Pamela's Daybook: May 6

Today: Today includes a trip to Hobby Lobby. That's a day-brightener! The trip includes CVS and the post office -- not nearly as fun. I'm waiting for the new stamps to come in. Have you seen them? Vintage trucks. I don't like to put flower stamps on my cards to men. There's an awesome tiger stamp out, but they give a donation to the wildlife society so they cost more. 

At my writing desk: Working on a Mother's Day post. Thinking about my June article for The Banner.

In the mail: A two and a half page typed letter from Massachusetts, a note from Virginia, and a thank-you from Urbana, Illinois. RB is doing much better about bringing in happy mail. Ha!

Praying for: Four little girls who are facing their first Mother's Day without their mother. 

Thankful for: Sunshine! It's just beautiful today. 

Creating: Decorating my envelopes, wrapping wee parcels. 

I'm reading: Downloading "Rules" by Cynthia Lord. It's a Newbery Honor Book Award recipient. "Rules" is a young people's book, but Emily thought I'd like it since I just read "The Eagle Tree."

Postmarking: Wrote 13 cards last evening. I'll mail them today.  I have three I need to have weighed.  I have a postal scale, but I'm still not sure on anything over 2 ounces, or over 1/4" thick or one that won't bend. 

Favorite quote: "Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the Biography of Souls." David Thomas

Linked to: 

Coffee Shop Conversations

Pamela's Daybook: April 29

Today: Second day to be alone.  One more, and Sunday will return to normal. I'm so used to RB being with me that I told him I feel punished when he can't be.  Tomorrow will mark the 80+ graduation ceremonies he has marched in since he began working at IWU. He always enjoys putting a face with some of his online students. I planned a fun day for myself tomorrow so the day will hopefully go faster.

At my writing desk: Only curriculum today. Almost ready to start adding Quarter #3 to Herald and Banner's dropbox.

In the mail: I admit that I'm addicted to stationery and note cards. A new box of writing paper makes my heart smile.  My sister had a fun bag on the guest bed when I visited earlier in the week. I found a box of Rex and Molly note cards in it. I've been enjoying using them for my list this week. 

Praying for: Our country -- and that's all you'll hear from me about politics, although I follow it daily. Let's all cover our elections with prayer.

Thankful for: My grandchildren.  Their music recital was last evening. It's such a blessing to see them grow their talents. They love music, and are faithful to practice.  How they have progressed in one year!  This was Landon's first year for trumpet; and all of them had piano pieces.  Heartland Christian School is a class act -- even recitals! It's a joy to know our grandchildren are getting a quality education (which reaches beyond the classroom setting).

Creating: I made dollar bill shirts today. I know, should be easy, but I won't say how many times I tried -- even with youtube videos! I wanted to put them in some boy-cards. I finally got them right, but I thought I should have let Ethan make them.

I'm reading: I have Amazon Prime, and each month they send me eight books that haven't been published yet. I can get one free.  The one I chose is "Eagle Tree" by Ned Hayes. The book is a beautiful look into the world of a boy who is autistic. I'm only on chapter three, so not far enough along to recommend it, but I've enjoyed it so far.

Postmarking: I'll be working on cards to the last minute this week since I took three days off. I think I receive more of a blessing than those receiving the cards. It's such a joy encouraging others!

Favorite quote: “Life is like a piano; the white keys represent happiness and the black show sadness. But as you go through life's journey, remember that the black keys also create music.” Ehssan

Pamela's Daybook: April 13

Today: No place to go and nothing pressuring me to be done. The sun is shining through my window, and it promises to be 59 degrees. 

At my writing desk: Three hours of curriculum editing/writing and then free-time writing. I've been doing some writing in my head and it's ready to be put on paper.

In the mail: Fun letter from a friend. $1.56 postage due. She had two stamps on it, but I think it was more than 1/4" thick. Beth taps her trees for maple syrup. Thinking about it made me hungry for pancakes, but sugar-free syrup just isn't the same!

Praying for: RB as he works on his dissertation. His sabbatical ends at end of the month so I'm praying this will be a profitable day.

Thankful for: Strawberries for breakfast. They are starting to taste "real" again. I'm thankful for the man who washes and slices my strawberries for breakfast, too. 

Creating: I made some fun pig and floral envelopes from calendars last evening. I had a sweet little boy sitting on my lap while I was making them.

I'm reading: Started Love That Boy: What Two Presidents, Eight Road Trips, and My Son Taught Me About a Parent's Expectations. It was released just yesterday. 

Postmarking: No postmarks yesterday.  Plan to do five today. 

Favorite quote: 
Pawpaw: Camron, I love you a little bit!
Camron: I love you a little bit, too. And I love Mawmaw a whole lot!

Pamela's Daybook: April 12

Today: Tuesday started with a smile. Jonathon wasn't home last night, so Emily and Emma spent the night. I loved having them here. The newlyweds made it 13 months without staying apart -- certainly longer than RB and my 7 months. It was 1976...We were traveling with the quartet and stopped at West Virginia Camp. It was a 4-H campground, so the lodging consisted of girls' dorm and boys' dorm...

At My Writing Desk: Yesterday I finished my goals for other people (The Banner article: The Cleaning of a Wintered Heart), but my personal goals didn't get done.  I'm starting with them today, and will work on curriculum this afternoon. "Writing became such a process of discovery that I couldn't wait to get to work in the morning: I wanted to know what I was going to say" (Sharon O'Brien). I'm eager to know what I'm going to say!

In the Mail: A letter from Vanessa. Sweet Emma hand delivered a note when she came last night, along with a green rubber band bracelet.  

Praying for: My friend, Denise, as she has treatments for cancer.

Thankful for: Our friend Ben's successful heart cath and stent insertion yesterday. 

Creating: Pig envelopes -- I'll post pictures tomorrow.

I'm reading: I finished "Girl of the Limberlost." I read this book over forty years ago, and the re-read was like meeting an old friend. 

Postmarking: Wrote five notes/cards.

Favorite Quote: From my 7-year-old granddaughter -- "I was afraid I wouldn't get my goals done, so Daddy prayed with me and it worked!"

Pamela's Daybook: April 11

Today: Mondays are fun at my house -- The grands take turns coming after school. Alone. They get my undivided attention. They choose the menu. Tonight is Morgan's turn -- Papa John's pizza and cookies-n- cream ice cream.

At my writing desk: Working on editing curriculum. It goes through 5 stages of editing before I send it to the office. It's edited there and sent to the layout people. All of it is sent electronically. But after layout, I receive a package in the mail for a final editing. Such a fun process!

I will also be writing an article for The Herald. It's due the second Tuesday of the month. If my day goes as planned, I'll also complete a chapter for another project, and a devotional. I'm blessed to do what I love.

In the mail: I received an encouragement card from my friend, Anne, whom I met through her blog, Anne's Phamily.

Praying for: Ron and Marjorie who lost their adult son, Jamie, last month. Today is Jamie's birthday, and it will be a hard day for them.

Thankful for: My daddy is finally feeling better after a round of this horrid flu (of course the flu shot didn't include the strain he had...)

Creating: I'm crocheting a prayer shawl for someone who needs comfort. I'm half way, and I'd love to finish it by the end of the week. I'm using Orchid Red Heart yarn, but wish I would have used a softer yarn.

I'm reading: Girl of the LimberLost by Gene Stratton-Porter for my book club (A book set in the state where I live.); The Contemplative Writer by Ed Cyzewski; HGTV magazine.

Postmarking: The new lists went out last evening to 36 team members. I'll start the new lists with a goal of four tonight.

Favorite quote: Sent to me this morning by my sweet Emily -- Rise and shine. I've always held such fondness for that sweet old phrase. As though we are all little Suns. As though we are all someone's day. ~Taplin (Perhaps Em is recalling how I woke her up each morning with "Rise and Shine" when she was a tiny little gal...)

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

Refused Mail

I was having a little visit with Mrs. Duffy at Letter Matters, when I read that postage used to be paid by the recipient. Mrs. Duffy provided readers with a link to The Guardian and the article: Undelivered letters shed light on 17th-century society. Many of the letter recipients in the late 1600s and early 1700s refused to pay the postage required to receive their mail. These letters were from aristocrats, spies, merchants, publishers, actors and musicians. Either the recipient felt the letters weren’t important enough, or they didn’t have the extra money to retrieve their mail. Today, the sender pays for the mail. The recipient doesn’t pay a cent. Still, there are those who write Refused across their mail without opening it. 

In Old Testament days, forgiveness from sins was given when a sacrifice was made. A spotless sacrifice was required and was to be purchased by the sinner. Then Jesus came! The veil of the temple was torn from the top to the bottom. No longer was a blood sacrifice required. Jesus paid for all our sin! Yet even with “pre-paid” sacrifice, many still refuse His gift. I think a refused, unopened letter is sad. But unopened mail from God, written in the blood of Jesus Christ, stamped with “Refused,” goes much deeper than “sad.” Surely this grieves the heart of Jesus, denying potential recipients the greatest friendship one can possibly experience. 

Break the seal on your locked heart. Accept the love and sacrifice of God and His Son, Jesus.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Finding Joy in Incoming Mail

Ronna Vigil, in Pen it Forward, said, “I believe the world will be a better place, our homes a happier space, and our relationships better than ever when we take time to show we care in a kind note or a letter. Even more, your note or letter can be a meaningful gift and life-long treasure.” In beginning this ministry, I didn’t stop to think that I might get mail, too. So when I started finding happy mail in my mail box I was delighted.

I sure had a happy corner in my home when I settled in my chair to enjoy a letter that arrived in my mailbox yesterday. The envelope was fat and decorated with a teapot sticker. I think the Wind in the Willows sticker on the back was inherited from her mother. Tracy’s mom sent us beautiful personal Christmas letters every year. She had beautiful handwriting and a flair with words that made us feel so appreciated.
 

Tracy’s mother is in heaven, and thanks to Facebook, I’ve been able to keep in touch with Tracy, who lives several states away. I comment on her posts; she comments on mine. We push the like button. I promise to pray for her. She promises to pray for me. I watch her children grow up. She watches my children and their families. But as important as that connection is, there is a level of intimacy in a letter that cannot be met through Facebook.

So when I opened Tracy’s seven-page letter, written on beautiful stationery with its green border and line of feathers across the top (the envelope had the same feathers, and a beautiful square butterfly stamp our local post office doesn’t have), my heart bubbled joy. It was certainly a soul-satisfying visit through the written page – a meaningful gift and life-long treasure.

Who did you think of while reading this? Get out your stationery and have a “real” visit with a friend. Write a memory, a bit of news, and some encouragement. Then come back and count your postmarks with us.