26 September, 2017

Announcement - 31 Hugs - October 2017!



The thirty-one hugs challenge is back! Maybe you remember the 31 Hugs Challenge of October 2016. It’s almost October again, and this is one small way we can combat the darkness, and ‘spur and encourage each other on to love and good works’ (Hebrews 10:24). So, I’m excited to announce 31 Hugs Challenge for October 2017!

The challenge is to make an extra investment in someone else’s life every day in October. It's about looking into the meaning behind a hug, and conveying that to someone every day for the month of October. A physical hug can mean support, care, love, appreciation, gratefulness, sympathy, congratulations, and so on. It’s a tiny investment in someone else’s life that can mean a lot to them and have a large impact.  


The purpose behind the challenge is to show support and appreciation, share hope and joy, and be the light for God’s glory, as Matthew 5:16 says. It’s a call to rise above the busyness of life and give to someone – even the smallest thing could brighten a mood, change a day, lift the spirits of someone.


Jesus also says that ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive,’ (Acts 20:35) and this focus on giving will a blessing for ourselves as well. ;) 
It will look different for everybody – whether you plan who you’re going to ‘hug,’ write a list of ‘hug’ ideas, or take things as they come. Most importantly, think broadly. Hugs can be given to family, friends, workmates, cashiers/sales attendants, the person next to you on the bus, bloggers, youtubers, authors, artists, musicians: anyone. They can be a literal hug, words of appreciation, a note or message, a phone call, a gift, homemade treats, a picnic lunch, a hike together – anything that’s a little extra investment in someone. Here's last year's list, for more ideas and suggestions.

I want to add a community element to the challenge this year. It’s easy to get discouraged with another thing on the to-do list, and every day comes around often. But we can pray and encourage each other to keep the vision, and share experiences and things we’re learning. I’ve started using Instagram recently, and plan to post regularly about the challenge using the tag #31hugs. Please join in – share your own posts, let’s have discussion! (And, side note: drop me a comment or something on Instagram @applesofgold.97 so I can find and follow you!) Otherwise the comment section here, and email inbox are always open for conversation. :)

I don’t have everything figured out (note my ‘procrastinate now, panic later’ tendencies), but I plan to have some surprises along the way, so keep an eye out for those. ;)
This is where it’s over to you. Who would like to join me in the challenge of sharing hope and joy, showing appreciation and gratitude, and being Christ’s light? This isn’t about me or my glory; if I can touch one heart with His love and become a more giving person, the mission of this challenge is fulfilled. 

I’m excited – just writing this post has my hugging motivation and inspiration levels up, and I can’t wait to see how God works through this! Do you have more questions, comments, tips, suggestions, experiences? How can we best support each other during the challenge? Are you in?

36 comments:

  1. Count me in!! Sounds like a great idea, and a lot of fun!! Can't wait to see where God takes this! You are such a blessing, Jessica! <3

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    1. Yay! So excited that you're joining, Paige! Thanks for being a blessing to me too. :)

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  2. Was it really /October/ last year? October /last year/? It seems like just a few months ago and I remember it as though it was that recent! I'm looking forward to following this journey, making efforts to join in, and seeing what God does with it. X)

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    1. I know - I've been asking the same thing! The months really fly. It's encouraging you'll be participating to whatever extent you can! Life gets crazy busy, but I guess that's all part of the challenge! :)

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  3. I'm in! I love literal hugs and words of encouragement, etc. Great idea!

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    1. Whoo! I'm glad you're going to be a part of this challenge, Sarah. Let's see what God can do!

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  4. I did this last year and I'll be doing it again. Great idea!

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    1. It's so good to hear you'll be joining again, Maddy! :D

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  6. This is TERRIFIC!!! You can count me in. :)

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    1. Yay! So glad to have you in this adventure. :)

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  7. This is one of my favorite challenges!! I really want to take part in it again this year. :) <3

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    1. Really?! Thanks for the encouragement, Grace Anne. I hope the challenge proves to be a blessing for you! :)

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  8. This is such a cool idea! I'm going to try and stick to this! Lovely blog Jessica!
    Love, Kinga xx

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    1. I'm excited you want to be a part of it! How are you finding it so far?

      Thank you - I'm going to check out yours as soon as I can! ;)

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  9. I remember this!! I'm super excited that you brought this back!

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  10. Great post, I loved it! :)
    If you want that we follow each other let me know by leaving a comment here -> http://beautyshapes3.blogspot.hr/2017/09/books-i-read-this-summer.html

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    1. I'm glad you found it that way! I will check out your blog. :)

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  11. Great post, i should try it! ;)
    Thank you for your visit and a comment and of course I invite you to come back again ;)
    would you like to follow each other on GFC ?
    Let me know on my blog, and ill follow you back ;)
    Greetings,
    http://perfectlyimperfect92.blogspot.com/

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    1. Greetings to you too. :) Yes! Let me know how you find the challenge!

      Thanks for the invite - I will go and have a look at your blog!

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  12. Sounds so good!Love the Christian message behind this☺

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    1. I second that! ;) Let me know how you find it!

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  14. I think doing things for people is awesome and you have the right idea. I don't think I will participate right now as I am really busy in the business helping people right now - but it is what God wants of us after loving Him and putting Him first.

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    1. Thanks for your input. :) I understand the busyness - I'm feeling that way myself! But it's all part of the challenge.

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  15. Hello, sounds like a great idea and challenge! Happy October, enjoy your day and new week!

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  16. This is such a neat idea. I can hardly believe it's been a year since the last one, but I am excited to participate the best I can this year. Thanks for the encouragement to encourage others! xx

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    1. I know; the year has gone so fast! So excited that you're a part of it again. :) I hope you find many opportunities to share encouragement! Hugs to you. xx

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  17. Very interesting post! ❤️❤️❤️

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  18. OOh this sounds exciting. I love the sound of this. Count me in :)

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    1. Hey! I'm so glad you're in on the fun! :)

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When you comment:

1. My day will be brighter, my face smiling, and my heart blessed.

2. I’m likely to immediately go and explore your blog (if you have one) to find out more of your amazingness, and return the blessing.

3. I will then attempt to craft a response to you that will somehow fail to convey how much I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness. I’m grateful for every word of encouragement you give, and don’t be afraid to share some constructive criticism also; there’s always more to learn. In short: thank-you! :)