| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Libbie |
Posted - Dec 14 2006 : 08:41:54 AM
After reading that one of the next magazines having "Live to Give" as a "Keeping in Touch" focus, I thought it might be fun to have a place to post any stories, tales, ideas around that topic. Farmgirl charity is all over the place - tell us about it!
My focus is definitely local, and somewhat small, right now. I have two little ones at home, and what I consider to be an emotionally, physically and mentally full plate - so a while ago I was thinking, what can I do?!?!?! There is so much in the world to help and to "fix" - so many things that need attention and assistance - where does one farmgirl start? Well, I'm starting with making a pot of soup for two elderly gals in our neighborhood each week. They are some really good friends of mine who, as they get older, seem to need a hand-up in feeding themselves well - so, I thought, THAT is something I can do that DIRECTLY makes a difference to two people every single week of the winter. I feel so good about it. I want to change the world to be a kinder, more sane and safe place, and so I'll start here...
How are YOU living to give?
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Beverly Gill |
Posted - Oct 02 2008 : 8:03:14 PM
 I hope as I live over in India I will be able to reach out to the children in some way volunteering .....right now I am not sure exactly how I will do this...but will look at different organizations when I get there. I know that I have an awful lot of love and energy to share with them.
One thing I am definitely doing is bringing my old blood pressure machine
which still works and will donate it to a local clinic.
Beverly Gill |
| 5 acre Farmgirl |
Posted - Sep 30 2008 : 5:10:17 PM
I heard it said, that, if we can keep on lovin' when the whole world isnt, then we have something those that don't love don't have....
the hardest thing is to keep on lovin' when someone is not loving to us....
How do each of you do it? I want to hear.......
Farmgirl Sister #368
froccsfrillsfurbiloesandmore.blogspot.com
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| homemom |
Posted - Sep 30 2008 : 08:18:01 AM
Karen~ We love to make shoeboxes for Operations Christmas Child, too. It is one of our favorite things.
Kate~We have similar stories. I met my husband and we were married a few months later.
We love to find ways to help others here. It can be a bit hard with things getting so out of control in our country but I believe it's the little things that matter.
Ruth
Living the farm life in my heart.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Ruth
http://farmgirlinmyheart.blogspot.com/ |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Sep 29 2008 : 2:43:27 PM
I agree with Huckleberry, I think the majority of people are well intended and often they maybe just don't know how or when or slow their lives down enough to actually engage.
When I think of "live to give", my mind automatically goes to those types of people that "give" as just an out pouring of who they are. It isn't contrived or for attention or in some big way... it is just like an overflow of whom they are. I think we all know the ones I am talking about, it isn't about them having a lot, and it is just their core belief that there is always abundance. That they don't have to "hold on to anything" because they know that their needs are always met or that someone else’s comfort brings them a level of joy that is sustaining. To me the biggest givers are those that manage to do it from such a pure place. It is the little envelope you find in your pocket, or a note in the mail that says you’re in my thoughts and prayers, or the bag of groceries left on the door stoop. We can all be moved to "GIVE", but to me; live to give is a measure of who someone is when no one is watching.
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
Mae West
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| 5 acre Farmgirl |
Posted - Sep 29 2008 : 2:17:35 PM
I am a Church lady also, and empty nester, so my gift to those with little ones, is to help them, either in their homes, (cleaning), or keeping their precious little ones....
Farmgirls are Farmgirls no matter where or how we live.....we can't help it! ;)
froccsfrillsfurbiloesandmore.blogspot.com
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| Georgiann |
Posted - Aug 31 2008 : 11:47:28 AM
That was a wonderful story, Bonne, thanks for sharing it. When I discovered MJF, one of my first thoughts was how much my mom would have loved the magazine. She was a life-long farmgirl, who lived to give to others -- Red Cross nurse, 4-H leader, devoted mom, wife and church lady. And my hero.
Georgiann
Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart |
| Tammy Claxton |
Posted - Aug 10 2008 : 07:43:51 AM
That was so wonderful Bonne! I hope everything is well with your mom :)
Crafty Bay Farmgirl Chapter
"What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger"
Farmgirl #152
http://countryintheburbs.blogspot.com/ |
| Bonne |
Posted - Aug 06 2008 : 6:44:15 PM
don't know if this is the right spot to mention this, but if you have a minute, I've a
little story about how MJF magazines have touched my mother's life.
On my blog:
http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/2008/08/mjf-to-rescue.html
 http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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| Huckelberrywine |
Posted - Aug 03 2008 : 09:12:42 AM
I peacefully disagree. I think lots of people intend good, there are those who do good, and then there are (remember) a few bad apples. I'm determined to see it that way, as it give me more hope.
We make a difference. |
| Tammy Claxton |
Posted - Aug 02 2008 : 10:03:47 PM
That was so beautiful Marsha. I agree that people who do and think the way we all do are indeed a minority. I see greed, selfishness, and hatred everyday in this world and I wish there could indeed be peace on earth. I hope that even if I don't live long enough to see it, that my children and my grandchildren will live in a world that is united in peace.
Crafty Bay Farmgirl Chapter
"What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger"
Farmgirl #152
http://countryintheburbs.blogspot.com/ |
| marjean |
Posted - Aug 02 2008 : 09:43:57 AM
You are all on the right track, but don't forget we who think this way will always be the minority. But, there is hope that there will be a better world full of people just like all of you and me one day soon. I'd like to share something encouraging with all of you that will hopefully help you keep doing what you are doing regardless of what the rest of the world is doing. A song that is near to my heart. Enjoy!
1. Can you see, with your mind's eye, peoples dwelling together? Sorrow has passed. Peace at last! Life without tears and pain.
2. Man and beast, living in peace, cause no harm to each other. Food will be there. All will share in what our God provides.
3. In those days old will grow young, flesh revived as in childhood. Troubles are gone, from now on no need to weep or fear
4. Paradise all will enjoy as they sing of God's glory. Yes, ev'ry day we will say to God our Maker, Thanks!
(chorus)
Sing out with joy of heart. You too can have a part. Live for the day when you'll say: 'LIfe without end-at last!'
Keep the faith alive,
Marjean
handmade cards and jewelry at jeanpatchbymk.etsy.com |
| Huckelberrywine |
Posted - Jul 28 2008 : 09:27:58 AM
What a lovely idea! Reminds me of Fried Green Tomatoes...the bee charmer and the woman who decoupaged flowers on her wall. It's good to see what others are doing, it gives me new ideas about how to share with others. :)
The quilt I made and raffled off last year, the proceeds went to the local school to help kids in band go to Washington DC. The winner of the quilt re-donated it this year, and the proceeds went to a local fire department. It has now raised over $1000 to help out locally, and I hope the gal who won it this year continues the trend so a small thing can keep growing and doing more good for more people.
You just never know what ripples even a seemingly small act of generosity can generate. |
| kydeere40744 |
Posted - Jul 27 2008 : 11:30:34 AM
I love hearing about the caring spirit with fellow farmgirls. The topic reminds me of FFA's motto: "Learning To Do, Doing To Learn, Earning To Live, Living To Serve." It was instilled in our heads that we learn to do new things, but you are doing those things to learn from experience. That experience in turn can help earn you a living, but you need to learn to live to serve others to get through life.
This past year, I've had several dear friends that have been afflicted by cancer. One of the things that I've learned is to be there for them. Whether it is a phone call, a card, just something to let them know that you are there. I also made a point to make things upbeat and get something funny to make them laugh.
Another thing is that at the beginning, everyone sends flowers. They are beautiful, but unfortunately for some cancer patients, once they start chemo, they cannot have anything like that or fresh fruit because of the dangers of infection. So usually their room is dull with the standard bed, tv, couch, bulletin board with papers, etc. So, I decided to go out in my garden and take photos of my flowers. When I had surgery on my elbow, I grabbed my camera and one handed try to get some photos of my flower arrangements. I went to a local arboretum of flowers and took photos. I then took those photos and then made goodies out of them. I made postcards to mail, photos to send, and then a photo album. I also added a goofy photo every now and then of us together or something they love. Then one time several of my friends and I got together and decorated their bedroom with photos of flowers and just overall goofy photos, a fun room. There is no way you could not be full of laughter after being in that place! They were arranged in picture frames, etc, so easy to move around, rearrange, etc. The look on her face when she came home was priceless.
For another buddy of mine who is now across the US, we collected postcards from college friends. When they went on vacation this summer, they sent out postcards. What a treat to send her postcards of our travels.
Finally, one of my buddies mom came up with the idea of finding rubber duckies as they are trying to get their ducks in a row with everything going on. We all have a great time trying to find the most unusual duckies to mail to her. The collection is growing!
Throughout my life, I've always enjoyed doing things for others rather than myself. I hate seeing people going through tough times because I know how it is. If there is a way to put a smile on their face, even by being goofy myself, I'll do it.
~Jessica in Kentucky & Farmgirl Sisterhood #137~
Be sure to visit my blog & Crafty Clipart for some of my photographs:
http://bluegrassprincess.blogspot.com/
http://www.craftyclipart.com |
| Tammy Claxton |
Posted - Jul 14 2008 : 8:40:38 PM
I agree - we are all very giving, caring women. That's why I love it here.
As most of you already know, my daughter lost another baby this past May. Once again she received a beautiful box with an afghan, an outfit, and other momentos from the hospital. I have decided to do a project with the other members of the CraftyBay Farmgirl Chapter and each one of us will make an 18" x 18" afghan and they will all be taken to the local NICU around here. It's something that I need to do to fill a void in my heart. I myself have lost a child years ago, but nothing was ever given to me so I had nothing to hold on to except the memory of my pregnancy. Now, things are different and I want to be part of that difference for other parents out there. Hopefully I can help someone heal in some small way.
Crafty Bay Farmgirl Chapter
"What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger"
Farmgirl #152
http://countryintheburbs.blogspot.com/ |
| DJSmiles |
Posted - Jul 03 2008 : 11:47:39 AM
Wow, what a great topic. And I have to agree with you all 100%. We have the ability today to see what is happening all over the world. Most often, what we see is the bad, the terrible, the horrific. I'm not so sure we were built to take the entire worlds problems into our hearts and minds all at once like that. It makes us feel hopeless and helpless to effect any kind of change. But all of you farmgirls got it just right, we can make the world a better place one smile, one meal, one hug, one sympathetic ear at a time. We can look around our neighborhoods and see the world condensed. A broken heart is a broken heart, no matter where the human that houses it lives. A hungry child is just as hungry here as across the ocean. I think thats part of what draws us together here at "Farmgirl Headquarters".
We are women who believe that giving, protecting, nurturing and sharing are vital, and we know that with each breath we take, we have the opportunity to make a difference.
And I have to say that for me, part of it is selfish. There is nothing better for putting my troubles into perspective than rolling up my sleeves and helping someone else get through theirs!
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| dkelewae |
Posted - Jun 27 2008 : 11:05:41 AM
My husband and I are active in our very small church, which has a food pantry, clothing ministry, homeless ministry, and also dontates to missions in China, Mexico, and Haiti.
Haiti is where our main focus lies, and we purchased and rehabbed a house, with the proceeds of the sale going directly to Haiti Missions to put a roof on one of the schools, and feed 6,500 children. My husband was fortunate enough to take a trip to Haiti in April 2007. Here's a link to 4 videos of his trip to Haiti. http://www.youtube.com/user/dkelewae
I'm hoping to find other ways to raise funds to send to Haiti, especially since the food and water situation there has deteriorated so horribly in recent months.
Diana
St. Peters MO
Country Girl trapped in the city! |
| Ga Girl |
Posted - Jun 23 2008 : 7:00:56 PM
Amy that sounds like lots of fun and I sounds like a wonderful experience to help. Each Christmas I help go help get the shoeboxes ready for operation christmas child. That is always a great time. I also try to help any needy families. I have 3 boys myself and have had to have help myself a times. I am to wealthy by any means but alot of times small things mean alot. Loved reading all of the other interesting stories yall are a great bunch of farmgirls!
Create in me a pure heart,O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 http://farmgirlingastyle.blogspot.com/ |
| amyartgirl |
Posted - Jun 23 2008 : 11:30:33 AM
I plan on submitting this...but in short, this past Saturday hubby and I volunteered for the Ohio Lavender Festival in Streetsboro (near Akron). It was at Daybreak Lavender Farm. Jody, one of the owners and her staff were impressed that we came 2 hours north from Columbus to help out w/ the small festival and gave of our time.
We worked at the sample area at the farmhouse there. It was really fun, tho it was kinda tight quarters with the small farmhouse, esp w/ many attendees passing through to shop the soap store and taste some yummy samples. And of course there were happenings outside too. This morning, I sent a e-mail to Jody to tell her thank you for having the opportunity available and she responded back by saying we were some of the champion volunteers there and she just LOVED our endless energy....the people were great to talk to and get to know. I am so glad that we made a difference in a unique way :-)
On another note - The smells in the farmhouse area was to die for.....all of the essential oils from the curing soaps filled the air with a wonderful fragrance.
Farmgirl Sister #21
Heart of Ohio Farmgirls
Proud member of Bees w/o Borders and ArtFuL SisTeRs
http://artfulheart.blogspot.com
http://farmgirltales.blogspot.com |
| joanieh |
Posted - May 03 2008 : 8:27:54 PM
I guess I never thought of it as making a difference, Cecily, but I have been caring for my father-in-law, who has Alzheimer's for about 2 years now.
I actually just had a break of two months while a sister-in-law had him. It went all right for everyone; I was nervous at first about how he would take the move, but he did all right. I brought him home on Wed. this week, and he seems to be adjusting pretty well. I see several changes in the past two months, though. He can't walk much more than 100 feet now, and he seems to need the cane even in the house. He has a walker with a seat on it. Before he left, he could walk about a quarter of a mile; 2 years ago, he could easily walk a mile. His ankles are swollen up. He needs help brushing his teeth now. He is becoming more incontinent. We use those male guard pads. His memory is down to about 1 minute.
But he still remembers those German beer drinking songs he learned while he was in the Army during the Korean War! He was kind of quiet the first couple of days after he got back, but today he was quite talkative when he was awake. He is sleeping a lot more now, and getting up less. He used to be into the pantry or the refrigerator every 5 minutes. I was afraid he would gain a lot of weight. I had to babyproof so he wouldn't eat the wrong thing.
Sorry, folks, if I am off the subject here a little. If you are like me, Cecily, you find people with Alzheimer's fascinating. You never know what they are going to say next! My husband says his thoughts are like those bingo balls bouncing around in his head, and poof! whichever one pops out is the thought we get. But, I feel we are giving Dad a much better quality of life here than he would get in a home. The food's much better, he can sit in the sun out in the garden, the only hard part is that I have to haul him around when I need to take my son places. He usually doesn't mind a car ride, though.
To get back on the subject, something you can do for someone else is to offer to give a full time caregiver a break. It will mean the world to them. |
| BarnChickCecily |
Posted - May 03 2008 : 6:33:18 PM
One of the things I like to do to make a difference is to offer my time to help someone with odd jobs... like my great-grandma. She can't get around like she use to be able to, and the dust on her ceiling fans are driving her nuts... so, my twin sister and I go over to her house (about a full hour or more drive) every Thursday and help her with whatever she needs or just simply sit and visit and eat lunch together. She has been such a wonderful influence in our lives and we want her to know how much she is appreciated and loved. Also, if anyone wants an idea of how they can make a difference, maybe consider visiting someone in a nursing home whose family never comes to see them. I am a nurse and I work on an Alzheimer's unit. You would not believe how many families admit their parents/family member to a nursing home and then disappear- NEVER once coming to visit them unless we call them and ask for more clothing. I love my residents and hope that the time that I am there with them is enough to fill a lonely void they may have. |
| joanieh |
Posted - May 03 2008 : 10:47:00 AM
One of our guys, who is 21 now, and still active with the troop, says that the Eagle Scout meant more than his high school diploma when it came to getting jobs. All I know is, when my husband goes to hire people at the state park where we live and work, he likes to get anyone who has been in scouting because they usually know about nature and conservation, working with tools safely, and how to tie knots! They also are more likely to have a good work ethic... |
| Catydid |
Posted - May 03 2008 : 09:23:50 AM
Scouting has also been a huge part of my family joanieh. My grandfather was an Eagle Scout, as were all of my uncles and my dad, and I married an Eagle Scout. My little brother is also on his way to becoming one. The scouting program is certainly an amazing program, and I love the skills it teaches the boys! |
| joanieh |
Posted - May 02 2008 : 9:11:38 PM
Raising my kids, I have found my place to help has been with other children. I have been a PTO president, substitute teacher, soccer coach, Sunday school teacher, and I have been a Boy Scout leader for 12 years now. Many kids these days do not have parental guidance, but in our community there are many people who try to help them out. It gives me great joy to see my son giving his time every week to teach one of these "lost" kids how to play guitar and just to be a friend to him. Another joy is seeing 6 of our boys achieve Eagle Scout in the past 6 years! |
| Catydid |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 12:38:52 PM
Thanks for the welcome! I have been reading Maryjane's Stitching Room and was excited to start sharing, and reading all of the wonderful posts on this site! I think that some of the best moments in my life have been watching someone open a gift that I made especially for them! It's almost impossible to go back to buying store-bought gifts once you've had that pleasure! |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 29 2008 : 12:30:08 PM
Welcome Caitlin!
Is sure is wonderful to see some one's face when you do something kind for them, isn't it?
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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