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Friday, April 3, 2015

A Loss For Words: Helpful Hints to Writing Notes of Encouragement

By Guest Blogger, Cathy Elliott
(P.S. There's a surprise at the end of this post you don't want to miss. :) )

“But I never know what to say! I’m not a writer like you,” my friend said, frustrated. “It takes me an hour to write a note of encouragement. It’s not worth it.”

Many of us can relate. We long to reach out to the hurting with a kind note, but end up annoyed and angry. Why does it seem so simple for some yet arduous for others? We worry that our writing will be too superficial, or too gushy, or without enough feeling.

Plus, just the thought of writing a note can bring on a sudden case of writer’s block. What should I say? All of us are at a loss for words at times, so why not borrow the words of others? Let the wisest, most uplifting prose say what is on your heart. Here are some hints:

  • Find a Bible verse that speaks to the situation. Who can encourage one more than God Himself through His Word? Searching the scriptures will reveal hidden jewels that will also bless your heart.
  • Use Barlett’s Familiar Quotations or another collection of time-honored quotes. They are easily searchable on the Internet by subject or author. You may find yourself awed by the brilliance of thought found therein.
  • Fill your card with artistry, penning lines from a fitting poem. A quote by Robert Browning, Emily Dickinson, or William Blake may give a broken spirit the whisper of hope for which it longs.
  • Utilize the tried and true. Hymns of the faith are often untapped treasure, full of insight and comfort. Copying the words to “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” will inspire the writer as much as the reader.

Then add a line or two of your own. It can be as simple as, “Thinking of you today.” You will give your recipient a sweet surprise, loving thoughts to help him or her through the moment, a tangible note of beauty to consider again and again, and the comfort that someone cares. And remember, dear writer, when you write a note of encouragement, it doesn’t have to be a work of art. Giving of yourself in this way, makes it something more beautiful.

It is a work of the heart.

Have you ever been at a  loss for words? If so, I'd love to hear about it. I'm giving away a copy of my cozy mystery A Vase of Mistaken Identity to one of the commenters on this post. The winner will be announced in the upcoming Weekly Wind-up.



Cathy Elliott is a full-time writer in northern California whose cozy mysteries reflect her personal interests from quilting and antique collecting to playing her fiddle with friends. She also leads music at church and cherishes time with her grandchildren. Cathy’s other plot-twisting works include Medals in the Attic and A Stitch in Crime.
For more information about Cathy, visit her at: www.cathyelliottbooks.com


A VASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY:
Thea James, proprietress of James & Company Antique Emporium, never thought murder would visit her small, surviving Gold Rush town of Larkindale. But when the Larkindale Lamplight reports the discovery of a body during the renovation of Larkin Lake Resort, Thea is caught up in the mystery.
Her world is further frenzied when she acquires a vintage vase with a list of familiar names inside. Initially, she is curious. But when the first person named ends up in a coma and the second disappears, Thea gets nervous. Then gets involved because…her own name is next!

20 comments:

  1. I am not usually at a loss for words but sometimes silence speaks louder than words. Sometimes just you being there to listen or having a shoulder to lean on is what is needed.
    Thank you for wonderful post.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Melanie. I so agree. Well said.... And thank YOU for commenting.

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  2. I am often at a loss for words, but this is more likely to happen in person. When writing I have time to ponder.

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    1. Mary...I think you are wise to wait. I've come to the same conclusion. :-) Plus, the person can read a sweet note over and over & feel comfort by glancing at it sitting up on the mantel. I like that.

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  3. I usually make my cards of encouragement and sometimes it's hard for me to find time. Then God will nudge me...I like your suggestions and will incorporate Bartlett's quotations and maybe poetry (as long as it isn't mine) along with the scripture verses I use.
    Don't enter me in the contest. I bought A Vase of Mistaken Identity. :-)

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    1. Patricia, I'm glad you found something helpful in my article. And I LOVE handmade notes! My daughter makes them with her Cricut - they are darling. I can't throw any away. Getting quite a pile. He-he.
      P.S. Thanks so much for purchasing VASE. I hope you enjoy it. Cathy

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  4. Ninth grade. A friend came to school in tears. The neighbor she had a crush on had been killed in a motorcycle accident. If I remember right, his sister had told Maggie. Thinking to distract her, I asked how old the sister was.
    Yeah, I know. Open mouth, insert foot.

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    1. Hi Terri. Been there! More than once. And those times stick in our memories, don't they? I'm sure your friend doesn't even remember. Or if she does, did not hold it against you. We all WANT to say the right thing but sometimes...well...that's why I really like to write notes I can edit and send when they are just right! :-) But who did that in ninth grade? Not this gal. :-)

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  5. You just encouraged me to write some notes of encouragement. Thank you!

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    1. You are most welcome, Cindy. I truly think writing these notes is the most important writing I do. I know yours will bless someone soon. Many someones!

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  6. Writing notes to others is really a lost art. My grandmother, mom, and aunt were big on thank you notes. Definitely a lost art nowadays! And other notes always make the recipient feel better. I like your idea of quoting a hymn.


    Donna derobin7@gmail.com

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    1. Donna, I agree about the lost art of writing notes. I'm glad you are keeping it alive.

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  7. I think I feel at a loss for words many times when it's time to write a note. I usually look for a verse to express what I want to say. Thanks for the tips!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. Mary, your choice of a verse seems like the best of all. Tender truth, no? Hope my offerings make it easier to come up with gems in the future. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

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  8. Yes, I am often at a loss for words. I just can't think of anything to talk about. I'm not shy. If I can't get the other person to talk, I'm often content to not say anything. I am not interested in talking just to hear myself. It's especially hard, when the other person has no interests or other ideas s/he wants to talk about. Your book sounds like a fun read. I enjoy cozy mysteries.

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    1. Kay, while writing notes seems a lost art these days, learning not to fill the silence with idle chatter is also rare. I commend you for choosing to go with those quiet moments, rather comfortably. :-) You make me think about the importance of keeping one's own counsel more often. Thanks.

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  9. I was pretty much at a loss for words when recently a friend called to tell me she and her husband had separated due to finding out he was leading a double life of sorts.

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    1. Congratulations, Melissa! You're the winner of our drawing. Please contact us with your snail mail through the link above to claim your prize!

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    2. Thank you so much! I sent my address at the Contact Us link. Hope it went through!

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    3. Melissa, how awful for your friend! She must trust you a great deal to tell you something so private. I think anyone would be at a loss for words. :-( Cathy
      P.S. Congrats on winning the giveaway. Your book will be in the mail soon!

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