Mailbox Sheltering - Part 2

The unselfish effort to bring joy to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.  ~Helen Keller



Stationery has been moved aside and note cards are taking their place. Note cards hold the same importance in our encouragement arsenal as stationery.  While stationery is the queen of long, newsy letters, note cards earn their tiara with a few jotted lines meant specifically to encourage and brighten someone's day.

Have you ever been a hospital patient when the nurse placed a warm blanket over you?  I experienced this recently and let me tell you, there's something magical about it.  Let me illustrate... Just this week RB and I received a note that cheered and encouraged us.  In a few short, but meaningful sentences, Norma (speaking for Jim, too) let us know they still missed us and were thinking of us (we've been gone almost 10 years) -- magical, a warm blanket.

God has given us the letters of His Word, but along the way of life He sends an occasional note card. It's like a warm blanket in the coldness of everyday life.  He is faithful to keep in touch, and we can be assured of always finding mail in our heart's mailbox.  David was aware of God's notes: "Blessed be the name of the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits."  Gifts of grace -- a note card tied with a bow.

God is creative with His note sending:  a parking place by the door, a 50% off the marked down price of a piece of clothing you are shopping for, rain for your parched garden, a cardinal sitting on your fence, or the whisper of a granddaughter when she slips her hand in yours, "I like you, Mawmaw."

Respond to the ribbon tied note cards from God by passing on the encouragement.  Here are some ideas to help you:

1.  Use words like, "I'm praying for you," "You are a blessing to me,"  "You make me smile," or "God's love shines through you."  Communicate your observation of positive actions by saying, "I noticed you...," "I appreciate that you...," or "You did a great job at..."

2. Keep note cards handy.  My mother, who tops the list for note card encouragement, keeps a pack of notes in the car.  She redeems the time by jotting a quick note while she and Daddy travel.  Put a box of notes in your prayer-time basket.  You'll be ready when God nudges you to reach out to someone.

3. Pre-stamp your cards so they are ready to send as soon as they are written.  RB and I joke about our stamps.  He takes a pile of cards to the post office, and the clerk will meticulously color coordinate the stamps with the envelopes.  I take the cards in and they hand me flag stamps.

4.  Embellish inexpensive cards for added pizzazz.  Make a few for yourself and tie a ribbon around a few to share with a friend who is an encourager, too.

Pick up a pack of note cards. Use them to shelter -- to hold an umbrella over a friend's head in the midst of a storm, or to wrap her in a blanket of love.  As you place the envelopes in your mailbox, pray that the recipient will be reminded -- when they open their mailbox -- that our Heavenly Father is there with His gift -- the gift of grace tied with a bow.

* * * * * 

I love these note cards from Dayspring ~

Dayspring: Inspired Living, Red Poppy, I Pray, therefore I Hope

These are country-ish cutsie cards ~

Simply Nice Gifts: In the cookies of life, friends are the chocolate chips.

If you send mail to the older generation these note cards would be perfect ~

The Fat Finch: Backyard Birds from the National Audubon Society or these from the Cavallini & Co.


Unless you think your note cards needs to be museum quality, let me show you
some inexpensive note cards that are still beautiful (because as my Mother and Alexandra Stoddard says, "Why use it if it isn't beautiful.")

Current:  Tulips (20 for $2.48), Mary Engelbreit  (12 for $3.99), Floral Wreath (12 for $2.99), Friendship Cafe (10 for $1.99)

And because I believe in supporting our mothers working from home:

Precious by PJ, Zetie, Dear Friend Paperie, Luv Crystals, and Fabriq,

Last but not least -- for the men ~

Joy Merryman Paperie Golfer; Great is the Lord Eagle, Little Pink Kangaroo Antique Cars, and of course I couldn't leave this one out: Paper and Print Studio