#PenToPaper
Ministry of Connection
Handwritten notes remind someone they are thought of, cared about, and prayed for. Short notes bring a sweet touch of encouragement and make a big difference. Our words can be a glimmer of hope to someone who is hurting.
You are a letter from Christ … This “letter” is not written with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is not carved on tables of stone, but on human hearts. (2 Corinthians 3:3)
#PENTOPAPER IS A MINISTRY OF CONNECTION
We are the living letters of Jesus, inscribed not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. (2 Corinthians 3:3)
God’s love, through us, infuses each word we write. “…[B]e a precious letter from Christ and take the time to let [someone] know how loved and treasured they are by you and by the Lord!” wrote Dr. Paul Marquardt.
It’s not the length of what we write that matters, but the love we pour into our words. Notes of encouragement, gratitude, and appreciation are a blessing from us and an encouragement to us. Emily Dickinson put it so well, “A Letter is a Joy of Earth.”
What an encouraging reason to write!
Why not pick up your pen today and pour out a little love, reminding someone that they are not alone – that they are thought of, cared about, and prayed for? Your words just might make them a little stronger or a little braver today.
What to Write in a Short Note
Looking at the blank note card is sometimes the hardest part of sending a #PenToPaper note. But there is no right or wrong way to begin; just be yourself and write the words you’d want to receive. If you’re still stuck, below are some ideas.
SHORT PRAYER
Share a meaningful prayer with a friend or loved one. It’s always the right time to #PrayItForward. You’ll find dozens of short prayers to share in our free printables. Click on the links below to find a prayer that is just right. Our Make Your Life A Prayer Service in a Box contains everything you need: 10 Make Your Life A Prayer flat cards and envelopes and 10 professionally printed Make Your Life A Prayer guides.
- 15 Prayers to Share
- Make Your Life A Prayer
- Prayers for Anxiety
- Prayers for Depression
- Prayers for the Journey
- Prayers for Mental Illness
- Prayers for Suffering
- Praying Through Chronic Pain
- One Minute Prayers for Parents
CUTE JOKE
Grab a pen and share a quirky pun, a groan-worthy joke, or a little play on words. Sometimes even an unexpected knock-knock joke can spark a grin. Our Laughter page is chockful of great images and fun jokes, and our Guess What? flat cards are all set for your witty lines!
THOUGHTFUL QUOTE
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a thoughtful quote can strengthen and encourage another. Start with our favorite suffering and joy quotes, or search for a few of your own. Our Joy flat cards are a perfect accompaniment!
SCRIPTURE VERSE
There is no better way to love others and share comfort, encouragement, hope, and peace than through Scripture. Do you have a favorite verse, why not share that? Do you need a little inspiration? You’ll find dozens of verses on the printables below. We have a trio of fitting note cards to choose from: Joy & Peace (Romans 13:15), My Words (Psalm 19:14), and Cheerful Heart (Proverbs 17:22).
- 16 Verses to Ignite Hope
- 17 Verses to Shatter Stigma
- 25 Verses to Comfort & Encourage
- 13 Verses to Lean Into
LOVE NOTE
There is nothing sweeter than sending a love note. You’ll find Sweet Little Love Notes, Little Love Jokes, and prayers for the one you love in the Chronic Joy printable link below. Order a set of Everlasting Love flat cards, grab your favorite pen, and let the one you love know just how much they mean to you.
APPRECIATION OR GRATITUDE
Thank someone who has made a difference in your life: a loved one, pastor, doctor, nurse, teacher, mail carrier, delivery person, neighbor, friend, local business owner, dog groomer, vet, hair stylist, a server at your favorite restaurant, a checker or bagger at your food store, etc. Your note will likely mean more to them than you know. Our “You Are Appreciated!” flat cards are eye-catching and will make anyone feel appreciated! Say a heartfelt thank you with a set of our Thank You flat cards.
WORDS OF COMFORT
It’s hard to know what to say to someone who has suffered the loss of their health, mobility, independence, a loved one, a home, a pet, or a relationship due to pain or illness. Our words won’t ease their grief, but a few encouraging words let them know they are thought of, cared about, and prayed for. Our In the Midst of Grief page is filled with hope and comfort, and our Peace (2 Thessalonians 3:16) flat cards are a beautiful way to show that you care.
NOTE OF CELEBRATION
Celebrate the little moments and significant accomplishments in someone’s life. It’s always a good day to celebrate and we have a merry little Celebration flat card designed just for this occasion! Elliot Elephant flat cards are a great way to welcome a new baby and celebrate little ones.
INTERESTING QUESTION
Questions can spark curiosity, kindle hope, and inspire creativity. There is nothing more grace-filled than asking a generous question. Use these as a springboard to spark a new kind of snail mail conversation. Send your questions on our cheerful Lemony Hello flat cards to brighten someone’s day!
Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. (Proverbs 16:24)
FREE PRINTABLES
#PenToPaper • Ministry of Letter Writing
#PenToPaper is a ministry of the heart: God’s love, poured into us, infuses each word we write to the heart of another. What an encouraging reason to pick up your pen and write!
#PenToPaper Note Starters
Sometimes all we need to get us started are a few words. Include these short prayers in a notecard or email, or send them in a message or text to a friend or loved one.
#PenToPaper Love Notes
There is nothing sweeter than sharing a love note with the one you love. When you’re short on words, start with these sweet little #PenToPaper Love Notes, Jokes, and Prayers.
Note Starters for Difficult Relationships
Difficult people are often hurting, overburdened, and under-encouraged, leading to impatience, anxiety, short tempers, loneliness, depression, and emotional isolation. If we’re honest, we are all difficult people sometimes.
Appreciation Note Starters & 16-Day Challenge
Finding the words to express our appreciation can sometimes be difficult, so we’ve jump-started the process for you. All you need is a pen and a card and you're on your way!
In the Midst of Grief Note Starters
It’s hard to know what to say to someone who has suffered a loss. What matters is not the length of our message, but the simplicity of a few well-chosen words.
Add a Little Laughter Note Starters
Illness and pain can sometimes shroud the gift of glittering laughter, crushing the embers of our joy. Sometimes all it takes is a quirky pun, a groan-worthy Dad joke, or a play on words to spark a grin. Grab a pen, a Chronic Joy flat card, and share a little bit of #PenToPaper laughter with a friend.
Kind Words for Caregivers Note Starters
Caregivers need to be reminded that their sacrifice, endurance, and compassion are noticed, that they are seen, cared about, thought of, and prayed for, that living into this vulnerable calling matters.
Celebration Note Starters
Caregivers need to be reminded that their sacrifice, endurance, and compassion are noticed, that they are seen, cared about, thought of, and prayed for, that living into this vulnerable calling matters.
7 Simple Ways to Thank Care Providers
Seven simple ways to thank care providers and remind them of how grateful we are for their wisdom, care, and expertise.
15 Prayers to Share • Note Starters
These prayers are an invitation to settle in with God. Then an opportunity to love one another. Pull out a Chronic Joy flat card, and share a meaningful prayer with a friend of loved one. It's always the right time to #PrayItForward.
Gratitude Note Starters
Gratitude invites us into the wonder and awe of God’s expansive creation. Eager to see and thirsty to notice God’s handiwork. We begin to experience the exquisite joy of the Lord. What a beautiful gift to share God’s joy and our gratitude with friends and loved ones.
Happy Birthday Note Starters
Sometimes finding the right words, even for a beloved family member or dear friend, can be challenging. These note starters offer a little inspiration and an easy way to say “Happy Birthday!”
🎄 Christmas Note Starters
Rekindle your joy of sending Christmas cards with these Christmas Note Starters, which can provide the perfect words, a well-turned phrase, or the inspiration for your personalized message.
A New Baby? How Amazing! Note Starters
The birth of a baby is a milestone event – for the parents, of course, but also for family and friends. We want to celebrate the gift of new life. Each note starter can stand alone, or you can easily make it your own.
Wedding & Anniversary Note Starters
God rejoices when a man and a woman are joined in marriage – and we want to celebrate this marriage with them. These note starters can be written in a card as is – or they can inspire you to create your own best wishes.
#ConnectByText
Looking for a way to connect with, encourage, inspire, and love on others? Text them! Tips for texting: Keep it short. Don’t expect a response. Write from your heart.
Thank a Care Provider Note Starters
Notes of appreciation don’t need to be long to express our heartfelt gratitude, though starting them can sometimes feel daunting. These note starters are a great place to begin.
You Get Mail!
You Get Mail! Sign-ups for Adults, Teens, and Children. It's safe, secure, and free!
Free Printables
Chronic Joy Store
Shop the Chronic Joy Store for one-of-a-kind products (flat cards, Gifts for the Soul, and Service in a Box) —beautifully designed, professionally printed, and exceptional values. Your purchase makes a difference!
#PenToPaper: Note Starters for Every Day
This book is brimming with inspiration and is chock-full of note starters. Find words to express compassion, gratitude, celebration, grief, and laughter. Discover fun ways to write to a special child in your life. You will even spot note-starters for difficult relationships. You’ll turn to this faith-filled and thoughtfully curated resource again and again!
Who will you write to today?
You Get Mail!
Sign up to receive free, professionally designed and printed, old-school, #PenToPaper snail mail throughout the year. When you include your birthdate, we’ll send a special mailing to celebrate you! Safe & Secure. Sign-Ups for: adults, teens, and children.
POSTS
Write Letters to Help You Cope with Chronic Illness
Writing is a helpful way to practice self-care. These are not letters to send to others, but letters to express your thoughts and feelings.
The Power of Putting Pen to Paper
I relish the gift of finding a personal letter in my mailbox, especially on hard days. Written words have a unique capacity to convey God’s grace (as described in Chronic Joy’s printable resource, #PenToPaper). I vividly recall a particular afternoon when the Lord used a simple note card to bring me much-needed hope.
