When was the last time you received a handwritten note? Sure, modern technology is awesome - our phones let us send text messages, speak our messages and even see the person we are communicating with face to face. 

Yet that's not the same as a written word. In her article "The Write Thing to Do", Carile Rodgers talks about the wonder of the written word. No, we aren't talking about the Bible, but something quite similar to God's words of love and encouragement. We are talking about handwritten notes!

Carole says, "I have a dear friend who occasionally sends me what I call "love notes." Oh, birthday cards, get-well cards, and the like are all love notes, but when those "special occasion" cards arrive with added handwritten words of love and encouragement - talk about blessings! We also have the wonderful "no occasion" cards, written for no other reason than expressing one's love and care."

Personally, I miss seeing people's handwriting. It brings me joy to receive a card in the mail. When was the last time you received a handwritten note of encouragement? How did it affect you The beauty of this project is that writing a card doesn't take much time at all. You don't need fancy cards or stationery. Pick up some "thinking of you" cards at Dollar General or use whatever you have on hand.

Carole suggests, "Why not start at home? Pen a love note to your husband. Leave it on the bathroom counter where he'll find it when he gets up in the morning. He'll more than likely wonder what you're up to! Tuck love notes into your kids' clothes pockets or in between the pages of their school books. Teach your children to write love notes. No in-house family? You more than likely have family living somewhere to whom you can write."

Think for a moment. Who do you know RIGHT now in need of love and encouragement? One of our church friends in a care center or assisted living? A friend in the middle of a tough time? Someone who has served others so faithfully without much praise? Who in your life could use a word of love or support today? How can you be intentional in encouraging them through the written word?

Proverbs 16:24 - "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds...encouraging one another."

In Christ's ministry together ~ Pastor Caryn