Saying thank you in person is great. But when you want someone to know how much you appreciate them, always follow it up with a written note.

After every event I sit down and write a note to every person who was involved in any way, including those who provided support in ways that aren't obvious. Recently our monthly Ladies Night Out was blessed with three young women who gave their life to the Lord during the evening. I made sure that our entire team knew that they were part of that!

Even though we have access to email and use it for a lot of our communication, I still write handwritten notes when I want to say thank you. There is just something about it that feels more tangible than an email.

One woman at our church told me this week that our thank you notes helped to "fill up her love tank"! Isn't that awesome? Written notes are very important to people who have the "words of affirmation" love language. (Referring to "The Five Love Languages" - Gary Chapman.)

I save just about every note that I have ever received! I just love to be reminded that what I do has made a difference and that people appreciate me.

Sincerity counts for 99% of a good thank you note. Don't just say thanks. Thank them for what they did and let them know how it helped. Don't write cookie cutter notes - the same note to every one. Write personally and specifically. Use their name and sign your own.

Some women struggle with low self-esteem and have a hard time believing the nice words that people say to them. They will spot an insincere note immediately and think "oh they are just sending it to everyone." They will however, pick up on the fact that you wrote a personal and specific note to them and it will mean the world to them.

Something else that will add to the value is that the note is sent out in a timely manner. Don't wait too long - the very next day is great!

In addition to thank you notes, you can also take time now and then to write "just because" notes to your team and other women at your church. A note written for no other reason than because someone was thinking of me is my favorite kind of note!

We learned several years ago at a Ladies Night Out that our Pastor's wife spoke at that with a little preplanning we can all become a ready and willing note writer. She taught us to put together a basket with postcards, note paper, note cards, envelopes, stickers, pens and even postage stamps. Then when the urge strikes to write a note, you have everything on hand and will not miss out on the opportunity! The next Christmas I even received a gift box all stocked up with everything I mentioned! It's great!