Unspoken Love is an idea Mike thought of even before cancer. It is the idea of writing letters (i.e. in paper, cards, envelopes and stamps). Very retro. Writing a card or letter can mean the world to someone wether you write 3 or 300 words.
We have come up with some categories to help generate ideas... Rejoice: Writing to someone who is in a season of celebration Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Congratulations for new baby, marriage, job or completion of chemotherapy! Reconnect: Writing to someone you haven't talked to in a while OR you want to share a memory with Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God every time I remember you." "I remember when..." "I loved when we..." Reassure: Writing to someone who needs encouragement; big or small. 1 Thessalonians 5:11"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Everyone needs encouragement in their life. Whatever the situation, you can build someone up with paper, ink and a stamp. Who do you know that needs a little love in their mailbox? Reconcile: Writing to apologize 1 Peter 5:6 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." Do you need to apologize to someone? "I'm sorry" is never easy. Humility at it's finest. Sometimes writing what we need to say is easier then saying it. Consider writing an apology note, and see what God does in and thru you. Gratitude: (I couldn't think of a synonym that started with"re") Writing to say, "Thank you." Luke 17:15-16 "One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan." Whatever your circumstances, you can say thank you to God and someone else. Think of an unsung hero in your life that deserves a thank you note. I write all this to encourage you to think outside your email and write someone a letter. It doesn't have to be 3 pages, it can just be a single bible verse. One sentence of encouragement could be all a person needs! I have started a project for 2018 called the "Envelop.e Project." Read the details here, I'd love for you to join me at anytime~ Much aloha~Nikki
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Today our Allie turns 7. Yes 7. Her latest report card described her as having a "vivacious personality." Truly, that is enough said. She lives and breaths being with people. Lots of people. She is caring and daring. Born on Christmas Eve, she's the best Christmas present I'll ever receive. What I Know God is good Allie is creative Allis is smart Allie can duck dive ocean waves Allie is a shredder Allie is a great big sister Allie would cartwheel from room to room if it was up to her (She's chipped teeth multiple times). What I Don't Know What Allie will do when she grows up #trampolinedeveloper Other Allie's Favorite Activities (direct quotes) Jumping on trampolines (she gave me this response AFTER I wrote the # above) Swimming in warm water Allie's Favorite things Paw Patrol toys Christmas Snow globes Allie's Fav food Shaved Ice Apples w/ PB Allie's best friend (s) Eliana, Noe, Kai, Erik, Destiny, Riley and Hayley (remember what I said about being a people person?) Nicknames AG, Allie Girl, Allie Aloha~ Happy Birthday to our Allie Girl. You bring excitement, energy and passion to the every day and ordinary. We love how you love us and others. We are thrilled to watch you learn, grow and mature into such a beautiful young lady. We love you Allie girl! This is a picture of Juli, Shara and I. The three of us are very close friends. Juli is wearing sunglasses. Below is my attempt at an Ann Voskamp style of writing, in response to Juli's diagnosis.
On the Other Side of the Fence I know how she feels on the other side of the fence. I know how it is when the doctor calls you on a Friday and tells you that lump you found is green. It comes with thousands of questions that return with only a handful of answers. Then answers come with 1000 questions more. The tears, the ugly, the fear and the fatigue. And the waiting. The kind of waiting that watches sand fall from an hourglass one grain at a time. Now she knows on the other side of the fence. She, is my neighbor and friend but really she should be called sister. I knew the day would come when I would carry another on this same path, but her? And now? My skin is still peeling and my hair is pixie-like. She saw me on my good days, she saw me on my 'just ok' days, but she saw me on my darkest day when no one else did. Why did she see me and now it has to be her? She has calloused knees for all the prayers she has said over me. She has fed, bathed, clothed and driven the joy-bringers countless times. They call her "Auntie." She has carried us through since last winter. Now we will carry her on the other side of the fence. When I was about to leave my own valley the way out looked steep and dark. The forward way unclear. Embarking I climbed slow. Even fatigue and pain become familiar and I didn't know how to reach the top of my mountain. Steps were attempted but my footing slipped because I saw her falling. Now I'm back in the valley, but it's hers not mine. The Creator must know it's easier to follow when someone makes a way for you. Even the Lamb had the way prepared for him by the man who ate locust and honey. Now I can help her navigate the valley and show her how the Helper will meet her there. He will show me how to reach my mountain, and her too- on the other side of the fence. Forgive my absence, I know some of you faithfully come and read this blog. I have a reason for not writing in a while. Many of you may recognize the name "Juli" from the "Shout Out" section on this blog. We have been next door neighbors since we moved here 3 1/2 years ago. Initally we didn't know each other well but since have become the best of friends (along with another, our dear friend Shara). Juli found a lump in her breast early fall and had a mammogram and ultrasound on November 9th. The last appt I had with my oncologist was November 9th. Our appointments overlapped. On November 17th we found out her lump is cancerous. Besides Mike and both our moms, Juli has seen the most of my journey. She saw my darkest days. She has prayed, cooked, driven and cared for my family. So this is why I have not written in a while. I have been struggling with words to write and say. I am in the midst of writing another blog entry with more, it will be titled "On the Other Side of the Fence" it is my attempt at Ann Voskamp's beautiful style of writing. I hope you like it when I post it. What I Know God is good 20 days til Christmas...who's excited?! I see my radiologist Dr. Speirs Thursday for my 6 week follow up Juli's blog is https://nothingromans8.wordpress.com/ you are able to "follow" her by clicking a link and entering your email on the bottom right hand corner of the website. Don't buy the white chocolate covered peppermint pretzels from Costco unless you have a party of people to share them with #youlleatthewholebag What Made Today Normal I filled the van tires with air Praises My skin looks and feels almost normal since finishing radiation The rainbow below was over both Juli's and my house on November 25th Prayer Requests Continued prayer for my transition out of treatment. Juli's diagnosis initially felt like I got diagnosed all over again. Pray for strength for me to be there for her as much as she has been for me. Shout Out To all of you who read this blog and pray for us continually, we are forever grateful. Aloha Much aloha~Nikki |
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