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Julie Davis's avatar

…your neighbor that delivered the poinsettia hits me deeply. I’m in a new state far from “home.” I want to be a good new neighbor. I’m even reading your book. I long for friendship and neighborly things….but in reality I struggle with it on the practical side. “I’m trying to be a better neighbor”….especially during this season.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

I hear you! I say this all the time but it truly does not come naturally to me. But! This time of year is an *excellent* time to preach out a little. Make some party bark and knock on doors! These small (and medium) steps matter so much.

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James Adam's avatar

Giving is loving is a very good thing to do. It starts from the heart. Some ends in the heart too, without it manifesting. Some circumstances may involve, it depends. But when you practice it, show it, and not be thinking you'll get from them back.

This carries unspeakable blessings and love.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

Unspeakable blessings! 💚

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James Adam's avatar

Yes ma'am😁

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Robin's avatar

“All of it leaves footprints”… wow wow wow - so true!

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Shannan Martin's avatar

🖤🖤

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Holly Rabalais's avatar

I’m reading this as I soak in the tub (sorry for that visual), disgusted with all the things demanding my time and the way death and sickness pop their ugly heads out of the box during what should be a joyful season. And I need these next nine days to remind me of the HOPE. Thank you.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

You're in the right place, Holly! (And YAY for December baths!)

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Cindy Gemmill's avatar

*vivid storytelling(🤦🏻‍♀️)

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Cindy Gemmill's avatar

Your words made their way into my heart as a balm, Shannan. Many thanks for sharing your gift of vivid with us.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

I'm so glad, Cindy!

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James Adam's avatar

These words are so good that it makes me reminiscent of the good things that has been happening to me from day one I got on my job. I should've died times without numbers, from depression the most. But I'm here. And I encourage people to hold fast to hope. It's real. Hope is not a dream. It is a fulfilment.

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Kate Davelaar Guthrie's avatar

Easy on Netflix, Season 2 Episode 1, “the package thief.” It isn’t a depiction of your neighborhood, but definitely is one of mine. A friend suggested this episode after our neighborhood had some differing opinions regarding the “theft” of food the neighborhood was collecting…to give away. 🙈Anyhoo, it’s a good laugh (the episode).

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Margaret's avatar

Thank you allowing this to be shared. Such beautiful words.

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Diane's avatar

All of life leaves footprints.. so much to think about that statement!

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