Today, June 1st, is the first Monday in June. It also happens to be the day we’re launching our “First Monday Giveaway” series! Woo hoo! We thought it would be fun to give something away each month because who doesn’t love free stuff!?! So let’s get started!

Who We’re Featuring

My mom!

My mom!

This month we’re featuring someone very special: my mom! In addition to being a great mom, Barbara Johnson is an incredible artist who specializes in calligraphy, drawing, painting, and paper art. A few years ago, I gave my mom a few of my favorite quotes about prayer and asked her to make them into cards. The result was stunning. “You’ve got to do more of these,” I said. She did. Now she owns Sacred Spaces Designs, which offers gorgeous, handmade prayer cards.

Recently, I asked Mom to write about her experience. This is what she shared:

As I reflect on my 2+ year journey of designing prayer cards, I can easily see that the Holy Spirit has been at work in my life. How often we believe we are doing things for others and realize that we have been the benefactor. I set out to design prayer cards when I found myself deeply, soulfully, touched by a card in a shop that simply said, “I am praying for you.” I was on a shopping spree and the Holy Spirit showed up! (Not too uncommon, really.) I bought a box, the seed was planted, and months later, after much encouragement from my daughter Kristen, I launched into designing prayer and scripture cards.

What’s interesting and, again, not too unique, is that the cards I’ve made contained messages and scriptures that were important in my life. To receive a card with a simple message, “We are praying for you,” or “Be still and know that I am God,” or “All shall be well,” may be just the message and the moment of encouragement that you needed. The reminder that we are not alone in whatever our circumstances are. While I’ve certainly sold several cards, I’ve given many away, and sent them to friends and family. The Holy Spirit opened my heart to the power of praying for others, expressing that through design, and letting the other person know you’re praying. I am in good company with Paul, who wrote in Colossians 1:9, “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you . . . be strengthened, have great endurance, and patience.” In Philippians 1:3-4: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy.”

Occasionally people will remark that we don’t send cards or write letters any more. It’s easier to send a text or an e-mail. I understand that, but I believe that receiving a card with a personal note from a friend or family member is so much more meaningful and lasting. I keep cards that I’ve received, look at them from time to time, and allow myself to be immersed in that love when I need it most. Another reminder that I’m not alone.

Thank you, Holy Spirit for directing my steps.

Amen.

What We’re Giving Away

We want you to see how fabulous my mom’s cards are, so we’ve chosen some of our favorites. You’ll receive this great assortment (a $50 value) that includes:

One of my mom's designs

One of my mom’s designs

How to Enter the Giveaway

1. Go to our Facebook page

2. Share how you would use prayer cards, or how you have used prayer cards

3. Do this by Friday, June 5, 2015

We will collect the names of everyone who posts a comment, put them in a jar, and draw a name. The winner will be announced here and on our Facebook page on Monday, June 8, 2015. Good luck!