Based on 1 Corinthians 13: 3-7, I kicked off the Writer’s Retreat Box with love by giving away two boxes!
Paul tells us in the New Living Translation, “If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
My prayer is that the winners of the two boxes, Ruby and her daughter Kourtni, enjoyed every item in the box and beyond. Yes, beyond! There was a QR code that led to wallpaper!
February’s box contained over twenty-nine items! Here’s a quick run down and why I chose each item. If you missed the Facebook video of the reveal, you can catch the replay here.
The Devotional
Each box contains a devotional written by me. This month, God wants you to know that love never fails. If He has called you to write, He will not fail you. Press on! In this first box, I printed the devotional as a small booklet but moving forward, I’ll print them in full 8.5” X 11” so you can three-hole punch them and create a binder. Who knows, one of the boxes might even include a fancy new binder?
The Postcard
I added a special postcard with the verse of the month and a few exercises on it to keep in a special place and read often to remind you that love never fails. He brought you to this and won’t leave you now!
Wallpaper
I created a matching wallpaper to download and set your reminder on your phone. As often as we look at our phones, we will be reminded that we are loved and love will not fail. The outcome may not look like your plan, but He will never let you down.
Writing Prompts
I included a handful of writing prompts based on this month’s theme to be used during your retreat time or once per week to start your creative juices.
Creative Juice
Speaking of creative juice. Tea is one of my favorite “creative juices”. This box held six flavors to enjoy as you sit to write each week or try them all on your “retreat day” if you choose to set time aside. I’ve also included a special heart-shaped spoon to remind you that love never fails!
Writing Fuel
Believe it or not, chocolate is not my favorite writing fuel. I’m a salty girl and prefer salty protein snacks, but who could pass up this adorable chocolate Scrabble game? Enjoy!
Writing Tools
Every writer loves fun notebooks and the cute library card-inspired notebook delighted my heart. I hope it delights you! Use it for book ideas, title brainstorming, or secrets. I won’t tell. I’ve also included four sets of sticky notes. I use stickies on my calendar, in books I’m reading, and throughout my journals. Enjoy these cute variations. And tucked in a cork pencil pouch you’ll find a heart-shaped pen to remind you that love never fails! It’s cute even if you just keep it in your pen holder on your desk. I hope that every time you write with it you’ll be reminded of the power of love that lives in you.
Stationery
I grew up in a Hallmark store. Not a Hallmark movie, but the store. My mom managed a store until she retired. I love all things stationary and still love receiving snail mail. I included some beautiful notecards and wax seals to make them extra special. Just for fun, I tossed in two self-inking rubber stamps for your journaling, decorating the cards you send, or marking your calendar for writing days!
Conversation Starters
I’m including the heart and book-themed bookmarks in this section because as you share these with others, I hope you’ll use them to start the conversation about your book. Starting a conversation is as easy as accepting a compliment on your new heart necklace and letting others know you received it in your Writer’s Retreat Box you receive each month to keep you focused on your book. The shelf-sitter book decor can also start a conversation. Place it somewhere in your home or office to remind you that love never fails and to write! As I mentioned in the live reveal sneak peek, I sold six books last weekend because I had on a necklace that started a conversation about my books. Even if you’re book isn’t finished, using the conversation starters will be fuel to keep writing!
As you can see, the February Writer’s Retreat Box includes a bit of everything to keep you focused and hopeful. That’s how I want you to feel each month when you open your box. If God called you to share your story, let’s get it out there. Let me know in the comments what book you’re working on. Be sure you’re on the waitlist for March’s box. The cart opens to the waitlist first on Sunday!
