When it was announced there would be an office-decorating contest at work for Christmas, I immediately began to think about possible ideas. For me it has to start with Scripture, so I went through my mental repertoire looking for just the right one. But no matter how hard I tried, I could not get away from John 10:10. I finally took the “hint” that this was where I was destined to start. “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Abundant life. Not only for the future, but for the present. This came out of a grateful Thanksgiving heart. No matter how bad things get, God always gives me something to enjoy. His blessings.
Once I had the Scripture selected, I knew what I wanted to do with it. The problem was, how to do it? After much thought, trial, and error, I came up with an execution which included duct tape, T-pins, straight pins, staples, and anything else I could find to secure the thing to my cubicle wall. I prayed it would stay up long enough to be judged.
I started by carving a heart from a styrofoam disk, then covered the heart with a fabric “appliqued” manger scene. From the heart “grew” many branches which I covered with wallet-sized photographs attached with teeny clothespins.
It made a very different-looking Christmas display, to be sure. But the symbolism was highly personal, not just to me, but to others who viewed it. A friend, who is just recently back at work after nearly dying from cancer, stood in my office and wept when I explained it to her. God loved us so much (heart) that He gave His son (manger scene) who became the vine, and we are the branches. Pinned to my branches were representations of my abundant life. I used my die cutter to create the Scripture letters, then glued them to wire-trimmed red ribbon. This picture is only part of my display, but this will give you an idea of what I’m trying to explain. (Click photo to enlarge.) And, I won first place–a $50 card to Outback! Of course I had hoped I would win, as did all who participated. But for me, this was an expression that just had to come out. Contest or not. And it is very meaningful to me.
Abundant Life Tree
The original plan included another part to this display, but I quickly ran out of space. I wanted to “close it up” with the cross and some words from the song, “Because He Lives.” “And life is worth the living just because He lives.”
I intend to hang this in my entryway and update my photos throughout this coming year as a visual reminder of everything God has done for me–which is a LOT!
Merry Christmas and abundant life to you all.
Hi, Gypsy! (What are you doing up in the middle of the night?!!) Thanks for your comment. It means a lot to me. I don’t get inspired as often as I used to, but oh what a feeling when I get a chance to pour out my heart, whether in a project, a quilt, or a blog post. I know you understand this since you are both a quilter and a writer. Communication can take many forms, can’t it? Amazing. Anyway, I want you to know that I have thought about you often this season. Have a wonderful new year full of abundant life, Gypsy. And watch your email for an invite to join me on Facebook.
How neat! You just may have reached some people who would not ordinarily be moved by traditional methods.
Congratulations on your prize….not just the gift certificate.