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Keeping in Touch:  Giving and Gratefulness  |
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Shery Jespersen
True Blue Farmgirl
115 Posts
Shery
Upton
Wyoming
USA
115 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 15 2009 : 07:47:16 AM
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One of the many positive feelings that reading my MJF magazines generates is 'gratefulness'. I so appreciate all the helpful info, ideas, inspirational thoughts and the workaday beauty throughout.
Yesterday I had even more reason to be grateful in connection to my MJF experience. In one of the online MJF chatroom groups, it was decided some time ago that 'we' would have a potholder exhange. My husband and I ranch for a living (Wyoming) and I have to go to town to get my mail. When I received the package from my new friend, Carol McElroy, I was as anxious as a child and promptly tore open the envelope. Inside there were not only the 2 handmade crocheted potholders, but a matching washcloth, garden gloves and clear bookmark with a perfectly preserved viola from Carol's garden! To say I was delighted is an understatement.
God's timing is perfect and so is His expression of love via the hearts of kind people. Carol could not have known that her lovely gifts came at a time when I needed an upper. And, it wasn't so much the tangible items in the package, it was her gift of giving that I really needed most. Confession: I had been feeling rather used of late, I was feeling like a weary giver and having a private little pity party (except that now YOU know). The good Lord already knew my little secret. It wasn't a big thing, not worthy of mentioning to anyone. I would have felt like a whiner. But even so, my feelings were wrinkling my otherwise good attitude.
Carol to the rescue and just in time too. I didn't think I 'gave' to receive something back or to get a thank-you, but apparently I AM guilty of that very thing or I wouldn't have felt as I did. Anyway, when the Lord corrects us He prefers to do so gently and so it was yesterday. I was reminded that it is a joyful thing to give and you do reap what you sow, but it may come back to you from different places. And, that is the amazing part and where Heaven's loving touch cannot be denied. Carol, long after your lovely gifts wear out, your gift of giving will always be remembered.
'People may not remember what you said or did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.' ~ author unknown
Shery Jespersen
P.S. I would love to insert a photo, but I can't seem to figure out how. |
Edited by - Shery Jespersen on Sep 15 2009 07:53:32 AM |
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Cabinprincess
True Blue Farmgirl
682 Posts
Melody June
Athens
TX
USA
682 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2009 : 08:14:46 AM
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Well said Shery! God moments through other people last a life time. Now I've soaked my hankie and am working on the corner of my apron. I needed this, thanks for sharing.
Smiles, Melody June
God's gift to you are your talents, your gift to Him is how you use them. |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13664 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13664 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2009 : 08:41:15 AM
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Shery,
Thanks!!! Yes, we all need reminders that we are LOVED and that God DOES know about our lives and the struggles. As a caregiver for my younger sister (brain-injured from a horse riding accident a little over 3 yrs. ago) I am physically exhausted and have stressed and strained muscles. I (and her hubby) are discouraged and mentally, emotionally challenged. I am #5 and she is #6 of 6 kids and I feel like our 4 older siblings, especially the 2 older sisters are really OUT OF TOUCH with this situation . . . and we get no support or encouragement!
On top of that, I am the mother of a 35 year-old young man with Down Syndrome. While he doesn't live with us anymore, he is living locally and we do see him and when he visits he presents challenges . . . and we are his legal guardians and have to make the right decisions for him.
So, thanks for the reminders that God knows . . . and cares!!!
CJ
...from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665 |
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Lessie Louise
True Blue Farmgirl
1406 Posts
Carol
PECULIAR
MO
USA
1406 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2009 : 10:15:39 AM
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Shery, you say the sweetest things. I feel that I have been given a gift by your graciousness and graditute. I'm glad those items arrived right when they needed to, Carol
how sweet it is to love some one, how right it is to care |
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Shery Jespersen
True Blue Farmgirl
115 Posts
Shery
Upton
Wyoming
USA
115 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2009 : 4:16:58 PM
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Posted here is a photo I took of the gifts sent to me via the recent Farmgirl potholder exchange. My 'potholder swap meet' pardner was Carol McElroy and she made all the things you see here...crocheted potholders and washcloth, garden gloves, and a viola bookmark. My gift packet was a lot more than 2 potholders! I figured out how to post a photo of my
wonderful 'Carolmade' goodies.
Shery Jespersen, Wyoming
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antoinette
True Blue Farmgirl
826 Posts
Toni
East Freedom
PA
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2009 : 2:43:10 PM
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Thank you so much Shery for such a wonderful post. It also made me think!! And be
grateful!! Toni |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2009 : 6:15:36 PM
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Wow, what great posts. I love the hearts of our farmgirls, and this forum that allows us to share our hearts with those of like mind. It is so wonderful to come here, and be encouraged and convicted of things in such gentle, sweet ways. We all have our own circumstances, and though different, we all understand. Blessings to all!!!
For tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord just for today.
St. Augustine
#440
http://www.myfeetaredirty.blogspot.com/ |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
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treelady
True Blue Farmgirl
2325 Posts
Julie
Medina
ND
USA
2325 Posts |
Posted - Sep 28 2009 : 08:03:19 AM
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Shery, what a beautiful post and a wonderful reminder.
Julie
With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. |
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Bonnie Ellis
True Blue Farmgirl
2474 Posts
Bonnie
Minneapolis
Minnesota
USA
2474 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2009 : 3:14:48 PM
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Sherry: As I get older, things of the heart mean so much more; both giving and receiving. That's what you farmgirls do for me. I can't wait for the farmgirl pin cushion swap, due Nov. 1. If you missed it we are having another in Jan. I can't wait to see the creativity!
Bonnie Ellis
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
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Shery Jespersen
True Blue Farmgirl
115 Posts
Shery
Upton
Wyoming
USA
115 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2009 : 8:38:21 PM
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Bonnie, I love your name (it is my mother's name also).
I think I did miss the pin cushion swap. I do hope people post photos. I don't which conversation thread it was on.
So you're an 'orphan farmgirl'? Surely there must be gobs of farmgirls in and around the Mpls/St.Paul area?? I lived there for 3 years when I went to college...back, WAY back before the internet :o)
I have one farmgirl buddy here in my little cowpoke 'Hooterville' town. On fact, she introduced me to MJF. I'd never heard of MJF before this last July. We laughed at the idea of me living in a cave...how could I have not known since the whole concept is what I live. I guess I was too involved in Being the farmgirl to notice what was going on in the large sense. I'm sue glad my gal-pal clued me in. MJF has filled a little hole in my life, a longing for all that it is and the sense of a common, wholesome goal.
shery
http://reataroseranch.blogspot.com/ |
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mellaisbella
True Blue Farmgirl
1862 Posts
melanie
living on Anne of Green
Gables land
Canada
1862 Posts |
Posted - Oct 09 2009 : 07:37:36 AM
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Shery, how wonderful to have such a nice surprise waiting for you just when you needed it!
"we must be the change we wish to see in the world"
farmgal #150 |
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Keeping in Touch: Giving and Gratefulness |
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Giving and Gratefulness
