Pamela's Daybook: July 15th

Today: It's Friday! I had the best talk with my Aunt Jean. I called to find out about Aunt Posie, but we chatted about a lot of other things, too. One thing she told me is about a family (near my childhood home) who lived in a three story house, a bathroom on each level. But -- they had only one towel and they had to carry it from floor to floor. That just made me laugh. 

Both Aunt Posie and Uncle Jim are in a care facility. They share the same room. Uncle Jim cannot hear anything. The last time I tried to talk to him on the telephone he couldn't hear me at all. All I heard was him telling Aunt Posie, "I can't hear a thing she's saying." Aunt Posie isn't doing well, but at least she's in a place that provides great care. I'm so thankful for that. 

At my writing desk: Lots of writing going on today. 

Praying for:  Uncle Jim and Aunt Posie

Thankful for: Aunt Jean!

I'm reading: I asked Aunt Jean if all my cousins read. My Great Papa Gromley read, my Grammy did, all of her daughters, my mother and three aunts, are (were) readers. Aunt Jean thinks all of the cousins read, too. We are four generation readers -- my daughters read voraciously, making them fifth generation readers. My grandchildren are sixth generation readers. That makes me smile! Is it hereditary or environmental? 

Journaling prompt for today: Write about something you made by hand.  I was crocheting a shawl, probably back in the 70s. I crocheted the whole way to Chicago. We were staying with RB's sister, on Lake Shore Drive. Someone broke into the car, stole my shawl and leather coat. I could understand the coat, but who steals a half-crocheted shawl? 

Postmarking: I got all my mail out this week. I also had six young women from a Bible Study join our group. They all played volleyball together and now have formed a Bible Study. How awesome is that?!!

Favorite quote: The journey of a lifetime begins at the turning of a page. Rachel Anders

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 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: May 25th

Today: One of those days I'd like to sit in the sun and read. That whole "being responsible" thing keeps me inside, hitting the computer keys. RB has meetings at the University all day, so I can hear things banging around in my head. I need an internal file cabinet to separate the ideas.

At my writing desk: Working on preschool age Abram and Lot today. I think we all need a friend or family member like Abram. Lot selfishly chose the best land, but when he needed help, Uncle Abram was ready to help.

Whenever I am in a Christian Book Store, I look to see if they carry any of my books. I was in one this week and found quite a few. It made me smile. It's not just seeing them in a store (although that's fun), but it's that they are still being published and used.

In the mail: Empty mailbox! What price was a stamp when you were born? A first class stamp was 4 cents the year I was born.

Praying for: Our students at Accelerated Christian International Convention.

Thankful for: The impact the State and International Student Convention had on Melanie and Emily. In two years I'll have a grandson going. 

I'm reading:  I received an email from the book I told you about yesterday with the wrong rating. I was reimbursed for the full amount. That's good service! I'm an eclectic reader, so the "Twelve by Twelve" book looks interesting. It's about a successful physician who lives in a 12 x 12 cabin without electricity or running water -- two things necessary to my survival! 

Postmarking:  I sorted a box of my mother's correspondence last evening. The interesting thing to me was to see how she wrote to people of all ages -- young to elderly. 

Favorite quote:  Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud. (Maya Angelou) 

Pamela's Daybook: May 24

Today: Still smiling over a picture Melanie sent me yesterday. Our Camron is simply adorable. He was cuddled up to me the other day and said, "You smell good." 

And, it's National Escargot Day. Anyone have snails on your menu? 

At my writing desk: I got everything accomplished yesterday except for the chapter. I think tomorrow I'll start with that. When I first started writing, I got up at 4:00 and wrote for three hours before the girls got up. That's not going to happen at this time of my life. But I'm thinking of getting up just one hour earlier. My clearest writing is done before noon.

In the mail: 3 pieces of mail -- an open house invitation, and some fun new note cards, too.  

Praying for: My niece's (Pammy Jo) husband and family. Their grandmother went to heaven and some of the family are traveling to South Dakota.  

Thankful for: A fun night at Barnes and Noble. Honestly, those six hours fly by.

I'm reading:  I need to find a Biography for the Book Club I belong to. Any ideas? 

I order a lot of books through Amazon Marketplace. I've never had an issue. Yesterday a book rated "very good" arrived in less than acceptable condition. I messaged the seller. I only paid a penny for it plus 3.99 shipping, but if we don't hold sellers accountable, we'll all start getting books in an unacceptable condition. They did send me a free book. 

Postmarking:  I'm sending three out today, and have ten I started on last night to send tomorrow. 

Favorite quote:  Kindness is just love with its workboots on. ~Author unknown

Pamela's Daybook: May 10

Today: This is an at-home day. Dreary outside, but the candles are lit and it's cozy in here.

At my writing desk: Whatever. It seems more like a reading day than a writing day. Maybe I'll take a mental health day!

In the mail: Happy mail from Michigan and Maryland. One of them included a deliciously long letter.  

Praying for: My Emily. She inherited her Pop's back issues. She was acting silly last night and put her back out. 

Thankful for: My pinterest pin that went viral -- 7.7k almost overnight. One near and dear to my heart -- Affirm a Child.

I'm reading: Excerpts from "The Life Giving Home" by Sally and Sarah Clarkson. Melanie sent some pictures of a few of the pages about letter writing. "In the lilt of each loop, the way we dot our i's and cross our t's, we infuse ourselves into our words. The very act of writing tends to bring out a greater depth of emotion in us, and it communicates to the receiving individual that we are invested personally in this gesture." 

Postmarking: I worked on some cards last night at Barnes and Noble. I found a box of cards to buy, too. By Paperstyle -- a new brand to me. You Make Me Shine.

Favorite quote: "What happens most is developing the habit of noticing and appreciating the gifts we are given and learning to express our gratitude, love, encouragement and support in the most gracious and effective ways possible -- in the words we speak, type, or write by hand." Sally and Sarah Clarkson

Pamela's Daybook: May 4

Today: A quiet day at home with RB. We do our own thing -- but together. I'll ask him for a word I'm trying to think of.  He reads me an email he's received. We work, quietly, listening to "He makes all things beautiful in His time..."

At my writing desk: Writing and blogging isn't all about writing and editing manuscripts. I spend many hours answering emails and Facebook messages, researching, and reading and commenting on other blogs. I'm never bored!

In the mail: Four pieces of "fun mail." A graduation announcement, two thank-you cards, and a note card designed to brighten my day -- it did!

Praying for: Heartland Christian School kids at state competition. They have worked diligently, and it's already paying off with three awards in writing short stories and essays.

Thankful for: My Postmarked group of ladies and children.  

Creating: I had a blast creating postcards at Melanie's yesterday. We made a major mess on her dining room table with sequin flowers, paper, washi, small lace doilies, punched music notes and circles, etc. Landon is finished with his work for the year, so he manned the laminator. 

I'm reading: Finished "The Eagle Tree." Amazing read.  I was almost finished when I thought it was going to end like a Jodie Picoult book. I love her books, but the endings kill me. Hayes wrapped it up nicely. I wanted to read some of his other books, but two of them are about fire, and I don't do fires, as some of my readers may well know...

Postmarking: Here's how you can make the fun postcards we made yesterday:

We used 4"x6" laminating sheets, but the directions said to use packing tape, so if you don't own a laminator, you can still make them. Put your decorations down however you desire. We learned as we went -- like using a return address stamp on the back of the doily, etc. Once they are laminated, place an address label in the center front of each. It was easy enough for Camron to do.  (Pictures below)

Favorite quote: “The kind of life I want is to be a person who would get a personal note every day.” Sara Zarr

Pamela's Daybook: April 21

Today: I just now opened my curtains to see what it's like outside. My window is covered in fingerprints and it makes me smile. My room has always been a gathering room for family and friends. The fingerprints are proof that kids have been here. They can watch people entering the convention center and see them crossing the skywalk from the hotel to the center.  

At my writing desk: I'm keeping up with my Daybook, but that's about all. I'll be working double next week!

In the Mail: This wasn't sent through the mail, but it was definitely happy mail. One of my team members quilted me a beautiful bird hanging. Brought tears to my eyes to think of someone going to that work for me. 

Praying for: A young woman named Brook. She was raised by parents on drugs -- a dysfunctional family in all ways. Brook is 20 and trying to break away from the lifestyle in which she grew up. She needs prayer that she'll be able to make good choices and allow God to fill the holes in her life with Himself.

Thankful for: Friends.  This is one place that I realize the magnitude of my friends. Last night we were able to have supper with friends of 40 years. Ray and Naomi would bring their children to my home at 5:30 in the morning -- kids still in their footie pjs. Now we compare grandkid stories.  

Creating: Not much creativity going on here unless you count decorating envelopes!

I'm reading: You know, I don't think I read anything yesterday. I can hardly believe that's true. Maybe we can count the Dayton Daily -- lots of ads and the conference schedule.

Postmarking: One thing I've learned about our postmarking ministry is how wide it encompasses. So many people these last two days have expressed thanks for the team members' cards. I've been blessed over and over by their stories.

Favorite quote:  When God's people are filled with God's spirit, the huddle of the unqualified becomes the march of the unstopable. Darrel Stetler II 

Pamela's Daybook: April 18

Today: We make our yearly trek to the Interchurch Holiness Convention today. I remember the years we had little girls to pack for. Every outfit had its own hair bow, tights, and shoes. Then they became teenagers, and even though I didn't need to pack for them, we had triple the luggage! It's easier (but not as much fun!) to pack now that it's just RB and me. I have the candle, lighter, Keurig, and goblets. Those necessities -- and my Kindle. So what if I forget my clothes! There's a Skyline stop planned on the way.

At my writing desk: I probably won't get much writing done today, but there's always some going on in my head.

In the mail: The mailman failed me over the weekend. We've stopped the mail until Saturday.

Praying for:  Our friends, Karl and Becky Carpenter, and their son Barak and his wife, Erin. Barak had surgery Friday for possible cancer. Further testing and blood work will be done this week. Barak is a principled Christian young man. He has only been married a year. Karl was RB's roommate at college, best man in our wedding, and he did the committal service for our Sarah's burial. Barak is their only child. Their desire is that Christ be glorified through this difficult time.

Thankful for: Heating pads and cold packs

Creating: Saturday, Emma and I covered a can to keep her gems in. A cocoa can, scrapbook paper, lace trim glue runner, and a paper punch. Emma loves to create.

I'm reading: I finished "Love That Boy." I couldn't sleep Saturday night, so I started "Lady of Milkweed Manor" by Julie Klassen. I listened to four hours of it and am really enjoying it. Someone recommended it to me, but I can't remember who. I have no idea how it's going to end, and I love that!

Postmarking: We ended the week with 87 postmarks. Only 1/3 reported, so the total may be higher. I've packed my travel bag with notes, washi, return address stamp, etc., and hope to find time to start on this week's list. Sending six today.

Favorite quote: "We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own" (Ben Sweetland).

Pamela's Daybook: April 15

Today: I have an appointment with Rhonda today. She works therapeutic magic on my neck and shoulders. Shopping for a gift for a friend.

At my writing desk: Isaac Singer said, "The waste basket is a writer's best friend." The delete button is mine. I've overused it lately.

In the mail: An oversized postcard with a bio of Marianne Moore, an American poet. Diana used four stamps, including a 10 cent Robert Frost.

Praying for: Emma, Jonathon and Emily's foster daughter. Selfishness always hurts the innocent.

Thankful for: My lunch with Eleanor yesterday.  We may or may not have have visited for two and half hours. No doubt about drinking too much tea.

Creating: Does buying paper feathers count?

I'm reading: Half way through "Love That Boy." Started "When a Woman Finds Her Voice: Overcoming Life's Hurts and Using Your Story to Make a Difference" by Jo Anne Fore.  She talks about her fears, doubts, and insecurities sparkling much brighter than her trampled tiara. 

Postmarking: Made my five.  I'm almost done with cards for the week, but I have some letters to write.

Favorite quote: "Only one thing is more frightening than speaking your truth, and that is not speaking" (Naomi Wolf).

Pamela's Daybook: April 14, 2016

Today: I'm having lunch with my friend, Eleanor. We've been "ships passing in the night" for the last couple months, keeping up through messages and Facebook. We are meeting at McAllisters (hashtag: best-tea-in-town) -- a stone's throw from Michaels, so I may be forced to run in there.

At my writing desk: Getting most of my curriculum writing out of the way before I leave. Planning another chapter for when I get back. 

In the mail: A sweet note from my daughter, Melanie, with two of the cutest teacup tags. With four children, she has a busy life, but she always makes time to encourage others. 

Praying for: Nathaniel -- Jonathon's brother. He finished his four years of service in the army. Praying the adjustments will be easy, and God/church will become a priority in his life again.

Thankful for: My postmarking team. These ladies have a heart for encouragement. I love it when others ask to be a part of our team. I'm happy to welcome anyone God sends to join.

Creating: A headache gave me some extra time to crochet. Looking at the computer screen was making it worse. Still working on the prayer shawl. Looking for my next project to use up little bits of yarn -- any suggestions? 

I'm reading: If you don't have time to read, you don't have the tools for writing. It's that simple (S. King).When I turn on my Kindle, there's a book advertised.  Yesterday when I turned it on, there was one authored by Grace Livingston Hill. They are reprinting some of her books. Does anyone else remember preachers proclaiming, "Don't read these books"? I think reading them gave me my aversion to scripted plots.

Postmarking: Five more today! Five is the perfect amount for me to fill up a quiet evening. 

Favorite quote: “I have one desire now -- to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it" (Elisabeth Elliot). 

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