice-scented bubbles!
Pumpkin Spice Toothpaste – Get your teeth fall-ready with a Pumpkin Spice flavored brushing experience!
Pumpkin Spice Alarm Clock – Sprinkle a little Pumpkin Spice on your alarm clock to wake up with a whiff of fall!
Pumpkin Spice Handshake – Greet friends with a secret handshake that involves sprinkling Pumpkin Spice in the air!
Pumpkin Spice Superhero – Become "The Pumpkin Spice Avenger" and fight crime with autumn-themed one-liners.
Pumpkin Spice Snowman – Build a snowman made of pumpkins and dust it with Pumpkin Spice, just because!
Pumpkin Spice Tire Treads—Add Pumpkin Spice to your tires, and you'll leave a spiced aroma in your wake every time you drive!
Pumpkin Spice Spray Tan – Get an orange glow with a hint of Pumpkin Spice, for that perfect fall-themed beach body.
Pumpkin Spice Bug Repellent – Keep the bugs away by surrounding yourself with an invisible cloud of Pumpkin Spice—although the bugs might return for the scent!
Pumpkin Spice Lip Balm – Have fall-flavored lips ready for kissing or just for constantly licking off the Pumpkin Spice goodness.
What did I miss? How Would You Market Pumpkin Spice? Of course, I wouldn’t waste my money on it. Instead, I would throw it out!
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
Go in the peace of God, walking in His wisdom, and may God’s protection guard your heart from the places where dragons dwell. Amen.
"Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." – Galatians 5:13
"With great freedom comes great responsibility." – Eleanor Roosevelt
I so enjoy your writings.