Trees

My wife loves to make attractive trees for friends and family members. She purchases cone-shaped Styrofoam trees and decorates them with costume jewelry. She uses a hot-glue gun to apply adhesive to the tree and arranges the jewelry in a variety of patterns.

She got this idea when she saw some trees at Roger’s Garden in Newport Beach. The decorated foam trees were priced at several hundred dollars. She decided to make one for herself with some of the jewelry she had at home. It turned out very nice. When people learned she had made the tree herself, they asked if she would make them one also. Women gather costume jewelry in their home and give it to my wife and she crafts a beautifully decorated piece for them. She has made more than fifty jewelry trees for friends and family.

Many women have shared how much they enjoy their tree. Jewelry that was just sitting in a drawer is now on display for everyone to enjoy. Some have additional sentimental value when the jewelry is from a parent or grandparent. One woman had several watches that belonged to her father and grandfather. Another woman had commemorative pins with emblems from places she had visited with her husband.

Every tree is unique. While she is making each tree she prays for the family or individual she is making it for. She enjoys working with her hands and using her time to craft these attractive display pieces. There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Use the gifts and abilities that God has given you to serve others (First Peter 4:10).  I believe everyone has skills and abilities they can use to help other people. Older adults have experience in woodworking, pottery and painting. Younger adults have skills in technology, music and sports. The list is endless.

Let me encourage you to use the gifts and abilities God has given you to help other people. A wonderful way to do this is by volunteering at a local school, hospital or nursing home. One of the greatest things you can share is your time. When you share your time, skills and abilities with other people you will encourage them and you will feel encouraged too.

You can read 365 more encouraging stories by the author in his book “Let Me Encourage You” by Mark Hopper. The holiday sale price is two books for only $30 plus $5 postage. Order a gift for yourself and one for a friend. Order your books today at Markh@efreedb.org. You will be glad you did and your friend will too!