Welcome to the Diary
Looking to see the impact your love letters are making? You can find it here! We keep this space stocked with all the updates, encouragement + good news happening in our community! Be sure to bookmark this page and come back and visit us whenever you need a little boost!
In February, our community collected love letters for Denika— a new mom to a beautiful little girl who’d just found out her dad had an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Her facilitator, a close friend, sent along a sweet testimonial we couldn’t resist sending your way!
In October 2023, we shared the story of Katie— a young woman who recently lost her father and was nominated to receive a Love Letter Bundle from her friend Cass. Katie comes from a big family and her friend described her as “tenacious and kind,” yet shy and hard on herself.
October was Katie’s birthday month, and we really wanted to make it extra memorable for her.
In October 2023, we collected love letters for Steven.
In case you need the refresher, Steven lost his wife a little over a year ago after 64 years of marriage. His daughter nominated him to receive a Love Letter Bundle— especially because Steven looks forward to getting the mail every day.
Well, it’s no surprise to us (since you’re amazing in every way), but this community showed up for Steven in a big way.
May is the perfect month to celebrate the incredible women in our lives, and this May, you sent encouragement in droves to someone who couldn’t be more deserving of it.
This spring, we had the opportunity to encourage Lydia - a recent high school graduate in need of some light.
“The process of being involved in the letters is really something, I want to say akin to magic.”
Samantha is the brightest rock star who needed a reminder that there’s still some good and kindness in the world.
Amy needed a reminder that she wasn’t alone - that there is still space for light and hope.
Your letters were that reminder.
It’s never easy to be far from the ones you love, especially when life is doling out intense pressure everywhere you turn. This March, you showed up to encourage Ghazal and remind her just how loved she is.
Ryan needed encouragement as he worked tirelessly to get his family back on their feet. And in classic MLL fashion, you delivered.
This March, we had the opportunity to encourage Lyn—a wonderful woman who needed a reminder of how much value she brings to the world.
Sometimes, the letter writer needs a turn to be the one with a full mailbox.
Brenda’s niece, Kaitlyn, nominated her aunt for a love letter bundle as a part of the 12 Days of Love Letters campaign. Like us, Brenda is a letter writer. Kaitlyn wrote us to share her aunt’s story.
This holiday season, you wrote from all across the globe to encourage Jane - a woman struggling under the weight of anxiety and grief.
This February, you sent over 140 letters filled with love to Belgium to remind someone that even strong people deserve to be taken care of.
Jane was nominated for the 12 Days of Love Letters by her daughter, Karen.
Karen wrote to us to share her mom’s story.
This holiday season, you encouraged Ed as he walks through one of the most painful heartbreaks imaginable. This past October, Ed lost the love of his life - his best friend. They had been married for 61 years.
Sometimes, we all need the words of someone who cares to act as our lifeboat. This holiday season, you gave Ricky the encouragement that he needs to carry him through the new year.
This November, we collected love letters for Tali— a young woman trying desperately to remember her purpose and rediscover her joy.
Change is never easy. This past February, you all helped make a hard season a little lighter for a very special person.
This August, we collected love letters for Leana— a mom who has walked through the unimaginable.
Caitlin nominated her dear friend Melissa for a Love Letter Bundle this past May. Earlier in the year, Melissa had moved across the country to Chicago for a new job after spending the past decade in Los Angeles. One major factor in saying yes to such a big decision was the appeal of being closer to family. Then in March, Melissa lost her father to his extended battle with cancer. He had survived well past his initial prognoses, but his passing was very sudden. You all SHOWED UP for her - and it meant the world.
In May, we collected love letters for Matthew— a 12-year-old boy who has done a lot of growing up in the past year. With his older brother battling cancer, Matthew has been holding down the fort at home. Matthew received more than 300 letters, 25 packages, and 5 letters from around the world including....(drum roll)...Italy, Ireland, Germany, New Zealand, Canada, and the Philippines.
When my sister ́s letter request was posted in February, I was jittery with excitement. But I didn’t actually realize what was happening until I got the first letter out of our mailbox.
As of yesterday, 169 letters have come in, from around 24 states and 3 countries (New Zealand, Canada, Australia)!
Fountain Pens for Beginners
Fountain pens are wonderful writing instruments for those who enjoy the heartfelt touch of sending handwritten letters and cards. They are utensils of calm reflection for those who relish curling up with a cup of tea and a journal. If you’ve ever desired to write with a fountain pen, here are some beginner tips you may appreciate knowing first.
DIY Dip-Dyed Stationery
Dip dying paper is one of my favorite ways of making do-it-yourself stationery. It is both simple to do and takes only a few supplies. It is also easy to create a professional-looking design using this technique.
How Poetry Saved My Street
Week after week, I entered the street with a new poem. And each week our community grew more connected…We are on this planet, this neighborhood, this street for only a short time. You might as well know your neighbors and love them too.
Follow the Fun
Life with Jesus isn’t meant to be easy, but I believe life with Him is meant to be like one of those Choose Your Own Adventure games. Sure, there are tough decisions, but there are also unexpectedly beautiful and fun journeys that ensue. Following the fun is about choosing to reorient our gazes towards God and the glimpses of His glory that we can catch every day. Sometimes, it's the sweet, simple things like choosing to take the scenic way home or adding sprinkles to your ice cream. Other times, it’s the grueling work of squinting to see a slither of joy amid depression. Whatever it might look like, I believe that God hard-wired each of us for fun.
Lessons from Learning to Play the Harp
Learning the harp has become a unique spiritual discipline for me, teaching me lessons in becoming a beginner, creating for creativity's sake, and remembering that life is long.
Throughout the holiday season, you rallied for Nic- a newly retired veteran who’d served in multiple combat deployments and was awaiting surgery in December.
While we were away on hiatus, we got an update from Nic’s wife and are thrilled to report that over 290 love letters showed up for Nic.