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Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Monthly Challenge – November

 

Since November is a month when we particularly think about being thankful here in the U.S., it seemed like it might be nice to incorporate that into this month’s challenge. 

Here we go:

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Send a “thank you” note to a lady who has been a blessing to you (or your children) spiritually – a pastor’s wife, Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, etc.

And/Or

Write a letter or email to a missionary lady who is far away from home.

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I am focusing on pastor’s wives and lady teachers and leaders because I was a pastor’s daughter and I know that sometimes people forget to thank the ladies in the church who either are teaching or doing work behind the scenes in the line of ministry.  Verbal thanks is good, but a written “thank you” is really meaningful.  It means someone actually took the time to stop and write down some thoughts, not just say “thanks” in the hall and rush on with their lives.  If you know what I mean…

I will also add that I’m not talking about your mother or grandmother here.  I sincerely hope that if you have godly parents and/or grandparents that you let them know on a regular basis that you appreciate them.  This is about the women who aren’t usually thought of as “needing” to be thanked.  Galatians 6:6  Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

The second part of the challenge is, I think, self-explanatory.  Missionary ladies may not get many personal letters from someone just reaching out in love to thank them or encourage them.  If possible, I really recommend sending snail mail.  It is such a blessing to received a real letter from someone “back home”.  But, when it comes down to it, I think they will be happy with an email as well.  And, please, try to write a personal, friendly letter.  Half a dozen questions about their work and a brief synopsis of the weather is hardly going to make them feel loved and cared for.  Tell them about your kids, your projects, something you’ve learned in your walk with God, maybe even share a recipe if they are in a place where they can get Western ingredients.

Romans 12:10  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Hope you enjoy this challenge! :-)

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NOTE: I have a question.  Shall I continue the monthly challenges next year?  Are you enjoying them?  Thanks for your input.

8 comments:

  1. Thank you for the wonderful challenge. I enjoyed it so much. The Lord wants us to have thankful hearts and so often people forget to express gratitude. I once called a high school teacher, after I had been away at college, to thank her for all she taught me. She was so appreciative and said that no one had ever thanked her before! Through the years, missionary wives, when they were home on furlough with their families, have told me that they felt unappreciated out on the mission field. So few people from home ever wrote them. I made it a point to 'adopt' two missionary wives. One was ministering to French Canadians, and the other was in South Korea. Even the Apostle Paul often felt lonely and neglected by man. Keep up your precious words. You are a blessing, Bev

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    1. Bev, thank you so much for sharing you experiences here. That should encourage us all in this month's challenge! Thank you also for your encouragement. I've had a number of ladies here and on my Facebook page express a desire to continue. It looks like the challenges should go on for another year, Lord willing! :-)

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  2. I would like for you to continue your monthly challenges! The challenges help me to expand my horizons and give me a fresh outlook on life. I also especially appreciate the godly emphasis and encouraging tone!

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    1. Thank you, Di, for your encouraging words! Lord willing, we will be going on with them. :-)

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  3. I love this idea! They will feel so blessed and appreciated. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you, Lexie! I'm so glad you were blessed.
      I will try to get back to your other comment later, but it will take more time and thought. :-)
      - Mary

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  4. This is an excellent challenge! Thank you for sharing these ideas on the Art of Home-Making Mondays!

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    1. You're welcome, JES. I'm glad you found it useful. :-)

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