Greetings! ...from Kimberly Shaw

My Two Cents

Did you know you can send a letter within the United States for 2 cents in 2020? I recently learned how someone received and mailed a letter for only 2 cents postage. Curious, I mailed four letters to friends that arrived without extra postage due, so here's my attempt at explaining how and why. Lastly, I share a negative remark I received from someone defending the "struggling" Post Office, and why that isn't exactly true. 

This is only valid for personal letters written and sent to friends and family within the United States that weigh under 1/2 ounce. Each additional 1/2 ounce is an additional 2 cents.

This is NOT for commercial use or important documents. Don't use to send checks or sensitive papers. You also can't use to mail to any federal government agencies such as the social security office, military bases, prisons, police stations, or Washington DC, etc. This is NOT available for foreign mail.

In a nutshell, I'll tell you how to address your envelope, then explain why it works.

When addressing your letter and writing your return address, spell out every word. Spell out "Street," "Avenue," "Boulevard." etc. If it's part of the address, spell out "North," or "South, etc.  Spell out the State: "Nebraska," "California," "Mississippi," etc. DO NOT use any abbreviations, none! I'll explain why below. On my envelopes, I  spelled out "Post Office Box," "Apartment," and "Northeast" (instead of NE). Next, DO NOT include the zip code, instead write "Zip Exempt." 

CORRECTION: The top of your envelope should include notations at the top of the envelope next to the stamp as shown in the photos below, EXCEPT it should say "Non Domestic". Though both of my letters went through as shown, the complete text actually is:

First Class Non Domestic
Without Prejudice
USC-1-207
bk.12 Statutes at Large
Chapter 71 Section 23
37th. Congress Session 111

Finally, add 2 cent postage. It can be one 2 cent stamp; I just happen to have 1 cent bird stamps. I also started pre-printing my return address and the law code, but it can be hand-written.

Here's a letter I sent to my friend, Nancy. The postmark reads, "Portland... 8 January 2020." It took an extra day to reach her.

How is this possible? When you mail a letter this way you are sending mail using the General Post Office that still exists within the USPS corporation/agency. Here's a screenshot of that law below. Notice Sec. 23. When your letter is delivered to the post office or mail carrier with a stamp affixed to the envelope the cost is 2 cents.

 

Here's some USPS history. The current USPS corporation/agency was created in 1970 when Nixon enacted the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, passed by the United States Congress to abolish the then United States Post Office Department, which was a part of the Cabinet, and created the United States Postal Service, a corporation-like independent agency with a monopoly on the delivery of mail in the United States. You can find all the info about it with a quick online search. However, the old law still exists. It can't be rescinded, repealed or amended. 

Is the USPS struggling? I don't think so. I totally agree that the current 55 cent postage to send a letter is not going to break the bank, and I will still send cards using the current USPS rate. But before you accuse anyone of "nickel and diming the failing Post Office to death," yes that's what I was accused of by someone who failed to know how much the USPS makes from my little card business each year. The USPS is a money-making corporation whose heads (possibly the government itself) are the cause of their own money pitfalls, not FedEx or even Amazon. You can look up the accusing article by searching: Business Insider, The US Postal Service's volumes tanked for the first time in nearly a decade - here's why insiders say FedEx and Amazon are to blame, Aug 15, 2019. It's a jarring headline of an article that describes the USPS as "troubled" and "crumbling" while stating it "hemorrhaged some $69 billion from 2007 to 2018." That's over $6 billion each year! If it's a hemorrhage, it's my opinion that the amount is over their normal revenue, right? But the problem with their decline in revenue isn't due to competition. The USPS was forced to pre-pay pension plans for the next 75 years. Wouldn't that be for employees who aren't even born yet? The article also states that while the USPS moved 47 million fewer packages in the second quarter of 2019 than in the previous year (a decline of 3.2%) its revenue increased by 4.8%. If I'm reading that right, the USPS worked less and made more. There's more info about the history of the US Post Office and how much they make if interested, or you're a student doing a school paper at https://www.britannica.com/topic/postal-system/National-postal-systems.

I'll get off my soapbox now. I hope I relieved any guilt about hurting the USPS. Just remember they issued Forever Stamps. Anyone else still using 48 cents Forever Stamps on envelopes today? Does USPS ask for extra postage? NOPE!

If you decide to send someone your 2 Cents in the form of an addressed envelope may they, also, enjoy this little tidbit of hidden trivia.

And finally, please note, I am not a legal advisor of the law. This is a result of my findings, research, and curiosity. I'm not offering legal advice. If you verify this information yourself, you will come to the same conclusion. Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue Toile Teacup

The classic toile design has always been a favorite of mine. Blue toile is traditionally the most popular choice, and with good reason. Not only are the designs calming, but also the lovely french blue hue.

 

God Interrupts a Tea Party

I was at an uncomfortable tea party (if you can imagine that) having a silent argument with God. I wanted to leave, He was insisting I stay. My friend who noticed my discomfort rightly reminded me, “God always wins.” This story of car keys that miraculously disappeared and God’s precious message He wanted a woman to hear is in my new book “Meant To Be Shared, True stories of God’s presence in the life of an ordinary person.” This is just one or 62 God stories, each displaying a different attribute of God and His power to redeem, guide, comfort, delight, and love beyond our expectation.

It's available in paperback and Kindle at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Meant-Be-Shared-Presenc…/…/1985848112

Signed copies (upon request) are available on my website http://www.kimberlyshawgraphics.com/meant-to-be-shared/

New Book now FREE on Kindle thru Thursday

Thank you to everyone who has already taken advantage of my book available FREE on Kindle, now through Thursday, June 14, 2018.

I pray God uses it to bless you.

Paperback also available on Amazon with interior illustrations accompanying most stories.

I was suddenly woken by an impressionable thought. It was a Sunday. The thought, not my own, said, "Your God stories are not yours, they are Mine, and they are meant to be shared." I knew it was God speaking to me.

This is a collection of sixty-two true stories from personal experience that will inspire the believer, as well as show a doubting world that God exists. Stories tell how God rescues from danger, clears a storm for safe travel, makes money miraculously appear, sends angels to help, and answers prayer. You’ll discover the various ways God protects, provides, redeems, encourages, communicates, and delights those who are looking for Him. If that’s you, these stories will help you identify God’s miraculous presence in your own life.

These are His stories, and they are meant to be shared.

If you are seeking stories on specific topics, a list in the back of the book groups stories in categories. Topics include protection, provision, guidance, healing, answered prayer, angels, and small miracles.

There is nothing special about me. I am only ordinary person. The only One who is truly amazing is the Almighty God, His Son and Savior Jesus, and the Holy Spirit who comforts and guides us. He is the One I wish to point you to. He is the only One who can do the miraculous. I trust He will use these stories to draw you closer to Him, to prove His great power, and reveal His deep love for you.

I can’t predict what God intends to do with these stories. I know He’s going to use them; otherwise He wouldn’t have been so persistent in getting me to share them. Nor would He allow me to experience Him in these events in the first place. A part of me struggled with publishing this book. Sharing some of these personal stories means I had to be vulnerable. Yet God constantly reminded me that when I gave my life to Him I also became His vessel to be used for His purposes. These stories aren’t about me; they are about Him. They are His stories, and like He said, they are meant to be shared.

God Stories

This is a collection of sixty-two true stories from personal experience that will inspire the believer, as well as show a doubting world that God exists.

Stories tell how God rescues from danger, clears a storm for safe travel, makes money miraculously appear, sends angels to help, and answers prayer. You’ll discover the various ways God protects, provides, redeems, encourages, communicates, and delights those who are looking for Him. If that’s you, these stories will help you identify God’s miraculous presence in your own life.

These are His stories, and they are meant to be shared.  

 

Meant To Be Shared

Sneak peek of my book, "Meant To Be Shared: God's presence in the life of an ordinary person"

It's a collaboration of sixty-two true stories that will encourage the believer, as well as show a doubting world, that God exists. These stories reveal how God sends angels to help, clears a storm for safe travel, recues from the danger, makes money miraculously appear, and answers prayer. In it you’ll discover the many ways God communicates, provides, encourages, protects, and delights those who are looking for Him. If that’s you, you were meant to know of the amazing things God is doing in your life as well. 

 

Re-Routing a Package Wrongly Delivered

Last Friday I had the best morning standing up to injustice helping a customer right a very comical wrong. I know accidents happen, and I'm sure FedEx didn't intentionally deliver my package to the wrong store, but they did. Normally when a person sees a package that isn't intended for them they notify the delivery service the parcel isn't theirs. But that's not what happened. The previous Wednesday the owner of the wrong store signed for the package with her own name. She then unboxed the greeting cards and placed them for sale in her store.

My customer called me to ask if I knew when her cards would be delivered. I researched to tracking number, saw it was delivered two days prior, and who signed for it. Learning the signature belonged to the store owner across the street, I called the neighboring store to ask if she had my customer’s package. She admitted she received the package, saw the other store owner's name on the package, but thought she ordered them for herself. This is when I knew then I was talking to an irrational person. She became argumentative and oppositional to returning the cards to the rightful owner. She insisted I let her pay for the cards, but I was oppositional to her suggestion. First, that would delay my customer from receiving her order she already paid for; and second, I don’t have an account with her store. Not taking any responsibility for her mistake, she chose instead to hung up on me.

After talking to my customer again, I thought it best to accept payment from the pillaging store owner for fear the irrational woman would spitefully damage the merchandise.  I called the pilfering store owner to say I would accept her payment for the items. She replied with hostility and hung up on me a second time.

I followed this by contacting FedEx. After a good laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation, they initiated a claim. Realizing this constituted theft, I also called the local police to ask them questions. They suggested I file an incident report and gave me dispatch's phone number. Dispatch insisted on sending out an officer who would contact me, which he did, right away. He asked if I could text him an image of my cards, the invoice, and the recipients signature. Modern convinces, I love it. In a short time, the officer retrieved the cards and returned them to their rightful owner.

Maybe this wouldn't constitute a fun morning for you, but I love righting the wrongs, standing in the gap for what is right. I read a powerful statement in Norman Brown's book, "Among The Wolves," that reminded me I am not of the Christian religion, I'm of a Kingdom. This truth has given me boldness to seeing myself as a resident in His victorious Kingdom while here on earth, allowing me to stop being afraid of evil and to stand up to injustice for the greater good. 

"For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son," Colossians 1:13

Art is Work

I'm not sure this post is necessary, but maybe it is. Perhaps it will encourage another Artist to see their work as valuable. In reality, it is work. Sure, painting and drawing are enjoyable to the Artist, but isn't constructing enjoyable to the Contractor, analyzing data enjoyable to the Accountant, or teaching math for the Teacher? Is it typical to ask the Contractor, Accountant, Teacher, or other professional for free work? Probably not. Then why is the Artist?

I was approached this week by another professional asking for one of my illustrations to use on their businesses' program cover page. The person asking to use my art is a Communications Coordinator in charge of overseeing design content for the business' promotional materials and ads. My response thanked her for appreciating my work (she called it impressive) and for asking for my permission. I decided to reiterate that my design work is my profession and I wasn't willing to give it away. If the business she was representing wished to pay for my work, I'd be happy to speak with her. She responded by telling me the business was small and "so generally can't pay." I wonder if she receives payment for her work. Did the company pay her to contact me for my artwork? Does the business require payment for their products and services?

I'm not opposed to giving away free art. I love designing and creating for others. It's a way I use my abilities to bless and encourage. What I am opposed to is other working professionals asking for free work in order to promote theirs. Or in some cases, to ease their burden and time by using something someone else already created.

The artwork she asked to use was an inspirational piece found on my blog. It is an original piece that took time and materials to create. First, I researched my subject. Then I designed, sketched, and illustrated it. Finally, I photographed and edited it before posting it on my blog and other social media sights. Ironically the work in question, "Everything Has Its Time," is about the Book of Ecclesiastes which states, "There is a time for everything." There was a time I would have said yes to another business using my artwork for free. The pleasure of having my artwork grace the cover of their program would have been enough. But now is not that time.

 

A R T  I S  W O R K  (aka: Artwork)

 

For Someone Special

I received a delightful phone call. A charming woman from Wyoming asked if she could order one of my For Someone Special teacup cards. “The purple one,” she said. Curious to know how she discovered my cards, I asked her. She replied, “Yesterday was my birthday. My sister gave me one of your birthday cards with a teabag in it. I’ve already taken the tea out and enjoyed it. The card I’m ordering is for my tea-living friend. I think she’ll really like it.”

From sister to friend, hearts are being cheered. I can’t begin to express how much that means to me, knowing my cards are given in love and received with joy. My heartfelt thanks for allowing my work to be a part of your journey in this precious life.

Dandelion Flower Tea

 

I experimented by making Dandelion flower tea.

 

I simply steeped a handful of washed flowers for 10 minutes. It’s a very light and delicate tea that more closely resembles green tea without any bitterness. I preferred it cooled down a bit, and it may make a refreshing summer addition to other iced teas.

 

For years I’ve tried to naturally get rid of the Dandelions in my yard without success. I was beginning to wonder if my property was once a Dandelion farm. It was as if they were trying to tell me something. Sure enough, you can reap the health benefits of this unexpected nutritional plant by making tea from its root, stems and flowers.

Dandelion is used for the treatment of joint pain, muscle aches, upset stomach, intestinal gas, loss of appetite, gallstones, eczema and bruises. It’s been used to treat infection, especially viral infections and even cancer. It is also used as a blood tonic, digestive tonic, and skin toner. Dandelion greens can be eaten raw, chopped up and used as a garnish, or cooked to minimize their somewhat bitter flavor and added to a sauce.

The Chinese first used Dandelions to purify the blood and increasing the immune system. Next Arabic cultures used it to treat troubles of the liver and kidneys. Soon all of Europe was storing dried dandelion in their medicine cabinets.

Dandelions are high in vitamins, calcium, potassium and other trace minerals. The diuretic effects of its roots are used by herbalists to help control a patient’s blood pressure, isolate toxins in the body and flush them from the system. It’s been stated that the poisons gardeners use to eradicate dandelions are the same toxins this plant offers to weed from our bodies. Maybe that's why they are so hard to eradicate, they heal themselves. If they are so hardy, I'm willing to try this tenacious plant and hope to reap some of their health benefits.

 

If you decide to try it, I'd love to know what you think of it. Cheers! Here's to your health!

 

 

If you enjoyed this healthy information,

you may also like reading about the benefits of FIG LEAF TEA and  BLACKBERRY LEAF TEA.

Both are highly nutritional and delicious.

Mum Teacup Greeting Card

I looking forward to sowing seeds in the garden as the weather warms up here in Oregon. I enjoy putting a seed in the soil and anticipating it sprouting, there's something miraculous about the process. Without soil and water, a seed remains just a seed. Once it's given the right conditions it comes to life and produces a glorious display a blooms.

In the same way, there a people who who lovingly sow seeds of kindness into the lives of others, namely daycare providers, teachers, nurses, caregivers and friends. In honor of these precious ones, my Mum Teacup Greeting Card was created to express appreciation for their gracious acts. Because of them, life is more beautiful. This card comes with a delicious Raspberry Herbal tea and is available at kimberlyshawgraphics.com

Spring Blossoms!

It's a glorious sight here in the Willamette Valley, the Cherry tree blossoms opened this week! Rows of pink are beautifully contrasted by the blue sky dotted with billowing white clouds. It does my heart good, and I confess, Spring fever has sprung!

My Cheery Birthday Teacup Card celebrates this time of year. It comes with a fragrant Raspberry tea that brews to a luscious pink hue. The inside of the card reads, “Wishing you a bright and cheery birthday.” If your birthday is this month, may all things bright and cheery bless your day.

This and other Birthday Teacup Greeting Cards are available at kimberlyshawgraphics.com

Mount Angel Gervias Road NE Watercolor

Mount Angel Gervias Road NE. A small watercolor in my watercolor journal. My favorite part of this scene are the mailboxes facing each other. They speak to me of news coming in and out, as well as an indication of neighbors living across the road from each other. Though they are out in the country they aren't isolated.

 

New Path

I’m on a path I’ve never been on before: I’m writing a book. Since I’m trudging through new territory sometimes the journey is exciting and other times I need to stop and chart the course.

I’ve chosen to work somewhat slowly to fully understand what it is I’m actually doing. I have come to appreciate all those wonderful books I’ve enjoyed over the years, now knowing the effort that went into producing a book. This is a sketch for the inside title page. I don’t have a release date but I am continuing to move forward with God’s help, encouragement, and prodding. This book is written at His direction and for His glory, the Author and Finisher of my faith.

Big Dipper, Big God

The Lord woke me at 4 AM, instructing me to look outside. Because of the previous hostility I encountered, I naturally assumed I was being warned of a danger lurking outside.

When I peeked through the shutters into the dark morning there was nothing to be afraid of. Instead, the Big Dipper constellation was low on the horizon looking larger than normal. I had never seen it in this position before. The Dipper, or scoop, was up at the top with the handle was arching downward. The end of the handle appeared to be resting on the land.

I grabbed my sketchpad and quickly doodled the scene in the dark. By the time I was finished sketching I could no longer see the Big Dipper. The sun began to rise and the early morning light hid the Dipper from view. It was interesting to see only a grey-blue sky knowing the Dipper was still there but no longer visible.

I was overwhelmed by God's kindness to wake me in time to see the spectacular sight before it disappeared. That small encounter was used to fill me with joy in a troublesome time. Even though the light quickly dispelled the darkness and hid the Dipper from view I knew it was still there. Likewise, God reminded me that He was still with me even though I couldn’t see Him. As the light of the sun drove away the darkness, so God by His ultimate power can drive away the dark deeds of the foolish.  

“Then I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness.” Ecclesiastes 2:13

Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.” Psalm 112:4

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2:9

 

This is a story from my new book coming out soon, titled

"Meant To Be Shared - True Stories of God's Presence in the Life of an Ordinary Person." 

The book is a compilation of true stories where God made Himself known to me. It's my prayer these stories will encourage you in your faith and prove there's a loving God who is active in people's lives.

Thank You From My Porch to Yours

What a joy to see God bless so many people in so many different ways. So glad to be part of a story that involves sharing, encouragement, thoughtfulness, and tea!

“Pretty Boy” Floyd is checking out the shipments.

Shipping cards in padded envelopes is my favorite way to ship due to the extra protection. Cards are placed in a white box, a free sticker sheet and delicious Harney tea tops the box, then everything is slid into the padded envelope, making sure each order arrives safely.

Thank you for each and every order. May each card be a special gift to those who receive them.

 

GIFT IN SECRET - God’s Word guides us

My boss was in a fowl mood all morning. I never saw him like this before; he was typically even-tempered. It wasn’t clear what the issue was. He had already yelled at several people who weren’t prepared for it. I avoided him by staying at my desk.

When it was time to go to lunch I went to my typical spot and read my Bible while I ate. I had been reading Proverbs so I continued where I last left off. In chapter 21, verse 14, I read,

“A gift given in secret subdues anger.”

I wondered if that could be applied to my boss. I left the café early and went to the nearest store seeking a gift to give him in secret to test the Proverb. The only thing that got my attention was a role of rainbow LifeSavers. They seemed like an insignificant gift, but it was the only thing that caught my attention, so I bought them. Quickly I went back to work to sneak them into his office before he returned from lunch. I sat my desk and waited.

When my boss entered his office he yelled out, this time in a joyful tone, “Who put these LifeSavers on my desk? Who knew these were my favorite!”

I didn’t know Lifesavers were his favorite, but apparently God did. I then knew why the LifeSavers made such an impression on me in the store. The Holy Spirit had led me to them. He knew exactly what gift would be the best, which one would subdue my boss’s anger.

He asked everyone who passed his office if they gave him the LifeSavers. He never asked me and I wasn’t going to tell him, it was meant to be a secret. Of course it isn’t anymore, but at the time, that colorful little gift cheered him up. He was like a little kid trying to figure out who knew what his favorite candy was and who gave them to him. As a result, I learned God’s Word is truly LifeSaving!

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

 

This is a story from my new book coming out soon, titled

"Meant To Be Shared - True Stories of God's Presence in the Life of an Ordinary Person." 

The book is a compilation of true stories where God made Himself known to me. It's my prayer these stories will encourage you in your faith and prove there's a loving God who is active in people's lives.

TEA TIME - God Always Wins

An elderly woman at my church wanted to host a tea party at her house. The party was her way of thanking all the women at our church who helped her after her husband passed away. I offered to bring an assortment of teas and a large hot water pot for brewing.

She called me almost every day to ask how to set up the tables, what foods to prepare, and how to serve a large group. I suggested different options for her to choose from. This is when I learned she swore a lot, every sentence spoken with cuss words. It shocked me at first. I had never heard an elderly woman at church talk like that. The more I talked with her, the more it escalated, and the more uncomfortable I became. I no longer wanted to go to her tea party, but I couldn't back out, I was bringing the tea.

On the day of the tea party I was the first to arrive at her house. I left my purse locked in the car and carried in the tea, hot water pot, and my car keys. I set my keys on a tall stool at the end of the kitchen counter. It was warm inside so I took off my sweater and set it on the stool on top of my keys.  

As the guests arrived, the elderly woman gave tours of her home and art studio. I didn't know she was an artist so I followed the other guests down the hall. As she spoke about her house, her artwork, and family, she peppered her sentences with cuss words. I could tell the other women from my church were also uncomfortable. They each excused themselves from her studio until I alone was with her.

I had finally had enough of her cursing myself and asked her, "Why do you cuss all the time?"

To which she replied, "To shock the churchy ladies. I just want to shock them out of being such goody goods."

It was intentional? Remember, these are the ‘good' women who helped her after her husband died. That's when I realized the Spirit of God was not in her even though she went to church. Her actions were mean-spirited and unthankful. Repulsed by it, I planned to leave her tea party as soon as possible.

One guest arrived late and had a difficult time finding a place to park on the steep road next her house. She accidentally backed her car into a deep drainage ditch. I offered to call AAA to tow her out but my keys were no longer on the stool under my sweater. I needed my keys to unlock my car to get the AAA card in my purse. Since I was no help, someone else called a tow truck as I frantically looked elsewhere for my car keys. Unable to find my keys I second-guessed myself and thought I locked them in the car. After the tow truck driver pulled my friend's car out of the ditch he kindly unlocked my car. But searching my car and purse my keys were not in there.

I went back inside and sat at one of the small tables. I started to quietly pray asking God to help me find my keys. I felt God tell me He had taken my keys and hid them. I became angry and in my mind I started arguing with God. I told Him I was uncomfortable being there and wanted to leave as early as possible. I wanted to know why He took my keys. I felt like He was telling me, "I want you to wash her dishes." In my mind I argued back at that thought, "No, I don't want to, I want to leave. Don't make me wash her dishes." Another thought came to mind, "Wash her dishes or I won't give you your keys."

My friend across the table noticed I was upset and asked if I was all right. I told her I was arguing with God. Being a very Spiritual person, so replied, "God always wins." I knew she was right.

I don't recall much about the party, except the numerous times I got up to see if my keys were on the stool under my sweater. We ate, drank tea, and the elderly woman told stories about her late husband. As her guests began to leave, I wanted to leave too. I wanted to be at home with my kids, but there was something God wanted me to do first.

Checking one last time for my keys on the stool under my sweater without success, I began washing her dishes. She was busy clearing tables and removing table clothes. As I looked around, there was no one else there. No other women stayed to help her clean up afterward. I didn't blame them; they probably felt as I did. Seeing her clearing tables by herself made me feel sorry for her. She went to church, she heard the word of God, and she witnesses these women help her in her time of need. Yet she harbored a mean spirit towards them. Her mean spirit drove them off and left her alone.

With a load of table clothes in her arms, she came and stood next to me and asked, "Why are you washing my dishes?"

What came out of my mouth were not my own words, for I would have said something totally different. Instead, the Holy Spirit took control of my mouth and out came the words, "Because Jesus loves you."

She didn't reply but just walked away. I kept washing the dishes, and when I was finished, I found my keys under my sweater on the stool where I originally set them. I can’t explain how this happened, but I do know why. God had a message for the elderly woman. He wanted her to know He loved her.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

 

This is a story from my new book coming out soon, titled

"Meant To Be Shared - True Stories of God's Presence in the Life of an Ordinary Person." 

The book is a compilation of true stories where God made Himself known. It's my prayer these stories will encourage you in your faith or convince you there's a loving God who is active in people's lives.

 

Biggest Sale of the Year Happening this Weekend

Cards with a gift meant to impress just in time for Christmas cards, Hostess gifts, Thank You cards and Tea Party Invitations. Need Birthday cards? We have those too, along with Get Well Cards, Friends Mom, Sister, Baby, Wedding, Congratulations, Blank cards, and more.  To make them more impressive, each card comes with a delicious Harney and Sons Fine Tea!

Don't forget to use the Coupon Code: SaveBig at checkout to get your 50% savings. This Saturday Only, Nov 25, 2017.

Shop at kimberlyshawgraphics.com

From Work Table to Mansion

A glimpse of my work table. The first stack of 8 cards have their delicious teas added. The next stack is receiving Peppermint, Holiday, Paris & Cinnamon Spice from Harney Teas. Once these cards are packaged with their envelopes, the teas for the next stack will be laid out any added to their cards.

I’m so excited, this set of 21 cards is going to the very gorgeous Montpelier Mansion, a Georgian style plantation house in Maryland.

May each card be a special blessing to those who receive one.

 

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One of the office walls at Kimberly Shaw Graphics displays some of Kimberly's original artwork with a little collection of vintage postcards with their own charming messages and delightful illustrations.

"B" For Baby

"B" for Baby is one of my favorite teacup greeting cards in my collection. The inside reads: "A new baby! How wonderful! Congratulations."

Tucked in the rim of the teddy bear teapot is a refreshing organic green tea with citrus and ginkgo from Harney & Sons Fine Teas.

Mourning Dove

I love hearing the Mourning Doves cooing outside. I came across this verse and was inspired to paint one sitting on my fence, now full of Eden Rose buds getting ready to blossom soon.

"The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air." Song of Solomon 2:12.

Vintage Floral Teacup Greeting Card

"Vintage Floral" teacup card was inspired from a hand painted plate in my collection.  With a refreshing Peppermint teabag tucked in the rim of the teacup, it's blank inside for your personal greeting or to use as note cards.  Available at kimberlyshawgraphics.com along with Birthday, Get Well, Mother's Day many other Teacup Greeting cards in a variety of occasions and holidays.

Mother's Day Roses

Making Mother's Day cards for orders this week reminds me that Spring is almost here.  Soon the roses will be in full bloom.  I can't wait!

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A Gift In Secret

Happy Sunday everyone! Here's an inspirational Story from when I was working in an Architectural office in Los Angeles. 

My boss was in a fowl mood all morning. I had never seen him like this before. It wasn’t clear why he was upset. He had already yelled at several people who weren’t prepared for it. I avoided him by staying glued to my work at my desk.

When it was time to break for lunch I went to my typical spot and read my Bible while I ate. I had been reading Proverbs so I continued where I last left off. There I read, “A gift in secret subdues anger.” - Proverbs 21:14.

I wondered if that would work for my boss. I left the café early and headed for the nearest conscience store seeking what I might find to give in secret to test the Proverb. The only thing that got my attention was a role of rainbow LifeSavers. They seemed like a cheesy gift, but I couldn’t stop thinking about them, so I bought them and quickly went back to work to sneak them into his office and on his desk.

I returned to my desk and waited. Back in his office Andy yelled out, this time in a joyful tone, “LifeSavers! Who put these on my desk? These are my favorite!” He asked everyone who passed his office. He never asked me and I wasn’t about to tell him, it was meant to be a secret. Of course it isn’t anymore, but at the time, the gift in secret did subdue his anger. He was like a little kid trying to figure out who knew what his favorite candy was and who gave them to him, proving God’s Word is LifeSaving!

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Top o' the Mornin'

To teacup greeting card to wish you "Good Luck and Best Wishes For Today & Always" with a refreshing Peppermint teabag as a little gift.

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Teacup Shelf

Here at Kimberly Shaw Graphics, every guest is offered a cup of tea. Art Studio teacup shelf of previous models, future models, inspirations and personal favorites.

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Flying to Their New Home

Thirty seven Bird Thank You teacup greeting cards with thirty seven Earl Grey teabags added, are flying to their new home in PA. "Thank you ...so very much."

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A Note to Say "Thank You!"

"Thank You" teacup greeting card with a refreshing Peppermint teabag.

Missing You Teacup Greeting Card

Making up a batch of "Missing You" teacup greeting cards depicting forget-me-not flowers and a little bird to help deliver the important message. Each card comes with a mellow Orange Pekoe tea, a blend of Celine & India teas.

Paradise

"Bird of Paradise" Teacup Greeting Card with Hot Cinnamon tea!

Sending Warm Wishes

"Warm Wishes" with lemon herbal tea!

First Class Mail

The paints were out, the tea was poured, and I had a little time to spare for a doodle on a First Class envelope being mailed today. Thanks Irene for your order, may each card be a special encouragement to those who receive one.

Lower postage is available on 5 or fewer cards. Simply select an available shipping option then leave a note requesting First Class Postage. Your shipping rate will be reduced!

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Donuts with Grandma

My maternal Grandmother was the most instrumental in my belief in God. Not because of the things she said, but for the things she did. As a child when I stayed at her house for the weekend she made an effort to leave early on Sunday morning to stop at Winchell’s Doughnut Shop before church. The shop was long and narrow with small tables lined up against the wall on the right, and a long counter of donuts on the left. Typically one or two homeless-looking men sat at their own tables.

While I eyed the donuts, Grandma greeted the men sitting quietly at the tables. She would tell them that God loved them, and then ask if she could give them a ride to church. I can still see her in my mind’s eye pointing out the glass windows down the street in the direction she would gladly take them.

At first her actions shocked me. Grandma was an elegant woman. Her home was a dreamy cottage with frilly lampshades, beautifully upholstered furniture, and tailored curtains. She was always dressed well, her hair was always styled, with perfect make-up that brought out the cheerfulness in her face. Even her car, a turquoise Thunderbird, was impeccable.

It was inconceivable at my age that she would let an un-showered stranger in her car with us. But as I grew up I discovered she did this for each of her Grandchildren. While I thought I was about to receive the blessing of a donut, she was blessing me with things eternal. She was showing me how to love others and how to share the good news of God's salvation. That was her true character. Her willingness to yield to Christ pushed past the façade. Jesus through her greeted each stranger and offered them hope in the way of an invitation. As I stood there holding a doughnut wrapped in a napkin in one hand and an orange juice in the other, wearing a pretty dress she made for me, I was seeing Jesus through her.

My Grandmother’s acts have forever encouraged me, knowing the small interactions with others may actually be life changing for them. So I grab every opportunity to reveal God to others. It may be as simple as sharing with a Taco Bell drive thru employee that he is named after the first man God created; his name tag read, “ADAM.” His response, “Wow, I didn’t know that.”

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Sweet Valentines Day Savings

Sending love doesn't need to be expensive. Here are two greeting cards for just $2, tea included! Now that's sweet! You'll find then in the SALE section on my website at kimberlyshawgraphics.com.

💌 "To My Valentine" is illustrated in a rural toile setting and comes with English Breakfast tea. The I inside perfectly says, "I Love You."

💌 "Valentine Hearts" depicts intertwined hearts and comes with Raspberry Herbal tea. The inside is a romantic poem in the card's description on the website.

💌💌 If you just need one or two cards and prefer First Class Mail over the Priority Mail option, select Priority Mail and leave a note with your order requesting First Class Mail. Your shipping will be reduced to $1 for one card, $2 for two cards.

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Sending Warmth

It's cold outside! How are you staying warm? Today I'm keeping the chill away with a refreshing cup of hot Peppermint tea from Harney & Sons. Looking to send a warm cup of tea to cheer a friend or loved one this winter? You'll find a nice selection of teacup greeting cards in a variety of occasions at KimberlyShawGraphics.com, each with its own Harney tea bag.

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