Serving Up An Apple to the Teacher

My apologies...this project has been removed for publication. Stay tuned for the April issue of Paper Crafts "Cards and Gifts" to be released in April 2009.


Service – look this word up at dictionary.com and you get 37 results!

Service is this week’s scripture challenge at FaithSisters.com. I created a serving tray featuring new paper by Magenta called “Apple Cinnamon”. From the first time I saw it I knew the paper would be perfect for a teacher’s gift. The paper itself is a work of art – I could not bear to cut or cover any of it. By using it in a Creative Imaginations serving tray, it can be displayed as a work of art when not in use, or a functional serving tray. I am confident the teachers will enjoy receiving this as a gift for Christmas. If you have not yet thought of a teacher’s gift – consider this one. It is pretty easy to make.

Teachers provide a special service to the world – teaching the younger generation, or even helping illiterate adults around the world who’ve not had the benefit of schooling. When I consider the fruits of their labors – it is great! Kids are learning to read, do math, write - they are being prepared to go out into the world to serve in the way God has pre-ordained for them.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45
Consider this… Jesus did not come as a haughty king, but one who came and humbly served the people around him. Whether it was through teaching, healing, or dying for us on the cross – He was a most holy servant. As we strive to be more like Him we need to cast away any airs that we may put upon our selves and be humbled into service that glorifies Him.

We all have that opportunity. God has put us where we are to serve Him with a joyful heart. It does not matter if we are a corporate CEO, retail clerk, teacher, or “at-home mom” – each of us makes a difference to the ones we serve by showing Christ’s love through our actions.

Ephesians 6:6-8 reads: “Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.”These scripture verses have gotten me through some rough days at work in my lifetime. They've been taped to my computer monitor – a constant reminder of Whom I truly am working for.

Sometimes it is hard to get up and go to work (been there, done that). Maybe you are frustrated with those who you report to. Perhaps they are unkind, unreasonable, or unrealistic in their expectations. Maybe there are times when work even feels unjust. By remembering Whom you truly work for, by doing your best, and serving with a cheerful heart, you may even soften the hearts of those who have not asked Jesus into their heart so that they may receive salvation. Remember that actions speak louder than words.

I love these verses from Colossians 1:10-12 as they relate to service: “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”

Do you know someone who serves in this way? The apple serving tray delivered with a scripture tag is a great way to honor someone who is planting seeds, whether they be a teacher, a clergyperson, volunteer, or wonderful friend. It would make a wonderful Christmas gift, or auction item for a school fundraiser.

As I continue on my journey it is my prayer that I will serve in love, bear good fruit and plant seeds for the kingdom. May your journey do the same!

In addition to the CI serving tray and Magenta paper, supplies for this project include: Making Memory paints in black, nutmeg and Ruby glaze; DecoArt crackle medium, Offray organdy Asiana burgundy ribbon; and Fiskars Craft Drill (used to make holes for the ribbon to be threaded through).