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Across the Fence:  A challenge  |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 25 2007 : 7:00:35 PM
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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 |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Dec 25 2007 : 11:43:35 PM
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What a wonderful idea Patricia. I sure want to take that challenge. I LOVE the idea. You are so right..if we can do it in December, why not all year long!!
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 |
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Corinnelouise
True Blue Farmgirl
957 Posts
Corinne
France
957 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 01:30:29 AM
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Thanks Patricia to put our mind in the right direction.
I take the pledge and will keep a journal.
Love to all and especially to you.
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
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ktknits
True Blue Farmgirl
582 Posts
Kathy
Northwest Indiana
USA
582 Posts |
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HeathersHeartfeltStitches
True Blue Farmgirl
440 Posts
Heather
Lancaster
OH
USA
440 Posts |
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mima
True Blue Farmgirl
1573 Posts
1573 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 06:54:01 AM
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Count me in!!! Our hurting world needs lots of people up for that challenge!!!!
"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars,or sailed to an uncharted land or opened a new heaven to the human spirit." Helen Keller |
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amyartgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
991 Posts
Amy
Junction City
Ohio
USA
991 Posts |
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Lainey
True Blue Farmgirl
2401 Posts
Elaine
Waco
Kentucky
USA
2401 Posts |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 07:50:00 AM
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Thank you Patricia this is something I have been reflecting on since November. I do not smile enough and sometimes that is misread. I am trying to show my happiness and love more to all. Even the sometimes "mean" people that probably need the feeling of love more than we know! I want to get involved in a volunteer thing and just feel the goodness that everyone has to share. It's better than any shopping spree that only leaves me empty and wanting love. Thank you again for reminding me of this Patricia! I'm IN!
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirlslonggreen.blogspot.com/
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Luzy
True Blue Farmgirl
922 Posts
Luanne
Pueblo
Colorado
USA
922 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 09:22:33 AM
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Count me in sweet friend, it's just like you to think of such a wonderful idea! Hugs and love, Lu
P.S. You'd better be good or I'll send you another monkeymail!!
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May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.
http://luzy.etsy.com- My etsy store! |
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bybiddie
True Blue Farmgirl
267 Posts
susan
upstate
ny
USA
267 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 10:30:14 AM
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That is a wonderful idea! Thank you for putting it forward - it's a challenge I don't mind meeting!
Susan
Lovin' my life as Proud Farmgirl Sister #45!
http://BizzyHands.etsy.com |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 11:25:09 AM
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Woo hoo!! You can't imagine how much your emails mean to me! Just think of what we can do. Jesus said whenever there are two or more in his name (which is an Aramaic idiom for "practicing my teachings" I am there). Every time you offer a prayer for someone or a smile to someone who needs one, he will be with you in a special way. How wonderful!!
I think I'll keep a record of names in my journal and maybe send a note of encouragement every once in a while. Whadaya think? If you want to be in, email me privately with your email address.
My heart is filled to overflowing. Thank you, Farmgirl Sisters.
How about listing some ways you can think of to meet the challenge? Anybody got some creative ideas? The first one that comes to me is doing something (from a prayer to sending a note) for our service people.
I knew I could count on Farmgirls for love.
Love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 12:01:48 PM
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"the difference you made in someone's life or the clever ways you found to give love without spending a penny" - awesome words. Thanks, Patricia!
Great challenge, wonderful idea. Count me in.
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 2:14:24 PM
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Jo and anyone else who wants in, please email me privately with your email addresses. You guys are awesome!
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 2:22:03 PM
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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 |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 2:25:44 PM
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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 |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 2:42:11 PM
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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 |
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Mumof3
True Blue Farmgirl
3890 Posts
Karin
Ellenwood
GA
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 3:49:11 PM
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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 |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 4:02:33 PM
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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 |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2875 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2875 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2007 : 4:32:32 PM
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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! |
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britchickny
True Blue Farmgirl
1048 Posts
Angie
Port Orange
Florida
1048 Posts |
Posted - Dec 27 2007 : 03:20:27 AM
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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 |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Dec 27 2007 : 11:07:45 AM
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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 |
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chicken necker
True Blue Farmgirl
509 Posts
Sherry
Eastern Shore
Maryland
USA
509 Posts |
Posted - Dec 28 2007 : 07:04:48 AM
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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 |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Dec 28 2007 : 10:29:40 AM
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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 |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Dec 28 2007 : 10:39:22 AM
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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 |
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Across the Fence: A challenge |
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A challenge
