Pamela's Daybook: July 11th

Today: Shawn took the older boys to band camp and Melanie is bringing Morgan and Camron to me. I get to keep them overnight. Shawn's taking Melanie away to do a little shopping. RB is teaching Monday nights at Portland. It's the only place he teaches that I can't go with him. So my evening will go fast with the kiddos. It reminds me of my girls' adopted "Ganga." Papaw traveled a lot, so she was always taking one of the girls for company.

At my writing desk: I had to start early this morning to get my curriculum writing done. The kids would let me write, but I'd rather have fun! I do have so many words pushing at my heart, but no fun writing until I catch up some hours from last week. 

Praying for: The needs sent in for Shelter: Postmarked. 

Thankful for:  My sons-in-law -- I love how they go the extra mile in their marriages. Shawn has a million and one things he could do for his company, yet he's taking time to be with Melanie. Jonathon surprised Emily with two large sets of markers in an Amazon box. Other girls may dream of roses and expensive baubles for their home, but he knows just what Emily loves. 

I'm reading:  "How To Make Money Blogging: How I Replaced My Day-Job and How You Can Start A Blog Today," by Bob Lotich. For my blogging or wanna-be blogging friends, the book is free on Amazon. 

Journaling prompt for today: Write about something in your life that is "worth it." I spend many hours with Shelter: Postmarked Group. I've personally sent over 500 pieces of mail since January. But that is one activity that is "worth it." To encourage others is my passion, and my mother would be so pleased that we are passing on her heritage. My team members are a blessing in my life, and many faithfully send out one or more cards each week. 

Postmarking:  I skidded in just under the wire this week. And I got the sweetest box from my friend, Janene. Tea, a cinnamon tea mat (On front: Old books and a tea cup -- You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me. C. S. Lewis), and three different teas. She also tucked in the brochures of the southern plantation where she purchased the teas. She had posted about being there and I told RB that was where I'd love to go. The package made me feel like I was there.  

Favorite quote: "A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken." James Dent (This is funny to me because we've had ours worked on four times already this summer.) 

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 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)

Share Some Love!

Gifts in an Envelope for Cancer Fighters

There is a word that strikes fear in every heart. We don’t want to hear it connected to our name, the name of a relative or a friend. Cancer is a word that devastates the most optimistic heart. It fills hearts with questions, doubt, uncertainty, denial, fear, and hopelessness.

We often wonder, What can I say? Because of fear of saying the wrong thing, so often the card we bought lays on our desk, eventually buried from putting other items on top of it. To encourage turning our intentions into action, here are five gifts to consider tucking into an envelope:

5 Gifts We Can Write to Cancer Fighters

1. Hope -- for healing here or in heaven

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

2. God’s Presence – even on the hard days

God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Hebrews 13:5b-6).

3. Distraction – a funny story or a memory

A joyful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 24:22). You will never believe what I did at the grocery store today…

4. Love – both yours and God’s

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again (Jeremiah 31:3-4).

5. Rest – for the body and soul

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:1, 8). 

Acknowledge the long and tough battle ahead of them. Instead of a blanket, “I love you,” say, “I love your sense of humor,” or “I’ve always loved your beautiful smile.”

Bow your head over your card, whisper a Help me, God, and then write – even if it’s I’m so, so sorry.

 Spiritual Sundays     Tell His Story   Wholehearted Home
Word of God Speak   A Little R & R   Word-Filled Wednesday
Proverbs 31 Wife   Three Word Wednesday  A Wise Woman
Singing Among Friends  Worshipful Wednesday

Encouragement Verses for Your Cards

Postmarks for Children

  

     

Children today carry a lot of heartache around with them. Autism and ADHD are at an all time high, classmates are killing classmates, and parents are pronounced unfit. Yesterday two little children lost their mother to an addiction. When hearing about the hopelessness of those who experience these kinds of pain, we often often feel helpless, not knowing how to assist. 

While we may think writing a letter or sending a card is a small action in light of huge issues, it's amazing what finding a bit of love in an envelope can do. 

I wrote notes to five children yesterday. I was surprised how long it took me to complete them. Kids love mail. I don't think they care what it says -- which made me think, Am I writing these for the children or for their parents? 

I've created some lists for you to help you write to the children in your life, or those who just need an extra bit of joy -- because that's what it does when a child gets mail -- it brings them joy. When my girls were little, if they got mail they would carry it around all day. 

So share some joy with a child this week. Tuck a fun surprise in the envelope and smile -- you just made a child's day!

 If you would like to bring joy to a child, Princess Sarah Morgan will send you 1-4 addresses a week. You can send or or all of them. Leave message on this post or on facebook at Pamela Cessna Kuhn.  
  MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL,LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY

Can We Outgive God?

Have you ever tried to outgive God? You will never make any progress; it cannot be done. God's Word tells us that if we give, it will be given to us. And not just a half-hearted response -- No, it's good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over!

We used to sing in Sunday School: 

Running over, running over, My cup is full and running over. 

Since the Lord saved me, I'm as happy as can be. 

My cup is full and running over.

That's what God does. When our grateful hearts are filled to the brim, we experience a filling-the-saucer-and-dripping-on-the-floor kind of running over. 

Our team member, Debbie Griggs, felt impressed to include a small check with one of the cards she was writing. That very week God ran her heart's cup over with a shoebox full of greeting and note cards, plus a greeting card organizer -- worth more than the check she enclosed. It was a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over gift.

I have postmarked a lot of mail since January 1st, but my mailbox (at the end of my driveway) is seeing a lot of action! Last week alone I received a thank-you from a grandson, cards from a team member, a favorite friend, and from someone I admire, as well as a box boxful of unique goodies clear from Japan.

Shannon blogs at On This Glorious Homeschool in memory of her son, Elijah (7), who died in a water-related accident. Shannon sent me 3 sets of Japanese stationery, a notebook, and a travelers journal. Would you say Shannon knows me? 

I was blessed with a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over week. I'm humbled and grateful. I feel like the joy I receive encouraging others is a gift, but God always goes over and above...He, gives, and gives, and gives.

Linked to:  MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL,LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY

Postmarks, Week Five

Blessing After Blessing

During a conversation with one of our team members this week, I mentioned, "I feel like God is changing my heart, one card at a time."

My friend responded, "It breaks my heart to read the requests, while it opens my heart when reaching out…”

I don't think you can be a part of this ministry without it changing you. It’s unlikely God can let you read through requests of retired ministers, ministers’ widows, young wives who lose their husbands, teenagers with depression, special needs children who will struggle physically their whole life, parents with unsaved children -- and the list goes on -- without an internal change happening.

Paul in his letter to the Galatians said, Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 6:4). That's the basis for this ministry -- bearing other's burdens. Mailing a smile, encouragement, and love.

We started with nine team members and four card requests. Today, three weeks later, there are nineteen team members and we have twenty-three requests going out this week. When numbers of postmarked mail start pouring in, I stand amazed. From the beginning this ministry has been in honor of my mother and it belongs to Jesus. I believe its success is His stamp of approval on her life.

                   

I'm so thankful I didn't post my projected goal for this project. The numbers would have been so paltry compared to the goal God has for us. One thing I didn't anticipate was the response to our postmarks. Many have verbalized how God used it to encourage them. Some mentioned that God is using this to lay a card ministry on their hearts, too. My heart is filled with blessing after blessing as I read the responses. 

I don't think we can ever do anything for God without it changing us. We welcome you to join us -- by sending cards, providing requests, or praying. Let's offer shelter, postmarked.

Soul Survivor 
Monday's Musings

Postmarking Sympathy Cards

In Letters to Jackie: Condolences from a Grieving Nation, (Ellen Fitzpatrick) a friend wrote, “Finding the right words of comfort at a time like this is always difficult because all the words in the world won’t bring a loved one back. His laugh will never again be heard, his smile, seen or his hand, felt..."

It’s always difficult to know what to write on a sympathy card. The ones that mean the most to me are the ones in which the sender writes a memory or an encouraging Scripture verse instead of simply signing the card.

We lived in Bedford when our daughter Sarah died, so the funeral was held there; however, we buried her in Pennsylvania, very near my homestead. During the long trip back to Indiana, we stopped at a Bob Evans restaurant. Upon entering the ladies room, my eyes fell on a little tract lying on the counter. The message was about God’s presence in our heartaches. Afterwards I wished I had taken it, as I’m sure whoever had placed it there planned for it to be taken. Several days after returning to Bedford, I opened a card from our friends, Karl and Becky (incidentally, Becky is counting postmarks with us). I don’t remember what the card looked like, but I do remember the tract she included – yes, the very same tract that had brought comfort to my grieving heart in a Bob Evans restroom!

My friend, Beth, couldn’t come to Sarah’s funeral, but when she heard about Sarah’s death, she sat down at the piano and played, Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here… She tucked the lyrics in a card. The words still comfort me each time I hear them.

Daddy told me when he’d ask Mom to send a card to a family experiencing a death, she would say, “I will, but not for a couple weeks.” I understood how important that was after my mother died. My friend Susann sent me a card with this note, “By now your cards are getting few. I just want you to know I still remember and I care.”

Hallmark gives these suggestions for writing in a sympathy card:

• Your mother blessed so many people with her faith and kindness. Praying that you’ll find comfort in your memories of her and in the knowledge that others are missing her, too.

• What a good and generous man your father was. I thought his funeral service was a wonderful tribute to him and all he has done for our community. He will be missed.

• I’m going to miss her, too.

• I hope you feel surrounded by much love.

• Sharing in your sadness as you remember Dan.

• Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.

• Thinking of your family with love and wanting to help out in any way I can. I’ll call to see when would be a good night to bring over a meal.

• You’ve got so much on your mind and on your heart right now. We hope it will make one less worry to know that Kevin and I will be taking care of the yard for as long as you need.

I’ve formed the habit of praying before I write, asking God to give me words that will comfort. His words are healing oil, words that will bless each time the card is re-read.

Playdates with God
Create with Joy 
The Art of Homemaking

Melanie's Stationary Travel Pack

My daughter Melanie finds time to work on her postmark sending while the kids have music class 5:00-8:00 each Tuesday night. You can see her take on a travel pack -- blue polka dots and zippered compartments. You can also see her journal for tracking her postmarks -- A Sheltering Tree!

Train Up Princesses (and a Prince)

God's Word reminds us to, "Train up a child in the way he should go" (Proverbs 22:6). I know God's heart is warmed to see our little princesses (and princes) at work encouraging others. Thus far we have 12 princesses who send mail every week.  I receive great joy seeing the pictures of them hard at work, learning early how to shelter other children through the written word. They are counting postmarks and we're already getting responses from those who are receiving their happy mail. 

If you would like your child to be involved, send me a private message through facebook (Shelter: Postmarked or Pamela Cessna Kuhn). I send 2 or 3 names/addresses of children who need encouragement each Sunday evening and your child will send a letter or card to one (or all!) of them. 

Great Nieces, Carli and Olivia

Granddaughter Sarah
Morgan and Grandson Landon

Linked to
Welcome Home Wednesdays
Intentional at Home
 

Postmarks for Week of January 10th

Come count with us!

Join Me in Counting Postmarks

Enter giveaway here: Shelter: Postmarked Giveaway

Continuing my mother's legacy...

2016 – How can it be? Choosing my “one word” has occupied my mind. I’ve thought intently, discarding so many words, waiting for the one God would drop into my heart to grow all year long. 

I thought fun would be my word. It seemed the opposite of 2015 with its health issues and grieving my mother’s death. But I’m not a “fun” sort of person. But hold on -- maybe my idea of fun doesn’t fit the typical definition of fun, but it’s my fun.

My fun is sheltering. My fun is being creative. It’s playing with papers and tapes, adding to my stationary collection and actually using these items. The kind of fun my mother had in 2010 when she sent out 163 cards and letters (and yes, recorded each one). The kind of fun when my mother sent 185 letters and cards in 2011 (not counting Christmas Cards). 

As I read through the record of her correspondence, I was convinced this is what God is leading me to do. So I give you my 2016 word – Fun. Fun that I'm putting a postmark on.  

All year long we will be counting our postmarks. You’ll have the chance to send 52 cards and letters (or more if you wish!) this year – envelopes full of love, cheer and encouragement. We’ll have quotes, DIY projects, Book Reviews, giveaways – all on the subject of filling mailboxes of those who need a smile. For more inspiration look at my Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/PostmarkedMail/

Your children can join “Postmarks with our Princess” (we welcome Princes, too) to begin their own mailbox ministry. Princess Sarah Morgan will be highlighting fun crafts, giveaways and letter writing etiquette. 

Nine friends (and eight princesses) have committed to begin this journey with me. I’m hoping many of you and your children will join us as we postmark our fun. I’ve spent a lot of time in planning, but I know that though humans plan, it is the Lord that determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9). So I know this year will be far more than the plans I’ve made. I can hardly wait to start the journey.

Leave a comment below if you wish to have the weekly addresses sent to you. And feel free to send me addresses of those you know who need encouragement. 

Please take a moment to sign up for my mailing list (form on sidebar). I'll say thank you in advance and gift you a packet of postmark forms and crafts when you verify your subscription.

Linked to:
Wonderful Wednesdays
                                         Joyfully,