Forever Stamps

Forever Stamps
Friday, February 9, 2024 by Nicey T. Eller

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14 ESV).

Leaving the white sands and scrub oaks of Florida after high school for a small, Baptist college six hours away opened my eyes to higher education and crushing homesickness. I put on a smile as I settled in, but I cried whenever I called home. My mother, an Army wife, understood my tears.

For more than three decades her handwritten letters had traveled thousands of miles, linking her heart with home. Wherever she lived, she faithfully wrote to family and old friends. When Uncle Sam moved us, she added new friends to her address book. Mama wrote the letters; Daddy bought the stamps.

When the price of stamps changed, Mama had what she needed to keep the mailman happy. Every day she sent birthday cards to missionaries, and Daddy bought the stamps. When the annual Christmas letter went out, Daddy handed over rolls of stamps. He knew no gift, not even her favorite perfume, rated more highly than stamps.

Before the first week of my freshman year ended, I pulled letters from Mama out of my campus mailbox. For the next four years, from August until May, I had a letter every day. Daddy had bought the stamps.

My sophomore year, as a fundraiser for missions, our Baptist Student Union created care packages for students. We promised parents we would give their child a “snack sack” teeming with treats to enjoy while studying for finals if they sent a donation to our missions fund. We also asked that they include a personal note to encourage their favorite scholar.

The snacks were a hit, but the notes were a homerun. Smiles, laughter, and even tears broke out as students read their surprise messages. When I opened my letter, I froze. Mama’s words covered a page, but on a separate sheet of paper, in a neat, flowing script was the sweetest love note I ever received: Dear Nicey, I love you and I am proud of you. Love, Daddy.

Letters don’t move without stamps. The gospel cannot speak without love. From a Roman prison two centuries ago, Paul didn’t tell the Colossians to put on a revival, prayer meeting, conference, or smiles. He told them to put on love. And on every envelope Mama addressed, Daddy’s stamps did just that.

Heavenly Father, your word tells us to put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Above all, we are to put on love. We ask the Holy Spirit to lead us to love like you, so we know the beauty and blessing of unity and perfect harmony. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

When she retired from education, Nicey T. Eller traded suits for boots to help her husband build their log home and start their cattle ranch. A member of Word Weavers Online Groups/ Page 14, she is currently working on children’s stories that illustrate the power of Proverbs.

Share This Blog:

Comments

Gabrielle Crossman From Detroit MI At 2/19/2024 5:44:01 PM

A precious memory. It is a beautiful comparison to the fact that the Gospel cannot move without love. I love your words: “From a Roman prison two centuries ago, Paul didn’t tell the Colossians to put on a revival, prayer meeting, conference, or smiles. He told them to put on love.”

Carl Reuther From Ottawa Hills l, Ohio At 2/18/2024 9:25:36 PM

What beautiful memories. I love the way it was written. As a parent, I felt very moved by this story.

Gary Wilbert From Saline, Michigan At 2/16/2024 8:26:43 PM

What a beautiful prayer wrapped around a warm and heartfelt story about a mother's and father's love for their daughter. As the father of a daughter myself, the author expressed for me the special bond that exists between father and daughter. I especially appreciated the author's skillful writing.

Julie West Thomas From Phenix City, AL At 2/15/2024 10:43:07 PM

Nicey, you are a beautiful, dear and loving friend filled with God’s love! Thank you for always warming everyone’s heart and “Forever Stamps” tops my list. You know I love your precious mother and wonderful family!

Cindy Robinson From Alabama At 2/15/2024 10:06:52 PM

The power of loving words never fails to astonish me. Some parents write them. Other parents speak them. However the words are conveyed, they build their children up and up and up. Thank you, Nicey, for this lovely reminder that love is still the greatest thing.

Frank From At 2/14/2024 9:20:33 PM

Great story, thanks for sharing a beautiful memory with us!

Jane Brown From Abbeville AL At 2/13/2024 7:54:29 PM

It was one important sentence that spoke the most to me. He knew how important the stamps were to her.

Marilyn Wilbert From Saline, MI At 2/12/2024 3:44:41 PM

I found "Forever Stamps" incredibly moving. The message of love, the importance of love, the value of love shins through. It's a heartfelt collection of memories that the author has shared with others.

Kathy Roberts From Abbeville At 2/12/2024 11:41:58 AM

Such a blessing, and I have been the recipient of Nicey’s Letters. Always encouraging. So blessed to have her for my Sunday school teacher, My friend, And prayer partner. She means so much. Love her

Cindy Rey From Abbeville, Alabama At 2/12/2024 10:41:21 AM

My husband and I moved to this small town in Alabama knowing no one. As we walked the streets, we were met by a smiling lady named Nicey. Her loving spirit flowed down the sidewalk as we walked past. Her name says it all. She is one of the kindest and nicest people I have ever met.

Suzanne McLean From Abbeville, AL At 2/12/2024 10:20:35 AM

Nicey has shared parts of this experience with us at AMC but her writing tells this as a worthy tribute to her parents and her mothers’ love of the Lord and his calling on her life. Beautifully written!

Maribeth Herndon From Abbeville, Alabama At 2/12/2024 9:57:28 AM

Loved this! Nicey connects the simple things with insight. My life is better because of her.

Lee Greene From Freeport, FL At 2/12/2024 12:17:25 AM

A wonderful story of love from a remarkable woman who shows her love every day.

Kendra Dabbs From Phenix City Alabama At 2/11/2024 9:09:15 PM

A beautiful story written by a beautiful Godly woman!!!

Carolyn Nance From Alabama At 2/11/2024 3:19:44 AM

Nicey is such a lovely lady. She was the worship leader at the church we attended years back. Her leadership and comments during this part of the church service blessed my heart. When she married and moved away I was heartbroken because I knew no one else could do just like she did. God bless you s

Kelli Kirkman From Alabama At 2/10/2024 8:56:22 PM

You are an inspiration to so many people. I enjoyed your letters you sent me while I was healing from breast cancer. I laughed and cried from start to finish. I love you Mrs. Nicey

Jeanine From Columbus At 2/10/2024 5:36:14 PM

This was so sweet and loving. Would love to read more of your writings. I seen you at Silver run Baptist church.

Linda Norris From Phenix City, AL At 2/10/2024 5:09:35 PM

A beautiful story. Well written! I, too, still send cards. They more personal than texts and emails.

Debra Richardson From Seale Alabama At 2/10/2024 4:44:22 PM

I have ALWAYS LOVED reading anything this sweet special friend has EVER written. She has been a total inspiration to me as long as I have known her. I was blessed to receive some of those cards and letters that her sweet Mama wrote. LOVE THIS STORY. Keep the stories coming Nicey.

Coach Coop From Phenix City, AL At 2/10/2024 12:35:21 AM

Mrs. Eller’s letters of encouragement and love have made me smile all these years! I still go back and read them. I cherish them and I cherish you!

Lynne Terry From Phenix City Alabama At 2/10/2024 12:01:56 AM

Love your writing- and especially love the way you share your stories! Love the way you share love and encourage others to do the same!??

Jordan Mathews From At 2/9/2024 10:38:16 PM

What a sweet story! And a little back ground for your love of sending letters that bring a smile every time we open one! ??

Cindy From Tharp At 2/9/2024 10:31:47 PM

What a beautiful and heartfelt story. Thank you for sharing with each of us!

Lee Taylor From Tallahassee At 2/9/2024 7:56:59 PM

I can still remember those naps in her office, hear those letters being written and that rotary phone clicking away

Joy Ross From Phenix City Alabama At 2/9/2024 7:44:18 PM

The love you received carried on in every facet of your life and career! I will never forget being called to the office at SGS and when I walked in there sat the most beautiful rose and card! It was from you wishing me well wishes in speech contest I was competing in that night! You continued to lo

Carolyn Miller From Pawleys Island, SC At 2/9/2024 7:10:39 PM

What a wonderful story ??

Tanya Tanya From Pawleys Island At 2/9/2024 7:07:41 PM

Precious story. Thank you for sharing.

Michelle Jones From Phenix City, AL 3686 At 2/9/2024 6:40:31 PM

Mrs. Eller’s letters gave me the encouragement I needed in some very dark times of my life. They will always be a treasure and a blessing to me!!

Jackie Hunt From Alabama At 2/9/2024 4:59:11 PM

Love this - You are an awesome story teller. I always enjoy reading your letters!

Sherri Mewha From Canton, Michigan At 2/9/2024 3:52:24 PM

Beautifully written. A wonderful reminder that a message delivered on the wings of love is a gift of joy and encouragement to the one who receives it.

Carole Suzan J ckson From Greater Orlando, FL At 2/9/2024 3:03:02 PM

Nice work, Nicey. Thank you for sharing. PS Go WW Pg 14!

Joseph Taylor From Florida At 2/9/2024 2:48:30 PM

Very real and touching

Joseph Booker From Jinja,Uganda,Africa At 2/9/2024 2:05:46 PM

This is beautiful, Nicey. Would you send me your email. There is something I would like to share with you. I sent my email here. Thank you.

April Sawyer From Salem, AL At 2/9/2024 1:44:54 PM

Your words never cease to amaze me. I'm thankful for you and the many letters of encouragement and love throughout the years. You inspire me in so many ways! ??

Ron l From Birmingham At 2/9/2024 1:36:15 PM

Most excellent memories.

James Andrew Mathews From Montgomery, AL At 2/9/2024 12:31:23 PM

Your letters are now j cherished by many as your mother’s were!

Ramona Richards From Nashville At 2/9/2024 12:01:23 PM

What a marvelous story and so beautifully written. Thank you, Nicey, for sharing it.

Sister From At 2/9/2024 12:01:14 PM

Those $5 bills were straight from heaven

Stacie From Abbeville Alabama At 2/9/2024 11:34:43 AM

I love it. It reminded me of something my mom had me do a lot.

Sally Ezzell From Abbeville, AL At 2/9/2024 11:32:41 AM

Beautiful words from a beautiful person! Heartfelt and moving from someone who puts on love every day! ??

Ruth Raughton From Nashville, TN At 2/9/2024 11:32:14 AM

Wow, Nicey! That took me back several years. I remember that time well! What a beautiful observation. Love is the stamp that tells the world we are His.

Ashley From Abbeville At 2/9/2024 11:27:41 AM

I too have been the recipient of love letters - while incarcerated. It was a tangible expression of the love and support from some of the most unlikely “places”. I am “forever” changed. Thank you for sharing.

Sharee From Alabama At 2/9/2024 11:22:05 AM

Such a beautiful story!

Susan Young From Seale AL At 2/9/2024 11:13:01 AM

In a world where stamps, letters, and cards are almost obsolete with the younger generations, this message hit my heart. I am a card sender, and every stamp is LOVE. Nicey speaks from her heart. God is love! Love you Nicey Eller!

Hope Phillips From Columbus, GA At 2/9/2024 10:11:53 AM

I still have the letters Ms. Eller has written me.

Hope T. From Nashville, TN At 2/9/2024 10:07:09 AM

Amen. Debbie cakes and sticker holes. Put God first.

Joy From Tn At 2/9/2024 9:58:11 AM

So sweet reminds me of my dad

Timothy Mathews From Abbeville, AL At 2/9/2024 9:38:02 AM

The stamps kept going. My mother(Nicey) wrote me about a letter a day every time the Army sent me anywhere. I have bound bundles of saved letters, cards and notes in neat cursive writing from basic training to combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Love, encouragement, wisdom, and a stamp lick.

Elizabeth From FL At 2/9/2024 9:29:39 AM

Love this! ??

Brooke Brown From Alabama At 2/9/2024 8:51:13 AM

Mrs. Ellers love letters have encouraged me for over 20 years now and I am forever grateful!

Rebecca Howard From At 2/9/2024 8:08:59 AM

Your words and memories touch my heart. During my time in the Army, my mother and I wrote letters. They kept me going. God bless you for sharing.

Wilson Taylor From Pensacola FL At 2/9/2024 8:03:25 AM

Awesome, 6 years in the military and received letters almost daily. The memories of mom’s desk and all the writing paraphernalia she had on it makes me miss her more.