Friday, January 28, 2011

Service Boot Camp: The Write Stuff


My son discovered conversation hearts last night.  He received them as a "prize" for a special accomplishment.  He immediately started playing this funny game with them.  He'd come up to me and read the heart, then I had to do whatever it said (like "XOXO" or "Hug me").  Then, he'd give ME the candy as payment.  Pretty sweet deal for me, eh?

So, if you've been reading my blog for any length of time, hopefully you've picked up on the fact  that I LOVE LETTERS!  I love sincere expressions in all forms, but hand-written letters are a true treasure to me.

My scrapbooks are peppered with letters that I have received from family, friends, teachers, and coaches over the years.  I pulled some of them out this morning.  It was such a joy to re-read them after all of this time.  I think that the written word can change the world.  I know that I've had my world changed many times over by words that someone has lovingly written to me during a time of need.

That is why next month (February 2011), 
I am hosting a Letter-Writing Service Boot Camp.  

All that you need to do to join in is WRITE ONE LETTER to someone who has made a positive influence on you in your life and thank them for it!  That's it...super easy!  You can also write a letter of encouragement, or whatever you can think of.  Will you join me?  Who knows...perhaps there'll be some "candy hearts" in it for you as well!

Just for fun, here are a few letters that I read this morning:






10 comments:

  1. I'm in! I'm teaching a class on service at BYU-Idaho in a couple of weeks (for a women's conference). This is one idea I had. I LOVE service. And I'm excited to write my letter(s)!

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  2. what a sweet idea in many ways...love the letter from your dad and what good advice he was passing on from his mom who was my mother-in-law too. We all need to thank her for her efforts at doing good. She was a returned missionary in those early days when it wasn't fashionable and tried to raise her family in the gospel. Guess I'm writing this letter for her and sending it heavenward....Marion Hatch, your efforts are appreciated.

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  3. Terrific idea. I love writing letters and do it often. I think it is one of the greatest services we can do for one another.

    And I love the letters and notes you have saved. "Every day offers new opportunities for happiness" is something I'm writing down and remembering!

    =)

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  4. Oh, this is a wonderful idea! I love it. I think I will bring it up in my lesson in Relief Society. I think most of us could use a little more praise, and a little less criticisim.

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  5. its funny but I also sent my vt sisters a loving card this month letting them know I loved them and that I am always a phone call away. Its amazing how two minds could think alike even though they live so far apart. I guess its the spirit speaking.

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  6. I love letters too...I'll do it!

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  7. I am so in!! i actually have read this last week, just didn't get the chance to write a comment and I was like "I am so in!!"

    Actually, it was a co-incidence because this month i am doing this kind of service for my "birthday treat"...i am writing letters with my testimony to friends and families [plus i am giving out Book Of Mormon to some non-member friends].

    I loved your Dad's encouraging letter too!

    You rock!!

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  8. I am in!! I have a passion for hand written cards and letters! In fact, had I had your address I probably would have sent you a hand written note to tell you how much I love and appreciate your blog! I also have a huge box full of letters and cards that have been given to me. Getting or giving those gives me the warm fuzzies!

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  9. I am in, I really want to do this. I love your blog, it inspires me in so many ways!! Thank you!!

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