Technology....Handwritten Letters

I love to write old fashioned handwritten letters and send out cards via snail mail. And I love receiving them too. But honestly, I hate talking on the phone, so email and text seems to be on my "necessity" list. The other day I was handwriting a letter to my cousin in Texas. And unfortunately my brain had been dismissed for a short time and in my "handwritten old fashioned letter", I was writing short form "text" words. Oh my, I had to laugh when I finally welcomed my brain back. Now keep in mind, I'm still learning a lot of "text" language from my kids (while they laugh at my back woods old fashioned brain) . But here's a few words/abbreviations that I used. "Lmk when u r out of the hsptl, Il cal u sune aftr."

My cousin is older than me, so I'm sure if she would have received this, I would have received a phone call of confusion. Most of us can probably understand my above text language, but it's kind of like reading a license plate while sitting at a stop light. Most are pretty easy and quickly jump out at you, but others...goodness, some are really hard. It will bother me relentlessly until I figure those out, so I usually write them down, go home and figure them out or initiate my kids help. I guess it's a fun game to play while sitting at one of Harrisonburg's long and unending stupid stoplights. I live out in the country, we don't have stop lights. So when I go to Harrisonburg or other cities around here, I have to find something to entertain myself while waiting. Okay, so I'm getting off the subject.

Today's technology is so advance and fun, that sometimes they crossover with each other. And confusion may arise. I enjoy email, text and blogging. But I try not to forget the old fashioned joy of handwriting a letter. The first time I ever wrote my cousin in Texas, she replied via email that she hasn't received a handwritten letter in a very long time. I encourage the "art" of handwritten letters and I hope it's something everyone will try again.

One of many wonderful memories I have is, when I was growing up, one of my Aunt's moved to different states and she used to write me letters all the time. I treasured those letters so much. And I have one from my old Sunday School teacher that she wrote me. I was maybe 9 or 10 when she wrote it.

I challenge you to pick one person per month and just write a letter to them. Not on your computer or typewriter. Simply with a pen and paper. The recipient will be both surprised and delighted.

I John 1:4

I Am

I'm not sure where I first saw this, but ever since I did find it I absolutely love it. And I keep it on my desk to remind me that I shouldn't dwell in my past mistakes and regrets, because God doesn't.

I was regretting the past

and fearing the future.

Suddenly my Lord was speaking,

"My name is I Am"

He paused, I waited.

He continued,

"When you live in the past

with it's mistakes and regrets,

it is hard. I am not there.

My name is not I WAS.

When you live in the future,

With it's problems and fears,

it is hard. I am not there.

My name is not I WILL BE.

When you live in this moment

it is not hard. I am here.

My name is I Am.

Written by; Helen Mallicoat