| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Dec 25 2007 : 7:00:35 PM
It's Christmas Day I was just sitting here counting my blessings and thinking of all those who don't have many to count. At this time of year, hearts are open and folks are busily helping those who need it. Soon, hearts will close up again and those in need will be one their own. Why, I wondered, can't this Christmas spirit go on all year? If we can find the time and resources to help during this month, we can do so the rest of the year. The time and resources are still there then. We're just not as motivated.
So here's my challenge, farmgirl sisters. I challenge you to do one thing to share your love with someone who needs it every day this year. It can be as simple as giving a smile to the girl at the checkout, it can be putting aside some food for the foodbank, sending an ecard, spending some time playing with your child, volunteering to teach someone to knit, keeping an elderly person company, giving your DH a backrub when he comes home. There are so many choices!
You might want to keep a journal so you can look back and see the difference you made in someone's life or the clever ways you found to give love without spending a penny.
I know I'd like to read those.
So there it is, the Christmas Every Day Challenge! Anybody brave enough to take me up on it?
Frmgirl hug,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| bohemiangel |
Posted - Jan 10 2008 : 10:19:04 AM
The church compliment thing is so true. I was a shy quiet teen that was insecure about how I looked. I always felt a lil off because of being an only child and being around adults all the time. When people would compliment me or my family about me it was heaven! I do that too you can just watch them light up with the look of someone cares and wow I really am worth it!
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirlslonggreen.blogspot.com/
|
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Jan 06 2008 : 12:05:52 PM
Bump for a friend who wanted to read everybody's ideas. Woo hoo!
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Dec 31 2007 : 4:08:49 PM
Kay, you brought tears to my eyes. All these wonderful deeds have been done for so long and are just now coming to light. Let them shine as an inspiration to all of us. A terrific ministry to plan for this year! A thought just came into my mind: Jesus told us "You are the light of the world."
I used to do something similar: sending cards and little gifts to terminally ill children through an orgaization (can't remember the name now) Maybe we could find an organization like that for kids or adults. Anybody wanna research it?
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Dec 31 2007 : 3:15:52 PM
The church I attended for 18 years always had a list of prayer requests in the church bulletin each Sunday. After church I would go home and send a note or card to each person on the list. Many times I never heard from the people about their cards and that's ok. That's not why I did it. But our pastor told me that one of the seniors on the list, who was 93 and had no family, got my card. Pastor said when he went to visit it was the only card that the gentleman had received and he was so proud of it! I just started crying.
I shall start this ministry again this year and hope to touch many lives.
Jenny -- you are so sweet and such an encourager!
My Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Flair Etsy Team http://farmgirlsonetsy.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100
|
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Dec 31 2007 : 1:22:16 PM
Jenny, that is a first rate idea! So kind! And you look for something that is alread a part of the person. thank you so much for sharing!
Tomorrow will be the first mailing of our little "club". If anyone has anything to say, please let me know! Thanks,
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Dec 31 2007 : 1:15:51 PM
One thing I try to do when I am at church on Sundays (or whenever) is to compliment someone who looks like they really need it...for instance telling a very shy teenager that the color she is wearing looks great on her, or a harried young mom that her baby is "the cutest thing" or an older lady that she has pretty eyes or like that. I make sure I don't make up something. Just look for something that is true and needs saying. I love to see the smiles.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Dec 31 2007 : 12:24:34 PM
Actually, the Fruity One and I just were looking for reasons to go to Home Goods...We LOVE that store! (where we smiled at everyone. Hm. I wonder if that was why people seemed to be getting out of our way...)
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Dec 30 2007 : 6:24:07 PM
Patricia and I bought our gratitude journals today at the Home Goods store! I'm excited about this challenge.
My Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Flair Etsy Team http://farmgirlsonetsy.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100
|
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Dec 30 2007 : 10:43:20 AM
Hooray, Jessica! We're thrilled to have you!
Regarding your idea about being nice to servers, I coudn't agree more. I've even gone so far as to reqest the manager when I am leaving so that I'm sure he gets the message. It's funny, because when people ask for the manager, it's usually to complain, so when he finds out I'm complimenting, sometimes it makes HIS day, too!
Thanks for a great idea!
Happy New Year to all!
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
| kydeere40744 |
Posted - Dec 30 2007 : 10:35:29 AM
I'm up for the challenge. :) One thing that I've always made a point to do is to wish the cashier checking me out at the store/grocery store, etc a wonderful day or that they have a wonderful Christmas, etc. I've worked in retail in the past and it always made the day go a little bit better when someone was thoughtful to wish you a good day. People are always in a hurry and go, go go that they sometimes forget to thank those people for the simple things.
At restaurants, we've seen waitresses/waiters that were very kind to us or perhaps you could tell they were having a rough day or just dealt with a difficult table. If a manager comes by and asks how our meal is, I make sure to tell them how wonderful the waitress was and we couldn't ask for better service. I know based on experience from friends, managers take note of this if they hear compliments. Anymore, the only thing they hear are complaints, so a compliment is always a good surprise.
I'm getting so many new ideas from you guys...yep I'm up for the challenge for 08!
~Jessica in Kentucky & Miss Wilma's Niece~
Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow... |
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Dec 30 2007 : 10:34:17 AM
Aw shucks, Kay. I love your idea about the drive through window, but make sure first the car behind isn't full of hamburger-eating kids!lol.
Woo hoo #22!
love,
Patricia
Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Dec 30 2007 : 12:10:47 AM
Patricia -- you are the most giving person I have ever known. You truly do practice Christmas every day of the year! I know, because I've been the recipient of your kindness. I will gladly take this challenge and look forward to journaling about it. Thank you so much for sharing this idea. Love ya dear friend!
One thing that I want to do is to go through a drive through window and pay for the person behind me. I can't afford to do that all the time but that will be one of my goals for spreading kindness in 2008!
My Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Flair Etsy Team http://farmgirlsonetsy.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100
|
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Dec 28 2007 : 12:39:11 PM
Libbie! Libbie! Libbie! (When it's Libbie, Libbie Libbie on the label, label, lable, you will like it, like it, like it on your table, table, table) Sorry...
Woo hoo!! How wonderful that you are #20. I love "Farmgirl Force o'love group!" What do you say, girls, shall we adopt it as our name?
Sending much love to you, my dear Utah friend!
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
| Libbie |
Posted - Dec 28 2007 : 12:02:50 PM
Hi, there, Patricia and all - I would be honored to be the #20 farmgirl to accept the Challenge. I have SO loved reading these posts, and I am inspired, touched and really, really excited to be part of the "farmgirl force o' love" group!!!
Thank you for issuing the Challenge. What this world needs is more love. Everyplace I look, I can see a need for it...
XOXO, Libbie
"Farmgirl Sister #10," and proud of it!!! |
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Dec 28 2007 : 10:39:22 AM
I just noticed we have 19 Farmgirls in this Challenge. How wonderful! Just think what would happen if each of us inspired just one other person to do this and they inspired someone and so on...
Sometimes, people I share love with ask me how they can repay me, so I tell them, just do something to share love with someone else in need.
Imagine that! Nineteen loving women let loose in the world! Look out world! lol
If you have any inspiring stories, please share with us.
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Dec 28 2007 : 10:29:40 AM
Sherry, you're amazing! Young teens can be so thoughtless - it's just part of being a young teen. Your gracious and generous gift made a huge difference! Thank you for sharing and inspiring!!
How's everybody else doing?
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
| chicken necker |
Posted - Dec 28 2007 : 07:04:48 AM
I am definitely taking the pledge! I was blessed to witness just how much difference a little kindness can make. I had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Day, with plenty of gifts, food (well, the broth thing wasn't so hot) and family. Later in the evening, I texted my friend, the one who nicknamed me, asking him if he had a good day. All I got back was a "NO". I knew already what must have happened. His daughter (13) was supposed come stay with him and he was really looking forward to it. She said it was too boring at his house and could he just bring her gifts to her. Anyway, I decided to visit him. When I arrived, he was sitting in the dark alone. I only spent an hour sitting and talking with him, finally making him laugh a few times. When I left, he hugged me and had tears in his eyes. He said "Thank you, you made my Christmas" The look of gratitude on his face was the most wonderful present I ever got. Sure, I had tears in my eyes too but it was amazing. You can't buy that. But we can give it every day, and get back so much more!
Have a Beautiful New Year to All!
I love deadlines. I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they go flying by. ~anon |
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Dec 27 2007 : 11:07:45 AM
Oh Angie, you are a perfect example of what Jesus asks of us! Already, you have made a difference in the life of that lonely woman. Thank you! And little Gabrielle! Don't we all wish we could be a fly on the wall when she opened her box? Thank you!
I should mention that there's a bonus for those who give as my farmgirl sisters do. There is a law in the Universe that says what we put out we get back. How wonderful! Just think of all the love that will be coming back to you! Of course, the purest motivation is to give without thinking of return, which you do. I just wanted to know about this Bonus from God.
Lisa, what your are doing is called a "gratitude journal" and it is very powerful! If our only prayer was, "thank you" it would be enough. Again, the above Bonus applies here. I end my day giving thanks for all the things that happened during that day by name (even the bad things, because there is purpose in those too) and sometimes I fall asleep during it lol.
Karin, you've hit upon a great way to give love and receive the positive results. Physics tells us that everything in the Universe is made up of vibrations. Each vibration has a color associated with it. The color of the vibration of love is pink. (What I'm teaching you is color vibrational healing) When you want to send love to someone, visualize them and surround them in pink light as you're telling them that you love them. This is very very powerful.
One client of mine called me on a Friday after work in tears because her boss had called her into his office on Monday and she was sure he was going to fire her. "he hates me!" she wailed. I told her to use the pink light on him, which she did all weekend. On Monday, he gave her a raise. Your treatment must come from the heart and you must be earnest. It works. There are other colors for other reasons.
God bless ou all!
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
| britchickny |
Posted - Dec 27 2007 : 03:20:27 AM
Patricia, thank-you for making us turn our thoughts outward instead of inward which sometimes can happen this time of year. I work with a gal who tends to be 'on the fringes' so to speak and is so lonely it hurts. I try and stop at her desk every day to chat and just show interest in her. Not many people at work will do that.
I agree with Karin, sometimes what seems such a little thing to us is huge to someone else who may be hurting or lonely.That honey-vinegar thing is a challenge but is it not our responsibility to do it anyway!
One story I would like to share is from last Christmas. The paper I work for runs a childrens' coloring contest. The children color in their picture and mail it in and we pick a winner. Well, a little girl called Gabrielle sent in her picture with a note that said if she should win, we have to call her Grandma who livs downstairs and she will go upstairs to get the Gabrielle to tell her she has won and can we be patient and wait while she gets her! Something about the note tugged at my heart-strings. I don't know why. Gabrielle was not a winner but I decided to surprise her anyway. I posted a memo and collected a huge box of art-supplies,paper, stickers etc and we mailed it to her from Santa. I wanted to follow the mail-carrier so badly to see the look on her face when she opened the box! Just thinking about giving the gift of happiness was wonderfull. I still wonder how Gabrielle is.
I have been very wrapped up in my own problems lately but am now enjoying my slice of humble pie and look forward to filling many many blessing journals this year!
Thank-you! Count me in!
Angie.
"Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance" JUDE 1:2 |
| nubidane |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 4:32:32 PM
Patricia,
This is a truly special idea. I know from the group I belong to at church(Stephen Ministry) that when we reach out to others, we find we become the one that is truly blessed. I did something similar where I would write down 5 things daily in my planner that I was thankful for. Something as simple as stars on a clear night, but it was nice to go back & re-read these.
I would like to take this challenge! |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 4:02:33 PM
What do we already do? For me, I can think of these:
I have a friend who is 85. She used to be my neighbor but now lives in a retirement complex. I take her to lunch, and to the doctor, and shopping about once a month at least. She is such a wonderful person, and so appreciative.
I take care of my grandchildren one day a week for the day, and then take my Abigail to dance class. Granted, this is not ANY kind of challenge. But it gives my daughter a chance to have some time to herself.
I work in the church office two days a week.
I give bags of food to our church food closet, whcih is open each Staurday morning.
This is just little stuff - what do the rest of you do?
Farmgirl Sister # 31
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| Mumof3 |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 3:49:11 PM
This is something I have done for a while now. It never ceases to amaze me how a little bit of conversation, a smile, or recognition will make someone change right before your eyes.
It is so easy to respond in kind when someone is less than pleasant with you. It's a bigger challenge to respond in the exact opposite way and see what happens. I have wormed my way out of many confrontations just because I was nice. It's that honey-vinegar thing.
Patricia- I will carry on for you, and me as well. I rather like how this all works. I had no doubt that the farmgirls would rally around this idea! :)
Karin
Farmgirl Sister
# 18 :)
Wherever you go, there you are.
www.madrekarin.blogspot.com |
| Alee |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 2:42:11 PM
What a great idea to show Farmgirl spirit and spread some love and kindness around the world!
This is a great idea Patricia! I was just thinking the other day that I was sad that Christmas had rushed up on me so quickly because I hardly got a chance to enjoy it. This will really make me happy to spread some Christmas Cheer all year around. With all that goes on in the world, I think our minds cry out for kindness and love even more year by year.
Thanks for thinking of this!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and I our our new blog: http://FarmgirlAlee.blogspot.com |
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 2:25:44 PM
Yes, Jeannie, I'd like to hear from farmgirls who have already made this challenge a part of their lives. What kinds of things do you do?
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 2:22:03 PM
What a good idea Patricia - and knowing all of you wonderful farmgirls, this will not be any different than you live your lives each day right now! :)
Farmgirl Sister # 31
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
|
|
