You ever have those weeks when the unexpected comes along only to discover the unexpected is just what you need to help you along in your routine day?
That’s exactly how I felt as I pulled the mail from mailbox recently. Skimming through the junk and the not so welcome bills, I noticed a white small envelope. Discarded all the other mail, I tore into the little white envelope. And found a fellow blogger had sent me a dose of encouragement in the form of a card.
Lovely Card by Sandra Hicks of Photo Flourish
A small simple gesture served to brighten my day.
How many times have you thought about calling someone, sending a note, visiting or reaching out to someone but never followed through with your intention?
It happens quite often with me. I still have cards I purchased over a year ago with the intention of passing them along to some ladies but I have yet to put the pen to the paper.
What if I spent more time following those hunches instead of little the gnawing insecurities of “oh that’s just a small thing” get in the way?
What if I set aside little moments in my day to follow through with a few of the seeming simple things rather than simply going through my must-do-list?
We never know how much a simple kind gesture may mean to the recipient.
Note if you are in the market for some nice photo cards, check out Sandra’s site at Photo Flourish
Obedience is better than sacrifice. I’m working on note cards (I’m not kidding) RIGHT NOW. I was waiting until “I had more” to include before I sent them out (they’ve been sitting for two weeks). No more waiting; they are going out today. Yep. Right now.
Wow, are you serious LaVonne? How interesting that God would have me write this post on Saturday (which I don’t normally post on the weekends) when you are in the business of sharing encouragement with others. I know recipients of those note cards will be richly blessed.
You have no idea, Wanda, how much of a prompting it was. No idea. I can’t even really explain it. I did blog about it, though, hoping more will be prompted to obey and do the little things.
I was reading your post just a minute ago, although after several attempts I still wasn’t able to get the comment form to display on your blog. I wondering if it has something to do with you using that responsive/mobile template. I haven’t encountered near as much problems with the comment field on those sporting traditional templates. Anyhoo, I really enjoyed what you shared in your post. This morning I God gave me another opportunity to head the little prompting to go visit someone and instead of talking myself out of it, I got busy doing. My original plans had been to just relax on this labor day. But I found that I had plenty of time for that after I was obedient.
Thanks, Wanda. I will check out the templates. I have not updated my blog site for a really long time, and it is certainly due for a tune up.
You’re welcome. That’s the only thing different I noticed so I thought it may be the cause.
And, this is exactly how I felt when I received the beautiful card from you, Wanda, a year or so ago. It brightened my day and I have never forgotten. Blessings!
Ah I’m glad to hear it left a mark Cynthia. I did practice doing more of following the little hunches God gives to me. Hope you have a Happy Labor Day weekend.
I completely agree! I love cards and because I love when I receive one I use an online program and send many cards during the month. My favorite are the ones I send simply to say to someone, “I’m thinking of you.”
Blessings to you!
Beth
That’s a great idea Beth. What online program do you use to send out your monthly cards?
Oh yes, please tell what program you use!
Ladies, I use SendOutCards.com. You pay a monthly fee but you can start out small and they have many cards to choose from. You pick your card, add your message, and then they send the card out for you. Super great!!
Thanks for sharing Beth. I will have to look them up.
Those small notes and lovely cards means so much! I have a few I need to send. I try to send my aunt cheery mail and I’m behind~ Thank you for the beautiful reminder-what a gorgeous card 😀
Whenever your Aunt receives them I’m sure they will be a welcome surprise.
I so believe in following up on those hunches. I’ve learned that it’s the Holy Spirit prompting me to reach out to someone on His behalf. So I press ahead with making that contact, and invariably the person will say: “You wrote/called/e-mailed/texted just when I needed it.” That confirms for me that I have to keep a listening ear attuned to the Spirit’s leading.
Yes they are God’s way of letting us work in cooperation with Him to be a blessing to others. I must do a better job of following through. I thank Him for grace to get better in this area.
I subscribe to DaySprings card club and am hoping to get into the habit of blessing others through encouraging cards real soon!
What a great way of to be a blessings to others Barbie. I want to be more consistent in including regular times of encouraging others.
Hi Wanda! It’s always fun to get something that isn’t a bill! LOL!
But that personal touch of a card or handwritten letter does seem to be falling away. Not only is it more intimate than an email, it represents a real time investment. What a testament to friendship.
(Purple is my favorite color. Nice card!!)
Ceil
Now isn’t that the truth Ceil. Handwritten cards is one of the things Sandra is passionate about. I appreciate her thinking of me.
Lovely card. So happy it brightened your day. I love when I get something in the mail besides bills.
Oh me too. It was a delightful surprise
I am so guilty of this Wanda; good intentions not carried through sometimes! The joy of encouraging is as fulfilling as the one who is encouraged; such a blessing to bless others! A nice reminder this morning… 🙂
Blessings and love this Labor Day weekend!
Denise
Good to know I’m not alone in this Denise. But today I need heed the prompting by God.
This really kinda hit home to me, Wanda. I have also found that a phone call is a nice way to reach out to someone in a personal way. (Sometimes I just HATE the whole texting thing…)
Interesting, too, that you should post this. My husband and I have talked many times about making note cards out of some of his photos, with me providing the inside writing, and then sending them to people in our church as encouragement. I think perhaps God is using you to remind me of this idea.
Thanks.
GOD BLESS!
He just may be Sharon. And that sounds like a wonderful way to use both your husband and your gift in service to others. I’m sure those receiving the cards would be richly blessed.
Dear Wanda
I just love sending cards. It is much more personal and romantic. I certainly want your blog on Sunday for I also love cart making and hope to catch e few tips.
Much love to you dear one XX
Mia
Much love to you as well Mia. Cards do have a more personal feel. Do you hand make yours? Once I was in a craft store and seen all the card making supplies made me want to give it try. I actually bought a few card stocks but haven’t given it a go just yet.
I try to make sure I have boxes of cards so I can send those notes of encouragement. Snail mail is a such a blessings that is slowly disappearing. I love how people are encouraged to bless others when they get blessed. And blessings just keep going through your post as we are encouraged to bless others through your words. Thank you! Love, Rachael @ Inking the heart
I am definitely one contributing to the disappearance of snail mail but it doesn’t quite take the place of electronic communication. May we keep spurring one another on to good works. Have a great rest of the week Rachael.