love letters

Words--whether I'm reading them or writing them--have always been a major part of my identity. From teaching myself to read through Hooked on Phonics to starting a diary in fourth grade (thanks to the Dear America series in the Scholastic Book Fair fliers) to earning a bachelor's degree in journalism, the written word has a special place in my heart.

Enter More Love Letters. I discovered this movement shortly after Alan left and fell in love with the idea of writing encouraging letters to strangers; it has now become a staple in my daily routine. The intentional act of penning a letter to someone I will never meet--praying, seeking inspiration, and writing brightens my mornings and has caused the gathering of an assortment of writing implements across our kitchen table.

• First of all, writing notes to soldiers on the bags/boxes that we hand out each month through the Baking Brigade is one of my favorite things ever. So, if I enjoy writing short notes to strangers, wouldn't I enjoy writing long notes to strangers?

• Second of all, taking four grad school classes--more like the reading for four grad school classes--has a way of sapping my creativity. Putting pen (or marker or washi tape) to paper has a way of grounding me.

• Third of all, postal mail is slowww when it comes to sending written love across the world, so I'd like to have something to do writing-wise in the mean time.

So, semi-daily posts over the next 31-ish days (because I don't want to create a self-fulfilling prophecy, but let's be realistic) will be totally devoted to letters and words of encouragement. While I will be leaving the hard copies around the Ft. Hood/Killeen/Harker Heights/Belton area for people to find, I will also post photos of the letters with a prayer that you can find encouragement if you need it, too!

Also, I don't even have a title for this series yet, but if you'd like to find other 31 Days series, check out 31 Days 2013!

[EDIT] The series is now: to you, with love.