We have more excuses than ever not to send cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions: The price of stamps just increased. Again. Cards aren’t eco-friendly (even though they can be recycled and are often made out of recycled materials). And, of course, there just isn’t enough time to buy a card, address it, and pop it in a mail box. Besides, e-card are often free…and nothing says, “I love you, Mom” like canned music and a mouse jumping out of a birthday cake.
In our tech savvy society, do conventional cards really make a difference? That was the question I sought to answer with my brand new DaySpring cards—the Hope & Encouragement by (in)courage’s Holly Gerth My test subjects? The ladies in the Monday night Bible study that I lead.
First, I needed a control card to ensure that each member of my Bible study received a card that is equal in value and appearance. I chose “Thank You For What You Do” from Holley Gerth’s collection. What better want to tell the ladies in my flock how much I care about each and every one of them and thank them for the support they offer me weekly, as their fearless shepherdess. As I addressed each card, I asked God to help me write a pithy message to each lady. Despite using the same card, I didn’t want to express exactly the same sentiment to the varying personalities present at Monday night Bible study.
Second, I wanted to give my Bible study a chance to spread the blessing to others. I went through all my DaySpring cards, picked out about 12 (admittedly, it’s hard to part with any of my beautiful cards, but I was on a woman on a mission!), and placed them on the table at Bible study telling the ladies to pick a card or two to send (or give) to someone else.
After receiving their personalized cards from me, the ladies were more than delighted to choose cards for their own use. I overheard comments like, “Wow, these are really nice cards!” “Amy, did you buy all these cards for us?” “They sell DaySpring cards at the local Bible bookstore!” Most of all, they were excited that cards geared towards Christian women were relevant, beautiful, and affordable! Someone remarked that the cards were great for anyone—Christian or not!
One lady asked us to help her find a card that would be appropriate to encourage a friend whose mother just died. Another wanted to use her card to uplift a co-worker who is going through an incredibly rough time. A few ladies picked out cards and didn’t disclose how they would be used…yet. Since one member of our group was unable to attend our “card shower,” we decided to sign and send her a card to let her know that we love her and she was missed! Naturally, the choice of card was a group decision!
{This card, featuring a crown and a bookmark, was my favorite. Oh, how I need to remember these words!}
While my experiment was wholly unscientific, I can safely say that greeting cards are still relevant. There’s something about the tactile sensation of opening a card, especially when unexpected, knowing that the sender thought of you! I like to save my cards and read the messages again and again—a reminder that people do love me when I feel unloved and unlovely or celebrated when I feel defeated. Will a card change the world? Probably not. But it can make someone’s day, and I’m grateful that DaySpring cards gave me the opportunity to bless others, who in turn, will use DaySpring cards to bless even more.
Yes, friends, cards really do make a difference. Get a book of forever stamps, make a list of people who could use a beautiful card, and head over to the DaySpring Online Store to nab a few cards of your own. And, ladies, check out (in)courage for uniquely feminine musings as well as the fabulous (in)spired deals to get cute cards like mine!
Win a $20 code to use at DaySpring’s Online Store!
And I’m going to make it even easier for you to bless others with DaySpring cards, simply enter my giveaway to win a $20 coupon code to DaySpring’s online store,which offers a bounty of cards as well as other inspirational products. To enter, simply fill out THE FORM. For an extra entry, leave a comment about how a card cheered up your day OR how you used a card to bless someone else. The giveaway will end at 11:59 PM EST on January 31, so get entering.
*If you really want to win, then head on over to my friend’s blog, Shari’s Sentiments, for another chance to win a $20 gift code. Imagine if you win both of our giveaways…$40 can bring a lot of cheer!
*To my dearest FTC, I selected and was provided with the Holley Gerth Hope & Encouragement Pack from DaySpring, free of charge for review. These opinions are my own and do not reflect those of Dayspring in any way.* (P.S. I totally copy/pasted this disclosure from Shari’s blog.)
She is Beloved 
Over seven years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I still have the cards that I received. Some days I re-read them – though I have been without a recurrence since then there are still days I need encouragement because I still have some problems. Cards are good over and over and over again.
I gave an encouragement card to my coworker who was having a rough day to cheer her up and put a smile on her face! 🙂
A birthday card to my lovely Mom who just turned 89 🙂
Becky, I’m glad to know that you are a SURVIVOR! Having survived a life-threatening condition at 21, I know how there are days where those cards make all the difference. (Since I was in college, I also received a lot of stuffed animals. I like to cuddle with them on days when life seems bleak.) Thanks for your comment!
Renata, that is awesome! I am so glad you were there for your co-worker!
Georgiana, what a beautiful name! Can I call you Gigi? (Just kidding…sort of.) Happy birthday to your mom! 🙂
i am loving making my own cards – but love Dayspring cards for inspiration. They are always big on that. My BFF turns 91 next month and she just lost her closest sibling (89 year old brother) to a massive heart attack. i will be giving her a card to uplift her.
I became friends with a wonderful person via Ebay. I live in the Midwest
and she lives out West! We had emailed each other about our various
lives and I sent her family a Christmas card. In the beginning of January,
I received a wonderfully long hand-written card and letter from her…
She writes so eloquently and the card made me smile…It was wonderful!
Many thanks, Cindi
A few weeks back, I had an exam and was feeling stressed out. When I came back from taking my exam, there on my desk was a card from South Africa. I had written to this friend some time back, but she had forgotten to reply. It totally made my day. 🙂
I don’t give many cards, except when it’s Christmas time. I think print cards are way different and more better than e-cards.
Just got a card in the mail today from my mom and it made my day! She is a card person- like she should get paid for it. One of the things she does is send cards regularly to prisoners who are believers and need friendship. My mom always makes me feel like I should “write more” and I would if I thought about it- and had cards!
Marianne, I love making cards, too. I even have a Cricut, but I think I made like two cards with it. (Though I did help make A LOT of ‘waiting kids’ boards for the county adoption unit.) I might use it to make weird art though. I have a secret (now not-so-secret) dream to be a greeting card writer, but I don’t want to put my name or bio on the cards. Too flashy for my taste. (P.S. If you have any pics of your handmade cards, I’d love to see/share them.)
Evangeline, I love your new spiffed up blog and blog name. Very, very professional looking. You sure do reach out to the international community, my friend!
Brittney, I haven’t heard for you in a while! How are you doing? You are such an excellent writer, you should write more. But most of all, you should let God use you as He chooses, and I know He’s using you a lot. Bravo for Mom! She sounds like a wonderful lady.
I received a card from my bible study leader last week. I was having a bit of a rough day and it really cheered me up!
I have a recurring appointment in my calendar to send a card to someone every Monday. I’ve kind of slacked off on doing that–gotta get back to it! I have received a few replies after sending them and people are always appreciative. One woman told me it was the only mail she received that wasn’t a bill. 😦
Scrolling through the comments and landed on the last one from Deb Jennings: Brilliant!
Cards do make a difference. I have a folder where I keep cards that friends have sent me through the years that have touched my heart, encouraged me at just the right time.
This was a wonderful post, Amy!
A great reminder that sometimes emails don’t cut it.
Truly speaking! It has been a blessing to share my illness and struggles with medical complications, bills and set backs. This was all uncharted territory for me. I was helpless and lost. But I came through it with my health, peace and JOY! Struggles still remain, yet, there is peace and hope.