Thursday, June 23, 2011

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






14 comments:

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I received two sweet notes in the mail yesterday . . . they must be reading your blog, Pam.

My dad's wife was just telling me that when she was in the hospital, taking care of my dad, who had open heart surgery . . . she had a special treat. One night the nurse brought one of those heated blankets just for her . . . to help her sleep well. Isn't that sweet?

Fondly,
Glenda

Esther Asbury said...

I've received many "note of encouragement" from the Lord that simply say "I still know where you are and I love and care about you." So many times it's those little things (like you mentioned) that give me strength to go on when the way is dark.
Beautiful post!

Anonymous said...

Funny you should be talking about note-cards today. I was at Ross Dress for Less and found a sweet hat box, then filled it with every pack of vintage designed note-cards that had Bible verses - for the price I just couldn't pass them up. Their packaging was so lovely - I almost hate to break into them! I loved your ideas. They make great gifts, too!

Joy!
Miss Kathy

my family said...

thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog today:)
John's aunt does make the pickled watermelon rinds but not sure if my kiddos would eat them, then again Im sure I could find someone who would....after all we will be getting a ton of watermelon soon

Karen Mortensen said...

A very beautiful post today. Thank you so much. I think you have sheltered me today with your lovely words.

A multi-dimensional life said...

Pamela, I'm so happy to meet you!
It seems as though we have more in common than handwritten notes...I see you are from IN! I grew up there! I recently posted about my mom's handwritten notes recipe cards which I cherish as I see the crafting of each letter by her very hand and her personality which leaps off the page and into my heart! I will cherish these notes forever! Thank you for your encouraging words. Now I'll look forward to following along with you on your journey! Blessings!

Annesphamily said...

You are such a wonderful lady. I am so honored to know you. I need to catch up! This sounds terrific. I love letter writing and I always keep cards on hand to send to friends. I am going to catch up with you here. Enjoy your weekend. You always make me smile when you visit me! Anne

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post Pamela- I love receiving notes in the mail- we have so lost the art of writing in our fast text message world!

My hubby got a letter yesterday from a prisoner he had ministered to several years back and it blessed his socks off to get it!

bee blessed
mary

Arabella said...

What a lovely post today. I love writing notes by hand and receiving them as well.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend.

Hugs,
Marie

HeARTworks said...

Hi Pamela,
Every time I visit you I am nourished and feel like I am in a grace filled place. Thank you for the reminders and great tips! I used to write long letters to my friends and relatives, alas! no more! I have to take the time to do so, and to write notes too! You have a lovely spirit! Patsy from
HeARTworks

Joan Hall said...

Pamela:

I've enjoyed reading your posts about writing notes and letters.

Although I'm probably the world's worse letter writer, there is something special about a handwritten card or note. I need to be more mindful of sending them to others.

Blessings,
Joan

Anne @ Modern Mrs Darcy said...

I resonate with this--I love notecards because they are short; I don't often write long, newsy snail-mail letters anymore!

These are great suggestions!

Graced Simplicity said...

Ah, you are a kindred heart for sure! :0) I loved this post! How true it is to pass on God's love through an encouraging note or card.

Wanted to let you know that I've chosen this post to feature tomorrow for my Simply Homemaking Tuesday Link-up.

Thanks for linking up, and sharing such a wonderful post!

Much Love & Blessings,
ESTHER
Our Simple Country Life

Sarah beth said...

What a wonderful post, I loved everything you said here!

I love getting a sweet note in the mail and I just recently mailed some out to my mom, cousin and sister.. I am going to keep up writting notes and having them handy.. love the idea about giving the notes some pizzzaazzzzz! ;}

Blessings, Sarah beth from http://hislovingpresence.blogspot.com