The Lost Art of Letter Writing

This blog post is my ode (sort of) to the lost art of letter writing.

I just love giving and receiving handwritten letters and cards. There's just something really refreshing about receiving something personal amidst the sea of automated bills, notices and comminiques which frequent our mailboxes on a daily.  If you're like me, upon receipt of one of these beauties, it goes to the top of the mail pile and is opened first. Whether it's an invitation, a thank you card or a note of encouragement, I read it with a huge smile on my face. After reading a hand written note, I always have a fuzzy and warm feeling along with the sense that I should 'pay-it-forward' and extend that good feeling to someone else.

In our fast-paced society, an authentic hand-written letter is rare. This is unfortunate as it is such a simple, yet profoundly heart-warming gesture that can make a huge difference in someone's week...or life. While the artsy/craftsy touch may not be your thing...ANYONE can pen a letter. All you need is paper (filler notebook paper or fine stationery - any grade will suffice), a writing utensil and an open heart.

So who could you write? Consider the below as a short-list to get you started:

- Someone needing encouragement
- Neighbors
- Family members/relatives
- Friends
- Spouse
- Children
- Church members

For those who really want to commit to letter-writing as a ministry, consider writing to deployed soldiers or prisoners. Contact the Volunteer Service at an area hospital and inquire about writing encouraging notes to patients.

Words and sentiments are just the beginning. Small sums of cash, gift certificates/gift cards, coupons, edible treats and more may accompany your handwritten sentiments.

Letter writing is just one of the many ways that we can spread joy in the lives of those around us. Consider taking the time out to write a letter to someone today. With that, here are some of the latest cards...(and enclosed handwritten notes) from Fitly Spoken...


These cards will go out to encourage some who are ill.

This card goes out to encourage a childhood friend dealing with health issues. I hope that they are blessed and encouraged by the gesture. God RESTORES! 

This card was specially requested by a friend to encourage someone. I pray that they will continue to look up...

I will hang on to this card to give to one of my boys at a later time.

This card is for my eldest love.

This one is for my middle love.

I will slip these cards into my sons' bookbags/folders along with a nice treat sometime this week. They love pleasant surprises! I pray that they are blessed and encouraged.




This card was specially requested by a family member. It was made with love and care. Prayers of thanksgiving and continued blessings go out to the card recipient and their family.

Well folks, that's it until next time.

You may share your experiences with letter writing in the 'Comments' section below.  Please subscribe and follow this blog, A Word Fitly Spoken.

Blessings & Bliss,

Miss Nicks

His Ways, Thoughts and Timeline are not ours...

Have you ever been praying for your spouse about something...some aspect of their character that you are asking God to address and...nothing? I mean this thing (in your view) is of upmost priority so you interceed on his/her behalf for a long minute, and...crickets.

You know that your spouse is in relationship with God. You walk in the "prayer closet" early in the morning to pray...only to find him already there. She's studying the Word. You see God working in many ways by the unselfish love and patience displayed in their "being-ness". But on your particular point of urgent priority, it seems that God has not moved.

God recently addressed one my "urgent" spousal prayer requests, quite matter-of-factly and devoid of the SOS priority and fanfare that I had envisioned. And while I was raising my hands in praise and shouting hallelujah to God for 'fixing' my  beloved...he shows me that he is just as much 'fixing' my urgent issues of impatience, mistrust and take charge-ism.

God is CAPABLE and FAITHFUL. For my personal benefit, I will reiterate that...God is CAPABLE and FAITHFUL.  Do we really believe that He has the power to move? No matter how I contest, based on my actions, evidently I did not. Either that, or I just felt that God was moving too slowly (it's ugly, but honest). So, I prepared to speed things along, and contemplated choosing a nice mirror to shine on my love.

In the past, when my husband held that spiritual mirror up to me, it wasn't fun. I felt some kind of way and it would take time for God and me to work through it. Apparently, I must have forgotton those ill feelings because I was preparing to pick up the spiritual mirror to point at Len.

See, while we may see those 'opportunity areas' in our partners and be inclined to share such liberating truth with them, Matthew 7:6 lets us know that our spouse may not yet be ready to receive our "pearls" of truth. I admit, I have been rather "swine-like" in the past. To coin a phrase from the movie, "A Few Good Men", I couldn't handle the truth!


To  be clear, I am not condoning non-confrontational dysfunctionalism. Certainly, there is a time and place to confront issues. One might ask, 'Well, how do I know when I'm supposed to confront issues and when I'm supposed to pray about them and wait on the Lord?'. The Holy Spirit will guide you. That is, of course, if you are in the practice of two-way communication with Him...(more on that in a later blog).


Trust God - (and his timeline) to do the spiritual work of transformation in your spouse. Put the mirrors down and stay in your lane. Release your concerns about your spouse to God and let Him handle them in His time. Ask Him for grace through this process.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for my spouse. He/she is ____________________________________________
and they are such a blessing to me and our family. Lord, my husband/wife _________________.
I pray that you will continue to work in his/her life to make him/her more like You. Likewise, work in me. Make me more like You and keep me open and willing to clean up my own house...because surely I can find enough work there to keep me occupied. May our marital relationship glorify you.  Amen.

Feel free to share your thoughts!

Beginning Again!!!

Hello All and Happy New Year!


Suffice it to say, it's been a minute! I am happy to be back.

I am beginning to get my feet under me since the birth of my son. Admittedly, I am taking baby steps. Amidst all of the excitement and opportunities to be present and experience life, I must be still and take the time to encourage someone else.


This card went out to two individuals. One recipient is a living miracle! The other recipient is awaiting her blessing. No matter where we find ourselves on the experiential spectrum, there are blessings to recount. If we take the time to think about it, we are all blessed beyond what we deserve.

I made a duplicate, slightly tweaking the color variations on each card. I am experimenting more now with creating cards en masse, because free time is premium. 

Products Used:

PaperTrey Ink Ripe Avocado Cardstock

PaperTrey Ink True Black Cardstock

PaperTrey Ink Stamper’s Select White Cardstock

PaperTrey Ink Canvas Cover Plate

Rubber Stamp from Michael’s Assorted Tim Holtz Distress Inks

Welp folks, that's it for now. I told you..., I'm just beginning to get my feet re-wet. I feel compelled over the next few weeks to focus my encouragement on the members of my immediate household. You know what they say, charity begins at home. Stay tuned to see how I encourage my favorite guys.

Till next time,
Blessing and Bliss