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Family Matters:  Pagan Family Values  |
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OmgsItsTashaRose
Farmgirl in Training
44 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
MN
USA
44 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 07:35:01 AM
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Heya ladies! This isn't exclusive to Pagans :-) but I added the word because that is my world view...
Some of you might remember that there is a festival I attend every year in Southern MN...a Pagan festival that is a 9 day camping event. This year we had one fo the best guests we have ever had, a Ms. Crystal Blanton.
She spoke quite a bit on personal and societal values as well as the values that define our home cultures.
When we got home from the festival we had a family meeting and defined what our value set is. That posterboard is large and rests above our altar in our livingroom to serve as a visual reminder of our value-set.
Does your family have a defined value-set? What sort of things are included on yours?
We have everything from no physical violence (first on the list) to Spider-man stickers (Thank you three year old son!) and everything in between.
I am interested to hear how other families operate within their home culture....
BB
Tasha-Rose
Formerly GaiasRose |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 08:35:40 AM
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Hi Tasha! Welcome back!
This is such a great post - thank you for not limiting this strain to just those who share Pagan family values! I love what you have done by posting your family's value set up where everyone can see! We are Christian, so we study the Scriptures and pray every day, and attend church regularly, of course. But what touched me most about your post is that we, too, kind of have a "family values" card posted up on the refrigerator. This is what it reads:
"Today: Love at all times
Do something honorable
Do something meaningful
Do something to make a contribution
Do NOT do anything immoral or stupid
Remember: You are a Child of God, a Prince, a Princess of His Kingdom"
Sometimes it inspires our hearts, sometimes it convicts our hearts, but it always keeps us focused!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
www.papercraftingwithnini.myctmh.com
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emsmommy5
True Blue Farmgirl
1547 Posts
Angie
Buckley
WA
USA
1547 Posts |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 10:18:44 AM
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Years and years ago when my kids were pretty little.... I taped a couple of pieces of paper to the ceiling with our "three" words on them. When we moved to this house, those pieces of paper came with and are stuck to the ceiling here.... Respect, Kindess and Honesty.
It was a visual reminder for all of us that if we follow those three principles, everything else pretty much falls into place.
Do what you love, love what you do. |
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OmgsItsTashaRose
Farmgirl in Training
44 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
MN
USA
44 Posts |
Posted - Nov 16 2011 : 11:19:31 AM
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Thanks so much ladies! I love reading these! Keep them coming!!!
Formerly GaiasRose |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Nov 19 2011 : 4:33:25 PM
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| As a sister Pagan, I can relate to this process. Many of us have gone through it as individuals, but when we are part of a family under one roof -- no matter what the specific relationships, that alone is enough to make up a family -- it's essential. Your post really makes me pause. My husband (also Pagan) and I seem always to just understand each others' values and respect them. I wonder what would happen if we tried to articulate them as your family did. It would be easy to just restate such Pagan values as "do no harm," but making it personal, unique to us? That's hard! Great post, Tasha-Rose. Thanks. |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2011 : 02:53:27 AM
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This is really nice, I am also a Pagan but have a hubby who is a scientist who for some odd reason has always gotten what I feel with that religious aspect. I have never thought to do a visional sign of sorts about what my values, principles & thoughts are but I like that there are others who do this, what a great way to really see what you want others to know about you but never seem to understand. Some never get it but I live my life & hope others see that what I do is how I want life to be...calm, understanding & sort of quiet in nature. I am open to other views, ideas & thoughts as long as they are respectful, but will clam up if it is ugly or just plain mean in spirit. I think living on a farm as a girl has really helped me see life in its true nature, everything has a reason for being, there is a natural calmness that comes to me being in the outdoors, no stress or feeling like I have to prove myself...that I think for me was a hard thing when I was younger that trying to prove what I believed was alright & it worked for me.....By my 40's I no longer felt that need to defend myself over my beliefs because I never ever made anyone else defend theirs. The "harm none" is very important to me but also to 'be at peace' with myself & others has been the important factors of my life. Thankfully living in Massachusetts I never really have to talk about any of this or being a 'Green witch' (wise about plants) but when I go home to Missouri its another story but really I don't mind anymore. its funny but most people are more freaked out by my cross collection I have in the hallway honoring my Mother than me being a pagan....Michele'
Chickens rule!
The Old Batz Farm
Hen #2622 |
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2011 : 03:53:17 AM
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Our family motto is along the lines of "if it hurts someone else or makes someone else mad/uncomfortable/sad, don't do it!" because that just about covers most of Life, I think...but we don't have that posted anywhere. A visual would be great! Thanks for the idea!
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com
www.thehmmmschoolingmom.blogspot.com |
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Melina
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Melina
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2011 : 07:53:40 AM
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Our family values theme is "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
The morning breeze has secrets to tell you. Do not go back to sleep.
Rumi |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9587 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9587 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2011 : 12:38:29 PM
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Our value comes from Christ who said that we should love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. And also he told us to, Love your neighbor as yourself. If we can fulfill the first everything else follows as it should. And we can only truly fulfill any of these through Christ.
farm girl sister#43
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it!
And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2011 : 5:30:22 PM
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I am working with a group of Muslims, Hindus, and Confucians. I have traditional Christian values. I truly believe Christ's love encompasses all peoples. I am not seeking to convert the people I work with, but trying to love them as Christ would have done. It is an interesting problem.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com [ or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2011 : 5:44:29 PM
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I believe in the Holy Trinity--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--but the one I relate to the most is the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit doesn't recognize religious differences among people. We're all the same to the Spirit, and that's how I try to treat others.
Cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2011 : 11:26:13 AM
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bump so that it's in my list :-) Got my user name back :-) Yipeeee!
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Farmgirl Sister #88
Blogs:
http://omgsitstasharose.wordpress.com
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2011 : 11:29:09 AM
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These are some really great responses...it is interesting to me how similar our values are across the board and across the relgious differences..
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Farmgirl Sister #88
Blogs:
http://omgsitstasharose.wordpress.com
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Room To Grow
True Blue Farmgirl
974 Posts
Deborah
Kingston
Georgia
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2011 : 1:06:28 PM
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My brother is a Catholic and I was raised Baptist. But I am no longer a Baptist. I am a spirit filled Christian. When I was younger I was told by our preacher that I had sinned and was told this in front of our whole church. I was so hurt. I decided no to go back to church. I was only 13. I started doing drugs and hurting myself. I went to stay with my brother because my Mom had her on agenda. I tried to go to church with him but didnt understand why I couldnt take communion. My brother said because I wasnt baptisted in the Catholic church...again I was hurt. He knew this and had a talk with me. He stood me in front of a mirror and told me..."See that person in that mirror, if that person doesnt hurt anyone OR herself you will be just fine" Now I know I can take the blood and body of my God. I have also lived buy what my brother said to me that day. And now at 55 I am reading the bible and understanding it. Also I love everyone like the Lord does. This is a wonderful feed.
Deborah
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
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Dusky Beauty
True Blue Farmgirl
1108 Posts
Jen
Tonopah
AZ
USA
1108 Posts |
Posted - Nov 27 2011 : 1:22:23 PM
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In our home the maxim is to live as Christ showed by example; or as close as we can come to it. An integral part of our faith in action is to also make ourselves and our resources (time, stuff) available for God's use to be a blessing to others. It's a pretty amazing feeling when something like your kids' old school clothes becomes an answer to someone's prayers.
"The greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated." ~Gandhi
http://silvermoonfarm.blogspot.com/
"After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.” ~Will Rogers |
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buggysmum
True Blue Farmgirl
110 Posts
Shelly
110 Posts |
Posted - Nov 29 2011 : 3:45:46 PM
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I love this thread....beautiful to see everyone feeling comfortable sharing their beliefs and values and showing respect for others', as well. I love that. Our world needs a lot more of that :)
As Maya Angelou said, we are more alike than we are different.
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Mountain Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
806 Posts
JoAnn
Colville
Washington
USA
806 Posts |
Posted - Nov 29 2011 : 5:56:13 PM
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| I just read an article that said "it doesn't matter what god you believe in but how you live your life" |
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Jessi Lynn
True Blue Farmgirl
144 Posts
New York
USA
144 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2011 : 3:14:48 PM
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Make time for family ie: dinner, game nite, dessert and a movie
Hands are for helping not hitting
Always be willing to lend a helping hand-where ever/when ever
We use our words with care and thought
RESPECT-respect for ourselves/others/all critters, big and little (plants animals. . . .)
Responsibility- We make our own choices (keeping in mind our values), learn from our mistakes, and tidy up after ourselves
We help each other embrace what makes us unique, support each others dreams, and pursue our passions |
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smiley
True Blue Farmgirl
650 Posts
lea
pea ridge
arkansas
USA
650 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2011 : 8:11:47 PM
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| Great thread ladies!In our home we try to raise our children to know their values must be there own,not ours forced on them. We are a Christian family and teach that you represent your family as well as your Lord by what others see and hear from you. You must know what your beliefs are and why you believe them. Not just because someone told you. Search it out for yourself and know what YOU believe and why. When you are secure in that you can be open minded to the ways of others who are different than you. |
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coaloha
True Blue Farmgirl
502 Posts
Pam
USA
502 Posts |
Posted - Dec 12 2011 : 10:21:57 AM
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This thread has been great. Reading everyone's wise, thoughtful responses has warmed my heart. Our family values...let's see. Our children are grown and one adult child still lives in our house. Three people live in our home and we have 3 different religious belief systems. The thing that makes this work is respect. Other values in our home include the idea of "one for all and all for one". We support each other and family comes first. We have multigenerational family meals. Friends are welcome in our home and at our table as if they were family. We focus on service and social justice. Our family values have been a work in progress over the years. The pay-off is that we are close to our parents and extended family and my husband and I are close to our grown children. I know that I learned these things growing up in a large Iowa farm family when grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family were part of my daily life.
Happy Winter to Farmgirls of every belief and faith.
Warmly
Pam
Pam Barnes-Palty
Phoenix, AZ
Farmgirl #1075
Happy member of the Southwest Henhouse
Be distracted by joy |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Dec 16 2011 : 09:27:41 AM
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I am Christian, so of course, our home goes by the do unto others as you would have others do unto you
but I have a Wiccan friend and I like their values to Harm None |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2011 : 10:40:21 AM
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Jess Lynn reminded me of something I used to stress in my classes: words have power. We must indeed be careful how we use them. What an absolutely lovely thread :)
Anna, I'm so pleased to see your post. I wish more of our Christian sisters were aware of how central that simple "commandment" is to everything in a Pagan's life and worldview. |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Dec 20 2011 : 10:06:13 AM
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That could be taken as physically and mentally perhaps too. The stuff we say can be so damaging at times.
I try and keep this in mind when speaking to others.
The next time you make eye contact with a stranger or check out person. Raise your eyebrows and smile a genuine smile...then look at the reaction that gets reflected back...........ESPECIALLY if you happen to be having a bad day. If THAT doesn't brighten you mood, nothing will!  |
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Family Matters: Pagan Family Values |
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Pagan Family Values
