| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Sep 30 2010 : 06:52:22 AM
You have heard of "paying it forward" or as the title suggests. In this economic climate of people having less, and possibly giving less, what one thing can & WILL you do for another to "make their day", and help rid your community etc. of the negative thoughts and influences that have invaded our society. These little gems could be calling a friend you haven't spoken with in a long time, donating a coat or several canned goods to your neighborhood food bank. It could be babysitting a child for an hour to give Mom time to get to the store...or doctor. Maybe it isn't a child, but donating time to a care-giver of an elderly or Alzheimer person.
Post that good deed...not to "toot" your own horn, but to inspire others to do the same. Farm girls are noted for their generosity. Your gem can be little or big, but let's start a movement to help others, because we can.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| pnickols |
Posted - Oct 19 2010 : 6:29:04 PM
Claudia and Darlene,
thanks you for you kind words and your prayers. I don't quite know what is happening but it seems to be hitting the young men hard. I know of several who have basically fallen apart and then this. kids who know of someone at risk won't tell anyone for fear of being a tattle. parents are not parenting , families are falling apart. But I knew this family, stay at home, active in the schools mom,smart talented kids. some times you just never know, that's the scary part |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Oct 19 2010 : 2:29:34 PM
Darlene, I didn't know you were in an accident! are you OK? What are you doing for a car? I hope you or the people who hit you had enuf insurance to cover your loss. Yes...God bless that man.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| HealingTouch |
Posted - Oct 19 2010 : 2:23:15 PM
Patricia...How sad for that family...My prayers to them. Unfortunately that type of thing is happening more and more. Some kids are ruthless with the bullying and the parents are just as bad. I don't know if this is the case but there isn't a day that goes by that in the news another child kills themselves or is killed. We are becoming a Godless nation. We need to stand up before we are stood on. Children are innocent. They learn the behaviors somewhere. Poor kids that feel there is no other alternative. People need to intervene and stand up for what's right. I was just in an accident where we were a hit and run. My car was demolished. A Good Samaritan saw it happen and chased the guys and ran them off the road and held them there until the cops came. He later told us that he thought we were dead and he wasn't letting them get away with it! God Bless that man! There are still good, honest people. My heart breaks for that Mother...She will never be the same...A part of her is gone.
Blessings and Peace,
Darlene
Sister 1922
God first, everything else after!
DNA doesn't make us sisters, Love does!
The road to a friends house is never to long!
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| buffypuff |
Posted - Oct 19 2010 : 12:04:25 PM
Patricia, thank you for the comments regarding the children in and around us. That old adage of children should be seen & not heard was way wrong when it came to the ignoring of the youth of our nation. If you see the mother of that young man, please tell her there are people praying for her family from areas unknown to her. Blessings on you for your contribution. :0)
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| foreverbooks |
Posted - Oct 19 2010 : 07:39:35 AM
Jennifer, I like the idea of leaving used books and magazines in places where people might find them. Great idea! I usually donate my magazines to our local public library.
Carole
In light, love, and friendship! |
| pnickols |
Posted - Oct 19 2010 : 03:42:17 AM
could you all do me a favor? please tell those children in your sphere how much you love them now while they are with you , we lost a young man in our marching band, he killed himself over the weekend. as people we are so quick to judge and criticize instead of offering love and support. breaks my heart to see his mother in such pain |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Oct 18 2010 : 5:18:02 PM
Jennifer, those are big things. Anytime that a child is shown some special love, their life is better. I'm sure as an adult, if asked, they will speak of your pencil. Donations and leaving magazines in areas where others can read, feed the mind & save the land fills.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| Woodswoman |
Posted - Oct 18 2010 : 4:52:48 PM
This is just a little thing, but I make sure that every child in my classes (I teach middle school science), gets a Happy Birthday from me, and a Happy Birthday pencil. I have quite a mix of students - wealthy, struggling, well-cared for, and some not so much. I know with some of them it just makes there day that someone remembered.
I also choose two charities each month to make a monetary donation to.
And, I leave used books and magazines in places where people might find them.
Jennifer
Farmgirl Sister #104
"Nature brings to every time and season some beauties of its own".
-Charles Dickens |
| pnickols |
Posted - Oct 17 2010 : 1:51:52 PM
thanks, we aren't in the best of shape financially but I feel like we should do this. I'm going to have to see about making it a reality this year. |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Oct 17 2010 : 12:13:30 PM
What a great idea Patricia. Nothing is off subject as long as it is in thinking or doing something else for another. Teresa has some good suggestions. Our Christmas families always came through churches...or the schools who knew of families. Even if you didn't know their names, maybe the school would give the sex, ages/sizes of the family for a little gift. Something for dinner is always wonderful too. Very good ideas from you all. Some I would have never thought of. Continue the good work. I am being so blessed in this.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| TeresaJ25 |
Posted - Oct 17 2010 : 11:17:23 AM
I don't think it's off topic at all. I think it is wonderful that you want your children to help a family in need. I know that in my school district, the school nurse has the information on which families need assistance. I'm not sure if that can give that information out. You could ask your church. It doesn't have to be a church in which you are a member of, most would welcome the help. I believe our local Lion's Club also has that kind of information.
Hope that helps. Good Luck!
~Teresa
Farmgirl Sister #1348
*Anyone can criticize and complain and predict doom and gloom.
Be the person who fills the room with sunshine! |
| pnickols |
Posted - Oct 17 2010 : 08:29:34 AM
this is a little off topic but I've always wanted to take the kids and have them adopt a family so to speak for christmas, I think it would be good for them to step out of their own wants and think about someone else for a change, but I don't know how to go about doing it, any suggestions ? |
| TeresaJ25 |
Posted - Oct 17 2010 : 06:20:53 AM
Claudia, I know what you mean about the people in this world who seem to be doing the opposite of what we are trying to do. While I was waiting for my MIL to come out of the grocery store, I pulled up close to the entrance so that she would not have to walk all the way into the parking lot. The next thing I know, some irrational man started shouting obsenities through his car window that I shouldn't be taking up so much space. I know that clearly I was not taking up that much space because there was plenty of room for cars to drive in both directions next to me. I did not respond to his outburst, but felt it weighing on me for a good part of the day. I also find it difficult to pray for them. Maybe you were meant to read that scripture not just for yourself, but also for us.
Pam, I love your idea of leaving little affirmations around town. I keep a little daily calendar on my counter, it's the Life's little instructions calendar. My kids and I read them everyday and keep the ones that really hit home with us.
~Teresa
Farmgirl Sister #1348
*Anyone can criticize and complain and predict doom and gloom.
Be the person who fills the room with sunshine! |
| HealingTouch |
Posted - Oct 14 2010 : 4:06:59 PM
Pam...
That's awesome!Everyone can use a good word no matter where they are. What a kind gesture for the father and kids.Way to go girlfriend!
Blessings and Peace,
Darlene
Sister 1922
God first, everything else after!
DNA doesn't make us sisters, Love does!
The road to a friends house is never to long!
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| kittykill |
Posted - Oct 14 2010 : 3:49:02 PM
This is such a wonderful thread. Last week I had an ywo 10.00 off grocery coupon. The guy in line in front of me was buying groceries for himself and 6 kids. I gave him my coupon.
Also, I print out little notes and leave them around town. I print out positive affirmations and leave them on the mirrors in bathrooms or with my tip when I go out to eat or hidden in stores.
www.fasterkittykill.blogspot.com
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| buffypuff |
Posted - Oct 14 2010 : 08:33:15 AM
As I was doing a little Bible reading, I came across this verse that I had read many times before. It is Romans 12:14... "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." Now, I'm not whipped, in a lions den or being stoned. But do I pray for that person in a car that cuts me off, or takes MY parking place or do I show them a few fingers? What about those who are rude on a phone call or don't speak English very well & can't understand me when I call with a problem? What about a company/administration who may lay off my husband? Or a president or other government official who is not doing what I think needs to be done now? Minor persecutions maybe...but I have lost the command to pray for them and not curse. I will try hard on this one....cuz in reading the scripture this morning, I don't think I "just happened" on it...it was a command..not a suggestion.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| buffypuff |
Posted - Oct 14 2010 : 07:38:45 AM
I reread this morning what Teresa said about her husband & her, taking in her MIL. I was so touched when I read it the first time, I couldn't answer. Having a mother who is 92 & who still lives within her own house, but losing my dad almost 26 yrs ago, I, (an only child)am aware of how frail, lonesome, living with dignity, these elderly are. They need someone to stand in the gap for them, with them. The commandment, Honor thy father and thy mother can be interpreted in many ways. May I say, that you Teresa, are not only honoring your MIL, but also your FIL, who loved & cared for her, AND you also honor your husband in respecting and loving the woman who nurtured him first. Thank you for your contributions.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| HealingTouch |
Posted - Oct 12 2010 : 6:10:31 PM
Teresa...That is so wonderful. She will be a blessing and likewise. It always amazes me that only a few or none step up tp the plate. My mother was going to move in with my husband and I but passed away a few months before she was to come. I was the only one she felt comfortable to live with and the only one who wanted her. Might I add that I was also the one who never asked her for anything. It's a sin that those that get the most are to busy or something! I also took my FIL out of the VNA hospice to take care of him in our home. I didn't want him to die alone. His own only daughter wouldn't take him. I just don't get it. Well they all have to live with their decisions. I think God only gives them to the people he wants to have them! See you are a chosen one! Enjoy her! You go farmgirl sister!
Blessings and Peace,
Darlene
Sister 1922
God first, everything else after!
DNA doesn't make us sisters, Love does!
The road to a friends house is never to long!
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| TeresaJ25 |
Posted - Oct 12 2010 : 5:46:37 PM
I was never really close with my MIL. Not because we didn't like one another, just different personalities I guess. My FIL was such a character, that perhaps he stole a lot of attention away from her. When he passed away this past November, my MIL was left alone after 61 years. Plans were set in motion for her future; plans that she had a "say" in, others, not so much. She raised 6 children, all very successful in their lives. Only 1 child offered to take her in, my husband (with my blessing of course). I was shocked and saddend that not one other of my husband's siblings wanted her to live with them. We are talking about a woman who did everything she could for her children. I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do. What kind of example would I be setting for my own children if I didn't?
She is not yet living with us, we are currently converting our garage into an apartment for her. In the months since my FIL passed, I have learned so much from her. I take her grocery shopping, and take her for her hair appointments each week. We sit at the diner and just chat. I treat her like a grown woman. Not a child, not a burden. I've heard so many stories about her childhood that I've taken to writing them down in a journal so that my children will know more about their family history. My husband and I joke around now that she likes me better than him!
I wanted to set an example for my children, but what I ended up doing was making a friend.
~Teresa
Farmgirl Sister #1348
*Anyone can criticize and complain and predict doom and gloom.
Be the person who fills the room with sunshine! |
| debbies journey |
Posted - Oct 11 2010 : 10:00:35 PM
Our city also discourages giving to the homeless. The local veterans group sets up flags and a sign-board
asking for donation of food, warm clothes, sleeping bags and money. When they set up by our grocery store
it makes it easy to give, and I know it will really help. At the Curves I go to, they are collecting for
a shelter group this month. Then they adopt a big family for Christmas. It feels more like a gift to myself
when I can help.
Debbie |
| pnickols |
Posted - Oct 11 2010 : 5:08:13 PM
I haven't seen anyone with a sign asking for work in some time, I wonder if the powers that be discourage it or they have found other ways to get help. I am amazed at how awesome the women on this forum are, all the wonderful but simple gestures you make that can make such a difference. Makes me want to try harder to be a kinder person. |
| knittingmom |
Posted - Oct 11 2010 : 3:17:24 PM
There are shelters in our city more for men than women though. It's starting to get cool many people sqaut in our river valley too.
Yes to your second question, we have a few people who have signs either will work for food or hungry and need something to eat. Our city has discourged people from giving money directly to panhandlers and instead is really urging citizens to donate to the shelters, soup kitchens, missions directly. It's hard though when you see a fellow human being in need to give them a dollar or two. Maybe if you see somebody instead of giving them cash give them a bag containing a meal (some fruit, some juices, sandwiches) instead, small kindnesses.
This recession/depression has hit both our nations and those who were barely holding on now aren't.
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Oct 11 2010 : 2:45:01 PM
Wow AnneMarie, I bet it is getting cold up there. Bless you for that!! Is there a shelter for these men to get out of the cold?
BTW, do you all have men(some women)stand on corners with cardboard signs saying something like "Will work for food...God bless you."? What do you feel, what do you do or think? I haven't done anything. Not sure if I should or not.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| knittingmom |
Posted - Oct 11 2010 : 2:20:48 PM
We've been looking out for one of the homeless fellows who is in our area, giving him some food, tea, empty bottles, a hello. He asked why we do it, the answer is simple he is a fellow human being.
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Oct 11 2010 : 09:09:40 AM
Darlene...thank you for the Malachi 3:3..by the way. It was welcomed this morning!
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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