An Empty Writer's Chair

Pamela's Daybook: June 29th

Today: Quiet day here. After listening to so much of the Turkey Attack yesterday, a quick update was all I needed this morning, then I chose to listen to Pandora. It was calming to my soul to listen to "Softly and Tenderly" by Fernando Ortega.

At my writing desk: Curriculum is all I did today. 

Praying for: The Dewhurst Family, that they will be given a room at the Ronald McDonald House next week when their sweet boy has skull surgery.

Thankful for:  Summer rides at sunset.

I'm reading: The Bible Study magazine. This month's issue is about Job. There's an ad in the magazine for Whither Thou Goest I Will Go by Naomi Dathan. It looks interesting for a Christian Fiction book, and is only $3.99 for Kindle.

Postmarking:  Here are 15 encouraging Scripture verses for get-well cards. 

Favorite quote: The miracle is not that we do this work, but that we are happy doing it. Mother Teresa

Pamela's Daybook: June 28

Today:  We are getting ready for my Daddy to come spend the holiday with us. We're all so excited -- even little Emma who has only seen him once. The guest room is on the list to be done today.

At my writing desk: This is one of those Heinz 57 days. A little bit of lots of things. 

Praying for: The people of Istanbul 

Thankful for:  Neighbors who share their garden's produce

I'm reading: The Benghazi report's cover letter. I won't try to get through all 800 pages of the report, but I do want to understand the timeline, etc. Reading it makes the men who gave their ultimate sacrifice more human to me.

Postmarking: Emily and I stopped by Family Book Store yesterday. I found some "perfect" cards. I love Dayspring's cards. It seems I can always find a card that "says it right." I just don't always like their prices!

Favorite quote: God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. John Piper

Pamela's Daybook - June 27th

Today:  I've inserted some fun in between work. Emma has a four-hour meeting with her mother, so I'm going to hang with Emily in Anderson. I got the idea to have Emma stay with me this evening so Jonathon and Emily can have a date. 

At my writing desk: Two hours of curriculum before I leave, one when I get back. I'm gaining a new appreciation for Abraham. No wonder he was called a friend of God.

Praying for: The family of Steve and Christine Miller. The couple with their four daughters were on their way to church when they were in an accident involving a train. Steve and Christine, along with three of their four children were killed. Four-year-old Heidi was air-lifted to a hospital and is in stable condition. A daughter-in-law of one of my team members works at the hospital where they took Heidi.

Thankful for: Sunshine today after our torrential rainstorm last evening. 

I'm reading: 60% into my book club book. Downloaded the rest of "Broken Hallelujahs." I'm only on chapter three, but already am ready to recommend it. There are questions and guidance thoughts at the end of each chapter to take the message from the page to your heart. 

Postmarking: The lists were sent last evening. So many heartaches. It's an honor to encourage those who are hurting. I found the new Indiana stamp -- finally. It was created by a graduate of IWU and celebrates 200 years of Indiana's statehood.

Favorite quote: If God closes a door, quit banging on it! Trust whatever is behind that door is not for you. 

Pamela's Daybook: June 24

Today: What a fun, fun day. It was past midnight before we got home last night, and after two before I went to sleep, so I was dragging this morning. I decided today would be my Saturday and tomorrow my Friday. I caught up on my correspondence. 

This afternoon RB and I went on a bit of a road trip. Alexandria is about 30 minutes from our home. This was the first day of their Farmer's Market. Our friend is in charge of the Market, and has a space for her amazing soap products -- Soap and Sunshine Apothecary. I'm so addicted to them. (Photos below)

Everyone has been telling us about Cammack Station -- a gas station turned restaurant. It's an awesome place with delicious food. Everyone was so friendly. Then on to Meijer for some flowers and Michael's (just because). A fun afternoon and early evening.

At my writing desk: I'll do Friday's writing tomorrow. It's supposed to be a quiet day at home.

Praying for: Jennifer, a friend having to wait over the weekend for a biopsy. 

Thankful for: Wildflowers and the big bouquet RB brought in for me.

I'm reading: 60% into my book club book. Downloaded the rest of "Broken Hallelujahs." I'm only on chapter three, but already am ready to recommend it. There are questions and guidance thoughts at the end of each chapter to take the message from the page to your heart. 

Postmarking: I mailed a stack!

Favorite quote: "But trailing clouds of glory do we come, from God, who is our home." William Wordsworth

Pamela's Daybook: June 23rd

  

  

Today: It's going to be a hot one -- actually already is! 

At my writing desk: My computer is buzzing -- surely getting my monies worth out of it. I have blocked off the evening hours for my own project.

Praying for: Janet whose husband has dementia. There's so many unknowns when you are on this journey, and even the strongest can become discouraged.

Thankful for: Air conditioning!

I'm reading: I read the sample of "Broken Hallelujahs: Learning to Grieve the Big and Small Losses of Life." Its definitely on my "To Buy" list. Do any of you download samples to see if a book is one you want to read? Reading samples has kept me from purchasing books I wouldn't enjoy. I admit some samples have tempted me to purchase the book.

Postmarking: One of our Postmark team members, Elena Dubbeld, wrote an awesome post about some letters she found on a trash heap. It's on Elena's blog: Breathing Room For the Soul. 

Favorite quote:   "A God-fearing woman is beautiful from the inside out."

Pamela's Daybook: June 22

Today: Melanie and the kids were here for lunch. Sloppy joes on homemade rolls -- the boys' favorites. So many laughs. The kids are all reading books this summer, and I love to hear about them. Landon finished "The Boxcar Children" -- a favorite of mine at his age. I wanted to live in a boxcar! 

At my writing desk: Traded cooking and some house cleaning for writing. Tomorrow is another day. It all gets done eventually. 

Praying for: James Pinkerton and his family. He has been through so many physical issues and received more bad news this week. 

Thankful for: Daughters and where they live. I'm aware not everyone can have theirs close by, so I'm especially thankful to God for allowing my sweet girls to live ten minutes away. 

I'm reading: Reading "The Widow of Larkspur Inn" for my book club. I'm not a big novel reader, but this club is pushing me to read them.  Once I get into them I'm okay, but it takes me a while to shut off my mind. I downloaded a sample: "Broken Hallelujahs: Learning to Grieve the Big and Small Losses of Life." Love the title!

Postmarking: Didn't work on cards at all today. Did receive some names sent for the next list.

Favorite quote:   "It's not luck, it's God's favor."  For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace (John 1:16).

Pamela's Daybook: June 21st

Today: Productive day so far. It was a Rhonda day -- and these days are always good. Headache's gone! She gave me a beautiful deep purple African daisy in a ceramic pot. It's supposed to close up at night and open in the morning. 

Emily had a case conference today, so I had Emma for a couple hours. We enjoyed a party that involved chocolate, doughnuts and sprinkles. I'm planning a reading evening.

At my writing desk: Started out with curriculum again. I feel like the morning hours are my best hours. I don't always do it that way, but I follow this routine when possible.

Praying for: A mother of four whose husband left her and the children.

Thankful for: Answers to prayer. 

I'm reading: Hopefully finishing Dressing Your Truth tonight. 

Postmarking: I found seven letters in my mailbox today. How fun is that?!! I also received some Facebook thank-yous for cards team members have sent.

Favorite quote:  One benefit of summer is that each day we had more light to read by.  Jeanette Walls

Pamela's Daybook: June 20th

Today: It's Monday! I'm not sure what happens to a house on Sunday, but everywhere I look seems to have something I need to take care of. I haven't done much about it yet. 

At my writing desk: Started out with curriculum. Abraham's story is so amazing. Just imagine feeding God and His angels! I can imagine being Sarah, snickering in the tent when visitors told RB I was having a child. And I'm not close to ninety!

Praying for: A young mother, Ashley. Ashley has triplets and they just found out one of them has a blood disease. I'm praying for healing for Lexi.

Thankful for: RB -- Breakfast is his, lunch is mine. Today he fixed both meals so I could get a project done. 

I'm reading: I have stacks of books in my office. In our quest for simplifying and downsizing, I've been going through the bookcases and dividing books to sell online or in a yard sale. Many of the books have been sitting on my shelves for years. I love books, but also love our quest for having more time for our goals instead of taking care of "stuff." 

Postmarking: I got my letters in under the mark this week. When I began this ministry, I had no idea of the blessings that would be returned. I hope our team members receive an extra armload of blessings, too. Our list is short this week, although I did get some new addresses today.  

Favorite quote:  Every time you say goodbye to  something you don't need, you breathe a little deeper. Melissa Michaels 

Pamela's Daybook: June 17th

Today: RB had meetings today so I stayed in and worked while he ran around. Looking forward to a quiet, candlelight evening with pizza. That makes me smile -- maybe we can eat it on china. 

At my writing desk: I've written more letters than anything else today. Looked at stuff. Organized stuff. Threw away stuff. All the "stuff" you do when you don't feel like getting down to business. I thought, "I can't start now, it's ten after ten" then, "It's eleven, I really should get busy." "Wow, noon already? Better eat then I'll be ready." "Four o'clock? I haven't even had a nap!" Yep, that was me today. Guess I need RB to keep me scheduled. 

Praying for:  Carson Dewhurst. He's a sweet baby who was admitted to the hospital last night. They may need to reset his shunt. I know they would appreciate your prayers.

Thankful for: My daddy. Wish I could spend Father's Day with him.

I'm reading: Genesis 15 starts with a promise. You know how someone will walk up to you and engage in 15 minutes of chitchat before you can get beyond it to connect with their heart? God doesn't do that. It's boom, and right to the point. "Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great." 

I laughed this morning when I was reading it because that's how it was with Eleanor yesterday. We only had an hour and half, so we had to make it count. No chitchat -- we went right to the heart. And it was good!

Postmarking: Someone postmarked me! I got a package with a snail mail stamp and a darling purse notecard. My sister loves me. I was going through some of Mom's letters, and one from my Aunt Jean said, "I could have given this to you at church, but I remembered you liked mail." Sisters are the best!

Favorite quote:  "You and I are sisters; always remember that if you fall, I will pick you up -- after I finish laughing."

Pamela's Daybook: June 16th

Today: This promises to be a good day! I'm meeting my friend, Eleanor, at Olive Garden for lunch. We have a lot to catch up on. Then I'm hanging with Emily and Emma this afternoon.

At my writing desk: More of the same! I have a couple hours before my fun begins, so I'll be getting started on curriculum editing.

Praying for:  Maddie Eaton: She is 21 years old, a nursing student, a manager at Dairy Queen, and an absolute joy to be around. Around 2 months ago, she was diagnosed with a 2.5 cm glioma, which is a cancerous brain tumor. It is slow-growing, and she is scheduled to have surgery to remove it today.

Thankful for: My friend, Janene. Today's her birthday. She's been like a little sister since she was 7-years-old. Our Sarah Janene was named after her. 

I'm reading:  Do you remember what Abram said to King Melchizedek when he wanted to give Abram spoils from the battle? 

As I read the story from Genesis, I thought about my daddy. Twenty years ago he was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease. All of the people with "natural" products came out of the woodwork -- each claiming to cure cancer. It was a bewildering time and Daddy decided to follow his doctor's plan. 

The doctor told Daddy there was a 95% chance of him having cancer. In true Daddy-fashion, he asked, "Does that mean there's a 5% chance I don't? The doctor said, "No, I'm sure you do." As his body turned yellow, we waited for his surgery.

We were in Pittsburgh for the seven-hour surgery. The doctor came out and apologized for the extra time the surgery took. He said, "When I started the surgery I was 95% sure he had cancer. Now I am 95% certain he doesn't." The surgery took extra time because he kept sending biopsies to the lab, convinced they were wrong. 

Daddy's response was, "I'm glad I didn't try any of the products pushed at me; this way there's no way anyone can get the credit but God. (Please don't get offended if you sell/use natural products. I use them, too.)

This was Abram's response: 

I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich (Genesis 14:23).

Postmarking: The why of the ministry of Shelter: Postmarked: 

Is there any such thing as Christians cheering each other up? Do you love me enough to want to help me? Does it mean anything to you that we are brothers in the Lord, sharing the same Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic at all? Then make me truly happy by loving each other and agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, working together with one heart and mind and purpose (Philippians 2:1-2).

Favorite quote:  It is admirable for a man to take his son fishing, but there is a special place in heaven for the father who takes his daughter shopping. (My daddy did!)

Pamela's Daybook: June 15th

Today: This has been a quiet day here. Like many of you, we've kept the news on. We are grieving for the families in Florida who lost their loved ones in such a terrifying way. Finally I just had to turn it off and listen to Pandora. "Open the Eyes of my Heart" is my prayer.

At my writing desk: I worked on curriculum until almost 11:00 last night. So this morning I worked on it first while my brain was fresh. You just may be a children's editor if your work space is surrounded by paper turned into crowns, staplers, colored pens, etc. God gave me such a great way to tell the story this morning. I had to see if it would work. It did!

Praying for: The family of the little boy who was taken by an alligator at Disneyworld. My heart can barely stand the thought of it.

Thankful for: Raspberries! My bush is blooming. RB brought in the first two ripe ones this morning.

I'm reading:  I'm reading Abraham's story in Genesis. It's where I'm editing curriculum, and I find immersing myself in the same Scripture keeps me focused. 

Postmarking: Going to get three done tonight. I'm so happy that my Facebook friends send me requests -- many I wouldn't know about. We don't just send a card; we pray for the needs, too.

Favorite quote: If we don't teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them not to. (unknown)

Pamela's Daybook: June 14th

Today: I wasn't able to go with RB last night. It was a "terrible, no good, very bad day." I've been working double speed this morning. One of RB's students celebrated her last class last night, complete with a luscious strawberry cake the graduate baked. She sent me a piece. It was so fresh, with strawberries in the not-too-sweet cake and a light icing. Unfortunately, she's a caterer and doesn't use a recipe. I think it could easily be made with a natural sweetener.  

At my writing desk: I got my article in early afternoon. Worked on blog promotion, and just now getting to curriculum. I'll be working this evening. I don't mind, but usually I do it first, because I think better in the mornings.

Praying for: The victims' families in the Orlando terror--still!

Thankful for: Surprise 5-minute visit from Emily.

I'm reading:  30 Days and 30 Ways of Doing Good  by Maurice Smith. It's a "read for free" book on Amazon, with practical ideas how to shelter others, along with a devotional for each day and hyperlinks to different ministries, podcasts, and printables. One of the best books I've read on the subject lately. 

Postmarking: Finished up last week's list and am ready for our new addresses.

Favorite quote: Good deeds should be done with intention, not attention. (unknown)

Pamela's Daybook: June 13

Today: Oh my, the to-do is long, but I'm eager to get started marking things off. The problem is, everything around me is swirling in miles-per-hour mode. I'm hoping it will cease soon because RB teaches tonight and you know what that means!

At my writing desk: Fun projects waiting for me after my Day Journal is written. I'm starting with curriculum, then will work on my article for The Banner. After that I'll continue my own project. I was able to work on it this weekend.

Praying for: The victims' families in the Orlando terror.

Thankful for: Book stores -- and the shelves of books-yet-unread

I'm reading: Dress Your Truth by Carol Tuttle and a novel for my book club -- The Widow of Lakespur Inn by Lawana Blackwell. This month the book had to be set in somewhere I always wanted to visit.

Postmarking: For the first time, I was late getting my postmarks out. I still have three, then on to this week.

Favorite quote: Your greatest test is when you are able to bless someone when you are going through your own storm. (Loveoflifequotes.com)

Daddy-Daughters Date
Emily-RB-Melanie

Pamela's Daybook: June 10th

Today: A quiet day for me. The girls and RB are going on a Father's Day Father/Daughters date tonight. Out to eat and a concert at the University. 

At my writing desk:  Editing a lesson about Abraham's blessing. I worked on a project of my own last night and it's been working in my head ever since. I have a page of notes to work off of. (Did you know it's acceptable now to use a preposition at the end of a sentence for informal writing? Yeah for no awkward sentences trying to fit it in.) 

Praying for: RB and I have a request. We'd love for you to help us pray.

Thankful for:  Grace -- underserved, yet willingly given.

I'm reading: I'm reading a children's book for research. Fun!

Postmarking:  We postmark sheltering encouragement, but this sheltering idea brought tears when I saw it on Pinterest.  

Favorite quote: When my arms can't reach people close to my heart, I hug them with my prayers. (QuotesIdeas.com)

Linked to:

Pamela's Daybook: June 8th

Today: Oh what a day! I had fun running around Anderson with Melanie and the three girls she's entertaining this week -- plus Camron and little Emma. Then Emma and I sewed this afternoon. She was so pleased with her new outfit.  I found her a gauze $38.00 top on sale for $11.90. I made her a rose with crystals in the center to tie it together. Emily is coming back this evening and there's one husband who is very happy. 

Melanie sent the leftover lasagne home with me last night so supper was easy. RB has choir practice on Wednesday evenings. And a sweet little boy is spending the night with Mawmaw.

At my writing desk: No writing yet today again! Tomorrow will be a marathon writing day for sure!

Praying for:  A friend's son who was in a 4-car accident. His job relies on a good driving record. 

Thankful for:  My sewing machine...

I'm reading: Melanie and I had the best talk about our books last evening. She gave me Carol Tuttle's "Dressing Your Truth." I'm eager to get started on it. Melanie is an eclectic reader. She reads nonfiction, but will also pick up a thriller and enjoy toe-curling terror!

Postmarking: Tomorrow I'll post our numbers for the week. I'm late getting it posted. Melanie let all the girls pick something out at Dollar Tree today. Emma picked out a pack of note cards. She loves writing notes and sending cards.

Favorite quote: Life with God is not immunity from difficulties but peace in difficulties. (C. S. Lewis)

Pamela's Daybook: June 6th

Today: It's Emma Day! I have Emma today and tomorrow because Emily is at a conference in French Lick. The 8 oldest Clemens boy cousins are at Shawn's sister, Stephenie's, this week for a basketball camp. Melanie has the three girl cousins. So Emma's spending some time there, too.

Emma picked yellow searsucker material at Joann Fabrics for a skirt. Tomorrow we'll be sewing.  She loves to sew. Of course we'll have to make a skirt for her babydoll, too.

Supper at Melanie's house in the woods. Her lasagne is the best.

At my writing desk: No writing yet today (Emma came at 6:00), but after a good nap I'll get some curriculum editing done.

In the mail: I had three letters and a postcard yesterday. Funny how they all come at once. 

Praying to: Be more like Jesus (Thomas Chisholm)

Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

Oh! to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.

Oh! to be like Thee, lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer, others to save.

Refrain:
Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

Thankful for:  An evening without cooking!

I'm reading: Last evening at Barnes and Noble I picked up "Spark Joy" by Marie Kondo, author of "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing." Those who know me know I believe there's no need to use something ugly if something beautiful is available. But I just shook my head when she suggested taking the label off your laundry soap bottle and tying a ribbon around it's neck. People do that?!! It seems a bit far-fetched -- Do any of you tie ribbons around your Tide bottles? Would it "spark joy" when you did the laundry?

Postmarking: One of our team members is on vacation and plans to buy notes wherever she goes. That's the number one thing I look for when I'm in tiny gift shops. 

Favorite quote: You don't need more space. You need less stuff. (Marie Kondo)

Pamela's Daybook: June 6th

Today: Today would have been RB's parents' 78th wedding anniversary. It's a Barnes and Noble day. I'm racing the clock before we leave.

At my writing desk: Already have my curriculum hours in.  Plan to write on another project at Barnes and Noble.

In the mail: No mail over the weekend. They say snail mail is a party in an envelope, so does that mean I didn't have a party this weekend? Naw...we attended an Eagle Scout induction and graduation party and they had cake! We may or may not have hit Ivanhoes while we were there. 

Praying for: Uncle Jim and Aunt Posie.  They are being transferred to senior care facilities. There's not a double room available, so they will be at two separate homes until one becomes available. Uncle Jim was determined to stay home, so this is a good move. 

Thankful for:  The heritage of good marriages both RB and I have. 

I'm reading: My Grandma Cessna's journal from 1973. I learned where my family's love of desserts came from. In one entry she wrote where they had supper, then wrote, "No dessert."  My grandma and granddad were sincere Christians. I'll be writing more that I glean from her journal.

Postmarking: Got the addresses posted last evening, then worked on getting cards ready to send. I have six ready to go. I'm taking my mailbag tonight, so I may get some more written.  

Favorite quote: True love stays by each other's sides in good days, and stands even closer on bad days. (Unknown)

Pamela's Daybook: June 3rd

Today: I got to see both my girls today, which was good for my soul. I saw Rhonda, which was good for my body -- and got rid of my eternal headache. As I was leaving Melanie's, Camron said, "I love you, Mawmaw, to Infinity and back." 

At my writing desk: Well, it happened. Something I never thought would. I wished my time at Barnes and Noble would hurry and be over. I just couldn't get comfortable. I don't think it will happen again any time soon. On Monday I'll be eager to go again!

In the mail:  I came across this site: Cards for Hospitalized Kids. The creator of this program was an 11-year-old girl after she received a handmade card while in the hospital. It would be a great summer program for your children.

Praying for: A very special boy, William's, graduation. Praying he stays healthy through all the celebrations.  

Thankful for:  My eyes. The red strawberries picked from my yard make me smile. What if I couldn't read? Or see my grandchildren?

I'm reading:  I finished my book on Huntington's Disease last night at Barnes and Noble. The subject was depressing, but I learned more about the disease. If you like your book to end with a bow tied on it, you wouldn't enjoy this one.  It was fun to hear what Melanie, Emily and the grandkids are reading today.

Postmarking: Mailed four today. The post office personnel know me. Today the clerk asked if I wanted stamps on the envelopes or the print-out postage sticker. She knows I don't like those big white stickers. 

Favorite quote: Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them. Lemony Snicket

Pamela's Daybook: June 2

Today: It's been a few days since I wrote a Daybook post. I've had a fun Red Lobster date with my love, traveled to Pennsylvania, spent time with my daddy, Melodie and Steve (my sister and husband), Nathan and Lori (my nephew and niece), and Aunt Jean. I actually left my computer at home and just relaxed, read, and worked on a few cards. We got home last night at 11:30. Today is catch up, and then a Barnes and Noble night.

At my writing desk: Curriculum this morning (still working on Abraham) and some fun research and writing tonight at Barnes and Noble. 

In the mail: We've been away since Monday, so I had 5 wonderful envelopes: one from Canada, one with 2 old 6-cent stamps, one 10- cent, and one 3-cent with a new first class stamp. So cool! Traci used a paper sack for her envelope. I still have 3 to open. Spreading them out!

Praying for:  Missionaries Jason and Becky Corbin, and Sam and Christine West. 

Thankful for:  A husband who makes sure I'm as comfortable as possible every. single. day.

I'm reading:  I'm reading a book on Huntington's disease. Riveting. For my June book club selection I'm to read a book by an author that's new to me. I haven't settled on one yet, but five hours at Barnes and Noble tonight may fix that!

Postmarking: I'm trying to use up some of my notecards, but I'm drooling over these and these. 

Favorite quote: A pretty face is nothing if you have an ugly heart.(Unknown)